Why You Should Take Your Family On A Cruise

Hey friends! I’ve missed you. I took a few months off from the blog as I was working on an exciting project with Google, but I’m back!

Our family just got back from a Caribbean cruise for Spring Break and I’m here to tell you that if you’ve been thinking of going on a cruise but haven’t yet – this is your sign.

First I’ll start off by saying that I used to be that person who wouldn’t even consider a cruise. I assumed they’d be overcrowded, the food would be terrible, and the rooms would be small and not a place I’d want to be. I reluctantly booked a European one with my husband shortly after we got married for our “babymoon” and fell in love! I was wrong about everything!

I will say the cruise line matters and I would suggest getting a balcony room to give you some extra space and views. They really utilized every nook and cranny for storage space. Even with our family of 4, the one balcony room works just fine. Our favorite cruise lines are Disney, Celebrity, Princess, or Royal Caribbean. Celebrity is my top favorite for food, Royal Caribbean has the best ships for families. There are always “upgrade” restaurants on all lines but as far as the free dining options, Celebrity was the best in my opinion.

I’m going to share all the reasons why YOU should consider a cruise too:

  • A floating city is a fun thing to experience. You don’t even feel like you’re on a boat more like exploring a small city.
  • You can visit multiple destinations in one trip.
  • They are super easy to plan, all you have to do is show up!
  • Everything is very organized and cruises offer lots of options for off-shore excursions from scuba diving to swimming with dolphins, visiting beaches, walking tours, wine tastings, and more.
  • You’ll never run out of things to do on the ship. They have something for everyone from casinos to shopping, bingo, trivia, yoga, and more.
  • Cruising is very family-friendly. The ships also provide FREE childcare in their kids’ clubs! The kids LOVE spending time in the clubs and it gives parents a break to enjoy all the adult activities.
  • Many ships now have water slides, rock climbing walls, mini-golf, and sports courts. This makes for fun sail days.
  • Ships have theatres to showcase Broadway-like shows, comedians, magic shows, and more.
  • There are so many itinerary options throughout the world to choose from.
  • You meet new friends with each cruise. We still keep in touch with friends we’ve met on multiple cruises throughout the last ten years.

If you’re considering a cruise, I would research the different ships to see what best suits your travel needs and sign up for their email campaigns so you snag deals when they post them. Here’s a photo dump of our recent cruising adventure!

My kids already can’t wait for our next cruise. We are thinking of Europe next summer! Want to join us?

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping? I Got You Covered!

The holiday season is upon us and shopping for gifts for loved ones, friends, and all those in between can be very overwhelming. The hardest to shop for is always my husband because every year he says he doesn’t need anything and I’m left guessing. The holiday season is also a very busy time of year for most. Who has time to scroll through endless websites or run from store to store to find the perfect gift for all those on your list? I know I don’t and I’m sure you don’t either.

Each year I do gift guides to help take the guesswork out of your gift buying, and this year I’m making it even easier for you! DICK’S Sporting Goods is a one-stop shop for the whole family! I recently did a shopping experience with DICK’s and checked off everyone on my list (including a few things for myself…shhhh!). I always went there for sports gear for the kids, but I never realized how much they really have available. Here are some of my recommendations and things I picked up myself. We will start with the men in our lives.

Gifts for him? Choose from workout gear, athletic apparel and accessories, sneakers, lifestyle clothing, golf gear, YETI products, branded sports team gear, and more!

Here are some more options:

Gifts for her? I got you covered! To start, I highly recommend anything from the new CALIA Line, Carrie Underwood’s new line. I got this sweater and I never want to take it off. For all those ladies in your life, they have on-trend styles from Nike, Adidas, and DSG. DSG is DICK’S private label brand that is more affordable and inclusive for everyone. DSG also gives 1% of profits to the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter program to provide underprivileged youth athletes with sporting equipment and apparel. Even more of a reason to shop DSG.

You can also find some amazing accessories and stocking stuffers like beanies, scarfs, YETI wine tumblers, Shackets, Sherpa blankets, and more.

Here are some more options for the ladies:

For the kids? DICK’S can outfit the whole family. They have mommy-and-me styles from DSG or the latest footwear. They also are stocked with bikes, balls, and any other outdoor fun accessory! Need an indoor activity? Be the parents of the year and get the kids’ table tennis! Or, grab some of these:

Want to go big? Get the family a ping-pong table, or a basketball hoop, or any of these:

Lastly, let’s cover some stocking stuffers.

Before I leave you to shop, don’t forget to download DICK’S free mobile app to get your text alerts for deals. They have holiday deals now! You can also order for curbside pickup, earn points for any orders under their ScoreCard Rewards Program, take advantage of their flexible payment options, and utilize DICK’S price match guarantee!

Happy Shopping! Here’s how it started for me and how it ended. Thanks, DICK’S!

Holiday Activities In Chicago

It’s that time again! The holidays in Chicago are truly magical. There are so many things to do to celebrate the season and keep the spirit alive. Below is a list of all my favorite Chicago holiday activities you can do with friends or family over the next several weeks.

Head over to Gallagher Way. They just opened their Christkindl Market where you can shop unique gifts from all over the world and sip on some hot spiced wine. They also have Winterland which features ice skating every day of the week and you might even get a photo with Santa. There are some great restaurants nearby to grab a bite to eat too!

Next to Gallagher Way is Hotel Zachary. They host an upscale Breakfast with Santa every year that is what kid dreams are made of. The brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays beginning November 27 through December 19, from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Adults for $50 per person and children 4 to 12 years are $20.

Need a little holiday magic? Book a ride on the Polar Express. We’ve been a few times and heading back this year and can’t wait. It truly is a magical experience.

If you want to explore Christmas and holiday traditions from all around the world, I highly recommend the Christmas Around The World and The Holidays of Light Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. This tradition started in 1942 and each year the exhibit gets even better. It’s a must-see of the season. The exhibit runs through January 6th.

Seeing The Joffrey Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker is also a favorite holiday tradition in my family. From their website: The Joffrey’s beloved version of The Nutcracker takes inspiration from Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, one of the city’s great historical attractions of the late 19th century. The performances start on December 4 and run through December 26th.

Need a fun activity for the whole family? Grab tickets for the Light Up The Lake experience at Navy Pier. This is a new event this year and I can’t wait to check it out. Years past we would go to the Winder Wonder Fest and loved it so I know this will be a great experience too. From Navy Pier’s website: The indoor, temperature-controlled experience features a sprawling light garden of large-scale sculptures comprising more than 600,000 twinkling lights; an Alpine ice rink; authentic holiday beer garden; kiddie train rides; Santa’s Merry Main Street and gift market; and other family-friendly and date-night activities.

Light Up the Lake runs from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2. Tickets start at just $15.00, including a ride on the iconic Centennial Wheel, offering inspiring views of the city all decked out for the holidays.

Amaze Light Festival in Rosemont just opened at Impact Field and features millions of twinkle lights for an immersive experience. You can visit seven different “worlds”, visit Santa’s workshop, take a ride on Thrill Hill, or loop around on the Arctic Train. We just went this weekend and it is a must-visit!

If you’re looking for an inexpensive activity? Grab some friends or the family and head to a Christmas-themed bar! I always say you haven’t lived until you’ve been to a Christmas bar! Santa Baby and Rudoph Bar are my favorites. They are family-friendly if you go before 9 pm and the kids will love it. If you want some holiday fun with a view, book an Igloo at London House Chicago.

Don’t worry, I have some free things to do too! You can head to the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo (Free Admission on Monday/Tuesday) or take a quick drive up to the North Shore to see the famous house in the holiday movie classic, Home Alone.

Lastly, I’m going to share some Santa sightings! If you want to get some pictures with the kiddos and Santa, here are some of our favorite locations.

900 North Shops Santa has now arrived at 900 North Michigan Avenue on Level 3 on Saturday, November 19 – Saturday, December 24.

Skydeck Chicago at (Sears!) Willis Tower is hosting Santa at Skydeck! This event is held in the lower-level museum portion of Skydeck Chicago in a full-scale ‘L’ train replica where Santa will be riding and be available for photos from December 18–24, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Macy’s Santaland This is our favorite Santa. We’ve been going to Santaland since my kids were newborns. The whole experience is something we look forward to each year.

Museum Of Illusions now has Santa Sundays at the museum every Sunday morning between Thanksgiving and Christmas. From their website: It’s time to get silly with Santa! Santa will be strolling through the Museum of Illusions every Sunday morning between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9am until 12pm. Now’s your chance to size up Santa in the Ames Room and get dizzy with him in the Vortex Tunnel. Children will be thrilled to share their Christmas wishes with the big guy and parents will get photo ops galore. All children attending Santa Sundays will receive a special holiday treat at the end of their visit. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance at moichicago.com. 

Happy Holidays, friends! Here’s to a fun season.

Palm Springs – A Travel Guide

This summer I traveled to Palm Springs for the first time and was so mad at myself for not visiting sooner. What a dessert gem I’ve been missing out on! The fun architecture, vibrant vibes, vintage boutiques, and amazing restaurants have Palm Springs on must return list.

We only had a few days there but got to explore downtown, some great eateries, and check out all the magnificant mountan views. If you’re headed to Palm Springs in the near future make sure to save this list of must-dos!

Let’s start with resorts. There are so many great places to stay in Palm Springs but the ones that top my list are:

Palm Mountain Resort & Spa  A favortie among traverlers for the pool, resort feel and mountain views.

The Hilton Palm Springs Spacous rooms and great resort vibes.

The Westin Mission Hills Villas. We ultimatley decided on this place for the pools and space. Having a whole villa to spread out in was great. I worked for the Westin brand for over seven years so I’m partial to them and their heavenly beds.

If you’re looking for something eclectic with old Palm Springs charm, you have to stay at The Saguaro Palm Springs.

Let’s move on to eats. I’m a foodie so anytime I travel, I scope out the best resturants to try. Here are some we visited and some that were recommended to me.

Tommy Bahama Restuarant & Bar The open bar and patio were amazing. They have a great drink menu and the food was beyond expectations. I would make this a staple if in Palm Springs.

Farm Palm Springs features South of France vibes with a signature cocktail list that will have you going back for more. I highly recommend dining on the patio. It has a very intimate feel.

Okura Sushi was a local’s referral and I’m glad we got this referral becasuse the sushi was fantasic! They had some great signature rolls, the space itself was gorgeous and the cocktail list was great too!

Lulu California Bistro Palm Springs is the best for brunch! They have an all day menu too, but bruch is where it’s at. The colorful mid-centry modern vibe is so fun and and the food is so delish! The patio is perfect for people watching and you get the best views of old Palm Springs.

Maracas is another Old Town Palm Springs gem. Located right on the strip, their patio is spacious, their margaritas hit the spot and their portions are large! Highly recommend!

Before you leave Old Town Palm Springs be sure to grab a crepe and visit all the local boutiques. I found several vibrant cute pool cover ups and some fun jewlery at Fashion Fix. Here’s a little glimpse of Old Town Palm Springs.

If you want to visit some of the local attractions I highly recommend checking out Salvation Mountain. Salvation Mountain is about an hour from Palm Springs and is a tribute from artist Leonard Knight to God and his gift to the world with its simple yet powerful message: God is Love. It’s a beautiful piece of art and is worth the short drive.

My last recommendation is to visit the Cabazon Dinasours. Another short drive from Palm Springs, this iconic roadside attraction is a must. You may recognize this attraction from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and The Wizard movies. They have a fun dinosuar museum with a gift shop, and they also dress up the dinosaurs for the holidays. Even if you just want to snap a picture, it’s worth a stop.

My only suggesstion when planning a visit to Palm Springs is to not go in July or August unless you can handle extreme heat. This Chicago girl was definitely struggling. I can’t wait to go back, but this time it will be in winter or spring.

What are your favorite Palm Springs spots? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.

Washington D.C. With Kids – A Family Travel Guide

I’ve been to D.C. before on a girl’s trip and we took advantage of the nice restaurants and rooftop bars overlooking the White House and it was a blast. Visting D.C. on a quick weekend trip with kids looks a little different. Our family trip gave me a new appreciation for the history and beauty of D.C. and our great nation. If you only have a few days to explore D.C. with the family here’s some must-dos while you’re there.

You can’t go to D.C. and not visit any monuments or memorial sites. Many are within walking distance of each other so it makes it easy to visit many of the sites in a short amount of time.

We started our monument tour at the Washington Monument. The 555 feet structure was built to honor our first president and it is quite a sight. You can walk the grounds, get a great view of the Capitol, or you can go to the top for a bird’s eye view of the city. If you want to go inside just be sure to get your tickets prior to your visit. They do not accept walk-ups or day-of-ticket purchases. After visiting the Washington Monument, you can walk down to The National Mall , “America’s First Yard,” to get a closer view of the Capitol or other nearby monuments.

World War II Memorial If you walk from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial you will come upon the WWII Memorial. From the National Park site: Through stone architecture and bronze sculptures, the World War II Memorial recognizes the ways Americans served, honors those who fell, and recognizes the victory they achieved to restore freedom and end tyranny around the globe.

Lincoln Memorial My favorite monument of all. Not only is its majestic marble statue honoring Abraham Lincoln a must-see, but the steps to the memorial witnessed many history-making moments such as the ‘I Have a Dream speech. It’s a beautiful structure that reminds me of ancient Roman times with the large marble columns and grand stairs leading up to the temple where Abe Lincoln is enshrined forever. The view of the Mall and the Washington Monument is spectacular at the top too!

Vietnam Veterans Memorial This memorial site is within close walking distance to the Lincoln Memorial. My kids were most touched by this memorial because they could read the names of all those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives protecting our country.

White House You can’t go to D.C. and not see the White House. My kids were most excited to see this historic building that houses all of our presidents. They were surprised to see it sits right in the middle of the city and seems small compared to its surroundings. We also got a glimpse of the President returning to the house as we were leaving.

Now on to the museums. There are so many amazing museums in D.C. and you’d need many more days to experience them all. Due to lack of availability and some closures due to Covid and refurbishing we didn’t have many to chose from during our visit. Pro tip: Make sure you plan in advance and get your tickets early. Some museums sell out months in advance. Our top choices were The Smithsonian, The Air & Space Museum, The African American Museum, and the International Spy Museum.

We were only able to get tickets to the International Spy Museum but it was perfect for the kids. Once we arrived they said you need two hours to complete the tour, however, I would plan on more like 4-5 hours.

From their site: At the International Spy Museum, you get to go undercover to test your spy skills at seventeen different digital and physical interactives spread throughout the Museum’s permanent exhibitions over two floors. You’ll be challenged to remember your cover identity, stay undercover, and participate in activities ranging from cracking codes to crawling through an air duct and spying on other “spies.”

The museum was incredible, very interactive, and super cool to learn about spies around the world. The best part was seeing all the spy gadgets and technology used from decades ago up until recently. It’s amazing what they can do with little cameras and microphones!

Once you’re done with all the historical sites, I highly recommend you head over to the Capitol Riverwalk. There are many restaurants nearby and you get a scenic view of the city and river.

Speaking of restaurants, here are a few we got to check out and others that were recommended to me as being kid-friendly.

My last recommendation is to visit Georgetown. Not only is it a beautiful and very European feel, but there are wonderful little shops and eateries to explore throughout the entire neighborhood.

Best Pumpkin Patches – Chicago

The time has come! Fall is almost here and there’s no better place to be during fall than Chicago. Not only is the landscape breathtaking with all the different colored foliage but there are endless activities. One of our favorite family fall activities is visiting pumpkin patches in and around Chicago. Who doesn’t love all things pumpkin?

I put together a list of pumpkin patches we love and I know you’ll love them too. Pro tip: Plan ahead. Buy tickets online. Try to get there when they open so you don’t have long wait times to get in or for the attractions.

Jacks Pumpkin Pop Up This is a popular one if you live in the city. It’s great for families during the day but also fun for a girl’s night or date night. The patch has it all. They have fortune tellers, ax throwing, carnival games, food trucks, a bar, photo ops, a corn maze, and of course, a pumpkin patch.

Chicago Park District  Many parks around the city feature movies in the park, pumpkin patches, and more. Check the site to see if any activities are in parks near you.

Lincoln Park Zoo  LP Zoo has a great fall fest that is free! You do have to pay for tickets to the rides, but entry is free. They feature several bounce houses and slides along with a corn maze and corn pit.

Now for our favorite patches outside the city:

Goebberts Just a short drive from the city, Goebberts offers it all and is famous for their Fall Fest. The admission includes most of the rides and attractions which is great. Parking is also free. Attractions include: Animal Land, Pedal Karts, Tire Mountain, Corn Stalk Maze, Wagon Ride to the Field /Orchard, Haunted House, Munchkin Maze, Straw Bale Maze, Western Town, Pumpkin Eating Dinosaur, Goebbert’s Pumpkin Express Train Ride, Pumpkin Slide, Jumping Pillow, Chicken Show, Pig Races, and Corn Box. In October they also do magic shows! Plan on a full day here, you’ll need it!

Didier Farms Another short drive from the city, Didier is a great pumpkin farm for the whole family. It’s not as big as some of the other suburban patches but it’s perfect for young kids. They feature a petting zoo, kiddie rides, and a pumpkin playland.

Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm This is our number one choice and we go every year. This farm is great for small kids and school-aged kids. There are rides and attractions for all. They even have a mini roller coaster. There’s a haunted house, pig races, slides, hayrides, and more. They have great food and don’t forget to get those pumpkin donuts before you leave!

Sonny Acres Farm Another great one especially for small kids. They feature a petting zoo, pony rides, kiddie rides, and bounce houses.

Bear PAW Adventure Land  If you want to go a little further, Bear Paw Adventure Island is a must! We go here often for summer activities but they have a great Fall Fest complete with a drone light show, zombie laser tag, haunted hayride, apple cannons, a haunted maze, inflatables, and more. The Adventure Park is attached to a campground we visit often so if you want to make a weekend out of it pack the tent or rent a cabin and enjoy!

Chicago Fun Family Activities For Fall

I know we are all sad to see summer come to an end but Fall in Chicago is just as fun! There are so many things to do in and around Chicago that will keep your family busy. I’ve made a list below of our favorite indoor and outdoor activities for Fall. If your family adds any of these to their plans, drop me a note and let me know what you thought!

Let’s start with some indoor fun because we know the weather in Chicago can be very moody at times. Here are some must-dos:

Blue Man Group – They are back! Blue Man Group just resumed their performances at Briar Street Theatre and we were lucky enough to attend the re-opening and it gave us all the feels. This is the 3rd time we have seen the show and it never disappoints. My boys loved it and got really involved with the show, they even got a photo op with the Blue Men after. Your kids will remember this experience forever!

Museum of Science & Industry Marvel Exhibit – We checked out this exhibit this summer and it was another win by the Museum of Science and Industry. See the evolution of all the Marvel characters and the people who bring them to life through the exhibit. Watch your kid’s eyes light up when they are able to see their favorite superhero costume in real life.

Museum of Illusions – Another big win. Not everything is as it seems and you’ll be reminded of that as you walk through this space. Plan to spend 1-2 hours as many of the exhibits are interactive and question what you think is reality. You also have the opportunity to take some fun pictures with the family! Also, from 9/23 through 10/31 the museum will transform into a Halloween destination with the whole space getting a Halloween makeover.

Highly recommend for the whole family or a fun date night.

Wnder Museum – Another favorite of ours. Wnder Museum changes its exhibits over time, so even if you’ve been before you’ll get an entirely new experience the second time through. Wnder Museum is an immersion experience from artists, collectives, and studios locally and globally. Your family will love this experience.

HideSeek HideSeek is a new Chicago pop-up that is all about making you feel like a kid again. Wonder through fifteen rooms that are sure to bring back childhood nostalgia. Timewarp back to the 80s and 90s for some memories and smiles.

Van Gogh Chicago. This is a very unique experience. My husband and I went and we headed back with the kids at a later date because we loved it so much. It’s really like nothing you’ve ever experienced before and very relaxing. A must-see for sure. The experience is about an hour-long then you can head to their store to pick out your favorite Van Gogh pieces via little souvenirs.

Chicago Sports Museum. Another great spot, especially if your kiddos love sports and sports history. A hidden gem and one your family will love.

Winters can be very long in Chicago so we definitely take advantage of being outside any chance we can get before the cold comes. Here are some of my outdoor recs for family fun.

The Forge at Lemont.  The ultimate outdoor adventure park. Miles of hiking and biking trails, climbing structures, ziplining, kayaking, and more. If you want to make an evening out of it, check out their event schedule as they host small concerts. They also have a lovely restaurant along the lake with cocktails and firepits for the perfect night. Climbing structures and ziplining do have weight requirements so be sure to check the website for the rules.

Apple Hollar. Get into the fall vibes by heading up to Apple Hollar to pick apples, grab some fresh cider and homemade apple pies. Grab some ice cream and let the kids ride the ponies or play on the jump pad and peddle karts. Check their site for more info.

Enjoy these fall activities and I’ll be back soon with fun Halloween festivities to do with the family. I do love a good Pumpkin Patch!

All About Asheville – A Travel Guide

This summer we traveled to Asheville for a second time and fell in love with it even more. If you haven’t been, Asheville is a city on the western side of North Carolina and located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville is known for its history, breathtaking mountain landscape, being home to the Biltmore Estate, and for their booming art district. It’s a great place for a couple’s get away or for the whole family. I wanted to share some of my recommendations and you’ll want to save this post if Asheville is in your future travel plans.

Since I’m a foodie, let’s start with some resturants you need to check out first.

  • White Duck Taco Shop known for its eclectic, ever-changing delish taco combinations, a great patio, and sometimes live music. This is a must.
  • Chestnut Creative cockails, yummy cuisine and don’t forget their desserts – which are made fresh in house!
  • Tupelo Honey Want some real down home southern flare. This is your spot!
  • Cúrate Tapas and authentic Spanish cuisine. People love this spot so much that they now ship some of their stapes nationwide!
  • Sunny Point Cafe We loved this place for breakfast but they serve lunch and dinner and it is also a local favorite.
  • Any restuarant located on the Biltmore Estate, I highly recommend too.

Speaking of the Biltmore Estate, if you are in Asheville this is a non-negoatiable. The Biltmore is magical and a must see. From their website: Once the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, it is a marvel of elegance and charm and as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Faithfully preserved and filled with original furnishings and masterpieces of art, no other residence in America offers a more authentic and inspiring view of Gilded Age life while suggesting that the Vanderbilts and their guests are still at home.

You can tour the estate gardens and the Biltomore Village for free. They do offer tours of the house and there are some eateries and shops in the old stables of the estate to visit as well. They have a winery on site along with several lodging acommodations. We like to stay at The Inn at Biltmore due to the incredible views of the 8,000 acre estate and the mountians, but any choice is great. There are hiking trails, biking trails, carriage rides, horseback riding and a wildlife tour and discovery activity for kids. In Antler Village they have live music and fun activites all around the village for adults and families. Check their event calandar for more.

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, here are some recommendations:

Lake Lure. Lake Lure is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Make it a beach day where you can rent jet skis, water sport equiptment, or you can walk along the flower gardens or go fishing.

Chimney Rock. Located in Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock is a large granite outcropping located on the summit of Chimney Rock Village. If you want the best views in all of North Carloina you have to check out “the Rock”. There are stairs to climb to get to the top (my 5 year old made it to the top by himself), but there is an elevator as well. There’s a great eatery at the top to enjoy a nice beverage while looking out into the mountain views.

Sliding rock. If you want a fun unique thing to do, especially with kids, check out Sliding Rock. North Carolina’s natural waterslide. sliding down a 60-foot all-natural water slide in the heart of gorgeous Pisgah National Forest. Good for all ages, but I recommend being able to swim as you slide into an 8 foot deep pool of water. The water temperature during summer season is 50-60 degrees so it’s definetly a rush! There are some fun adventure parks near by with ziplining, tree climbing, and more, if you want to continue the adventures.

Fred W. Symmes Chapel (Pretty Place). If you are up for an hour drive from Asheville to the border of South Carolina you’re in for a real treat. Pretty Place sits at the end of the road and is one of the buildings of a YMCA camp, yet vistors from all over come to check out these amazing views. Religious or not, this is without a doubt – a pretty place.

Sleeping Just Got A Whole Lot More Comfortable

I don’t know about you, but I love a good night’s sleep. Those nights are often hard to come by because I’m a light sleeper. I wake up if I’m uncomfortable, itchy from my pajamas, if I’m too hot, too cold, you name it.

I sometimes share fashion finds with you and recently I heard about Weekend Made Sleepwear and couldn’t wait to try out their pajamas. It’s hard to come by a good pair of pajamas that are soft, cozy, and last a long time.

Weekend Made Sleepwear is a new innovative brand that features seamless designs perfect for a comfortable night’s sleep. Their sleepwear was created for women and children with sensitive skin or with sensory processing disorders. Their sleepwear is made with high-quality, sweat-wicking materials so you’re able to enjoy them even in summer. They are very lightweight.

The material feels so soft and luxurious, they are easy to care for and made to last. They also have pockets so you have a place to carry your phone. Isn’t everything better with pockets? They have several mommy and me styles and are easy to breastfeed in if you’re a nursing mom. They also have a slight stretch for the ultimate comfort. I can definitely see a lot of cozy movie nights with the boys in these and who doesn’t love a mommy and me look?! We’ve already named Weekend Made as our favorite set of pajamas.

If you want to find out more about the brand and get some mommy and me coziness, check out their website here. Right now if you save 20% when you buy 2 items with code: BTS20. Let us know how you love them!

Headed To Hilton Head – Read This!

If you haven’t been to Hilton Head Island yet, add it to your list of places to visit. Hilton Head Island is consistently named a top island vacation destination in the U.S. It’s located in the low country region of South Carolina and is a short drive from Charleston or Savannah.

Hilton Head Island is known for its beaches, resorts, golf courses, lush greenery, and amazing restaurants. We only had a weekend there, which wasn’t enough time. Now we have an excuse to return – which we can’t wait to do.

There are a plethora of amazing resorts and rental properties to chose from in Hilton Head, but we went with the Westin Hilton Head Resort. I worked for the Westin Brand for a long time and their properties are always consistent in cleanliness and great service. You can’t beat their heavenly beds, either. They have an amazing pool space with lots of activities, a DJ, food and beverage service chairside, along with other eateries with amazing views, and it’s a short walk to the beach.

The hotel was great for families, we could have stayed a the pool the entire weekend. They have cabanas and daybeds for rent, just be sure to reserve those in advance as they sell out fast.

Other popular resorts are:

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Ocean Oak Resort by Hilton

Marriott Beach Club

There are so many amazing restaurants on the Island you’ll have a hard time choosing between them all. Make sure you reserve a table ahead of time at any restaurant on the island as they fill up fast. They also are quite understaffed from Covid, so most aren’t running at full capacity and there are extremely long wait times. In some places the wait isn’t so bad because you can grab a cocktail at the bar and listen to live music, people watch or take in the views. Here is a list of places we loved and others that were recommended to us:

  • The Crazy Crab
  • Dock Side
  • Skull Creek Boathouse – best views!
  • Hudson’s
  • Hinoki – this was our favorite. The inside is beautiful, the service was great, and the food was excellent.
  • Salty Dog Cafe
  • Santa Fe
  • San Miguels

We spent most of our time lounging by the pool and strolling the beach, but there are so many things to do in Hilton Head. Here are just a handful of things we saw and did ourselves:

  • Love to golf? They have some of the best courses.
  • You can rent bikes and ride along the island.
  • Check out the famous Harbor Town Lighthouse.
  • Do a nature tour.
  • Check out the Coastal Discovery Museum.
  • Play some putt-putt at one of the adventure parks. We went to Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf and the boys had a blast.

Have you been to Hilton Head? If so, share your recommendations – I’d love to hear them.