On Board the MSC Divina

June 10, 2014 by 12 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below trip in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. Please see “Disclose” tab for more info.
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We enjoyed our time on board the MSC Divina.  Boarding was much faster and easier then I thought it would be (one thing I learned- they will tell you that you are not allowed to bring your luggage on board with you- this is not true.  If you want to bring a bag so you can change clothes or medical equipment with you, you can.  We waited hours for our luggage to be delivered- you live, you learn!)   We checked into our room with no problem, and also signed up our son for Kids Club, with the staff making sure he got his proper ID bracelet and was placed into the right age group.  The staff was all decked out for the occasion, which my son was much amused by.

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Our balcony room was about 150 square feet, plus the bathroom and balcony.  The balcony had two deck chairs and a table on it as well. In the room was one European King Bed and a pull out sofabed that my 6 year old son used.  During the day, it was folded up to use as a couch and seating space.  There was a mini fridge in the room, which you can purchase items from OR you can upgrade your package to include unlimited minibar use.  I suggest it if you can, it makes things very easy and convenient.  You can choose which package you get- if you have kids, I would suggest the one that is also “ice cream inclusive”, lol.

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The balcony was our favorite place to spend time while in the room- which was honestly not often.  There was too much to do on the ship- or off it on docked days.  The bathroom has a small shower which also has a laundry line in it for bathing suits to be hung to dry, which is quite convenient. There is a TV in the room, as well as a spacious closet with hangers and drawers, with a safe you can lock inside as well. Your life vests are on top of the wardrobe, and you are required to do a “safety drill” the first day on board to make sure you and your family know how to properly use them and where to go in case of an emergency.
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Pack Up and Head To South Carolina

May 16, 2014 by 8 Comments

If you are looking for a quiet spot to spend time as a family, where time seems to slow down but there is still plenty to do when you are feeling active, take a gander at Beaufort, South Carolina.  This sleepy town is so picturesque that Hollywood has used it as the backdrop for such films as “The Prince Of Tides” and “Forest Gump”, and while there are many lovely cafes, bakeries, chocolateries, coffee shops, and restaurants in the district, you won’t find a Starbucks or a McDonalds in town.  Welcome to beautiful Beaufort.

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Take a tour of the downtown area in a horse drawn carriage- Southern Rose Buggy Tours offers them with a covered top to protect you and yours from the Southern sun.  The tour guide and driver know the area inside and out, telling you all about not only historical landmarks and homes that you pass, but also stories and legends that go hand in hand with history (both modern and long past).  There is an amusing anecdote related to Barbara Streisand and the local Marines that is sure to have your group laughing- make sure you ask what “the sound of freedom” is if your guide forgets to tell you.  Each tour lasts about an hour, and if you bring peppermint candies along, you will be able to give the carriage horse a treat.

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Cruise around the area with Captain Dick River Tours on the Prince of Tides sightseeing boat, where you will often see dolphins, cranes, and other wildlife as you tour the river. The daily hour and 15 minute tour leaves the Downtown Marina at the Beaufort Waterfront Park at 2pm, all seats are $24 (no charge for infants).   The kids will love to see the local fauna, and mom and dad will also enjoy hearing about the historic homes, celebrity sightings, and filming stories.  There is also a 2 hour sunset cruise option two days a week (seasonally) Tuesday and Saturday evenings.

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After you are done exploring the downtown Waterfront Park and Playground, make a quick stop to Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor.  The kids will be thrilled with any ice cream stop, but this old fashioned ice cream parlor will be a hit with everyone.  Complete with soda fountains, hand dipped ice cream, and marble table tops, you can get anything from an ice cream cone to a banana split to an egg creme and more.  They also have home made brownies and pralines, a must try.   If you feel that your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, and perhaps you’d like a unique souvenir to take home with you, make sure you pay a visit to The Lollipop Shop.  Not only do they carry every kind of candy (and sweet beverage) you could desire- even the hard to find, old fashioned or “retro” stuff- but you can buy your candy in many ways.  By the piece, the pound, the box, or the stuffed animal.  You read that right- you (or your child, should you feel so  generous) can choose from two sizes and about two dozen styles of stuffed toys, which come “hollow”, so to speak.  You then stuff your toy full of candy from the baskets in the store, and when it’s full, they close it up, name it, and give you a “birth certificate” for your new buddy.  They also give you a box of stuffing to take with you, so that when the candy is eaten, you have a soft and cuddly toy to keep forever.  This was nearly everyone’s favorite find, and one that we will surely visit again next time we are in the area.
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The San Francisco Marriott

May 11, 2014 by 12 Comments

Disclosure- I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Marriott Rewards. I received Marriott Points to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

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When I hear the words San Francisco I think of the Golden Gate Bridge, The Bay, Alcatraz, and Chinatown. Naturally if I am visiting San Francisco I want to stay in a hotel that is not too far away from the tourist attractions I associate with the city, but I also don’t want to be right in the middle of the action. Finding a hotel with easy access to the parts of the city that I want to visit is important to me. Lucky for me the Marriott has a conveniently located hotel that meets my logistical needs and has the amenities I desire.

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The San Francisco Marriott Union Square is located at 480 Sutter Street. With a close proximity to Chinatown and Nob Hill, the hotel is ideal for meetings, touring, and shopping- Union Square style or hopping on a cable car.

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The Marriott Union Square offers spacious rooms as well as numerous suites that offer breath taking views of the bay. The luxuriously appointed rooms have 32″ HDTVs, in room coffee makers and amazing pillow top mattresses. As a Marriott Rewards® member I was able to utilize the complimentary breakfast offered at the hotel as well.  The hot buffet offered to guests is the perfect start to any day. Another thing that I enjoyed about my stay was that I could park on site and did not have to take a long hike to get to my rental car.
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What To Do In San Francisco with Kids

May 9, 2014 by 8 Comments

When visiting the famous “City by the Bay”, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the variety of activities and dining options that you will be presented with.  Everything you see looks like fun, all the food smells amazing- so if you only have a few days or week, where are the best places to spend your time and money on your family vacation?

If you like to take a tour of the city you are visiting, let me suggest the Ride the Ducks Tour. This is a chain that can be found in several states, with San Fransisco being one of the newest places to tour on an amphibious WW II DUKW.  Yes, this is definitely “touristy”- and it’s also extremely family friendly, and a good way to see the sites of the city in a way that adults will enjoy and kids will love.  The DUK Captain (yes, your knowledgeable, often funny guide and driver is certified by the US Coast Guard, you are in good hands) knows the city inside and out, and will not only point out landmarks, but also fun spots you might like and good places to eat or shop.  They also let the kids have a turn driving the DUK while it’s in “boat mode” in the bay, which will thrill them.  Since they “guarantee” they are “cheaper then other” sites in San Francisco, you won’t spend as much to see and do what you’d like to.

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You and your family will see the best of San Francisco from land and water. Get up close and personal with the iconic Bay Bridge, float by Alcatraz, see Fisherman’s Wharf, roll through Chinatown, wave at cafe patrons in North Beach (San Francisco’s answer to New York City’s “Little Italy”), as well as taking in great views of the city skyline.

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To see as much as you can for as little as you are able spend, continue saving by purchasing a San Francisco CityPASS.  Available for $84, the pass gives you access to many of the most popular sites in the city, as well as 7-Day unlimited-use Cable Car and Muni transportation pass to help you get around.  If you don’t have a car, this is the best way to get from place to place.  If you have a car with you, be aware that most venues require payment for parking, and many of them are none too inexpensive.  You could rack up the price of the pass in a day or two very easily.

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Another spot included in the CityPASS booklet is the famous California Academy of Sciences ,where you can climb into the treetops of a man-made rainforest to see life on literally all levels, see what it feels like to be in an earthquake, check out eggs that are bigger then your kids, view the bones that show the evolution from ape to human, and see a rare Albino Alligator (Claude, in case you’d like to get formal).

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Also included in your pass is the Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure, which gives you a tour of the city via boat.  See the sights from the inside or outside of the boat, which ventures out several times a day.  This hour long tour is scenic and narrated (so that you know exactly what it is that you are seeing) and available in 9 languages via audio tour as well. The children will love being on a boat as they cruise past the Pier 39 sea lions, which are a must see for any visitor to the city.  You can also see them on land when you visit the pier later on (and make sure you take a spin on the merry go round).
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Wildwood Days are Near

April 15, 2014 by 10 Comments

One of the best spots to visit for spring and summer fun are the Wildwoods in NJ.  Morey’s and Mariners Piers and Beachfront Waterparks are fun for everyone, with rides, games, attractions, and of course the famous boardwalk food.  As a Jersey Girl, all my summers have been spent “down the shore” (you wanna visit here, you say it right!) from birth right on up to the present.  My little guy is getting to know Wildwood as well- his memories will be different then mine, but certain things stay the same (like the miles of sandy beaches and ocean with gentle, easy to wade into water).

WildWood 070If you are looking for a place to stay that is close to both the boardwalk and the beach, check out the Blue Palm Resort.  It is right on the boardwalk, and if you walk across the planks, there is the beach.  Talk about convince.  There are about a million places to eat within walking distance as well. It has several sizes of rooms, some with balconies, and a few different pool options.  Life vests are available, and you can borrow bikes right from the main lobby as well.  They also offer special rates like the “Play & Stay” Passes exclusively to guests. There are two Play & Stay Pass options to choose from- splash and ride all you want for one day or for the entire length of your stay for a great value.

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WildWood 211Morey’s Piers are a total of 3 piers, packed with over 100 rides and attractions including 2 water parks and a wide array of restaurants and concessions, games of chance and games of skill (bring your dollars if you want to win that giant stuffed animal). Check out the giant Ferris Wheel ride or Seagull Cycle, and work your way up to the Sea Serpent coaster (only found in Wildwood!)  My sweet boy also loves the flying elephant and smaller carousel ride on the furthest pier- they have a dragon sea serpent “horse” he likes to ride on.  Much cooler then the traditional pony- just ask him!  It has a plethora of other creatures as well, but he likes the dragon best.

WildWood 120Eventually, you will get hungry. There are more places to eat at then you can shake your fist at- some of my favorites are the Hot Spot, Curly’s Fries,  Jumbo’s, and of course Kohr Brothers custard for dessert. Jumbo’s specializes in fresh seafood, steaks, pizza, and the famous Chef Willy’s Cuban spiced fries, and you can eat either in their indoor dining room or outdoor dining area.  If you don’t like custard, there is always Polish Water Ice- there are more stands for this then maybe anything else.  There is always the all important corn dog and fresh squeezed lemonade available pretty much up and down the boardwalk, too.  Choose wisely!

WildWood 080Splash Zone is a water park that has some all new elements added to it last year.  With it’s classic white water rapids “The Beast of The East”, many slides and tube rides, lazy river, and of course the famous Splash Zone Bucket that will drench you and your family with thousands of gallons of water, comes the new interactive Close Encounters slide – featuring music, videos and a light show.  Very small children will love the Zoe Zone, featuring a shallow pool, fountains, and soft play equipment.  Make sure you stop by Wildwood’s #1 Water Park, Splash Zone.  Follow them on Twitter at @SplashZoneNJ
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Romantic Spa Retreats

April 13, 2014 by 9 Comments

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, you might be thinking of taking a relaxing trip away with your special someone. While nothing beats a little time away from it all, a little pampering for the both of you that can be enjoyed at the same time will be the icing on your amorous holiday. Want to get away for just the day? Many day spas offer the treatment, or a local resort of hotel will likely have appointments available for non-guests.

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Couples Massages

While most spas will offer this service (it is one of the hottest treatments in spas right now) you should call first to make sure that the local you prefer offers it. During the appointment, the couple is individually massaged at the same suite, at the same time, but by two different therapists. You can choose if you would prefer to be massaged by a male or female, should you have a preference. Each individual can choose their own body oils, lotions, scents, whatever is preferred. It doesn’t matter what kind of couple you are (husband and wife, girl and boyfriend, same sex partners- all are welcome to the massage table). Many spas offer whirlpools, saunas, hot tubs, showers and more in addition to their service at no extra fee. Check to see if your partner likes to chat during a massage- you would not want to kill the mood or hurt feelings with unwanted (or unrequited) chatter.
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Got Cabin Fever? Indulge it.

April 3, 2014 by 9 Comments

 

Winter this year has been (for much of the country) a very long, bitter, and brutal one.  Many of us are suffering from cabin fever, and can’t get out- or don’t want to.  I say, go with it.  An extended and frigid winter is no reason you have to stay cooped up in your own house, even if you are not a skier, skater, or if you left your dog sled in your other garage.  So what to do?  Head to Ohio.

Yes, Ohio.  Ohio doesn’t often get the respect it deserves.  Besides being the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and of Fannie May chocolates (and yes, you can go on a factory tour with samples to be had), it’s also the home to more number one children’s museums, zoos, and centers as a whole then any other state.  Take that, Florida!

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So- head to Ohio.  There is this hidden gem called Hocking Hills, known as a “Scenic Wonderland” where there are 9 state parks and forests.  Steeped in Native American History,the clear abundance of natural resources and water encouraged pioneers to settle in the area in the 1790’s.  It’s still wild looking- wildlife that you can spot includes “deer, barred owls, ruffed grouse and an occasional bobcat”  as well as wild turkey (according to the Southeast Ohio Tourism Department).  Along with the natural hiking trails of differing lengths and levels of difficulty, many of which are marked off or able to be found on maps in visitors centers, are more then 15 natural waterfalls, some of which are seasonal.  The largest and most often flowing tend to be Cedar Falls and the Upper and Lower Falls at Old Man’s Cave.  You can walk a scenic 2 mile trail between them if you choose.
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Head To Virginia Beach

March 25, 2014 by 13 Comments

VA beachWhen I hear Virginia, automatically I think of Virginia Beach. In fact, every time it snows or a bitter wind blows, my mind will wander to a warmer place. Memories of family fun on the beach warm my heart for a moment, but I am left wanting more; to make more memories, to experience more ocean side adventures, to take in more of the sights and sounds of Virginia Beach.

My family loves to attend festivals. We like to browse the merchandise for sale, take in the displays and demonstrations and of course sample all of the food! Virginia Beach is the perfect spot for my family because the city hosts more than 25 festivals to appeal to people of all interests. (There is a Beer Festival, a Neptune Festival and a Kite festival to name a few.)
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My family has visited Virginia Beach several times. When we went in the fall, the town was quiet and charming, but many shops and attractions were not open due to the season. We returned in the summer and felt like we had arrived in a completely different city. The lively vibe or the city was intoxicating and our days were action packed and brimming with fun.

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