Spring Break in Orlando

Winter is officially over! Spring Break is here.
I have a tradition with my nieces and nephew; we take a winter, spring and summer trip.  My niece and I went to North Carolina for a snowboarding trip last month and next week we are planning an overnight trip to Orlando.
We tried Disney last summer but it was entirely too busy.  I had no desire to wait in hour-long lines so we cut out early both days and headed back to the hotel.
The kids' parents want to do some fun stuff next week on break so I am limited to a day trip with one overnight.  I have done a variety of trips in Orlando and this time the kids I am taking range from 5-13 so I need a broad range of entertainment for them.
We are leaving Monday afternoon and heading to Disney's Dolphin Resort.  This offers lots of activities including a really beautiful pool (with slides), beach area, golf and swan paddle boat rentals.  In addition, they have a water ferry that goes to Disney Boardwalk (free) for even more fun.
Once you ferry to the boardwalk, you can walk around and explore shops, dining and lots of photo ops.
We rented a family bicycle there last time and cruised around the area.  I didn't see any upscale dining last time but there were plenty of casual family dining choices.
The Dolphin/Swan hotel is really clean and modern.  If you have kids, be sure to request a room with views of Disney.  They have evening fireworks that can be seen from your hotel room.  

If Disney is on your wish list, the hotel provides transportation and there are usually some perks for hotel guests...either discounted speed passes or early/late park access.

If your family has been to the parks before, there are really so many activities nearby, you are sure to have just as much fun without all the long lines.

Tuesday we are heading to Coco Key Water Resort.  We have not stayed there before but I have had a few friends that have recommended it.  They are a hotel with a huge canopy-covered water park with more than 10 slides and several pools.  You can stay overnight there or buy day passes to visit.  We will swim and play all Tuesday and head back late afternoon.  

What are your Spring Break plans?  Have any questions about Orlando you'd like a local to answer?  Send 'em my way!

 

10 traveling (for work) essentials

I have had a very busy couple weeks.  Work is really busy and I have been on the road more than usual.
Last week was the whirlwind of day trips, working in five separate cities in five days.  I did some driving and some flying and by week's end, I was a packing pro.  Here are some essentials for career travel:

1.  A tote large enough to carry your essentials is helpful.  It is a little annoying to have to carry multiple bags.

2.  My ipad mini is perfect for travel.  I don't need to use it often but it's light and compact and slides right into my bag, should I need it.

3.  Lotion is a must.  I like Crabtree & Evelyn.  It is a super luxe lotion that absorbs nicely.

4.  TicTacs are an everyday essential.

5.  I don't leave home without my Burt's Bees.

6.  I keep composition notebooks on hand for note taking.  I especially like these notebooks because the pages stay in place.  It's also a great size to slide in a tote.

7.  I have chargers in my car, at home and at my office.  I receive at least 100 emails a day so extending my battery keeps me on task.

8.  I learned about #8 the hard way.  I was with someone that is a "late eater".  It was 1:00 and he hadn't even mentioned lunch.  Granola bars are a light snack to keep on hand until you can stop for a bite to eat.

9.  Refill, refill, refill.  

10.Last week I flew two hours north and the temperature was 20+ degrees cooler.  I didn't even think to check before we left.  I looked for rain but didn't check the temps.  A neutral blazer is also perfect if your colleagues decide to grab a drink after a long day at the office.  

Work kicks

I am on the go at work and comfort is a must.  A few neutrals that I can wear daily work best.  I wear a lot of Michael Kors but the Calvin Klein peeptoes were my first from the brand.  All three are super comfy and work well with most of my outfits.  What are you daily go-to shoes?

Work kicks by eporter-217 featuring peep toe shoes

Back from NC

We took a weekend trip to Boone! Our annual snow trip to see my mother-in-law was so much fun.  Far too short but a lot of fun.  My husband drove up on Thursday and my niece Payton and I flew up Thursday after she got our of school.  We usually go snow tubing but since Payton is nine now, we took a snowboard lesson and spent the afternoon on the slopes before flying home Sunday.  Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Wednesday Wishlist: A new home!

I am dreaming of a new place to call home.  Working in real estate and specifically new homes, after about two years I am ready to pack up and build again.  We built the home we are in now in 2007 so needless to say I am crawling the walls.  Here are some of my favorite recent pins:

A fancy exterior

A dreamy kitchen

Neat storage ideas

Brown eyed girl: Eye shadow picks for brunettes

My daily eye shadow for work is minimal.  Working outside several days a week in 100% humidity can be a challenge.  I keep make-up to just the basics and waterproof (humidity proof) mascara is a must.  These are my current picks.
What are your current faves?  Any tricks for keeping make-up on in hot conditions?

Eye shadow picks for brunettes by eporter-217 featuring shimmer makeup

Seeing spots and stripes

Seeing spots and stripes by eporter-217 featuring Banana Republic