Summer Survival for Working Moms

Summer is here and the living is easy. Or is it?

Summer should be fun and relaxing, but for working moms, summer can be challenging.

Most working moms don’t get several weeks of vacation during the summer, which means they have to find ways to work and take care of their kids.

If these moms work from home, it means saying goodbye to the silence they’ve been accustomed to and hello to endless distractions.

It doesn’t have to be this way!

Here are several tips to help you not only survive summer as a working mom but also thrive!

Enroll the Kids in Camp

I am a huge fan of summer camps. They allow kids to have fun, learn, and grow in safe spaces while giving working moms the help they so desperately need.

We've signed up the kids for four weeks of summer camp at Chelsea Piers. They offer a variety of sports and world-class facilities for kids to pursue their passions and explore their athletic abilities.

Here are 5 Reasons to Enroll Your Kids at Chelsea Piers Summer Camp

Make a Summer Routine

Summer is easier with a routine.

We don’t make a super rigid routine, but it does help for my girls to know what is expected of them every day.

We have a modified chore chart for the summer months, and they have school tasks, such as summer reading.

We also make space for fun in our schedule, such as Monday Movie Nights.

Use Summer as a Learning Opportunity

Since my girls have a little extra time in the summer, I try to use it as a learning opportunity.

For example, I have my daughters cook one night each week to teach them some basic cooking skills.

Host Friends

When I work from home, I have found it is easier if my kids have a distraction rather than being a distraction.

One of the best ways I have found to distract them is to host their friends over.

It may sound crazy, but when my girls are playing happily with their friends, they are quieter and bother me less.

Get Things to Keep Kids Occupied

I believe summer is the time when you should splurge on that special toy or device that they’ve been begging for.

If the new Nintendo Switch will keep them busy, I’m all for it.

If the added subscription to Discovery + allows them to binge watch Animal Planet, go for it.

Ask Kids for Summer Must-Do List

As a working mom, your time is limited.

I want to give my girls a fun summer, but it simply isn’t possible to do everything they want with my work schedule.

That’s why I start each summer by asking them to make a summer bucket list – or a list of summer must-dos.

Set Up Snack Bins

One thing that surprises my every summer is how quickly my girls empty out the snack cabinet.

To help with this issue, I set up snack bins.

These bins are set up each week so my girls can easily get the snacks they want, but they can also see how many snacks they have for the rest of the week.

Take Vacation Days

Finally, make sure you take your vacation days! Summer is busy, but you deserve time off to have some fun with your family.

What tips do you have for surviving summer as a working mom?

5 Reasons to Enroll Your Kids at Chelsea Piers Summer Camp

It is almost summer vacation and we're all looking forward to it! My brother and sister-in-law will be visiting NYC this summer for some much needed catch up time, which also means the girls will have their cousins to play with.

We've signed up the kids for four weeks of summer camp at Chelsea Piers. They offer a variety of sports and world-class facilities for kids to pursue their passions and explore their athletic abilities. The adults are excited for this just as much as the kids are!

As the adults are bookmarking places to check out, the kids are preparing for their camp next month. If you're looking for something fun, yet empowering for your kids to do this summer, then here are 5 reasons why I recommend Chelsea Piers Summer Camp in NYC.

1. Kids Choose Their Own Adventure

Encourage your kids to choose what sport they want to try out. 

Chelsea Piers offers preschool camps to elite training programs, so there's a level for every kid. They offer a wide range of sports and daily camp activities to pique any kid's interest! The girls and their cousins will be enjoying Ice Skating, Ninja + Parkour, Sports Academy, and Urban Adventure.

Letting them know that they have the power of choice will help them build confidence. They will feel empowered to lean into what excites them and feel valid in their choices.

2. Horizons Broaden, Experiences Elevated

It's not everyday you get to learn something like Ninja + Parkour and be surrounded by others who have the same interest in it. Being able to offer your kids a variety of experiences they can choose from will let them broaden their horizons. 

They get to step out of their comfort zone, gain new skills, learn new ways of thinking and problem solving, and have a ton of fun doing it!

New experiences keep them engaged. They're growing and they probably don't even realize it.

3. Friends From Around the World

Socialization is crucial in a child's development. Kids improve their language skills, foster a higher sense of empathy, learn the concept of teamwork, navigate different personalities while coming into their own, and so much more.

Chelsea Camp delivers the gold standard when it comes to summer camp, which draws in a lot of different families from all over the world. Being at this summer camp gives your kids the opportunity to socialize with kids that are outside of their school (or state or country), allowing them to create more friendships with kids they would've never met otherwise!

They get to learn about kids from all over and learn to accept backgrounds different from theirs. 

4. Unparalleled Recreation Activities

There is never a boring moment at camp. There is always something exciting to do, which means less time on their electronics, and more time moving their little bodies!

Different parts of the brain are activated as they run, jump, swing, rock climb - versus sitting in one spot and swiping on their phones. Not only is this healthy for their bodies, it's healthy for their mental health and brain development. 

Keeping active gives them a way to direct their energy and even manage their emotions. Where else can they skate, swim, and rock climb in the same week!

5. #ParentApproved

Not only does Chelsea Piers offer a dynamic curriculum for the kids, they completely understand parents and do their best to provide everything a supportive parent needs as well.

Chelsea Piers offer nourishing lunches for full-day campers, to transportation and aftercare, to the ease of flexible enrollment. As a busy parent myself, even when the girls are on summer vacation, I can trust that Chelsea Piers is taking care of my daughters while making my life as easy as possible! 

So if you're wondering what to do with your kids this summer or wondering where to travel to that will be both kid and adult friendly, then I recommend NYC and Chelsea Piers. Check out their website to see what's available. Camp sessions begin June 20th, so you still have a few more days to enroll!

10 Tips for Encouraging a Love of Reading

I’ve posted several photos on Instagram recently of my daughters reading and have received many comments about their love of reading.

The most common comment is “How do you get your kids to read?”

I’m not a teacher or reading specialist, but I can tell you what I have done to encourage a love of reading in our home.

Consider the following findings from Comfy Living:

• Reading could help reduce mental decline in old age by up to 32%.

• Reading fiction can make you a better decision-maker.

• Reading increases emotional intelligence, and consequently, your career outlooks.

Don’t we want all of that for our kids? By encouraging a love of reading, we can guide our children to a brighter future.

1. Model Reading

The very first thing you need to do to encourage a love of reading is to model it!

Let your kids see you read regularly. Talk to them about the books you loved as a kid and what you are reading now.

2. Support Their Interests

It’s easy to want to push certain books on kids – especially those books we love.

But that may backfire.

Instead, find books that support their interests. Don’t worry.

Even if your kid has some really unique interests, there is a book that exists about this strange topic.

If they want to read graphic novels, let them! If they want to try a book at a higher reading level, don’t say no.

3. Encourage Library Use

Kids love libraries if they are shown the power of it.

Take kids to the library and explain how it works. They can borrow tons of books without spending any money. Get them their own library card.

They can participate in programming geared for their age group. *Summer reading programs are getting started so check out your local branch for kid, tween, and teen activities.

4. Have a Mom-Child Book Club

One of my favorite ways to encourage a love of reading is to participate in a mother-daughter book club.

If my daughter has a book she loves, I’ll read it. Then, I will make a date to discuss it with her at a restaurant. It makes her feel very grown-up and encourages her to continue reading.

5. Listen to Audiobooks Together

Audiobooks are excellent for auditory learners.

Many of today’s audiobooks are dramatized, which means they are acted out rather than having one person narrating the entire thing.

We like to listen to family-friendly audiobooks, like the Percy Jackson Series, while we are on road trips.

6. Keep Books in Every Room

I try to make it so my kid never has an excuse to say they don’t have anything to read.

I keep books in all the rooms where my girls may possibly read. And in the car.

7. Allow Kids to Read Past Bedtime

I like to encourage a little rebellion.

I will never forget when my daughters realized they could silently read a book with a flashlight past bedtime.

They felt like they were being rebellious, but I loved it.

Now at bedtime, we have to tell them to read but not to read too late.

8. Go All in for the Book Fair

Remember how much fun the Scholastic Book Fair was when you were growing up? It is still just as fun for your kids!

Go all in! Send them with money, order from the pamphlets, or volunteer.

And if you don’t have a school book fair, treat bookstores like a very special place where kids can get the books they really want.

9. Create a Reading Nook

Sure, you can read anywhere.

But there is something really special about a dedicated reading nook.

There are tons of ideas on Pinterest for creating reading nooks in homes.

10. Embrace Technology

Lastly, don’t neglect technology. Kids these days are used to getting everything they want or need via a mobile device or tablet.

Therefore, embrace technology. Download a library app for e-books or give them an allowance for buying books on their devices.

You can even set up time limits on devices, such as 1 hour for games and unlimited for reading.

How to Prepare Kids for Real Life Emergencies

As much as we hope we’ll never have to call 9-1-1 or rush someone we love to the emergency room, it happens.

That’s why it is so important to prepare kids for real life emergencies.

A friend of mine recently shared something that happened to her that made me think about what my kids would do in a similar situation.

My friend’s daughter swallowed a large coin. My friend has an older child who was able to call their dad from their Alexa device while the mom was handling the daughter. The older child then knew to run to the neighbor’s house as the mom rushed the daughter to the nearest urgent care center.

Would my daughters know what to know in a real life emergency like the one she described?

I wanted to make sure, so I took the time to go over the following information.

Discuss Possible Real Life Emergencies

Kids need to know what qualifies as a real emergency and what doesn’t.

A lost toy doesn’t qualify as a real emergency. I reminded my girls of the story of the boy who cried wolf to emphasize the importance of only claiming something is an emergency when it truly is.

Then, we talked about real life emergencies, such as a major cut that requires stitches, when you might need an ambulance, car accidents, fires, etc.

Teach Kids When and How to Call 9-1-1

Once kids understand what qualifies as a real emergency where first responders are needed, such as mommy being hurt and unable to move, they need to know how to call 9-1-1.

While 9-1-1 is only a three-digit number, it requires more than three steps on a mobile device.

For example, you need to teach your kids how to 9-1-1 on your phone – especially if you keep your phone locked.

Teach them how to find the emergency button that allows them to override your passcode protection and then how to dial 9-1-1.

They also need to know what to say once they call 9-1-1. They’ll need to know your address, calmly explain what has happened, and listen to the operator’s instructions.

Talk About What to Do and Where to Go

In some types of emergencies, it is more appropriate to get help from someone close by.

For example, I have told my daughters to run to our neighbor next door. We have a good relationship with our neighbors and trust that they would help my daughters.

We also talked about the types of emergencies that require you to leave the home (fires and intruders).

Explain How to Reach Others

If your kids are too young for their own phones and you don’t have a shared phone in your home, how will your kids reach others in the event of an emergency (such as dad and grandparents)?

You can teach your kids how to use Alexa or Siri to call these people, write their numbers on a dry erase board, or add identifiable emojis to their names in your phone’s contacts.

Show Kids Where to Find First Aid Supplies

It is also important to show kids where you keep your first aid supplies.

We keep our first aid kit in a pantry where they can reach it. They know where it is because they tend to need a lot of Band-aids.

It also gives peace of mind knowing I could yell at them to get it if we needed something quickly, such as wound seal for a cut that will require stitches.

Model Appropriate Behavior

Finally, I am trying to remember that how I respond in an emergency will greatly affect how my children respond. If I panic, they’ll panic. If I act scared, they’ll be scared. My goal is to try to stay calm during any real life emergencies.

What advice would you add? Tell me in the comments.

End of the School Year Survival Tips

We’re coming up on the end of the school year, which tends to feel like the longest, hardest stretch of the entire year.

My girls are finished. They are ready for summer, and so am I. We are so thankful for a relatively normal school year compared to the last couple of years.

But we are tired.

Hours feel like days. Days feel weeks. Weeks feel like months.

How do you finish strong when you just feel done?

Here are my tips for surviving the end of the school year.

1. Say No Often

May and June can feel busier than December. There are school concerts, award ceremonies, and parties.

On top of all the busyness happening during the school hours, there are tons of activities taking place after school, such as recitals.

If you don’t have time to do anything extra during these final few weeks of school, just say no.

2. Utilize a Family Calendar

Again, there are so many events parents are expected to be at. This is especially hard for working parents.

Make sure you utilize a family calendar so that you can divide and conquer the end of the school year sprint.

3. Create an End of the Year Countdown

Give your family a reason to keep going. Create an end of the year countdown calendar.

4. Stay Focused on the Goal

When you are tired and ready to call it quits, stay focused on the goal. And help your kids stay focused.

Remind them why they go to school and why they need to keep learning until the last day.

5. Prepare Teacher Gifts

Don’t let teacher gifts sneak up on you.

Go ahead and buy the gift cards, order the personalized gift, or write the thank you card.

6. Stick to Your Routine

Don’t let your normal routine fall to the wayside.

Stick to what’s worked all year.

Now is not the time to let kids stay up past bedtime or start doing homework in front of the TV.

7. Book Summer Camps

Summer camps are going to be back in full force this summer, so you should expect them to fill up quickly.

If you haven’t booked summer camps yet, now is the time.

Plus, this gives your kids something to look forward to and help them continue working hard.

8. Plan Summer Vacations

Like summer camps, travel experts are expecting summer travel to increase.

According to Destination Analysts, “Overall enthusiasm for leisure travel and the number of anticipated leisure trips in 2022 are also on the rise. This week 72.8% of Americans expressed higher levels of excitement for their prospective travel future—reaching the highest level it's been since the Omicron wave began.”

9. Clean Out Bookbags

If your kids are anything like mine, their bookbags are a mess.

They bring home all sorts of papers I need to see and sign – the end of the year seems to have double the usual amount.

Make sure you stay on top of daily bookbag cleanings to avoid missing out on important information.

10. Restock Supplies

Remember, school is not over yet.

Check with your child’s teacher and see if any school supplies are needed. Pencils, paper, and tissues tend to be running really low at the end of the year.

Ways to Celebrate AAPIHM (Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month)

As an Asian American woman, wife, and mother, I look forward to celebrating my family’s heritage each May during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM).

As one of the 23 million Americans who identify as AAPI, I am happy to see that AAPIHM is becoming bigger across the country. But it still has a long way to go.

Here are some ideas for incorporating AAPIHM celebrations into your own home.

What to Know About Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Here are some fast facts about AAPIHM:

• Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month was originally a week signed into law by President Carter in 1978, designating a week to celebrate the AAPI community.

• President George H. W. Bush signed a bill in 1990 that extended the week into the entire month, and President Obama changed the name to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2009.

• According to GoodGoodGood, “Lawmakers chose May because of its historical significance for the AAPI community. It commemorates the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States, as well as Golden Spike Day (May 10, 1869), which marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese laborers.”

• AAPI stands for Asian American and Pacific Islander. The term describes a diverse and fast-growing population of Americans representing roughly 50 ethnic groups from more than 40 countries.

It doesn’t matter if you are AAPI or not; you can still celebrate this special month.

Watch AAPI Movies

Spend some time this month watching movies featuring actors from the AAPI community.

If you are looking for movies to watch with your kids, check out this list of 8 Movies to Watch On Disney+ To Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

In addition, HBO Max is offering an Asian American and Pacific Islander Voices collection.

And Netflix subscribers have access to its Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Stories collection.

Head to a Museum

Museums across the country feature AAPI exhibits, so this is the ideal time to visit a museum.

Check out this list from House Beautiful of Art Museums That Honor the AAPI Community, such as The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

Learn About Other Cultures

I was born in Hong Kong and am a proud member of the AAPI community, but that doesn’t mean that I know everything about each ethnicity that composes this beautiful community of people.

For example, as an Asian American, there is a lot I could learn about Pacific Islanders. So I’m using this special month to learn about other cultures.

Read Books by AAPI Authors

Another way to recognize AAPIHM is to read books written by AAPI authors, such as Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.

You can find several choices in Good Housekeeping’s 34 Entertaining and Enlightening Books by Asian Authors.

Enjoy Different Cuisines

It’s no secret that I love food. So AAPIHM is the perfect excuse for me to eat all the delicious dishes I grew up eating with my family and enjoy new-to-me foods from other AAPI cultures.

Serve the Community

One of the greatest things I have come across is the Heart of Dinner in New York City.

Heart of Dinner is a nonprofit that provides meals to elders of the AAPI community, who are often vulnerable. Those in New York can volunteer to pack meals, deliver meals, write notes, or work behind the scenes. If you live anywhere else in the world, you can donate.

How do you plan to recognize AAPIHM?

Cleaning Tips for Moms Without Maids

As much as I would love a regular cleaning service, I've chosen to do as much of the cleaning as I can so I can spend my money on bags and shoes.

As a busy working mom, there are times when it is hard to stay on top of the housework. However, I have found some ways to keep my house clean without losing my mind through trial and error.

NOTE - While I love a clean house, I have also learned to accept imperfection. There are seasons when life is busier, and the house is messier. If you are in one of those seasons, don't beat yourself up.

Here are the things I am doing to keep my house clean without a maid.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

One of the most effective ways to keep my house clean and presentable is to keep a cleaning schedule. So I planned out certain days when I could do regular household chores.

Monday – Living Room and Shared Spaces
Tuesday – Bedrooms
Wednesday – Kitchen
Thursday – Bathrooms
Friday – Floors and Dusting
Weekends – Deep Cleaning Needs

When we stick to this schedule, it takes away the pressure to do everything at once.

Enlist Family Help

Someone told me when my girls were babies that instead of waiting to clean while they were sleeping, to do the cleaning when they were awake and watching. This teaches kids the importance of cleaning (and how to clean).

As a result, my girls have seen me clean our home since they were little, and now they are big enough to help.

My husband and I have also talked about which chores we hate and which ones we love and delegated them accordingly. For example, my husband hates cleaning bathrooms, but he doesn't mind doing dishes. I hate doing dishes, so we trade these chores with one another.

Whistle While You Work

Cleaning your home is so much better if you find ways to make it enjoyable. When the whole family is cleaning together, such as Saturday morning deep cleanings, we play music and dance and sing as we clean. When I am cleaning on my own, I put on a podcast or audiobook.

Make a Quick Cleanup Part of Your Evening Routine

Deep cleaning Saturdays haven't been as bad or time-consuming since we started making 15-minute cleanups part of our evening routine. After dinner, we spend 15 minutes picking up from the day. Someone in our home is doing the dishes while the others walk around, pick up things, and put them where they belong. Someone else is busy wiping down the counters.

Embrace a Less is More Philosophy

The more stuff you have to clean, the harder it will be. That's why I've embraced the idea that "less is more." Years ago, I started following the idea of one thing in, one thing out – and it has made a huge difference! Whenever I make a purchase, I follow it with a donation. It keeps my closets from overflowing and my shelves from turning into mounds of clutter.

Get the Right Tools

If you don't have the right cleaning tools, you'll make more work for yourself. We have a robot vacuum and a robot map, and both were well worth every penny. But it's more than just fancy electronic gadgets. I also invest in quality cleaning products, such as Clorox. When I'm cleaning my home, I love to use @Clorox products, and I'm excited they've launched another sustainable option with the NEW Clorox Multi-Purpose Refillable Cleaners! With the recyclable pods, I can use my bottle up to 30 times, which means 80% less plastic waste - not to mention, it's easier on my wallet too!

Do you have any cleaning tips to share?

Treat Yourself This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day takes place this Sunday. While I have had many wonderful Mother’s Days and enjoyed several homemade crafts, I have learned to lower my expectations.

My husband and my daughters try their best to make me feel special, but sometimes there are things I want that they just don’t know how to give me.

That’s why I always try to find at least one way to treat myself on Mother’s Day. Here are a few suggestions if you want to follow my lead.

Have Your Car Cleaned

Mom’s cars are notoriously messy. Why? Because kids! In addition to all the trash they leave behind, there are crushed bits of food on the floorboards and stains on the mats. So this Mother’s Day, consider getting your car cleaned and detailed.

Let Someone Else Clean Your House

If you can make it happen with your budget, use Mother’s Day as an excuse to pay someone to do a deep house cleaning. You’re busy working and taking care of kids – let someone else clean the baseboards!

*If you can’t afford it, ask your spouse or kids to clean for you as your Mother’s Day gift.

Enjoy a Spa Treatment

If you can swing it, treat yourself to a full spa day. Book a manicure or pedicure if you can’t spend four hours at the spa. And if you are really limited, treat yourself to an at-home spa day. Pull out your supplies and lock the bedroom door.

Sit in Silence

I love my girls, and I love being a mom. But sometimes I miss a quiet house (I know I will miss all the noise one day!). Sometimes the best way to treat myself is simply slipping outside and sitting in silence for a few minutes.

Don’t Cook

Use Mother’s Day to get out of cooking or cleaning the dishes. Instead, go to your favorite restaurant (don’t forget to make a reservation to avoid long Mother’s Day waits). Order your favorite food in. Or allow your family to cook for you.

Go to Your Favorite Store Alone

There are few things as relaxing to me as wandering the aisles of Target or T.J. Maxx alone. So, on Mother’s Day, may you find the time to wander your favorite store aimlessly, without children asking you to buy them everything or feeling rushed to get home.

Eat Something You Regularly Wouldn’t

Mom eating typically involves eating foods my girls will also eat. On Mother’s Day, I am going to eat what I want to eat. No kid-friendly menus for me! It is also a day when calories don’t count, so I will indulge in delicious treats and drinks.

Splurge on the Shoes and the Bag

It’s no secret that I love shoes and bags, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I think both make perfect Mother’s Day gifts. If I don’t unwrap one from my family, I may just treat myself.

Take a Nap

Moms are tired. No matter what stage you are in as far as parenting goes, you are tired. So take time today to get a nap. Ideally, after the delicious lunch someone else cooked for you.

Control the Remote

On Mother’s Day, you get to control the remote! No kids TV for you. Binge-watch your favorite shows or catch up on that series you’ve been dying to watch.

Sleep In

Start your Mother’s Day the right way by sleeping in. If the kids are old enough, let them take care of themselves in the morning. (Helpful tip – leave out the remote and a box of cereal on the counter). If they aren’t old enough, ask your partner to take care of them for you in the morning.

Let Go of Guilt

On Mother’s Day, try to let go of the guilt. All moms carry around some mom guilt. Sadly, most of this guilt isn’t even relevant. It’s baggage about stuff that doesn’t really matter in the long run (such as not making elaborate school lunches). On Mother’s Day, remind yourself why you are a good mom.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Take Your Family to Costa Rica!

My family spent spring break in Costa Rica – and it was everything I dreamed it would be! Costa Rica has become a hot vacation spot for a good reason.

This small country, approximately the size of West Virginia, is home to white-sand beaches and tropical rainforests.

The beautiful country is excellent for families for many reasons, one of which is tourism. Tourism is the #1 industry in Costa Rica, so it is very easy to plan a family-friendly trip here.

Vibrant and Beautiful Scenery

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. The lush forests and the gorgeous beaches are worth the trip itself. Everywhere you look is stunning. You can spend time on the beaches soaking up the sun or walking through a cloud forest.

Plus, the year-round tropical temperatures make it an ideal travel destination. However, given the tropical environment, you may want to plan your trip during the dry season to avoid too much rain. The dry season is from December to April.

Nature Front and Center

A huge part of the appeal of traveling to Costa Rica is the ability to view nature front and center. In addition to the tropical environment, you can also get up close and personal with tons of unique animals.

Costa Rica is crawling with wildlife – monkeys, sloths, frogs, and more. Additionally, there are tons of birds. More than 800 types can be found in Costa Rica, including toucans and macaws.

Amazing Resorts

Since tourism is the #1 industry in Costa Rica, you have your choice of excellent hotels.

My family stayed at W Hotel Costa Rica, and I highly recommend it. W Hotel is located in Guanacaste, W Costa Rica on Playa Conchal beach and a nature reserve.

This luxury resort offers impressive panoramic views, as well as fantastic amenities. The resort features a golf course, water sports, and a lavish spa.

We enjoyed our time spent at the pool and exploring the nature reserve. It was the perfect place for home base during our trip.

Dreamy Excursions

While we could have just stayed at the W Hotel every day, we did want to explore some of Costa Rica outside of the property.

We’d heard a lot about the hanging bridges in Costa Rica that allow you to walk through a forest canopy. For our handing bridge excursion, we headed to Heliconias Rainforest Lodge. It is located between Miravalles Volcano and Tenorio Volcano and offers spectacular rainforest views. There are trails and hanging bridges for you to explore.

Costa Rica is home to more than 25 stunning waterfalls, so you have plenty to choose from. We decided to visit Oropendola Waterfall, located in Rincon de la Vieja National Park. After you hike the short trail to see the waterfall, you can enjoy a swim in the beautiful blue waterfall waters.

Delicious Dining

As a foodie, dining is always a priority on my vacations. Costa Rica made this easy! Their delicious cuisine favors beans, rice, plantains, meat, and fish. In addition to the on-site restaurants at the W Hotel, we also visit popular local restaurants, Patagonia del Mar (seafood), Papaya Restaurant (Pacific Rim and Nuevo Latino fare), and Gracia La Vid (pizza).

Have you visited Costa Rica? What did you love? Tell me in the comments!

Tips for Avoiding Needing a Vacation After a Vacation

I love to travel, but I have had my fair share of times when I felt like I needed a vacation after a vacation.

It kind of takes all the wind out of your sails when you come home exhausted and stressed.

It’s taken me some time, but I have figured out some ways to ease the transition from vacation back to the real world.

Clean Before You Leave

I love coming home to a clean house.

But that means I have to do the work before I leave.

It is totally worth spending a little bit of time pre-trip to clean up the house.

That way, when we get back home, I can rest instead of feeling the urge to unpack and clean right away.

Be Healthy on Your Vacation

I have learned the hard way that if I treat a vacation like a vacation from eating healthy or exercising, I feel it when I return.

Now I make a point to continue using healthy habits while on vacation. I try to exercise and limit my alcohol intake.

With that being said, I still believe you should relax and indulge on vacation. I just don’t think you should stop exercising for an entire week.

Unplug

I will never forget the time I was on vacation, and I kept receiving work emails and texts about some sort of work-related disaster.

Not only did this make me feel stressed on my vacation, but it also made me feel super anxious to return to work.

Now I make a point to unplug from work. And I tell my coworkers that I will be unavailable and set up a vacation email signature.

Schedule Downtime on Your Vacation

We’ve all had those vacations where it was go-go-go, and we didn’t stop until the evening when our heads hit the pillows.

We might have done it all and seen everything, but we were exhausted.

Now, I always schedule some downtime on vacation, like a relaxing pool day after a day visiting multiple historical sites.

Be Realistic About What You Can Do

There is no shame in admitting you have limits (or that your kids have limits).

Self-awareness is essential on vacations.

Before you book up a bunch of tours or excursions, be realistic.

Is this an activity your family will actually love? Will it fill you with joy, or will it leave you completely drained?

Will it be more of a fight with your kids, or will it be something they talk about forever?

Use On-Site Laundry Services

One of the reasons I always felt like I needed a vacation from my vacation is because of the laundry.

There was just so much laundry to do after vacation, and it just added to my to-do list when I got home.

That was until I discovered on-site laundry services!

Now I always budget for laundry services. My family goes home with luggage packed with clean, folded clothes.

Order Grocery Delivery

On the day we are heading back home, I have learned to order grocery delivery.

When we get home, we’re going to want to eat. And I am not going to want to go out grocery shopping.

It’s one of my favorite tips for post-vacation.

Give Yourself a Day of Rest After You Return

As convenient as it seems to get home on Sunday, it is wiser to give yourself a day of rest before the work week begins.

We use Sundays to rest up and readjust to home. I need it, and my kids need it.

Do you have any post-vacation tips to share?