Why We Came Back to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman!

Spoiler Alert - We LOVE The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman!

Read on to see why we jumped on the opportunity to come back here, 8 years later!

Breathtaking Turquoise Waters

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is perfectly situated on the award winning, iconic Seven Mile Beach on the Cayman Islands.

One look at the beautiful, breathtaking turquoise waters and you know you’re in paradise. And once you take your first step into the warm water, you’re immediately transported into a state of pure bliss!

I honestly couldn’t believe how warm the ocean is here. The girls couldn’t wait to swim in the ocean, search for fish under the rocks, and play on the big rafts provided by The Ritz-Carlton.

We came back to lay on the beach any opportunity we had. Joe and I relaxed on the comfortable lounge chairs (with built-in adjustable umbrellas, perfect if you wanted some shade) enjoying the best piña coladas ever while the girls played in the waters for hours.

The Gold Standard

What sets The Ritz-Carlton apart in this industry is their level of hospitality. There is just so much thoughtfulness, care, and execution in what they do.

We were offered mini rum cakes at check-in, cold towelettes at the beach, and small servings of food and beverages throughout our stay while enjoying the outdoor amenities.

RCGC even put a sweet welcome back gift in our suite!

The Ladies and Gentlemen here were always happy to ensure that my family and I were having the best time here. They were attentive, warm, and truly delivered a memorable experience!

Newly Beautified Resort

The resort was newly renovated in 2021, featuring a refined new design inspired by the rich history and diverse cultural influences of the Cayman Islands. Its color palette features the deep blues of Cayman’s night sky, lively shades of green inspired by the islands’ botanical wonders, the whites and beiges of the island’s smooth sands, and the sparkling shades of turquoise found in the Caribbean Sea!

Our suite was immaculate with a spectacular view of Seven Mile Beach. The walk through the resort leading to the beach included a hall filled with awe-inspiring artwork, which was an experience all on its own!

It felt like paradise all throughout the resort. They did an amazing job renovating the resort and portraying the warmth and liveliness of the Caribbean culture.

Fun for Everyone

One of the reasons why I will always come back to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is because of how family-friendly this resort is. There is something fun for everyone, at every age, as well as activities the whole family can enjoy together.

The resort offers Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment family programming where we learned about the mangroves and kayaked through the incredible flora and fauna of Cayman. We got to see slugs, crabs, and jellyfish up close.

Families can enjoy a diverse array of activities, such as a water park, basketball courts, golf courses, and pools. Guests can even rent paddle boards, jet skis, and other water sport gear. Concierge can easily set you up with any island adventures as well, such as the infamous Stingray City Tour or Crystal Caves.

There is even a traditional island cottage called the Heritage House with cultural exhibits where adults and kids learn about responsible living and respect for nature.

We definitely felt like we needed more time at RCGC to explore and enjoy everything the resort has to offer!

Food That’s Sure to Satisfy Everyone’s Appetite

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman boasts both international and cultural dishes that’s both #kidapproved and #parentapproved!

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet every morning at Seven; lunches at Andiamo, Bar Jack, and Silver Palm; and dinners at Seven PM and Taikun.

The resort was very accommodating and brought out pizza, fries, and fish wraps to the pool so the girls could continue swimming.

Even with picky eaters, the resort offers a wide range of options that will satisfy any tummy!

#RCMemories

I’m so happy I got to bring the girls back here so that they can create life-long memories they’ll never forget! They are already asking to come back here for a longer vacation!

If you’re wondering where you should take your family on vacation in the Caribbeans, then I highly recommend staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. You can have so much fun even if you stayed at the resort the whole time like we did.

Make sure to check out my Instagram to see some fun videos of our stay here!

Must-Do’s for National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, which focuses on helping families prepare for disasters and emergencies.

The 2022 theme is A Lasting Legacy. Ready.gov explains, “The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.”

As much as we’d like to believe we’ll never face an emergency, we can’t know that for sure. That’s why it is so important to have a plan.

Often, moms put off preparing for emergencies because it seems overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be.

Make it your goal this September to cross the following must-dos for National Preparedness Month off your list.

Make a Plan

The first thing you need to do is make a plan for emergencies, such as where you go and how you’ll get there. Talk this plan through with each of your family members and practice it if you can. The American Red Cross has an excellent Family Disaster Plan template.

Stock Up on Essentials

The next thing you need to do is stock up on emergency essentials, such as:

• First aid kit

• Batteries

• Flashlights

• Weather radio (battery power or hand crank)

• Nonperishable food items

• Water

In addition to simply owning the above items, it is also important to pack a family emergency kit. This kit should include the essentials for your family in case of an emergency that is easy to grab and go in the event of an emergency.

If you want to pack your own emergency kit, see FEMA’s Emergency Supply Checklist. If you don’t have time to put one together yourself, you can purchase a pre-made emergency kit from the American Red Cross, which includes first aid supplies, emergency food, and other essentials.

Know How to Communicate

A major part of being prepared is communication. Begin by making sure you have signed up for emergency notifications on your mobile device. Find out if there is a separate alert system for where you live.

Next, make sure your kids know how to contact you in the event of an emergency and how you can reach them when they are in school or daycare.

Update Information

It’s important to keep your important personal information updated. Think of September or National Preparedness Month as the perfect time to go through your documents and make sure everything is up to date and correct.

It is also wise to invest in a fireproof and waterproof safe to store all of your family’s important documents.

Check Devices

During National Preparedness Month, go through your home and check all of your safety devices. This is the ideal time to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working (and change the batteries if they are not).

Pack Your Trunk

Don’t forget to be prepared for emergencies on the road. Take time to make sure your trunk has the following essentials for winter weather:

• Flashlight

• Flares

• Jumper Cables

• Blankets

• Car window breaker

• No-Spill Gas Can

• First Aid Kit

• Solar-powered cell phone charger

• Bottled water

• Nonperishable food

• Waterproof poncho

• Change of clothes

• Multi-tool

Failing to plan is planning to fail. While we hope we will never have to use these emergency plans and tools, we’ll be glad we have them should we need them.

Why Summer is So Hard for Moms

I’m going to admit something – this summer has been hard. I love my girls, and I look forward to spending time with them during summer. But summer is so hard for moms! Especially working moms. I know I’m not the only mom who feels this way – even if some of you are afraid to admit it.

Comedian Crystal Lowery wrote, “Why is summer so hard for parents? Because things have changed. When we were kids, we'd just run around town from dawn until dusk, unattended. Instead of mom slathering us with sunscreen, we burned, then peeled our damaged skin like molting snakes. Instead of sensible snacks, we'd ride our bikes to 711 to purchase fists-full of Jolly Ranchers and Atomic Fire Balls. Instead of parents entertaining us, we'd knock on our neighbor's doors and invite them out to play.”

Those days are long gone. Now, kids stay closer to home (and mom) all summer long, which makes summer exhausting.

Here are the main reasons moms struggle in the summer.

Lack of Childcare

I hate thinking of school as childcare, but the truth is I don’t have to find childcare during the school year between 8-3 because my girls go to school. For working moms, childcare during the summer is a whole thing. This is especially true when your kids are in the in-between ages – when they are too old for daycare or sitters and too young to stay home alone all day. We end up utilizing summer camps to fill the gap.

Fortunately, my girls love Chelsea Piers Summer Camp. Read all about it here!

Changes to the Routine

I am a creature of habit and so are my daughters. So, the transition from our regular school year routine to summer’s lack of routine is a challenge. Every summer, I try to create a summer routine or schedule – and it only lasts a couple of weeks before it falls apart between vacations, camps, and other outings. But when the routine disappears, the frustration begins.

Too Much Time Together

Sometimes summer provides too much time together for a family. For example, siblings are forced together for more time than usual, which results in more fighting. Being around fighting kids more often tries mom’s patience. And on and on. I love them, but I need a break. And there are far fewer breaks in the summer months.

Constant Need to Entertain

As a mom, I feel the constant pressure of society to ensure my girls are spending their time wisely and safely. So, if I allow them to binge watch TV all day, I feel guilty. If they complain they are bored, I feel like I have to find something fun and educational for them to do. And when I give up entertaining them, I have to listen to them whine and complain. It’s a lot easier to just hand them the remote or tablet.

All the Food

As my girls have gotten older, I have been amazed by how much they eat! This is especially true during the summer when they manage to eat a month’s worth of snacks in a weekend. I am constantly shopping for food and preparing food in the summer.

What makes summer hard for you? Share in the comments!

Chelsea Piers Summer Camp Recap

It honestly seems like this summer is going by WAY too fast!

My first blog was posted in June where the girls were preparing for summer camp and it’s already August! Madison and Olivia are now finishing up their last week of their camp.

Life is feeling somewhat back to normal and I am happy the girls get to socialize a little more freely this summer. Here’s a recap of their time at Chelsea Piers.

Ice Skating Camp

The girls signed up for two weeks of Ice Skating Camp to kick off their four week adventure at Chelsea Piers.

The kids were grouped into smaller, more intimate groups with super nice instructors, making it easier for them to focus and get the attention they needed. The girls learned how to control their movements and were able to improve their skills on the ice!

They were taught different exercises, stretches, techniques, and tricks they could do in the rink. It always seemed like the girls were having a blast and excited to get back on the ice the next day. They had so much fun that they got their friends to sign up for ice skating too!

Sports Academy Camp

After Ice Skating Camp, the girls were signed up for Sports Academy Camp to finish off their remaining two weeks.

This is where kids are introduced to various sports like soccer, football, and basketball. They even got to play on the water slide too! Sports Academy Camp would be great if your kids want to try out different sports to see what they like best. Let me tell you - this was great exercise for them. They came home exhausted every time!

Madison and Olivia wanted to go back to Ice Skating Camp to be with their friends who just signed up, so I put in a request and Chelsea Piers was very nice in being able to accommodate the change.

New Experiences

I wrote about 5 reasons why parents should enroll their kids into Chelsea Piers NYC for summer camp in my previous post. Sure enough, the girls got to experience all the benefits!

The girls got to choose their own adventures - ice skating and sports. They were able to broaden their horizons and gain new skills sets, experiences, and new ways of thinking as they went through the weeks. With the cohort coming from all over, they got to meet new kids and make new friends as they learned the concept of teamwork.

Where else could they have experienced ice skating, soccer, football, basketball, and playing on the water slide in one place? They were able to make memories while enjoying unparalleled recreation activities at Chelsea Piers. And when they did realize they didn’t enjoy something as much, the management team was able to accommodate the last minute change. This place is definitely both #kidapproved and #parentapproved!

The Girls’ Review

Now that they’ve done four weeks of summer camp, what do the girls have to say about it?

They had a blast! They realized how much they enjoyed ice skating and stoked that they have new tricks they can show off. 

There were some uncomfortable moments, but they grew by stepping out of their comfort zones (this is crucial for kids to learn). These moments allowed for them to recognize what feelings were coming up for them and how to find a solution.

They enjoyed staying active and being around other kids during the summer. It was also super fun that they got to go to camp with their cousins and friends.

There’s still a few weeks of summer left. Check out Chelsea Piers schedule to see what’s still available.

And just because summer is ending, that doesn’t mean the fun has to! There are plenty of other activities, classes, leagues, and so much more throughout the year at Chelsea Piers. 

Simple Traditions for Busy Families to Embrace

I will never forget the time I asked a friend about her family traditions growing up and she told me they didn’t have any. I was shocked.

But, as I’ve gotten older, I have realized that many families don’t have traditions (or don’t think they do) because they put so much pressure on them.

We tend to think of traditions as being elaborate when they can really be something simple and routine.

For example, growing up, I enjoyed Saturday morning cartoons with Dad. It was a weekend tradition that we kept up until our Saturday mornings became filled with extracurriculars.

And these simple traditions matter!

According to Brett and Kate McKay, “Researchers have consistently found that families that engage in frequent traditions report stronger connection and unity than families that haven’t established rituals together.”

Here are 10 simple and easy traditions to help your family bond and make memories.

TV Night

My family loves a good dinner and TV night. Whether we watch a favorite show together or a movie, we enjoy sitting in front of the TV now and then for a chance to enjoy some quality entertainment together.

Family Walk

Another easy family tradition is the family walk (or family hike). You don’t always have to go to the same place. The key is to do it regularly, so it feels like a tradition.

Game Night

Some families love to play games with one another. If this is you, start planning regular game nights for your family. Have some key things you do each time, such as putting phones away and setting out snacks.

Taco Tuesday

A simple tradition to embrace is enjoying the same meal on the same night each week, such as Taco Tuesday or Meatless Monday. Kids like knowing what to expect – especially if what they are expecting is a meal they love.

Car Ride Chat

With my girls, I have started car ride chats on the way to and from places. I ask the same questions, so they know what to expect. We use the rose and thorn technique. We take turns sharing our daily rose, thorn, and bud. Your rose is the best part of your day, your thorn is something disappointing that happened, and your bud is something that you are looking forward to.

A Go-To Celebratory Restaurant

Many families have a go-to meal tradition without even realizing it. For example, do you tend to cook the same celebratory meal for birthdays or special occasions? Is there a certain restaurant your family likes to go to after a big win? These are traditions!

No Tech Thursday

Try to embrace a tech free day in your home regularly. At first, your kids won’t like the idea. However, if you are intentional about finding fun tech-free ways to spend the day, your kids will come to love it.

Community Service

A great tradition for families is serving their community together. Find an organization that shares your family’s values and volunteer regularly.

Read Together

Even as your kids get older, it is still nice to read together. While you may not read books together before bedtime, you can enjoy audiobooks on road trips or start a parent/child book club where you read books separately and then plan a special dinner to discuss them.

Milestone Trips

This family tradition takes a little more time and effort, but it’s worth it. I’m talking about the milestone birthday trip. We plan a special trip for each kid on milestone birthdays (10, 13, 16, and 18). It’s a special tradition and one our girls look forward to.

What traditions do you have in your family? Share them in the comments!

What You Should Do Every Morning

Mornings matter. How you start the day has a huge effect on the rest of your day.

It’s the reason we say, “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed” when they have a foul attitude.

Curating a morning routine will go a long way towards improving your health – mental, physical, and emotional.

Here are ten things experts recommend doing every morning.

Wake Up at the Same Time

I’m going to give the tip that may the hardest tip of all first – wake up at the same time every day. And wake up earlier rather than later.

According to Women’s Health, “Research has shown that being a ‘morning person’ has major benefits for your health. Studies have shown that waking up earlier makes you feel happier and healthier, boosts your immune system, improves productivity and helps you maintain a healthy weight.”

Set an alarm on your phone and place your phone out of reach. This serves two purposes. 1 – You won’t be able to hit snooze. 2 – You won’t be able to scroll first thing in the AM.

Make Your Bed

It’s good to start your day with a win. Here’s an easy one – make your bed!

This simple activity will make you feel better about your To Do list and the day ahead.

Let the Light In

A simple habit I’ve developed is starting my day by letting the light in. I pull back the shades and open the blinds.

This signifies to my mind and body that the day has started. Plus, it has medical benefits.

Women’s Health reports, “Research out of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine shows that those who are exposed to natural light earlier in the morning have lower BMIs regardless of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.”

Stretch and Move

I’ll be honest. The older I get, the more my body needs stretching first thing in the morning. And that’s not a bad thing!

It’s wise to start your day with movement. Get your endorphins so you begin the day on a natural high with energy.

Wash Your Face

It doesn’t matter if you shower in the evening or the morning – you need to wash your face in the morning.

Not only is it good for your skin, but it is also good for your whole person. A few minutes of self-care in the morning is critical.

Drink Water

We all know the importance of drinking water, but many of us start our journey towards eight glasses a day later in the day. We should really start drinking water first thing in the morning.

According to NBC News, “We get dehydrated overnight (especially if nature calls and you’re using the bathroom in the pre-dawn hours) […] A glass or two of H2O first thing helps replenish your body’s hydration stores. It also starts your metabolism on the right foot (since the body relies on water to keep all your digestive processes running smoothly).”

Enjoy a Cup of Coffee

Take time each money to enjoy a cup of coffee. The key here is to enjoy it. The point isn’t drinking coffee – it is spending a few minutes to slow down and savor something before the busyness of the day fully begins.

Eat Breakfast at Home

In the past, I was guilty of grabbing something small and eating breakfast on the go. I have since learned that I feel better if I eat a healthy breakfast at home. It’s a great way to get your metabolism going and helps you eat something healthier than fast food on the go.

Meditate

Taking just a few minutes to sit, pause, and meditate makes a big difference. Women’s Health points out, “Research has found that practicing meditation is basically the holy grail for health, helping to reduce stress, manage anxiety, increase productivity, help weight loss, motivate you to exercise and make you a nicer person.”

Write or Review Your To Do List

The last thing I do before I head out the door is check my To Do list. Knowing what I need to do that day helps me make a plan and get busy.

What is your morning routine?

Budget-Friendly Back to School Shopping Tips

2022 has been rough on bank accounts, which is why now is the time to prepare for back to school shopping.

Sure, you still have a while before school starts back. But with inflation, it’s wiser to get a head start on back to school shopping.

One 2022 survey found, “Parents are worried about being able to fill backpacks thanks to ongoing supply chain issues, up 9 percentage points between April and May. The survey found that two-thirds of parents are very concerned about how inflation will impact school shopping.”

We are already seeing how inflation is affecting back to school shopping.

For example, inflation is hitting most industries – including school supplies. Sources suggest the price of school materials may rise by 10 to 25%.

Use these back to school shopping tips to protect your wallet.

Shop Your Closet First

Before you buy the first school supply or new outfit, check your closets!

My girls tend to bring home many school supplies that can be reused the next year, such as calculators, rulers, pens, and pencils.

Instead of buying everything brand new, only replace the items that need replacing.

As much as we love a new wardrobe, keep this same idea in mind.

Don’t buy several new pairs of jeans if the jeans your kids already have look good and fit.

Head to Overstock Stores

I love doing my back to school clothes shopping at overstock stores like T.J. Maxx.

I can purchase my girl’s designer goods at great prices, ensuring they look fabulous, and I have money left over for school supplies.

Shop Online and Kid-Free

When it comes to back to school shopping, try to do it alone.

It is much easier to shop for back to school clothing when your kids aren’t with you since they will want everything they don’t actually need (such as accessories) and items that are higher prices. Plus, it’ll take so much longer!

I find it is much easier to shop online for school supplies and clothing – especially if they offer easy returns.

Some stores, like Target, are even partnering with local schools to have items for school supply lists ready for online ordering.

Get School Supplies at the Drugstore

I always forget drug stores sell school supplies.

Drug stores, such as CVS and Walgreens, offer rewards, and you can use the rewards points you’ve been saving for name brand school supplies.

Use Discounted Gift Cards

Did you know you can purchase discounted gift cards and use them to shop like normal?

This is a great tip for back to school shopping and Christmas shopping.

Sites, such as CardBear, allow you to purchase a gift card for a specific retailer at a lower price.

For example, if you want to purchase a $25 Target gift card, CardBear will take you to a site that is offering the $25 gift card for $20.

Scan While You Shop

Before you purchase anything, do a price comparison.

If you are shopping in a store, use Amazon’s barcode scanner to do a quick price check.

If you are shopping online, use a browser extension, such as Price, to compare prices online for every item you shop for.

Sign Up for Price Drop Alerts

For more expensive purchases, such as school-required electronics, sign up for price drop alerts.

CamelCamelCamel is an easy to use price drop website that will send you a notification when the item you are looking for hits the price range you want.

Buy in Bulk with Friends

You’re not the only parent worried about inflation and back to school shopping.

Ask your friends (or parents of your kid’s classmates) if they are interested in buying supplies in bulk from a wholesaler like Sam’s Club or Amazon.

Then, split the costs using Venmo.

Summertime Adventure at New York’s Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park

We had the pleasure to check out New York’s largest indoor water park for Olivia’s birthday and Independence day last weekend. Kartrite boasts the most modern indoor water park that’s sure to entertain kids of all ages for hours! Their suites are beautiful and perfect for the whole family!

If you haven’t seen it already, check out my Reels video that showcases what the suite looks like and some of the activities that made the girls asking to come back!

The weekend was a huge splash (pun intended)! Here are some of the highlights of our weekend.

State-of-the-art Indoor Water Park

Kartrite has the most amazing indoor water park that sits in perfect 84 degrees all year round. They have a beautiful transparent arched roof, so make sure you bring your sunscreen, even if you go during the cold months!

There are tons of adventures for everyone here - thrilling water slides for the adrenaline seekers, a lazy river to relax on while enjoying the native vegetation, aqua hoops, a gator crossing, and a massive tipping bucket that dumps up to 250 gallons of water (the girls loved this)!

There are over 100 water adventures at Kartrite that are sure to please everyone of all ages. And if you’re only looking to be there for one day, they have a Splash Pass that gives you a full day’s access to their water park!

Perks of a Private Cabana

While the girls were splashing their way around the water park and screaming their lungs out on the rides, I got to enjoy some peaceful time in our private cabana.

This was the perfect place to situate myself on their lounge chair to tan and get some work done (working moms will understand). You will take almost every opportunity you can during summer to stay on top of work, even if it means finding some time during a weekend getaway to do so.

The cabana offered fresh towels, a mini fridge, HD TV’s, and drink services. Nothing like enjoying a quick me-time with a refreshing drink in the privacy of my own cabana while knowing that the girls are enjoying the time of their lives.

Indoor Fun, Without the Splash

When the girls were done with splashing around, they showered off and were ready to tackle the rest of the indoor adventures Kartrite had to offer. There’s so much to do here that we didn’t get to try everything! 

Madison had a blast overcoming her fear on the Carabiners ropes course! This is a wonderful ropes course to challenge your little ones and allow them to show themselves what they’re capable of.

Olivia was running around the arcade with her cousins, having friendly competitions of who can score the most points in bowling and air hockey, and who can stay alive longest in laser tag! 

There’s even a climbing wall, an immersive 3D experience, and a virtual reality ride that will surely entertain the kids.

BBQ Bash and Fireworks

Since it was Independence Day Weekend, Kartrite hosted a huge BBQ bash and a fireworks show. 

It was hours of outdoor fun! There were delicious foods, fun games, and a live DJ! If offered great balance to all the indoor adventures we had.

The weather was perfect and the best way to end Olivia’s birthday weekend.

If you live on the East Coast or plan to visit here anytime, then definitely add Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park to your bucket list! You won’t regret it!

Where will you be vacationing this summer?

10 Tips for Finding Motivation to Exercise

Exercise is so important, but I’d be lying if I said it was always easy.

Some days I am tired. Some days I am lazy. Some days I don’t feel like I have time.

On these days, I need all the motivation to exercise I can get.

I’m betting I’m not the only one who has these days.

In a quest to find the motivation to exercise, I’ve discovered these tricks.

1. Do Something You Enjoy

It’s hard to be motivated to exercise if you hate what you’re doing.

Find the type of exercise you enjoy and stick with it!

Whether this is running outdoors, taking a Barre class with friends, or riding your Peloton inside, exercise in the way that brings you the most job.

2. Reward Yourself

Nothing motivates me to exercise as much as a reward at the end.

I like to feel like I have earned that glass of wine at the end of the night or that I can indulge in dessert with lunch.

3. Post Motivational Sayings

I love a good motivational saying. So much so that I tend to write them out and leave them in places I will see.

You can find these posted motivational reminders on my bathroom mirror, my car dashboard, and on my bike.

4. Make It Part of Your Routine

I have a skincare routine and I have an exercise routine.

Both of these routines are an important part of my self-care.

But a routine doesn’t happen without effort.

I had to make exercise a part of my daily routine, just like cleaning my face.

5. Exercise with a Friend

I am much more motivated to exercise if I am exercising with a friend.

First, it is a nice way to keep up with my girlfriends who are just as busy as I am.

Next, I would feel totally guilty bailing on a friend.

Last, friends encourage you and cheer you on.

6. Remember Your Why

On the days when I am struggling the most to exercise, I try to remember my why.

My whys are my health and my family.

I want to do all I can to ensure my daughters have a healthy mom for as long as possible.

Exercise is one of the best ways to make that happen.

7. Buy Cute Workout Gear

It may seem a little silly, but cute workout gear goes a long way towards motivating me.

If I have a cute outfit to wear, I’m more likely to wear it. And if I wear it, I’m more likely to exercise.

I have found this to be especially true with shoes.

8. Keep Track

Did you ever keep a chore chart with your kids? My girls got stickers for completing their chores.

This same trick is a great motivation for adults.

I like to add a checkmark or a star sticker to my calendar on the days when I exercise.

If you want to keep track digitally, there are tons of fitness apps that do so.

9. Pay for Classes

No one wants to waste money – especially with inflation.

If I pay for a class, I am much more likely to exercise simply because I don’t want to feel guilty for paying for something I am not using.

10. Listen to a Story Only When You Workout

My last trick is to find an audiobook or podcast that you can’t stop listening to.

However, the only time I allow myself to listen to it is when I am exercising.

What tricks do you have to help you find motivation to exercise?

Make Sure You Pack These 12 Commonly Forgotten Items for Vacation

Summer travel is in full swing, so I thought it was time to share some of my best travel tips.

After years of traveling, I have learned to pack less. I remember taking a trip where I packed a different pair of shoes for 12 days. I had to pay more for my luggage due to weight, and half of the shoes went unworn.

In addition to this lesson, I have learned that there are some commonly forgotten items. These are items that we simply forgot or don’t think we’ll need. But when the time comes, you’ll be super grateful you included them in your packing list.

Something for Rain

I love my weather app, but I’ve learned that it is always wise to pack something for rain, even if there isn’t any rain in the forecast. A small umbrella or compact rain jacket can make a huge difference.

A Light Jacket or Shawl for Cooler Temperatures

I tend to always be cold on planes. It doesn’t matter if we are traveling south to a tropical destination, I am going to be cold on the plane. I also tend to get chilly in hotel rooms. That’s why I always pack a shawl that I can wrap up in on the plane and in my room as needed. You may choose a light jacket or hoodie.

A Small Purse

I’m all about my purses, but I’ve learned I need to also have something small to hold my essentials when I travel. I like to put a small wristlet inside my bigger purse that can hold my phone, lip balm, and a small wallet. It’s much easier to navigate the beach resort (the pool, the beach, etc.) with a wristlet than it is an actual purse.

Sun Protection

I always travel with sun protection – even in winter.

Wet Wipes

In addition to hand sanitizer, I like to pack a package of Wet Wipes. I use these to wipe down everything from the plane tray to my girl’s dirty hands. They make it easy to do quick clean-ups.

First Aid Supplies

I learned the hard way to never travel without my first aid supplies, including medicine. I take a small first aid kit with band-aids and a small pill organizer with my prescriptions, pain relievers, and Imodium.

Chargers

Chargers are one of the most commonly forgotten items for travel. I have found that in addition to my chargers, a power strip comes in handy. I have stayed in some places that don’t have enough outlets for charging all my family’s devices, and a power strip makes it possible. I also am a big fan of my electronic organizer for traveling.

An Extra Bag

I always come home with more than I took, so I have learned to pack a small extra bag in my suitcase for souvenirs.

A Water Bottle

I have always regretted not having my water bottle with me when I forget to pack it. Having a personal water bottle makes it so much easier to have access to water whenever you need it – and it is cheaper than buying disposable water bottles on your trip.

Lip Balm

Air travel always leaves my lips feeling dry, so I now make sure to always pack lip balm. It is also helpful in helping my lips adjust to different temperatures and environments.

A Nail Kit

I hate breaking a nail on vacation, but it happens. As long as I have a small nail kit, I can make my nails presentable and avoid accidentally scratching myself or someone else with my splintered nail.

A Laundry Bag

After many trips, I discovered the convenience of packing a separate laundry bag. Throughout the trip, dirty clothes get placed inside the laundry bag. At the end of the trip, I simply place the filled laundry bag in my suitcase. When I get home all my dirty clothes are in the laundry bag ready to be washed.

What items have helped make your travels easier?