The Inn at Meander Plantation

Several weeks ago my husband and I celebrated our thirty-first wedding anniversary at
The Inn at Meander Plantation. This stunning plantation, located in Locust Dale, VA
offers fine dining and beautiful accommodations perfect for a cozy get away!

Epiphanie Camera Bag Review

I take a lot of stuff with me when I travel.
I blame it on being a Girl Scout and Girl Scout leader for over 15 years.
I like to be prepared.

The Epiphanie Alexandria camera backpack has been a lifesaver for me the past
few months. I've been traveling quite a bit lately and this backpack has been great
for carrying all of my essentials, keeping me prepared for all situations.

Disney Spring Break Essentials for Her

Spring break will be here soon and we love spending our spring break in the happiest
place on earth, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Stonyfield Farm Tour

Earlier this month I was given the opportunity to travel to Vermont to be a part of the 2016
Stonyfield Farm Tour.  This was my first visit to the state of Vermont and the weekend was
one that I will never forget!  My love for the Stonyfield brand has never been stronger and
I am proud to partner with such a wonderful, caring company!

Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort

Over the 4th of July we spent six wonderful days at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
located on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  We have been vacationing at this Disney
resort every year for the past 17 years and we love it.  It is our happy place!!

Disney's Vero Beach Resort

We are huge Disney fans and thanks to my in-laws and their membership in
the Disney Vacation Club we get to go often!

This year we spent part of our spring break at Disney's Vero Beach Resort 
located in Vero Beach, Florida, just two hours Southeast of Disney World.

This was our first visit to Disney's Vero Beach Resort and it definitely won't be our last!

Healthy Travel Snacks

Did I ever tell you that I was a Girl Scout?
Girl Scouts are the best!
I did the whole scouting thing and was even a Girl Scout leader for 13 years!

I loved wearing that brownie uniform to meetings.  I wasn't too hip on the beanie
though.  Hats were never my thing.

Any who - the Girl Scout motto is Be Prepared and that motto my friends, has stuck
with me through life.  I am a planner.  I do not like to be unprepared.

I travel frequently for work so I thought I would share some of my planning skills
and show you my list of healthy travel snacks and things that I do not leave the
house without.

If I am traveling overnight I always bring my Starbucks travel mug, Emergen C
and my teas.  Sure most hotels have tea, but I prefer my favorites so I toss them
inside my travel mug and I'm set.

Jo Totes Camera Bags

Hi there!
I can't believe it's been a week since I have even looked at this little blog of mine.
Life has been so busy.
I've been on the road.
A lot.

My Jo Totes camera bag has been a lifesaver.
It keeps my iPhone, camera, iPad, charging cords, lipstick, gum, notepad, etc.
all organized and in one place.
I love it!

Jo Totes has so many beautiful styles of camera bags.
My camera bag is the Gracie in magenta.
Pink is my fave you know :)

DIY Travel Oatmeal

If you read my blog on a regular basis you know all about my oatmeal addiction.
I eat oatmeal for breakfast pretty much every single day. 
Steel cut, instant, baked, whatever.
I love it all.

So naturally when I travel I bring my own with me.
Doesn't everyone :)

Seriously I do.
Way wait in long lines at Starbucks or call for expensive room service when you can make your own healthy breakfast right in your hotel room while you're still in your jammies? 

I'd rather save my calories for cupcake tasting later in the day :)

Want to know how I make my hotel room oatmeal?




















Empty packet of oats into a coffee mug or paper coffee cup.
Pour bottled water into the hotel room coffee maker to heat the water.
I use 1/2 cup for my oats and the rest for my hot tea. (yes I bring my tea bags too)
What can I say. 
I was a Girl Scout and I like to be prepared!
Pour hot water over the oats and let it sit a few minutes for the oat to soften and viola....breakfast is served!

Here's what I use to make my oatmeal packets.

I buy oats, flax and sweeteners in bulk at our local Farmer's Market.

By making the oatmeal packets yourself you can customize them the way you like it.

I don't like my oatmeal too sweet, you may prefer to add more sweetener.

Give DIY Oatmeal packs a try and let me know what you think.

DIY Travel Oatmeal

1/3 cup combination of quick oats and rolled oats
1/2 T ground flax seed
1/2 T sucanant or brown sugar
1 T PB2
pinch of sea salt
optional - dried fruit or nuts

Combine all ingredients into a snack size Ziploc baggie.

When you are ready for breakfast pour the contents of your baggie into a coffee mug or paper coffee cup.
Heat water by running it through the hotel room coffee maker.  I use 1/2 cup water for each travel oatmeal packet. Pour hot water over the oats and stir.  Let the oatmeal sit for a couple of minutes until oats are softened.
Top with milk if desired.

Note - I also bring Silk Almond Milk singles (8 oz.) with me so that I have everything I need for my breakfast :)

New Orleans

As I mentioned earlier in the week, I was able to get away for two trips last month and
I had so much fun on both of them!

My husband had a work conference in New Orleans the end of March, so I tagged along to keep him company.
We stayed at the Sheraton on Canal Street. 
Beautiful view from our room.

We have been to New Orleans several times, but this trip I was on a mission to explore some new spots.

Here are a few of my faves.

Brunch at Stanley, located in the French Quarter.

Thanksgiving croissant for me and pancakes for the hubby. 

Both were delish!

The pancakes are served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Cupcake tasting at Bittersweet on Magazine Street.
The Strawberry Shortcake cupcake was fabulous.



















Meltdown Popsicle on Dumain Street in the French Quarter.



















Frozen confection on a stick with flavors such as Strawberry Basil, Saffron Rosewater, Pineapple Cilantro and chocolate sea salt with pistachios to name a few.
Love this tiny little shop!



















Pinkberry Fro Yo.
More frozen happiness.



















Magazine Street.
This was our first time visiting Magazine Street and we loved it.
Beautiful neighborhoods, cute shops and lots of restaurants.

Sucre on Magazine Street.



















I finally tasted a french macaron!
They are fabulous!

Antique shopping on Magazine.
Pyrex love.
I want some pink Pyrex SO bad, but this was way over-priced :(

Lunch at Charcoal's Gourmet Burger Bar on Magazine Street.
Shrimp burger, chips and a Diet Coke in a mason jar.
Loved this place!!



















Cafe du Monde in the French Quater.
Beignet's and Diet Coke.
Need I say more :)























I hope you enjoyed my little culinary tour of New Orleans.
Time to detox!