travel

Local Eats: Mama’s Boy, Athens

August 5, 2016

My family loves breakfast. It’s our favorite meal of the day and on weekends we always have a least one big, hearty breakfast together. When planning vacations, food and restaurants are the number one thing I start researching (after accommodations). One of my favorite ways to find out about local eateries is through Instagram. Most restaurants follow their cities Instagram account and vice versa. I had followed the My Athens account for a few months prior to our trip and food pictures from Mama’s Boy frequented their feed. I could not wait to visit here during our Athens trip.

I need an iced coffee first thing in the morning before anything else. Sometimes I think I am addicted because I literally crave it when I wake up. My husband prefers his warm but I drink mine iced year round. It could be -30 degrees outside and you would still see me sipping on iced coffee. Mama’s Boy coffee is delicious and they offer free refills when you order it iced. For our starter, we decided to share the banana bread with honey poppy seed butter. This butter was definitely the start of the show and if I worked at Mama’s Boy, I would be hiding in the back on my break eating this with a spoon. buy buspar online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/buspar.html no prescription

My husband usually orders the heartiest thing on the menu and chose the Mill Town Breakfast Plate. I’m a huge fan of a restaurant’s specials and on this Saturday one of their specials were the Shrimp & Grits with poached eggs, creole sauce, and cheddar cheese. It was without a doubt phenomenal and had a kick to it which added a ton a flavor. If you follow my food posts, you know I am egg obsessed and add eggs to just about everything. I can’t make poached eggs to save my life so when I see them on the menu, I can’t resist. The kids shared the Cinnamon French Toast sticks and biscuits. Ahhh, the biscuits. Paired with the homemade raspberry jam, they are melt in your mouth deliciousness and will have you dreaming about them for weeks on end. buy alphagan online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/alphagan.html no prescription

When visiting Mama’s Boy on the weekends, I suggest coming early or be prepared to wait for a bit. This place is so popular with the locals and for good reason. The restaurant is cozy, service is fast and the food is outstanding and budget friendly. Thank you, Mama’s Boy for hosting us! buy bupropion online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/bupropion.html no prescription

*This review was in partnership with Mama’s Boy. As always, all opinions expressed are my own*

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Hotel Indigo, Athens

August 3, 2016

Last week we took a family trip to Athens, GA and stayed at the beautiful Hotel Indigo. The hotel is centrally located right in downtown Athens and close to nearly everything. Had it not been so hot we probably would have walked everywhere. However, having two kids in tow it just made more sense to drive. This was the kids first time in a hotel and they thought it was the coolest thing ever and would have both been fine staying inside during our entire trip. Since we were visiting in the summer, most of the college kids had gone home so the city was relatively quiet and peaceful. It was almost as if we had the town to ourselves. buy cenforce online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/cenforce.html no prescription

We stayed in the jacuzzi suite which is perfect if you are traveling with kids or another couple. The suite has two bedrooms and a spacious living room with a pull out couch, which Henry slept on. There is a huge jacuzzi tub, a separate shower and a double vanity in the bathroom. The toilet is in a separate room with an additional sink which was ideal for us because we put Evelyn’s pack n play in the main bathroom and were still able to use the facilities at night and brush our teeth. buy clomid online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/clomid.html no prescription

I love the concrete ceilings and hardwood floors. There is also plenty of windows that let in a ton of natural light and full drapes which totally block out daylight if you’re trying to get a nap in (or in my case, two naps in!) The mini fridge is huge, perfect for bottles of water, orange juice, milk and fruit for the kids. There is a bar sink in the living room by the fridge which is great for rinsing out sippy cups. I also really liked that they provided cans for recycling in the room. You’d be surprised how many plastic bottles we went through. We didn’t get a chance to eat at the hotel restaurant, Madison Bar & Bistro, but it was so welcoming and everything on the menu sounded delicious. The kids loved the outdoor patio space and had they not been with us, my husband and I would have definitely enjoyed a few drinks out there! buy clozaril online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/clozaril.html no prescription

Hotel Indigo is perfect for any vacation: a romantic getaway, family weekend, or a place to stay while going to a Bulldogs game. The staff was so friendly, the rooms were spotless, the parking is convenient and you cannot beat the location. We could not have asked for a better first family hotel experience.

*our stay was in partnership with Hotel Indigo. As always, all opinions expressed are my own*

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What’s in my Carry On Bag

June 3, 2016

Comfortable Travel Bag – This bag from 48 North is extremely durable, large and stylish. It easily sits on my shoulder and proportions the weight out evenly. I gave it a test run a few weeks before traveling to see how I would like it. This bag is my go to for soccer games, the pool and even a weekend road trip. I love how everything is easily accessible, yet also hidden under your arm. {You can save 10% with the code CHANELDISCOUNT2016}Electronics – I never, ever check valuables. I always bring my computer, camera, cell phone and chargers on the plane with me. I like to do work, watch movies and listen to music. If you’re on an extended plane ride, there will usually be a USB port by your seat so you can charge your phone. Definitely a must if you are on a red eye flight back from Portland stuck in the middle seat and playing candy crush for 5 hours.
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If you are searching for a mobile phone that could cater to your business needs and your personal ones then I recommend that you pay full attention towards iPhone reviews. One of the major problems that people face with the iPhone is its price tag. Compare different models and prices in one place on Gadgetsfind. The average iPhone starts from $500, which makes it an expensive gadget. This is why there are a lot of people who are interested in purchasing an iPhone, but they don’t have the financial resources to do so. But there are still ways that these people can go around and save a decent amount of money on an iPhone, and this is by going for contract plans.
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Wireless Earphones – I was blown away when I found these amazing earphones online. They are completely cordless which makes moving around with your phone a breeze, especially on a plane when space is limited. I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten those long, thin earbud cords tangled around my seatbelt. These are also super stylish and come in assorted colors.

Thieves Spray – Made from Thieves essential oil and distilled water. I use this for everything when traveling (and when I’m not). It’s a natural sanitizer that I spray on airplane armrests, hotel linens, the remote control, public bathrooms etc. Aside from my electronics, it is the most beneficial item I bring with me. It also doubles as a general air freshener.

Face Wipes & Oil Absorbing Papers – I already have oily skin so I don’t wear makeup when flying. The thought of caking a bunch of makeup on for a day of travel makes my face feel heavy. Having face wipes with me can give my skin a little refresher before arriving at the hotel.
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Dry Shampoo – This is a no brainer. For the same reasons as above, dry shampoo revives your hair after being in stale airplane air.

Miscellaneous – I found these Sitting Pretty Toilet Seat Covers recently and purchased a bunch. They are such a lifesaver for public restrooms! I also pack tissues, breath mints, lip balm and small sterile alcohol prep pads. I keep all of these small items in this rose gold pencil case.

Did you know that today is National Donut Day? What better way to start your weekend! Happy Friday, friends! xo

*48 North provided me with this bag to assist in my travels. as always, all opinions expressed are my own*

Boston City Guide

June 2, 2016

In May, my entire family and I had the privilege of visiting Boston together to see my brother graduate from Boston University. We had the best time being together and experiencing the city. My husband and I had never been to Boston before and we were definitely looking forward to a vacation, sans kids. We stayed at the wonderful Godfrey Hotel (full review here) which was right in middle of great attractions. After arriving late Thursday afternoon, we took a cab to our hotel to check in, get our bearings and have a drink before we headed to dinner at Cinquecento (full review here). I was really looking forward to sleeping in for three mornings straight and not having to change diapers and bathe tiny humans. Friday morning we had the BU Commencement ceremony followed by lunch at the Eastern Standard. The food was amazing and the staff was even better. Our waiter was 13th generation Bostonian and so friendly, helpful, patient and funny. Our plates were the perfect size for lunch and we didn’t leave feeling heavy and weighed down. Their cocktails, wine and beer selection were very impressive and I had a delicious cider beer which tasted like champagne (double win). buy propecia online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/propecia.html no prescription

Dinner was at the incredible Abe & Louie’s steakhouse in Back Bay. This restaurant had an old school charm and the service and attention to detail was impeccable. I wouldn’t have expected anything less, because their reviews online are stellar. Since there were eight of us in our group we were able to try a variety of different items. The dishes that stood out were the Lobster Mac & Cheese, Shrimp & Scallop Louie (pan-seared scallops and shrimp on risotto), 24 oz Bone-In Aged Prime Ribeye and the Potatoes au Gratin. Plus, their dinner rolls were fantastic. Usually I don’t comment on the bread but these were so fluffy and buttery, and with just a hint of sea salt on them, they seemed to melt in your mouth. buy sinequan online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/sinequan.html no prescription

We had a jam packed day planned for Saturday. We started off by walking through the Boston Commons followed by visiting the wonderful Top of the Hub’s Skywalk Observatory, which has an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of Boston and surrounding areas. We were lucky enough to have a tour provided to us and we learned so much about the history of Boston. I definitely recommend checking out the Skywalk Observatory, especially if you have kids in tow because they will love being up so high and seeing all of the city. I know Henry would have gotten such a thrill watching the planes taking off and landing at such a high altitude. buy super kamagra online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/super-kamagra.html no prescription

After taking in the city view at the Skywalk, we took a pedicab to the famous Fenway Park to catch a Red Sox game. Little did we know, they were letting fans out onto the field to meet players, take pictures and walk around. It was a truly one of a kind experience that will never forget. As excited I was to be at Fenway Park, I was equally as excited to eat some ballpark food! Part of the whole experience is enjoying some beers, brats and cotton candy. I definitely did not hold back (sorry jeans).

Sunday morning we walked along Newbury Street and ate at the famous Stephanie’s on Newbury. The location is ideal for people watching or having a drink on the patio after an afternoon of shopping. They have a fun Bloody Mary menu where you can customize your drink and add different veggies and vodka. The possibilities are endless and the perfect start to your weekend brunch.

I ordered the Green Chile & Pork Enchilada which was topped with house made enchilada sauce, 2 fried eggs and served with guacamole and salsa verde. I think I scarfed it down in under 5 minutes, it was that good. My husband chose the classic eggs Benedict which was tasty but I think he should have ordered outside the box 🙂 We split the house made Pecan Sticky Bun and let me tell you, if I were a local I would order these in bulk and eat them every morning.

If time would have allowed, we most definitely would have taken the Duck Tour. We saw them everywhere and they looked like a ton of fun. We’ll be looking forward to that on our next trip! Our overall experience in Boston was phenomenal. From our hotel stay, amazing food and beautiful weather, it was an incredible weekend and we can’t wait to return!

The Godfrey Hotel, Boston

May 24, 2016

While in Boston we stayed at beautiful Godfrey Hotel, which is a new boutique hotel located in the Theater District. The vibe at the Godfrey can best be described as hip ,laid back, cool and welcoming to all. During our stay I saw people from all walks of life: young travelers, families with small children, professionals and large groups. The main thing that stood out during my time interacting with and observing the staff is that they were all polite, patient, helpful and professional to everyone. The Boston Commons and Public Garden are only a few blocks away and The Paramount Theater and Boston Opera House are only a few steps from the entrance. Public transit is also close by, making the Godfrey convenient to an array of attractions.

A plus side of staying in a newer establishment is that there is usually minimal to no wear and tear. We stayed in the Executive King Suite and everything in our room was clean and new. All the decor and fixtures are modern and stylish. The carpet is a chic grey which compliments the plaid headboard and bedding. There is a large desk, wardrobe and two side tables. The room was the perfect size for my husband and me. buy zithromax online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/zithromax.html no prescription

Unlike most conventional hotels, the bathroom is equipped which a beautiful sliding door, which hides nicely along the back of the wall. The shower doors are floor to ceiling glass and the sink is a beautiful porcelain. All the minimalistic and modern accents throughout our room really added an elegant touch.

I loved that there was a mini fridge in our room which was empty, allowing us to fill with waters, juice and coffee creamer without having to take all of the mini bar items out. It was such a bonus to come back to the room after being out all day and having cold beverages to drink. A single cup Keurig is a must for any traveler. I was able to enjoy my entire cup of coffee warm in the morning without having to reheat it 10 times (#momlife). The 55″ HDTV’s come equipped with the hotels Innspire, letting you stream movies and music directly from your phone. The WiFi is free at the Godfrey in all rooms and lobby which is an excellent deal since some hotels can charge upwards of $20+ a day. buy zocor online https://medstaff.englewoodhealth.org/wp-content/languages/new/zocor.html no prescription

A beautiful breakfast spread was provided for guests every morning in the front lobby near the bar. Everything from juice selections, hot coffee, fresh fruit, yogurt and pastries were exactly what we needed to start our mornings off right. Since our days were pretty packed, having a quick bite fit right into our schedule. The bar area was really fun in the evening and extremely convenient for a nightcap before heading to bed. There is an amazing bartender who made some incredible cocktails and was always so friendly.

My absolutely favorite part of the hotel was the the original marble staircase and elevators which were both carefully restored to their former glory. The first floor of the building used to be a fashionable place to shop, now it’s a fashionable place to stay. I love when hotels keep part of the original architecture since it adds so much to the character of the redesign.

With only 11 floors and 242 rooms, the hotel was never overly crowded or noisy, which I appreciated. We never had a wait time and the staff was always on top of our needs as well as the other guests. Thank you so much to The Godfrey for having us and providing such a pleasant and enjoyable stay. If you are planning a trip the Boston soon, I cannot recommend this hotel enough. You definitely will not regret it!

*This review was in partnership with The Godfrey Hotel. As always, all opinions expressed are my own*

Local Eats: Cinquecento, Boston

May 17, 2016

My entire family and I were lucky enough to all be together in Boston this past weekend to see my brother graduate from Boston University. It was such a special moment for all of us and I was so excited to have my husband with me so we could experience Boston together for the first time. We arrived late Thursday afternoon and had been up since the early morning hours preparing for our trip. Our dinner plans were taking us to Cinquecento in the South End and we had been looking forward to it all day.

The restaurant was very easy to get to. We walked from our hotel in the theater district and it only took about 20 minutes. The weather was beautiful and we loved sightseeing a little on foot. As a blogger and photographer I am always on the lookout for unique walls and backdrops. The brick walls leading into Cinquecento were so beautifully painted and definitely set the tone for what was about to come. The restaurant has a spacious outdoor patio and bar which was very busy, but not overwhelmingly crowded. It looked like a great place to meet friends for a drink or come let of some steam after work. It was also nicely shaded in between tall buildings which made for a more enjoyable experience. The decor and architecture inside Cinquecento stays true to their Italian namesake. Gorgeous industrial fixtures and glass pendants hung from the high ceilings and the rustic wooden tables provided wonderful ambiance and character. buy adalat online https://salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/adalat.html no prescription

Our table in Cinquecento was in a prime location: a corner booth in the bar area. The tall windows let the natural light pour in beautifully, making it the perfect spot for photographing food. blogger problems. The entire staff could not have been friendlier and went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcomed and taken care of. Our waiter was well versed in every aspect of the menu and knew his wines like nobody’s business. I am not a big wine drinker but he was able to pick out a few wines for me to sample throughout the night and I found a new white that I absolutely love: La Scola Gavi dei Gavi Bianco Secco. Definitely ordering a case of this as soon as possible. I also tried the Minuetto Cocktail which consisted of Prosecco, Vodka, Elderflower, Grapefruit and Lemon. It was also delicious with just the right balance of all ingredients. buy advair online https://salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/advair.html no prescription

For starters we had the Steamed Mussels with Red Onion, Basil and Spicy Broth. The broth was more delicious than the mussels, which were exceptionally prepared. Thank goodness for the bread they kept bringing because we soaked up every last bit of that broth. Being the carb lovers that we are, we also ordered the Ricotta Fresca: warm ricotta, olive oil and grilled bread. I’ve never had warmed ricotta but was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it was. At most restaurants I visit there are usually only a few appetizers which look appealing to me but at Cinquecento they all looked good. Bruschetta, Grilled Octopus, Oysters, Charred Beef Carpaccio … the options are endless and there is something for everyone. buy amaryl online https://salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/amaryl.html no prescription

My husband had the Bolognese (veal, pork, pancetta, beef and parmigiano) and our waiter warned him when he ordered that it could possibly be the best he’s ever had, and he wasn’t kidding. It was that good. My husband’s standards are set pretty high when it comes to meat sauce, yet he raved about this for the rest of our trip. I chose the Fettuccini Al Funghi E Tartufi: foraged mushrooms, truffle butter and basil. I’m a sucker for truffle anything and this didn’t disappoint. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, you have to try this dish. The noodles were so fresh and I could have drank the truffle butter sauce with a straw. The Brussels Sprouts were prepared to crispy perfection with just the right amount of parmesan cheese and pepper sprinkled throughout. Asparagus with cured egg yolk and parmigiano was so fresh as if it had been locally picked that day. We ended the evening with the Bittersweet Chocolate Budino (molten chocolate cake) with fresh whipped cream and Grand Marnier. Cinquecento really raised the bar for the trip and we kept comparing everything we ate to our first dinner in Boston.

If you are a current Bostonian or visiting this wonderful city, Cinquecento is a must. The food was out of this world delicious and the staff, dare I say it, was even better. Nothing makes me happier than having an all around wonderful experience. Thank you, Cinquecento for making our first night in Boston a memorable one!

*Our meal & drinks were provided by Cinquecento. As always, all opinions expressed are my own*

LegoLand Discovery Center {Atlanta)

May 11, 2016

It probably comes as no shock when I say that my almost four year old son is obsessed with Legos. Literally obsessed. He loves to build, tear apart and rebuild. A few weeks ago we planned a trip to LegoLand Discovery Center in Atlanta with Henry, myself and husband. We left Evelyn with my mom so we could have some quality time with Henry. Being that Evelyn is only 16 months old, she wouldn’t have enjoyed herself since 99% of the actives are for older kids (however children 2 and under have free admission). We were able to really experience LegoLand and all it had to offer without having to worry about pushing a stroller or rushing to leave for Evelyn’s nap. We also were not the only parents with this mindset because all the children I saw there that day were at least 3 years old and up. buy antabuse online https://salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/antabuse.html no prescription

LegoLand is located in the heart of Buckhead in Phipps Plaza on the third floor. It is promoted as an indoor discovery center and playground. From the moment you step off the elevator you are hit with all things Lego. We arrived right when it opened at 10am and stayed for about two hours. There is endless entertainment, building stations, climbing stations, slides, karaoke, a cafe, rides and a 4D movie theater which plays several different short films throughout the day. There is a helpful countdown clock at the theater entrance so you know when the next showing is. buy atarax online https://salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/atarax.html no prescription

Henry has been to LegoLand once before with my mom but this was our first time. Trust me when I say he never forgot a single thing he did there, even after a year from his first visit. He was so excited that he woke up at 3am Sunday morning saying it was time to “shoot the bad guys!” LegoLand has an interactive ride where you can “shoot” bad guys on the screen in order to rescue the princess. They also take your picture while riding on the ride which you can purchase after for $12. Totally worth it since you get a 5×7 size and the option to go online and download and print more. The keepsake is so sweet and Henry chose to hang the picture in his room.

The race car station allowed children to build their own cars and then send them flying down a ramp to see if the cars would get enough momentum to land in the bucket. Henry loved the building part but the bigger kids definitely loved the racing! buy abilify online https://salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/buynoprescription/abilify-no-prescription.html no prescription

There is an earthquake table which Henry and my husband both enjoyed. They spent nearly 20 minutes at that station building the tallest buildings and then setting off the earthquake and seeing whose building could stay up the longest. There are stations everywhere and they are nicely spread out. The center never felt crowded, even when it got busier as the day went on.

My favorite part was the Lego recreation of Atlanta. From Turner Field to the Varsity, the entire city was built made out of Lego’s. It was one of the most impressive things I have ever seen. Most of the Dad’s in attendance seemed to love this room the most 🙂 Did you know there are 62 lego bricks for every person on Earth? The fact that there are more legos in existence than people blows my mind. Lego takeover anyone?

Henry’s favorite part of Lego Land was by far the new Pirate Island Adventure cove which had a great indoor climbing and play area, a lego build station and even a water build station where kids could build pirate ships in the water and send them floating down to the bottom. Your child will definitely get wet here, which is part of the experience, so be sure to keep that in mind when dressing them for the adventure!

After finishing up in the discovery center you are taken to the incredible Lego shop which is a mecca for kids. They have every building set you could imagine and a ton of fun accessories. I personally wanted the pink lego backpack but my husband vetoed that idea. LegoLand even offers hosted birthday parties that include pizza, drinks, a private party room and plenty of play time.

After Lego Land we had lunch right across at Johnny Rocket’s. We finished out our day with milkshakes, root beer floats, french fries and old fashioned burgers. It reminded me of times when my dad and I would go there because he always loved the Johnny Rockets milkshakes.

He had a smile on his face the entire time and I haven’t seen him that happy in a while. I knew he loved being able to spend time with his parents alone and have the focus solely be on him. After Evelyn joined our family a lot of my attention went to her, naturally since she is a lot younger and cannot do anything on her own yet, so my time with Henry was cut short in a lot of ways. Spending the afternoon together with just the three of us reminded me that I need to take more time and do one on one activities that just involve the three of us or even him and me. Experiencing LegoLand together was such incredible and I highly recommend it for kids 3 and up. If you have an older child, it’s ideal for a solo date with just them. You can find more information about tickets, hours and location on their website.

*Thank you to Lego Land Atlanta for providing tickets for our visit. As always, all opinions expressed are my own*

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