Jul 21 2016

Mom’s Guide To the 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo #DriveKia

The 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo is a family-friendly mid-size sedan

I was provided with a Kia Optima SX Turbo to drive for the week in order to conduct this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I had a chance to test drive a red Kia Optima SX Turbo for a week this summer, courtesy of Drive Shop and Kia. Not only did it impress my 12-year old son but I was also impressed by its comfort, features, and speed.

The 2.0 L 4 cylinder engine got us to our destination FAST. Well, that and the Turbo feature.

Here is an overview video of our experience in the Kia Optima SX Turbo on Periscope:

I wasn’t surprised that I’d like the SX Turbo. Although a huge departure from our ride in the Kia Sorento, we were happy to go sporty as a family. And although not impressive on gas at 26 mpg combined city/hwy, we were able to get through the week on a tank.

That’s always my fuel budget goal.

Remember that rear-camera I glossed over in the video? Here is a little more in-depth coverage of how the Kia Optima SX Turbo’s cameras can assist you backing up and pulling into a parking space.

We took a Sunday family drive to Solomon’s Island, a little over an hour from our house and couldn’t have been happier with the space, smooth drive, and comfort we felt inside the Optima SX Turbo.

Automatic Locks, Keyless Entry perfect for bag carriers

I’m notorious for digging for keys in my purse. It was so refreshing not to have to do that with the keyless entry.

Other refreshing features in the car included ventilated seats:

The panoramic moon roof:

Comfortable steering:

And ample trunk space for tons of groceries:

The 2016 Kia Optima SX Turbo starts at $29,940 MSRP. Optional equipment brings the sticker price up to $38,000.

For the family that wants a bit of sport in their life at a reasonable price, the Kia Optima SX Turbo is worth considering.

Apr 08 2016

2016 Presidential Race Heats Up With Captain Obvious

It’s obvious that the 2016 Presidential Race is on every voting age American’s mind (most little kids could care less). What isn’t obvious is who will win this hot contest. At this point, it seems like it’s anybody’s race except that there’s one candidate hanging in the wings, watching, taking notes, and running for President, literally: Captain Obvious.

He loves travel, supports hotels at great prices, and has some good jokes. I don’t know about you but that makes him the obvious choice for me.

How hotels(dot)com and Captain Obvious won my vote

Let me tell you, I’ve used hotels(dot)com at least 5 times in the last 8 months to find quick options for hotels from Maryland to Costa Rica. As a matter of fact, this time last year I was searching the site for a place to stay in Costa Rica for my sister and me.

I had read about several beautiful resorts online when I was researching properties that offered hot springs. I checked prices directly on resort websites but something told me I could probably find better rates elsewhere. This is the normal part of my trip planning process – I search multiple sources before I make a decision.

This is where hotels(dot)com came into the picture. #TrueStory. They are one of several booking sites where I do my research. The site offered ample photos, reviews, and a rewards program.

It’s like they knew that I needed a room because the resort that was at the top of my list just so happened to have a deal on it. Score!

Just like Captain Obvious with this Presidential race, I couldn’t run fast enough to book our room. As a matter of fact, when it comes to a good deal on hotels, I could probably take him in a race. But I have to say, he got jokes. You should see some of his funny tweets throughout the whole presidential race.

You HAVE to see what jokes he had for other states. So far D.C. and NY are the funniest that I’ve watched.

Hilarious!

Back to my experience (cause obviously someone else loves the spotlight)…When I got to Costa Rica, there was no issue at the front desk as happens so often when people book rooms at what they think are great rates only to have to deal with drama in-destination.

It was my first time using the site to book a room. That’s how the booking engine and Captain Obvious won my vote.

Race for President

I can’t give you advice on who to vote for – well, actually I can but you do you (God help us all). However, I can give you advice on a good place to search for hotels based on my personal experience.

Who did I use when I booked a hotel room for my son’s sleepover birthday party in January? Hotels(dot)com.

Where did I get a sweet deal on a last-minute getaway for my Valentine’s birthday? Hotels(dot)com. This deal was that much sweeter because it was at a Kimpton hotel in Alexandria, VA nonetheless. Just sayin’.

Choose who you wanna choose when it comes to booking hotels (or picking Presidential candidates). For me, there’s an obvious choice.

About Hotels(dot)com

Hotels(dot)com is supporting Captain Obvious during the 2016 Presidential race because they believe in simplicity as much as he does – and he’ll need a place to sleep at night. They’ll be providing him with running shoes, socks, shorts and everything else he needs for his run.

They see the presidential race as a creative opportunity to utilize Captain Obvious as a way to be a part of, share in the broader cultural experience and to engage.

Mar 29 2016

The Shard London Tickets For Families Searching For Waldo

Visiting London with kids this Easter? The Shard London tickets for families searching for Waldo are currently on promotion.

Who’s Waldo?

Please tell me that you remember Waldo. He may have been hard to find when you were a child but he’s difficult to forget.

It’s hard to believe that next year will be the 30th anniversary of Where’s Waldo? I remember searching for the goofy-looking character drowned in a crowded scene in various parts of the world. Maybe those “puzzles” also contributed to my childhood fascination with traveling the world.

Those red and white stripes, that matching hat, those rounded black frame glasses made Waldo quirky and fun to search for him. Now, he’s coming back to life in a fun way across the pond.

The latest news is that Western Europe’s tallest building, the Shard in London, is taking the quest to find those red and white stripes to a whole new level. Imagine searching for Waldo in the only place where it is possible to see all of London.

The Child Hunt For Waldo Is Underway

Waldo was a fun activity for kids back in the 80s and will continue to stretch young imaginations in the 21st century. And what better place for a real-life Waldo playground other than London?

According to a press release, The View From The Shard (TVfTS), in partnership with Dreamworks, is putting a new twist on the traditional Easter Egg Hunt.

Visitors to TVfTS will be challenged with a real-life search for large-scale formats of Waldo and his friends amongst the busy London skyline. They can also search for the elusive globetrotter at some of the city’s most beloved hot spots. The search for Waldo has been underway since March 19th and will continue through April 10th (until sunset).

View from the Shard special for families

As part of the promotion, families visiting the Shard together can enjoy a combined Family Ticket throughout the Where’s Waldo activity, making it even easier for them to enjoy the attraction and their Easter Breaks together.

Families can purchase a combined ‘Family Ticket’ valid for (2 Adults + 2 Children, or 1 Adult + 3 Children), priced £74.95 (in advance) or £79.95 (day of) – saving over 15%. All tickets during the period come with a ‘Where’s Waldo?’ activity sheet, which can be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a fun-filled family adventure. The attraction is open from 10am until sunset. To find out more and book tickets, visit www.theviewfromtheshard.com.

Children must be aged 4 – 15 years (infants aged 3 and under do not require a ticket). Ticket includes entry for 2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 3 children

Tips for visiting the Shard

Purchase your tickets in advance! That’s the best tip I can offer you. The Shard is one of the most popular attractions in London. And with the Where’s Waldo family promotion, it’s guaranteed to be even more crowded.

All of TVfTS tickets are timed entry, however you can enjoy the attraction at your leisure. The view differs dramatically between day and night. You can purchase either a day time ticket (10am-6pm) or a nighttime ticket or a combo ticket to see the difference in the London skyline.

You Are Also Going To Love

Mar 22 2016

Travel To Cuba Opens For Carnival Corporation’s Fathom

The doors for travel to Cuba are opening wider for Americans. On his historic trip, President Obama announced that American relations with Cuba will change, mentioning that the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba would be fully lifted.

Political and economic developments remain to be seen. In the meantime, several American travel corporations are moving forward with plans to increase American travel to Cuba. One such company that will help Americans with unrestricted travel to Cuba is Carnival Corporation.

Carnival Corporation to offer cruises to Havana

As reported in a Carnival Corporation press release yesterday:

Cuba granted approval for the company to begin travel to Cuba starting on May 1, 2016. Following U.S. authorization granted in July 2015, Carnival Corporation is now cleared to operate the 704-passenger MV Adonia to Cuba through its newest brand Fathom. This marks the first time in over 50 years a cruise ship is approved to sail from the United States to Cuba.

Cuban authorities from Havanatur Celimar, various other agencies and Carnival Corporation today signed agreements enabling cruising by Carnival Corporation to Cuba.

“Our Carnival Corporation and Fathom brand teams have worked closely with Cuba throughout this process and we are thrilled to begin regular sailings to Cuba from Miami starting on May 1, 2016,” said Tara Russell, president of Carnival Corporation’s new Fathom brand. “We have been told that we will be the first cruise line to sail from the U.S. to Cuba with our historic inaugural sailing.”

“We are excited about Cuban approval and are ready to take travelers there through an extraordinary guest experience on the beautiful MV Adonia,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “This is a historic opportunity, and we know there is pent-up demand amongst Americans who want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven days. Everyone who sails with us with Fathom to Cuba will have a very special, rewarding and enriching experience with our Fathom brand.”

Fathom Cuban itineraries feature three ports of call
During each sailing, Carnival Corporation through its Fathom brand initially will visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval.

As part of this historic sailing in this inaugural year, travelers will enjoy an exciting Cuban experience and will sail aboard the 704-passenger MV Adonia, where they can choose to partake in onboard experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired music and film options, as well as Cuban-inspired menu options.

Fathom to offer onboard activities unlike any other Carnival cruise

Special onboard programming will include a wide variety of activities covering an array of interests, ranging from an orientation to Cuba’s history, customs and culture, to geographic-inspired entertainment, to casual and fun personal enrichment activities, to conversational Spanish lessons, to guided sessions with the Fathom team.

“We are humbled and honored to offer a one-of-a-kind Cuban experience to our travelers,” said Russell.

Seven-day itineraries on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand depart from Port Miami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The ship will arrive at its first destination, Havana, the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The MV Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time Sunday.

Booking details

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard experiences and several on-the ground activities. Prices will vary by season.

To secure a spot on future sailings, a $600 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. To reserve a spot on future sailings, travelers may contact their travel professional or call 1-855-9Fathom. Learn more at http://www.fathom.org/.

Why take a cruise to Cuba?

Cruising with Fathom to Cuba offers travelers an opportunity to set foot on Cuban soil faster than if they were to arrange travel on their own. At this juncture, American travelers don’t have complete autonomy to make travel plans. There are still travel restrictions to Cuba.

Currently, Americans can travel to Cuba in organized groups. Looser travel restrictions will allow U.S. citizens to go independently on educational “people to people” trips.

2. Taking a cruise, travelers would fly to Miami to catch the ship, bypassing the hassle of arranging flights to Cuba. According to travel site Hopper.com, U.S. flights to Cuba currently average over $700.

These charter flights are infrequent, lack online booking and 24-hour customer service. Once more airlines are cleared to offer flights, prices will likely drop. In the meantime, travelers can pay less expensive airfare to Miami and board a Fathom ship instead.

3. Cruisers have the benefit of onboard programs and organized on-the-ground cultural exchange activities. Travelers get to enjoy the creature comforts that they’re accustomed to in accommodations on Carnival cruises.

These are just a few of the immediate benefits I can see for traveling with Fathom to Cuba. At this stage it looks like Carnival can get passengers to Havana easier and faster than anyone else.

Mar 16 2016

Black History Month: Bannekar-Douglass Museum Annapolis

History Is Every Day

Black History month is one of my favorite months of the year. I don’t care to refer to it as just a month because history doesn’t start and end in 28 days. Some of us recognize it everyday as being a part of us, a part of our collective identity, an integral part of our history.

In February I visited several sites with and without my kids. On a cold sunny day I ventured to Annapolis to do a tour of the Bannekar-Douglass museum. This free museum is ripe with history.

Housed in a historic black church, the museum is palatable for a family with small kids. The Bannekar-Douglass museum is not too large and not too small. Children get just enough of history to not feel overwhelmed or tired.

In the LIVE streaming video below I take my viewers along with me to tour the Bannekar-Douglass museum. A weekday in February at 12:30 in the afternoon was perfect for avoiding crowds and getting the royal treatment on information, exhibits and all that the museum has to offer.

What’s your favorite museum? How do you celebrate your culture when it is universally recognized? Do you watch shows, look at family photos, read books or get out and travel?