All Blog Posts

Disney – Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon 2025

I returned to Disneyland for the 2025 Halloween Half Marathon and earned my second coast-to-coast medal! From the energy of the Expo and exclusive merch to my best corral placement yet, perfect weather, and amazing community support, this race weekend was unforgettable.

Universal – Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

Discover the tropical charm of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando!

I recently had the privilege of experiencing a behind-the-scenes tour through Universal Foundations training, and the more time I spend learning about Universal, the more I fall in love with all that Universal Orlando has to offer. 

Florida Travel – Hotel Landy Orlando

Hotel Landy Orlando is a Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio hotel just minutes from Universal Studios and the new Epic Universe. With a chic retro-modern vibe, on-site dining, a lively pool, and Bonvoy member perks, it’s a stylish and convenient option I love recommending to travelers.

Tampa – Coppertail Brewing Co

In today’s climate, we’ve sadly seen too many beloved small businesses and breweries close their doors.

That’s why we want to make it a priority to spotlight places we love—places that bring something unique, creative, and special to our community. Coppertail Brewing Co. in Ybor City is one of those gems we can’t help…

Disney – Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

With over 60 dining options and 100+ shops at Disney Springs, you’d think we’d be trying somewhere new every time we visit. From upscale restaurants to quick bites, the options are truly endless. But despite the endless options, we keep finding ourselves back at one familiar, comforting place—Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

St Pete – Pirates Pub-N-Grub

It’s time that we let you in on one of our favorite local hidden gems!

We fell in love with Pirates Pub N Grub the first time we wandered into John’s Pass. Ten years later, it’s still our go-to.

Disney – Galaxy’s Edge – Oga’s Cantina

Whether you’re a lifelong Star Wars fan or just here for the out-of-this-world drinks, Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-visit.

Here’s everything you need to know before stepping into this galaxy far, far away—including how to snag a reservation, what to expect once you’re inside, and…

Disney – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – Ultimate Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of trick-or-treating through Magic Kingdom with your favorite Disney characters in costume, then Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the after-hours event for you. 

We went for the first time last year and trust me—it’s worth every pumpkin-spiced penny. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another hauntingly magical evening,…

Cruise – Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady – Ultimate Guide

It’s safe to say that after my very first Virgin Voyages Cruise on The Valiant Lady, I’m obsessed! We had an incredible time on our 5-night cruise from Miami to Mexico and back, and I can’t stop talking or thinking about it. I want everyone I know to experience it, and here is everything you…

Cruise – Valiant Lady – Food Guide

It’s time to talk about the amazing food on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady!

In my previous posts, I’ve touched on our overall cruise experience, along with an in-depth look at our Sea Terrace Stateroom. Now I want to focus on the food, which was incredible! Hope you’re hungry, and if not, you will be!

Universal- Terra Luna Resort – Universal Orlando

We recently had the honor of previewing the Universal Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort – and while we were there, we stayed at Terra Luna Resort. 

Universal Terra Luna Resort is one of three new hotels that are now open and adjacent to the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, opening May…

Universal- Epic Universe Preview

We spent a full day exploring the brand-new Universal Epic Universe theme park during a special sneak peek before it officially opens to the public on May 22, 2025.

Spoilers ahead, lots of tips, and tons of photos!

Cruise – Virgin Voyages – Valiant Lady

My bestie and I just got back from a 5-night Virgin Voyages cruise on the Valiant Lady, and it was an incredible experience! My goal aboard the Valiant Lady was to spend little money outside the basic cruise fare.  For now, I thought I would create a brief overview of everything included without paying anything…

Cruise – How to Choose the Right Cruise

Let’s talk about cruises! This past January, I went on my very first cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas, and in March, I toured The Wish on Disney Cruise Line. This week, I am about to embark on another new adventure on my first cruise with Virgin Voyages! But in the meantime,…

Disney- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel

Two of our favorites are sister hotels located just beyond The Boardwalk in the Epcot Resort area – The Swan and Dolphin Hotels. Last week, I gave all the details about The Swan Hotel, so this week let’s focus on my personal favorite, The Dolphin Hotel!

St Pete-Tombolo Books

It’s been a while since I wrote about something local that I am passionate about, other than travel, and what pairs better than anything with traveling? Reading, of course! And you guys, I have been reading obsessed lately! 

Disney – Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2025

One of the most beautiful festivals of the year has begun! The 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary from March 5 to June 2, 2025.

I took a quick solo trip to Orlando for a dream-come-true FAM trip with Magic Bound Travel (don’t worry—you will find out in my next…

Disney – Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2025

Why on earth does anyone get up at 2 AM for multiple days in a row to run? Yes, we asked ourselves that all weekend long, but the answer is … the Disney bling of course!

My bestie and I just completed the 2025 RunDisney Princess Fairytale Challenge at Walt Disney World and I am…

Universal- Stella Nova Resort – Universal Studios Orlando

I recently had the honor to preview one of the brand new Universal Studios Orlando Resorts – Stella Nova Resort.  Universal Stella Nova Resort is one of three new hotels opening and is adjacent to the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, opening May 22, 2025. Here are all the details! 

St Pete – The Neon Lunchbox

It’s been a while since I featured any local spots on the blog, and I wanted to try to tuck them in among our travel and Disney content again. As someone who recently started a small business, looking around and seeing where I can support other small businesses in my community has become essential. It’s…

Disney – Gideon’s Bakehouse – January Cookie

As mentioned in my last blog post – we decided to make one of our goals for 2025 extra sweet! We thought it would be a fun and delicious goal for the new year to make a trip each month to try the unique cookie of the month at Gideon’s Bakehouse, treat ourselves to a…

Mira Manor – 2025 New Year New Goals

It will be tough to top 2024, but we will surely try! I personally love to have goals and plans to look forward to on the horizon.  It keeps me focused and motivated to have a list of exciting things in front of me, so this year, I’ve decided to share my list! 

Travel – Why You Should Hire a Travel Agent for Your Next Trip

Why Use A Travel Advisor? As we approach 2025, the relevance of travel agents remains strong. Supporting travel advisors (like me) fosters their small businesses through commission-based income, entrepreneurial growth, and personalized service. Agents provide expertise, save time, and offer exclusive deals, enhancing the travel experience significantly while benefiting local economies, making them invaluable in…

Disney- Disneyland Vacation 2024

Well, friends… we finally made it to the end of our Disneyland trip! I know, I know – this trip ended months ago, But I’m back to it and ready to wrap up this incredible memory-making trip with the final post about it! Make sure you read to the end 😉

Disney- Shades of Green Resort

We finally stayed at one of the most unique resorts in Walt Disney World: Shades of Green

Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC). It’s a unique, value-oriented lodging experience exclusively for military service members, retirees, and their families – all within the magical Disney World Resort bubble.

Disney- Wine and Dine Race Weekend 2024

By now, you know we LOVE the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival! But did you know they also have a RunDisney Half Marathon weekend that accompanies the festival each year?

This is the second year in a row that we have participated in Wine and Dine Race Weekend, and I am so excited to…

Disney- Disneyland Vacation – Halloween Half Marathon Weekend –Day Two

Wow—what an unbelievable whirlwind the month of October 2024 turned into. It’s honestly hard to understand where the month went, but in reality, we were deeply affected by back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated our community and uprooted our lives. Before we knew it, October was almost over.  We are incredibly grateful that our…

Disney- Disneyland- Candy Cane Inn Hotel

Our first trip to Disneyland was everything I had hoped for, and more, and much of that experience hinges on the accommodations we chose to stay at. The one that kept coming up as a hidden gem for the runDisney races and parks was the Candy Cane Inn. I’ve got all the details in the blog!

Disney – Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs

If you plan to visit Disney Springs, one of the most buzzworthy spots to check out is Gideon’s Bakehouse. Mark and I are not physically capable of going to Disney Springs without picking up something from Gideon’s! Here’s everything you need to know for this must do Disney Springs spot:

Disney – Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2024

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival has begun! This year, the festival includes 33 Marketplaces with special menu items and hundreds of delicious options—you know we tried as many as we could on opening weekend! Check it out!