Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Safe Travel Guide to Fort Myers & Sanibel Beaches

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

I was invited by The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for a fun *and safe* family road trip to this beautiful area. I got so many questions via Instagram and I want to share all the details about where we stayed, where we ate, where we went, and more.

Because of the current worldwide pandemic, I personally do not feel comfortable traveling by plane- especially with a two year old. However, I love the idea of driving to another city in your state, changing the scenery, supporting local business and tourism, and enjoying life while still being safe.

The drive to Fort Myers & Sanibel is under 3 hours from South Florida. 3.5 from Orlando, and a little bit over 5 hours from Jacksonville- we were coming in from Miami so it was a really easy drive with a toddler.

Where we stayed: Matlacha Tiny Village

I was so excited about staying in a tiny home, I absolutely love the concept and it was adorable. The one we stayed in was “Flamingo” themed and everything had little flamingos on it. This home sleeps 6 adults and it includes a full kitchenette.

The community has a few tiny homes and its amenities include BBQ grill, dock, deck and kayak launch. I also found very convenient that it had picnic tables outside because we liked picking up food at restaurants and eating outside.

We also loved the location, Matlacha is so colorful and the people were very nice.

Must-have eats:

- Blue Dog Bar & Grill: If you want local seafood, this is THE place! It was recommended by many locals and it did not disappoint! My favorite were the fish tacos.

- Great Licks Ice Cream Shop: This spot was just across the street from the Tiny Village and we wanted to go every single day! If you see a long line outside, YES it’s because they are so good but also because they are very safe, only the customer buying can go in (and of course, masks required).

-Yucatan Waterfront Bar & Grill: The vibe is pretty great with music, and the waterfront view is beautiful. Besides the bacon glazed salmon I ordered, I wanted to try something different so I tried gator bites for the first time ever, they were delicious!

- Perfect Cup: This was our breakfast place! The pancakes are delicious and HUGE (so you can definitely share!).

-Island Pho & Grill We were kind of craving some asian food and we heard great things about Island Pho. If you go, you have to try the spring rolls…they are everything!

- Paradise Deli: This was our last stop before heading to Sirena Park and heading home, we took some delicious egg sandwiches to go and enjoyed it at the park while looking for manatees (more on it below!)

What to do:

-Pineland Site Randell Research Center
The first day we visited the Calusa Heritage Trail (0.9 mile walk through mounds and canals of the Pineland archaeological site). It was very interesting to learn about the Calusa Indians that inhabited the area many years ago.

-Cayo Costa State Park (we used Tropic Star of Pine Island to get there)
The second day we went to Cayo Costa, which is a state park island that is only accessible by boat or kayak and used to be a former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians. We arrived via boat in the early morning (Tropic Star takes about an hour each way), it was nice that it wasn’t full and everyone was required to wear a mask. Many people were in their “hiking" gear and when we arrived there I was excited to see a lot campers with their tents. It looked really fun staying overnight (adding it to my bucketlist!).

We headed to the beach since the island has nearly 9.5 miles of pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The day was a bit cold and cloudy but the water was still so beautiful.

TIP: you need to bring everything you need as there is barely anything on the island- aka bring food, umbrella, towels…everything!

Because of Nico, we decided to stay until 1pm instead of 3pm- and it was a great decision, he was already super tired from all the playing in the sand and he napped the whole boat ride to Pine Island.

- Thrifting on Fort Myers
The third day we headed to Fort Myers and as I absolutely love finding gems in thrift stores, I googled the ones in the area. There are MANY thrift stores around Fort Myers and so many have amazing beach furniture.We might go back when we start decorating our home. I actually bought some gold beautiful frames that I can’t wait to repurpose, and some vintage jewelry!

- Biking on Fort Myers Beach (Fun Rentals- Fort Myers Beach)
if you want to enjoy the beach and shops, rent a bike! Toddler seats are available for your little one!
Sirenia Vista Park

- On our last day, before driving back to Miami, we stopped by Sirenia Vista Park to see if we were lucky enough to see manatees (as they are common during the colder months January/February). We didn’t see them but Nico had a blast running and we read some books after having breakfast with a view!

Have you been to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel? I had a blast doing this little guide, let me know if you want to see more like this!

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Safe Travel Guide to Fort Myers & Sanibel Beaches

Must-Have Boots for a Winter Getaway

Monday, December 14, 2020

*Sponsored by Shopstyle and DSW. This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own.*

I absolutely love wearing boots…but let’s say that living in Miami, we (Nico and I) didn’t have the right boots for our winter getaway to North Carolina.

The weather during mid-December in North Carolina can be a little unpredictable- we weren’t sure if we were going to get snow BUT we knew there were a few waterfalls around the area and we were excited to go see them.

So I headed to DSW, our family go-to for all things shoes and THE boot destination with all the styles you might need for any occasion. I had two pairs in mind: rain boots and snow boots.

RAIN BOOTS

In our bucket-list, we had many waterfalls to visit around the area so I knew it was a must for Nico and me to get rain boots. And I honestly have been eyeing these Hunter boots for a while, especially for those crazy storms in Miami (we have them more than frequently).

But I am IN LOVE with Nico’s boots, they are super easy to put on and off (and as he is getting more independent, he loves that). He was very excited when he saw the space print and EVEN more excited when he realized they light up. They also comes in a super cute dinosaur print.

SNOW BOOTS

We really wanted to see snow BUT we weren’t as lucky. However, another thing in our bucket list was to go tubbing in a close-by area, so we got to wear our snow boots even if just for a little bit.

Mine are SOREL and I know they are a classic and will last me many seasons to come.

Nico’s are Columbia and he has been wearing them a lot, especially during the colder days of our getaway.

I ordered our boots online and picked the curbside option, but the store layouts have also been redesigned to support social distancing. You can also sign up to be a DSW VIP and get free shipping on any order! You can also get $10 OFF Express Shipping using the code ISHIPIT (from December 15th to December 18th) to get any last-minute Holiday shopping on time!

SHOP THE POST

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Must-Have Boots for a Winter Getaway

OUR TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY

Monday, April 1, 2019

Nico's first flight!!!

I'm definitely no expert when it comes to flying but Nico has already been to Mexico, New York and California. Before his first flight in October, I asked on IG stories if you all amazing mamas had some tips for me. The response was incredible, I tried to saved whatever we thought would work for us and now it's my turn to share what we implemented.

I hope they can be useful to any first-time moms out there.

WHEN BOOKING:

- Try to book the flight around his nap times if the flight is relatively short. If the flight is to Europe, for example, I've read it is better to book an overnight flight.

- If you are a small family of three, like us, when selecting the seats, pick an aisle and a window seat. If the flight isn't full, there might be a possibility that nobody will pick the middle seat...and you have to whole row for you! We did this and it worked! If the flight is full, I'm sure that person will be thrilled you are switching them from a middle seat to a window seat.

- If you are traveling nationally, there isn't any fee for a baby that's traveling in your lap. However, always call the airline. For our trip to Mexico, we had to play a 10% of our flight for taxes.

- Also if the flight isn't full, you might be able to bring the carseat with you inside the plane. This is also, of course, safer for your baby.

WHEN PACKING:

Have your documents ready. For national flight, we weren't asked to show any proof of age but we also had his passport with us.

When flying with a baby, you get an extra personal item (aka the diaper bag). So here are my recommendations on what to bring:

- DIAPERS: Add enough diapers for the length of the flight and extra for any surprises (like delays or poopy explosions!).

- Diaper cream and wipes, of course!

- An extra shirt for me and one for my husband- again, just in case any spit-ups that can ruin your travel look.

- I added a few layers for my baby- just in case the plane go too cold or too hot. I dressed him in a short-sleeve onesie but I brought pants, socks, a cozy jacket, and a little blanket. We ended up using it all since it was cold at the airport but hot inside the plane.

- Bring some of his favorite toys and some he/she hasn't seen before; that way you can entertain them easily during the flight.

- If you can, bring the baby carrier. It's extremely useful even when the baby is sleeping in the plane.

FOOD-WISE:

- On your diaper bag, you can bring formula, baby food, AND water without any issues (yes, WATER!). The TSA crew will carefully check your bag but it is acceptable to bring food and water if you are traveling with a baby. Give yourself 15 min of extra time for this check.

- If you need to pump, major airports have areas where you can pump privately.

- Same with breastfeeding. I'm all for publicly feedings, BUT if you need some privacy...there are areas you can do it.

PRE-FLIGHT:

- Besides the diaper bag, you are allowed to check an item at the counter and another one right before entering the plane. Regularly, you check the carseat at the counter and the stroller in the gate. If you can only check the one at the gate, do so. The items are not treated as well as they should as baggage.

- When going through TSA, you can wear your baby with the baby carrier, and you don't need to take it off. But some airlines might request you to take it off during take-off and landing.

- Check if you have early boarding- most airlines let you go inside the plane early so you can get settled with your little one.

- Try to tire your baby before boarding so your baby is ready to sleep as soon as you take off.

DURING THE FLIGHT:

- During take off and landing, make sure the baby is on the boob, with a pacifier or the bottle. This helps with the ear discomfort. This is probably the most important tip on this trip.

- You can ask the flight attendants to warm baby bottles. We didn't do it personally but this service is there for you.

- Changing tables are tiny inside the plane; so if you can, change your baby right before boarding and as soon as you land (of course, if timing permits!)

- Keep calm if your baby is crying, don't worry about anybody else. It happens and the calmer you are the calmer your baby be.

- The engines work as white- noise, that's why babies fall asleep relatively easy on planes.

AFTER-FLIGHT:

- Get ready to adjust his routine. If there is any time difference, add a quick nap or put him down to sleep earlier. Nico never noticed the 3 hour difference when coming and going to LA.

- When you arrive, request an UBER XL because of all the luggage, stroller/carseat, etc.

Hope this is all helpful and please add your tips below!

__________________________________________

No me considero ninguna experta cuando se trata de viajar con bebés...PERO ya hemos viajado un par de veces con nuestro pequeñito. Y quiero compartir con ustedes algunas de las recomendaciones que me dieron y que implementamos.

Espero que le sean útiles a alguna mamá por aquí.

AL COMPRAR EL TICKET:

- Intenta que el vuelo sea durante su siesta si el vuelo es corto. Si es uno largo a Europa, es recomendado que sea de noche para que el bebé descanse lo más posible.

- Si tu familia es pequeña, intenta escoger el asiento de la ventana y el del pasillo para ti y para tu pareja. En dado caso que el vuelo no esté lleno, el asiento del medio estará vació. WHOOP WHOOP a la fila completa. Nosotros hicimos esto y funcionó. ¡Si llega a estar ocupado, le ofreces el de la ventana, y listo!

- Si el bebé va en tus piernas, generalmente no hay costo. Pero siempre llama a la aerolínea para asegurarte. Por ejemplo, México al ser internacional, tuvimos que pagar impuestos por él (unos $20).

- Si el vuelo no está lleno, puedes entrar con el asiento para el carro y ponerlo en su propio puesto.

AL MOMENTO DE EMPACAR:

- Por supuesto, ten la identificación a la mano. En vuelos nacionales, no nos han pedido su pasaporte- pero siempre lo tenemos con nosotros.

- Al viajar con un bebé, la aerolínea te deja llevar otra pieza de equipaje pequeña (es decir, la pañalera). Aquí les dejo un par de recomendaciones en cuanto a que llevar:

a) PANALES: lleva suficientes pañales para la duración del vuelo + tiempo en el aeropuerto + extra en dado caso de algún retraso o sorpresa de #2.

b) Toallitas húmedas y cremita, por supuesto.

c) Una camisa extra para tí y tu pareja (otra vez, en dado caso que se ensucie con leche, buche, o comida de bebé).

d) Lleva ropita extra para tu bebé. Yo siempre le llevó, sin importar a donde vayamos, un suéter, medias, pantalones abrigados, y una manta. Todo esto en dado caso que en el avión/aeropuerto haga mucho frío.

e) Juguetes. Tanto sus favoritos como un par de juguetes nuevos que lo entretenga durante el vuelo.

f) Si puedes llevar el porta-bebé, ¡excelente! A mi me ayudó mucho.

En cuanto a la COMIDA:

- En la pañalera puedes llevar todo lo que necesitas, comida de bebé (en papillas o regular), fórmula, leche materna, y agua (SI, AGUA!). Al momento de pasar seguridad, te van a revisar la pañalera cuidadosamente, por esto añade unos 15 minutos más de tiempo.

- Si necesitas usar el extractor de leche, hay areas donde puedes sacarte leche o darle a tu bebé pecho de manera privada.

ANTES DEL VUELO:

- Aparte de la pañalera, puedes chequear una pieza al hacer check-in y otra en la puerta antes de entrar al avión. Regularmente estas dos piezas son el asiento para el carro y el coche. Si viajas mucho, te recomiendo el Doona Stroler que es un 2x1.

- Puedes pasar seguridad con el portabebé puesto y no necesitas quitarterlo- pero considera que la aerolínea puede prohibirlo al momento de despegue y aterrizaje.

- Revisa si te dejan abordar antes- la mayoría de las aerolíneas lo permiten para que tengas tiempo de acomodar todo.

- Intenta cansar a tu bebé jugando, en la puerta para que se duerma apenas se suban al avión.

DURANTE EL VUELO:

- Lo más importante es que tu bebé esté en el pecho, con un chupón o en su biberón al momento de despegar y aterrizar. Esto ayuda con la molestia en los oídos.

- Si necesitas calentar la leche, las aeromozas lo pueden hacer.

- Los cambiadores en los aviones son MINIMOS. Nosotros intentamos cambiarlo justo antes de abordar y al bajarnos.

- Si tu bebé esta inquieto o llorando, mantén la calma. Ellos se alimentan de nuestras energías, ¡¡cero estrés!!

- Las turbinas funcionan como sonido blanco, ¡lo cual ayuda a que se queden dormido más rápido!

DESPUES DEL VUELO:

- Pide un UBER XL para que te quepan todas las maletas, coche, asiento del carro, etc.

- Prepárate para ajustar su rutina apenas lleguen, especialmente si hay algún cambio de horario.

¡¡Comparte tus tips conmigo!!

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OUR TIPS FOR FLYING WITH A BABY

Hair Rescue- anytime anywhere!

Thursday, December 20, 2018

We absolutely love traveling and I feel I’ve learned to pack what I really need. I’m all about minimalism….but I’m bringing my haircare products with me!

I’ve realized that the products at hotels are simply horrible They don’t cater to my hair’s needs; and when I use them, my hair feels dry and extra frizzy.

So..YES, I bring my Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo with me ( I make sure to add tape to the lid because we all know that airlines don’t take much care of luggage). And now, I’m even more excited to take the new Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots anywhere with me!

So let me tell you all about them because I am obsessed!

The Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots come in a single-dose tube and they contain a blend of Pro-Vitamin B5, strengthening lipids, and natural glycerin to repair damaged hair and give it the resilience it needs to endure all the styling we do to it. Unlike other hair masks that weigh down hair, the lipids absorb into the hair instead of heavy coating it!

In simpler words, this is the secret to great hair imported from BRAZIL!

HOW-TO-USE

-Start with a shampoo that works for your hair type and needs. My hair is very dry; so, the Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo helps lock in moisture from root to tip.
- Use the Intense Rescue Shots instead of your normal conditioner once a week.

- While in-shower, apply the single-dose tube generously from root to tip. Focus on any areas that might need extra love!

-Leave in for 30 seconds.

- Rinse for 30 seconds. Make sure not to over-rinse!

And that’s it! It doesn’t get any simpler than this. You don’t have to get out of the shower to put the hair-mask, wait 15 minutes and get back in the shower! It saves time while feeling like a salon-like treatment. My hair felt instantly softer and shiny.

The new Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shots will hit shelves in the U.S in January 2019! However, you can get your hands on this exclusive product at Walmart.com right now – see here! Get ready and tag me showing off your beautiful hair as soon as you try them!!