Central Florida’s Hidden Gem: Oakland Nature Preserve

Oakland, FL Article & Photos by: Kelsey Walters Florida is a place where nature still thrives, with wide-open spaces and wildlife that remind us of the state’s wild roots. Beyond the theme parks and busy beaches, there’s a side of Florida that’s all about peaceful hikes, birdwatching, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by nature. Just a short 30-minute drive from Orlando, Oakland Nature Read More » Continue reading Central Florida’s Hidden Gem: Oakland Nature Preserve

Glowing Wonders

Discover the Magic of the Asian Lantern Festival at Central Florida Zoo Nothing marks the holiday season quite like the sparkle of twinkling lights. The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford takes this to a whole new level with a dazzling immersive display that combines Asian culture with the shimmer of the season. The Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, now in its fifth year, transforms Read More » Continue reading Glowing Wonders

Smooth Sailing: Dos & Don’ts for the Best Cruise Experience

In 2020, our family planned and purchased a cruise as Scott’s 40th birthday celebration in May, and then…the whole world came to a screeching halt. Three years later, we finally took our celebratory getaway aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival cruise line’s largest ship along with its sister ship the Celebration, and among the top 15 ships in the world. We embarked on a seven-day Read More » Continue reading Smooth Sailing: Dos & Don’ts for the Best Cruise Experience