My oldest children are in their pre-teen years. Last Christmas, we tried something new. My daughter had been constantly on us for a trip to NYC. I travel for work often to the City and she’s always wanting to tag along. Last Christmas, she opened a ticket to NYC. I didn’t give her the date (although you could do that too) but more the promise that we will plan a trip together and the visit.  The gift of travel and more experiential gifts area becoming more popular with our kids. They have come to the understanding that these trips do cost money and they have started to choose the experience over the toy. I’m loving that they are making that choice themselves too!

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My patents brought me to New York City when I was 16. It never left my soul. I love the hustle of the people. The bright lights energized me as I walked through the streets. There is just something about New York City. Mia received a plane ticket to NYC last Christmas. It was her big gift. We finally booked the trip and New York City through her eyes has been magical and we still have two more days to explore.

We got in last night…late. Checked in to the hotel and walked out. We were about 10 blocks north of Time Square but you would have thought we were right around the corner.

I have traveled with Mia solo a few times before and it probably tops my list of favorite things to do.

She’s open to new things. Excited to hit the ground and explore this new city. We have to more days and I can’t wait to show her this City.

Pictures only tell part of the story. They are a brief moment in time that stands still. But in that moment, captured in time, a story- funny, sad, heart-warming or hilarious- can be told about that night, that trip, that memory. I’m excited to partner with Preferred Hotels and Resorts to tell you all about my family travel truths and can’t wait to see yours too!  Just by sharing and tagging your #FamilyTravelTruth on Instagram, you’ll have the chance to win a 2-night family-friendly hotel stay with Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Winners will also receive free prints from Artifact Uprising! It’s not always just poolside cocktails and perfect beach views with clean kids looking like they just stepped out of a magazine. Let’s get real, shall we?

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Summer might be coming to a close, but it’s definitely not over yet! I know school starts on TODAY for many of the viewers, but believe me, summer is far from over!

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As I scroll through the 10,000 moments I caught on my camera from our summer vacations with the kids this summer, I can’t help but smile. It’s these soft summer moments that I cherish when I think of how wonderful our time spent together. With summer over now and back to school on the horizon, I just want to stop time and go back to porch sitting, pool hopping, spring jumping and lazy summer days. These have been some of the best moments of my life and ones I hope they will look back on and remember too. These are some of my favorite soft summer moments of 2016. I already want to go back.

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My recent trips to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida have made a Disney believer. Read more

I’ve been around the world a time or two in Epcot and my most favorite time of year is Spring!  It’s an amazing time to see all the characters recreated as life-like topiaries!  Here’s a quick trip around the World! If you haven’t been, there still time to visit!  

Easter Brunch is one of those meals that we look forward to all year. It’s relaxing, enjoyable with family and friends, and is always delicious.

We typically invite our family over, however, we decided we really wanted to relax this year and wanted to avoid the lines at the grocery store as well as the heat from my kitchen.  When I heard that Roy’s was having an Easter Brunch special, I jumped at the chance to actually relax on a holiday!  Cooking and preparing for any holiday with a large family is always a task, so I’m ok with splurging on a few holidays to let me really enjoy the holiday!

Guests can enjoy a two-course brunch starting at just $35.95 per person!

This impressive two-course brunch menu starting at just $35.95 per person is a dream. With complimentary House Made Sticky Buns followed by a choice of appetizer.

Irresistible Lobster & Shrimp Omelet with eggs, spinach, caramelized shallots and tomatoes, Roy’s Benedict made with either filet mignon or crab cakes served atop a cheddar bacon biscuit with shies béarnaise and Macadamia Nut Pancakes with caramel bananas are top on my list for choices and I want them all! 

It’s always nice to know that a special children’s menu will also be available for $12.95, making this a memorable event that’s sure to delight the whole family.

Brunch will start at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 27 at locations nationwide, except Hawaii and Pebble Beach. To make reservations, please visit www.roysrestaurant.com as seating will be limited.

Don’t forget my favorite part of the meal!  A special cocktail to toast the occasion and your choices include a Mimosa, Blood Orange Screwdriver, or Hawaiian Martini. 

Don’t forget to call and reserve your table, for dinner on Easter Sunday, as you will also receive a $20 dining card to use during a future visit. We can’t wait to go back!

Roy’s Tampa

4342 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 (Across from International Plaza)

(813) 873-7697

On March 6, 2016 the Valspar Championship returns to Tampa Bay at the Innisbrook Florida, which is one of America’s most celebrated golf courses!

We love having this marquee tournament in our back yard. Innisbrook is a fabulous place to stay and is the perfect place to play golf. 

So much is happening during the week of March 6th through March 14th. Get your calendars out, find some friends and make it weekend you’ll never forget. Bring the kids because it’s such a great sport to introduce them to. They will have a great time!

 2016 Schedule of Events

Sunday, March 6
Par4Miler Run (4pm)

Click here to register

3M Million Dollar Hole-In-One Challenge (4pm)

DETAILS: NEW in 2016 at the Valspar Championship – the perfect kickoff to Tampa Bay’s PGA TOUR event week for the fitness buff is the Par4Miler. Head out on Sunday, March 6 at 4 p.m. for a four-mile timed run through the scenic tournament Copperhead course at Innisbrook to an upscale 18th hole recovery party where you will collect your one-day ticket to the tournament and a voucher for a gallon of Valspar paint.

Monday, March 7

The Monday Pro-Celebrity-Am presented by BB&T in support of the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics

12pm shotgun start;

Admission is FREE

Tuesday, March 8
Professional Practice Rounds;

Admission is FREE

Wednesday, March 9

Championship Pro-Am;

Gates open at 6:00am

Thursday, March 10
1st Round Valspar Championship

Gates open at 6:00am;

Golf Channel from 3pm – 6pm

Valspar® LIVE! Concert featuring Rascal Flatts (7pm)

DETAILS: The Valspar Live! Concert featuring Rascal Flatts will be after play on THURSDAY, March 10th on the Osprey Driving Range. You will need a Thursday ticket or a Good Any One Day ticket for admittance, there is no special concert ticket.

Click here to purchase tickets
The concert will take place on the Osprey Driving Range. The Osprey Range is adjacent to the 14th fairway. Buses will be available from the Osprey Range back to tournament parking lots after the concert is over.
Admittance to the concert is complimentary to all Thursday tournament ticketholders; however, charitable donations can be made to Habitat to Humanity throughout the evening. 

All you need is a Thursday tournament ticket; you do not need a separate concert ticket. 

However, we are selling a Ultimate Concert Pass that gives you premium seating right in front of the stage. See ticket option section of website.

Friday, March 11
2nd Round Valspar Championship

Gates open at 6:00am;

Golf Channel from 3pm – 6pm

Saturday, March 12
3rd Round Valspar Championship

Gates open at 7:00am;

Golf Channel from 1pm – 3pm, NBC from 3pm – 6pm
Sunday, March 13
Final Round Valspar Championship

Gates open at 7:00am;

Golf Channel from 1pm – 3pm, NBC from 3pm – 6pm

Monday, March 14
Monday After Challenge (play the course the pros play)

Championship Rounds (Thursday – Sunday)

Fun activities happening all weekend: 

These are done great activities that you might not want to miss when you attend! 

Bright House Sports Network Pavilion (between 10th tee and 18 green)

Jabil Family Fun Zone presented by Publix(8th and 9th holes)

Michelob ULTRA 19th Hole (18th green)

Frenchy’s Pool Party (behind 18th green)

Fan Expo Area (behind 18th green)

Tampa General Hospital Interactive Health Screenings and Walk

Pinch A Penny Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost (16th green)

Will you be going this year?! We hope to see you out there! It’s great to live in Tampa Bay! 

{Photo Credit: Facebook.com/ValsparChsmpionship }