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How to To Honor Veterans With Your Child This Veteran’s Day

November 4, 2019 by Rachel 42 Comments

Ways to Teach Your Kids How and Why They Should Honor Veterans

Veterans have served us all. This is our chance to honor them. Photo courtesy of macleans.ca.

There are 18.2 million living American veterans. That is almost eight percent of our population. These men and women have sacrificed so much for us to be able to have the freedoms that we do. After all they have done for us, we dedicate one day a year to them. It is our duty to honor vets and their sacrifices, and to teach children to do the same. It can feel overwhelming, especially for kids to think about that kind of stuff. But it does not have to be that complicated. Often times, it’s the simplest gestures of kindness and gratitude, which help a veteran feel appreciated. Here are just a few ways to help your kids this Veteran’s Day.

Teaching kids about Veteran’s Day honors veterans. It lets them know their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Photo courtesy of liherald.com.

Teach Kids The History of Veteran’s Day

Often children look over Veteran’s Day as a day they get off of school. They really do not register what it means. It is important for kids to know why we celebrate when we do and who we are celebrating. You don’t need to take your child through all of American war history for them to be able to understand the holiday. You can teach your child in simple ways. 

Start by telling them that we celebrate the holiday on November 11th every year. Then, explain to them why. WWI involved most of the countries in the world fighting on one side or another. They fought really hard and a lot of people died fighting and the war destroyed a lot of things. Then finally, on November 11th all of the countries signed a peace treaty. So they called this day Armistice Day. This war was thought to be the war that ended all wars and that was something to celebrate. Unfortunately, that was not the case and another war happened. So the name was changed to Veteran’s Day, to honor those who fought in the war.

Then, you can explain to your child what a veteran is. Many children confuse this often. Explain to them that a veteran is anyone who has honorably served in the military. You can use this chance to teach them about the five branches of the military. Kids love to be quizzed on this. Explain the difference between an active-duty soldier and a veteran. Remind them that on 

Veteran’s Day, we celebrate those veterans who are still living. There is a separate day, Memorial Day, where we honor those who have died. It is important that you teach your children that a veteran or soldier does not mean a person with a gun shooting bad guys. There is a wide variety of military jobs and each of them is equally important.

Most children don’t know that a ton of people in their daily lives are actually veterans. Photo courtesy of military.com.

Show Children the Veteran’s Around Them

Part of teaching children about the holiday is telling them about the Veterans around them. Tell them of any family member or close friend that is a veteran. Children get excited and want to hear stories from them. If there are no veterans close to your family, tell them of one of their friend’s parents or siblings that is a veteran or active-duty service member. It can help kids realize that veterans are all around them. Teach them to wave and smile when they see someone in uniform. Teach them the importance of thanking them for their service.

Another very important topic to teach children is about the hardships that veterans go through. It can be hard to explain this aspect of things to a child, but it is very necessary. You may want to hold off on certain topics until they are a little older. Start by telling them the hardships veterans went through when they were in service. Explain that they were in really dangerous conditions. Tell them that they had to be away from their families for really long periods of time and couldn’t talk to them much. Older veterans didn’t even get to talk on the phone.

Slowly get into how that affects them after they finally come home. Explain that it can be really hard for many soldiers to adjust back to a normal lifestyle after so many years of service. This can be lightly touched on by explaining that it can be hard for many vets to get jobs because they are not very qualified for things outside of the military, meaning that many veterans end up homeless. You can explain PTSD to children by telling them that veterans often have really bad nightmares about the things that they went through while serving in war.

 It is so important to teach children about these sacrifices that these men and women have made for our freedom. This will help your child be compassionate and appreciative of veterans. 

Having your child send a Veteran’s Day care package to any veteran will let them know they are appreciated. Photo courtesy of newarkadvocate.com.

Send A Care Package 

One way to teach children to be appreciative of veterans and their sacrifices is to teach them to serve themselves. No, this does not mean pressure your kid into enlisting when they turn eighteen. Just encourage them to be of service to those who are or who have. A great way for you and your child to do this is to send a care package to a veteran or someone who is still serving. 

There are a few different ways you can get started with this. First, you have to decide who you are going to send a care package to. Think of anyone you know who is a veteran. It could be a family member, friend, someone at your child’s school, or even someone at your church. If you cannot think of anyone, you can get a veteran’s information from your local VA medical facility. 

When thanking a veteran with a care package, it does not necessarily need to be American themed or anything or the sort. The contents are not as important as the action. Try sending a tin of Mrs.Fields Cookies with a note thanking them for their service. There are great online options for sending gourmet care packages that include personalized notes. If you do not want to send a premade package, opt to make one yourself. Pick up a few things to throw in a gift basket or even just bake a cake. Veterans just like to know that they are appreciated. 

If you decide to send a care package to someone on active duty, the procedure is a little bit different. These men and women are in conflict areas and have real needs. The most requested item is $25 Visa gift cards. This is how soldiers pay for wifi to get on the satellite for personal communications to home. Other highly requested items are personal hygiene-related like wet wipes, disposable razors, chapstick, body wash, lotion, face wash, mouth wash, deodorant, Q-tips, shampoo, conditioner, etc. Posters and calendars are needed for “dressing the place up”. You can also send USB thumb drives with downloaded TV or movies. This is really the only way soldiers can view this stuff. 

Packing these items is very important. Care goods that aren’t packed right ruins everything in the box. You must double-bag individual liquid and gel items.  Soap has to be bagged or it ruins the taste of the food items. You can send packages to an organization like Support Our Troops, where they fulfill soldier requests or you can obviously send a package to someone you know. Whenever sending a care package to a veteran or someone on active duty, you always have to send a note or card thanking them for their service. This sentence may be simple, but it packs a punch. Have your children write their own note, it will put a smile on someone’s face. If you are sending overseas, include a photo of you and your child. Soldiers like to see the faces they are fighting for and the people behind the packages.


Filed Under: #MomLife, charity, children, family, giving back, mommyhood, parenthood, tips + tricks Tagged With: #MomLife, charity & fundraisers, children, family, mommyhood, parenthood, tips + tricks

Hilton Head Island Travel Tips + Must-Sees!

October 27, 2019 by Rachel 47 Comments

My first trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina was just over 2 years ago. From the moment we returned home, we’ve been dreaming and planning our next trip to Hilton Head. Now considering myself a semi-pro at Hilton Head, I want to provide you with all of my go-to places and must-sees! Check out these Hilton Head Travel Tips!

PIN ME - Things To Do In Hilton Head

One thing that was set well in advance was our condo for the week. We stayed at Seacrest Villas, directly on the North Forest Beach, and just steps away from Coligny Plaza.

Our condo was beautiful. It was three-bedrooms, 3-baths, and had a full kitchen and dining room — plus TWO balconies! It was truly gorgeous! And part of me — the super mom part of me — could have had just that and nothing else for an entire week. No responsibilities; not our house; no laundry and cleaning — just that for a week.

But there was so much to do!

Annie O’s Kitchen

We discovered this place by pure chance. We found ourselves upon a child-free evening and had not at all planned it out. Where would we go alone!? Well, a google search later and the results… showed a bunch of other places. But I happened to see the description of this restaurant — their meats, dairy, and eggs, are all-natural and cruelty-free. There are no antibiotics, no preservatives, no pesticides, and sustainable. Basically, totally our wheelhouse.

seafood and biscuits

I had the Chicken and French Toast (what a fun play on chicken + waffles!) and Chad got the flash-fried whole flounder with collard greens.

We absolutely loved the atmosphere and the vibe from the staff. They were incredibly hands-on — the chef even came by to deliver our meals to the table. The cornbread? Bomb. The sweet tea? SO bomb. The desserts?! OMG I can’t even!

After our dining experience, we convinced the whole family to join us for a ‘last hurrah’ dinner at Annie O’s. And the whole extended family all said, hands down, the best food we had during the whole trip!

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Join their VIP Club to receive special deals like BOGO 50% off entrees. And make a reservation before you go!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Somewhat. The atmosphere is less appealing to children, but the waitstaff and other employees were super friendly to the kids.

DETAILS: Annie O’s Kitchen. 124 Arrow Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-2664

Coligny Splash Pad

The beach, the pool… they can be… exhausting for parents. There’s just so much sand and ‘stuff,’ that kids need. This splash pad was a perfect break for all of us. Located near Coligny Plaza, the splash pad is just off the beach and easily accessible.

splash pad fun

Our kids had a blast running in and out of the fountains — and even made a couple of friends! I suggest hitting the splash pad first thing in the morning before the sun really starts beating down on the kids. But, in case you find yourself there a little later, just know that it does have a little overhead shade, thanks to the awesome trees!

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Arrive first thing in the morning for the least amount of overcrowding.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: 100%!

DETAILS: Coligny Beach Park. 1 N Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Skull Creek Boathouse

My sister insisted that we go here. We were having a rough day with the kiddos and I didn’t have even a second to check out the menu ahead of time. But I’m so happy that I put all of my trust in her with this restaurant decision!

View from the dock

When we arrived shortly after 5 PM, the place was already packed with an hour wait for outside seating. As much as we wanted to sit outside, we were also dealing with a time limit thanks to the kiddos bedtimes! Instead, we opted for an immediate high-top table inside. Believe it or not, they have highchairs for the high-top tables, so they could easily accommodate two infants.

Our meals were delicious! I ordered the fried fish and chips and a big side of hush puppies (because, yum!). And Chad ordered a lobster rice bowl that tasted amazing.

Hush Puppies

My sister and her husband loved the Lowcountry boil — and I had some serious food envy of them!

Fish and lemon

After our meal, we headed to the dock to check out the views. On the other side of the dock there is a beautiful outdoor beer garden with picnic tables, sandboxes for kids, and giant connect four games. The live music was a young guy playing guitar and singing up on stage. It was the perfect way to spend an evening!

food and drinks on patio

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Arrive early and be prepared to wait if you are looking for outdoor seating. But also enjoy that time in the beer garden while you wait!
The restaurant will text you when your table is ready!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Really family-friendly! Each child will get to pick a prize from the treasure box after the meal. The outdoor beer garden is the perfect place for parents to spend a relaxing evening with young kids.

DETAILS: Skull Creek Boathouse. 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.
(843) 681-3663

Java Burrito

We stopped here, first and foremost, for the Java. But I was so impressed by the food setup that I had to come back later in the week to try it out. It’s nestled in a business park on William Hilton Parkway, so you almost have to go searching for it, but I promise it’s worth it!

Their coffee bar is definitely high-end, specialty coffee, with a huge clientele that prefers a pour-over (hello!? LOVE pour overs!). But they also offer cocktails for those customers who are going to hang out in the cool café for a bit!

Quesadilla and Drinks

As far as the food, they offer Mexican-style burritos and bowls with ingredients that are locally sourced, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yep – they do breakfast burritos with farm-fresh eggs!

BLT AND COFFEE

I opted for a burrito with chicken, rice, beans, queso, and guacamole. As someone that frequents other fast-casual burrito places, I can tell you that this was far superior to the rest of them. The freshness is something that you can taste!

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Take a look at the menu online ahead of time so that you have an idea of what you want to order. Definitely order coffee, too!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Yes, for a quick family meal. But not for lounging around.

DETAILS: Java Burrito. 1000 William Hilton Pkwy Suite J6, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.
(843) 842-5282

Duck Donuts

So I realize that this is a franchise location and not a native Hilton Head Island thing… but for those of us who do not live near a Duck Donuts, checking this out while we’re on the island is KEY.

See, I have a love affair with donuts. I like them fancy and I like them plain — I don’t discriminate! Ha!

fresh donuts

These donuts are served up fresh out of the fryer! We customized our order of a dozen and a half so that we could basically try all of them. Somehow a single plain old fashioned donut ended up in our pack. And I swear to you that is the best darn old fashioned, plain old donut, I have ever had!

fancy donuts

(Good news, Ohio friends — there are several Duck Donuts locations open, including Polaris, Pinecrest, and soon-to-be, Summit Mall!)

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Prepare to wait in line — this place is popular!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Very! The kids have fun watching the donuts being made.

DETAILS: Duck Donuts. 890 William Hilton Pkwy #70, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-3825

Frosty Frog

This little dive of a frozen cocktail bar is located in Coligny Plaza and features about 25 different frozen daiquiri combinations such as a Hurricane, Grape Danger, Sex on the Peach, Piña Colada, and Jungle Juice! Real Talk: They put all of their drinks, daiquiri or not, in styrofoam to-go cups — whether you’re eating in or taking food to go. Also, you’re allowed to walk with the open container anywhere within Coligny Plaza.

The Frosty Frog Cafe and Pizza

We took our daiquiris to go and walked around the plaza a few nights. They were so delicious! My favorites were Jump Start and Grape Danger.

After several visits, we decided to give their pizza a shot. And OMG it’s delicious! Like, really good and the slices are, as Ari would say, GINORMOUS! 

HILTON HEAD TIPS: If there are more than 3 of you ordering daiquiris, save yourself a few bucks and order a gallon to-go. It’s the most cost-effective way to sip some frozen yummies!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Not very. We saw a lot of children with their parents, but it’s really more of a bar than anything else.

DETAILS: Frosty Frog Cafe. 1 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 686-3764

Lowcountry Backyard

Located in Palmetto Dunes, this gem of a restaurant serves up local cuisine with some serious Lowcountry flair! We arrived just before 4:30 PM, which is when they open for dinner service. We were quickly greeted with two other families awaiting the dinner ‘bell’! Great minds (and early bedtimes for babies — likely)!

Southern food

The atmosphere in the outdoor seating area is awesome. There’s giant Jenga, a hillbilly golf set, a giant porch swing, and a stage for the nightly solo performances.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Our food did not disappoint. Between the fried green tomatoes, the shrimp and grits, crab dip, and grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, we left… satisfied very full.

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Arrive right when they open to avoid a wait. Sit outdoors.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Very. There is so much to keep the kids entertained, between the games, the music, and the mason jars with lids as sippy cups!

DETAILS: A Lowcountry Backyard. 32 Palmetto Bay Road, #4A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-9273

Pirates of Hilton Head

My husband took our four-year-old on this adventure, just the two of them, as a special treat. The Pirates of Hilton Head is an excursion in Harbour Town (near the lighthouse!) on The Black Dagger! The kids, which range in age from 3-10, in groups of about 20 children (max), learn to speak like pirates, get tattoos, and takedown Stinky Pete with water cannons! Ari had such an amazing time and came home with enough gold doubloons to last him a lifetime! We will definitely be hitting this up with every visit.

guy in a hat

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Check Groupon and other discount sites to see if they have any deals first (they did for us!). Also, make sure you plan to spend some time in Harbour Town because there’s a $6 fee to be in the area, but you will have in-and-out privileges all day. Final tip — wear a small backpack and bring plenty of water and snacks.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Very much so! Especially for kids 3 and up!

DETAILS: Pirates of Hilton Head. 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 363-7000

We will certainly be making Hilton Head our go-to vacation spot from here on out. I can’t wait to visit all of these places again! Make sure you pin this for later! xo


Filed Under: brews + food, children, Family Travel, mommyhood, money saving tips, parenthood, restaurants + bars, tips + tricks, travel, Travel Adventures Tagged With: brews + food, children, Family Travel, mommyhood, money saving tips, parenthood, restaurants + bars, tips + tricks, travel, Travel Adventures

Tips + Tricks to Stay Healthy This Winter

October 10, 2019 by Rachel 25 Comments

Dare I say it… Winter is around the corner. I know, I know. We haven’t even fallen back yet. But I’m telling you — the sickies are moving in and they’re moving in fast! I’m trying to stay ahead of the curve and prepare a defense to stay healthy during cold and flu season now.

Here’s what we’re doing to stay healthy this winter:

staying healthy tips

Rest and Sleep

The key for us is making sure we have very few late nights (especially the kiddos) and never say no to a nap! Sleep helps our bodies to recover and rest.

Vitamin C + D

We’re about to enter the ‘dark season’ here in the Midwest. Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD) is a real thing with real consequences. Heck, even in the Summer, we just have infrequent sunny days. So it’s no surprise that we need to give ourselves an extra boost of Vitamin D throughout the year, but especially during the cooler months.

Also? Don’t forget to load up on that Vitamin C! Keep your immune system in tip-top shape!

Stay Hydrated

I’m the first to admit that I do not drink an adequate amount of water. In order to do so, I have to make a serious conscious effort.

Last year I picked up one of these water bottles in hopes to remind myself to drink more. Guess what? It worked!

Of course, making sure my kids have their water bottles filled at all times also helps. Not juice, not milk; just water.

Probiotics

As much as I want to keep bacteria and germs away, I’d like to keep the good bacteria around.

My husband and I and the kids all take a daily probiotic to make sure our gut stays as healthy as possible. Because the kids’ probiotics are gummies, if they don’t get them daily I’m reminded. They will absolutely ask me for ‘their gummies.’

Elderberry Syrup

Before becoming a mom I hadn’t given much thought to alternative medicines. And I’m still not saying that you shouldn’t use and trust modern medicines. I am saying that you shouldn’t completely write-off things like elderberry syrup when you’re looking for the means to keep everyone healthy.

It’s been discovered that Elderberry syrup can help to fight viruses, including the flu. If you don’t have access to Elderberry syrup in a local health foods store try this syrup from Amazon.

Creamy Chicken Soup

Maintain a Healthy Diet

It can’t be an accident that sick season and soup season are one and the same, right? Real talk though — obviously we do our best to eat a balanced diet, but kids are ridiculously picky eaters.

One thing they will eat is soup. And the bonus about soups (like this creamy chicken noodle soup) and stews is that you can sneak all kinds of veggies into them!

Hit the Sauna

I am a recovered sauna skeptic. It wasn’t until a group of women from my gym started preaching about the wonders of a 20-minute sauna session that I finally caved and tried it for myself.

I used the sauna for post-workout recovery. And I completely avoided the usual soreness that accompanies a workout. But it has other benefits as well. Deep sweating that you experience in the sauna has been proven to release toxins from the body, aid in better sleep, relieve stress, and help to fight illness.

photo of woman in bed under blankets

How are you planning on staying healthy this season?

Filed Under: #MomLife, busy mom, children, crunchy granola, health, mommyhood, parenthood, tips + tricks, wellness Tagged With: #MomLife, children, crunchy granola, health and beauty, mommyhood, parenthood, wellness

Fall Family Bucket List + Printable Checklist!

September 27, 2019 by Rachel 26 Comments

I’ve never been to keen on Summer. But Fall? Fall is my dream come true. It’s something that I’ve also passed on to my children. They love all things pumpkin, all things sweater, and all things

Instead of trying to meet impossible standards (thanks, Pinterest), try and focus on the simplicity of the season.

I’ve rounded up a small list of my favorite Fall Family Bucketlist Items for you to check out. Make sure to pin and save the printable below!

kids in pumpkin patch

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

What could be more basic than a pumpkin patch?! Nothing! But that’s the beauty of the season. My husband and I bought our pumpkins from the store once. And, at the time, that was fine. But there’s just something about picking out your own pumpkin — flaws and all — that makes the carving and painting process that much more special.

Go on a Hayride

One of my favorite memories as a child is my families annual hayride. The hayride was actually a “haunted hayride” at our towns Century Village. Truth be told, it was always a bit spooky, but it was also incredibly fun.

Over the last several years, the little family of my own has done a more traditional hayride. And every year the kids love it more and more.

Does it matter that we’re only going through the pumpkin patch? Heck no! It’s amazing to them nonetheless.

Jump in a Leaf Pile

If I could name my top three most-despised adult chores they would rank the following: 1. Laundry. 2. Dishes. 3. Raking leaves.

Funny enough, until recently we’ve never had a large yard. But year after year we would spend countless hours raking (and blowing) the leaves in our yard. It felt like an impossible task, as there were always, always, more leaves to rake.

Now, with kids, I see things much differently. The idea of raking leaves actually brings me joy… because I know how much my kids love jumping into leaf piles.

Pumpkin Painting or Carving

I’m going to admit something to you right now — I am not great at carving pumpkins. And also? The whole process can be a bit exhausting.

The tracing, the gutting, the cutting… I’m not the best or most patient with this process. So there have been years where we opt for pumpkin painting instead. And guess what? The kids still adore it. That’s what I call a win-win, folks!

baby in unicorn costume

Trick-or-Treating

Okay, so maybe this one seems like a given. But when my kids were teeny I considered not taking them. And that would have been a huge mistake. There’s nothing cuter than a teeny tiny first-time trick-or-treater. It’s, like, a fact. Everyone will ooh and ahh over how cute your little pumpkin looks.

So suit them up, take them out for approximately 20-minutes, get a few pictures and a handful of candy, and call it a night.

pumpkin candy corn

Bake Cookies

I know that the holidays are generally the time for baking all of the things. But, for me, Christmas is just too busy of a season to truly enjoy baking. It feels more like a chore than a fun event.

Instead, my kids and I bake cookies and other treats in the Fall. We decorate cutout cookies to look like mummies and ghosts; throw together a Fall-themed trail mix; and snack on goodies like Chocolate-mummy-pretzel rods!

Apple Picking

I’m sure we’ve all recently seen the meme about buying apples from the store for $5 versus taking your family on a grand excursion to pick their own apples for $25, but there’s something to be said about seeing where our food comes from.

We are lucky to have several apple orchards within a few minutes of our house, so we’ll pick a nice day in early Fall (during honeycrisp season) and go to an orchard.

pumpkin donut at pumpkin patch

Drink Apple Cider

Is there anything better than warm, mulled, apple cider? The answer is no. Definitely not.

Grab a couple of mulled cider recipes from here and here and enjoy with the family on a cool, Fall evening.

Be sure to print this handy checklist to keep track of all of your Fall Family Fun!

fall family checklist

Tell me — what’s your favorite Fall family activity?

Filed Under: #MomLife, bucket list, children, fall, family, mommyhood, Ohio, parenthood, pinterest, printables Tagged With: #MomLife, bucket list, children, fall/autumn, family, mommyhood, ohio, parenthood, pinterest, printables

Leave It To The Pros // Why We Chose A Professionally Installed Home Security System

July 24, 2019 by Rachel 37 Comments

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GUARDIAN ALARM BUT THE CONTENT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.

It’s hard to believe we’ve already been in our forever home for 7 months! We’ve done so much to make this house a home, but, funny enough, I have yet to hang up any photos or wall decor! I just can’t commit to the placement of things!

Besides not having anything hanging on our walls, the other major difference between this home and our old house was how we decided to protect our investment.

…

Read More

Filed Under: #MomLife, Akron, children, cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, family, home decor, home safety, Home Safety Tips, mommyhood, money saving tips, Ohio, parenthood, tips + tricks Tagged With: #MomLife, akron, being a mom, children, cleveland, columbus, home decor, home safety tips, mommyhood, money saving tips, motherhood, ohio, parenthood, tips + tricks

The Kimpton Schofield Hotel Cleveland + Jeni’s Ice Cream // A Match Made In Staycation Heaven

July 22, 2019 by Rachel 13 Comments

I’ve been dreaming of one thing for the last 7 years. And last night that dream became a reality. I had my first every staycation, completely alone! 

Sunday afternoon I headed up to Downtown Cleveland to stay at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel to celebrate two things — freedom and National Ice Cream Day!

The Kimpton Schofield Hotel, located directly in the heart of the action on Euclide Avenue, just launched a partnership with local (and now national!) ice cream icon, Jeni’s Ice Cream! And personally, I am HERE FOR IT.

My Mom-Staycation began the moment valet took my keys. At that moment “mom” was off the clock! Moments after unpacking in my room, room service arrived with two pints of Jeni’s Ice Cream and an ice-cold bottle of Prosecco.

A few sips of prosecco and a few spoonfuls of Jeni’s Honey Vanilla Bean were just the welcome I needed. I breathed a collective sigh of relief from all of the motherhood stressors of the last 7 years. It’s amazing how taking time for self-care can change your entire mood, am I right?!

After enjoying my welcome amenities, I stood in awe of the city views from my room windows. Across the street was the iconic Downtown Heinen’s, located in the historic Cleveland Trust Rotunda Building. It was breathtaking to see my favorite city from this angle.

Later, I dined at the incredible on-site restaurant, Parkers Downtown. Yes, I had a solo reservation; and, no, I had no qualms about it.

To start, I ordered a glass of their dryest red. To some, dining alone (or, heck!, even having a glass of wine alone) in a restaurant would be intimidating. But for the first time in a while, I was able to enjoy my dining experience. No kids, no extra chatter, just quiet.

Everything on the menu sounded incredible and I definitely ordered more than I could possibly eat by myself! I ordered the artisan cheese board, loaded fries (with goat cheese and bacon), and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwith (with kimchi and aioli on a brioche bun). Y’all! It was INCREDIBLE. All of it! I tried my best to dine as slowly as possible (a small luxury for those of us with kids), but I am guessing I only lasted about 20 minutes before throwing in the towel and bringing the rest back to my room as leftovers.

Nonetheless, my experience was perfection. The service was so thoughtful, the meal was beyond delicious, and everything was overall exceptional. I look forward to trying out their brunch and happy hour in the future.

My post-dinner excursion included a walk down Euclid Avenue and a loop down East 4th before heading back to my room to revisit those Jeni’s Ice Cream pints! Honestly, as nice as it was to be ‘away’ from everyone and everything, my room at the Kimpton Schofield was so relaxing and inviting with its cozy bed and original artwork, I didn’t want to leave!

SO many thanks to the Kimpton Schofield team for hosting me for an amazing staycation!

What’s your favorite

staycation activity?

 

Filed Under: #MomLife, brews + food, busy mom, children, cleveland, deals, explore locally, Explore Ohio, Family Travel, mommyhood, money saving tips, NEO, Ohio, pampering, parenthood, restaurants + bars, review, road trip, shop local, Travel Adventures Tagged With: #MomLife, being a mom, busy mom, cleveland, deals, explore locally, explore Ohio, Family Travel, mommyhood, money saving tips, NEO, ohio, pampering, parenthood, review, shop local, travel, Travel Adventures

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