As Memorial Day weekend rolls around, my husband tends to get more anxious than usual. It isn’t a good anxious though. As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, 0311, he has fought for you and me in Iraq and has witness things that we probably can’t even imagine, nor have I even been told about. Memorial Day has a completely different meaning to him than picnics with family and friends, store sales and traffic jams. Don’t tell my veteran husband to have a happy Memorial Day because he isn’t happy about it. 

He follows the original meaning: to remember those who have died in service for the United States of America. Now is that very happy?

Those who we remember on Memorial Day lost their lives so that people like you and I could live free. These men and women were sons and daughters, possibly mothers and fathers or brothers and sisters. They are likely people who lived down the street from you (whether you lived there or not, who knows), shopped at the same grocery store as you and possibly went to the same movie theaters as you. And because they lost their lives, you think it is a time to be happy and celebrate while eating hot dogs and hamburgers? 

Instead of wearing red, white and blue apparel, how about you go back to the roots of Memorial Day and wear red poppies. You could also decorate a veteran’s grave – flowers and flags will do – since Memorial Day was initial Decoration Day. Don’t know a veteran? I am sure there is some kind of memorial in your area that honors our military, country or those who have died for your freedom. Visit that and learn its history. If that is too much of a downer for you, I suppose you could attend a local parade since again, people just love to celebrate Memorial Day. At least you are taking the time out of your day to wave to the veterans in the parade and reflect upon the reasons why the parade is taking place.

But please, don’t wish anyone a happy Memorial Day, especially my veteran husband. More than likely you don’t know their past, if they are in the military, are a veteran, have had family and friends die fighting for our freedom or currently have someone overseas in the midst of war.

Memorial Day is not a day to be happy and celebrate but a day to remember. Thank those who serve our country on Veterans Day and honor those who we have lost along the way on Memorial Day.

Top 5 Things You Must Pack When You Go To Disney World with Kids

I feel like it has been awhile since I have blogged. I guess that would be because we were on VACATION!!! And as you probably know, packing for the vacation is sometimes the hardest part. Moms typically have to pack not only their own suitcase, but those of their children too to ensure everything they need (or that mom thinks they need) makes it to their destination and isn’t left at home with the fish.

This was my third trip with kids to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The first time Capri was only 6 months old so packing for just her was pretty easy. Then we went again when he had just turned 2 and that was pretty easy too. But this time, packing for her AND Cam was a little more difficult, especially since Capri has her own opinion on what she wants to wear and insists on helping Cam get dressed too. So here is my packing list for when you are traveling to Disney World. Now remember, we went in May so it was really hot there. I am talking 90 degrees every day. I have also been there when it was freezing and was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt every day, even wishing I had my coat!

1. Extra Clothes
This is a no brainer. However, I want to recommend multiple outfits per day. We would get up early and do the park all morning and by lunchtime, my clothes were either sweaty from me or from carrying Cam, or dirty from the kids or rides or just getting uncomfortable. Usually when we got back to the hotel we changed into our swimsuits and went down to the pool for an hour. Then we came back and napped (another outfit). We then would put on nicer clothes for dinner that evening. So I wore 3 outfits most days, not including my swimsuit (which you should probably pack 2 in case you decide to take a swim after dinner).

2. Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses
You will burn if you don’t put sunscreen on! I was so worried that Cam would burn because this would be his first time in his life in the sun like we would be, so I made sure to lather him up all over. But surprisingly, he tanned wonderfully! You should also take a hat if you and your kids are hat people and do not forget your sunglasses for everyone (although if you do you can buy them there). My eyes hurt the one day after not wearing my sunglasses for a little while due to just being busy with rides and kids.

3. Snacks/Drinks
A must when traveling with kids of any age (even adults), but especially a 2, 3 and 4 year old (we also had a 1 year old and 3 monther with us). When you are up earlier than usual, breakfast isn’t the first thing kids want to eat. In fact, my oldest just wanted to go back to sleep! By the time we got over to the park and in line for our first ride, she was wanting something to eat. I suggest fruit snacks, the fruit pouches of whatever you’d like, any kind of fruit or vegetables that won’t spoil in heat (I always had an apple), candy if you are a candy provider (but not chocolate), and chips/crackers. Avoid the melt down with a quick snack and a drink. I always had a bottle of water available and we bought the refillable mugs for pop. Gatorade would be another good drink to always have in case the heat starts to get to anyone. And remember, you can bring whatever you want into the park. You could even bring breakfast and lunch with you if you didn’t want to stop to eat!

4. Tennis Shoes
The last time we went to Disney World, I made the mistake of not packing my tennis shoes. I walked around everywhere here in my flip flops, but let me tell you, when your child doesn’t want to walk, like ever, while at the park, your feet and body will hurt. I ended up buying some while I was there but we had to take a bus to Disney Springs which was not on our agenda. I don’t know how people do it, but I see people wearing flip flops all day there. Do your body, and your kids, a favor and wear tennis shoes on everyone. I know they don’t look the best with certain apparel, but you’ll regret it if you don’t, especially if it rains!

5. Extra Space
Huh? What do you mean pack extra space? Luckily I have to still pack diapers so I end up with extra space in my suitcase because we always buy so much stuff! Capri not only packed 2 princess dresses, but came home with 2 more, plus a sword and some other random things (Cam too, of course). You can also have things shipped straight home but kids don’t want that! Ensure that you have extra room in your suitcases before you buy too much and end up not having room for things. Purposely don’t fill your suitcase before you leave, or pack a suitcase for your child even if you have room in your suitcase. You can also pack things that you will end up using in your suitcase rather than your carry on (snacks, drinks).

My list surely could go on forever, but I’ll stop here for now. What would be your top 5 items that you would pack for Disney? 

Pocket that Extra Cash When You Save with Groupon Coupon

Disclosure – I have been compensated and/or received this product/service for free. Regardless, all reviews and opinions are honest and my own.

When I was growing up, I swear I spent every penny of my allowance. But today, I am the saver! I can’t go to the grocery store without my coupons and phone with my money saving apps on it. And I don’t buy anything online unless I have a coupon code for a certain percentage off or free shipping (that is a MUST!) That is why my first go-to spot online to hunt for good deals is always Groupon Coupons!

I get really excited when I find a great deal and I have to tell my friends and family about it, which is why I am sharing this with you. It is FREE to use! People…free savings! Money back into your pocket! Even if you use Groupon Coupons just to save 30%, that could be the difference of tax or even $10, $20, or more depending on what you are buying!

It is really easy to find a coupon on the Groupon site. Just look for the search bar at the top and type in whatever store you are wanting to purchase something at. I was just looking for shorts at Kohl’s and Groupon Coupons is sharing 133 coupons with me. In fact, the first one is awesome! 30% off! Great deal! You also need to check out Last Call by Neiman Marcus. Deals, deals, deals!!

And Groupon Coupons aren’t just for online shopping. You can find coupons that are local to you. A great example is a coupon that I found for a bowling alley close to me. Up to 61% off! That makes for an inexpensive family night out.

So here is my last piece of advice. Follow Groupon on Facebook and Twitter so that you can enter to win their giveaways (again…free money! Don’t leave $10,000 go to someone else). And plus, their Twitter is quite hilarious. And download the mobile app so even if you aren’t at home, you can still save.