Go ahead, scream it from the rooftops!

I got a kick out of these buildings when I spotted them in Downtown Los Angeles.

They are side by side, and quite obviously from the same era and builder. What I get a kick out of, is the giant neon sign that states "New Million Dollar Hotel Rosslyn." Just had to add that "million dollar" status eh?  Nothing like making the original Rosslyn feel cheap!

Where would you rather stay? The old Rosslyn, or the New Million Dollar Rosslyn? Makes me imagine that they were built by siblings still trying to one-up each other in adulthood.

I enjoyed this. It adds character to Downtown Los Angeles, and made me smile and chuckle. It was a nice change from the other areas of Downtown LA that made me turn and run for the hills. (Stories to come!)

Fast 5 Travel Tips: Mom, get in that photo!

5 Reasons to let go of your anxiety and jump in that photo.

1. Do it for your kids.  Let them have photos of their mother. They love you whether your hair is 'done' or not.

2. Stop feeling like a caretaker and more like a participant! It's your vacation too. Being included in the photo helps you feel included in the fun. Anything else is alienating.

3. Drop the excuses and be authentic. You wouldn't tell your best friend that she's too fat to get in a photo.... so why would you do this to yourself?

4. You will never be younger than you are today. (Even if you feel tired, ugly or grumpy, you will still never ever be younger!) Just smile!

5. Do it for your kids. Yes, I know this was the #1 reason, but honestly, it bears repeating. If you constantly tell your kids that they should go without you or that you don't NEED to be in the photo, or you don't want to JOIN the family, they might start automatically excluding you, or worse yet, they grow up and model the same behaviour thinking they, themselves, are not WORTHY of inclusion.

Bermuda: The Gosling's Story

I really like this photo. Let me set the scene. It's the last photo I took in Bermuda and it was at the airport.

Once you check in, there is an indoor/outdoor cafe that you can enjoy before you go through security and are on your way home. It was raining outside, but it wasn't a big deal. I chose to sit on the patio and just take in the warm humid air and listen to the sound of rain. A couple just down from where I was sitting were enjoying a  Heineken and toasting the end of their vacation.  Though alone, I thought this was a good idea.

I really didn't want another fruity "girl drink" or an island-type punch, but I DID want something that was regional. So I ordered a Gosling's Black Seal® (rum) on ice.

In the background you see the peach coloured building that is the L.F. Wade International Airport terminal building. The condensation on the glass shows the weather and the way the warmth of Bermuda was so appealing to me. The fresh print of lip gloss on the glass represents my first sip of this dark and spirited drink.

Gosling's rum is the only spirit that is still blended and bottled in Bermuda and is the largest Bermuda-made export.  The history and stature of the product were unbeknownst to me as I sat enjoying the last minutes of my vacation. But as I was very taken with this photo, I "googled" Gosling's after returning home. Isn't that what we all do these days? That's when I got the full picture and the rest of the 1000 words to my story.

If you're interested in the history, it's a short but worthwhile read. If you're interested in a genuine taste of Bermuda, you should pick up a bottle.  The family still operates a store on Front Street in Hamilton (Bermuda). They've been at that location 127 years now. And while you can pick up a bottle of Gosling's rum in most liquor retailers at home, you might just want to book a trip to Bermuda... just to get the whole whole experience right.

Disney Cruise: Part 4... The Characters

If you've ever waited in line at one of the Disney Parks to get 30 seconds with Mickey Mouse, or a princess, you will appreciate the increased access on board the ships!

There are between 4-8 meet and greet/photo opportunities each day on the ship. Times are scheduled and well noted on the Navigator bulletins that you will receive nightly in your stateroom. The appearances are also noted on digital information screens around the ship.

You will, for certain, have multiple access times to the big five: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto.  In fact, over a 7 day cruise, you could potentially see each of them 4 or 5 times, and in 4 or 5 different costumes. For example, Mickey Mouse will be in his gold lame tuxedo for formal night. He might be in a holiday sweater, his sorcerer outfit, his sailor suit, his Caribbean shirt, his pirate wear etc etc. So, there's potential for lots of great photos every single day!

The princesses also will make several appearances, including one large princess gathering where you might be able to get 4 or 5 autographs and photos by waiting in one (long) line.

Sometimes you might even be lucky enough to capture a moment when one of the characters takes a spontaneous walk-about on the ship. There's something magical about being the first one to see Cinderella or Goofy on the staircase!
Each stateroom is also assigned to a Character Breakfast. This, unlike in the Parks, is included in your fare. Our breakfast took place on Friday morning. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy stopped by our table for autographs, hugs and pictures. The breakfast is fantastic! You're eating Mickey Mouse shaped waffles and there are no lines for his attention.

The characters also appear at the dance parties and nightly musical stage performances, but there aren't any one-on-one photo opportunities at these activities. A vast number of support characters are seen in these performances, including the cast of Toy Story.

There is a very long list of characters you could potentially see on board a cruise. The list is ever changing. We saw Captain Hook, Daisy, Terk, Lilo, Stitch,  Chip, Dale, Peter Pan, and the pirate guy that Johnny Depp plays in the movie. (Sorry, I simply can't remember!!)

Of course, Disney is trying to sell you their professional photos - and the photos are very good BTW. But, you are also welcome to take your own photos.

I found that a couple photos purchased, plus a few photos of our own were the perfect mix for our family.