What’s So Funny? Breastfeeding Edition

I’m not sure what’s so funny… but until you’re a mother, you have no idea about the importance of what I’m talking about. -Me

Breastfeeding is taboo in the workplace… and today I tackled the subject like a linebacker during the state championship game. Don’t mess with Momma. The topic came up because the local hospital opened a Milk Depot – a breast milk donation bank for premature babies. The subject garnered lots of laughter.

Why on earth would there need to be a donation bank for breast milk? Who would let their child drink someone else’s milk? Why can’t the mother breastfeed her own baby? What… there’s a support group for breastfeeding? -Collegues

I looked around the room at who I was talking to: 2 baby boomers and 4 millennials. It’s time to get personal with you. What they don’t know is that I gave birth to a baby so big that the nurses said, “Congratulations, you gave birth to a 3-month old!” They don’t know that my milk didn’t come in right away; that we had problems latching or that a lactation nurse snatched a bottle of formula out of my baby’s mouth and threw it in the trash. I left the first support group that I attended in tears, after a new mother told me that I wasn’t trying hard enough.

My body ingested lots of water, lactation cookies and Mother’s Milk tea. I eventually found a group of supportive women who share stories, tips and sit in a circle… nursing without judgement. The new Mommies meet weekly at a church and populate a private group on Facebook. They understand the struggle and they offer advice. I wasn’t able to exclusively breastfeed. I went back to work full-time, but I squeezed out every last drop that I could for 6 whole months.

So, while it may sound funny that there are women out there who donate their breast milk — to a preemie, or adoptive parent, whatever — just know, there’s lots of love in that decision. And if you’ve been frustrated or fruitful at nursing your baby… good job Momma, just go with the flow.

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Doctors recommend donated breast milk be screened before baby’s consumption.

Take a Little Trip

Our last jaunt to Florida’s East Coast – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

I’m dreaming of a vacation… it’s been more than 3 years since I’ve left the homeland… Florida. Having a child certainly changes things. We love our annual week at Disney and other weekend overnight trips around the Sunshine State, but this gal needs a change of scenery. So in my search for ideas, I found some unusual options.

Photo: Airbnb

Airbnb has become my new Pinterest. You can view and save unique vacation rentals around the world — some of them are unbelievable (like staying in a giant seashell in Mexico). One especially caught my eye. You can sleep in a retired New York City taxi! The meter isn’t running… and it’s only $69/night. Book a “ride” here.

Photo: airbnb

Or you could be the very first customer to book a butler to exclusively help you build a masterpiece in the UK sand. That’s right… $775 will buy your kids an entire day of planning and building the perfect sandcastle, complete with a blueprint. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Photo: Oliver’s Travels

The Wall Street Journal recently published an article titled, “The Smartest Way to Take a Vacation“. Researchers found that planning a vacation makes you happier than going on one. The study also says to go big… before you go home. You’ll remember a trip by how it finishes; in other words, save the best for last.

I love social media and finding new places based on your travels. Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Until next time… keep on ‘strollin.

5 Shades of Fun

Coloring books are drawing the attention of a new group of artists… adults. I’ve won a coloring contest or two in my day (former Eckerd Easter and Halloween coloring champion here), so when I heard that Crayola was opening an attraction at the Florida Mall in Orlando, I knew I had to take my little guy.

Our 5 Most Colorful Moments:

1. Each guest receives 2 tokens with the price of admission. Each token will get you either a personalized crayon label or a pack of modeling clay (choose your own color, for both!)

2. Be the coloring book. Choose your scene and then sit down. Say cheese! It’s just like a photo booth and prints in less than 5 seconds. We had fun with this!

3. Another activity reminded me of my toddler’s favorite App, Car Wash. First, you color a car or doll of your choice. Next, you scan the coloring sheet, choose accessories for your car or doll — and then, see it in action on the big screen.

4. There are plenty of tables scattered throughout the venue. And crayons, markers, wax or paint for your little Picasso, but the best part? Parents were having just as much fun! It just goes to show, you’re never too old to be creative… or color a picture.

5. So, you got to try out Crayola products upstairs, now it’s time to buy your own. I can’t wait to buy my toddler the Paint Pals Paintbrushes. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find them in the first-floor gift shop (which is accessible to mall shoppers without paying admission). You can also buy your own set of crayons from a colorful, rainbow wall. And then, there are the t-shirts…

>I found admission to be a bit pricey for a single visit, but I’m a mommy on a budget. They do offer an annual pass – which is a good deal for locals.

>Bring your patience. There’s lots of traffic in Orlando and lots of foot traffic and strollers in the attraction.

>And go early, while the paint sets are full and the trash cans are free of discarded art.

Until next time… -MP

Christmas in July – Countdown to ICE!

‘Twas five months before Christmas… in preparation for ICE! Two million pounds of the cold stuff for a display that’s colorful and nice.

Picture Perfect – 2014

An announcement today regarding one of our favorite holiday events, ICE! at Gaylord Palms in Orlando. This year’s theme is “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”. If you’ve never been to Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, trust me… you should. A visit to the resort, is a trip to Florida’s Everglades, St. Augustine and Key West. It’s really spectacular.

Enchanting Christmas Tree in Gaylord Palms’ Atrium, along with a performance during ICE! Preview in 2014

ICE! is an annual experience at the resort, which changes themes each year. You don’t have to be a guest at the resort to buy tickets! In 2014, we were awed by scenes from The Nutcracker.

ICE! 2014

There are six rooms which display hand-carved ice sculptures and ice slides. Visitors are given shiny, blue coats to stay warm in the 9-degree temperatures. There is a gorgeous Nativity scene as you head towards the exit (see below). And plenty of photo opportunities, snow tubing and an ICE! bar — all for additional cold, hard cash.

2014 Nativity Scene

Icy Cold Facts

• Park near the ICE! entrance. You can push the stroller around the massive resort, then pack it away when it comes time to experience ICE!
• ICE! is made up of 2-million pounds of ice; The Frostbite Factory is a live carving zone
• Dress warm from head-to-toe. Wear a hat, gloves, a scarf and thick socks. The display will really take your breath away
• Beware! Your camera/smart phone lens will fog and temporarily freeze if exposed too long to the cold temperatures
• Stay the day, because you have to pay to park! There are restaurants, shopping and fun photo spots throughout the resort

Event: November 24, 2015-January 3, 2016

For ticket prices, Florida resident discount code and other offers, see their website.

Until next time, keep on ‘strollin!

Fries Today, Chicken Tomorrow

It’s a great week if you love to take advantage of free food!

Saturday, 7/11 was Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven. It’s an annual chance to sip a cold bit of childhood through a spoon-straw. My sensitive teeth are still chattering.

Did you know that Slurpee’s have been causing brain freeze since 1966? With more than 7.2 billion sold!

Monday, July 13 is National French Fry Day.

Today I will be happier than a seagull with a french fry. –Unknown

According to The Daily Meal, McDonalds sells more than 1/3 of all french fries served in restaurants each year.

Finally, moooooving onto July 14. Chick-fil-A #CowAppreciationDay – it’s a chance for DIY’ers and their kids to stock up on grub. Anyone who goes into the fast food restaurant “full dressed as a cow” from head to hoof, gets a free meal. Those who wear only a bovine accessory, such as a hat, get a free entree.

It’s a popular week for fast food, I better get to the gym… quick!

Reading Free “9 to 5”, Thanks to Dolly Parton

Today was a great mail day… for my toddler. He got a Thomas the Tank Engine catalog and a book called “Extraordinary Jane”. Mommy and Daddy got junk.

Some of our favorites from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

So what do “Extraordinary Jane”, “Llama Llama Red Pajama” (our very favorite book) and “9 to 5”, “Islands in the Stream” have in common? They’re all made possible by country music legend, Dolly Parton.

In an effort to promote literacy in the Mid-90’s, she started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Since then, more than 1,600 communities worldwide have partnered with the program to provide free books to children. If eligible, you can get a free book each month in the mail until your child turns 5 years old.

The first book you’ll receive is Dolly’s favorite, “The Little Engine That Could”. The last is, “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” See the 2015 book list here.

Sign up on Facebook or the official website. Happy Reading!

Follow Stroller Full of Fun: Facebook — Twitter — Instagram

Disney Dining: The BOATHOUSE at Downtown Disney

The BOATHOUSE at Downtown Disney, Orlando

In our latest adventure, we embarked on Downtown Disney’s newest eating destination, The BOATHOUSE. It’s the perfect spot to set sail or enjoy a drink on dry land.

Bar at The BOATHOUSE

As you venture through the restaurant’s front doors, you’ll see fresh seafood including crab legs and oysters, chilling on ice. Boat motors hang high on the walls of the bar and flowers fill small boats in the dining areas. The Ship’s Store sells nautical clothing accessories, along with dozens of costumed rubber ducks.

But it’s what sits behind the hostess stand that will really get your engine revving. It’s the coolest dining table in Florida: a wooden Chris Craft boat-turned-booth which comfortably seats 6 or more. We’re told it’s generally booked solid with reservations, but we were able to dock there for lunch on a slow afternoon.

Boat Booth at The BOATHOUSE

The atmosphere is incredible, but don’t be surprised if other diners stop to enjoy the craftsmanship of the boat. The Crew members are attentive and friendly. The music takes you back a few decades to the ’60’s. The menu features everything from Coconut Frog Legs to S’Mores Baked Alaska. There’s also sandwiches, salads, seafood and steaks. The kids’ meals are served in a paper convertible car… a cute touch.

Outdoor seating & Dockside Bar

There’s an outdoor eating area and bar, but this Florida native would rather stay out of the sweltering, Summer sun. And if you’re really up for an adventure, you can charter an Italian Water Taxi or Amphicar. It’s a car! It’s a boat! A 20-minute guided tour inside the floating vessel from the 60’s costs $125.

Amphicar Landing

I can’t wait to set sail on my next trip to Downtown Disney!

Until next time… keep on strollin’. -MP