I sipped a mimosa, listened to live performances of mom-inspired songs from Disney’s animated classics, and enjoyed the company of Maria Smith & her four beautiful children. I also bounced an energetic 1-year-old on my knee and ate with one hand as quickly as possible – until Tim saved the day and took her walking in the hallway.

Here’s what I wore for the occasion.

Merona Women’s Short Sleeve Cardigan by Target – I’m generally not a fan of women’s clothing at Target, but sometimes the price is just right. This elbow-length sea blue sweater matched the tones of my dress quite nicely and was light enough for a moderate spring day.

Dress by Ivy and Blu Maggy Boutique – If you’re shopping for a wedding, cocktail party, date night, or Sunday brunch, you absolutely should take a look at Ivy and Blu Maggy Boutique. The dresses are super stylish, sophisticated, and flattering. Excellent fit for every body type. Start browsing the collection and you’ll want to start pinning the dresses on your “my style” board left and right. I almost guarantee it.

 DO you have a Pinterest fashion board? Leave a link so I can follow along.

See: My Style board.

* Thanks to Ivy and Blu Maggy Boutique for providing a sample. 

There are times, however, when staying off-property can be advantageous.

Examples:

• You have a large immediate family (4+ kids) and don’t want to pay for two rooms.
• You have a large extended family and you all would like to pitch in and stay somewhere together.
• You plan to see more of Orlando beyond Walt Disney World.
• You want to be able to grocery shop and prepare meals in a proper kitchen.
• You will be staying in Orlando for 5+ days and want a non-hotel-room experience.

For those times, I recommend Caribe Cove Resort, a Wyndham Vacation Rentals property. The resort is located approximately 15 minutes outside of Walt Disney World.

For a large family (or two families), consider the 3-bedroom Curacao villa. At 1,600+ square feet, it’s ultra-roomy with a living area, full kitchen, two bathrooms, and three bedrooms (one has a queen, one has two twin beds, and one has a king). Plus, no need to trek down to the laundromat. A washer + dryer is included inside your villa. You’ll also find everything you need to make meals and keep house – pots & pans, dishes, silverware, toaster, blender, coffeemaker, towels, a broom, and more.

For the smallest of guests, a pack and play and highchair are waiting for your use. Both were in immaculate condition during our recent stay.

If you want to pick up groceries, Publix is 1.2 miles away, a Walmart Supercenter is 1.8 miles away, and SuperTarget is 2.3 miles away. Super convenient. There are also a number of restaurants in the area.

If you are planning an extended stay, you’ll be pleased with the on-site amenities – swimming pool, spa, sauna, clubhouse, pizza delivery, free wifi, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Rates run between $99-$140, depending on the season. Also, note that there is a one-time $80 cleaning fee and a $5.95/day resort fee. Outstanding deal for a condo which might be as big as your house back home.

Do you prefer to stay on or off-property when you visit WDW?

* Caribe Cove is a property of Wyndham Vacation Rentals, the world’s largest professionally managed vacation rentals business. Wyndham Vacation Rentals manages more than 100,000 properties in over 600 destinations.

The Posy Pocket Dress suits her style to a T.

Colored in a happy shade of red with pleating at the chest and waist, the dress features an easy on/off design (no buttons or zippers!). Best of all for a just-turned-4-year-old, the dress has two heart shaped pockets. Exactly right for collecting “pretty rocks” or posing for pictures.

Be sure to check out the other adorable pieces by Polarn O. Pyret, a company that “believes in good looking clothes that let children be children.” Their pieces are fashionable, fun, and kid-friendly to the max.

* Thanks to Polarn O. Pyret for providing a product sample.

After you research hotels, book your plane tickets or change the oil in your car, and clear your calendar, you’ll need to get out your suitcases and decide what to wear for optimal cuteness, comfort, and style.

If you’re traveling in the spring or summer, you’ll want to pack lightweight and breathable clothing – and don’t forget your deodorant!

Be sure to keep in mind that (a) you will be doing A LOT of walking and (b) Florida is humid.

For our visits to the parks in early May, I chose to keep it casual at the Magic Kingdom.

Hair by Kinky-Curly – The only way my hair survived the Florida humidity was with the help of Kinky Curly’s Curling Custard. The gel works wonders for defining my curls and keeping frizziness at bay.

V-Neck Tee by Target – I picked up this navy v-neck from Target for about $10 prior to the trip. It totally served its purpose, but I’m not impressed by the quality/fit. It’s saggy around the middle, scrunchy at the neckline, and doesn’t do much for wicking away moisture. Why is it so hard to find great t-shirts?

Denim Shorts by Target – Tim convinced me to buy these blue jean shorts a few days prior to the conference…and I’m so glad he did! The color is perfect and the cut is flattering. They’ve been getting excellent wear the past few weeks here in Tucson since the temps have been 105+.

Sandals by Hi-Tec – Shoes are always the hardest decision for me – especially for casual venues with plenty of walking. I can’t bring myself to wear clunky tennies, despite how comfortable they may be. On our recent trip to Disney World, I opted for these Harmony Life Strap sandals by Hi-Tec. They have a great athletic look – plus, they’re adjustable and provide better support than flip-flops.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Carrier by Ergobaby – The Evening in Innsbruck design is eye-catching and elegant, without being too busy. It’s super ergonomic, easy to take on and off, and baby can be worn in the front or back. The carrier also comes with a detachable hood to protect baby from sun, wind, or rain – perfect for napping on-the-go!

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YOUR FASHION ADVICE, PLEASE:

Where do you buy t-shirts? What shoes do you wear when you need to walk a lot?

* Thanks for Ergobaby, Hi-Tec, and Kinky-Curly for providing product samples.

Choose from a number of card designs on Treat.com. Then, make it personal by adding photos, nicknames, inside jokes, and fun shared memories.

Definitely a good idea for grandparents:

Would be fun to go along with a gift from a group of friends or colleagues:

Also, Father’s Day is coming up:

Want to try it out? There are 1 million Treat greeting cards up for grabs.

Be one of the first million to get your FREE card!

How often do you send cards in the mail?

* Offer expires 6/17/2013.  Good for one free greeting card using the code TRT965F497  at checkout.  Postage may apply.  Customer must be a first-time Treat customer.

Here are some of our top product picks for keeping summer babies cool and comfortable.

Reusable Swim Diaper by My Pool Pal

For little ones that aren’t yet potty-trained, a swim diaper of some kind is typically a necessity for water play. Disposable diapers are convenient, but the price can add up if you swim frequently and/or are participating in daily lessons at a pool. We’ve been using a Reusable Swim Diaper by My Pool Pal with success. After use, just stick in the washing machine and hang to dry. Easy. One quick tip: you may want to “size up” if your little one is between sizes. We found them to be on the snug side. Available in pink, royal blue, and white for $8.95.

Blanket by JJ Cole Collections

For last minute outdoor adventures and backyard picnics, consider this 5×5 foot blanket by JJ Cole Collections. The material is water-resistant and super sturdy. It won’t pick up stickers and leaves like traditional blankets and it’s also a cinch to wipe clean if (ahem – when) spills occur. Want to bring it with you on vacation or to the beach? No worries. Fold it up, throw it over your shoulder, and you’re all set. Choose from four different designs.

baby & family sunscreen by True Natural

I’m generally not a fan of sunscreen. Too many chemicals. On most days, we just avoid the part of the day with the most intense sunshine and/or wear sun protective clothing. For days when we will spend longer than 45 minutes at peak hours, however, we do slather on the sunscreen. Most recently, we’ve been using true natural baby & family sunscreen – not too oily, plus free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrances (though it does leave your skin slightly tinted with a “ghostly” white).

Sunwear by UV Skinz

I’ve been a fan of UV Skinz for many years now. Founded by Rhonda Sparks after the loss of her 32-year-old husband to skin cancer, the company aims to make “the most fun, fashionable, and affordable sun protection apparel and accessories on the market.” I think she’s succeeding in her mission. Take a look at these pieces – super stylish and stretchable with superior sun protection compared to traditional swimsuits. You can use coupon code SUMSAV13 to get 15% off your order for the whole month of June.

Mother’s Pack by GeigerRig

GeigerRig is best known for their hydration packs for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts – hikers, fishermen (and women!), bikers, skiers, etc. The company recently unveiled a pack just for moms. Designed with numerous zippered pouches and pockets, plus an included changing pad, the Mother’s Pack also has a built-in hydration system so that you can give your kids water on-the-go. Super nice for family hikes. Bonus: the design is stylish too! ;) This pack is available in limited quantities from the company because it is currently in a product trial phase. Contact GiegerRig via their website or on Twitter – @GEIGERRIG.

What baby products do you use most frequently in the summer?

Thanks to My Pool Pal, JJ Cole Collections, true natural, UV Skinz, and GeigerRig for providing product samples.

Our family stayed at Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch in downtown St. Louis. The hotel has a prime location – within walking distance of the Gateway Arch, Citygarden, and the St. Louis Library. Affordably priced, the hotel’s guest rooms are pretty standard (and in need of some updates). That said, the chain does offer quite a few “extras” – complimentary breakfast, complimentary dinner, plus complimentary soda + popcorn every afternoon in the lobby. Parking is $16/night so be sure to budget that amount in.

Probably the most memorable part of our time in the city was venturing up to the top of the Gateway Arch, the tallest manmade monument in the United States and the largest architectural structure in the world that is designed as an arch. We boarded a tiny pod (beware if you’re claustrophobic!), which took us up 630 feet. At the top, we were able to take photos and see the city in all directions.

That same day, we walked through Citygarden, a collaboration between the City of St. Louis and the Gateway Foundation. The beautifully landscaped area offers walking paths, public art & sculptures, an audio tour, and – our girls’ favorite thing – fountains to splash in! Best of all, the garden is free and open every single day (sunrise to 10pm).

We also walked through St. Louis’ Old Courthouse (also free). Dred Scott was an African-American slave who sued for his freedom and that of his wife and their two daughters in the Dred Scott v. Sanford case of 1857. The United States Supreme Court decided 7–2 against Scott, finding that neither he nor any other person of African ancestry could claim citizenship in the United States. This decision ultimately hastened the start of the Civil War. The courthouse itself was beautiful to behold and fascinating to walk through. The many flights of winding stairs made my heart skip a beat since we have a fearless 1-year-old so she & I stayed on the ground floor, while Tim and the older girls explored up above us.

On our final day in the city, we drove to Forest Park, a public park that covers 1,371 acres. Admission is free to the park, as well as to the St. Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum. Had we known ahead of time, we would have definitely planned to spend more time in this area. As it were, we enjoyed our morning at St. Louis Zoo, home to over 19,000 animals. My favorite were the elephants.

On our way out of town, we caught lunch at Fitz’s Root Beer. Located in a cool “college town” style strip of stores and restaurants, the restaurant features indoor & outdoor seating and a menu of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. I ordered The Loop Deluxe burger (which was GIGANTIC – easily enough for two) and Tim ordered the House Smoked Pulled Pork. The girls split an Old-Fashioned Turkey Club. We ended our meal with a root beer float – one to split between us!

Have you ever been to St. Louis with kids? What travel recommendations would you add?

* Special thanks to Explore St. Louis for providing complimentary accommodations and attraction passes.

Even so, I’ll take 100 in the desert over 80 with humidity any day. On days where the weather is mild, I sometimes will throw together an outfit like this.

Denim Button-Up by H&M - Several months ago I told my stylish sister-in-law that I was looking for a denim button-up shirt, preferably under $20. Shortly afterward, she sent me a text with a photo of a shirt from H&M. I promptly went to the mall and purchased it. That’s my kind of shopping – focused and fast. P.S. I also just noticed that they have a sleeveless version – worth a look!

LOVE Letter Pendant by BaubleBar - Spelling the word L-O-V-E, this simple necklace ($26) is exactly my style. It’s subtle in size and color, but with a wonderful message. It serves as a reminder to me to love God and love others everyday.

Layering Tank by modbod - I’m a HUGE fan of “layering.” Tanks and camisoles are stylish, provide great coverage, and are awesome for nursing (which I’ve been doing on-an-off now for the past 6 1/2 years). Modbod makes some of the best. Their tanks are stretchable, not too short, and wash well. Plus, they’re available in a wide array of pretty colors. In this shot, I’m wearing the signature tank in african violet.

Watercolor Organic Cotton Skirt by aventura - This gorgeous little number is just right for summer – knee-length, lightweight, and lovely. I particularly like the belt that hangs freestyle and the fact that I can throw it in my washing machine instead of making the driving to a dry cleaners. Bonus: aventura is an eco-friendly company – 80% of their clothing is made from environmentally-friendly fabrics.

 Jess Bronze Metallic Sandals by Dansko - In the summer, my primary pick for my feet are flip-flops. That said, I sometimes like to “dress up” my outfit just a bit without resorting to heels. These sandals are just right because they’re comfortable while not being quite as casual as my typical choice.

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What do you wear in the summer?

* Thanks to BaubleBar, modbod, aventura, and dansko for providing product samples.

If you decide to vacation at Walt Disney World or Disneyland with baby in tow, rest assured that Disney does a phenomenal job of making even the smallest guests feel welcome.

Want to read my top 10 tips to help ensure that you and your little one make magical memories at the Happiest Place on Earth? Click on the Mickey Mouse image below to head over to the Ergobaby blog…

Our girls were delighted to ride the elevator to one of the top floors in the North Tower of the Omni Hotel at CNN Center. A 4-star TripAdvisor hotel, the Omni is located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta and rates in May run around $135/night. The location couldn’t be more perfect for a family wanting to take in the sights of the area.

Our room featured 2 double beds, a work desk, a mini fridge, and a spectacular view of Centennial Olympic Park and the city lights below us. We all loved spending time at the expansive window, watching the ebb and flow below us. Upon check-in, each of our children received a keepsake backpack with a few small mementos. Scrumptious chocolate chip cookies and milk on ice were also delivered on the first night of check-in – a wonderful amenity of the Omni Sensational Kids Program.

After our little ones drifted off to sleep at night, Tim would head down to the lobby to work on pending business deadlines – a happening place where guests mingled with appetizers and drinks until well into the night. Free WiFi is available to all Omni Select Guest members.

Parking is valet-only at a rate of $30 per day so be sure to plan that extra amount into your vacation budget. Prime Meridian Restaurant is on-site and offers a breakfast menu, including a full buffet for $24.95 – made-to-order omelets, bacon, sausage, cereals, fruits, and ridiculously delicious cream cheese pastries.

On our first morning, we walked to Georgia Aquarium, the World’s Largest Aquarium – home to 120,000 sea animals in 10 million gallons of water. The highlight of our day was watching the AT&T Dolphin Show. The aquatic musical features singing, strobe lights, an adventure story, and a wondrous display of dolphin tricks. Ticket prices range from $24-$30 per person; children 2 and under are free.

Although neither Tim or I are soda-drinkers, the World of Coca-Cola provided an interesting glimpse into the brand’s past and its impact on our culture. As part of the self-guided tour, you can sample more than 60 different flavors from around the world and leave with a keepsake bottle at the end. Since the exhibits are more reading-focused and less hands-on, this is probably a better pick for families with older children (ages 6+).

Centennial Olympic Park (free!), right outside the hotel’s front doors, could also easily provide a day’s worth of entertainment for young children. There are 2 shaded playgrounds on-site – clean with soft surfaces. The Fountain of Rings is also a super way for little ones to cool off and get some exercise in the hotter months. If you enjoy running or walking on vacation, the park offers plentiful paths amidst elegantly manicured grass and mature trees.

While in the area, take a 13-minute drive to Osteria 832 for dinner. The intimate neighborhood joint features fresh pasta dishes, fun patio seating with twinkling lights, and a very cool “local” vibe. Our girls (ages 6, 4, and 1) agreed it was one of the best restaurants of our 3-week road trip. The Kid’s Menu features  7 different options – all for $4 (that price includes a drink). My vegetarian Spaghetti Pomodoro was magnifico and the girls licked their plates clean (Spaghetti with Butter & Cheese and Spaghetti Pomodoro). We recommend arriving early (at 5pm or so) if you have young children to avoid crowds.

On our next visit to the area, I’d be interested to take the CNN Studio Tour, to take a walk through the Chick-Fil-A headquarters, and/or to visit the boyhood home of Martin Luther King Jr.

Have you ever been to Atlanta with kids? What travel recommendations would you add?

* Special thanks to the Atlanta CVB and Osteria 832 for providing complimentary accommodations and attraction passes.