1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.

Do you love taking road trips with your family?

Occassionally we will jump in the car and take a family road trip for the weekend. We try to make the road trip a fun experience by stopping by interesting museums or sites along the way. This also cuts down time in the car, which makes the travel more manageable for the kids.

If you are thinking about taking a road trip to Pennsylvania this Summer, try using the Roadtrip-a-Matic! The Roadtrip-a-Matic makes planning roadtrips easy and addresses some of the biggest headaches when planning a vacation, like what to see and where to eat.

Visit pa-roadtrips for more information on how to get started planning your trip today!

Which historical landmarks or experiences would you want to see in Pennsylvania?

While visiting the swimming pool today, I noticed a very pregnant woman sporting a bikini. Although I did not personally find it offensive or obscene in any way, I noticed that she was receiving several interesting looks from others.

It made me curious as to what people think about publicly exposing a pregnant belly. Do you find it offensive?

Also, is it even safe to expose a pregnant belly in the sun for long periods of time? I always thought it was unsafe to do so?

Let’s discuss!

photo credit: Coca-Cola

A few days ago, I returned from a fantastic visit to Atlanta, Georgia with Coca-Cola. The “Conversations with Coca-Cola” conference not only opened my eyes to a whole new side of Coca-Cola, but left me feeling inspired and uplifted. Here is a recap of the event.

DAY ONE.

We started Day One with a fabulous breakfast at Coca-Cola headquarters, with plenty of Coca-Cola beverage options, of course! (did you know that Simply Orange is a Coca-Cola product?)

After breakfast, the conference began with Megan Calhoun from Social Moms (formally Twitter Moms) who spoke on “The Hundred Year You: The Power of Brand Pillars”. Megan stressed the importance of “pillars” for a blog, business or brand, with pillars being the core foundation values. I thought about mine in depth and kept coming back to COMMUNITY, RELATIONSHIPS, and AUTHENTICITY.

Next up was a session on “Personal Sustainability” and a fun vision board exercise. I had never crafted a vision board before and wasn’t sure what kind of results to expect. I have to say, creating the board was very therapeutic and calming. It also taught me a few things about myself, and more specifically, which path I want to take in the next year.

I plan on writing a blog post just on the meaning on this vision board, so stay tuned for that, but in a nutshell it displays the need to live in the moment, treat myself more and continue to make meaningful connections. With fun shoes and coffee, of course.

After the vision board session and a delicious Subway lunch, we listened to Subway trainer Monica Vazquez speak on how to “Eat Fresh, Train Hard”. Monica stressed the importance of combining strength training with cardio exercise and how a healthy lifestyle is all about balance. Want to eat a piece of cake? Go ahead, but balance the rest of your day’s diet with lower calorie options to keep that balance. We also had a chance to go outside and practice some exercises, like planking, that can easily be done from home.

Next up was a session on “Women in the Workplace”, which consisted of a panel of Coca-Cola female executives. Their stories were inspiring and empowering as they shared their current job duties and how Coca-Cola encourages women to take those executive positions.

After our day of sessions, we boarded a shuttle bus and headed to the World of Coca-Cola! Touring the World of Coca-Cola was nostalgic, informative and a ton of fun.

The tour ended with a free Coke bottle to take with us and a $25 shopping spree in the Coca-Cola gift shop. I purchased a couple of Coca-Cola cups with my kiddos, a coffee mug and a bag for my good friend Tamara.

That evening, we dined at the BLT Steak, located within the W Hotel with the bloggers and Coca-Cola team. It was a great way to chat with the bloggers and team alike over an amazing dinner.

DAY TWO.

Over breakfast, we started day two learning about Coca-Cola’s history and commitment. One thing that really stood out to me was Coca-Cola’s “Live Positively” message, which is so important that it carries over to all Coke employees and execs alike. The company believes in family coming first always, and encourages time off to make sure each employee doesn’t miss a “Live Positively” moment in their lives. Love that.

Next, we covered Seagram’s, another Coca-Cola brand, history and its focus audience. We even taste-tested a few flavors and created our own “signature drink” by mixing several Coca-Cola beverages together. Another fun, interactive session.

To end the day, we played a Jeopardy-style game, covering all of the Coca-Cola history and information we covered over the last couple of days. Winners took away fun Coca-Cola prizing! After Jeopardy, closing remarks were made and we were on our way to the airport.

The two days at Coca-Cola headquarters were a whirlwind of information, fun and inspiration. I loved the Coca-Cola brand before, but feel an even deeper connection to the company after visiting. After hearing from the female professionals at Coke, building the vision board and hearing the “Live Positively” mantra, I was inspired to carry on the same messaging in my life as well. More to come on where that road will lead me.

A big THANK YOU to Coca-Cola for having me and in many ways, changing my life. Now on to the big question…

Diet Coke or Coke Zero? Discuss in our comments below.

DISCLOSURE: My trip to Coca-Cola, including travel and accommodations was provided by Coca-Cola. Thoughts are my own.

In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy these fun Scottish recipes!

Enjoy!

Two teabag DIYs, one with minimal sewing, one with none at all!

I’d adore one of these pendant lights in my kitchen, maybe a few in a row would be fun along a buffet? Adorable.

Who wouldn’t want to sit down to THAT sweet as a button cup of tea?

Love this tea storage idea! I love spices, teas, coffees etc. out where I can see them!

Great for when you’re on the go… always be sure to have your fav tea stashed away in your purse.

Another adorable way to keep your tea nice & fresh.

So, mamas… tell me all about your favourite tea! Are you a lemon kinda gal? Milk & honey? Let me know in the comments!

PS. I have entire Pinterest board dedicated to Coffee, Wine & Tea. (Things that make the world go ’round!)

After weeks spent training and hours in studio, nothing beats just a little more…Abby Time. Here is a little taste of the episodes coming up!

Dance Moms is back with all new episodes on LIFETIME, Tuesday, June 5th @ 9/8C.

Are you a fan of Dance Moms?

DISCLOSURE – This is a sponsored post by Dance Moms. My reviews and recommendations are always honest and true.  Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

EXO Hardside Spinner Carry-On Product Features:

• 100% Pure Polycarbonate shell – the most durable material choice for hardside luggage
• Polished/Debossed Diamond Pattern reduces visible abrasion
• Packing compartment is divided into two sections:
• Full-mesh zip-around cover for the perfect combination of containment AND visibility
• Open compartment with our innovative removable/adjustable shelf AND 5-point tie straps
• Combined packing space: 18.5″ x 13″ x 8.75″
• Overall exterior dimensions (maximum measure): 22″ x 14″ x 9”
• Grey nylon lining – because who needs another black interior in a suitcase?
• Large #10 self-healing coil zipper – the strongest available
• Travel Sentry ® TSA recognized 3-dial combination lock for safe/secure packing
• 2-section telescoping handle – adjustable to a variety of heights
• Telescoping handle measures 43.5″ fully extended
• Telescoping handle housing is partially extended, for optimum interior space utilization
• Top and Side grab handles with internal support plates for added durability
• Four Molded Feet with oversized backing washers
• Double-Wheel casters with internal support plates for superior durability
• All component parts are assembled with removable fasteners, in case of any needed repairs

This is the first time I have ever owned or used a hardside piece of luggage and I honestly wasn’t sure how I would like traveling with it, but I was extremely pleased with the results. The shell is TOUGH, so I didn’t have to worry about any damage to my belongings, even when they have to place my carry-on under the plane.

Although the hardside shell is fantastic, it wasn’t the main reason why I instantly fell in love with this carry-on. It was the wheels! Four wheels that made walking through the airport easy as can be. I never knew how much two more wheels could make traveling more enjoyable, but it really did. Dragging or pulling a regular suitcase can become exhausting, especially when you are trying to change planes in a busy airport. I was in love with the four wheels!

I was also surprised how much this carry-on could store. I was able to pack two outfits, pajamas, all of my toiletries, flat iron and two pairs of shoes with room to spare. I will definitely be taking this EXO Spinner Carry-on with me on all of my short business trips in the future!

Learn more about eBags, including the HUGE selection of luggage and accessories they offer, by visiting www.eBags.com. You can also check them out on Twitter @bags_by_ebags, on Facebook at Facebook.com/bagsbyebags and on Pinterest at Pinterest.com/bagsbyebags.

Disclosure: I received an EXO Hardside Spinner Carry-On in return for this review. Thoughts are my own. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.

Did you know that Springfree Trampoline is the safest trampoline in the world? Its revolutionary design will allow your kids to have all the fun, with none of the injuries!

Watch the video below to see what people are saying about Springfree Trampoline!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers. A big thank you to Springfree for offering such a fantastic prize. Enter on the Rafflecopter form below, and good luck! Ends 6/25 at 12:01 a.m.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I did not receive anything in return for this group giveaway. Read Mom Spark’s full disclosure here.