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Peaceful Water Views at Manatee Lagoon in Palm Beach, Florida

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On our latest adventure, we visited  Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center  in Palm Beach, Florida. This donation-only attraction is one of the best spots in the area to learn about and (hopefully!) see Florida’s gentle giants, the manatees. In my full YouTube video, I take you along as we explore the grounds, enjoy the peaceful views, and spend some time looking out over the water for manatees and fish. Even when the manatees don’t make an appearance, the lagoon itself is a relaxing place to stop, unwind, and appreciate Florida’s natural beauty. What Is Manatee Lagoon? Manatee Lagoon is a public education center created by  Florida Power & Light (FPL) . It’s located next to their Riviera Beach Clean Energy Center, which releases warm water into the lagoon. During the colder months (November through March), manatees are drawn to this warmer water, making it one of the best spots in Palm Beach to see them. The facility offers: Indoor exhibits  about manatee...

Hidden Gem in Jupiter, Florida: Visiting the River Center (And Falling for a Balloon Fish!)

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The River Center If you’re exploring  Jupiter, Florid a  and looking for something  relaxing, educational, and budget-friendly , I highly recommend a stop at the  River Center . It’s a  free nature center in Jupiter FL  that offers  interactive exhibits , local aquatic species, and hands-on learning experiences for all ages. Admission is  donation-based , making it another great  family-friendly activity in Jupiter ! And yes… I may have fallen in love with a  balloon fish , also known as a  pufferfish . 🐡💙 🌊 Walking Into the River Center As soon as we stepped inside the  River Center in Jupiter , I was surprised by how much there was to explore. You’re welcomed by bright, engaging displays that highlight the beauty of the  Loxahatchee River , one of Florida’s most iconic wild and scenic waterways. We began our visit at the  aquatic tanks , where we saw: Eels hanging out   gracefully in the water Freshwater tur...

Saying Goodbye to Tom Sawyer’s Island: A Disney Classic Closes Forever

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Huck Tom and Becky on the Fence Saying Goodbye to Tom Sawyer’s Island: A Disney Classic Closes Forever For decades,  Tom Sawyer’s Island  has been a hidden gem at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, offering guests a chance to step into a world inspired by Mark Twain’s classic tales. With its tranquil atmosphere, winding caves, barrel bridges, and the iconic Fort Langhorn, this attraction has been a favorite for families and adventurers alike. But all great adventures must come to an end. Disney recently closed Tom Sawyer’s Island, to make way for a brand-new  Cars-themed area , promising fresh excitement for guests. While we’re eager to see what Disney has in store, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for this beloved slice of Americana. In my latest YouTube video,  " Saying Goodbye to a Disney Classic: Tom Sawyer’s Island ,"  I take one last journey across the Rivers of America to explore the magic of this iconic attraction. From its charming details to its sense of timeless ...

Our Visit to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary: A Hidden Florida Treasure

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Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Looking for a meaningful, family-friendly Florida adventure that won’t break the bank? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem we recently visited:  Busch Wildlife Sanctuary  in  Jupiter, Florida . This beautiful sanctuary combines  wildlife rescue, education, and nature trails , making it the perfect stop for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking to explore the real Florida. The best part?  Admission is by donation , so it’s budget-friendly while helping the animals too! 🕒 Hours, Admission & Accessibility Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is open  7 days a week  from  10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , excluding major holidays. There’s  no admission fee —just a suggested donation to help support the animals and the important work they do. ✔️  Wheelchair and stroller accessible ✔️  Restrooms available ✔️ Allow about  at least an hour to explore  all the outdoor habitats ✔️ Great for all ages! A Florida Panth...

My Encounter with Some Ducks and an Egyptian Geese Family

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I was out walking the other day, and I came across some ducks and some Egyptian Geese and I noticed they had four adorable little babies with them. They looked so cute, so I thought I would share this short video that I took of them with you. Egyptian Geese are originally from the Nile Valley in Africa. They have actually been around for quite a long time. They were domesticated back during Ancient Egyptian Times and were usually viewed as sacred animals. Which I find funny, because they can be quite annoying at times. They are very loud and sometimes they fly up on my building's roof and just squawk very loudly in the mornings, but I do think they are pretty. I also love how they stay as a family and protect their young. We even had one, that managed to get into my building at work - LOL. The Egyptian Geese were very popular in some zoos and a few have managed to escape throughout the years. That is said to be how they got here in our area. As with any wildlife, always tr...

Ribbit and Radiate: A Mindfulness Moment with a Frog, Bubbles & Stars

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🐸 Ribbit and Radiate: A Mindfulness Moment with a Frog, Bubbles & Stars In the middle of a hectic day, sometimes all you need is a gentle pause — a quiet moment to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. That’s exactly what I created in my newest mindfulness video on YouTube:  “Ribbit and Radiate.”  🌿✨ This calming guided meditation was inspired by a peaceful little frog — a symbol of transformation, awareness, and stillness in nature. Surrounded by soft bubbles and sparkling stars, this video invites you to let go of stress and return to your calm, centered self. 🎥 What to Expect in the Video: A short and soothing  guided breathing meditation Gentle overlays of  bubbles and stars  for visual calm A unique and playful affirmation:  “Ribbit and Radiate” A  music-only section  to let you relax even deeper Soft visuals designed for caregivers, nature lovers, and anyone needing a mental reset Whether you're a caregiver with just a few mo...

Disney on a Budget: Real Tips from a Single Mom

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                                                  Planning a Disney vacation but feeling overwhelmed by the cost?  You're not alone. As a single mom, I know exactly how stressful it can be to balance your budget while trying to create magical memories. But here's the good news:  you can do Disney without draining your bank account —I've done it, and I'm here to share how. Whether you're planning your first trip or looking for ways to stretch your dollars even further, these are my honest, real-life tips for how to travel to Disney on a budget—as a single parent, or really any parent trying to save smart. 🎯 How I Saved Before the Trip The savings started  before  we even packed our bags. ✅ Disney Gift Cards at Target If you're a Target RedCard holder, you can buy Disney gift cards and get  5% off every purchase —ev...