Moments with Gwen

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 ...

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...

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 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...

                                                  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...

Have you ever needed a moment of calm—but also a touch of wonder? My recent visit to the  Loggerhead Marinelife Center  in Juno Beach, Florida, was exactly that. This inspiring place offers more than a look at adorable sea turtles. They also have jellyfish, lion fish and a shark! The best part is -  Admission is free (donations  are always welcome!)  🌊🐢 In my new YouTube video, I take you on a peaceful walk through the center. You’ll see rescued sea turtles recovering in their tanks, learn about their stories, with the soothing atmosphere of the ocean and nature all around. There are very nice volunteers ready to talk about each turtle being taken care of. Don't be shy, ask them your questions. The video is part of my  "Travel Moments with Gwen"  series—but this one has a special touch of calm, perfect for anyone who needs a gentle mental reset. 🎥  Watch here:   My Visit to Loggerhead Marinelife Center This experience inspired me to reflec...

Welcome to  Moments with Gwen , where travel and mindfulness meet. In today’s mindful moment, we invite you into the serene world beneath the waves. This calming video features peaceful footage of sea turtles and other gentle ocean life, accompanied by soothing music and a brief guided reflection. Whether you're a caregiver seeking a quiet break or anyone looking for a few moments of calm, this mindful moment was created just for you. 🐢 What You’ll Experience The video begins with a soft spoken introduction and mindful breathing practice, paired with relaxing music and beautiful underwater visuals. You’ll be invited to pause, breathe deeply, and simply be present. If you’d prefer to skip directly to the music-only portion with uninterrupted ocean visuals, you’ll find a timestamp in both the video description and pinned comment. This mindful moment includes sea turtles, fish, and a variety of other peaceful marine life—each one reminding us of the gentle rhythm of nature. 👉 Watch ...