It’s a tad unreal we’re just a few days away from a new year, never mind a whole new decade! Been taking some time off the feeds & really soaking in some family time before we leap (or creep) into 2020. Even if the usual crazy and twilight zon-ish that Winter Break entails, we’re enjoying rolling with our unscheduled flow (families with kids in sports/activities probably feel me on this one), just BE-ing and slow-cooking in our PJs. We’re also updating our family vision board – something we’ve made a tradition this time of year since 2017 – and reflecting on some of the blessings the year brought, taking time to be grateful, reminiscing about some of the awesome adventures we took in 2019, and thinking about where we want to head in 2020.
Don’t look back you’re not going that way, they say, but how do you find gratitude & contentment in where you are without reflecting back on where you’ve been? What you’ve overcome? The hard stuff you’re facing but moving forward through? What you’ve asked for and received? GRATEFUL. We’re also looking back on the content you guys loved most on the blog to give a bit of direction to what we should focus on in 2020.
So what did you guys love most? FOOD + TRAVEL (with a splash of romance ;)) Can I say I’m thrilled that we’re on the same wavelength?! Because bringing you guys more recipe ideas from La Cucina di Kerrs + posting more travel features is what we want to share more of with you too! (Whoop!).
Helping families simplify the every day & sharing some of my mindful mama musings will continue to make an appearance too.
Before I share our Top 10 Posts of 2019, I first want to thank you, sincerely, from the bottom to the top of my heart for supporting our blog + social channels & also supporting the brands/partners we (very carefully & intentionally) align with that help keep our small family business afloat. So very grateful for each one of you <3 and I hope you’ll stick around for the ride throughout 2020 & beyond!
Top Posts of 2019
10. A Memorable Stay at the Real Life “Dirty Dancing” Resort
No.10 warms my heart (and fuels my Dirty Dancing obsession 
) Virginia is the state “for lovers” and Mountain Lake Lodge a fabulous resort to stay at for families, couples or girls/guys trips! Since our stay, they’ve done a massive reno of the outdoor pool area among other updates while keeping the classic appeal of the grounds & continuing to offer their wildly popular (and often sold out) Dirty Dancing Weekends.
PS – have you seen “The Movies that Made Us” on Netflix ? Footage from Dirty Dancing & this resort are featured in the 1st episode (as well as some dirty deets about the cast & filming realities)!
9. 5 Reasons to Choose Dreams Playa Mujeres Resort & Spa for your Next Family Vacation
There are so many fabulous, family-focused features to this resort (including being voted one of the “best family resorts with a water park”). It was a perfect spot to welcome my 40’s and would make a great location for multigenerational groups, couples, girls/guys getaways & weddings/vow renewals.
8. Best Free Photo Editing Apps for Pics & Social Media
I love photography + editing & so glad giving you guys simple ways to edit your own family pics was useful for you. A great time to read with all those holiday snaps you now have!
7. Turkey, White Bean + Kale Soup Recipe
One of our faves too! Great way to use up all your turkey + veggie leftovers and seriously SO delish!
6. 3 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in December
Some incredible new attractions & expansions are underway at WDW that will open in 2020-2021 to commemorate the park’s 50th Anniversary celebrations! Now’s the time to start planning your #DisneyVacation! Find out our family’s favourite time to visit, how to SAVE & what new additions are coming!
5. 4 Reasons to Book Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana for Your Next Family Vacay
Our first all-inclusive getaway as a family of six, and still one of our faves. Now is a great time to check out deals for Spring travel there!
4. Mom-Daughter Date in Niagara-on-the-Lake
NOTL is one of my happy places & I go at least once per year. Whether for a fabulous mom-daughter date, couples escape, or girlfriends’ getaway, I have some great suggestions on where to wine + dine + unwind in Ontario’s Wine Country to make the most of your time there.
3. 7 Best Travel Sites for Families of 5+
Family travel alone has its own set of challenges, but booking a family of 5 or more is a bit trickier (max capacity restrictions & financial cost are a few reasons why). The sites listed above can help!
2. Vow Renewal Tips + Inspo + Etiquette
Renewing our vows with the gang was definitely one of our most memorable moments of this decade. 2020 would be a beautiful year to make a vow renewal happen, so don’t hesitate…go for your #IDoTakeTwo & get planning!
1. Unique Date Night Ideas in Toronto to Try
For the second year in a row, this one snagged top spot! I guess there’s a whole lotta lovin’ going on in #the6ix 🙂 We aren’t very good at keeping up with date nights while keeping up with the kids, so you’ve reminded us to make “US” a priority (*again…we kinda suck at this #whatsdatenight*) in the new year. We’ve updated it to include some recent additions we enjoy.
That’s it, that’s all! Thank you for reading! We wish you and yours a year ahead filled with good health, abundance & all the things that fill your heart & fuel your soul <3 And as our little guy E says every time we arrive somewhere new, “Let’s do this, baby”!
“It’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves” ~ Edmund Hillary
Love & light,
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