26 Apr, 2024

Warm Chocolate Melting Cake by Carnival Cruise Line

The Warm Chocolate Melting Cake made aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships is always well-received by my family. We make it a point to order it at least one time during a sailing. We were thrilled when Carnival Cruise Line release this coveted recipe to home bakers, ironically on National Chocolate Cake Day, this year! Carnival recommends […]

1 min read

Surprising the Kids with a Carnival Vista 5-Night Sailing with the Family

Want to surprise the family with a cruise on the Carnival Vista or other ship? Check latest cruise prices & reviews for the Carnival Vista on Expedia!. Their Carnival Vista Dreams My oldest said she was, “paralyzed in happiness,” when we surprised the kids that we were going on the Carnival Vista! They didn’t have a clue. Ever since […]

4 mins read

Carnival Vista Sailing European and NY Waters in 2016

You’ve read my experiences with Carnival. You’ve seen the fun we’ve had aboard the Breeze, Sunshine and Freedom. You know how I am obsessed with Carnival’s speciality restaurants. I’m thrilled to announce that Carnival is kicking it up another notch for families (if that’s even possible!) Here’s the video that was the first enticement made to […]

5 mins read

First Thoughts Aboard the Carnival Breeze

We boarded the Carnival Breeze at Port Miami yesterday, beginning an 8-night cruise throughout the Eastern Caribbean. We will stop at St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola and Nassau, Bahamas. In these first 24 hours, I have been very impressed, especially with the food, the quality of service and the variety of activities and entertainment. Also, the […]

1 min read

Recall Wednesday – Batteries, carnival ride, sandals, nerf toy, vent damper, generator, wireless headset & bar magnet

Below are the recall notifications that I received this week. The information comes directly from the CPSC listsrv emails. Be a SMART MAMA and check your homes for the products!Name of Product: Rechargeable Batteries sold with portable DVD/CD/MP3 players Hazard: The rechargeable batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Description: This recall involves […]

9 mins read

7 Smart Ways to Make Family Travel Affordable

As Smart Mamas, you are looking for ways to make family travel affordable. You want to provide your children the opportunities to explore the world, see different cultures, and have fun. I get it. However, your bank account doesn’t. Using clever ways, family travel can be more affordable. Some ways work better than others. 7 […]

5 mins read

Speciality Dining on Cruise Ships Review

Challenge: Is dining on cruise ships good? Cruise ships are notorious for having plenty of food available. Yes, passengers often complain after returning from their sailing of the weight they’ve gained from the soft serve ice cream, breakfast buffets and endless slices of pizza. There is always food around. Whether the bountiful buffets on the lido deck […]

4 mins read

Hire Me

Yes, I am ready and able to market your brand with authentic writing, photography and video. Promoting my work across 1/2 dozen social media platforms, your marketing campaigns created and/or implemented by Smarty Pants Mama Media (that’s my fancy name) will relate to fellow travelers, foodies and/or homemakers. It’s an opportunity to broadcast your brand […]

5 mins read

Royal Caribbean Vision of the Sea Review, Revitalization Updates

It was a media event with a date night thrown in! Our one-night trip aboard the newly revitalized Vision of the Seas brought about great fun, fantastic food and impressive note taking. This Vision of the Seas review provides my unbiased insights. As media guests of Royal Caribbean, we were provided with a Junior Suite […]

2 mins read

Great Vacation Guarantee Entices Cruisers

Last December we enjoyed 8 wonderful nights aboard the Carnival Breeze. You’ve read my experiences, you’ve seen my videos aboard the Carnival Breeze and know how I feel about cruising with the family. To be honest, cruising with the family is a big deal. You’re bringing the kids and maybe even the grandparents, on a trip where anything […]

2 mins read