This post is sponsored by Cacique Intimates and includes tracking links. For more information about tracking links and how to opt out, please visit All About Do Not Track and Cacique Intimates’ Privacy Policy prior to clicking any links found in this post.

Last week, I shared what I have to have in my carry on bag when I'm traveling, this week, I'm sharing how I ensure I'm comfortable when I'm traveling.

Let's face it, traveling can be stressful. I think most of the travel stress we encounter is because we are not well-rested or we are ill-prepared. If you get enough rest and prepare enough, your travels, barring any unforeseen events out of your control, should be stress-free.

One of the most important things for me to feel comfortable is wearing the right bra! I'm excited to be working with Cacique to share with you my favorite bras from their line of intimates.

They are super comfortable and they are super cute! I love how comfortable they are and I only have to pack one bra if I need to pack light for a trip!

When planning for a trip, I make sure I pack the right clothes for the weather along with my essentials

• a comfortable bra like the one pictured here (isn't it so pretty with the island fruit and the lace on the back?)
• my CPAP (because I have sleep apnea)
• comfortable shoes
• rain jacket (if there's a chance it's going to rain)
• charging cables
• travel camera

When I talk about being comfortable, I don't mean staying in your comfort zone. Traveling is all about seeing new things, doing new things and meeting new people.

When I talk about comfort when traveling, I mean not tugging on your bra all the time (you know what I mean!), being comfortable on the plane with a jacket because it's often so cold and staying well-hydrated (which is why I always carry a water bottle).

By the way, since I started wearing this bra, I'm no longer tugging on my bra to pull it down or pulling straps up, no more need to!

Do you know what I appreciate about the Cacique brand? From its brand ethos rooted in self-love to its inclusive imagery. As a woman of color, this is very important to me. I'm really excited about this brand! I love love that there are so many shades in their nude collection. Because nude is not the same shade to every woman!

I purchased the cafe mocha shade for myself in this style.

I'm so excited to get to work with Cacique because this year they expanded their sizing to now include band sizes 32 to 50, cup sizes A to K and they have expanded sizes in sleep and loungewear too! In the past their main focus was plus sizing, so the expanded sizing which makes me so excited! They also have expanded sizing for swimwear now, which I can't wait to try out!

Psst! From now through July 14, Cacique Intimates is holding their semi-annual sale! Select bras are Buy 1, Get 1 Free and all other bras are Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off. So hustle over to the site to shop before the sale is over!

For me, traveling is all about seeing new things as well as enjoying wonderful new food. I love taking pictures of food and sharing it with you when I travel!

More packing tips to ensure you're comfortable:

• Pack the essentials, leave home what you can live without or buy at a convenience store
• Be sure to pack something to read or work on for when you're waiting in line, etc.
• Use packing cubes for efficient packing (it helps for when you have arrived too, to easily find things)
• Be sure to pack your medications in your carry on (in case your checked bag gets lost!)
• Bring a jacket that has pockets. Wear it or bring it along. Planes are always cold and you can put your phone and headphones in your pockets. (And don’t forget headphones!)
• Just breathe and enjoy the journey to getting to your destination

I love love traveling. When I was a little girl, my parents would send me across the country from Florida to California to visit my grandparents for entire summers. I would travel with one of my sisters and yes, we were unaccompanied minors. We would often have to sit on the plane while the plane was being cleaned.

I loved watching the behind the scenes on the plane. I loved interacting with the flight attendants. I think that's why I enjoy flying so much as an adult because I did it at young age.

But I do know that delays and security checks can be stressful. We just need to breathe and not let the stress overwhelm us and prepare with that comfortable bra and reading material so we don't get bored while we are waiting! Because as we all know, traveling requires a lot of patience!

One more thing, I mentioned it before but I don’t want you to forget that from now through July 14, Cacique Intimates is holding their semi-annual sale! Select bras are Buy 1, Get 1 Free and all other bras are Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off. Check it out before time runs out!

Photos of Julie by Laur Fernandez. Photo of nude bras courtesy of Cacique.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Cacique Intimates and includes tracking links. For more information about tracking links and how to opt out, please visit All About Do Not Track and Cacique Intimates’ Privacy Policy prior to clicking any links found in this post.

The post How to Make Sure you Stay Comfortable While Traveling appeared first on The Little Kitchen.

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I pretty much pack the same things in my carry on luggage so that I have them handy while traveling. I like to stay comfortable while I'm traveling and I want to be sure that I have what I need when I'm on the plane, at the airport and when I get to where I'm going.

Photo by Laur Fernandez

What is a good carry on bag?

I'm excited to share this weekender carry on bag with you! I discovered it late last year and have been using it for the last 6+ months and I LOVE it! It holds so much, comes with a bag for your shoes and has a compartment that fits a 15-inch laptop bag.

It fits all of these things and more!

I actually put my laptop in this laptop case and then put it into the weekender bag.

It has so manyyyy pockets! And it has a trolley sleeve or a luggage strap sleeve so it will slip onto the handle of your rollaboard so easily…that's the biggest plus to me.

How many times have you put the handles of a bag or a tote bag on the top of your luggage only for it to fall down while you're wheeling your luggage around the airport. All. the. time. right?

And bonus, there are two side pockets on the outside and my water bottle fits perfectly! I can bring my empty water bottle through security and fill it up at a bottle filling station at the airport but then I can put it in my bag and not have to carry it and run out of hands. You know what I'm talking about.

I can't stop talking about this bag and I love that it's wayyyy affordable too! They also make a smaller one too.

Let's get back to the items that go into my carry on bag. The number one thing is a change of clothes along with underwear. If you have checked baggage, in case it gets lost or delayed, this change of clothing is a GREAT thing to have. Trust me, I speak from experience!

• my planner! (I also love these dividers and planner pages)
• my favorite pens
• kindle (I have the previous generation, the new one is here, here's the case for my kindle, it's the one that looks like a composition book!)
• this book (I don't usually travel with actual books because they take up a lot of room in my bag and they are heavy but this one's worth it!)
• hand wipes
• sunglasses

• travel camera (& lens)
• pill organizer (I have had this one for years!! there are some prints on sale right now!)
• tech accessory & cord organizer
• travel water bottle with this commuter lid
• nested Pusheen snack containers (I'm obsessed with these!!! There are four containers and I also have these ones! Are you surprised at all?)

What's your number one thing you have to have in your carry on baggage? What am I missing?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post. Which means if you click on a link and purchase, I will receive a small commission. I only share with you my favorite brands and products.

The post My Carry on Luggage Must Haves appeared first on The Little Kitchen.

I was fortunate to attend a press trip with Walt Disney World recently with this fun group of ladies. I'm also fortunate to live within driving distance. We have been annual passholders (we pay for these passes ourselves, out of our own pocket) for several years now and LOVE it!

I was so happy to revisit old favorites and find new ones!!! Be sure to check out the video I created at the end too. The happiest place on earth always puts a smile on my face.

Dining at Disney Springs

When you visit Walt Disney World, you have to add Disney Springs to your list. Formerly known as Downtown Disney, the dining and shops open now are amazing! If you went to it before it was rebranded, you will be shocked at how much it's changed, for the better.

A new favorite is Paddlefish. We loved loved their lobster guacamole and their lobster corn dogs. The desserts were fantastic too! The brownie milkshake and the key lime pie were must gets.

At the Ganachery, they are going to have these amazing upon amazing made to order s’mores. There's a wonderful chocolate ganache, housemade marshmallows and housemade gingerbread cookies. It's perfection!

Other can't miss places, are Blaze Pizza for the pizza of course. There's usually a line but it goes pretty fast. They only have a few different price points and you can order as many toppings as you want! Also, don't miss Amorette's for dessert!

For even more info, check out my article on more restaurants at Disney Springs!

Shopping at Disney Springs

I have so many shops that I LOVE at Disney Springs including Sugarboo, UNIQLO and World of Disney. Another fave is Sephora…I got the new Fenty makeup foundation!

Holidays at Walt Disney World

We got to visit the Holiday Warehouse. Have you ever thought about how they install those super tall Christmas tree during the holidays? They store them and take them apart in pieces and they are housed in the Holiday Warehouse on property!

So excited about these Christmas tree red velvet whoopie pies!

I love spending the holidays at Walt Disney World. A couple of years ago, we spent Christmas Day at Hollywood Studios and loved it. The spirit of the holidays and the decor both really are amazing at WDW.

Last year, was the first year for the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! show at Hollywood Studios. I LOVED it! I'm so happy it's returning this year!

This year, we plan on spending Thanksgiving weekend at Disney!

Food at the Magic Kingdom

Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen: I have been there a couple of times and I love love the whole fish & the lamb chops (pictured above).

Always have to have a Dole Whip…I was so excited that I could get the pineapple soft serve can be swirled with vanilla again!

I have to recommend a quick service restaurant that has been a favorite since I was a kid. The Columbia Harbor House, they serve these amazing lobster rolls and fish & chips!

Happily Ever After Dessert Party

First, depending on the ticket(s) you buy for the Dessert Party, there is a reserved area for the Happily Ever After fireworks show! I was sad to see Wishes go but this show is amazing!

Pandora – The World of Avatar

I'm so excited to share Pandora with you! A huge favorite and really popular, it's really hard to get fast passes for the Flight of Passage ride. Even at the risk of overselling it to you, it's amazing! It's 100 times better than Soarin'. But if you get a little motion sickness on rides, this isn't for you.

You literally feel like you are riding on a banshee and and and, you feel like you're in the movie.

You have to order the crispy fried tofu platter (ask for all of the sauces) and the this blueberry cheesecake mousse from Satu'li Canteen.

Animal Kingdom Tusker House

Tusker House Restaurant is a new to me favorite. My first time there, the breakfast buffet was soooo good! Plenty of great breakfast items and some African and Indian inspired dishes too.

Don't I look cute with Mickey?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

This festival is something I look forward to every year!

These grilled beef skewers with chimichurri suace at the Patagonia marketplace is one of my faves!

I have also shared about the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in the past! Also, shared when I had desserts around the world.

And stay tuned, I'm going to share my favorites from the Food & Wine festival this year!

La Hacienda de San Angel

This is my first time at La Hacienda in Epcot. My friend, Shelly, loves this place. It's definitely getting added to the list of great places to eat at Epcot. Get the short ribs and the horchata margarita!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Seriously, I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The restaurants are fantastic. I even love the quick service cafe, they have the most amazing blueberry muffins!

There's a wildlife spotting guide in your room with a checklist so you can mark off the animals you spot outside your window at the Lodge!

Disclosure: The trip was covered by Walt Disney World. I only work with brands that I love and my opinions are always my own.

The post Walt Disney World: Old and New Favorites appeared first on The Little Kitchen.

It's smack dab in the middle of July and I can't believe it. How are we half way through 2017? Am I the only one who says this every year? That it goes by faster and faster!

My favorite drink to sip on with friends is a gin and tonic. I have shared with you a cucumber gin and tonic…now it's time to share another easy peasy drink, the strawberry gin and tonic!

But first, I must share about my trip to New York City and the Hamptons last month!

I was invited on a little retreat with friends and we stayed at the Lotte New York Palace. It was beyond amazing! My roommate for the weekend was Heidi, I had so much fun with her!

On a brick of white chocolate, a photo of inside the hotel entrance. Beautiful, right?

The view from our room was amazing! I have to go back…like now!

The food at the Villard was amazing. They are known for their breakfast. We had banana bacon beignets and thick cut bacon and this beautifully presented avocado toast. It's gorgeous, right?

Dinner the night before was at Fig & Olive in the Meatpacking District. The food was amazing. From mushroom croquettes to this beef carpaccio…my stomach was very happy!

Lunch the next day was at Mamo. Seriously, if you're in the area. Get there. This Italian place is tucked in SoHo and it's glorious! I had the tiniest raviolis I have ever had. Truffle pizza and these little stuffed red peppers. So so good!

We made our way to the Hamptons and stayed in a beautiful house! Gina, Lexi and Liz outdid themselves.

We enjoyed the pool and Halo Top Creamery ice cream!! Yes!

Breakfast the next day, was avocado toast that was next level! The spread included wonderful food from Delallo, Vital Farms and Green Giant!

And then, we had lunch at Union Cantina. This little amazing Mexican place in Southhampton. So so good, from tacos and margaritas to this churro French toast…pretty genius, right?

Watermelon margaritas by the pool…be sure to check out Heather's spicy watermelon sangria!

And this ahi tuna & watermelon salad using Delallo's vegetable marinade. Yum! Gina shared her version recently too!

Let's just say, we didn't go hungry! This spread from Sabra…yay!

And thisssssss…meat and cheese board, when I grow up, I want to build a board like this.

This spread was possible due to Delallo. And they are so nice to offer a 25% discount site wide to The Little Kitchen readers! If you place an order use the code LittleKitchen25 at checkout to get the discount!

Now let's get back to this drink. It's super easy to make. Squeeze some lime, hull and chop some strawberries.

Then, muddle the strawberries and add gin, tonic and ice and you're good to go!

The perfect summer drink!

Print

Strawberry Gin & Tonic Recipe

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 drinks

Ingredients

• 4 to 6 strawberries hulled and cut in half
• 1 lime cut into wedges
• 3 ounces gin or 3 Tablespoons
• ice
• tonic water

Instructions

• Divide the strawberries between two glasses. Muddle the strawberries.
• Squeeze lime juice into the glasses.
• Add gin and stir. Add ice and tonic water. Serve with limes.

photo credit: Raul Velasco

Such a fun day at the Bedell Cellars Vineyard. It was a beautiful setting, great wine and great conversation!

This trip was so refreshing and it was great to spend time with old friends and new!

I want to give Gina, Lexi and Liz a huge shoutout for planning a wonderful trip for all of us!!

Disclosure: This trip was organized by blogger friends and I was so happy to be invited. They gathered the sponsors to make the trip possible. So thank you to all of the sponsors who made it possible. As always, I only share with you brands and products that I love!

The post Strawberry Gin & Tonic and The Hamptons! appeared first on The Little Kitchen.

This post is sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA.

Have you ever been to a little town in Florida called Mount Dora?

If you haven't heard of it or if you haven't been in a while, you're in for a treat!

Check out the video above! You'll see that I make a cameo in it!

The food is definitely Florida cuisine. What I love about Chef Norman's style  is that it's elegant without being pretentious.

The shrimp and grits that he makes is beyond amazing but simple!

And this plantain pizza with bacon on top is just wonderful!

For dinner, I really enjoyed these milk buns! I'm hoping Chef Norman will share the recipe with me! If he does, I will be sure to share it! I think about these little buns all the time!

Korean Fried Chicken was sticky and oh so good!

The mac and cheese, I need this recipe too! Something else I can't stop thinking about!

I stayed the weekend at Adora Inn. Owned by the cutest couple, they made me feel so welcome!

And the Inn is a historic building! Really adds to the quaintness of Mount Dora!

I loved my room in one of the redone attics at the Inn. (The Adora Inn is actually a duplex that's been remodeled so the rooms upstairs and the attics are actually mirror images of each other!)

This is the most beautiful yogurt parfait I have ever had! So cute, right? The owners of Adora Inn are both trained chefs and the food shows it!

The morning I left, I had this amazing croissant French toast and pan-seared pineapples! What a great idea, right?

I stopped by the Windsor Rose Team Room and had tea with my friend, Ashley!

I had dinner one night at Shiva Indian Restaurant. Their naan is amazing. The best in Central Florida! If I lived in Mount Dora, I would be there every week!

And I stopped by the cutest shops including this one called Under the Cherry Blossoms. It features items from local artisans! It's a really cool store, you can't miss it!

And my last stop before heading back home was La Petit Sweet. A cute little French dessert and cake shop. I enjoyed the donuts, the macarons and the croissant I bought! Will definitely go back when I return to Mount Dora.

Don't you want to visit Mount Dora now?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA. I only share with you what I love and always share with you my own opinions.

The post 1921 by Norman Van Aken and Mount Dora, Florida appeared first on The Little Kitchen.

This post is sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA.

One of my favorite places at Disney Springs is Chef Art Smith's restaurant: Homecomin' Kitchen. When you walk in, the restaurant feels like Florida!

I have had the honor of meeting Chef Art Smith a few times and every time, he exudes a warmness. Unassuming and always smiling, he's loves sharing his love for food!

Chef Art was raised in Florida; he's actually a sixth generation Floridian.  He decided to open a restaurant in Florida at Disney Springs called Homecomin' because it's his coming back home to Florida. I love the vibe of the restaurant and I always feel welcomed by the staff every time I come back.

These are quite literally the best fried green tomatoes I have ever had!

And this mac & cheese…

See what I mean?

Church lady deviled eggs with bacon on top!

Chef Art's fried chicken is pretty much my favorite!

You can't have Floridian cuisine without shrimp and grits.

I really love the collards at Homecomin' Kitchen too!

And you have to get dessert at Homecomin'!

This shine cake is a butter cake soaked in moonshine syrup!

Chef Art's Aunt Evelyn's chocolate cake…

and this Hamilton County Chocolate Pecan Pie! I am always dreaming of this pie!

The bootlegger drink is fantastic!

I can't wait to return to Homecomin' Kitchen and see Chef Art again!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA. I only share with you what I love and always share with you my own opinions.

The post Homecomin’ Kitchen by Chef Art Smith appeared first on The Little Kitchen.