One of My Favorite DC Neighborhoods: Georgetown Neighborhood Walk

I'd like to introduce you to Georgetown! One of My Favorite DC Neighborhoods: Georgetown Neighborhood Walk

Historic Georgetown in Washington DC is one of those neighborhoods one can easily slip into.

Pristine, elegant, delicious, the shopping won't disappoint, the dining is sure to satisfy, and the smooth cobblestone streets will transport you in time.

Dating back to 1751, the neighborhood of Georgetown in northwest DC is one of the oldest in the area and is home to some of the most splendid and preserved architecture in the district.

Single family stone homes from the late 1700's share the streets with colonial row homes. From gas lamps to louvered shutters no detail is spared.

   I often feel as though I'm walking through a Thomas Kinkade cityscape, especially during the holidays when the neighborhood is alight with amber flames, bells, wreaths and bows.

Easily accessible via the DC Metro, Georgetown is a pedestrian neighborhood. If you're driving, note that DC has neighborhood specific designated parking areas, which means parking can be tricky if you don't live in the neighborhood you're trying to park in. Read signs carefully!

So, what should you do now that you're there? Here are some shops and stops that are a must in Georgetown:

Georgetown Cupcake (3301 M St NW, Washington, DC)

If you have a sweet tooth, Georgetown Cupcake will not disappoint. These are the best cupcakes in DC!

Relish (3312 Cady’s Alley, NW Washington, DC)

This classic Georgetown boutique will have you looking as good as Olivia Pope.

1789 Restaurant (1226 36th Street, NW Washington, DC)

It's like stepping back in time. The restaurant hidden inside a brownstone, is cozy, romantic and out of this world delicious.

Natural UV Protection Using Tamanu Oil: My Favorite Find at the Farmer's Market in Winter Garden

Natural UV Protection Using Tamanu Oil: My Favorite Find at the Farmer's Market in Winter Garden Whenever I travel to a new place, I make an effort to slow down and try to experience my new environment like a local. Typically in the beginning, I avoid anything chain and seek out experiences that will help me get a good sense of where I am. I like to start local and then do whatever touristy things I find myself attracted to. This looks differently depending upon where I am. When I was in rural Mozambique, I simply had to sit back and enjoy the ride. Everything I did, everywhere I went was local and unique to where I was. In Buffalo, New York, I shopped at the local boutiques along the Elmwood strip, went to small hole in the wall food and drink establishments, took in the cafe culture, small theatres and parks before going to the mall and doing things that were identical to the things I could do at home.

There are places where this is easy and there are places where this is quite hard.

Orlando, Florida with its incessant chain stores, incurable Disney mania and at first glimpse monotone matte buildings identical in shape and size, appeared to me, completely devoid of character, until recently.

We visit Orlando at least once a year. My in-laws live there. My husband's siblings live there. We have two small Disney smitten children. It is a part of our narrative and our relationship with the city isn't fizzling anytime in the near future.

Every year, when it's time to trek southward I let out an "ugh (insert disgusted face)- Central Florida- blech (insert another disgusted face)...." groan.

Orlando has made me cringe for as long as I could remember. Even as a small child visiting Disney World, I couldn't get past the inferno of heat, the oddly timed monsoon rains, the long lines, the blah, blah, blah, short brown buildings everywhere. I wasn't a Central Florida enthusiast.

I planned to avoid the region entirely until the husband, with the in-laws and the Central Florida dwelling siblings set into motion my annual kicking and screaming match.

At first I was prepared to give Orlando another chance. Maybe it had changed since the 90's when I had visited the Magic Kingdom as a child.

Nope. Trips to see my husband's family were full of chain stores and malls, sweltering swampy heat, relatively bad restaurants and inexplicable traffic. Sure, I had pockets of fun, but getting to see Orlando as a unique city with character and culture was not happening!

Until this last visit that is.

Note: This is not an Orlando bashing post.

I actually had an amazing time! I had an amazing time outside of the time spent at Disney, getting to know some of the neighborhoods that make up the perplexing city of Orlando.

The two neighborhoods of Celebration and Winter Garden helped me see Orlando's light!

Celebration, where we spent our final four days is beautiful! Pastel colored Victorian styled multi level homes grace perfectly manicured lawns. Colorful bikes zipped along main street past the local shops, restaurants and boutiques that lined expansive palm tree studded streets. The stunning variety of green hues and textures make one feel vibrant and alive. Celebration is close to Disney, but thankfully removed. I will gladly return to Celebration.

Winter Garden made me smile. Another neighborhood in the Orlando area, Winter Garden had stretches of small shops, quirky local restaurants and cafes. Pedestrian friendly and extremely family friendly, people strolled the narrow sidewalks with their dogs, holding hands, pushing baby strollers. Winter Garden has character and so much charm.

Winter Garden is also home to a piece of gold! The Saturday afternoon farmer's market is superb!

The farmer's market at Winter Garden is less produce and artisanal food as it is local artisans and shops. There is a distinct holistic and metaphysical vibe as you stroll by white tents encircled by plumes of white sage and incense smoke, pink Himalayan salt lamps and crystals on celestial display. The aroma of herbs and spices waft everywhere.

There's a place for kids to run free. A small stage by the food trucks where you can enjoy live music and refreshment.

Toddler free and excited, I was walking with my sister-in-law Lori who recently relocated to the neighborhood when something caught my eye....

It was a sign that read "Ask me about Tamanu Oil!"  The sign was on a table surrounded by lotions, oils and scrubs.

I like lotions, oils and scrubs!

I was intrigued. I hadn't heard of Tamanu oil. So I asked.

The thing I love most about farmer's markets is that you get to speak directly to farmers and artisans. Andrea, the woman behind the table was the creator of Barnse Bath Co. a line of body care products with the slogan "Take the natural bath." She and her husband developed and worked on the line together. Tamanu oil was the main ingredient in the products in her line and for good reason. Tamanu oil it turns out, is nature's sunscreen. Undiluted, it provides a person with an spf of around 20. I was sold!

I purchased a lovely bottle which came in handy later when we visited Disney World. The oil was infused with rose essential oil and smelled wonderful. Best of all, it absorbed directly into our skin and never left an oily trace on the surface. It dried perfectly matte.

This was a natural sunscreen I didn't feel hesitant about applying to my two toddlers. Have you ever read the ingredients on the back of a bottle of sunscreen? Yikes!

Tamanu oil I learned, originates in Malaysia and is known to be much more than a natural protector against the sun.

Tamanu is reported to:

-heal minor abrasions and burns on the skin

-heal acne and eczema

-seal moisture into the hair shaft

-have cellular regenerative properties making it great for aging skin

-protect against hyper-pigmentation

-heal nail fungus and foot odor due to its anti-fungal and anti microbial properties

-protect against stretch marks

-soothe diaper rash

-soothe insect bites and itching

In short, tamanu oil which can be applied directly to the skin is pretty darn miraculous.

I'm so happy I came upon the farmer's market in Winter Garden.

Not only do I plan to return, but I plan to pick up some more great products from Barnse Bath Co.

Have you tried Tamanu Oil?

Safari in Disney World on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom!

I have always wanted to go on a safari! I came close in South Africa. I almost made it to Kruger National Park. At the last moment, it didn't happen. I was living in Mozambique at the time and told myself I had nothing but time to go on a safari- no rush. Before I knew it, my work contract was up, I was headed back home to the states and I hadn't taken my safari.

A year later, I was on vacation in Tanzania with some friends. I knew this would be my chance to finally take that safari. I made tentative plans to go to Ngorongoro, only I became distracted, very distracted by a little island off the coast, you know- Zanzibar. The moment my toes touched the crystal clear water it was over. I stayed put. Another safari opportunity missed.

I'll just go back I told myself. I'd made over eight trips to Africa, what was one more.

Then I got pregnant. Two years later I was pregnant again. Time went by and needless to say I have yet to return to the continent. I did however manage to make my safari dreams come true- well sort of.

Safari in Disney World on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom!

Thanks to the visionary folks at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom theme park, I was able to finally experience a safari.

It's called the Kilimanjaro Safari and it felt astonishingly realistic.

Well, for the most part...

From the baobab trees to the pseudo Savannah, squinting past the palm trees and in places short fences, one could convince themselves that they were in a Southern African country.

Aside from the lions who were in an enclosed area, the animals roamed freely along acres of open land modeled to perfection after their home habitats.

It was a sight to see.

Disney's attention to detail needs to be applauded.

Our guide pointed out animals as we chugged along in our jeep. We stopped here and there for photos or for a closer look.

The Kilimanjaro Safari was the highlight of my trip to Animal Kingdom.

My quest to experience an African safari has been rekindled. I can hear Botswana calling my name!

Within the next two years, once my youngest is a bit heartier and able to get medical clearance to travel to a malaria zone- we plan to head to beautiful Botswana in the south of the African continent to take our dream family safari vacation.

In the meantime, I have my lovely Disney safari memories!

Tips for the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom:

• Use your fast pass if you can. You might have to book ahead. This ride is popular.
• If you can't use your fast pass, hit the line early as soon as the park opens or try the line during lunchtime when most people are heading to the restaurants.
• Best time to visit the park is late October/ early November. The weather is not as hot and the park is not very crowded.