When it comes to luxury, beauty and comfort, the Pista Leather Reclining Sectional Sofa from Valencia Theatre Seating offers it all. This gorgeous sectional blends cutting-edge technology with impeccable craftsmanship, creating the perfect area in our home for relaxation and entertainment for my family.
One of the many reasons we love the Pista is its sleek, modern design. The beautiful leather upholstery is not only elegant but is also soft and durable, making it a timeless addition to any living room or home theater. The sectional features deep, plush cushions that provide the most comfort, ideal for our weekly family game nights, movie nights on the couch or even just lounging.
But what really sets the Pista apart is its built-in recliners. With the touch of a button, you can adjust the backrests and footrests to find your perfect lounging position! The kids adore the sectional and so do we!
Whether you’re hosting friends for a movie night or enjoying some family time, the Pista Leather Reclining Sectional Sofa offers the perfect combination of style, comfort, and functionality. It’s no wonder we can’t get enough of this luxurious piece!
*this blog post contains affiliate links. This product was gifted to me however all reviews are my honest opinion !
We’ve taken over 30 flights ✈️with our 4 and 6 year old and my most frequently asked questions in my DMs are about flying with kids! I’ve compiled a short list of my top ten tips for flying with kids below if there’s anything you think I’ve missed or any questions please let me know in the comments below!
1. Try to take day flights if possible – this helps with jet lag and honestly kids don’t sleep easily on flights so daytime flights are always preferred. ☀️
2. Bring their favourite blanket or or cuddly whatever security item they have (Just make sure you don’t lose it 😜 and bring extra if you have )
3. DO NOT, I repeat do NOT make any big changes in the weeks leading up to your trip! Eg on one of our flights when my son was 2 months old and my daughter was 2 we decided to take away her bottles two weeks before the trip- she was fine until we got on the plane and we realized she would not sleep without it- it was a nightmare and it was a red-eye to London-I do not recommend! 😒
4. Bring extra diapers and extra wipes especially for the plane- one diaper per hour of travel is recommended and I always say to pack an extra 2 just to be safe !
5. Bring an extra change of clothes for whoever is going to be sitting with the baby or toddler. On our way to Bermuda when my daughter was 1 she was sick (all over my husband) mid-flight and my husband did not have a clean shirt to change into until we landed (it was terrible)! 🤮
6. Bring extra snacks and assume you will be delayed on the plane so bring whatever you will need to entertain them and keep them fed and dry for that assumed delay with you from home or from the airport. We assumed we could buy milk on the plane for my daughter and she needed it to sleep which was not the case – another mistake we made that we suffered for! Our last flight also offered no snacks at all- not even to purchase!
7. Make sure your diaper bag or hand luggage is organized so you can find things quickly and easily and that the things you will need often can be stowed under the seat in front of you! Once the seatbelt light goes on you can’t get to the overhead compartment for a while so try to keep all essentials with you at all times.
8. Bring a STROLLER until your kids no longer fit (I’m not exaggerating) and gate check it !!! On the last trip we took which was a night flight from Mexico to Toronto, I saw so many toddlers crying their eyes out when we landed (at 1:30AM) and therefore parents losing it because they were trying to keep the kids close while they gathered their luggage and went through the security lineup. It was a messy situation. My kids are 4 and 6 and they were both fast asleep in my stroller from the minute we landed and until we moved them into the car 👌🏽
9. Be patient with your kids remember they are in a new place having a new experience and they are as excited as you are. Don’t expect them to be quiet and sit still especially in the airport. I recommend letting them run around in a lounge or somewhere before the flight to ensure they aren’t too hyper once we board !
10. Try to enjoy and be present in the experience that is travelling with your kids, and remember kids will be kids’ don’t stress too much about making sure your kids are perfectly quiet and stay still throughout the flight. As long as they aren’t interfering with other passengers or making an obscene amount of noise most people do not mind kids being on flights- plus they are humans too and we are paying for their tickets (after they turn 1) so they have as much right as anyone else to be on that flight ! 🥳
My kids are the pickiest and my husband is even picker. Actually I lied, my son is like me and will eat almost everything but my daughter on the other hand is exactly like her dad and unless she’s tried it and loved it which is rare she won’t even touch it! Luckily for me I found a few recipes that the WHOLE family loves and this is one of them.
It’s the easiest recipe to follow and it takes only 4 main ingredients plus spices. Plus if you prefer you can substitute almost everything for whatever you prefer. Eg you can sub out the meat for a non meat option or just take it out completely. Well enough babbling you can find the recipe below sorry I didn’t take more photos I’ll add them in the next time I make it – which will probably be sooner rather than later ! Enjoy and let me know in the comments if you try it out!
INGREDIENTS
Filling
3 tablespoons olive oil
I large yellow onion (diced)
1lb Ground turkey (or lean ground beef) whichever you prefer (I used one large pack)
2 teaspoons Italian seasons (or a mix of basil and oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Pinch of tumeric (optional)
Pinch of cumin (optional)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn and peas)
Ground turkey (or lean ground beef) whichever you prefer (I used one large pack)
RECIPE
1. add the oil to a skillet on medium high heat, sauté until translucent and add in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 5 minutes but ensure to keep stirring to avoid the onion from burning
2. Add in the ground turkey (or beef) and break apart with a wooden spatula. Stir and add in all the spices. Stir well and let cook until the meat is browned 7-9 minutes.
3. Add in the gravy (or sheppards pie packet) along with one cup water.
4. Add in the frozen vegetables and bring mix to a boil for 5 minutes until even tables are cooked through. Summer and set aside mixture.
potato topping
4-6 medium/large sized russet potato’s
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1 cup fresh shredded cheese (*optional* cheddar works best)
RECIPE:
Meat filling
1. add the oil to a skillet on medium high heat, sauté until translucent and add in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for another 5 minutes but ensure to keep stirring to avoid the onion from burning
2. Add in the ground turkey (or beef) and break apart with a wooden spatula. Stir and add in all the spices. Stir well and let cook until the meat is browned 7-9 minutes.
3. Add in the gravy (or sheppards pie packet) along with one cup water.
4. Add in the frozen vegetables and bring mix to a boil for 5 minutes until even tables are cooked through. Summer and set aside mixture.
Potato mixture
1. Put all the potato’s in a large pot. Cover the potato’s in water and bring the water to a boil. Cool until potato’s are tender – I use a fork to test this (approximately 15 minutes)
2. Drain potato’s , peel and mash. Add in the milk and butter and salt to taste. Add in more milk if the potato’s are not smooth enough!
Assemble the pie
Spread the meat mixture evenly onto a large baking dish. (I used 9 by 9). Spread the mixture evenly and add on the potato mixture using a spoon. I also use a spatula to spread the potato’s evenly.
💫 Tips for taking day trips with your kids this summer 💫 We took a day trip to @ripleysaquaca yesterday wnd it was great! We’ve done the aquarium quite a few times so we knew what to expect. Taking kids anywhere in my opinion is a mission but we can definitely prepare to make it easier and more fun!
Here👇🏽 are my top tips to enjoy day trips with kids ! *SAVE this post for your next trip*
Take them places where they can be active – the aquarium as perfect for this because there were so many hands on activities and spaces where the kids could be kids 🙂
Try to prioritize sleep -if possible plan around naps. We went to the aquarium right after my nieces nap and it was great! The daytime is very busy though so I recommend to visit in the evening for a quiet experience. PS: @ripleysaquaca has extended summer hours – 9am – 11pm.
Bring an umbrella stroller or carrier for your little ones for when they get tired of walking and for on the go naps If necessary! Avoid big bulky strollers and wagons as much as possible especially if your trip is during peak season.
Bring snacks that you can eat on the go/ in the stroller or schedule in time to stop and eat – also make sure to check ahead of time if your venue allows food to be brought in/ if they have an operating cafe or restaurant. The @ripleysaquaca cafe is currently closed however they do have vending machines throughout the building.
BE FLEXIBLE and know that not everything will go as planned! Kids will be kids so be prepared to go with the flow! Have realistic expectations and you won’t be so disappointed!!
Have fun and let me what day trips you have planned this summer ?
Chicago is one of my favourite cities in the world and for good reason. Chicago is constantly evolving and every time I visit I fall in love with the city more than I did during my last visit. There’s so much to do, explore , eat, see and did I mention eat? So here are my favourite things about Chicago and all the places you need to see, things to eat and what to do.
Fly Porter
We flew from Toronto to Chicago at the end of November and the flight was great as always. We have flown Porter many times before and this time was no different. Check in was a breeze , the staff was friendly and kind and the entire experience was really enjoyable. I love flying and I love flying with an airline who really cares about its passengers. Complimentary snacks, beverages and ample legroom, are the things that make me the happiest. They offer a wide range of amenities. Porter is committed to effortless travel, great onboard services and offers travel focused on comfort and style. Book your next flight here!
Where to eat- Deep Dish Pizza
Hands down the best deep dish pizza in Chicago has to be Lou Malnati’s. Founded in 1971 there are over 50 locations across Chicago and for good reason. We couldn’t get enough. The classic deep dish was mouth watering. The crust is not too thick and is crispy even with the heavy toppings. The calamari was just right and the staff were friendly and kind. We let the server know it was our first time eating there and she was quick to help us make a choice, answer all our questions and give us her recommendations. It did not disappoint!
Where to eat-The best breakfast
If you like mouth watering pancakes and the most delicious waffles you’ve ever had then Wildberry Pancakes and Café is the place for you and before you ask, yes it’s worth the wait! With two locations in Chicago it is definitely something you don’t want to miss. The endless menu has an incredible selection of the most scrumptious breakfast, lunch and brunch items and the service is so welcoming ! The portions were huge, the prices were great and honestly we wish we had more time during our trip so we could have gone more than once. The photos don’t even do the food justice, it was so good.
Where to get thebest view
The best views-The Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower. If you’re looking for 360 degree views of the city from the top of the world that are unbeatable then the Skydeck is where you need to go. Formerly known as Sears Tower , this 108 story skyscraper even has a glass ledge. At 1,353 feet in the air the ledge is a glass boxes that extends out 4.3 feet from the Skydeck, so stepping into the box makes you feel like you are floating above the city. We also had the pleasure of checking out the brand new interactive Chicago experience. A huge indoor experience sharing all of Chicago’s best and most well known history included with your ticket to the Skydeck.
Where to stay
Steps from the Chicago River and Magnificent Mile the Swissotel was the perfect hotel for us and one I would highly it recommend if you want to be near all the action and right where the river meets the lake. The Swissotel is the perfect combination of European style and contemporary Swiss elegance and breathtaking views. It has a glass triangle shape designed to look like the sail of a ship and it stands out for its beautiful style and central location. The perfect place to stay wether you’re looking to be right in the middle of all the action or if you’re looking for a rest and relaxation.
Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
If you didn’t go on a boat tour did you even visit Chicago? We were lucky enough to grab a seat on one of the Wendella 90 minute Chicago River Architecture boat tours, and it did not disappoint. We got unbeatable views of Chicago and it’s 130 year old architectural history. They also had a full service bar located right on board so you can fully enjoy your on board experience! The tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and funny which made for the perfect tour and the boat itself was stunning. The tour goes right through the heart of the city on all three branches of the Chicago river. A must-see on any visit to Chicago. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time here.
Luckily for us, this trip was right before Christmas so we got to take in all the stunning Chicago Christmas sights and they did not disappoint. We visited the Bean, took a stroll through millennium park , grabbed a coffee and watched the buskers. We spent a full day at the park, we just sat near the Christmas tree and watched everyone skate on the stunning rink. All in all it was the perfect trip and we can’t wait for our next one !
