First Night Pittsburgh 2019 Guide: Silver Anniversary Events

Karyn Locke
First Night Pittsburgh 2019: Events

Christmas 2018 isn’t even here yet and already I’m thinking about First Night Pittsburgh 2019. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Christmas. But I can’t help but think about New Year’s Eve in Pittsburgh. This year to celebrate its 25th Anniversary, First Night Pittsburgh 2019 is having a Silver Jubilee and that means bigger and better than ever. From where to park, what to see and eat, and where to get admission buttons, here’s our guide to First Night Pittsburgh 2019.    I’ve been lucky enough to attend several First Night Pittsburgh nights…

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PIT Airport Guide for Families | Tips for Navigating Pittsburgh International Airport

Karyn Locke
PIT Airport Guide for families and pets

Flying in or out of Pittsburgh International Airport and want the scoop on what you can expect when you arrive? From where to let the kids play to parking costs, here’s our PIT Airport Guide for families: Tips & Tricks for Navigating Pittsburgh International Airport. All photos courtesy of Pittsburgh International Airport. I’ve been to PIT Airport so many times I couldn’t even count, whether flying or not. And, while it may seem overwhelming, especially when flying with the kids, it’s a really good airport for families. Here’s what to do,…

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2018 Columbus Holiday Guide

Karyn Locke

There’s a reason that Ohio’s capitol sits almost perfectly in the center of the state: so all of its residents have easy access! If you’ve never visited Columbus, Ohio, you really need to start planning a trip. If you’ve never visited during the holidays? You’re really missing out on the merriment!  Beginning on November 18, 2018 Columbus holiday events are not to be missed! Check out our nine favorite reasons to head into the city for the holiday fun this year for this year’s Columbus Holiday Guide. Man, I can’t get enough of…

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Saatva Mattress Review: Why You Should Consider

Karyn Locke
Saatva Luxury innerspring Mattress Review

As a travel writer, I’m getting really good at judging good mattresses. Heck, spending so much time in hotel rooms has not only let me see places I’ve never, but it’s really given me a “I like this, not that” perspective on sleeping. Should you buy a Saatva Mattress? Here’s the scoop on delivery, quality, and if it makes sense for you.  Disclosure: I was gifted a Saatva Mattress from the company. This post also contains affiliate links. If you chose to click on a link and purchase a Saatva…

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DIY Disney Christmas Wreath: Hidden Mickey Tutorial

Karyn Locke
DIY Disney Christmas Wreath: Hidden Mickey Tutorial

I’m all about decorating with Disney touches this year, but with shopping for Christmas presents, cooking, baking, and wrapping, I want my DIYs to be easy and affordable. This year, I created Hidden Mickey Christmas wreath using affordable ornaments. Plus, all of the other things I used came from the dollar store. Here’s my tutorial for a DIY Disney Christmas wreath: Hidden Mickey style! As a family, when we visit Walt Disney World we love to look for hidden Mickeys (have you seen this one at Magic Kingdom?), so why…

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Unique and Creative Men’s Gift Ideas for 2018

Karyn Locke
creative men's gift ideas

Not sure what to get the man in your life this holiday season? Or maybe you have, but now you’re looking for a little extra something that both creative and unique? I’ve got you covered. From making your man a Lord to craft brews delivered to his door, here’s our holiday guide: unique and creative men’s gift ideas for 2018. Disclosure: Sand and Snow uses Amazon Affiliate links. If you click one and purchase an item, we’ll get a small commission with no additional cost to you.  What do you…

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Disney Recipe Tutorial: How to Make Mickey Cinnamon Rolls

Karyn Locke
Disney recipes: How to Make Mickey Cinnamon Rolls

Love walking down Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom and smelling the massive cinnamon rolls at Starbucks? Or maybe you visited during Halloween and saw those cute, Mickey-shaped Cinnamon rolls? I’ve got a super easy tutorial on how to make Mickey Cinnamon Rolls that’s super affordable and uses only two ingredients!  When I’m a Walt Disney World and visiting Magic Kingdom (especially at rope drop), my family and I generally make a beeline for the cinnamon rolls. And, whether it’s at Starbucks or at Gaston’s Tavern, they’ve become a breakfast…

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2018 Pittsburgh Holiday Guide

Karyn Locke
Colorful glow sticks at Phipps' 2018 Holiday Magic: Let it Glow! outdoor Winter Garden. Photo Credit: Steven Locke

Families all bundled up whirling their way around a giant Christmas tree surrounded by the clippity-clop of horse hooves. Kids staring at the sky, mouths gaped open in awe of the tens of thousands of Christmas lights. A German Market and fireworks lighting up the night. Can you picture it? Every holiday season, Pittsburgh goes all out and sets this picturesque scene for its visitors and residents. Beginning November 16th and spanning from Point State Park to Kennywood Park, Pittsburgh holiday events are not to be missed! Check out our 11…

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How to Avoid Long Lines at Walt Disney World and Disneyland: Top Tips from Disney Experts & Lovers

Karyn Locke
Beating the crowds at Magic Kingdom is easy with these 11 ideas!

Are you looking forward to your next Walt Disney World vacation, but not looking forward to the long attraction lines? Trust me, we’ve all been there. But, there ARE ways to avoid the lengthy queues – if you know the secrets and tips. How? By asking my Disney-loving experts and friends for their top tips. From when to visit to how to order food, here’s how to avoid long lines at Walt Disney World and Disneyland: top tips from Disney experts and lovers.  Here’s the scoop on me and attraction…

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6 Advantages to Staying at a Walt Disney World Value Resort

Karyn Locke
Advantages of staying at a Walt Disney World Value Resort: larger than life Disney icons at All-Star Movies

When you think of staying on-property at Walt Disney World, does your mind go straight to dollar signs? Or maybe you’re thinking, “There’s no way I can afford to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort.” If that’s the case, you truly don’t have to. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Walt Disney World Value Resorts for plenty reasons. From easy layouts to family-friendly atmospheres, here are six advantages of staying at a Walt Disney World Value Resort. As a family goes, we’ve been pretty lucky to stay at all three…

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