I live in Orlando, but I can't afford to take my kids to Disney World all the time. Here's how we spend a cheap but entertaining day in Disney Springs instead.

I start at the Lime Garage before grabbing drinks at The Polite Pig.

Orlando, Parenting and Society, Travel with Kids, InsidercindymariejenkinsJanuary 4, 2023Disney Springs, Disney budget, LEGO Store, OrlandoComment

Oakland's Lynchings

In 1950 and 1951, the Ku Klux Klan brutally murdered two young Black men from Oakland who worked in the citrus fields. For decades, the stories were passed down in whispers—if they were shared at all. Now, the town is finally, publicly, acknowledging what happened 70 years ago.

Anti-Racist Parenting, OrlandocindymariejenkinsJanuary 4, 2023KKK, lynchings, Melvin Womack, Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center, Peace and Justice Memorial Center, Legacy Museum, Susan Carol McCarthyComment

Pirate Dude's Summer Holiday Plans

We include our kids in all discussions about our family's future, and if this school assignment isn't proof that they listen, I don't know what is.

Relo Down Low, Beijing, OrlandocindymariejenkinsJuly 13, 2022moving with kids, packing, summer, relocation, relocating with kids, repatriation, repatriatingComment

Travel Hacks: Get Your Passport at the Downtown Orlando Library!

Getting a passport for your kids can actually be a fun and not stressful experience!

Orlando, Relo Down Low, Trailing Spouse, Travel with KidscindymariejenkinsJuly 5, 2022passports, travel with kids, OCLSComment

Work-at-Home-Realities: You Can't Stay at Home

Although I love the one day a week that I don’t have to drive anywhere, this Work-at-Home-Mom thing wouldn't work at all without some of the following places.

Working, Orlando, Work-at-Home-Parent HackscindymariejenkinsJune 4, 2022indoor playgrounds, parenting and art, public library, wahm, work at home momComment

Profile of a Young Author: Amari

When young Amari decided to be a paleontologist, he didn’t see a lot of kids who looked like him in dino books. So he and his mom wrote their own!

Book Reviews, Orlando, Parenting and Society, Relo Down LowcindymariejenkinsMay 4, 2022Dinosaurs, author, local authors, children's books, military family, OrlandoComment

Moving to Orlando: The Good

What’s it like to live in Orlando? Here’s part 1 of my experience as a trailing spouse in Florida with young kids.

Orlando, Relo Down Low, Repatriating, Trailing SpousecindymariejenkinsMay 4, 2022City beautiful, OCPL, libraries, Ren Fairs, Scottish Highland Games, dog-friendlyComment

Opinion: Florida Bound

Relo Down Low, Parenting and Society, OrlandocindymariejenkinsMarch 29, 2022abortion, don't say gay, VoxPopuli, LGBT, LGBTQ, suicide, bullying, opinion peiceComment

What is VPK? The Relo Down Low: Orlando

If you’re confused by the VPK system in Florida, you’re not alone.

Relo Down Low, OrlandocindymariejenkinsMarch 28, 2022VPK, PreK, Kindergarten, preschool, Orlando schools, Florida schoolsComment

Too Poor for Period Products: My First Story at Vox Populi!

SNAP and WIC don't pay for tampons and pads. But a bill introduced in the state legislature, which began its 2022 session Tuesday, might put free sanitary products in all K-12 public schools.

Relo Down Low, OrlandocindymariejenkinsJanuary 12, 2022Vox Populi, period poverty, Florida poverty line, women's issues, Lauren Book, Anna Eskamani, SNAP, WICComment

"Happy to Be Back?" The Dreaded Repat Question

I have zero poker face anymore.

COVID-19, Relo Down Low, Repatriating, OrlandocindymariejenkinsNovember 29, 2021Orlando, Beijing, repatriating, repatriation Comment

Should My Family Move For a Job?: The Relo Down Low

Families have a lot to consider when they might uproot their life for a job in another city or country. Here’s my checklist to help you make these decisions.

Beijing, Relo Down Low, Trailing Spouse, Travel with Kids, OrlandocindymariejenkinsNovember 10, 2021moving with kidsComment