National Geographic Encounter ‘Ocean Odyssey’ Takes Visitors On an Immersive Underwater Adventure

Immersive experiences are changing the entertainment game.

This past weekend, my kids and I visited National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey where we got the chance to see just how transformative virtual reality and digital technology can be when it comes to fun and recreation.

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Located in the heart of Times Square, the sprawling 60,000-square foot space is a first-in-kind, deep-sea multi-sensory attraction. My children didn’t know what to expect, but our journey from the South Pacific to the coast of California was off to a great start upon entry.

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As our adventure got underway, we were immediately transfixed and mesmerized by the aquatic details and authentic oceanic elements.

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As we made our way throughout the experience, our senses were treated to impeccable sights, sounds and textures that transported us to the depths of the deep blue sea. However, our journey wasn’t all seahorses and starfish – we also learned about dangerous coral reefs and treacherous predators that call the ocean home too.

From interactive play with adorable sea lions to an up-close-and-personal encounter with a humpback whale to a 3D swimming session with a massive school of fish, the guided tour is chock full of amazing visuals and awesome, educational storytelling.

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Plus, after the guided tour and making your through a mind-bending maze, visitors are free to dive into a variety of cool interactive displays including games and educational kiosks in Exploration Hall, as well as an adjoining museum featuring stunning photography that highlights the negative impact plastic has on our marine life and overall environment.

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If you’re looking for an unforgettable underwater experience that doesn’t require a wetsuit, look no further than this high-tech attraction. Kids and adults alike will have a FIN-tastic time!

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For tickets and more information, click here.

Have you visited National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey? If so, how would you describe your experience?

The Makeup Show Preview: 7 Summer Beauty Trends 2018

Calling all professional makeup lovers!

The super bowl of beauty will commence this weekend with The Makeup Show in New York City, May 6-7.

As the largest pro makeup event in the country, the show brings out the biggest and best in beauty.

With immersive brand-sponsored workshops and inspiring keynote presentations, attendees will walk away with new skills and techniques to take their businesses to the next level. In addition to the quality education they’ll receive, attendees can also mingle with peers and purchase the latest offerings from some of the industry’s top makeup lines.

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Courtesy of The Makeup Show

While the show is only open to professionals working, or studying in the beauty or fashion fields, I’m bringing some of the expertise to you BEFORE the show even starts.

I caught up with celebrity makeup artist James Vincent to get the scoop on the hottest trends for spring.

Check them out below:

TREND #1: PRETTY IN PASTEL
It’s no surprise when pale pastels make their way on the runway for spring. This season they are back as expected but with softer, sexier, ‘70 vibes. Sweep shadows across the entire lid from lash to brow for a beautiful, modern look or add in a pastel liner for an even easier step into spring. Try MAKE UP FOR EVER XL Pencils in a wide array of pretty pastels or cream shadows from Kryolan or Mehron for long wear and easy to apply options. For a more traditional shadow choice Urban Decay or Stila Metallics are an easy to apply stay-all-day option.

TREND #2: BLUE MONDAY
Blue shadow from the ‘70 and ‘80s was all about hard edges and lines. This season blue was beautiful in its imperfection. Blue shadows in powders and creams smudged across the lid and lash line are on trend. Dip your finger or a soft brush into the product and swipe. Try Cozette Shadows for a wide array of beautiful blues or Danessa Myricks Beauty Color Fix Creams for an assortment of blues in every hue. Pat McGrath Labs Mothership Palettes have a wide range of the most beautiful blue shades and all the colors you need to make yourself look red carpet or runway ready.

TREND #3: DISCO DOLLY
Glitter is taking over. Glitter hit the runway once again, but for spring 2018 it has a gorgeous grunge aesthetic. Pair it with a smoky, smudge pencil line for a look that feels more adult. Try Lemonhead Space Jams for glitters in every shade that stay put and be sure to check out their collaboration with Alcone, cleverly called Alconeholic; it is a seasonal must-have. For more loose glitters in all colors, try Graftobian, Kryolan, Eye Kandy or Stila.

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Courtesy of The Makeup Show

TREND #4: EDGE PLAY
Over-the-top black eyeliner in graphic shapes and exaggerated application is a huge trend for the season. Crown Brush Liquid Eyeliner is an affordable option in a beautiful black pen. NYX Cosmetics has liners in every formulation that are easy to use and last all day and night. Stillazzi Cosmetics launches their all new Borderline Gel Liners and the bold, rich black shade of Jet is easy to apply and ideal for every skin tone.

TREND #5: SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND
Inspired by the makeup of Japan and Korea, glazed skin has an almost glasslike effect. Primers like Limelight by Alcone are a perfect addition beneath any foundation. Melanie Mills Hollywood’s Gleam Collection is perfection for every skin tone. Try her Disco Smoke or Rose Gold under and over any foundation for an unforgettable look.

TREND #6: HIGH TEA
Wearable tea-stained shades for eyes and cheeks offer a less dramatic option for this season. Pair it with one of the more dramatic option above or wear it on its own for everyday wear. This soft brown or sepia trend is terrific on eyes, lips and lids. Look to MustaeV or Muse Beauty Brow for some gorgeous options, or check out must-have palettes from Viseart, Marc Jacobs or Violet Voss that delivers the tea-stained shades alongside every color you need for spring.

TREND #7:  SEEING RED
The red lip is back once more but with a much softer edge. Look to classic lipsticks to offer a polished look without hard lines. Pair your perfect red with a nude pencil like the beautiful colors available from Gerard Cosmetics and get a red that is timely and timeless!

Are you attending The Makeup Show this year? Which beauty trend are you excited to try this spring?

Make Slime At Home with Karina Garcia’s Craft City Kits

If you have a child in the house between the ages of 6-12, chances are you’re pretty familiar with slime.

Both of my kids have been obsessed with this ooey-gooey concoction of glue, water and an activating substance for the past year. While store-bought, premade slime is fun and virtually mess-free, nothing gets them more excited than the DIY kind—because what kid doesn’t like to get their hands dirty—literally?

That’s why they were beyond thrilled when we received the Craft City Make-Your-Own Slime Kit for them to try.

As soon as my 8-year-old daughter saw the box, her happy meter hit an all-time high. “That’s Karina Garcia from YouTube,” she exclaimed. Right then, I knew she was in for an amusing afternoon.

After marveling at the box’s cover star whose known for her knack for kids’ crafts, she immediately ripped open the package and got busy.

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The kit, which includes everything they’ll need to get slimey, is jam-packed with kid-friendly customizable add-ons. From glitter-flecked to glow-in-the-dark slime, Craft City makes creating unique blends safe and easy.

Plus, the instructions are super comprehensible and simple. Sure, we parents can oversee the slime-making process, but my kids didn’t require much assistance from me. Creating the slime by themselves gave them a confidence-boosting sense of independence that young kids crave.

If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to get your kids off their tablets and enthusiastic about science, a DIY slime kit is the perfect project.

Check out the step-by-step slime-making process:

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Craft City’s Make-Your-Own Slime Kit includes everything you need to make safe, kid-friendly slime.

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My daughter couldn’t wait to cut open the slime kit and get started on making the slippery substance.

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Thoroughly reading the instructions is the key to any successful at-home craft project. My daughter takes this step very seriously.

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Glue is well, the glue, to making slime work. It gives it its unique consistency—so, measuring out the right amount is crucial.

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My daughter measuring the activator like a mad scientist.

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An up-close look at the putty that’s all the rage for the pre-teen set.

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Voila! The final product. Can you see her oozing with excitement?

Craft City Make-Your-Own Slime Kit is available here, $20

Have your kids ever made at-home slime? Was it store-bought or made with household ingredients?

10 Date Night Ideas: Disney Cruise Style

You already know better than to think Disney Cruise Line is just for kids, right? Well, if you weren’t aware, keep reading.

I recently attended the 2018 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (#DisneySMMC), which included 3-days at the Walt Disney World Resort and a 3-night sail aboard the beautiful Disney Dream. Talk about a magical vacation. While Walt Disney World is truly heaven on earth, a Disney cruise is heaven on the high seas.

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It’s obviously jam-packed with fun family activities, but also offers a wide variety of cool things for couples to do too. From catching a movie to arranging a romantic evening on the adult-only deck, the opportunities to reconnect with your significant other abound.

Disney Cruise Line boasts four vessels currently in commission with three more coming in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The current fleet offers five-star adult-only dining, adult-exclusive areas of the ship, chic lounges, state-of-the-art movie theaters, topnotch spas and more!

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Since my husband and I live in a different state from our closest relatives, date nights are few and far between. Needless to say, we were pretty excited about spending some quality time alone. Our main priority was seeing the newly-released “Black Panther” movie sans kids. One word: awesome! We also checked out a few of the lounges, nightclubs and relaxed on the deck.

If you’re wondering how parents can squeeze in a date night with kids, don’t worry—Disney has you covered! Disney Cruise Line provides top-of-the-line childcare services for newborns (It’s a Small World Nursery: 6 months to 3 years) and children (Disney’s Oceaneer Club/Disney’s Oceaneer Lab: ages 3 to 12), as well as clubs and safe hangouts for teens that stay open well after 10pm. Rest assured that when your kids aren’t with you, they’re always in good hands. Oh, and trust me—they’re having a blast while they’re away. Our kids never wanted to leave the Oceaneer Club.

While we didn’t get the opportunity to take a whirl in the whirlpool, treat our palates to exquisite cuisines, or receive a relaxing massage, we still managed to experience a lot of what Disney Cruise Line offers for adults and couples.

Below, check out a list of all the wonderful things you and your sweetie can do while cruising on Disney’s Dream:

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Eat like royalty: Indulge in fine dining at Palo, a northern Italian-themed restaurant or Remy, a French inspired eatery—two of the the adult-only dining options aboard the ship.

Catch some waves: Relax on the adult-exclusive side of the ship and watch the mesmerizing waves in a serene setting.

Get your feet wet: Grab your bathing suit and watch all of your worries disappear as you take a dip at Quiet Cove Pool.

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Listen to live tunes: In the lobby, enjoy smooth sounds from musicians including incredibly talented pianists and violinists.

Pamper yourself: Melt away stress by treating yourself to a massage at Senses Spa & Salon

Schedule some screen time: Catch first-run features and other new movies releases and classic blockbusters in the beautiful Buena Vista Theatre.

Chill out: Grab a soft-serve ice cream cone from the deck (after hours of course) and chill out with your mate.

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Pop some bottles: Nothing says “date night” like having a nice drink with your spouse. Set the mood and have a sip at Pink, a posh champagne and wine bar with cushy pink banquettes and a glittering chandelier.

Dance the night away: Put on your dancing shoes and head to one of the nightclubs like The District or Evolution and get lost in the music.

Embrace cabin fever: If you have a verandah and don’t want to venture out, stay put—order room service and lounge in the comfy chairs while listening to the sounds of the ocean with your love.

As you can see, Disney Cruises aren’t just for kids. There are plenty of magical adult activities to make it a dream vacation to remember!

Have you ever gone on a Disney Cruise? If so, what was your favorite adult activity? 

Going to Walt Disney World? 6 Tips to Help You Maximize the Magic

This past October, my family and I got invited to the coveted Disney Social Media Moms Land and Sea Celebration. I kept the golden invitation under wraps from my kids for a little over two months—eventually, surprising them with the best gift ever on Christmas Day.

We’d attended the celebration in the past, but this time I was more prepared than ever and it paid off! I’ve learned from experience that having a game plan is the best way to maximize your time at Walt Disney World (WDW), especially if it’s your first visit to the “most magical place on earth.”

Over the course of three days, we covered so much ground across all four WDW theme parks including Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and my all-time favorite: Epcot. A couple months before our land and sea celebration got underway in February, I took an afternoon to plot and plan our entire trip from start to finish—taking my conference sessions into account.

Admittedly, I’m not the most regimented person who makes lists or schedules, but for Disney, I quickly became one. Being fully immersed in the magic is essential to making memories that will last a lifetime and that requires thoughtful pre-planning.

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Below, find tips on how you can plan a trip of a lifetime and maximize the fun!

Download My Disney Experience App
First thing’s first, you MUST download the My Disney Experience app to your smartphone as soon as you decide you’re going to WDW. It’s essential to your entire experience. From scheduling FastPasses (more on that below) to providing details on rides and attractions, the My Disney Experience app will be your lifeline to all that WDW offers. It will keep all your plans organized and is super user-friendly and easy to navigate. With a few taps, unlocking the fun will be right at your fingertips!

Stay on WDW property
Nothing adds value and magic to your WDW vacation like staying at one of their gorgeous resort hotels. Whether you prefer a New England-style stay (Beach Club Resort) or a blast to America’s pop culture past (Pop Century), WDW has numerous properties to suit your family’s tastes. All the resorts offer awesome amenities for kids and adults alike. Plus, your family will get a kick out of the subtle ways Mickey and his friends are incorporated into your preferred hotel’s design. Not only will staying at one of the WDW resort hotels satisfy your Disney-décor desires, but it also has major benefits.

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My son, MJ, enjoying the room at the WDW Pop Century Resort.

Guests staying at a WDW resort hotel will have access to free transportation to all the parks, including  Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and Disney Springs. Just steps outside the hotel lobby, you’ll find a bus depot with a fleet of Disney buses waiting to transport you to your park destination. Taking Disney transportation is convenient because it saves time and money—a perk that’s hard to pass up.

Plus, staying at a WDW resort hotel allows guests to take full advantage of extra magic hours offered at various parks. Each day, guests staying at select WDW resort hotels can enjoy select attractions in at least one of the four theme parks, before or after regular operating hours.

Master the park maps (via the app or paper map)
Once you download the My Disney Experience app, you’ll have access to all the park maps. Mapping out your day is crucial to maximizing your visit. Trust me, you don’t want to wing it and wander—the parks are expansive. If you don’t have the app (see above and download!) or if your smartphone battery dies, go analog and grab a map at one of the nearby shops or stands.

Sure, you can map things out in advance prior to your trip, but trust me, you’ll need to look at it several times once you arrive.  Plus, with the app, you can time how long it will take you to get from Point A to Point B. The walking distance feature is awesome and will help you gauge which rides (more on that later) are along your path. Since more than likely you’re traveling with little ones, pinpointing the nearest restrooms in advance will save you time and sanity.

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My husband with our daughter, Ava, riding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom.

Pick your preferred rides in advance
Walt Disney World has dozens of rides. You’ll need to choose the ones that are the most suitable for each member of your party. For example, my 4-year-old son didn’t want to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster, but my 8-year-old daughter rode it four times! Selecting the rides that are age appropriate and have height requirements in advance should be a priority when mapping out the attractions you want to hit. My family failed to do this during our first day, but quickly learned that we missed so many rides and attractions that we would’ve enjoyed had we researched and planned in advanced.

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My son MJ using his MagicBand to gain entry to the park.

Get in the fast lane with FastPasses
FastPasses will be your gateway to avoiding long lines for popular rides. FastPasses (included with park admission) allow guests to reserve access to select up to three WDW theme park attractions, entertainment and Character Greetings in advance. Be sure to select FastPasses as soon as you’re able to depending on your check-in date. Remember, if you’re staying at a Walt Disney Resort hotel, you’ll be able to reserve your FastPasses 60 days in advance of your arrival, which is a 30-day priority over those who aren’t staying on WDW property. Choosing your FastPasses will give you back precious time to fully explore the parks. Time is of the essence when you’re a thrill-seeker determined to ride as many attractions as possible.

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My kids MJ and Ava posing with Winnie the Pooh at the Crystal Palace restaurant at Magic Kingdom.

Make dining reservations
WDW is smorgasbord of all your culinary dreams. Booking a reservation at one (or maybe a few) of their restaurants is key to taking advantage of your time at the House of Mouse. Reservations can book up fast, so be sure to arrange as soon as possible.

From dining with Winnie the Pooh at the Crystal Palace located in Magic Kingdom to a Hibachi grill experience at Epcot, reserving your family’s table at one of these dining spots will save time and keep you on schedule. Avoid “hangriness” and last-minute scrambling by simply booking your dining experience via the app suggested above.

Take all these tips into consideration and you’re bound to have a magical time without meltdowns and missed opportunities.

*Disclosure: I attended Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, which included accommodations, park tickets, gifts, etc. for a nominal fee.  All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

What’s your favorite Walt Disney World park?

‘SpongeBob Squarepants’ Musical Makes a Broadway Splash

Oh! Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

If you don’t know the next line to that catchy ditty, then maybe it’s YOU who’s been living in a pineapple under the sea! For those in the know, it’s of course “SpongeBob Squarepants.”

In case you didn’t get the memo, the world’s most famous sponge is making a big splash on Broadway right in time for the holidays. “SpongeBob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical” is currently in previews at the Palace Theatre, and my kids and I had the pleasure of seeing it last week.

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The beloved, quirky character who’s been a mainstay on Nickelodeon for nearly two decades, comes to life on the Great White Way with the zeal and enthusiasm that only SpongeBob can bring. Ethan Slater, who stars as SpongeBob, excels as the upbeat, yet trouble-prone sponge.

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The plot revolves around an imminent catastrophe that SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends including Patrick, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Pearl Krabs and of course Sandy, the smart and science-savvy squirrel must find a way to avoid.

Jam-packed with cool costumes, the show, set in the underwater world of Bikini Bottom is as colorful as the cartoon that made the yellow sponge popular in the late 1990s and early aughts. The production is also topnotch with eye-catching set designs accompanied by a band outfitted in Hawaiian shirts—giving a tropical vibe that the animated series exudes.

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The show’s opening number set the tone for a dynamic afternoon of unforgettable original songs (earworm worthy) written by legendary artists like John Legend and Yolanda Adams. The talented ensemble didn’t miss a beat and brought the house down with every note.

Speaking of the cast, seeing the human versions of the popular animated cartoon crew was delightful. The performers masterfully embodied the quirks, twangs and mannerisms of their animated versions.

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While the show is aimed at kids, adults will find striking similarities to social issues facing the country today that are cleverly woven into the musical. Without giving too much away, there’s a theme of prejudice against certain creatures that sound unfortunately familiar in today’s political climate. But like the citizens of Bikini Bottom, hopefully the world will see that there’s power in optimism!

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If you’re looking for a fun, high-energy introductory Broadway show for kids, look no further than the sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea!

Get your tickets today!

**Disclosure: I was given comp tickets to the show from Nickelodeon for review purposes only. All opinions are my own. 

Are you looking forward to seeing “SpongeBob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical?” What’s your favorite musical? 

Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes Talks Family, Healthy Eating and Her Legacy

I remember 1996 like it was yesterday. I was a sophomore in high school and can vividly recall being transfixed by the Olympics. It was the first time that I watched the world’s biggest sports spectacle on TV and one gymnast in particular was responsible for my fascination—Dominique Dawes. The gold-medal winning champion looked like me and that was mind-blowing to see, even in the mid-1990s.

That year, Dawes and the rest of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team (often referred to as the “Magnificent Seven”) took home the U.S. gold. She also won the individual bronze medal—becoming the first African-American to win an individual Olympic medal in women’s gymnastics. These accolades and ground-breaking records inspired countless young African-American girls and women (myself included) to pursue their dreams in sports and beyond. So, you can imagine how excited I was to meet her at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration earlier this year during the GoGo squeeZ activation.

Now a mom of two, the former gymnast is a GoGo squeeZ Goodness Ambassador where she helps further the applesauce and yogurt brand’s mission of making it easier for kids and families to be a little healthier and happier every day.

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I recently caught up with Dominique to discuss food, family and of course winning the gold! Check out our Q&A below:

BGG: What’s your favorite meal to prepare for your children? Why?
Dominique Dawes: For my two kids, I must be creative, but I have some picky eaters. One day they will love my mac and cheese with roasted cauliflower added in and then another day they won’t even touch it.  My girls do love Brussels sprouts and broccoli so I have made a few different renditions of those vegetables. Roasting, sautéing, adding garlic, twist of lemon, and a few other ingredients that will attract their last buds. And anything that provides protein, fruit and/or veggies is a win in my book when it comes to snacks. Bonus points if I can take it on the go, like GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ or peanut butter and a banana.

BGG: How do you incorporate GoGo squeeZ into your daughters’ meals? Do you have any fun recipes that you make with the applesauces?
DD: My girls love granola bars, so one of our favorite things to make together are my YogurtZ Bars using GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ. We make them using Strawberry or Banana GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ, fruit, nuts, and a few other simple ingredients. They take just 25 minutes to make, and the GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ gives them 4 grams of protein and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. I add that to their lunch to balance out their meal. They feel like they’re having a treat, but it’s something I feel good about them eating!  Also, I love to add GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ to their smoothies!

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BGG: How do you instill healthy eating habits in your children at such a young age?
DD: I provide them with a variety of different healthy options and I love spices and fresh herbs that add to the flavoring of all types of foods that I make for my girls.  They have enjoyed going to the farmer’s market and we talk about the different foods and how they are grown.  For the past two years, we have had a small herb and vegetable garden on our deck so my daughters feel like they have some ownership over the food that we make. Weekly, they will cut fresh herbs or a vegetable from our garden and add it to a dish that we make together.

BGG: How do your daughters inspire you?
DD: They remind me what’s important in life. It’s about enjoying the little things.  When we will go for a walk and they will stop to pick a flower and comment on its fragrance, to pick up a caterpillar and inspect every spot on its back, they will stop when they hear a bird chirping and wait patiently for it to fly from a tree…I am amazed to see life through the eyes of my daughters because that is when I realize that all the things that I worry about are not important.

BGG: What’s the biggest misconception about motherhood?
DD: That motherhood is routine. Every day is different from the next.

BGG: I know you started taking gymnastics classes when you were six, did you always have dreams of becoming an Olympic Gold Medalist?
DD: My dreams of becoming an Olympic wasn’t until I was around 11 years old.  I won a local competition and the journey began soon after that.

BGG: As the first African-American to make the national women’s team and the first to win an individual medal in women’s gymnastics, what advice would you give to aspiring young gymnasts of color?
DD: Well, the beauty is that Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles have continued to pave the way for young girls of color to see the sport of gymnastics as an opportunity for them to excel. Having positive role models that are examples of a strong work ethic and never giving is key.

BGG: If you weren’t a three-time Olympic champion, what kind of career would you have pursued?
DD: FBI agent.

BGG: Would you ever want your girls to become professional athletes?
DD: No, I want them to have a more well-rounded childhood and not make the same sacrifices that I did.

BGG: It’s been 21 years since you won the Olympic gold, other than winning, what stands out to you the most about that time in your life?
DD: What stands out most is that even after 21 years of making history people still come up to up to me to talk about that historic moment.  They remember where they were and the emotions they felt.  Just the other day two young kids came to my door for a photo because their dad and grandmother told them about my career.  So, I showed them my gold medal and they both lit up and talked about my performances that they looked at on YouTube.

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BGG: What fun activities do you and your family enjoy doing to stay healthy?
DD: We are a very active family.  My girls don’t care to sit still of long so we are always out walking, at the park, biking, going to open gym at a local gymnastics gym or just dancing at our home.  My husband loves to have dance parties with the girls and both my girls love performing gymnastics moves in our living room so there is never dull moment at home.

BGG: Do you have a workout regimen to maintain your healthy lifestyle?  
DD: My workout regimen today is being active and engaged with my girls daily. It’s incredible how two toddlers can put me through a much more rigorous workout keeping up with them than a fitness class.

BGG: What do you want your legacy to be?
DD: I would like to be known as a mother that put her faith and family first.  Inspiring others along the way either it be through my Olympic accomplishments or philanthropic endeavors (encouraging others to live a healthy lifestyle) would be icing on the cake.

Do you remember watching Dominique Dawes during the 1996 Olympics? What healthy snack wins the gold in your household?