This February I visited one of my besties for a few days in Florida. I was able to spend much needed time with her as well as spend time with my brother who moved there a few years ago. I haven't traveled on my own since my last visit to England in 2016. I didn't know how it was going to be. I was a bit worried because of all the horrible flight videos I saw on social media. My anxiety went through the roof. I don't have anxiety for normal day-to-day life but when it comes to living with my disability, I do.

I try and learn from the things that worked and the things that didn't from any trip I take whether it is a day trip, a few days, or more than a few days. I also take into account who I am traveling with, how long I am staying, the budget I have, the weather, and what activities I am planning to do.

Here are some tips to help make traveling a little bit easier for you especially if you have a physical disability or are traveling with children:

I always get asked how do I take care of my vintage magazines. I have magazines that range from the 1930's to the present. I even have all of my teen magazines from the 1980's. Sadly, a lot of magazines are no longer being published. Because many of these magazines are rare and very old, we should try and take care of them. I feel like vintage magazines are pieces of history and they should be preserved as best as possible.

So how can you take care of your vintage magazines? Here are some tips that helped me:

If you are looking for some good vintage magazines these are my recommendations; Good Housekeeping. Life, Teen, Seventeen, Women’s Day, and Photoplay. And if you are looking for places where you can buy some vintage magazines other than Etsy and Ebay, check out Wolfgang's and Joe's Paper Shack.

How did the ladies in the sixties handle their home and kids on a daily basis and attempt to pursue creativity? I think it must have been as challenging for them then as it is now. I think women today are juggling even more than women fifty plus years ago. And the biggest challenging for those of us who have pursued a family life and a career or creative pursuits is keeping it all balanced. And let's be honest, it is not easy.

When I went to do some shoots recently at the TWA Hotel I decided to bring along all three of my children and my husband for support. They never saw this location and I wanted to share it with them. I didn't take into account that my husband was exhausted from his intense work week and I didn't pack things to keep the children occupied because I assumed I would be done quickly. I was wrong.

I thought a lot about that day. I can say that for three kids they behaved pretty well. They weren't running around like maniacs or screaming or bothering each other. But at some point during the day I felt completely overwhelmed with paying attention to them and their needs and trying to figure out my next photo shoot. I not only got mentally blocked but I just felt utterly defeated at one point.

What I realized and learned that day is that it isn't easy for me to shut myself off from mommying and then switch roles to focus on being a vintage nerd. I realized that going back and forth from the two is very challenging because both are very important to me. Its important that I am always available and aware of my children and their needs and it is important for me to express myself as a creative.

So I put together a few tips that I learned the hard way. I have not perfected this process by any means. But I have become more aware of the challenges of balancing my two worlds and with a lot of patience I will work through them.

Bring a friend or your spouse for support. They can keep an extra eye on the kids and keep them in line.

Pack things in a bag for them. Pack snacks, water, and activities for them. That way there is a slim chance you will hear, "I'm hungry" or "I'm bored" while you are in the middle of a shoot or a painting.

Give yourself a certain time frame to be done. Timing creativity makes creating 1,000 times more challenging. If you are like me, I enjoy the process of creativity flowing and moving through me. When you are on a schedule it makes allowing that so much more difficult but children need a time frame because otherwise they can get antsy and then drive you nuts. When that happens creativity escapes the room and leaves because it cannot flourish in a chaotic environment.

Explain to the kids what are you are trying to do. That way they can get a visual of your plan and also feel like they are a part of your creative process.

Give your children a job to do that can actually help you move the creative process along. They can take your photos for you, help you bring props to your shoots, pass paints and brushes to you,  carry your gear for you, etc. Whatever it is that you are working on, if you include them in a small way to be your little helpers it really makes them feel like they are a part of this special work.

Take lots of deep breathes. Try to keep your patience. Keep everyone informed of your needs and concerns. Communication is important.

Outfit: Plaid Dress from Modcloth, Blue Cardigan from Gap, Beret from Forever 21, 

Gold Loop Earrings from JCrew, and Heart Key Necklace from Cats Like Us

Keeping your inspiration juices flowing is a tricky business especially when we are juggling so much on a daily basis. So how can we keep our inspiration muses happy when we are just so darn tired all the time? I am going to share what has worked for me and hope that it may help you keep inspiration at your fingertips.

I hope these tips help a little. I know how hard it can be to keep yourself inspired and in positive spirits but try some of these tips out. They may just help. What do you do to keep yourself inspired?