First some Encouragement!!!
Wow!!! So a lot has happened since my last blog post. We're currently facing a global health pandemic, job loss, economic downfall, school closings, and much more. However, I genuinely believe that there is still an upside to all this chaos (THERE IS A MIRACLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MESS). When you've reached your lowest point, it only means that there's no other place to go but UP! In the midst of it all, we are going to bounce back from this stronger than ever. So, I would like to encourage you to turn that frown upside down, and be grateful that you're ALIVE & WELL. We still have so much to look forward to this year. Even though many graduations may be cancelled, some job searches postponed there is a still a purpose and sound reason in this season. I can't wait to see how we come out on the other side of this. Your attitude and outlook matters during this time, SO KEEP IT POSITIVE!

NOW, What would like from me?!
I know that we're all confined to our houses right now, so you have no choice but to cook. So, what would you like to to see from me? Meal Prep ideas? Fun activities to do with the kids? Easy dinner meals in 45 mins or less etc.?

Quarantine Ideas that will help keep you sane:

1. Take a walk and go enjoy the fresh air! I can promise you this one works. I genuinely feel so much better after a 30 min walk. Obviously, stay 6ft apart from people.
2. Open a book! Whether it be the bible or a non-fiction book, spend some time getting lost in one. A great break from our current reality! 
3. Zoom can be a your best friend, even outside of work! I've attended zoom gym sessions (BURN BOOTCAMP IS THE BEST), been invited to zoom happy hours and parties. 
4. Write in your journal! I'm sure this is going to be a time where we'll want to remember somethings. So write it down. This a great reflection tool.
5. Throw yourself a picnic or a movie night in doors! (I'm doing this one tonight, so I'll let you know how it goes.)

All in all, you guys we will get through this, there is a miracle in this no matter how messy it looks!! 

XOXO,
Maya Mapp

Traveling and spending time with friends is one of my most cherished past times. This past weekend I got the chance to go to Disney with my sisters and we had the best time!!! (Despite what's currently happening in the world with the corona virus) However, we did learn one major lesson: WE ARE GETTING OLDER, AND OUR BODIES NEED TO RECOOP AFTER WALKING AROUND A PARK ALL DAY HAHAHAHA.

 So, let's jump into the details of how we planned this trip. Originally, this trip was scheduled for September 2019; however, Hurricane Lorenzo said "nah sis, y'all need to wait!" Luckily, Disney has one of the best customer service teams I've ever had the chance to interact with and they had no issue with moving our trip to later date. So, we decided to move the date back to February 2020, and let me just say trying to coordinate four different work schedules of an account, teacher, advisor, and news manager is tough, but we made it work. We purchased a two-day park hopper pass, which allows you to hop from park to park at any point in the day. We thought that this would be best option because we all wanted to get the chance to see everything. After purchasing your tickets be sure to select your fast passes immediately. In my personal opinion, if you don't have them your time will be very limited at each park.  

Furthermore,  if you know me, I can't plan trip without a really nice dinner. So, I made reservations at Del Frisco's the day we arrived, so all the girls got the chance to dress up, drink some wine, and let their hair down. Friday was just considered to be a relaxation day, so Saturday and Sunday were Disney days!  Below are my MUST RIDES & EATS for each Disney park.

Day One: 
Hollywood Studios: 
Rides- Tower of Terror, Rocket Roller Coaster, and Little Mermaid Show 
Food- Funnel Cake
Magic Kingdom:
Food- You must get a turkey leg & apple pie w/ butter pecan ice cream 
Rides/ Activities- Space Mountain, President Hall, and the Haunted Mansion 

Day Two: 
Animal Kingdom:
Rides/ Activites- Safari, Gorilla Exploration, visit the country of Africa 
Food- Haramba Chicken & Rice Bowl
Epcot: 
Food- Go to China and explore their sushi options (they are great!)
Drink- Go to Italy and France and just drink!!!

BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET!!!
Estimation for Disney Trip: (ask your friends if they want to go, and make it happen!)
Tickets: $301 (two day park hopper pass)
Hotel: $400 divided by four people, so really $100 a piece
Plane:$200 roundtrip
Food: $250 for food (this includes a nice dinner; however, this is dependent on what you what to spend personally)
Lyft: Split between 4 people the average cost will be $35 
Miscellaneous Items: $30- $100 (Mickey & Minnie Ears, shopping at outlet mall)