I recently had the opportunity to attend the Build a Better Lunchbox event at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Luckily for us, the weather was perfect for an outdoor brunch on the patio of Portofino’s Trattoria del Porto.

The Build a Better Lunchbox event was a buffet-like setup of tables, each with a different food groups’ offering from which children were asked to choose several items from for their “lunchbox.” At each station, the event hosts would explain to the children about the food groups and what each of the available foods were so that the kids were encouraged to try new things. My girls’ favorites were the bread station (just like their Mama) and the fruits. They were able to try new things we hadn’t introduced to them before, so having then get to try from a bevy of options was a great experience for us.

As the parents, we were allowed to eat from the brunch buffet inside the restaurant for the purchase price of the Lunchbox event. While my personal opinion is that the price of the event was a bit high, my girls did receive a full buffet, and they learned some things about good foods. Universal characters where there as well, but at other Loews locations, I’m sure the characters would not be a part of the event. In addition to the characters, there was a clown painting faces for free and each kid left with a gift bag of some coupons and a few “healthy option” goodies.

The Build a Better Lunchbox event will be in the following cities in upcoming months:

Photos courtesy: Angie Lynch

Disclosure: Our event tickets were provided in exchange for my articles on the events. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Cynics may call Valentine’s Day a “Hallmark Holiday” (see: my husband), but many couples take advantage of incredible getaway vacation deals offered by Florida hotels for a romantic getaway weekend. It just so happens that this year, the big V-day falls on a Sunday (that’s February 14, 2010, just in case you forgot), so a romantic weekend away is the perfect way to celebrate your love and commitment.

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Two Florida hotels are guaranteeing the state’s famous sunshine during your hotel stay through Sept. 30.

The Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary and the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra are offering a discounted $99 hotel room rate and the assurance that you will get a free night certificate for a future vacation if it rains more than 0.5 inches on any night of your stay.

The Sunshine Guaranteed package also includes extras such as free breakfasts and dinner discounts.

“We know vacationers are looking for packages like Sunshine Guaranteed- great deals with the kind of valuable extras that make summer travel fun and affordable,” says Chuck Schoonmaker, general manager of Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra.

Here’s a look at what each hotel has to offer:

Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary

This new hotel opened in January 2009 in Lake Mary, Fla. It has 128 guestrooms, each equipped with Hyatt Grand Beds, separate seating areas and roomy workspaces, refrigerators and flat-panel TVs. Wi-fi and parking are free at the Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool and a new fitness center.

Staying at the Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Mary on the Sunshine Guaranteed package gets you:

* $99 per night discounted room rate
* Free future room night for each day it rains more than 0.5 inches
* Free made-to-order breakfast for up to four guests per room, per night
* $25 gift certificate to Stonewood Grill

You can book online using the discount code “SUNS” now through Sept. 15, 2009, for stays through Sept. 30, 2009.

Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra

This hotel is at the entrance to the TPC Sawgrass, a golfer’s paradise. It has 127 guest rooms, and all of them have a refrigerator and microwave, which is great for family travels. The Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra has an outdoor poll and whirlpool, as well as a free fitness center. Wi-fi and parking are free.

Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra on the Sunshine Guaranteed package gets you:

* $99 per night discounted room rate
* Free future room night for each day it rains more than 0.5 inches
* Free full breakfast for two each day at the Great American Grill restaurant in the hotel
* $25 gift certificate to Cruisers Grill

You can book online using the discount code “P3″ now through Sept. 15, 2009, for stays through Sept. 30, 2009.

If you’re planning a trip, check out Jacksonville flights.

Guest post by Leigh Caldwell.

Picking the right hotel for your vacation is about much more than finding the best price.

When looking for a hotel, it’s a good idea to consider the kind of vacation you’re taking, who is staying with you, and what kind of hotel amenities are best suited for your unique vacation.

In other words, the best hotel for a romantic getaway may not be the best hotel for a family vacation with two small children.

Kid Friendly Hotels – What Amenities to Look For

1.  Continental Breakfast available on-site.

Small children don’t need an elaborate meal three times a day.  They do, however, need something for breakfast.  The more easily accessible, the better.

While a nicer hotel may have a restaurant that offers a full buffet and omelet bar, I much prefer an inexpensive hotel with a simply stocked continental breakfast when I’m traveling with my kids.  It’s generally a lot easier to set little kids up with a bowl of cereal in a small dining area that accepts footie pajamas as part of their dress code.  Traveling with kids means a lot of time spent in restaurants, and any chance to avoid that stress while still getting a decent meal is worth watching out for.

2. A pool is a plus.  A jacuzzi is completely unnecessary.

Little kids love to swim.  Or, at the very least, they love the idea of swimming – even if the reality is sitting on the pool steps for hours in their swimsuits.  But their expectations are low when it comes to a good hotel pool.

Water?  Great.  Shallow end?  Fantastic.  Clean?  If mom says so.  A jacuzzi and sauna room are less than an afterthought and should, in fact, be avoided by small children if possible.

3.  Extra sleeping area available – pullout couches, cots, massive floor space.

I always underestimate how much sleeping room my children are going to need when we travel.

“Oh, the little one can sleep with us.”

“Hey, the two little ones can bunk together.”

And then the little one is jammed between two big people in a double sized bed and the two big people end up with very little sleep.  Or the two little ones decide that this is the night that they cannot stand anymore of her touching me!

I’m all about giving up a little convenience to save a few bucks, but a good night of sleep when you’re on vacation is much more than a convenience.  Check with the hotel before you book to verify the size of the beds and the availability of cots.

4.  A bathtub.  Not just a shower – an actual bathtub.

If your kids are used to showering at home, than this is a non issue.  But if you’re traveling with a toddler, you may not want to introduce showering and water in the eyes on your oh so perfect family vacation.

Some hotels offer stand up showers only in some rooms, but have regular sized bathtubs in other rooms.  If you book your reservation by phone, ask about a room with a tub.  If you book your room online to save money, call the property you’re staying at after you’ve booked and request a room with a tub.

Ironically, you’ll usually find these amenities in a less expensive hotel.  Luxury is, apaprently, reserved for adults.  But when you’re on a family vacation, the best luxury is being able to stay some place where everyone in the family can feel relaxed and at home.