MOM CONFESSIONALS

I love planning vacations. Finding the best experiences for the best value is what its all about for my family. Recently my family and I were privy to an exclusive preview of the new Disney Art of Animation Resort.  This is Disney’s first new resort in almost a decade.

A truly experiential resort, they’ve taken 4 of the most beloved Disney animated movies and turned them into a lifestyle experience. Families can be immersed in the Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid experiences at every turn.

At press time, we got to preview the Finding Nemo family suites which can accommodate families up to 6 with 2 full size bathrooms. A real coup for minimizing bathroom times in the morning and getting to the park as soon as possible.  Also included is a kichenette, perfect for any family, especially young ones if you remember the days of baby food considerations.  The family suite comes with 3 separate sleeping areas – one bedroom, a pull-out couch in the living room and a murphy bed that lives one moment as a dining table, the next as a full size bed. The Finding Nemo wing opens May 31st, Cars wing opening June 18th and The Lion King wing opening August 10th totally 1,120 family suites.  864 Standard guest rooms that sleep up to 4, will make up The Little Mermaid wing, the final phase opening on September 15th.

Amenities are what really makes this resort a bargain.  Kids of all ages can make a splash at the Big Blue pool, the largest resort swimming pool to date at 11,859 square feet.  With two additional adjacent pools and a kid’s play area, a day off from the parks can be just as fun!  If it’s too hot even for water fun, they can head inside to an action packed arcade.

Situated right next to Disney’s Pop Century Resort, you will have all the same access to on-property transportation, Disney’s Magical Express service which includes complimentary motor coach transportation and luggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport, and Extra Magic Hours.

After seeing the pictures you’d be surprised to know it’s a value resort. Prices start at $248 per night for a family suite and $94 for standard room (availability begins September 15th). Crazy huh?  The only thing I was sad about was that they didn’t choose Toy Story as one of their choices.  I can definitely imagine some really great interpretations if they choose to expand the resort in the future.  I loved Andy’s Room in the Oceaneer’s Club on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship.

To view more pictures from our tour, visit my flickr set here. Ready to book? They are now accepting reservations here.

{ disclaimer: as a paid attendee of the Disney Social Media Moms Conference, we were invited to preview the Art of Animation Resort. We were not asked to post about the conference, but I love to share all the wonderful things I discover with my friends.  As always, all opinions expressed are my own.  I have always been an avid Disney fan but only recently have I truly experienced the magic. }

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Did you know it’s Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd?!  To celebrate, Oceanhouse Media is giving away for FREE. starting today, in the App Store, Dr. Seuss Band.  The app reached the #1 spot in Music Games on the App Store. It also received an Editor’s Choice Award and a 4.9 Star Rating from Children’s Technology Review.  I am downloading it as I write this post!

Dr. Seuss Band includes beautiful 3D artwork inspired by Dr. Seuss and features:

• 2 Ways to Play – Go for high scores in the Music Game or use Free Play to compose your own tunes.
• 10 Original Songs – Play along with the soundtrack from The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Dr. Seuss’s ABC, Hop on Pop and more.
•  5 Unique Horn Instruments – Play Seussian versions of the trumpet (insert shameless promotion of Trumpeting Media!), french horn, clarinet, trombone and flute.
•  10 Crazy Horn Effects – Customize the sound of your horn by adding fun effects like a fish bowl, train whistle, reverb and more.
• Mix and Match Horns – Swap parts of the horn while playing to create more than 120 horn combinations.
• 3 Difficulty Levels – Choose Easy for beginners, Medium for experienced players and Hard for experts.
• 26 Unlockables – Achieve high scores to unlock songs, horns and effects.
• Gamecenter Leaderboards – Compare your high scores with the competition.

I know my kids will be clocking some major time with this app, especially my musically inclined boy, Marcus.  Who doesn’t like free fun!?  Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

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It’s not just for old people.  Building a heart-healthy diet should start at a young age and starts easily at the grocery store.  So how heart smart is your family’s shopping cart?

According to a recent survey of more than 4,000 Americans:

•  There is a gap between knowing the heart-health benefits of common foods and actually putting them into the shopping cart.
•  2/3 of Americans recognize that red wine, salmon, oatmeal or olive oil are heart-healthy foods.  However, a fraction of these same consumers buy these foods on a monthly basis.

Many consumers think heart-healthy foods won’t taste good or they are simply too time consuming or costly to cook.  However, the good news is that it’s easy to “heart your cart” with foods that are simple to prepare, convenient, affordable and delicious!

As a complement to fresh produce, 100% grape juice made with Concord grapes makes it easy to add a boost of delicious purple fruit to your family’s diet.  I remember taking communion as a child, filled with Welch’s grape juice.  It was such a monthly treat, and all I got was a tiny little shot glass of it.  I can’t believe it’s taken me all these years to realize, now all grown up, I can have Welch’s grape juice anytime!  Each 4-ounce glass counts as 1 serving (1/2 cup) of fruit – with no added sugar.  And, more than a decade’s worth of research suggests that thanks to the Concord grape, Welch’s 100% Grape Juice can help support a healthy heart.  My kid’s love Welch’s!

To learn more about the Concord grape’s health benefits, including heart health, visit grapescience.com.

To help you “heart their carts”, visit welchs.com/rewardyourheart.  Here you’ll find coupons for your favorite Welch’s products and heart-healthy resources, including shopping tips, videos and recipes!

{ disclosure: We love Welch’s Grape Juice in this house and Welch’s provided me with coupons to host this delicious giveaway! }

GIVEAWAY: Enter NOW!  From now until February 29th 2012 you MUST visit this FORM.  ONE (1) lucky winner will win (3) coupons for Any ONE Welch’s 100% Grape Juice or 100% Juice Blends (46oz, 64oz or 96oz bottles)!  What a great way to start on your journey to a healthy heart!  For an additional (3) entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s Welch’s #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1d8) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on February 29th 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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My newest obsession is my Maclaren Field Bag.  I can’t believe it’s a diaper bag!  I guess the pull out changing pad is a good clue, but it’s so full of city style, I can totally rock it with or without a baby.  That’s right, the baby is my accessory, and the bag is my new love.  It’s got loads of pockets for baby essentials and mom’s necessities.  My favorite is the inside zipper pocket perfect for storing my wallet and keys.  Not to mention, not bulky at all!  Multipurpose as a tote or messenger bag, even dad won’t be wary of toting it along.  I’m slowly evolving out of the diaper bag era, but this bag has got lasting power.  It’s quite the stunner indeed.

The price?  A complete STEAL at only $50!  Maclaren, a name synonymous with strollers is now making it’s name in style.  Another stunner is their Canvas Park Bag for only $30.  Check out Maclaren’s new line of totes and bags at: http://www.shopmaclarenbaby.com/categories/Transport/Accessories/Totes-and-Bags/

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Recently I was invited to the launch party for Honest Company hosted by MomTrends and got a chance to meet the fabulously gorgeous Jessica Alba, one of the founders of this revolutionary company.  We listened to hear tell the story of her early days as a new parent and it echoed my very own experience.  I became a parent during the early uproar over BPA in bottles and remember the ignited fear within.   I began countless hours of research and at every turn I was more and more horrified.  Not just at the chemicals in everyday products we used but also at the high costs for products that were safer.  “I’ve spent way too many hours researching products and driving around trying to find safer, eco-friendly options for my kids,” exclaimed Jessica Alba, President and founder. “I knew that most people didn’t have that kind of time, nor the means to pay the premium prices. We had to make it easier.”  She teamed up with Christopher Gavigan, former Healthy Child Healthy World CEO; Brian Lee, ShoeDazzle.com founder; and Sean Kane, PriceGrabber.com executive, to launch The Honest Company, an eco-friendly line of family essentials offered through a monthly subscription service at Honest.com.  That’s a pretty amazing team for sure!  Healthy Child Healthy World was my go-to site for the most reliable information and still is.  Meeting Christopher Gavigan was inspiring.  He admits to being asked for product recommendations all the time but it took a LOT of nudging from Jessica Alba to give birth to The Honest Company.  We’re glad he came on board.

Created for parents by parents, The Honest Company founders say they are committed to making safe, sustainable products more convenient, beautiful, and affordable.  While one might be skeptical about signing up for a monthly subscription service, I can barely commit to a magazine subscription, I was pleasantly surprised at the flexibility.  The products are curated into personalized bundles that are automatically shipped every month, and parents can try a FREE Discovery Kit, that includes a sample pack of diapers and wipes, or trial-sized versions of the bath, skin and cleaning products.   If you like the discovery kit, you can continue to receive a customizable kit of FULL size products monthly.  It’s an easy process, and members at Honest.com can purchase a monthly supply of non-toxic stylish diapers competitively priced at less than $20 a week, and can also choose a monthly supply of the body care and home cleaning essentials for under $9 a week.  When it’s put in those numbers, it makes a lot of sense.

I really can embrace the Honest Family Essentials Bundle model where I can select 5 out of 14 currently available products every month.  My needs are always constantly changing, not to mention being a little commitment phobic, having the flexibility to choose the products I need for the next month is awesome!  While I am just transitioning my littlest one out of diapers, I have to say the Honest Diaper Bundle is so gorgeous I even contemplated waiting a bit longer on potty training.  Completely natural & non-toxic – made from chlorine-free, bio-based absorbent, and plant-based materials, these diapers are not only stylish, but also ultra absorbent with a premium fit.

As one of the founders of Trumpeting Media, we love brands that have a charitable arm, doing some Social Good.  I was thrilled to hear that a portion of every dollar Honest Company earns goes to their non-profit partner Baby2Baby. This worthy nonprofit supplies local families in need with essential baby gear and clothing for children up to age four.  We love it!

In these days where BUSY doesn’t even begin to describe a parent’s typical day, convenience and value speaks to us.  We welcome The Honest Company to make every parent’s life a little more manageable.

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As quickly as kids grow, it seems like you’re spending money left and right to keep your kids in clothing period, let alone stylish clothing.  One of our favorite shopping destinations has always been H&M kids.  They have not only stylish but high quality clothing at an affordable price!  When they first began to license Hello Kitty, one of my daughter’s favorite characters, we were there constantly stocking up on everything from cute dresses, tees and other Hello Kitty accessories.  From there our love expanded to warm and luxurious hats and mittens for the cold New York winters.  H&M has always been my go-to for cute spring dresses and now adorable french inspired sweater dresses.

I was not surprised to learn that as a global company, they impose the strictest of standards with regard to children’s clothing.  Tests are carried out throughout the production process to ensure that these demands are met.  When one country changes their requirements, they make the change globally.  Just a few of these not so recent changes included:

• detachable hoods on outer garments, to reduce the risk of accidents if a child should become caught by the hood
• no drawstrings with loose ends around necks or hoods, to minimize the risk of asphyxiation
• buttons, ribbons and embellishments must be sufficiently durable to withstand use and washing
• all garments must be checked in a needle detector to detect any foreign metal objects such as broken needles, which may have mistakenly ended up in the
  garment during production
• no treatment with flame retardants, to take account of the sensitive skin of children

Sound familiar?  All recent news worthy issues that H&M has always been on top of!  It makes shopping at H&M a no-brainer!

When they challenged me to maximize $100 and come up with some holiday outfits for my kids, all I could think was, are you serious?!  Easy Peasy!  What did we walk away with?  My darling daughter snagged a gorgeous grey knit sweater dress with rosette detailing, two pairs of knit leggings (to keep those winter breezes in check), a pair of pink pearlescent ballet flats with bow detail and just for fun, some whimsical hello kitty bow barrettes. While my handsome, snagged a a rugged black wool jacket, dress shirt with tie and robotic jeans to go with his new fedora and wooly hat.  Pictures to come!  But here are some from our fun shopping expedition, the little man was really in his element!

GIVEAWAY:  To get your kids dressed in H&M Style this holiday season, the fabulous people at H&M are giving ONE (1) very lucky Mom Confessionals reader a $100 Gift Certificate and a 25% off VIP card good until June 30th, 2012!  To ENTER, from now until December 15th 2011 you MUST visit this FORM and enter (1) one of (3) ways – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional  and @HMUSA and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s @HMUSA Holiday Style #giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1b3) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 15th 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

HOLD THE PRESSES!  There can only be ONE giveaway winner, but ALL readers can get 20% off a single item by signing up for H&Mʼs newsletter http://www.hm.com/us/newsletter.

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Welcome to cold and flu season…it’s time to get educated! In addition to offering medicine that is easy to understand (including their latest launches:  help, I have chest congestion and help, I have a stuffy nose), Help Remedies’ Medical Director David Pompei (Pharm.D) provides the below tips on navigating through the drugstore clutter and other useful information for surviving cold/flu season:

1. PREVENT yourself from needing to visit the drug aisle – wash your hands regularly, exercise, consider getting a flu shot; these basic public health measures do reduce the chance of getting sick.
2. IDENTIFY YOUR SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS. If you do get sick, avoid characterizing your condition using ambiguous terms such as ‘cold’ or ‘flu’. Instead, identify your specific symptoms; do you have a headache, does your body ache, do you have a fever, are you congested, do you have a runny nose, etc. and select product/s with active ingredients that focus on your specific symptoms rather than catchalls that may have medications that you don’t need.
3.  TAKE LESS. Take just the amount of medicine you need. If a small dose relieves your symptom, there is no additional benefit in taking more. Start with a moderate dose – if you need more you can take more, up to the recommended dosage per day.
4. ASK QUESTIONS. The drug aisle can be confusing at times, and the pharmacist is there to help you get the right medication for your needs.
5. DON’T OVERDO IT. While you’re sick, take care of yourself. Rest, use a sick day, drink lots of fluids (including that old remedy, soup).

Whatever (or whoever) ails you this season, Help Remedies has your gifting needs covered with a variety of stocking stuffers:

PROBLEM: You battled a gang of coupon-clutching seniors while negotiating a cart full of gifts through the line at Target’s.
SOLUTION: help, I have an aching body

PROBLEM: Your coworker’s feet are in bad shape after she insisted on wearing “festive” 5-inch stilettos to the office holiday party.
SOLUTION: help, I have a blister

PROBLEM: In an obvious attempt at payback for your misspent youth, the grandparents gave the twins matching drum sets.
SOLUTION: help, I have a headache

PROBLEM: Your brother-in-law’s bear-like snores are rattling the windows. And the family is in town for a week.
SOLUTION: help, I can’t sleep

PROBLEM: Your teenager is far too cool to wear a proper coat. Or hat. Or scarf.
SOLUTION: help, I have a stuffy nose

PROBLEM: Your sister-in-law’s five cats won’t leave you compulsively sneezing self alone.
SOLUTION: help, I have allergies

PROBLEM: Your husband lost the annual family football bowl and pouted for an hour in the backyard.
SOLUTION: help, I have chest congestion

Yes they are niftily designed, and come in cute little pods that I can’t resist but they are just as practical as they are smartly designed.  Personally I hope someone leaves me some help, I can’t sleep in my stocking so I can sooner acclimate to working the night shift.  For additional information on Help Remedies, visit www.helpineedhelp.com. Each Help product is $3.99 MSRP, available at Walgreens, Duane Reade, select Target stores, Soap.com, Pharmaca.com, and other retailers nationwide.

GIVEAWAY:  It’s getting nippy out there!  Just in time for switching into snow boots and helping your feet “weather the storm” or after you’ve insisted on wearing “festive” 5-inch stilettos to the office holiday party, we’re giving away FIVE (5) help, I have a blister kits!  To ENTER, from now until December 31st 2011 you MUST visit this FORM and enter (1) one of (3) ways – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s HELP remedies #giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1a8) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 31st 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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It’s generation TECH and there’s something for everyone this holiday season!  I’ve definitely got some tech-fever with recent post ideas such as “How to survive in a ONE iPad Family” and “Getting my Dancey Dancey on with Dance Central for Kinect”

Just in time for the Holidays, Kinect has really come a long way.  If you don’t have one, add that to the list! We are obsessed with so many of the new releases!  Currently my nephew is clocking some real time with Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat for Xbox and uDraw.  He is just another budding little artist in the family and this game let’s him draw the Wham! Bam! and Pow! and really be a part of the comic.  Armed with the new uDraw Gametablet with uDraw Studio: Instant Artist – Xbox 360 in HD, the graphics are intensely real!

They just keep finding new ways to make the iPad even cooler!  Of course with my recent acquisition of the iPad, my obsession is fueled.  We’re loving the new Crayola iMarker which makes coloring go digital!  Young artists can choose from the Crayola 64 box of colors and transform their medium to everything from a crayon to markers to paints and coloring pencils.  Using the free Color Studio HD App download which features a huge library of built in art, kids can free draw, play games and create their own custom coloring pages.  The Crayola iMarker is available for $29.99 for Ages 3+.  Don’t fret if you can’t wait until the holidays are upon us to color you happy, this free app includes a pen free mode too aka “finger mode”.

Got a Cars 2 fan in the house?  You should check out the new Disney Pixar Cars 2 AppMATes.  When used with an iPad, the mini vehicles transform the tablet’s screen into an interactive Radiator Springs play mat.  I have to admit I got a little caught up in the action myself.  The vehicles interact with everything on the screen from other vehicles going on missions, to the latest race.  Crash into everything, pick up hub caps as currency and really deck out your ride in style.  Tons of free play for the youngest of iPad users and interactivity for the older crowd.  Whatever will they come up with next?  the Disney Pixar Cars 2 AppMATes are available online at Amazon.com and Apple.com, sold in single and 2-packs.

Have a Nintendo DS and looking for girl’s games?  Look no further than Pinkalicious for Nintendo DS!  It comes with a Pinkalicious stylus, and who doesn’t need more of those!  My daughter is constantly losing them!  It’s a perfect stocking stuffer that your girl would go crazy for!  Pinkalicious celebrates all things pink while teaching the special girl in your life that being yourself is best of all!  We’re also loving Lalaloopsy: Sew Magical! Sew Cute! for Nintendo DS which comes with a mini-LaLaLoopsy too!  My girl is loopsy for all things LaLaLoopsy!

GIVEAWAYS: Enter NOW!  From now until December 15th 2011 you MUST visit this FORM.  Four (4) lucky winners will win their choice of:

• Crayola iMarker [ valued at $29.99 ]
• Disney Pixar Cars 2 AppMATes 2-Pack [ valued at $34.99 ]
• Pinkalicious for Nintendo DS [ valued at $29.99 ]
• uDraw Studio – Game and Tablet for Nintendo Wii [ valued at $69.99 ]

For an additional (3) entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s Techalicious #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1a1) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 15th 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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I’m joining in the Black Friday Madness!  My first year and I don’t even know where to begin!  But I know it’s definitely all about my kids.

Here are some my must haves/finds of the Black Friday specials!

My budding little artist loves all things Crayola and we’re totally digging Crayola’s Crayon Maker!  If you’re like me, you’ve got a huge box of broken but still useable crayons.  What a fun way to recycle them into new crayons!  On sale for $19.99 at Target until tomorrow, you can also snag their Holiday Toy Wish List catalog in store or online for an additional $5 off, making this originally $29.99 gift, only $14.99!  Who doesn’t love a deal upon a deal!

Don’t throw that Holiday Toy Wish List catalog away just yet!  One of the hottest toys this season for boys I think will be Hot Wheels Wall Tracks!  City Dwelling parents will be jumping for joy too!  Using 3M command adhesive, these tracks will really scale to new heights! Originally $29.99, the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set is on sale for $27.99, but snag that $5 coupon in the Holiday Toy Wish List catalog and it’s only $22.99!  I know one boy that is going to go crazy for this!

Scrabble Flash at Target.   On sale for $15 this friday, you can download a coupon from Scrabbles Facebook page for an additional $5 off, making this excellent stocking stuffer only $10!

I was going to include this beauty in my major holiday gift guide coverage, but with the Black Friday deal of only $19.99 each at a Disney Store near you, the Disney Animator’s collection, originally $24.99, it a STEAL I don’t want you to miss! Any princess will love the Disney Animator Collection dolls. Moms can appreciate the beauty of these finely detailed dolls designed by Animator Mark Henn who brought the princesses to life. They are destined to be a collector’s item!  I personally want them all!

I’ll be announcing an exciting special collaboration with St. Jude’s later this week but I had to share this little tidbit! Ruckus Media Group will donate to St. Jude 100% of the net proceeds ($1.39) of the company’s entire digital library including the iTunes bestseller MY LITTLE PONY: TWILIGHT SPARKLE, TEACHER FOR A DAY and Moms’ Choice award winner CHUCK AND FRIENDS: FRIENDS FOR THE LONG HAUL, both featuring beloved Hasbro characters; holiday Read-Play-and-Record-Along classics THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, both told by Meryl Streep; among many other interactive storybooks.  Customers will be supporting the hospital’s lifesaving mission of finding cures and saving children with cancer and other deadly diseases with every Ruckus Media Group app download, all specially priced at $1.99 during the campaign.  If you’ve got an iPad or an iPhone, you know your kids are already all over it.  I love when I can do what I already do and do good at the same time.  What fun little surprises for a long shopping day!

Got any great deals to share?!

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It’s entertaining season for many, especially this household!  With the upcoming holidays and my son’s birthday, there’s more than one party to be had.  I finally bucked up and purchased a rolling garment rack!  A quality commercial grade one can be found for as little as $60 at Bed Bath & Beyond or Container Store.  It is an awesome investment which I wish I had purchased sooner.

Gone are the days of collecting guests jackets and unsanitarily piling them on top of our bed.  Now they will hang organized on a rolling garment rack and make a much prettier presentation!

When there’s not a party to be had, it can be folded for easy storage or in my case, making me one step closer to a neater laundry room, I’ve found it handy to hang clothing that need to be air dried or hung to stay wrinkle free.

What tips have you picked up over the years of entertaining?

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