MOM CONFESSIONALS

Wow is grilling season upon us already? ! Boy time flies! I can’t believe that Memorial Day is RIGHT around the corner! I am co-hosting a #ChopInspiration Twitter party with the National Pork Board and The Motherhood – and all these amazing moms:

Crystal, Simply Being Mommy http://simplybeingmommy.com
Ellen, Confessions of an Overworked Mom http://www.confessionsofanover-workedmom.com
Heather, The Fabulous Finds http://www.thefabulousfinds.com
Jackie, Free is My Life http://www.freeismylife.com
Jennifer, Mom Spotted http://www.momspotted.com
Louise, Mom Start http://www.momstart.com
Nichol, KiddiesCorner Deals http://kiddiescornerdeals.com
Stacey, Tree, Root and Twig http://treerootandtwig.com
Victoria, Veep Veep http://www.veepveep.com

– and we’re talking Pork! This meat is like the forgotten stepchild of meats. I even had to sit back and think, wait do I eat pork? Who am I kidding?! I’m Chinese, we eat everything and every part! Two of my favorite dishes are Grilled Pork Chop on rice and sweet and sour pork with all those deliciously crisp morsels of juicy pork and tangy pineapple chunks!

But maybe it’s time I expanded my meal choices! Join us to get recipe inspiration, test your “pork chop personality,” and win some (seriously amazing) prizes!

Here are the deets!

When: Thursday, May 17, 7-8 p.m. ET

Where: The party will take place on Twitter, using the #chopinspiration hashtag.

Who: The National Pork Board (@AllAboutPork) and The Motherhood (@theMotherhood) will be hosting.

Prizes: Five prize packs will be given away throughout the hour, based on responses to trivia questions. They will include $20 in pork coupons, a new Weber grill (oooh la la!) and other items to help unleash the power of the pork chop. (teeeheee!) I wish I was able to enter!

RSVP: Let us know if you’ll be there! Click this link and press the orange button at the top right that says “Count me in!” – http://twtvite.com/chopinspiration

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Pinch me now! Sometimes I cannot believe the things that land in my lap. For instance, when I was invited to be a #RBabyMom Ambassador I was beyond thrilled! This year has been all about using my influence in social media for the social good. I couldn’t have found a greater partnership than with the RBaby Foundation. I’ve told this story many times, but you might find it hard to believe despite being an RN, when my child is in the ER, all those years of schooling and experience goes right out the door and I am just like any other mom — terrified for their child.  I couldn’t believe that in this day in age, living in America, we had to worry about something as important as basic pediatric ER standards.  I had no idea all Pediatric ERs were not equal.  In that moment, when you’re in the ER, the last thing you want to think about is whether or not they are properly trained or equipped to care for your child.  It was a no brainer, improving Pediatric ER care was something definitely that had to be done and RBaby Foundation needed to be heard.

I tweeted, I posted, I told, I begged everyone I knew to sign the petition.  If you’re a mom, a dad, an aunt or uncle, a grandmother or grandfather, a god-mother, a friend, your life will at some point connect with a pediatric ER.  It  could be for something minor and easily cared for, or something a lot more critical.  I never wish that on anyone, but wouldn’t you want to know that the hospital you wind up at is equipped to properly care for your loved one?

To Thank Us for our efforts (I know totally crazy huh?!), they invited us to be their guest at their 5-year Anniversary celebration the RBaby Foundation 5-Star Food & Wine Gala at the majestic Plaza Hotel in NYC.  Not only were we going to sip fine wines and cocktails while exploring 5-star cuisines from world-renowned chefs, we were getting VIP “Pink” carpet treatment!  Totally insane!  Just for doing what I love!  I was so honored to be an ambassador with some really truly amazing moms and social media influencers.  It was amazing just to see the power of social media doing social good.  That was reward enough, and here they were… spoiling us!  PINCH ME NOW!

Here am I COMPLETELY transformed into a princess! My hair was magically sculpted by Agnes from Federico Hair Salon, channeling Kate Beckinsale. I swear she was using some power tools back there.  She made me laugh as she kept saying, “God Bless your Asian fine, super straight hair! Oh my!”  Here is where you’ll definitely believe I’m a social media junkie.  How did I decide on Kate Beckinsale as my fashion icon for the night? Why Pinterest of course! If you know me, you know I barely wear any make up if any at all.  Mostly because I just don’t have the coordination to get it together.  I am the girl who every skin care expert to dermatologist gasps in horror to learn my method of face care includes the bar soap in my shower.  Ms. Kate Harvie along with some magical make up from Alison Rafaelle transformed me from bleh to glam!  I swear I looked better than I did on my wedding day!  Complete with jewelry curated from Melinda Maria I felt like royalty.  I couldn’t hide my blushing that night.

Enough about me… We ate, we drank, we listened.  It was so humbling to be there to hear the stories, and know while we made great strides, there was still much to be done.   We got to honor the amazing Julia Beck, the founder of Forty Weeks, and a leader in empowering expectant and new mothers.  She was awarded with the RBaby Champion Award and it was well-deserved.  One could only hope to be as an amazing advocate as she.

So yes the magical night is over, but there is still so much more to do!!!  What can you do?  SIGN THE PETITION NOW!  Then go and tell your mother, your brother, your neighbor and everyone you know to SIGN THE PETITION.

What am I going to do?  I am going to continue to spread the word of course!  My team at Trumpeting Media have an amazing project coming up and we are thrilled to announce that RBaby will be our charity of choice to support in more ways than one.  There’s work to be done people!

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As a mom, nothing is more scary than when your child needs emergency medical care.  Your first instinct is to head to the Emergency Department (otherwise known more colloquially as ER) where you will place your entire trusted care of your child in their hands.  It would be shocking to learn that not all Emergency Departments are equipped, not only with the tools, but also the properly trained staff to care for your child.  Just because it says Pediatric Emergency Department on the outside of the building does not mean that they are an emergency department that is equipped to care for a child in a medical crisis.

RBaby Foundation is is the first and only not-for-profit foundation uniquely focused on saving babies lives through improving pediatric emergency care.

R Baby Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that babies, including those in the first month of life suffering from viral infections and other infectious diseases, receive the highest quality of care and service through supporting life-saving pediatric training, education, research, treatment and equipment.

In addition R Baby is educating and empowering parents with resources to better understand their medical options and make more informed choices in their care.  Before I became an RN, I remember going to the Emergency Room with my daughter and completely trusting them with my child’s care.  Everyone was a doctor to me.  Little did I know that most of them were residents, doctor’s in training, practicing on my child.  As an RN now, I cringe every time I think of that day when they asked both my husband and I to step outside as they performed a spinal tap on my child. I thought my child was getting top priority care when a handful of doctors entered the room and closed the door.  I was just a scared mom who wasn’t informed.  An absolute must read is their PDF entitled: What you need to know about Emergency Rooms

Before your child has a medical emergency, visit R Baby Foundation’s Emergency Resource Page for information on preparing before a medical situation arises and understanding your options.

I am proud to be an #RBabyMom, not just as a mother who has spent many times in the ER with her child, but as a Registered Nurse, who when is in the ER with her child, is only a mom who is scared for her child.

At the end of the day, you are your child’s best advocate.  If you don’t think a doctor or nurse is understanding your concerns, make them understand them.

If you have a moment, please join R Baby Foundation in petitioning the US Senate, the US House of Representatives & the Council of State Governments for a better, clearer definition of a Pediatric Emergency Department, mandatory pediatric equipment and supplies in all EDs, and increased pediatric training for ED doctors.  To sign the petition, please visit: http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-that-your-emergency-department-is-prepared-for-your-child

Feeling inspired? Spread the word, visit RBaby Foundation’s Volunteer page for more ways to engage and share the message.

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As a blogger I have been privileged to attend so many amazing events and interact with so many amazing and inspiring people.  To date, this may be the most amazing and honoring experience yet.  I have been invited to participate in a live in-person Minority Health Blogger Town Hall hosted by the Department of Health & Human Services on Tuesday, April 24th at 12:30 p.m. at the White House. The event will be an interactive, open dialogue with stakeholder groups and bloggers to highlight what the health care law, the Affordable Care Act, means for racial and ethnic minorities. We will also discuss racial and ethnic heath disparities and how the Administration is addressing these disparities.

As a person in the medical field, you would imagine that I know quite a bit about the healthcare system and yet many times I just throw my hands up in the air and say, it’s too complicated, it is what it is.  I don’t know nearly enough about it but I should.   Ironically enough I am a nurse because I want to help people.  I embraced everything I feared my whole life, medicine, science and became a nurse.  I want to take what I see as the natural extension of being a mom and loving others in an area that I was so uncomfortable in and embrace it while helping others to do the same.  In this day and age, and especially now with children of my own and their whole futures to look forward to, I simply cannot live in the dark.  Its sad to hear generations of ill-feeling towards the healthcare system on my families part.  The fear in both my now deceased grandparents eyes and voices when they had to see a doctor or enter a hospital for care.  It is forever burned in my mind, my grandmother holding my hand, I was very young,just starting college at the time, begging me not to take her to the hospital because she feared once she was there, she’d never leave.  The sad fact is both my grandparents never left the hospital alive once they entered.  Not that their fears were reality based, only because they feared the healthcare system so much they only entered it too late.

The debate even post passing of the Affordable Healthcare Act is still very active.  I have to admit, I am very nervous to be doing this.  I myself have many questions and this town hall is a ground-breaking opportunity for us, (for me!), to interact with key stakeholders, to look pass the misunderstandings and misconceptions and get right at the heart of the truth.  When I finally sat down to really understand what the state of the healthcare system is in the US, I was shocked.  It really gave me a raw look at what an incredibly privileged life I live.  I have always had health insurance and never understood growing up what that meant to my parents who were obsessive about making sure we always had coverage, to fully understand that fear I once thought was absolutely ludicrous in my grandparents’ eyes.  It shocked me to learn that most minorities, not just my “old-school” grandparents have a poor view of healthcare in America.  With strong research showing that improving patients’ perception of their care is important to improving outcomes, it’s upsetting to see how prevalent this view is. Negative experiences can lead to less time spent with a physician and poor communications between doctor and patient which only can lead a to a vicious cycle of an even more declining view of the healthcare system.

This year’s theme, Health Equity Can’t Wait. Act Now in Your CommUNITY!, is a call to action for all of us to work together to reduce health disparities.  Join us and learn more about how the Administration is working to improve the health of minority communities and achieve health equity for all Americans.  I’m particularly interested in what specifically they are doing to reach the minorities on a one to one basis.  What are they doing locally?  How will they measure their success?  How can someone like me, simply a mom, help to foster change?  What can I do as a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece, to change decades of thought and perceived history?    What questions do you have?

You can watch the Townhall live at www.whitehouse.gov/live. Please submit questions in advance using the hashtag #MinorityHealth or on their Facebook page.  Or leave me a comment!

To view the National Healthcare Quality Report and National Healthcare Disparities Report, visit: http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/qrdr11.htm

To learn more about the Affordable Healthcare Act, visit: healthcare.gov

A great documentary about healthcare around the world to watch is: Frontline: Sick Around the World

A great documentary to watch about the state of the nation’s healthcare system and why an overhaul is necessary is: Frontline: Sick Around the America

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We just love love love this!!  The husband has been ON me to get all the old baby gear out of our basement.  Since I have been hinting at a complete basement overhaul with a dream worthy laundry room, I’ve been told the first step to making that a reality is unloading some of my precious baby gear.  Sadly it may be time to say good bye.  The kids are no longer in need and let’s be realistic, if we had another child, I’d be all in what’s the latest and greatest.

Just in time for Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 2012, donors can bring their new or gently used strollers, cribs (non-drop side), pack and plays, bassinets, and clothes, as well as unopened packs of diapers, to the nearest NYC Metro giggle store during store hours.  All donations made to Baby Buggy are fully tax deductible, and tax forms will be available at each store location.  As giggle’s CEO Ali says, the Great giggle Giveback is an important cradle-to-grave solution for the next phase of the lives of the products they sell.  Won’t be able to make this event?  Not to worry, the Great giggle Giveback will occur in giggle stores across the U.S. twice annually, around Earth Day and in the fall.  For more information, go to http://www.giggle.com/gigglecares.  For store addresses and hours, please visit http://www.giggle.com/Store-Locations-Landing/store-locations,default,pg.html.

Oh giggle, you have me giggling with glee!

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I am so excited to announce that I am a Bronx Zoo Ambassador.  I can’t imagine a more wonderful place to spend some warm spring and summer days at.  Not only is it educational, it is also awe inspiring.  With so much to see, you’ll be going back over and over again and discovering new things at every turn.  We love all the programming they provide in addition to the already captivating exhibits.  Bringing the experience truly to life!

Animal Tales Extravaganza returns to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo for the third year, on weekends from Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, June 30. And Animal Tales Extravaganza is included with your zoo admission!

Each weekend of Animal Tales Extravaganza includes an array of activities for families and children. The zoo’s Dancing Crane Pavilion will be transformed into an intimate story time corner, presented by one of our favorite brands, Plum Organics. Zoo-goers can take a break and read from a wide variety of animal-themed books from Simon & Schuster, Candlewick Press, and Hyperion. Children can then stage their own animal tale with a puppet they create at the Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschools crafts area.

In addition, this year features a special production – Avenue ZOO – featuring a guest appearance by Kate Monster, the beloved puppet star of the Tony Award-winning musical AVENUE Q.   Who doesn’t love Kate Monster!

Running each weekend on the zoo’s Asia Plaza Stage, Avenue ZOO highlights the importance of wildlife conservation in a fun, entertaining way. It is a musical tale in which Kate Monster meets exotic animals and discovers that though they may seem strange and different, they are not as scary as she thought. Avenue ZOO performances will be at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. each weekend from Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, Sept. 9.

Also, the main stage has something for everyone throughout the spring season. Highlights of this season’s main stage entertainment include:

• April 21 and April 22 – Storybook Fun with Curious George
• April 28 and 29 – Marvel’s Avengers: Heroes Saving the Earth featuring Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and HULK
• May 5 and 6 – Nickelodeon’s Dora and Diego: We Did It!
• May 12 and 13 – Sportacus from Sprout’s Lazytown
• May 19 and 20 – Disney’s Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve
• June 2 and 3 – Ferdinand the Bull
• June 9 and 10 – Barney™ Sing-Along
• June 16 and 17 – Super Sprowtz™
• June 30 – Spider-Man takes over the zoo

Children will enjoy meeting some of their favorite personalities at the Dancing Crane Pavilion.  Meet-and-greets are scheduled with top children’s entertainment characters including Yo Gabba Gabba; Marvel’s Avengers; Nickelodeon’s Dora and Diego, Sportacus from Sprout’s Lazytown; Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie; Buddy the T-Rex from Dinosaur Train; Maisy Mouse; Olivia™ and more.

Eight-time Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken will present favorite songs from his collection along with Music Unites Youth Choir of Women’s Academy of Excellence on Saturday, June 2.

Actor LeVar Burton, host of the Peabody award-winning series Reading Rainbow will make an appearance on Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17 for a special storybook reading. LeVar will share his favorite tips and techniques to encourage young readers and host a special preview of the new Reading Rainbow iPad book discovery and reading application.

A full listing of Animal Tales Extravaganza dates and times is available at http://apps.bronxzoo.com/animal-tales/

For hour, direction and more info, go to: www.bronxzoo.com.

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Hi Ho! Hi Ho!  It’s off to Disney we go!  We are soooooo ready for our trip to Disney next week and the #DisneySMMoms Conference!  I have been scouring the internet, reading books after books and poaching seasoned moms all around for those special, somewhat secret, in-the know experiences.  This is my kids first time going to Disney and I am determined to make it as Magical as can be. Here are tips that I have found that I think are quite Magical indeed!

THE EXTRA SPECIAL MAGIC

• Celebrating a first at Disney? Perhaps your first time?  A birthday or even an Anniversary? Let them know at Guest Relations or the concierge at your Disney Resort and you’ll get a special button to commemorate the occasion.
• Riding the monorail to and from your resort?  Get there early and make way all the way to the front.  Ask the pilot if you and your family can “ride in the cockpit with the pilot” for an amazing view of your ride and get your co-pilot license. Unfortunately this perk has disappeared.
• When you use any Disney transportation, the driver or pilot may award you with a special transportation collector card.   NOTE:  Awarding these cards is at the cast member’s discretion—they are instructed to reserve them for special or magical moments, so don’t forget to wear your button!
• Got a special little princess in your life?  Make sure she’s decked out in all her princess gear and throughout the day, she’ll be treated like the royalty she is.  We’ve even heard that if she simply wears a shirt that reads Princess, she’ll get the royal treatment.  This effect is most noticeable for the pre-school set who can’t read yet and will be simply astonished that everyone thinks she is a real life princess!
• Want to be crowned King or Queen for the Day? Visit the Sword in the Stone ceremony, held in front of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland. Several times a day, Merlin challenges guests to pull the magical Excalibur sword from the stone.  The “strongest” boy or girl will be crowned with a regal crown, cape, and proclamation.
• Oh my husband will be all over this.  Disney has amazing golf experiences with two miniature Golf Courses called Winter Summerland, near Blizzard Beach water park and Fantasia Gardens.  Ask about the “secret hole of the day” after your play—if you get a hole-in-one on the designated hole, you may get a suprise.  Don’t you love surprises?!
• Want to be a part of the Disney Cast, you can get personalized Disney name badges just like Cast Members for the kids.  Cast members will be coming up and saying hi all day!
• Bring some of your kids best friends (stuffed animals) to stay at your resort.  While you’re away, the Mousekeepers might leave a little surprise scene for you. [verified 5/2012]
• Staying at a deluxe Disney Resort, ask for turn down service.  They leave a little surprise behind as well.[verified 5/2012]
• Get to the Disney Water park early and ask to be the Big Kahuna or Ski Captain for the day.  You’ll get VIP Perks like a medal to wear all day, a refillable mug, towels for the whole party, locker rental, and a shaded spot reserved just for your family. What an honor it is!  Be one of the first to enter the park and don’t forget to ask!
• Bring Mickey Gloves to Character meals for special attention and a little fun by staff and castmembers.  We’ve heard Goofy sometimes steals them from you, but not to worry, he does give them back!
• Ask for a table by the wall when going to a character meal and seat the children there. You’ll be able to capture a picture perfect moment when the characters stop by.
• Your little one is too little to ride their favorite attraction?  Ask for a non-rider certificate, you might be surprised to see it signed by a favorite character!
• Request a wake up call from your resort. Rumor has it off-times guarantee Mickey!  When they call, place it on speakerphone so everyone can hear the very cool wake up message from Mickey or one of his friends![verified 5/2012]
•  Tom and Huck were in such a hurry to get to Splash Mountain, they left their paintbrushes behind on Tom Sawyer Island. If you find one, pick it up and take it to a cast member and you just might receive a pass to the front of the line at your favorite attraction.  NOTE: Paintbrushes are not always left out.  I am going to ask a cast member before sending my kids off on a hunt that may produce nothing.
• Find Tinker Bell at Tinker Bell’s Treasures.  Be patient, she is usually flitting about the merchandise. Find the the antique chest of drawers and pay close attention to the keyhole, when you see a flash, peer in for a little surprise!
• I love visiting the Japan pavilion at Epcot but I never knew to look-out for a candy-making demonstration outside the Mitsukoshi department store. The talented artist Miyuki demonstrates “candy artistry” from Tokyo. Miyuki will invite guests to choose an animal, which she will create in just one minute. The guest who suggested the animal gets to keep the candy creation free!  I’m told it’s so beautiful you won’t want to eat it!
• Kidcot Fun Stops are located at each World Showcase pavilion where kids  can get masks to color and decorate with beads and paper charms— Complete a tour of all the  Kidcot Fun Stops around the World Showcase and you might get another surprise!
• Similarly the Animal Kingdom has their Kids Discovery Club animal and nature discovery zones. When a child visits their first station, they are presented with a free Kids Discovery field guide filled with trivia and games.  At each new station, your child will get a special stamp in the field guide and offer something fun to explore, such as fossils, animal tracks, and so on.   Collect all the stickers and you’ll get a prize![verified 5/2012]
• If you’ve travelled abroad, you know how different countries have different versions of Coke.  Well you can sample many of them at Club Cool in Future World in Epcot for FREE!

SOUVENIRS at a Bargain

• Make a free plastic robot souvenir at PlasticWorks in Innoventions East at Future World in Epcot.
• At Innoventions West, kids can make a free frog velcro doll and decorate it with Mickey ears, sunglasses, clothing articles and more. When finished, a cast member will attach a velcro bracelet for your wrist.  This is going to go over well with my little man.
• Many restaurants at Walt Disney World serve a non-alcoholic drink for kids known as Pirate Punch. Each drink comes with a glowing Tinker Bell or Captain Hook clip-on light keepsake. The cups I’m told, themselves make great keepsakes.
• At Sesame Place we got adorable Elmo keepsake plates which have stood the test of time and the counter-service eateries at Walt Disney World have similar black Mickey plates which can be keepsakes as well.
• Got tons of kids to buy for? Perhaps classmates?  A cheap but fun gift is Mickey Mouse shaped straws at the fast food counters in your resort for $.50 each.  Heck, I’ll even grab a bunch to bring the magic home.  Who doesn’t love silly straws?![verified 5/2012 - Found at Cosmo Rays in Tomorrowland]
• Individualized gifts are great but a pack of Character pens usually sold in sets of 6 or more make great gifts with usability and I’m all about function.
• Purchase an official Epcot World Showcase “passport” as you make your way through the World Showcase.  Find a native from each country and you can get a stamp and autograph.  They also have a similar “free” passport at the Animal Kingdom.
• When the husband and I first started dating we had collected pressed pennies.  I wonder if I can dig them up some where.  Disney has penny pressing machines planted all over.  Stock each kid up with shiny pennies and a roll of quarters, each one is 51 cents.  Purchase a penny pressing books to hold your collection.
• Collect guidemaps, menus, plastic cups and plates.  They may someday be a collector’s item!
•  Mickey’s Mart in Downtown Disney Marketplace is also a great place to stock up on cheap souvenirs.  They only sells items for $10 or less.
• Visiting the outlets, check out the Character Premiere store at the Orlando Premium Outlets center.

MOUSE SAVERS

• The refillable mugs at each resort are another type of perk. At approximately $13, a refillable mug can go a long way.
• Small bottles of Mickey shampoo and conditioner are available in many Disney resort rooms and make great souvenirs. Use the ones in your room and ask housekeeping staff for a few to take home.
• Investigate the kids’ programs at your Disney resort hotel. The Deluxe resorts usually have kids’ recreation programs such as coloring, crafts, pool games, Hidden Mickey searches, and storytelling at various times for FREE! [verified 5/2012]
• Garden Grocer, www.gardengrocer.com is a grocery delivery service that will bring your pre-ordered groceries for a price comparable to shopping yourself. Another great place online is Amazon.com.
• If you’re staying at the Disney Swan or Dolphin and have a AAA card, they have some exclusive coupons.  Also filed for future reference, purchase park passes at the AAA office and receive a AAA Diamond Preferred Parking Certificate.
• Buy a Disney poncho if it rains.  Pricier than outside but they have free, no questions ask, replacement policy.

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC

• First stop, making “M” his very own Mickey Mouse ear hat.  You can visit Chapeau Hat Shoppe on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom or Chapeau Hat Shoppe in Downtown Disney.   Tip:  Buy some extra interchangable ears!
• We will be getting “M”s hair done at the Harmony Barbershop in the Magic Kingdom.   You can get a real haircut for about the same price as you would pay at your local barber shop sprinkled with some magic Mickey pixie dust!  If it’s a first haircut, rumor has it you may get a set of ears with First Cut or even a certificate commemorating the occasion! [verified 5/2012]
• I LOVE Mr. Potato head.  A classic toy with so much appeal.  I am so excited to hit the “Potato Bar” inside the Once Upon a Toy store. You can stuff a box full of cool exclusive Disney parts. Be sure to tap your box a few times to stuff it to the max.  Buy the Potato Head body at home for less, then fill up your box with the exclusive Disney-related parts!  For my kids, there is also a My Little Pony version of the stuff-a-box idea and a build-your-own lightsaber station.  Yay!  Something for everyone![verified 5/2012]
• My daughter finally appreciates the gorgeous charm bracelet I bought when she was just a baby.  And word has it, stationed in nearly every Disney gift shop are displays of Disney charms. Heck, I may even get a bracelet started for myself. [verified 5/2012]
• The Lego Imagination Center has a FREE 3,000-square-foot outdoor play area filled with thousands of LEGO blocks.  They also have amazing Lego sculptures which make for a great photo op. Usually the first Tuesday each month at 5pm they host a Monthly Mini Model Build for kids ages 6-14 to build and take home a FREE mini model! [verified 5/2012]

Filed away for our imminent Disney Cruise

• Purchase a fish extender to hang on the fish outside your cabin and you just might find some trinkets gifted by neighbors and cast members throughout your stay!
• Want to make your cabin your home away from home, I am totally in love with this Custom Personalized Captain Mickey Disney Cruise Stateroom Door Magnet found on Etsy for $15.  We haven’t booked our cruise yet, but  I have one ready for the day!

SURVIVAL TIPS

• I was about to purchase some of those safety tattoos for my kids when I cam across this great tip.  Stop by Guest Relations in the morning and get a tag where you can put your contact information.  Stick them on the inside of your children’s clothing in case you get separated from your child.  I just wonder if staff are trained to look under their clothing for these tags?
• First time at Disney, take the 20-minute ride on the tram at Walt Disney World Railroad Station on Main Street.  It’s a great way to see everything and not get overwhelmed. [verified 5/2012 - can't really see much though as it's mostly behind the scenes, but there are some lovely sets up]
• We here fast-food style serving is the standard at Disney, the best is to be had at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Flame Tree Barbeque [highly recommended!].  At the Magic Kingdom check out Pecos Bill Cafe in Frontierland and Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square. [verified 5/2012]
• Counter-service eateries can get crowded fast especially at peak times like lunch, get on the line farthest from the door.  They are often the shortest.
• Bringing water or outside food into the parks is prohibited except for medical necessity.  We love the idea of collapsible water bottles which can fold easily and store in your bag.  Once inside the parks, ask for a “cup of ice water” which is free and fill up your water bottles.
• Freeze wash cloths and store them in Ziploc bags for a way to stay cool.
• Copy the numbers on your tickets.  No copier on site, take a phone pic and email them to yourself.  If you ever lose those valuable passes, it makes it a lot easier to replace.
• If you get to the park early, your best tip is to GO LEFT for shorter lines to your favorite rides and attractions!

SHOPPING LIST

• Box of Ziploc bags
• Stain Removers, Shout wipes are my favorite
• Baby wipes
• Waterproof pass protector
• Foldable water bottles
• Pocket Breeze are also a necessity for the summer months and can be cheaply found on Amazon.com
• Sunscreen

MAGICAL LINKS

• Check out this great page on Intercot for Hidden Treasures & Magical Surprises Guide.
• Passporter.com – join their monthly club for a little less than $5 a month.  You can cancel at any time but they include valuable e-books to download for FREE!
• www.PressedCoins.com for a list of Disney Pressed Coin locations.
• DISboards.com
• Hidden Mickeys Guide
• LaughingPlaceStore.com – a great site for Disney souvenirs.
• The Mouse for Less
• Mouse Savers
• Disneyed.com – great tips from seasoned mom Colleen Padilla!
• AllEars.net
• DisneyShopping.com
• Staying off-site, get yourself a Magicard for discount dining.  Use the card to request coupon booklets at the many of the surrounding outlet malls.
• WDW Info
• The Mouse for Less

Got a tip to share?  Please leave a comment!  I want to maximize and make my kid’s first Disney experience the most Magical it can be. 

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Earth Day is officially celebrated on April 22 but at Cascadian Farm, they treat every day as Earth Day – working with the Earth, not against it.  We love Cascadian Farm, a brand that has been organic before “organic” was a trend.  It’s funny how once you start a family, eating healthier becomes one of the most important things in your life, but it should always be.  Muddling the world of organics can be a little confusing but brands like Cascadian Farm makes it easy.  With all our staples covered from Breakfast cereals including M’s favorite Clifford Crunch and my favorite French Vanilla Granola which can go on smoothies, yogurt and simply a plain snack to Muir Glen Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes with Basil, which I didn’t know was a Cascadian Farm brand, which we have been using for years to make the most delicious marinara sauce.  Listening to concerns worldwide, they are now canned in a BPA free liner. You can taste the organic difference and it’s divine!  When I work the night shift at work, I love to stock my bag with Cascadian Farm Granola Bars.  They are a healthy and nutrition snack alternative to all the junk food in the hospital I could be eating.

What is Organic and Why Eat Organic you ask?

Organic refers to the way agricultural products and foods are grown and processed. Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. To maintain the integrity of the final product, organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation.  Organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically engineered ingredients which you want to avoid especially in young, growing children.  The dangerous effects of these products are just coming light in recent years and the information is simply scary.

FIRE ROASTED TOMATO MARINARA

Heat deep pot with olive oil on medium.  Toss in garlic cloves and roast until golden.  Pour in organic fire roasted diced tomatoes and mushrooms.  Simmer on low for 40 minutes, salt and red pepper to taste.  Serve over pasta or even fish!

For more amazing recipes for cooking organic, check out the Cascadian Farm webpage and Muir Glen webpage.

GIVEAWAY: Enter NOW!  Cascadian Farms wants to help you make eating Organic an everyday occurrence.  From now until April 22nd 2012 – EARTH DAY — you MUST visit this FORM and leave a comment.  ONE (1) lucky winner will win this amazing  Earth Day Celebration Kit, seen above, containing:

• Cascadian Farm products
• VIP coupons for free products
• Amazing recipes
• a gorgeous Picnic cooler basket to tote all the amazing food you’ll be making

For an additional (3) entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s @CascadianFarm #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1f6) – 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 leave a comment with your favorite organic tip and leave a separate entry for each action on this FORM. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on April 22nd 2012 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

Check out and “like” the Cascadian Farm Facebook page to find more information on ideas for celebrating Earth Day your way!

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Going about your normal routine, sometimes a little self absorbed, doing the things you normally do like getting in the car and turning on the radio.  You start a little swagger in your seat with the beat and soon you’re in full swing singing along with the radio.  You listen to the weather update, the traffic update and the sleeze report.  You’re laughing, it’s a good day!  They start playing the phone tap and you’re cracking up.  They work up the Topic train and you’re shaking your head in agreement and laughing!  Until a little voice behind you asks, “What stick does she want to smell Mommy?“  Oh CRAP!

Suddenly I realize, I’m carpooling a bunch of 4 year olds!  Who have no idea what Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show are talking about.  The potty talk is just way over their head and completely inappropriate for the ride to school.  I’m sad.  I’ve been listening to Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show for ages!  But alas, I’ve got to grow up and pray none of these 4 years olds go repeating to their parents any of the potty humor mention during our rides to school.  Yikes!

For my own sanity though, I can’t be singing the Wheels on the Bus or Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes on the way to school.  There has to be a happy medium.  So hello PANDORA!  You may have ads but at least they are short, sweet and clean.  Sorry Elvis, it’s been great, but I have to set an example, you know how it goes.  Turning off the radio and tuning into Pandora.

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If you know me, you know I’m a busy gal.  Between juggling being a mom, a wife, a student, a designer, a nurse, certified lactation counselor and blogger, I’m often asked if I get any sleep at all.  Many days I definitely look like I haven’t gotten any in a long while.  This year I’ve made it a priority to love myself again.  To kick my butt out of that mommy slump and bring back that hot mama that use to be in me somewhere.  Like everything else in my life, it’s a work in progress.

On days I barely have time to sleep, I definitely have less time to take care of me and even 5 minutes extra in the morning can be hard to come by.  How do I make the most of the 5 minutes I set aside for myself you ask?  I’m a multi-tasker of course!

I’m usually at my worst coming off a night shift, barely able to stand and yet sleep is still out of reach with kids to get off to school and chores to square away for the morning.  I usually come through the door and straight up to the bathroom where I shed the night off and jump into a refreshing shower.  I love using my loofah to waken up my skin with a vigorous scrub and I have this divine peppermint bar soap that just perks me up.  Once out of the shower it’s like a timer is counting down.  I quickly lotion my body from head to toe and then brush my teeth.  While blow drying my hair, I’m usually also post-rinsing my teeth with my listerine rinse.

With my hair somewhat dry, I pull it back quickly and mix up Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum, with one squirt of liquid foundation and one squirt of tinted moisturizer.  A quick blend with my fingers, I apply it quickly and evenly with a sponge. I’ve combined just enough coverage and waken my skin to feel like myself again.   A little dab of blush and CoverGirl Nature Luxe Gloss Balm and I’m off!

If I know I’ve got to be a little more than presentable, I make time to shave my legs, trim that bikini line with the newly Venus Gillette Bikini Trimmer.  I’ll even throw in Aussie’s 3 minute miracle right before I brush my teeth and rinse for hair that once again has life.  I’ll peel off one Crest 3D White 2-Hour Express Whitestrips treatment and gather my thoughts/ to do’s for the day.

It’s not much but just taking that extra 5 minutes does wonders for the outlook of my day.  I feel much better, refreshed and ready to take on the day… even on no sleep.  Just another day in the life of a mom!

GIVEAWAY: Enter NOW!  Making those 5 minutes a priority can do wonders for yourself and for your day.  P&G wants to help you find those 5 minutes with this amazing P&G Beauty Giveaway.  From now until April 5th 2012 you MUST visit this FORM and leave a comment with your beauty tip.  ONE (1) lucky winner will win this amazing gift set containing:

• Aussie 3 Minute Miracle (Elle Essential)
• Crest 3D White 2-Hour Express Whitestrips (Elle Essential)
• Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof (Real Beauty Gold Star Awards)
• Venus Bikini Trimmer (Marie Claire 25 Products That Will Change Your Life)
• Olay Regernerist Micro Sculpting Serum (Redbook MVP Awards)
• Covergirl Nature Luxe Gloss Balm (Oprah Spring Makeup O-wards)

For an additional (3) entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s #PGBeauty #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 leave a comment with your beauty tip and leave a separate entry for each action on this FORM. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on April 5th 2012 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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