Disney as an Adults-Only Destination... YES!

Today we are snuggled in just waiting to lose power while hurricane Sandy approaches.

But just a week ago I was at Walt Disney World to preview the New Fantasyland, and I'm channeling those warm memories as I write this.

I was invited for a media tour of the New Fantasyland expansion that has taken place in Magic Kingdom. I was invited to bring the family but we just couldn't work it out with our schedules.

So, I went alone.

YES I DID!

And?

It was awwwwesome! (I totally sang that)

I was actually down there with a group of bloggers, many of whom I've had the chance to get to know over the years and others I had the pleasure to get to know. You see most of them couldn't work it out to bring their families and we realized...

We could go on all the roller coasters our kids refuse to go on!

Like the Rockin Roller Coaster!

Partay like Rock Stars at Hollywood Studios dude.

We also realized it was the International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT.

OMG!?!

If this isn't the best reason to visit Disney without kids, than I don't know what is.

Yummy Mummy Drink

All of the countries have exotic food offerings and unique drinks that range in price between $5 and $15.

It was such a fun way to experience Disney. Something very new to me and something I want to do again with my husband and possibly for a girl's weekend.

Who's in??

Of course the highlight was being able to be one of the firsts to experience the New Fantasyland. But that needs a post all to itself.

For now, start planning your adult Disney trip and let me know if you need any tips.

Janine

Do you prepare meals for your family before you leave for a weekend away?

As I prepare to head to New York City for a 4-day conference I have a lot of preparing to do.

I need business cards
I need to choose appropriate outfits
I need to work out camp carpool.

Then there is always the issue of FOOD.

The Mister is very good about fending for himself and the girls, I try to at least have some foods that make the fending easier. I also let go of the fact that he might not be feeding them the way I would, but they are fed nonetheless... And alive... And usually happy when I return.

I recently polled my friends on Facebook to see who prepares meals for their family when they embark one 'girls's weekend' and who just lets them figure it out.

There were basically 3 types of responses
1. "I don't need to prepare anything because they end up going out or ordering in all weekend"

2. "I let them fend but I make sure to stock the fridge"

3. "Are you serious? My husband cooks more than I do!"

Notice not one actually admitted to cooking and freezing an entire meal.

Times have changed.

I find this fascinating because this week I received the ingredients and the recipe for an easy to make meal, plus the Glad storage containers to keep it fresh from the folks behind Glad Mom Made. 

 I pictured myself calling my family mid-trip to see how much they enjoyed my enchiladas. I believe I briefly pictured myself in a 50s style dress and apron in an I Love Lucy episode. You know, me being a redhead like Lucy and all.

When the packages arrived I realized,
"Who am I kidding? I don't have any time to make this! But how awesome that my husband has No Excuse NOT to make it! "

And better yet, I expect leftovers stored for me in the Gladware when I get home.

Times have changed Ricky.

So let me ask you dear readers, do YOU prepare food for your family when you go away with friends for the weekend?

It's important to note that Glad Mom Made has tons of cool things from easy recipes (to make yourself or leave for Dad) to crafts and more.  Check it out on Facebook!

Janine

Disclosure: I received the items in the photo for the purpose of this review. It also qualifies me for an entry to win a gift card from BSM Media. All opinions are my own and this post was neither reviewed nor approved prior to being published. I just loved the idea of having a meal prepared!

Fashion Friday: I'll be Getting Gorgeous this weekend!

While I'm not a style or fashion blogger I do have a weekly Fashion Friday feature and I also have some very fashionable friends (Audrey and Vera) so....

I am headed to NYC this weekend for a fabulous event called Getting Gorgeous where I will get the chance to meet and connect with a variety of fashion and beauty brands including:

Degree - as in the people who will hopefully get the sweating thing under control
@DegreeWomen

Tide to Go - I have one in my purse right now!
@TidetoGo

Hanes - met them at last year's GettingGorgeous and LIVE in their socks!
@HanesComfort

Simply Orange Juice - I'm a no-pulp girl so we'll see what they have
#SimplyOJ

Flip Out Sandals - Sooo excited to see these up close and find out where to buy this summer!
@FlipOutSandals

Sarah Potempa - celebrity hair stylist (yay!) and she has a Fashion Friday column too! (http://sarahpotempa.com/)
@SarahPotempa

Dream Water - I will love this stuff if it can help me get my mind to stop whirling and fall asleep at night
@DreamWater

Goody Hair - I have been a Goody hair products girl since I was a teenager so I'm excited to see what new things they have happening!
@GoodyHair

Miraclebody - love the jeans I got last year and I hope there's a swimsuit that will help disguise my problem areas
@miraclebodyjean @miraclesuitswim

Shopafrolic - Sisters Liz Lange and Jane Wagman have joined forces to help the fashionally challenged get up to speed on great deals, tips and tricks, and some sage advice (check out the buy / don't buy column)
@Shopafrolic

BJ’s Wholesale - I'm a Costco gal but I'm open to switching or doing both if they have some good stuff
@BJsWholesale

Sandals Resorts - I was a fan of these all-inclusive resorts during the BC (before children) years but who's to say we don't deserve a mom/dad getaway soon?
@SandalsResorts

Amy Tara Koch - she is in the business of helping pregnant women stay stylish but I'm wondering if she has advice for women having multiples? I was HUGE and "style" was not a word that even "fit" into my maternity wardrobe.
@AmyTaraKoch

Lifetime Moms - as an affiliate I'm already a fan so I'm excited to see them again
@LifetimeMoms

Weight Watchers - I did Weigh Watchers years ago and actually really liked it. A good reminder that I need to better track what I eat all day long so I'm really interested to see what they are bringing to GG.
@WeightWatchers

Hair Room Service by Michael Duenas (@HairRoomService) - oh I hope they can help me with this hair!

Be sure to follow me on twitter (http://twitter.com/twincident) to see live tweets and photos from Getting Gorgeous on Saturday!

Janine

Disclosure: I am attending Getting Gorgeous on Saturday, April 2nd and this post actually qualifies me to enter to win a prize package but..that's not why I'm writing it. I'm writing about Getting Gorgeous because a) I need Fashion Friday content, b) I'm so amazed at the event my friends Vera and Audrey have pulled together and c) I'd like to recognize brands that see the value is what we as bloggers and web writers and online influencers do. All ideas are my own and this post was neither approved nor reviewed prior to being published.

Share Your Disney Memories

Have you seen the new Disney commercials with REAL surprise footage?

I love those commercials and not just because we did our own Disney surprise video a few years ago for the Twofer's 6th birthday.

I love the commercials because it is real.

Remember way back when I was a Disney skeptic. That first trip changed everything.

We are getting ready to head back to Disney for this year's Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. The conference last year blew me away. Our first trip took us only to Magic Kingdown. I had no idea how much our entire family would love the other parks like Epcot and Hollywood Studios!

So, in honor of our 3rd trip in 3 years (we are truly blessed) I decided to share a favorite Disney memory with the world!

To see it go here: http://memories.disneyparks.disney.go.com/#/detail/30864

Then upload yours and share it with me here!

Janine

Disclosure: my participation in the Disney Social Media Moms conference provides me with a discounted stay and park tickets. All opions expressed here are my own and this post is not required, reviewed or approved by Disney. Just go to my search bar (top right) and search on 'Disney' to see just how much I really do love them.

5 Ways to Celebrate Your 40th Birthday

I keep hearing "40 is the new 20!" but I'm not feeling it. I'm not feeling 20. I feel old and wrinkly. Like one of my good friends said recently abou her upcoming 40th, "I wish I could just ignore it."

Why is it that some of us plan a celebration and some of us reject the idea that this is some major milestone?

Everyone has their own idea of what a 40th birthday celebration looks like. Here are 5 that vary from extravagant to mundane. Which one appeals to you?

1) Weekend getaway with friends

image of Muholland Brothers Safari Bag via Skyepeale on Flickr

This was how my group of girlfriends decided to celebrate. We figured with everyone turning 40 within months of each other, we could either travel all over to everyone's 40th birthday party or...all go away together! We are leaving for Meh-hee-co on Thursday!!

Other popular destinations as polled on Facebook and Twitter: Vegas Baby (you have to say 'Baby' after Vegas...it's a law), a cruise, Paris (not just for lovers), and Miami.

2) Professional photo shoot

photography by Melissa Arroyo Photography

A neighbor of mine did this with her 4 girlfriends and the photos are so great. We are not talking Glamour Shots here either. Is that place still around? We are talking PRO fessional!

3) Buy yourself something nice...REALLY nice

image of 5th Avenue Apple Store via bearroast on Flickr

Had we not planned a trip I was trying to think of something I've always wanted that I could treat myself to. There's the Cartier Tank watch I love, the Bulgari ring, and the convertible Audi TT that still calls out to me as I pick crayons out from underneath the seats in my minivan. My photog friends would get a really nice lense - and this is what The Mister did. What would you buy?

4) Nip, tuck and botox

Here is where I draw the line...in the sand (not with permanent marker)...and then I causually erase that line with my foot. I realize the irony that I will invest in 1/10 of an organic grass-fed cow, yet I am not above injecting botulism into my face. I haven't done it yet, but those 'lines' seem to be getting deeper every day and the $500 I spent on airfare to Mexico would also have smoothed out a few of my rough spots.

If it's any consolation (mom) the nipping and tucking are totally out of the question.

5) Party like you are 29 and it's the 90's

image of a Rolls-Royce via Wikipedia

While my friends decided to ditch the big parties this year, other friends of mine are coming back from extravagant weekends where they were flown, hoteled, wined and dined by the 40th birthday boy/girl. It sounds like the 90s again when everyone had their stock options, talked IPOs, and spent money like crazy cause we were all turning 30 and had a strong economy at our back and zero kids climbing on it. These weekends usually include limos, clubs, and lots and lots of mixing of drinks that a 40-year old stomach just can't handle.

So tell me...

How did you (or how do you plan to) celebrate your 40th or 50th or 60th birthday?

Janine