Love, Life, Family... and then some

New FRANKENWEENIE poster!

2012-06-01T18:44:00.000-05:00

Are you as big of a Tim Burton fan as I am?

If you are then I know you must be REALLY excited about Frankenweenie, which will be out in theaters this October!

What do you think of this newly released poster? I personally love it! Now, if October would just get here. ;-)

From creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D. The talented voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Winona Ryder.

"Like" FRANKENWEENIE on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FrankenweenieMovie

FRANKENWEENIE arrives in theatres everywhere on October 5th!

éclos Skin Care Review & Giveaway #EclosAntiAgingKit

2012-05-31T05:16:00.001-05:00

This post brought to you by éclos Skin Care. All opinions are 100% mine.

As 30 gets closer for me, I'm realizing just how important it is to take good care of my skin. My mother has beauitufl skin with minimal wrinkles at almost 60...and that's because she has always done her best to use good products on her face and she taught me to do the same.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try the éclos Skin Care line of products. This was a new experience for me in Skin Care because the technology used in éclos products is different than traditional creams or face washes.

éclos features Apple Stem Cells extracted from a rare Swiss apple which have shown tremendous ability to stimulate skin stem cells, encouraging aging skin to behave like younger skin. Plant extracts, vitamins and anti-oxidants combine with the Apple Stem Cell technology to help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and tired skin.

Similar products were once only available from specialty brands at department stores with a high price tag to match. éclos is the first brand to bring this active ingredient to mainstream stores at a fraction of the cost- making beautiful and younger skin available to women everywhere.

For my review I received all the products you see above. The kit included a Facial Cleanser Skin Prep, Instant Radiance Facial Scrub, Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream, Cellular Activator Face Serum, Restorative Eye Cream, and a Skin Renewal Clay Mask. It also had the fun little headband too which was great for getting my hair out of the way before I would use the products.

One of my favorite things about this little kit is that it is TSA friendly. All the items are small enough to pack in your carry-on when you fly. That was a big plus for me because normally it would be very hard to fit all the products from my entire skin care routine into my regular suitcase, much less my carry-on! I took the kit with me on a short business trip and loved the convenience of the small bottles.

Above you can see my Before & After shots. I have used the éclos products for a week now and I have to say that I have seen a difference in my skin. It is a bit softer and I feel like it is also more smooth to the touch.

My favorite products from the set were the Cellular Activator Face Serum (it made skin soft without a greasy feel) and the Instant Radiance Facial Scrub (it really did help brighten my face and had a nice warming effect during use).

Overall I'm happy with the results I got from using these plant-based products.

Click the following link for more information on éclos Skin Care.

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I'm giving away 1 set of éclos Skin Care products to a lucky LLF winner. I'm using Rafflecopter now so please be patient as it loads below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was compensated for my work with eclos Skin Care. I also received product to facilitate my review. These are my own, honest opinions. Your experiences with these products may differ from mine. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Disney*Pixar's BRAVE Recipe Cards

2012-05-29T14:14:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it? Disney*Pixar's BRAVE will be opening in theaters less than a month from now on June 22nd!

To celebrate, here are some fun Scottish Recipes you and your family can enjoy!

A grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor, “Brave” uncovers a new tale in the mysterious Highlands of Scotland where the headstrong Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) defies an age-old custom and inadvertently unleashes chaos, forcing her to discover the meaning of true bravery before it’s too late. Opens June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

"Like" BRAVE on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PixarBrave

MIB 3 in RealD 3D Review

2012-05-25T06:39:00.000-05:00

Let me start off by telling you I have watched both Men in Black and MIB2 and going into this experience I didn’t have high hopes for the threequel due to what little the trailers for it did to reveal any sort of story worth watching. I was honestly feeling like they only made another MIB movie to milk whatever money the film could bring. But I blame bad marketing for my initial impressions because after watching the film I found the movie is not an attempt to milk to money cow (at least I don’t feel), but rather a true continuation of the series and an even better emotionally driven story than the underwhelming sequel that came out a few years back. Even if you haven’t watched the previous 2 movies, you can still enjoy this one since it doesn’t draw much from the last entries.

The story this time around revolves around an alien criminal named Boris (Jemaine Clement), or Boris the Animal as characters in the film mostly refer to him as, who Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) locked up 40 years ago in a prison held on the moon. After breaking out of that prison and returning to earth, he seeks to kill the very man who put him there by going back in time to 1969 to when Agent K locked him away. After succeeding in erasing K from the present, the world is put in danger since Boris wants to destroy Earth and Agent J (Will Smith) is determined to stop him and go back in time to save Agent K with the help of The K from 1969 (Played by Josh Brolin) who is the only man who can save the world from Boris’ invasion in the present.

Now as cookie cutter as this plot might sound, it is really the cast of characters that make this storyline enjoyable. Even the 2-dimentional character Boris, who really has no great reason to destroy the world or kill someone like K, is a character worth watching and even has a few funny scenes that don’t feel forced. Agent K is shown more deeply in this chapter and it even explains how and why he is the serious, straight faced agent we all know from the past two films. To see his younger self (which was excellently casted as Josh pulls a damn near perfect Younger Tommy Lee) full of life and showing a wide range of emotions is refreshing and adds to the emotional ending at the end.

But of course it’s Agent J who steals the show every time he is on-screen. This is a character that Will Smith has learned to understand and has gotten comfortable with, as J seems almost written for a man like Smith. The chemistry between J and K is humorous and enjoyable as they almost seem to feed off of each other’s energy every time they are both on-screen together. But second to J in scene stealing department is surprisingly a character that is new to the series and is only revealed in the second half of the film. Griffin (played by Michael Stuhlbarg) is the last of his kind who has the ability to live past, present, future, and unlimited other parallel timelines, at the same time.

Confusing, I know, but the logic is done way better in the film than any verbal explanation I can offer. His character is probably one of the most likable characters from any movie in recent years. Yes, he’s overly optimistic all the time, but it isn’t done to the point of annoyance and his naïve and blissful personality is not only refreshing in moments when things look dark and gloomy, but also serves as a driving force for the humor Griffin brings to almost every scene he’s in. Now of course, for every well written character this movie brings, there have got to be a few that serve no real purpose and could easily be left out.

Agent O (played by Emma Thompson in modern times and Alice Eve in 1969) seems like the only real purpose she serves is replacing Zed as head of the Men in Black organization. Her character had no real impact on the story other than to tell Agent J things that the audience needed to know but had no way of finding out without feeling forced. The sub-story of the love interest between K and O ultimately feels 2-dimentional and again, serves no real purpose in this film.

Some characters from previous entries don’t show up in this film (Frank the Pug), but really, it’s nice to see the film focus on the important issue all the way through without putting some characters in to derail the film as in the first 2 chapters.

Every now and again the film would build up the ending and leave you in anticipation to find out what happens after everything is said and done, but I believe the twists and turns throughout the film make the ending that much more emotional since it leaves no cliffhangers and closes the film in a satisfactory manner. Like I said, you don’t need to have seen the last two films to enjoy this one but those who did will appreciate the ending all the more since we finally get the chance to truly understand what made the characters who they are and why. And it is as it should be...since the film firmly invests in its ending and makes you do the same. After all, the movie wants you to care for these characters, and throughout the film you really do. Even for useless characters like Agent O, who stays true by not developing into someone important, so every character is consistent with their part in the film from the get go.

Here’s the big question: what about the 3D? Well I got a chance to see the 3D version and I’m happy to report that it does not overdo the 3D effect. Characters have a nice pop out action and the special effects are surprisingly done well for a movie of this caliber. It doesn’t try to force the 3D experience out by throwing things at you like Harold and Kumar in 3D did, but rather adds a layer to special moments where the 3D enhances them. Fortunately this movie is enjoyable both in 2D and 3D, so if you want to go 2D, you won’t miss much, if anything.

Overall Men in Black 3 is one of this summer’s Blockbusters and is well worth seeing. If you like this series, you will truly feel the nice treatment this installment got with its story and love for the material. It’s just as good as the first film, absolutely better than the second one, and deserves its place in the series. Although you could almost feel that this films demographic was intended for those already following the series, you can still enjoy it without having seen the first two.

In the end, what makes a movie great is when it offers several different experiences for patrons to take away from the same film. This one, I believe, pulls off just that.

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A special thanks to my new entertainment writer W. H. Stone who will be contributing movie reviews to the site regularly in the coming months.

5 Reasons to Celebrate Your Birthday at Walt Disney World #disneysmmoms

2012-05-23T15:18:00.001-05:00

Here's to celebrating your next birthday at the Walt Disney World Resort!

I have known since Sept. 2008 when I first stepped foot into the "Disney bubble" that I loved Walt Disney World with great passion. I think of it often and am always day dreaming, reading up, or doing research for our next trip there.

What I did not know... was how much more magical things could be when you celebrate your birthday at WDW. This article shares 5 reasons why I think everyone should celebrate their birthday with "the mouse" at least once.

5 Reasons to Celebrate Your Birthday at Walt Disney World

Photo Credit: Amy Bellgardt

1. A personal birthday button!

When you stay at a WDW Resort for your birthday... let them know you are celebrating it upon check-in, and they will give you a cool birthday button like you see me wearing in the photo above.You may think it is silly, but even this small touch makes your birthday feel extra special.

2. The magic that happens when you are wearing the button!

It is so fun to wear your birthday button in the parks because all the Cast Members tell you "Happy Birthday!" when they see it. In my case, several even danced with me or did a little mini-serenade for me while I was waiting in line for a ride or show. I've heard all kinds of amazing little things Cast Members will do to give park guests extra special birthday memories...so be sure to wear your button on your big day!

Photo Credit: Amy Bellgardt

3. Every table-service meal becomes a celebration!

This was one of my favorite things about celebrating at WDW because the Cast Members at every table-service restaurant we ate at made my day even brighter with birthday songs, special desserts, candles, and even a card signed by my favorite cartoon characters!

Photo Credit: Amy Bellgardt

4. No gifts required!

I think one of the greatest things about enjoying your birthday at WDW is that it makes for the BEST. BIRTHDAY. EVER. It doesn't matter if you are turning 5 or 50, celebrating your birthday in the parks is so wonderful no gift could ever top it. A birthday spent at Walt Disney World is one that will be remembered forever.

From my Disney Photopass Plus

5. Pictures that capture the moment perfectly!

With Disney's Photopass Plus, you can be sure that you will have tons of amazing birthday photos to share with family and friends. Even if you've never purchased a photopass on your previous Disney trips, I highly recommend getting one for your birthday celebration trip so you will have those wonderful memories captured for years to come.

My 4th and final #disneysmmoms post will be all about the Photopass Plus and why it is a must have for your next Disney Vacation...so stay tuned!

Disclosure: I paid for my conference ticket to attend this event but Disney deeply discounted my stay, park tickets, and more during the conference. They also threw in amazing little Disney "extras" along the way. I was not compensated or asked to write this post but chose to on the basis of my amazing experience. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

New Clip from DreamWorks Pictures "People Like Us"

2012-05-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

So after seeing a preview for this movie...I have a feeling I'll need to bring tissues to the theater. :-)
I always love a feel good movie that gives me a good cry.

I'm looking forward to having a girls night with my mom and heading out to see this flick!

From DreamWorks Pictures comes “People Like Us,” a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father's estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father's last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about his family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process.

“Like” PEOPLE LIKE US on Facebook: http://facebook.com/peoplelikeus

Follow PEOPLE LIKE US on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ppllikeusmovie

PEOPLE LIKE US hits theaters everywhere on June 29th!

New Clip from Disney/Pixar's BRAVE - "Fergus Shares a Legend"!

2012-05-19T11:11:00.000-05:00

I am so very excited to see this new film by Pixar...every time they release a new little clip like the one about it, I get all giddy!

A grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor, “Brave” uncovers a new tale in the mysterious Highlands of Scotland where the headstrong Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) defies an age-old custom and inadvertently unleashes chaos, forcing her to discover the meaning of true bravery before it’s too late. Opens June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

"Like" BRAVE on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PixarBrave

Things I Love: Awesome Nail Designs Part 3

2012-05-17T17:10:00.000-05:00

When I composed my first Things I Love post that featured beautiful nail art, I really had no idea that so many of you would love it as much as you did. So, because I like you guys so much....I made a part 2...and then you all loved that as well.

Well, here today is part 3! I can honestly say that now the hunt for gorgeous nail art on the web has become a fun challenge/hobby for me in my downtime.

So as always enjoy...and hey, if you have a picture of some amazing nail art...and you'd like to see it featured in a future Things I Love post...just email me or leave me a comment. :-) I'll link back to your blog and everything!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

The Bags by eBags line gets you where you need to go

2012-05-14T15:22:00.002-05:00


Have you ever seen a more cheerful carry-on?

In the last few years as I've become a heavy traveler, both for work and for leisure, I have come to realize the great importance of investing in high-quality luggage.

When I began traveling I was trying to be frugal and picked up a luggage set at the bargain store 2 days before I had to leave for a big trip. I arrived at my destination with my things...but my roller bag was already missing a wheel, my duffel had tears in it, and one of the items in my checked bag was broken because the bag itself was so thin.

Lesson learned.

Since then, I've obviously been more selective with my luggage purchases. In this case I honestly do feel that the saying "You get what you pay for." rings true.

When I recently discovered the Bags by eBags line, I was delighted. Who better to make a line of high-quality, durable luggage than a company who had been selling just that for years!

Bags by eBags is the in-house brand at eBags and they have a great selection of luggage and travel accessories at awesome prices.

I'll be taking my new EXO Hardside Spinner Carry-On with me on a short trip later this week and I'm excited to see how it holds up! Considering it's awesome tough exterior...I'm not too worried. ;-)

It was even featured in The Outside Buyers Guide recently as "...the most durable and versatile spinner" they've ever tested.

The bag is super roomy. I was surprised when I opened just how much space really was inside. It also features a cool TSA Approved lock so they can open your bag for inspection if need be and then lock it back so your contents are protected. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!? No more having your bag locks cut off because you forgot to leave them open.

Blue sippy cup, crumbs, and random cords not included in your eBags purchase. ;-)

My favorite thing about this adorable little green carry-on? The price. It retails for $149.99 at eBags, but if you catch them on a good day (like today 5/14, for instance) you can get a great discount like 25% off plus free shipping for orders over $99!

Bags of this style from other brands would often cost double, or even triple the price eBags is asking!I love that with eBags you get amazing quality at an amazing price!

To check out this and other great items from the Bags by eBags line visit: http://www.ebags.com/department/bags-by-ebags

You can also find them on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media who is my employer. I received the product mentioned above for the purpose of this review. I received no other form of compensation. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Inspiration and Disney Magic - A Perfect Pairing #disneysmmoms

2012-05-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

Somehow I can't believe there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C's. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy and the greatest of these is Confidence. When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably. -Walt Disney

A conference full of inspiration and magic!

If there is one thing I took away from the Disney Social Media Moms conference speakers and the WDW Parks Representatives, it was inspiration. Not just as a blogger or business owner, but as a Mother and a human being.

And really, when you are in a place as inspiring as Walt Disney World...a place that was once desolate swamp land and is now a bustling mecca of magic, it's hard not to go home and see things differently and re-examine the way we are living from day to day. Walt could see his dream clearly in his mind all those years ago...and he didn't care that people laughed when he explained it to them.

Photo Credit: 5 Minutes for Mom

One of the speakers said something that I've been thinking about a lot since I got home.

She said, as parents we only really have 18 summers to make memories with our children before they go on and start making their own as adults. She said that Disney keeps that fact in mind when creating experiences and accommodations for their parks with the hope that each memory made on a Disney vacation will be brilliant and cherished forever.

18 Summers.

And then I realized quite shockingly that 18 is a very low number and 4 of my summers with Jackson have already passed by. Just. Like. That.

Ultimately, I walked away from the conference not just wanting to make sure I make the most of every moment in Jackson's childhood...but just to make the most of everyday.

Photo Credit: 5 Minutes for Mom

There is inspiration and opportunity to make amazing memories with my son just as there are chances to grow myself as a professional and expand my business...every single day. All I needed was a new outlook, {and maybe a little magic :)} to see it.

This was the take away from speakers Peter Shankman, Ramon De Leon, and AmyJo Martin.

Dream big, work hard, keep a fresh perspective...and you can accomplish anything.

This was quite possibly the most inspirational conference I've ever attended and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of it.

Disclosure: I paid for my conference ticket to attend this event but Disney deeply discounted my stay, park tickets, and more during the conference. They also threw in amazing little Disney "extras" along the way. I was not compensated or asked to write this post but chose to on the basis of my amazing experience. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Disney/Pixar BRAVE - Hilarious "Kilt" Video!

2012-05-09T17:51:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited to see BRAVE the newest flick from Disney/Pixar! Fun little videos like this one have me super psyched! What about you? Are you looking forward to seeing BRAVE in theaters?

“Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and resources – including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers – to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, discovering the meaning of true bravery.

“Brave” arrives in theaters everywhere on June 22nd.

You can “Like” BRAVE on Facebook at:http://www.facebook.com/PixarBrave.

Photos He Took - Week 3 #autism

2012-05-08T15:32:00.001-05:00

There is something so charming and wonderful about seeing the world through Jackson's perspective.

I'm lucky that I get to do this every time I pick up his iPad and go through the photos he has taken recently. Sometimes he uses Hipstamatic or photobooth...sometimes he just sticks to the plain old camera. No matter the app, the results are always fun.

The photos I share in "Photos He Took" are exactly as I find them on the iPad, I don't edit or alter them in any way.

I share them here so you can enjoy Jackson's view on the world too, and share in my delight. Even though Jackson can't verbally tell me what he's thinking or feeling I love that his pictures do just that.

After all....you know how the old saying goes. :)

To see previous weeks of "Photos He Took" click HERE.

Does your special needs child express themselves in a creative way? Please share in the comments below.

Garden the natural way with Whitney Farms Plant Food

2012-05-05T20:43:00.001-05:00

This post brought to you by Whitney Farms. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's a funny thing, but when I get new plants each Spring to grow on my porch...I find myself getting really attached to them. And maybe that makes me a little silly, but I try to make sure I take good care of them and give them everything they need.

One thing I never gave much thought to was what kind of plant food I was using...but as make an effort to live a more green lifestyle it is something that has crossed my mind.

With Whitney Farms organic plant food I can feel good knowing that I am giving my plants what they need all while being good to the earth. They also offer organic soil to for gardening as well.
I recently tried Whitney FarmsPlant Food on the plants in my container garden.

What's great about Whitney Farms is that they have been in the business of gardening for over 25 years and they have developed all their products with the customer in mind.

Their plant food is easy to use, has minimal dust, has no stinky manure smell, has no artificial ingredients and contains no additives.

I like knowing that by using Whitney Farms organic plant food that I am helping to make my plants healthy while also being good to the environment.

You can try out Whitney Farms and see for yourself what good it can do for your garden!

Click this link to get a $3 coupon for Whitney Farms®

Adventures at The Downtown Aquarium Houston

2012-05-02T16:41:00.000-05:00

Rainbow Fish.

I love taking day trips on the weekends with Jackson. It's always fun to discover something new and watch his eyes grow with wonder when we visit places like the Downtown Aquarium.

We are on a kick right now where we don't want to wear shoes. Ever.

If you have not visited the Houston Downtown Aquarium yet I suggest giving it a try. The exhibits are nice and so is the A/C. It's especially good if you go on a weekday afternoon...it's not nearly as crowded then and you can spend a nice amount of time at each exhibit.

My favorite tank exhibit: Anemones and Starfish.

If you prefer to make a day of it and do go on the weekend, I recommend getting the All-Day Adventure Pass for $15.99 per person. It's really great because you can visit the exhibits as many times as you want and have unlimited access to all the rides.


Though you can't see from the photo, Jackson loved the carousel!

The rides include a Ferris Wheel, The Shark Voyage train ride that goes through a shark tank (so cool), a carousel, and the Light House Dive ride. The Ferris Wheel is especially awesome to ride at night.

And of course, a great way to finish off your visit to the aquarium is to cool off at the splash pad.

Ahhhh! This feels cool!

For more information on the Downtown Aquarium visit: www.aquariumrestaurants.com

Disclosure: I paid for our tickets to the Downtown Aquarium myself and wrote this post on my own accord. These are my own honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Disney's new Art of Animation Resort brings your favorite movie characters to life! #disneysmmoms

2012-05-01T15:29:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Disney Social Media Moms Conference at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.

And of course I was thrilled! The line-up of speakers was amazing, I would get to see many of my fave bloggy friends there too, but the thing that excited me the most when we got our itinerary...was touring the newly built Art of Animation Resort!!!

Why you ask? Well for one it was a really big deal! I've been dying to see this resort from the moment they announced it! The attendees of the conference were some of the very first people to step on the property once the hard hat requirement was removed and the construction workers had finished. The resort, which will feature artwork and animations from Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and The Lion King is set to open this month!

For two, we were scheduled to be having dinner next to the pool...near the Finding Nemo themed area...which just so happens to be one of Jackson's...and well, MY favorite movies!

So, without further introduction or delay....I give you photos of the absolutely stunning Art of Animation Resort! Special thanks to The Walt Disney World Resort for providing me with these beautiful photos by Matt Stroshane, since my camera gave out halfway through our stay (I have since fixed it, thanks goodness!).

As you enter the lobby, you get to see beginning sketches for all 4 movies featured throughout the resort.

Walk through the lobby and past the gift shop and find yourself in front of the beautiful pool!


All of Nemo's friends are around the resort buildings and pool!

Marlin and Nemo can't wait for you to come and play below the anemone at the splash pad!


Mr. Ray keeps a watchful eye over swimmers at the pool.

Friends, I'll be completely honest. I knew I was going to cry at some point during my stay at Disney...the magic always does that to me...but what I did not expect was to cry upon seeing this beautiful resort area.

But I did.

Because honestly, it was like stepping into the movie. The characters are breathtaking, the landscaping is stunning, and to see my favorite movie come to life blew me away.

If you are like me and cannot wait to stay at The Art of Animation Resort, see below for important opening details!

Walt Disney World Resort will open the doors to its newest resort hotel with Disney's Art of Animation Resort, a value property consisting primarily of family suites that immerse guests into the magical worlds of classic Disney and Disney•Pixar films. The Finding Nemo wings of the resort will open May 31; Cars will open June 18, and The Lion King will open August 10. The value rooms at The Little Mermaid wings will open on September 15.

For more information or to book your stay visit: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/art-of-animation-resort/

Disclosure: I paid for my conference ticket to attend this event but Disney deeply discounted my stay, park tickets, and more during the conference. Disney provided transportation to and from The Art of Animation Resort as well as dinner for the evening of the event. I was not compensated or asked to write this post but chose to on the basis of my amazing experience. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Our delicious time with Tillamook #LoafLove GIVEAWAY

2012-04-27T06:33:00.000-05:00

As if participating in my first 5K was not a cool enough way to spend last Saturday...it got even cooler later that afternoon when Jackson and I had lunch and spent the afternoon with the great folks from Tillamook Cheese.

Not only did I get a photo with one of the super cute Baby Loaf buses that are traveling the country right now to share the #LoafLove cheesy goodness of Tillamook, but I also got to participate in a fun grilled cheese contest, and learn more about Tillamook as a brand.

Tillamook is a co-op of hardworking dairy farmers dedicated to putting smiles on faces by making the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. That's the way they have done it since 1909 and the way they always will.

And I gotta say, their cheese is REALLY tasty. The sharp cheddar especially. SO YUM. And trust me, I've tasted a lot of cheese in my almost 28 years...I know what I'm talking about. :)

Me & Jackson with Loafy. Note his cool Texas gear. :)

Me with my sandwich I created for the Grilled Cheese Contest.

I had never participated in a grilled cheese contest before...but I gave it my best shot. I guess I did pretty well because my sandwich won most creative!

Thanks so much Tillamook for a great afternoon with yummy cheese! Jackson and I really enjoyed it.

For more information on Tillamook or to find them at a store near you visit: www.tillamook.com

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I'm giving away sets of fun Tillamook swag to 2 lucky LLF winners. I'm using Rafflecopter now so please be patient as it loads below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Tillamook invited me to lunch and provided me tickets to the Houston Zoo so they could meet me and discuss my opinions about their products face to face. I received no other compensation for this event or this post. These are my own, honest opinions. I only share products and services with my readers that I fee are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Things I Love: Spectacular Baby Nurseries

2012-04-26T06:27:00.000-05:00

New babies are so wonderful and such a gift. And to me, there is nothing more awesome than being able to welcome a brand new little person into this world than with a nursery that is just as spectacular as they are.

Here is a collection of some of my favorite nursery designs I've find online. Notice that many of them have a common theme...who knew I was so hung up on birds and trees? ;-)

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: A Wuzzleberg Tale Review & Giveaway!

2012-04-25T11:23:00.000-05:00

Add some more fun to Springtime with Wubbzy! Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: A Wuzzleburg Tale is available in stores now! Join Wubbzy as he has some magical fairytale adventures!

Throughout the six charming adventures in “A Wuzzleburg Tale,” Wubbzy and his best pals, Walden, Widget and Daizy, encounter different fairytale characters, situations and challenges that all lead to social skills-building fun! Preschoolers will travel through the Enchanted Grove with Wubbzy and Daizy as they search for a pickleberry bush for Widget in “Once Upon A Wubbzy”; solve the big mystery of why Wubbzy’s closest friends go missing on his birthday in “The Big Birthday Mystery” and try on a whole new size with Wubbzy and Daizy as they shrink themselves down with Widget’s Shrinky Dinky 3000 in “Welcome To The Dollhouse.”

Additional episodes on the DVD include: “Happily Ever After,” where Wubbzy is delighted by the fairytale of the Hopping Dipple-Dop; “Too Many Wubbzys,” when Wubbzy learns that being in two places at once can pose a problem and “Focus Wubbzy!,” in which Wubbzy learns the importance of responsibility, listening to instructions and paying attention. The new release also delivers to Wubbzy fans “wubbtastic” coloring and activity sheets and music videos that will have them singing along!

Wubbzy is so darn cute that we simply cannot get enough of him in this house! Plus, I love that the episodes always have great lessons for kids to learn as they are watching.

Click here to purchase your own copy of Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: A Wuzzleburg Tale.

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I have one copy of "A Wuzzleberg Tale" to Giveaway to a lucky LLF reader. I am now using Rafflecopter so please be patient as it loads below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a copy of the DVD mentioned above for the purpose of this review. I received no other form of compensation. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride. This post contains affiliate links.

The Easter Seals Walk With Me 5K was a blast!

2012-04-24T11:27:00.003-05:00

Jackson and I got up early this past Saturday and headed over to the Houston Zoo to help raise money for the Easter Seals as part of their Walk With Me event!

Cold but ready to go!

It was SO cold, but I bundled Jackson up and we got ready to walk! It was such a beautiful day and I really enjoyed being able walk around the zoo before it opened to the public. We even got to see many of the zookeepers in the habitats with the animals cleaning up and feeding them.

Red faced, but feeling accomplished.

I'm so proud of myself for having finished my first 5K, especially since it was for such a great cause. We raised $65 for Easter Seals this year...but next year I think we will have a much more ambitious goal..and start fundraising early to achieve it.

My success also makes me want to do jogging a lot more often. I felt great afterward...and I want to lose some more weight and I know regular jogging/running is the ticket. :)

Jackson and I really enjoyed checking out the zoo after we had completed the event especially since it had warmed up.

Seeing the fish in the aquarium is always his favorite part.

Later that afternoon Jackson and I had the pleasure of having lunch with the sweet folks from Tillamook Cheese which I'll tell you all about in a fun post later this week!

Perfect Mother's Day Gifts are a click away at A Gracious Plenty GIVEAWAY

2012-04-23T11:56:00.002-05:00

This Mother's Day if you are looking to give a gift that is meaningful and that will touch Mom's heart, look no further than A Gracious Plenty.

They have a great selection of handstamped jewelry, accessories, and personalized gifts. With so many options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect thing for Mom this year.

Recently, my friend Rachel became a new mom herself and I got her this sweet blanket from A Gracious Plenty for her new little boy.

When it arrived I was so excited to give it to her because it was SUPER soft and the embroidery was done so well.

Of course, Rachel loved it...and I love knowing that sweet little Emmett will be wrapped up in this cozy blanket for months to come.

This Mother's Day get Mom a gift that's so personal it will take her breath away.

Visit A Gracious Plenty to start personalizing your gift today: www.agraciousplenty.com

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I am giving away 1 Personalized Baby Blanket from A Gracious Plenty to a lucky LLF Reader! I'm now using Rafflecopter so please be patient as it loads below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received one blanket from A Gracious Plenty for the purpose of this review. I received no other form of compensation. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Good Read - DOSED: The Medication Generation Grows Up

2012-04-21T16:09:00.002-05:00

Over the past quarter century, the number of children and teens taking psychotropic medication to ease the symptoms of mental illness has grown exponentially. From ADHD and depression to OCD and anxiety, medication has been increasingly prescribed as a solution to behavioral and psychological difficulties in the young. Now, the first generation of Americans to have grown up taking psychotropic medications are becoming adults, raising questions about how their prescriptions have shaped their experiences, their personalities, and their sense of themselves.

In Dosed: The Medication Generation Grows Up, Kaitlin Bell Barnett explores the history of mental health treatment for children and teens, and talks to the young adults who are dealing with the repercussions of the psychopharmacological revolution.

Though the effect of long-term medication use is often evaluated in a lab, the voices of the patients themselves are rarely heard. In Dosed, Bell Barnett, who at the age of seventeen began taking medication to treat her own depression, set out to document the personal accounts of young medicated patients. "Now that the first generation of medicated kids is entering adulthood," she writes, "we have an invaluable opportunity to hear about their experiences with psychotropic drugs, and their assessment of those experiences."

The book focuses on five case studies: Claire-whose story starts at age eleven -suffered from symptoms of depression and insomnia and had a family history of mental illness; Elizabeth-who is introduced at age twelve-is the child of a protracted divorce who is left without much supervision of her medication for depression and ADHD; Paul-whose story starts at age five-is caught up in the foster care system and an abundance of instability in his home life leads to him being heavily medicated for anger and hyperactivity issues; Caleb-whom the book introduces at age twelve-is an only child who was the victim of severe bullying at school which leads to post traumatic stress disorder and the later diagnosis of bipolar disorder; and Alex-introduced at age eighteen-who was emotionally abused by a step-parent and suffered a relapse of the OCD and depression that he had been diagnosed with as a child.

Just as each mental illness brings with it its own difficulties and struggles, Bell Barnett reveals that each medication comes with long term consequences as well. Issues of self-identity, the pain of relapse, and physical side effects, ranging from diabetes and migraines to sexual difficulties and risks of birth defects for pregnant women, are all coming to light as this first generation of medicated kids comes of age.

About the author: Kaitlin Bell Barnett is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in numerous national and regional newspapers and magazines, including the Boston Globe, New York Observer, Atlanta-Journal Constitution, and Prevention Magazine. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband.

I thought this book was interesting read and I think Kaitlin brings attention to an issue that more people need to be aware of. Having grown up myself as part of "The Medication Generation" and seeing so many of my friends that were put on the medicines discussed...and seeing both the upsides and downsides of that, I like that this book sort of opens a window on the lives of young people who are medicated.

Click here to buy your own copy of Dosed: The Medication Generation Grows Up.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book mentioned above for the purpose of this review. I received no other form of compensation. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride. This post contains affiliate links.

By The Sea

2012-04-20T12:04:00.001-05:00

Nothing is more therapeutic for me than an afternoon spent stress free in a beautiful place. Last weekend Jackson and I headed down to Galveston Island State Park for just such a day. These are some of the photos I took while there. Enjoy!

Love, Life, Family... and then some

New FRANKENWEENIE poster!

éclos Skin Care Review & Giveaway #EclosAntiAgingKit

Disney*Pixar's BRAVE Recipe Cards

MIB 3 in RealD 3D Review

5 Reasons to Celebrate Your Birthday at Walt Disney World #disneysmmoms

New Clip from DreamWorks Pictures "People Like Us"

Sponsored Video: Here's to a world with less cancer and more birthdays

New Clip from Disney/Pixar's BRAVE - "Fergus Shares a Legend"!

Things I Love: Awesome Nail Designs Part 3

Sponsored Video: Discover Boar’s Head Bold

The Bags by eBags line gets you where you need to go

Inspiration and Disney Magic - A Perfect Pairing #disneysmmoms

Disney/Pixar BRAVE - Hilarious "Kilt" Video!

Photos He Took - Week 3 #autism

Sponsored Video: Schwinn - A Girl on bike meets Boy on bike Story

Garden the natural way with Whitney Farms Plant Food

Adventures at The Downtown Aquarium Houston

Disney's new Art of Animation Resort brings your favorite movie characters to life! #disneysmmoms

Our delicious time with Tillamook #LoafLove GIVEAWAY

Things I Love: Spectacular Baby Nurseries

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: A Wuzzleberg Tale Review & Giveaway!

The Easter Seals Walk With Me 5K was a blast!

Perfect Mother's Day Gifts are a click away at A Gracious Plenty GIVEAWAY

Good Read - DOSED: The Medication Generation Grows Up

By The Sea

Love, Life, Family... and then some

New FRANKENWEENIE poster!

éclos Skin Care Review & Giveaway #EclosAntiAgingKit

Disney*Pixar's BRAVE Recipe Cards

MIB 3 in RealD 3D Review

5 Reasons to Celebrate Your Birthday at Walt Disney World #disneysmmoms

New Clip from DreamWorks Pictures "People Like Us"

Sponsored Video: Here's to a world with less cancer and more birthdays

New Clip from Disney/Pixar's BRAVE - "Fergus Shares a Legend"!

Things I Love: Awesome Nail Designs Part 3

Sponsored Video: Discover Boar’s Head Bold

The Bags by eBags line gets you where you need to go

Inspiration and Disney Magic - A Perfect Pairing #disneysmmoms

Disney/Pixar BRAVE - Hilarious "Kilt" Video!

Photos He Took - Week 3 #autism

Sponsored Video: Schwinn - A Girl on bike meets Boy on bike Story

Garden the natural way with Whitney Farms Plant Food

Adventures at The Downtown Aquarium Houston

Disney's new Art of Animation Resort brings your favorite movie characters to life! #disneysmmoms

Our delicious time with Tillamook #LoafLove *GIVEAWAY*

Things I Love: Spectacular Baby Nurseries

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: A Wuzzleberg Tale Review & Giveaway!

The Easter Seals Walk With Me 5K was a blast!

Perfect Mother's Day Gifts are a click away at A Gracious Plenty *GIVEAWAY*

Good Read - DOSED: The Medication Generation Grows Up

By The Sea

Our delicious time with Tillamook #LoafLove GIVEAWAY

Perfect Mother's Day Gifts are a click away at A Gracious Plenty GIVEAWAY