Christmas Clean UP!

Christmas Cleanup is well underway at the Jones House. Pictures to follow. I love Christmas cleanup almost as much as Spring Cleaning! Time to get rid of the old to bring in the new! 

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Special Events and Activities at Disney BIBBIDI~BOBBIDI~BOUTIQUE

Bibbidi~Bobbidi Boutique

disneyparks.com

For all those little girls dreaming of being a Disney Princess, this special boutique is a must see! It is a new addition to the World of Disney and is the perfect fit for all little diva's. It is more along the lines of a salon than a store.  There are numerous salon stations where the girls can get their hair, nails and makeup done. Reservations are strongly recommended. The number to call is: 407-WDW-STYLE, or you can call me and I will take care of the reservations for you!

Packages

* Coach Package includes hairstyling and shimmering   makeup — starting at $49.95 

*Crown Package includes hairstyling, shimmering makeup and nails — starting at $54.95 

*Castle Package includes the Crown Package plus the Imaging Package (one 6" x 8" and four 4" x 6" photos in a princess-themed photo holder) and complete costume of your choice with accessories — starting at $189.95

*The Knight Package includes hair styling as well as a mighty sword and shield for $14.95 

It's hard not to feel as happy as a princess in this charming little boutique, owned by Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and operated by Fairy Godmothers-in-training. The boutique offers multiple hair styles, nail color, make-up and a total package including Disney Princess costume and photographs. Don't forget to bring your own brush! 

Disney Special Events - Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage

Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage 

Sail the Seven Seas Lagoon on a voyage that comes alive with boisterous song, swashbuckling tales of adventure, fearsome Never Land pirates and dazzling fireworks off the starboard bow!

Your adventure begins at Disney's Contemporary Resort when you check your meeting location at the Daily Event Board and gather with your sailing party. Before you head out into the moonlit evening, you're presented with a spread of beverages and snacks that include fruit, pastries and other scrumptious confections in a whimsical pirate–themed setting.

Take your young seafarer by the hand and head to the docks, where Captain Hook and the bumbling Mr. Smee are waiting to give everyone a proper send-off, complete with photo opportunities. Then "shove off" onto the glimmering waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon for a journey, the likes of which you won't forget!

• The refreshing humor of your comical pirate host, Patch, who leads you in merry song and high–energy Disney trivia games.
• Magic Kingdom Fireworks, enjoyed from a perfect vantage on the water. Watch as the sky over Cinderella Castle lights up in a brilliant fireworks extravaganza, accompanied by music and breathtaking pyrotechnic effects  the most elaborate in Magic Kingdom theme park history!
• On select nights, the voyage also includes a viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant. Barges festooned in colorful lights that depict Disney characters and American stars and stripes float by in a mesmerizing aquatic parade.
• On the return trip, Patch regales you with the story of daring young Peter Pan. Not only is the tale a fitting conclusion to your journey, but a clue that points to one final surprise on the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage.
• To everyone's delight, a very special guest waits shore and warmly welcomes you back. If you're celebrating a special occasion such as a family reunion, birthday or anniversary, you get special recognition — topping off a voyage that's nothing short of magical! 

Tips for traveling Healthier during the Holidays

I did research for this article on www.Lifescript.com. 

Visiting friends and family over the holidays can be fun. But getting to them can be very stressful!  See what I have learned about staying healthy while traveling!   

Changes in your sleep, and exercise routines add stress to your body and can cause hormonal imbalances as well. These types of imbalances can cause weight gain, and weaken your immune system.  But don't let this keep you home this Holiday season. 
 

Long layovers

Checking email and sending texts, while this is a great way to catch up it simply isn’t the healthiest way to kill time before your next flight. It can be bad for your back, making the next leg of your flight uncomfortable. Depending on how long the layover is you can squeeze in some active time! Walk through the terminal to stretch your legs. This is especially important when traveling with children. Children need to burn off energy, using this layover time wisely will make it a happier flight for all! I like the pedometer applications on my ipod touch to keep up with how many extra steps I can take in the airport.

"Just say NO" to in-flight meals

Cost-cutting for airlines means, there are no more free meals on most domestic flights. What is great for their bottom line is horrible for yours!  Typical in-flight eating options aren’t typically healthy. They are full of  sodium, sugar and  saturated fats. Watch out for food venues within the airport as well.

As always, you have OPTIONS!

• Brown Bag it!~Bring your own healthy snacks onboard: fruit, string cheese, veggies, or unsalted nuts and dried fruit. At the airport look for low-calorie meals.  I can usually  find  yogurt sprinkled with whole-grain cereal or fruit. Sometimes their are sandwich shops that offer whole-wheat wraps and sandwiches filled with grilled chicken or veggies. Even the fast food stops have salads with dressing on the side. Don't forget to use a calorie counter application for your smart phone. 

Germs, Germs, Germs, EWWWW GROSS!
Your best tool against germs is prevention! Prevent a weakened immune system by making sure you are getting enough exercise and sleep in the days before your trip. Exercise is known to boost  your immune system for 24 hours, at least.  Making sure that you are getting enough sleep is also a huge booster for the immune system.

Wash your hands thoroughly and often this is the best prevention against picking up germs and spreading them. Always be armed with hand sanitizer as well.  Choose foods that are rich in vitamin C, and B. Vitamin C is great for your immune system it is packed with chemical compounds that increase the function of your immune system,  and B is a great energy booster. 

Sit, sit, and sit some more... 

Sitting for long periods increases risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms deep in the veins, typically in the lower legs or thighs. It’s potentially life-threatening, causing a pulmonary embolism, heart attack or stroke. There are numerous ways to prevent this. If you are on an airplane or train you can walk up and down the isles as much as you can. You should try to get up about every 2 hours. If you are driving you need to pull over in regular intervals to stretch. Rotate your ankles while sitting, and avoid keeping your legs crossed for too long. 

Stick to it! 

Your best move is to plan ahead. and  stick to the plan. First, have a healthy meal at home before you leave.  Be sure and pack your own snacks. You want to pay special attention to what you pack for your children to eat. One of the biggest travel nightmares is to be stuck in a confined space with a sugared up kid! We have several favorite snacks that are a must when we are traveling. For our salty cravings we love PopChips! For the sweeter side of snacking I love to pack Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds, and Emerald Trail Mix (breakfast blend is my favorite). As far as drinks go I pack water for myself and honest kids juice drinks for my kids. I love being able to provide my family with healthy organic foods even on the go!  But if you must eat truck-stop fare, order carefully. If you do have to eat out make good choices! One good choice leads to another. Go for something steamed, baked or grilled, not high fat,  calorie-heavy foods that are fried or covered in cheese and heavy sauces. Visit the salad bar, but avoid toppings and pre-packaged salads with high fat dressings and oils. Instead, choose fresh items such as raw vegetables, grilled chicken, chickpeas and nuts.  Another app for healthy eating is the  GoodFoodNearYou application. 

Be sure to stop and eat before you get too hungry, this will help you to make good eating choices and maintain your healthy eating habits! If you wait until you are starving, you will tend to overeat and those extra calories don't burn sitting in the car or in the air!  

Dry skin 

Blame re-circulated air and lack of humidity on airplanes. Prevention is key here, use a good moisturizer . Hyaluronic Acid can be found in many moisturizers and it is your best defender against dry skin. The acid pulls water into your skin keeping your skin well hydrated. The best time to moisturize is just after taking a shower, ideally within the first 3 minutes of getting out of the shower. This helps to lock the moisture in! 

Jet lag

The more time zones you fly in and out of the more you’ll feel out of it when you reach your destination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says these steps can help you ward off jet lag! 

• On a short trip (two days or less), remain on your home time.
• On longer trips, try to quickly adapt to a local schedule.
• Get as much sunlight as possible upon arrival. 
• Eat meals appropriate to local time. 

If you have trouble adjusting to the time, consider taking the natural supplement melatonin to help you sleep. It is an all natural product that aids in healthy sleep habits. Melatonin is a hormone that your body already produces, and this supplement may help you to avoid jet lag, by keeping you on this alternative schedule.

Tempting hotel minibars

One way to keep this temptation out of reach is to leave the key at the desk. Simply don't  accept the minibar key at check-in. Stop at a local grocery store and stock up on fresh fruit,  reduced-fat cheese, nonfat yogurts and vegetables. If there is not a refrigerator in your room, purchase breakfast cereal, peanut butter, nuts, popcorn and crackers. If you just have to partake in the minibar, choose the healthiest items, such as tomato juice, cranberry juice, and citrus juices. 

Don't skip the gym 

You can pack a resistance band which can be attached to the hotel-room door to do any number of exercises. For arms you can do basic push-ups , for legs, focus on squats and lunges, and don't forget to take the stairs! If your hotel has a pool swim laps, tread water or cycle your legs while holding the side of the pool for 10-15 minutes a day. Most importantly, set aside a specific time of day to work out, and stick with it. I like to exercise in the morning so that I am done with it the rest of the day. 

Keep these things in mind as you travel during the Holiday Season! 

Merry Christmas.

Cut your Grocery Bill with these 8 healthy ingredients for $1.oo

My pantry at home is always well-stocked. (Actually most people would probably call it overstocked.) I don’t feel right if my cupboards are bare. And once I started working on our new book, EatingWell on a Budget, I realized that my pantry-stocking obsession also had the benefit of helping me save money: when I have key ingredients on hand to make dinner, I’m much less likely to call for delivery or go out. (Plus cooking at home is almost always cheaper than going out.)

Here are five of my favorite ingredients to keep on hand that help stretch my food dollars further.

Potatoes
Cost: about 44¢ a piece
Russet potatoes, which are a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C, are a great nutritional bang for your buck. And these babies are truly versatile. Try baking them, then stuffing them with beans, vegetables and salsa; mash them; slice and roast them; or turn them into hash browns for breakfast.
Recipes to Try: 11 Easy Low-Fat Potato Recipes

Beans
Cost: 52¢ or less for a ½-cup serving of canned beans
You just can’t go wrong if you bulk up your meal with beans. They’re packed with fiber and protein. I always keep cans in the cupboard and whip them out to add to salads, pasta, soups or for an easy dip. Dried beans are even less expensive than canned. Cook a big batch, then freeze extras for when you’re ready to use them in a recipe.
Recipes to try: From soups to sautés, 10 budget-friendly dinners in 30 minutes using canned beans

Frozen Vegetables and Fruit
Cost: 30¢ for a ½-cup serving of frozen peas
I always keep frozen vegetables on hand for when the produce drawer is looking a little bare. Frozen fruits and vegetables are nutritious because they’re picked at the peak of ripeness and then frozen to seal in their nutrients. And a bonus: most of them don’t have added sodium or sugar like canned vegetables and fruits often do. Plus they’re relatively inexpensive, especially when compared with their “fresh” counterparts out of season.
Recipes to try: Sauces, smoothies and more recipes starring frozen vegetables and fruit

Pasta or Rice
Cost: 26¢ for 2 ounces of whole-wheat pasta
Got a few vegetables or a little leftover meat? Maybe you have some fixings for a salad or a light soup, but it’s not quite dinner. Pasta and rice are cheap, healthy pantry items that let you turn a few leftovers into a meal. Try quickly sautéing peppers and onions and toss them with noodles, herbs and a little cheese, or add rice to a vegetable soup to make it more satisfying.
Recipes to Try: Cheap Recipes with Rice that Serve 4 for $12 or Less

Eggs
Cost: 23¢ for a large egg
Eggs aren’t just for breakfast. They’re also the greatest last-minute answer for a quick dinner. I like to make huevos rancheros with canned beans, a little salsa and corn tortillas, which I keep in my freezer. A source of high-quality protein, eggs also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which help keep eyes healthy.
Recipes to try: Two Dozen Easy Egg Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner 

Ground Beef
Cost: $1.02 per 3-ounce serving of 93%-lean ground beef
Saving money is all about meatloaf. Just kidding. But really, meatloaf’s reputation as a budget-friendly food is deserved because its main ingredient, ground beef, is inexpensive. And when you buy a lean grind, it’s also healthy. Meatloaf is not the only inexpensive meal to make with ground beef. (I always keep ground beef on hand in my freezer, which I consider to be part of my “pantry.”)
Recipe to try: One of my favorite ways to use ground beef is in Taco Salad, which costs $3 per serving (see recipe below).

Taco Salad
Active time: 30 minutes | Total: 30 minutes
A super-quick blend of reduced-fat sour cream and salsa serves double duty as salad dressing and seasoning for the meat in our updated version of Tex-Mex taco salad. Depending on the type of salsa you use, the salad will vary in heat. We keep this version light with lean turkey, but lean ground beef also keeps the nutrition marks reasonable. Just hold the deep-fried tortilla bowl and instead serve this salad with baked tortilla chips and wedges of fresh lime.

1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey or beef
2 large plum tomatoes, diced
1 14-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
8 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1. Combine salsa and sour cream in a large bowl.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add turkey or beef and cook, stirring often and crumbling with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, beans, cumin and chili powder; cook, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to break down, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in cilantro and 1/4 cup of the salsa mixture.
3. Add lettuce to the remaining salsa mixture in the bowl; toss to coat. To serve, divide the lettuce among 4 plates, top with the meat mixture and sprinkle with cheese.

Makes 4 servings (1 cup filling & 2 cups salad each).
Per serving: 361 calories; 16 g fat (6 g sat, 1 g mono); 86 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrate; 33 g protein; 10 g fiber; 583 mg sodium; 718 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (150% daily value), Vitamin C (60% dv), Folate (53% dv), Iron (25% dv), Potassium (22% dv).

What inexpensive pantry ingredients do you keep on hand to save money on your food budget?

By Jessie Price

Jessie Price is the deputy editor of food for EatingWell Media Group, where she directs all food content. Besides her work on nine other EatingWell books, she is the author of EatingWell on a Budget and The Simple Art of EatingWell. She lives in Charlotte, Vermont where she stays busy growing her own vegetables in the summer and tracking down great Vermont food products when she’s not working.


This article was taken directly from yahoo shine. Pictures were added by me via google images. I personally use ground Turkey instead of ground Beef. 

Metabolic Syndrome

I have recently been diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome. To sum it up in a very simple way....Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors -- high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol levels, and belly fat -- that increases risk of heart disease and diabetes. Diet, exercise, and medications improve it. I am exploring more natural solutions before resorting to medication.

So I have entered the Holiday Season with caution! Exercise has never been a part of my life, I am not athletic, and hate to sweat, but now literally my life depends on it. I went to see my Doctor after dieting alone was not helping me to loose weight, and quickly realized there were changes to be made. I had a VPAP test done, the test looks at your cholesterol, thyroid, blood sugar, weight, BMI (body mass index), and numerous other factors to determine your risk for heart disease. It took 2 long weeks to get these results. The results came in a 13 page, yup 13 page, document. Needless to say I was quite overwhelmed! These results have seriously changed our lives, and I am looking forward to sharing those changes with you! Stay tuned for updates on my journey to save myself from "HEART DISEASE". Out of the 5 major risk factors that can lead to heart disease, I have all 5. I am not even in my thirties, things have got to change! I want to be here to see my boys get married and have grandchildren and unless I make major changes in my life, that simply cannot happen. 


I have contacted several companies to partner with me on educating my followers, and family on healthy  eating and exercising habits. One of the major tasks I have taken on is involving the "meat and potato boys" in my house to adopt the healthier habits as well! Stay tuned for our honest review of healthier eating options and new family activities that promote healthier lifestyle choices! Keep tuned in weekly as I will now be doing some wonderful giveaway's! Tomorrow I will list my test results! 

Disney Tips and Tricks ! Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood action with live shows, thrilling attractions, backstage tours and events that only happen in this Disney Park location that is dedicated to the entertainment industry.

The glitz and glamour of  Old School Hollywood from the 1930s and 1940s stand still in time with the neon, chrome, art deco and modern architecture throughout the park.  The streets and sections of the 4 areas of the Park blend together like a large, bustling movie set.

Get in on the action with new attractions—like the American Idol Experience—that might put you center stage and under the spotlight. Feel like a star, or come face-to-face with one! Collect autographs and pose for photos at special events or at Character greeting locations.

Live out your dream for stardom by participating in parades, being part of a rock 'n' roll fantasy and experiencing spectacular attractions based on blockbuster movies and top TV shows,  where movie magic comes to life!

A MUST for the children....maybe 7 years of age and older. Or, if you have an up-and- coming artist on your hands. The Animation Academy in the Magic of Disney Animation is a MUST do! A Disney Animator will host a mini-class every 30 minutes. Each class is approximately 20 minutes, and will take you step by step thru the art of Disney Animation and teach you how to draw some of Disneyʼs most beloved characters.

Disney Tips and Tricks ! "The World of Epcot"

Innoventions West: 

Don’t miss the Slapstick Studios exhibit “What’s your Problem”. At this spot, you can create a Velcro Frog Souvenir...free of charge! Yours to keep!

Journey Into Imagination with Figment:

Donʼt miss the free e-postcards at the end of the Journey Into Imagination with Figment ride. You can locate the ImageWorks lab kiosks in the Imagination Pavillion and send funny, creative e-postcards to your friends and family. There are several kiosks, so, they move quickly. Wait your turn, and have some fun!

Misson Space:

Again, a great place to send e-postcards to your friends and family. Locate the kiosks in the Training Lab at the end of Mission Space and have fun!

 CLUB COOL ! 

Be sure to go to Club Cool sponsored by Coca-Cola. They have unlimited free samples of Coca-Cola from several other countries. You just might be surprised to see how Coke tastes “great” to others!

Kidcot Stations:

Each “country” has itʼs own Kidcot Station. Your child can obtain a mask at any Kidcot Station, and you can decorate your mask at every country. Be aware that these stations usually close late afternoon/early evening.

Tip: Choose a word, or phrase, even your child's name. If the person hosting the Kidcot station is actually from that country, ask them to write your word or phrase on your mask or in your autograph book. It is a GREAT international souvenir. 

Japan:

      Do NOT miss Miyuki, the candy artist. She is usually on location Monday thru Thursday, but be sure to check your Times Guide for updated information. If you get there just a few minutes early....just wait on her. She will arrive, and she is known for choosing a “patiently waiting” child to help her with her demonstration. She will allow the child to select the animal she will make.....and then the best part is that they get to keep the finished Candy Art!

Traveling with Children

www.housewaresandbeyond.com

Planning trips when traveling with your children is easier than you might think. Pick your budget, make a list of some places that you are interested in visiting and then call me! Skip doing all the research and itinerary planning, that is why you use a TRAVEL AGENT! One of the many perks of using me to plan your family's vacation is that my planning services are FREE! 

But I will blog about "Why to use a Travel Agent" another day. 

Back to the kiddos...

Here are some tips on vacation and travel safety for children. Let’s get started. It feels great to head off on a family vacation, but you also want to make sure that you are safe for the duration of the trip. Safety in travel begins with the planning. It is important to keep your family’s needs at the top of your list, from travel, transport, accommodations and health, we have you covered! 

Snot Happens.... (well, it does)

When thinking about traveling safely with kids, the issues to consider start before you even pack. It's very important to think about kids' health, especially if they are currently taking a daily prescription medication. Make sure that you have enough medication to last throughout the trip, and get a copy of the prescription from the Dr. just in case you need to refill it in an emergency situation. You never know when a small sniffle will turn into something worse, so take some kids' medicine for cold and fever.  I always carry children’s allergy liquid medicine as well. Cuts and bruises can happen at any time, so a first aid kit is an essential addition to your travel bag. Take a copy of the kids' medical records with you, especially if they have any serious health conditions. It is worthwhile to get travel insurance with medical coverage, in case you need to cover the costs of hospitalization while abroad ( Look for a post soon about the importance of Travel Insurance, never leave home without it ).

Rules still Apply! 

When traveling with kids, it's a good idea to observe all the safety rules that apply at your own house. If you are traveling by car you need to be aware of the current safety guidelines regarding carseats. Babies should be in a rear-facing child seat until they are a year old or at least 25 lbs.  Older children should be in a seat that's appropriate for their age, height and weight. All children under 13 should ride in the back seat of the car. When traveling by airplane, children under two may sit on your lap with a suitable child restraint or you can purchase a seat for them. The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend that they have their own seat. Children need to know about how airport security works so that they won't be alarmed when their favorite toys are passed through a scanner. Be sure to check TSA travel tips for all current safety and security measures being practiced at the airport as they are always changing. Older children need to be aware that making jokes about bombs could result in a delayed holiday and financial penalties. Airport security is nothing to laugh about.

~It’s Show TIME~

It can take a long time to reach your destination, and this can seem like an eternity to a younger child. It's smart to pack a variety of snacks so that you can keep your child fed during the long trip. I personally like to pack some of the snacks shown here! It is important to feed your children healthy snacks that aren't full of sugar, nothing is worse that being in a car with a kid who has had TOO much sugar! Take plenty of entertaining activities in the form of toys, games and books (check out the giveaway below) so that children can entertain themselves during the trip. We never leave home without our portable DVD player. This will make things run smoother for the whole family. If you are traveling on a plane, take some bubble gum so that older children can use it to ease the pain caused by air pressure during takeoff and landing. Younger children can suck a pacifier or bottle to relieve any discomfort in their ears.

We have Arrived....

You have arrived at your destination. Now check out the best ways to get to and from areas like the pool, the restaurant and the kids' club. Make sure that kids travel in pairs and that you always accompany younger children. We use a backpack pal when we travel with our younger children ( it is not a leash ). When leaving your resort or hotel, it's safest to travel as group. If this is a country where driving is on the opposite side of the road, warn your children about the need to be very cautious when crossing the road because of the traffic approaching from an unusual direction.

When you are on vacation, you are more relaxed and often less careful about personal security and personal belongings than you would be if you were at home. This is the time when you need to be most careful. Kids should avoid flashing large amounts of cash around or leaving treasured belongings unattended. It's an invitation for an unscrupulous person to steal.

Finally, make sure that your kids know what to do if they become separated from you or get lost. For younger kids, make sure that they have the hotel address and your phone number with them. We sometimes use a tag with their name, address, and telephone numbers.  Teach your children to recognize who can give them help (such as the local police) and who should be avoided. Your SET! Now, where are we going?

Enter to win a personalized book from FreckleBox ~ Head over to: frompdxwithlove before 12/15/2010 and check out the giveaway! These books are great for children of all ages! Check out the other great personalized products from Frecklebox. My kids love their stickers. If you have extra swagbucks there are several Frecklebox products in the Swag Store. If you are not using swagbucks, click on my swagbucks button and sign up today.