The time has come....for a GREAT giveaway!

Well folks, there are a lot of changes going on in the Jones House! We have decided to put our house on the market. Which sparked me to look at some modern dining room furniture, right now we have an eat in kitchen and we don't like oversized bulky furniture! Currently we have a pub style dark cherry wood table with 4 chairs, but all the houses that we are looking at online have a formal dining room, so it doesn't hurt to look, right? CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from stylish modern dining room furniture to cute cookware to chic lighting pieces!  I have found all kinds of AWESOME things at CSNstores.com. They recently contacted me about doing a giveaway on my blog, and I gladly agreed! 

Here is the SCOOP on how to gain entries into my contest: 


1. "Like" Amber Jones is Your Classic Travel Connection on FaceBook. ( Leave some LOVE on my wall, and let me know by commenting on the blog that you have done so )
2. Become a follower of www.amberbaileyjones.blogspot.com ( comment on the blog that you have done so ) 
3. Send me a picture of a creative way to use an item in your house other than the way it was intended to be used! ( comment on the blog letting me know to look for your email )
4. Follow " Just Call Me B! " on blogspot.com and leave me a comment that you have done so. She is already a CSNstores.com preferred blogger and has GREAT giveaways! 
5. Have your friends "Like" Amber Jones is Your Classic Travel Connection on Facebook. ( they will need to leave a comment on my page "Thanking YOU for sending them")
6. Leave a comment on this post after checking out CSNstores.com and tell me what you will buy when you win the contest! 


BONUS ENTRY (for 5) - Click SHARE under the link to my blog from my FB status! 


* This contest will end at midnight tonight! Disclaimer - giveaway is provided by CSNstores.com but the opinions and comments in my posts are mine, all mine! *


You will receive 1 entry for each "Like", and 1 entry for each "friend referral", 1 entry for telling me what you will buy when you win, don't forget the picture too, I will give each creative picture 5 entries! Get BUSY!!! There is a $15.00 gift certificate just waiting for you at CSNstores.com !!!  I just LOVE this site. Let me know what you think. 

Good Choices

I love that we have started making better eating choices without really even thinking about it! The boys don't even know that they are eating whole wheat pasta and organic sauce!  I added in a few diced tomatoes from Mom and Dad's summer garden, fresh basil, and oregano,  fat free cream cheese, sea salt and cracked pepper and WOW!!! I even snuck in a little bit of spinach! I put this all in a casserole dish and topped it with a little freshly shredded parmesan cheese, popped it in the oven on broil for 2 minutes and it was nice and toasty! Casey and I ate ours with a salad, and sweet tea made with sugar in the raw. 

What is your favorite healthy family friendly dinner? Email your recipe and I will try it and review it on my blog! amberbaileyjones@yahoo.com

Disney Dream Girls

Classic Travel Connection Gals have boarded the Disney Dream to do a “Ship Review”.

It is a tough job, but your Classic Travel Connection Consultants are willing to make sacrifices just for you!

Stay tuned this week for tons of pictures, reviews of  EVERY part of the ship, shows and entertainment, Castaway Cay and MORE!

Disney Snack Attack!

Who needs to order cupcakes when you can make these adorable ones at home? These are so cute and VERY EASY to make. I like to add color to my icing when I make these, because what is Disney without color? When hosting a Disney party, these cupcakes and different glass vases or bowls with colorful candy will make for great snacks and decorations!

You'll need:

• Batch of cupcakes
• Frosting
• Chocolate sandwich cookies, regular size and mini size

Instructions:

1. Frost the cupcakes.
2. Split each cookie into halves (you'll need a total of six regular cookies and twelve mini cookies to decorate a dozen cupcakes).
3. Push one half of a regular cookie (with the unfrosted side facing forward) halfway down into the center of a cupcake to create the top of the mouse head. For ears, set a pair of mini cookie halves (again, unfrosted sides facing forward) right behind and to the sides of the head. This time press the cookies into the frosting just far enough to hold them in place.
4. Use the remaining cookie halves to decorate the rest of the cupcakes.

Tea Time! These are great for a rainy afternoon tea party with your Princess.  Made from ice cream cones and cookies, these edible cup-and-saucer treat holders are a cinch to assemble and will ensure that each guest at your child's tea party gets his or her fill.

For each teacup, you'll need:

• Cup-style wafer ice cream cone
• Round sugar or shortbread cookie
• Decorator's icing
• 2 gummy rings candies
• Assorted candies, popcorn, or trail mix to fill the teacup

Instructions:

1. Use a serrated knife to carefully cut the cup portion of the ice cream cone from the handle (an adult's job). Discard the handle and set the cup aside for now.

2. Place a gummy ring candy on the center of the cookie, using decorator's icing to "glue" it in place.

3. Set the ice cream cone cup on top of the gummy ring. Again, use a thin line of decorator's icing to hold the cone in place, if needed.

4. For a teacup handle, slice the second gummy ring in half. Gently press the cut ends of one of the candy halves against the cone to stick the handle in place.

5. Fill the cup with a few candies or other snacks, and it's teatime!

Here are a few pictures of other Disney Homemade goodies I found while looking for these!

My Little Corner: Can I just say....I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

I am staying in town to "Man the Office" while all my sweet Classic Travel Connection co-workers explore a dream... Not just any dream, but the Disney Dream. As if Disney wasn't magical enough, they have a BRAND NEW ship called the "Dream"... I cannot wait to see all the pictures and posts about this MOST AMAZING ship! Have FUN gals, I cannot wait to hear ALLLLLLL about it. Here is a snipit from my pal SusieqMomof2!

My Little Corner: Can I just say....I LOVE MY JOB!!!!: "Ok....I officially have the best job in the world!! My primary 'job' is most certainly caring for my family and my home. I am so gratef..."

Disney Dining - Tusker House (Breakfast)

Good Morning! 

Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House

8:00am - 10:30am

Characters Generally Present ~ Donald and Daisy, Mickey and Goofy

Serving both American and African Cuisine 

This is a sample menu - items may vary seasonally

Assorted Cream Cheeses; Jams; Jellies, and Fruit Chutney; Yogurt Station

Fresh Fruit
Cereals
Milk

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Scrambled Eggs
Oven-roasted Yukon Gold Potato Wedges
Bacon and Sausage Patties
Vegetable Frittata
Ham and Cheese Frittata
Spiced Corned Beef Hash
Cheese Blintzes
Beef Bobtie Quiche
Yam Casserole
Carved Rotisserie Honey-glazed Ham
Oatmeal
Mealie Pap (Porridge)

Warm Cinnamon Rolls
Warm Banana-Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Blueberry, Banana Nut and Apple Muffins and Whole-grain breads
Turnovers, Cheese-filled Danish and Apple Danish
Chocolate and Plain Croissants

Let the Memories Begin...

Let the Memories Begin....... Disney Guests will be appearing in television and other communications as part of the new Let the Memories Begin campaign. For the first time, Disney Parks is featuring home video and snapshots of real Guests in television ads and other marketing efforts that allow an audience of millions to share in true-life, heartfelt moments. I have to admit that watching them makes me tear up!  In January 2011, guests may find that the memory they just made has become a larger-than-life image during a special nighttime experience. But How, you might ask?  At Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, Guest photos taken throughout the day will be projected onto the Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom® Park. At Disneyland® Resort in California,  “it’s a small world” will be the canvas for the show. Who knows.... YOU could be next.  PhotoPass photographers will provide images of Guests shot that day. Producers estimate as many as 500 photos will be shown in each location every day. How amazing would it be to see your face the Castle?  Guests could also appear in Disney Parks television commercials, online campaigns and social media opportunities that will showcase to the world the power of memories.  What is your favorite Disney memory?

E. Bailey Photography: Fresh Faces

Check out a cute contest! E. Bailey Photography: Fresh Faces VOTE !

Special Thank You from Disney Cruise Line and Classic Travel Connection

Disney Cruise Line® is pleased to extend the following trade-exclusive offer to the clients of Classic Travel Connection. It's our way of saying "thank you" for supporting Disney Cruise Line during this exciting time as we welcome the new Disney Dream™ ship to the fleet!

Offer Details:

• $200* onboard credit for new bookings on 3-night Bahamian cruises departing Feb. 3 or Feb. 10, 2011, and 4-night Bahamian cruises departing Jan. 30 or Feb. 6, 2011, on the new Disney Dream.

Booking and Travel Window:

You must book by February 9, 2011 to receive this amazing deal! 

• Travel must occur on one of the following departures:
• • 3-night cruise departing Feb. 3 or Feb. 10, 2011 on the NEW Disney Dream from Port Canaveral 
  • This is a  3-Night Bahamian Cruise departing from Port Canaveral - A wonder-filled long weekend is yours when you sail to the isle of Nassau and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay—spending a delightful day at each. 
  • 4-night cruise departing Jan. 30 or Feb. 6, 2011, 2011 on the NEW Disney Dream from Port Canaveral 
  • This is a 4-Night Bahamian Cruise departing from Port Canaveral - an exhilarating day at each of 2 island oases— Nassau and Castaway Cay— and an additional relaxing day at sea.. Jan. 30 or Feb. 6, 2011

Additional Details:

• New bookings only
• Must be booked through your Classic Travel Connection Consultant
• Must mention booking code DTY at time of booking

*One shipboard credit per stateroom. Other offers, discounts or onboard credits do not apply. Shipboard credit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Changes to the vacation date or category may result in a loss of any offer. Offer is subject to availability. 

Kids Stay and Play Free at Disney

Purchase a 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Magic Your Way Package at a select Disney Value Resort and kids ages 3-9 stay and play FREE!*

That's $452 per adult, based on adult double occupancy in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort for stays most nights Aug. 14 - Sept. 29, 2011.

Ask about packages for other lengths of stay, other rates and other Walt Disney World® Resort hotels.

To book, please contact me at amber@classictravelconnection.com and ask for the "Kids Free" offer. This offer must be booked by March 27, 2011.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. Child must stay in same room with adult. Maximum of four Guests per room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required.

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! 

EBATES

Sign up for EBATES and finish your Christmas shopping online, with FREE shipping for most stores! Click below and start today, FREE service, earn cash back on every purchase. I LOVE FREE programs that pay me to shop.... What could be better?


http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=Eau5Q88feszjN2XrTLCK%2Bg%3D%3D

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.