We had such a great time in Disney! My favorite part was seeing the joy on the boys’ faces when they met their favorite characters! These are memories that I will cherish forever. I haven’t been to Disney since I was little and obviously so much has changed with the park but also with preparing for your Disney trip. I did a lot of research and asked my Disney expert friends what I needed to do and came up with a trip that was best suited to our family’s needs. Here are my Disney tips and tricks with what worked for us!
Tickets
We purchased the 5 day Park Hopper Pass. We were able to go to all of the Disney Parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios) plus we were able to go to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon with our tickets. We chose the Hopper pass which allows you to visit more than one park in a day. We felt this was good for us because we knew the boys weren’t going to last all day in a park. We wanted to have the ability to come and go as we pleased so we would go to the park during the day and take a swim break at the hotel and go back to the park if we wanted.
Magic Bands
If you stay in a Disney hotel you will automatically get Magic Bands sent to you. If you don’t stay on Disney property you have the option of purchasing your own Magic Bands. I highly suggest getting Magic Bands for many reasons!
- You don’t have to carry tickets in with you. Your Magic Band will scan at the park entrance
- If you plan on making FastPass selections you will just scan your bands at each FastPass ride entrance
- If you plan on purchasing the Memory Maker Photos you just scan your band at each photo location throughout each park and your photos are automatically uploaded to your My Disney Experience App.
My Disney Experience App
Now that you have your tickets and Magic Bands it is time to plan out your trip. You can do this all through the MyDisneyExperience website and App. I used the website for my laptop and downloaded the App on my phone for when we were in Disney. This is where everything for your Disney trip is stored. This app is so user friendly and walks you through how to link your tickets to your Magic Bands, book FastPasses, dining and more.
MemoryMaker
I highly suggest purchasing the Memory Maker Photo Pass. There are Disney Cast Members all over the parks who take your photo in front of your favorite Disney attractions and character meet and greets.
Our Hotel
Nick is a Hilton Honors member so were able to use his points for our stay. We stayed at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace which is located at Disney Springs. Being that we were not on Disney property I had to make sure our hotel had shuttles to the parks. So that is one of the main reasons we stayed here. The shuttles came to our hotel every 25 minutes starting an hour before the parks opened. Then we were dropped off just outside of security at each park.
On Sundays the Hilton Buena Vista Palace has a Character buffet breakfast. Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy go around to each table and visit with each family. This was awesome because I didn’t have to stress about booking a character breakfast within the parks. The boys had a great time!
We were also within walking distance to Disney Springs which is a great outdoor shopping and dining area. We went there just about every night for dinner. I had made reservations for restaurants in advance and I would definitely suggest you do this as well because it gets very crowded.
There are also a lot of great shops in Disney Springs. They have a huge Disney store so that is where we did most of our souvenir shopping so we didn’t have to carry our purchases around with us all day at the parks.
Another lifesaver for us was Amazon Prime Now. I placed an order with Prime Now at midnight the night we arrived in Disney and our order was in our hotel by 8:30 the next morning! I would highly recommend doing this because you can bring in food and drinks to the parks and this will save you money!
Pirates League
If you have younger kids I highly suggest the Pirates League Makeover where your kiddos can get transformed into Pirates or Mermaids. Also for your littles who love Princesses they can become their favorite princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Both are located in the Magic Kingdom. This was such an awesome experience. From the moment you walk in it is a Pirates Adventure where you get your own Pirate name, pick your costume, receive special Pirate goodies, and more. You need to make a reservation so you will need to call (407- WDW-STYLE) to book your experience.
We are heading to Disney in a few weeks! The boys are so excited and I have to say so am I. I haven’t been there since I was little and so much has changed. I have been doing so much research on the do’s and don’ts of the happiest place on earth! So as we prepare to head to sunny Florida I am going to share with you all of the essentials I have found for our trip!
Potpourri Recipe
- 1 Orange
- 1 Cup Fresh Cranberries
- 2-3 Sprigs of Pine or Rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Cloves
- 2-4 Cinnamon Sticks
*Slice orange and place in a medium saucepan with cranberries, pine, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of water
*Simmer mixture and turn heat to low. Your house will then smell amazing!
Let’s talk about running! Most people I think have a love or hate relationship with running. Take me and Nick for example, I love running and he hates it. For me running is my “me time.” I love just getting lost in my thoughts and let my stresses go away for a little bit.
Ever since high-school I have always loved running and it has been one of my exercises of choices to stay in shape. This upcoming May I will be running in my 5th half marathon, which I am really excited about. This picture is from last year’s half marathon which was the race I was most proud to accomplish.
It was not my fastest race but it was the first race after having the boys. Running this race gave me a great sense of accomplishment because it was so exciting to see the boys cheering me on and the look on their faces when they found me after the race that they were proud and excited for me! I want to show my boys that you can do anything you set your mind to and no matter what you can do it!
For this race I ran my long runs on the weekends when Nick was able to be home with the boys and made sure to run short runs during the week even if it meant pushing the boys in the stroller on the trail! I was determined to stick to my training schedule!
My love for Barre3
I also attribute the ease of last year’s race and my strong legs to Barre3. I have been going to Barre3 at least 4 times a week for almost 2 years. My legs along with my arms are the strongest they have been in years. If you are not familiar with Barre3 classes they are a full body workout that incorporates ballet and pilates moves along with weights for some cardio that gives you a total body workout. I am serious when I say my legs are so strong and I believe my half marathon last year was such a breeze due to Barre3.
I remember my first half marathon in 2011 and I was probably 30 pounds lighter than I am now but I could barely finish the race and was in so much pain. All because I didn’t train that well.
It really goes to show that with setting your mind to a goal and executing it, you can do it! So last year I ran the race the heaviest I have ever been (thanks to pregnancies, I wouldn’t change it though) but the race felt so good and was a breeze to finish all because I trained and wanted to show my boys that you can do anything you set your mind to!
So whether you have never put on a pair of running shoes or are training for your first marathon you can do it!
Training Schedules
Half Marathon Training Schedule
Tips
- Always train wearing the shoes you are going to wear on race day! You want to make sure that you break in your shoes and that they are comfortable. The last thing you want on race day is a blister or broken ankle!
- Know what outfit you are going to wear on race day too! I have certain leggings that I can only wear running because they stay in place as I run. Plus you don’t want any chaffing from uncomfortable activewear. Since I have discovered leggings with side pockets I will only wear those when I run because my phone fits in perfectly, leaving me hands free!
- Create your playlist beforehand. I have a “running” playlist on my phone with all of my favorite rap and fast country songs. When I run to this playlist I get lost in my songs and forget that I have 8 more miles to go. Plus the songs keep me motivated and want to run faster!
- Run hills during your training runs. It will make the actual race a breeze. I always incorporate training on bigger hills than I will actually see on race day because when you train harder the race course will feel so much easier.
- Running on a treadmill is so much different from pavement. If you train on the treadmill that is great but make sure to incorporate some outside runs on pavement. It is a little harder on your joints and I run at a slower pace outside than I do on the treadmill.
Upcoming Races in the Burgh
Pittsburgh Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay/5K
The Gear
I don’t know about you but I am ready for spring! Warm weather, bright colors, and playing outside with the boys! Here are some of my favorite shoes for spring!
I am sure most of you are experiencing the same bitter cold and snow we have had in Pittsburgh. The cabin fever has also already set in with my boys! So I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things that get me through these cold winter months.
Wintry Eats
We love comfort foods in the winter and one of our go to meals every week is soup. Here is one of our favorite recipes.
Chicken Meatball & Orzo Soup
Ingredients
1 lb. Ground Chicken
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1 Egg
1 TBSP. Garlic
1 TBSP. Italian Herb Seasoning
Salt & Pepper
1 Onion
6 cups Chicken Broth
1 cup Orzo Pasta
1-2 Cups Chopped Spinach
1.) Mix Ground Chicken, Parmesan Cheese, Italian Bread Crumbs, Egg, Garlic, Italian Herb Seasoning, and Salt & Pepper in bowl. Once combined roll mixture into meatballs (mine made about 40) (I used a small cookie scoop so all the meatballs were the same size) Then set aside
2.) Dice Onion and saute with Olive Oil over medium heat in large pot. Once cooked add in Chicken Broth and bring to a simmer
3.) Once broth is at a simmer add in Meatballs and Orzo (cook about 10 minutes)
4.) Chop Spinach
5.) Once Meatballs and Orzo are cooked add spinach and cook for 2 minutes
6.) Serve and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese
Chicken Enchiladas
Last weekend Nick and I had tortillas, jalapeno’s, and some chicken we needed to use up so we came up with these chicken enchiladas which were amazing and we even made them again a few days later because we loved them so much. They definitely are not the healthiest but oh-so-yummy!
Ingredients
1 lb. Chicken Breasts (You can use ground chicken or even cooked Rotisserie Chicken too)
1 Onion
Salt & Pepper
1 TBSP. Cumin
1 TBSP. Chili Powder
2-3 Jalapeno’s
Flour or Corn Tortilla’s
Green Enchilada Sauce
Cotija Mexican Cheese
Queso
1.) Dice Chicken, Onion, and Jalapeno’s (leave seeds in if you want extra spice!) and cook in skillet over medium heat. Add in Cumin, Chili Powder, and Salt & Pepper
2.) Spread a thin layer of Green Enchilada Sauce on the bottom of your baking dish
3.) Lay out your Tortilla’s and place Chicken mixture in each tortilla and sprinkle each with Cotija Cheese (make as many as you would like)
4.) Roll each Enchilada and place seam side down in baking dish. Spread remaining Green Enchilada Sauce on top of each Enchilada and then top with Queso and sprinkle Cotija Cheese
5.) Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly
Beauty Favs
My skin gets so dry in the winter especially my hands. They get dry and cracked so I have to keep my skin hydrated everyday. For my hands & body I love this Shea Butter Body Cream because it is thick like whipped butter & contains shea butter & vitamin E which leaves my skin feeling deeply conditioned. 
I swear by Climate Control which is essentially a drink of water for your face and hydration in the purest form. (Can’t get any better than that, right?!) Not only does in hydrate your skin but it helps to bring new skin cells to the surface to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and keep your skin glowing. Plus it has anti-aging properties to keep your skin looking youthful!
I am obsessed with lip products (I am talking I have lip products in every room of the house, car, purse, you name it) and in the winter need something extra moisturizing so that is why I love this Moisturizing Lip Balm. I love that it contains natural ingredients (like all of my other beauty favs!) including coconut oil and cocoa butter which help to soften the skin and protect your lips from any environmental influences.
Just because it is winter doesn’t mean you have to give up a sun kissed glow. I have tried many self tanners and they all left me streaky but I finally found one that doesn’t! I am loving this Self-Tanning Bronzing Coconut Milk. You just spray and gently rub it in and it will give you a glow for days!
Warm and Cozy Must Haves
On these blistering cold days I just love to stay warm and cozy at home with my boys. So these are some things that are keeping me cozy this winter.
This sweatshirt is so soft plus I love the saying! I also love these slippers because even when I am all cozy at home I need a little sparkle! I also pretty much live in these velour pants on those rare days when we have nowhere to go. (Best part is they are on clearance now too!!) Also a hot cup of coffee gets me through the day but I love it even more on cold days. So a great mug is a must have and I just picked up this Valentines mug!
I hope some of my favorite winter must haves will help get you through these cold days too! Stay warm and remember spring will be here before we know it!
This past weekend we hosted a Secret Santa party with our neighbors! It was filled with lots of fun for both the kids and Moms! I want to share with you some ideas for holiday parties. I am sorry I am so late to post this but as you know the holidays are so crazy!
Kids Table
The kids table was filled with lots of goodies for the kids to take home with them including a Santa hat, Reindeer Food, and a cookie from our favorite cookie shop!
If you are local to Pittsburgh you MUST go to GIVE MIA COOKIE for all of your custom cookies! I get them for all of our parties and they make great favors and sweet additions to the dessert table!
Magical Reindeer Food
The Magical Reindeer Food is something fun for the kids to look forward to on Christmas Eve. They just sprinkle the magical food outside and it helps to guide Santa and the Reindeer to your house!
Recipe
- 2 Cups Old Fashion Oatmeal
- 2 Tablespoons Sprinkles
*Mix together the oatmeal and sprinkles and place in decorative bag with instructions!
I also had kid friendly food including these cute Grinch fruit Kabobs which were a hit!
Grinch Kabobs Recipe
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Green Grapes
- Marshmallows
- Kabob Skewers
*Place 1 grape, 1 banana slice, 1 strawberry, and 2 marshmallows on a skewer
Hot Chocolate Bar
We also had a hot chocolate bar which would be great for any winter party! Plus it is very easy to put together and was a hit with the kids and adults! I made homemade hot chocolate which was very simple but you can always use pre-mixed hot chocolate as well.
Our bar was filled with marshmallows, vanilla wafer sticks, candy canes, and gingerbread cookies! I had all of the Christmas mugs and bowls already as well as the galvanized metal tins from previous parties. All I added to make it more festive was fresh pine from Trader Joes!
Hot Chocolate Recipe (I doubled this recipe)
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream or half & half
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- Dash of salt
- 6 oz. chocolate morsels
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
*On stove top mix milk, cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium saucepan
*Cook over medium heat and whisk until sugar and cocoa are dissolved (steam mixture, do not boil)
*Once steaming whisk in chocolate morsels until mixture is smooth
*Remove from heat and stir in vanilla
Ladies Table
The Moms received treats to take home with them as well including a wine glass, homemade potpourri, and a cookie from Give Mia Cookie
Growing up my Mom always had a similar potpourri mixture on the stove and it filled our house with the wonderful smell of Christmas! You can customize your potpourri with any scent that you would like.
Potpourri Recipe
- 1 Orange
- 1 Cup Fresh Cranberries
- 2-3 Sprigs of Pine or Rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Cloves
- 2-4 Cinnamon Sticks
*Slice orange and place in a medium saucepan with cranberries, pine, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and 2 cups of water
*Simmer mixture and turn heat to low. Your house will then smell amazing!
My centerpieces were fresh pine and holiday greenery including holly and berries from Trader Joe’s. I made them into my own with vases I had on hand. I also had Poinsettia’s that I added to the middle of the table as well. This tablescape was very inexpensive. I love getting fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s and turning them into my own centerpieces plus not to mention they are inexpensive and they last a long time.
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