Wordless Wednesday: Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend

I think I would look FABULOUS rockin' some wings. I'm just sayin'. (runDisney announced their newest event yesterday, The Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort, January 27-29, 2012.) Pixie dust, anyone?

Winks & Smiles,



Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration Recap

I’m back from my second trip to Walt Disney World Resort, yes I spent half of March making friends with Minnie, and truth-be-told it just doesn’t get old. That’s right; I’m officially addicted to pixie dust and glass slippers.

This time I was there for the Social Media Moms Celebration – a gathering of nearly 200 women, and their families, complete with engaging sessions, dynamic speakers, lots of networking, some special celebrity guests, fun-filled parties, and of course – the parks!

It’s hard to wrap-up such an eventful weekend in one post. There were so many special moments like celebrity wedding planner and host of the TV show, “My Fair Wedding,” David Tutera popping in Disney’s Wedding Pavilion right before we saw a couple renew their vows and ride off in Cinderella’s coach. Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic. Oh, and the line up of speakers during Friday’s sessions were phenomenal. I’m in love with Rene Syler, author of Good Enough Mother and former CBS News “The Early Show” anchor. She’s so down to earth. I also enjoyed sitting with social media guru, Chris Brogan for most of the day. He was the only male speaker and survived a room full of socially savvy women, and that was before they surprised us with a champagne break.

All of the food, the drinks, ahem, the private parties, and, yes, the swag, (I’m just sayin’) truly made us feel like pampered princesses.

We stayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa which simply put is GRAND. It’s on the monorail line with easy access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot; and is quickly becoming my favorite out of Disney’s many fabulous resorts.
While I didn’t run once this trip, gasp!, I’m sure I logged countless miles walking around the parks. My family and I hit up all four – Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and my favorite Magic Kingdom. Yes, we enjoyed the coveted Media Fast Pass that bumped us up to the front of most lines. Royalty, I tell you.

My son, Miles, held things down on the exercise front when he took part in the Magic of Healthy Living, “Play-Your-Way” games. Hosted by NFL great Darrell Green, the kids competed in a field day style series of high-energy games designed to show them how they can incorporate a healthy lifestyle into their daily routines. Miles’ smile was priceless when “Zeke & Luther” star Daniel Curtis Lee joined the kids on the field. Later that day, I attended a press conference to learn more about the new Magic of Healthy Living initiative. I just love that Disney is encouraging kids to be healthier. You can learn more about all the wonderful things they’re doing at the Magic of Healthy Living website which is now in heavy rotation at my house.

OK, OK, enough with the words, its picture time. Here's a sampling from the weekend:

The view from Disney's luxurious Grand Floridian.

We had sweet treats at Disney's Wedding Pavilion.

And, lots of healthy eats all weekend.

Not many conferences serve you champagne in between sessions - ooh-la-la!

Husband and the kids played while I was in the sessions. On Main Street in Magic Kingdom.

Me and Husband at Friday night's private soiree hosted by Disney Junior on Disney Channel at Hollywood Studios.

The Play-Your-Way games.

Little girl hamming it up!

Daniel Curtis Lee and Miles taking a break.

Me, Milan and NFL superstar, Darrell Green

Some of Disney's best and brightest at the Magic of Healthy Living Press Conference.

Playing in the parks at one of my family's favorite rides.

Goofing with the kids before the ride.

My sports fanatic family had to stop by ESPN's Wide World of Sports.

I picked up a little early birthday present. Turns out Walt Disney World and I were "established" in the same magical year. Could it be coincidence?

Many thanks and kudos to Laura Spencer, Leanne Jakubowski, their wonderful team at Walt Disney World Resorts, and everyone who had a hand in making this celebration a huge success!

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: I paid a registration fee for the conference that generously included my hotel, several meals, events, and park passes for my family. As always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Friday's Confession: I'm Officially Counting Down, 40 til 40

Friday's Confession ... I'm officially counting down, I'm 40 days away from my 40th birthday ... and a pretty hefty birthday goal.

While I'm feeling good about my progress, its officially time for me to move into failure-is-not-an-option mode. Um, once I get back from Disney. Ahem.

The WONDERFUL folks at Walt Disney World Resorts are spoiling us rotten at Disney's Social Media Moms Conference. Incredible speakers, sessions, networking, food, drinks, swag, parties, the parks ... did I mention the food and drinks? I've been traveling like crazy this month and I've managed to make healthy choices through most of it, but THIS trip I seem to have the food and drinks in my hand on my mind. Gasp!

40 til 40. That's what's going to get me through, folks. That and a little bit of pixie dust.

Winks & Smiles,

Morning Glory

Seriously.

I took this photo from my bed this morning when I woke up in Daytona Beach. Yes, I'm on the move once again, this time I'm in sunny Florida headed to Disney's Social Media Moms Conference. And, yes, this time I had to bring my family with me because they were staging a coup happily brought my family with me. I also brought my running shoes but left my tiara and tutu at home. Maybe I can borrow Cinderella's.

Winks & Smiles,

Disney’s Dreamers Academy: Dreaming Big and On Purpose

As many of you know I spent last week RUNNING around Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. First was Disney’s Princess Half Marathon, then I got to relax and experience Disney adult-style; and I wrapped up the trip covering Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine.

The Dreamers Academy was launched in 2007 to inspire students grades 9-12 to dream big and to help expose them to, and identify, career paths. For four days the Dreamers participated in immersive workshops focusing on a variety of subjects including Walt Disney Imagineering techniques, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and culinary arts. Disney experts, world renowned entrepreneurs and celebrities like Tamera Mowry, Chris Massey and Raven-Symone shared their blueprints for success.

I’ve posted about this event several times as I’ve attended the past two and this year I had the honor of being one of 11 judges to select the final 100 participants. It’s hard to put into words the magic that this life-changing weekend brings – it’s inspirational, motivational, educational and eye-opening to everyone that crosses its path. I think pictures show the magic beautifully but I’d also like to share some powerful words that we could all use in our everyday lives. These words come from Miki Taylor, editor-at-large for Essence magazine who, after an uplifting talk, left the Dreamers with these five instructions:

Know your value.

Be on purpose.

Take cues from the right sources.

Don’t let negativity get in your way.

Be the empowered dreamers you are called to be by stepping out on faith.

Tracey D. Powell, Executive Champion for Disney's Dreamers Academy, Mikki Taylor, Steve Harvey and several students serve as the grand marshals on March 3, 2011 in the daily parade at the Magic Kingdom.

High school student Erik Hamlet of Parkville, Md. designs a roller coaster at the Sum of All Thrills simulator attraction in Innoventions during a career workshop session at Epcot.

New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson poses for a photo with high school student Ashlynn Stodghill of Atlanta, Ga. at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Singer Kimberley Locke serenades the Dreamers.

Motivational speakers Dr. Steve Perry and Jonathan Sprinkles, Alex O. Ellis, CEO of Simply Ellis Custom Clothier, and Terrance J, host of BET's "106 and Park," speak to a group of male students.

Terrance J interviews actor Chris Massey and actress Tamera Mowry.

Actress/singer Raven-Symoné cheers on student Nautica Mitchell of Alpharetta, Ga. during the commencement ceremony.

Me with gospel great Yolanda Adams

Steve Harvey, Essence Communications, Inc. President Michelle Ebanks and Mikki Taylor pose for a photo with Mickey Mouse and a group of Dreamers.

Make sure YOU’RE dreaming big and on purpose.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclosure: Walt Disney World Resort provided my travel and accommodations. As always my thoughts and opinions are all my own.


Photo credits: Todd Anderson provide all of the photos via Disney except the photo of me with Yolanda Adams taken by Eric Payne.

Friday's Confession: Running Around Disney WITHOUT My Kids

Friday's Confession ... I've been running around Disney for the past 6 days. Well, not actually RUNNING, although I did log in 13.1 miles during the Princess Half Marathon and three on Wednesday, but I have spent several days exploring some of the wonderful attractions Walt Disney World Resort has to offer someone like me when they are traveling WITHOUT the kids. Ahem.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I was thoroughly wined, dined, pampered and entertained by my good friends at Disney. While I miss my kids I must confess I'm having a blast in the most famous park in the world  - without them.

Here's a quick peek inside my little "adults only" getaway ...

We started off with a tour of the different Disney resorts. They have something for everyone across all price ranges from value resorts like the All Star Hotels: or moderate hotels like this one - Port Orleans.

And even deluxe villas like Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. I'm in LOVE with this peek-a-boo bed and bathroom. Fab-u-lous!

Afterwards we headed to a private reception and dinner at Disney's Grand Floridian's Citricos for some good food and wine. Ahem.

Wednesday morning was all about some first class pampering at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. 50 minute Swedish massage. Pure BLISS.

After a lovely and healthy breakfast ...

And a few mimosas - gasp! ...

We headed to Animal Kingdom to experience thier new Wild Africa Trek attraction.

Me getting ready to get all geared up. I'll blog about this in a seperate post, but let me just say it was AMAZING - especially crossing the rickety bridge over Nile crocodiles! Yikes!

We wrapped up the day with some African Fusion food from Jiko and the Cirque Du Soleil - La Nouba show in Downtown Disney. It was so good it made me want to runaway and join the circus - or atleast learn a new trick.

I woke up the next day and went to France - in Epcot, of course.

The lovely ladies in Guerlain introduced us to their world of fragrences and cosmetics.

I got make up done.

And took a tour of their fragance garden.

Then we headed over to the UK for a tour and tea tasting at Twinings.

We wrapped up our delightful morning in Germany with a little carmel. Totally sinful.

On Thurdsay afternoon Disney's Dreamer Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine started; I'll be here covering that through Sunday. I'm doing a great job making healthy eating choices, I had no idea there were so many healthy options here, and plan on taking it to the next level when I get home. I'm less than two months away from my birthday goal and so excited that I've been RUNNING around Disney and have stayed on track.

Winks & Smiles,

Disclaimer: Walt Disney Resort provided my travel and accomodations; but as always, my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Workout Wordless Wednesday

Workout Wordless Wednesday

My early morning view. 3 miles done.

The view outside my early morning view at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Fun begin.

Winks & Smiles,