Shelley, Author at On the Go in MCO

Dine With Shamu – A Dinner You Will Never Forget At SeaWorld Orlando

Dine with Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando

Dine with Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando is quite possibly the most unique and memorable dining experience I have ever had.

We were invited by SeaWorld Orlando to take in this experience, and my Mom, Zoe, and I had such an amazing time!

During a buffet that featured sustainable, organic, seasonal or locally grown ingredients that aim to minimize environmental impacts to animals and their habitats, we got closer than we ever expected to these beautiful and powerful whales.

The buffet at Dine with Shamu changes seasonally, but features seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, certified sustainable seafood, all natural grain fed Beef Sirloin, oven roasted turkey breast, 100% natural pork loin with no preservatives or additives, seasonal accompaniments, fresh breads baked daily, signature desserts.

The beverages included in the price are assorted Coca-Cola® products, hot tea, coffee, beer, and wine

On the Kid’s Buffet you’ll find some of their favorite foods! Hot dogs, sea shell pasta with vine ripe tomato marinara and meatballs, mac and cheese , seasonal fresh fruits, and vegetables are offered in addition to the regular buffet.

The service at Dine with Shamu is amazing! My Mother is diabetic, and they even made sure she had a tasty dessert!

As we were eating, we noticed that the whales were slowly began swimming beside us. This was a great opportunity to get an incredible glimpse into the interactions that occur between the SeaWorld trainers and whales.

We got to watch them do fun tricks, how they are trained, conservation tips to help save ocean resources and habitats, and even learned what their favorite treats were (jell-o and ice cubes).

One of the best parts of the Dine with Shamu experience is that it is priced extremely reasonably! Adults (Ages 10+) $29.00 Children (Ages 3-9) $19.00, and there are Annual Passholder discounts available!

Dine with Shamu is a behind-the-scenes experience that will increase your appreciation and knowledge of these amazing whales and their trainers. It’s only at SeaWorld Orlando, so I absolutely recommend that you take advantage of this unique dining experience during your next visit to the park!

Additional Dine with Shamu Information:

Children under 3 are free but require a reservation.
A SeaWorld admission ticket is required but not included.
Proof of age (21) for purchase or consumption of alcohol beverages on these premises. SeaWorld requires identification from anyone appearing 30 years of age or younger.
If you are concerned about food allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg or soy, please note allergens at time of booking.
Florida sales tax will be added to all taxable items.
Dine with Shamu will be refunded if cancelled 24 hours in advance of the scheduled dine.

All events are subject to change and/or cancellation due to animal availability.
Events are not cancelled due to inclement weather; programs will still be offered except in the event of lightning.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Ye Olde Spring Country Faire

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores – Ye Olde Spring County Faire

Just in time for Easter, the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Ye Olde Spring Country Faire is a fun festival for the entire family!

The Faire and it’s activities are located in and around the stores, and include photo opportunities with Mayor Clayton and Ms. Merry (character rabbits from Give Kids the World Village, donations accepted), clowns, face painting, a sidewalk sale, games, activities, great prizes and much more.

This event is totally Free to the public! The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores Ye Olde Spring Country Faire festival will be held Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

15657 South Apopka Vineland Road (SRS 535)

Orlando, FL 32821

For more info: www.LBVFS.com.

Wordless Wednesday – Barnabas T. Bullion’s New Digs

Wordless Wednesday – March 20, 2013

Wordless Wednesday Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes a peek at one of my favorite details in Barnabas T. Bullion‘s Big Thunder Mining Company.

Feeding The Animals Of Walkabout Way At Busch Gardens

At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Zoe got to do something she’s wanted to do for ‘her whole entire life’…She got to feed kangaroos in the Walkabout Way area of the park.

Guests ages 5 and older can purchase a cup of food for this experience at a nominal fee, but it is important to note that you can go in without purchasing food for the animals. If you are a Busch Gardens annual pass holder, you will want to make sure that you show your pass for a discount!

In Walkabout Way you will find red and grey kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies magpie geese, Australian black swans, and other native Australian species. And the best part is that the food that you purchase can be fed to any of the animals in this area!

There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to feed the animals in Walkabout Way.

The first thing to keep in mind is that there are scheduled feeding times, which are posted at the entrance to the area. It is a good idea to visit at the beginning of a scheduled feeding, since the animals can get rather full if it is a busy day of treat giving.
The animals in this area are accustomed to being touched, so there are also tons of hand-washing stations located just outside of the Walkabout Way feeding area for your convenience.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! There are experts on hand that can answer questions from your little ones, and love to share their passion for taking care of these beautiful animals.
Take tons of pictures! How cool is it to have a picture of you feeding a kangaroo or wallaby? Answer, VERY cool!

I hope that you give feeding the animals of Walkabout Way a chance, and that it is as fun for you and your family as it was for mine!

My Perfect Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Day

This year’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is full of some great new additions, as well as some of my old favorites. I thought I would take you along as I look at what makes a perfect day at the 2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.

httpv://youtu.be/nLssHT6H_fQ

When you walk in the main entrance to Epcot, it’s hard to miss the new Fab 5 Topiary ‘Party with Mickey & Friends’ as they celebrate the 20^th Anniversary of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Also as you walk around Spaceship Earth towards Future World, make sure you check out the Phineas & Ferb Topiary.

I am a big fan of the new ‘Radiator Springs’ interactive play area! Make sure you take a few extra minutes to become a Private Detective with Tow Mater. This area is sure to make the Cars fans in your family happy!

After taking a stroll through Radiator Springs, it’s a great time to head to the Festival Center. Here you can find all of the great Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival merchandise, see a presentation in the HGTV Theater with some of your favorite DIY gurus, take a class, or even ask an expert a question about your garden at home.

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival — This year’s Festival Pins!

httpv://youtu.be/XyaZ0FTiSz8

Another area that I could spend all day in is Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House. This year Tinker Bell and her friends play host to a wonderful world of butterflies, and if you look closely you might even find some of their Fairy Houses! For a special treat, make sure you stop by around 11:00 am to watch the butterflies emerge from their cocoons.

You can visit the Land of Oz in the new children’s play area presented by the new Disney film ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’. In this area you can play midway games for prizes, take a break and play for a bit on unique play structures, and relax under a hot air balloon.

While you’re in this area, a fun activity for the little ones is to decorate a flower pot for their seeds from The Land of Oz at the Water Wise Herbs & Vegetable exhibit.

Luckily the Pineapple Promenade is right next to The Land of Oz Play area, so it was time to grab a Dole Whip (I opted to get one without spiced rum) and a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. What a great treat!

This year there are 12 food booths around the World Showcase Lagoon offering a Taste of Spring. While these booths look similar to those used for the International Food & Wine Festival in the Fall, that is where the similarities end. For the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, each booth features fresh foods prepared in the booth with plantings around each one of ingredients used in the foods. The Cottage in the United Kingdom Pavilion was my favorite, but the candied strawberries of Lotus House are unique and worth a try!

Also, you will definitely want to pick up one of the Disney Gift Cards on a wristlet to make buying items at the booths super easy! It can be loaded with as little as $5, and is accepted as payment for nearly anything! Plus this year, they are themed to the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! Super Cute! You can get them throughout Epcot at ticket booths, Guest Relations, the Festival Center, and almost anywhere they sell Disney Gift Cards!

And it wouldn’t be Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival without topiaries, and both World Showcase & Future World are full of some great ones! I definitely wouldn’t miss…

The new Disney-Pixar ‘Monsters University’
The Moose in the Victoria Gardens of the Canada Pavilion
Hook, Tic Toc Croc, and Peter Pan in the United Kingdom Pavilion
Beauty and the Beast in the France Pavilion
Woody & Lotso in the American Adventure Pavilion
Buzz in front of Mission Space
The Troll in the Norway Pavilion

The Backyard Play Garden is full of whimsical touches that you can add to your garden at home (with instructions), as well as a really nice play area for the kiddos. This is a great place to take a break since the kids have a place that is covered to play on with restrooms close by.

Two of my perennial favorites are the bonsai on display in the Japan Pavilion and the large terra cotta pots of Italy that are overflowing with beautiful flowers.

Now would be about the time to start queuing up for the Flower Power Concert Series performed at the American Gardens Theater near the American Adventure Pavilion. STOP TO AT LEAST HEAR ONE CONCERT! I know that these are older performers, but once they start going you will be surprised to see how many songs you know. We saw Micky Dolenz, of The Monkees, and he was amazing. I am personally stoked for The Village People to perform later in the festival.

httpv://youtu.be/pejIzkCvWLg

Make sure you take a moment to take in the Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard & Shirley Kinsey inside of the American Adventure Pavilion. This new exhibit allows you to see authentic documents, books, artifacts, and are art including landscapes and flora in one of the largest collections of African American Art. I had the amazing chance to speak with the Kinseys, and their passion for this collection is breathtaking. We are truly lucky to have such an exhibit visiting Epcot!

After you watch Illuminations, a mandatory watching is included in a perfect day at Epcot, make sure you check out the topiaries as they are illuminated and pixie dust powered at night.

And that would be my perfect day at Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival. It’s a great time of year to visit, and I can’t wait to hear what your perfect day at the Festival would be like!

Central Florida Home & Garden Show Giveaway

Central Florida Home & Garden Show Springs Into Action March 22-24

Featuring Jason Cameron, DIY Experts, Top Local Chefs and Home and Garden Solutions

One of the region’s most anticipated spring events will be here in no time: the 2013 Central Florida Home & Garden Show, returning March 22-24 to the Orange County Convention Center in Hall South B in the Center’s South Concourse facing International Drive. The home improvement extravaganza is the premier place to find innovative products, new ideas, practical advice and great deals in remodeling, home improvement and gardening with hundreds of experts all under one roof. From windows and flooring to cabinets and landscaping, consumers can shop, compare and save on a wide variety of products and services to renew, refresh and restore their homes.

Show highlights include appearances by Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes; tips and advice from local and national home improvement experts appearing on the IKEA Home Stage throughout the weekend; demonstrations by some of the area’s favorite chefs on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage; Hero Day on Friday only, offering free admission to retired or current members of the military and first responders; designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle; and a “fun-raiser” for Children’s Home Society of Florida; and more than 250 DIY, landscaping and home improvement experts offering a range of new products and services, including more than 100 exhibitors new to the market or making their Central Florida Home & Garden Show debut.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoxpfNLfVfM&feature=share&list=UUXVc9UOnBIQpe-WLbNWHUzQ

Marketplace Events, North America’s largest producer of home shows, including the Central Florida Home & Garden Show and fall Orlando Home Show, announced earlier this year that attendance at the first four home shows in the company’s annual portfolio realized an average attendance increase of 17 percent over the prior year, and that exhibit space and online advance ticket sales were also trending upward. “Our results so far this year, coupled with low interest rates and improving home sales, lead us to believe that more and more people are taking on home improvement projects that they have previously postponed,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events. “Now more than ever, home shows are relevant to bring people with projects together with local businesses offering competitive pricing and promotions that even savvy shoppers might not find elsewhere.”

“Our shows offer something for everyone,” added Cristian Moore, show manager for Marketplace Events. “Whether they have a specific project in mind or simply want to enjoy a fun day out, local residents and visitors can refresh their space, reinvent their décor and restyle their lives at our show.”

Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes shares his passion for architecture and the wood shop, along with tips, advice and behind-the-scenes stories during his appearances on the IKEA Home Stage on Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 12 noon and 5 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. (subject to change without notice).

Guests can enjoy mouth-watering demonstrations and tasty samples prepared by some of the area’s favorite chefs and culinary pros on the Edible Orlando Cooking Stage. Scheduled to demonstrate their signature recipes and dispense advice throughout the weekend are James and Julie Petrakis of the The Ravenous Pig; Kevin Spencer of Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops at Hilton Orlando; Greg Picard, executive chef for Orlando World Center Marriott; Dun Chau of Sushi House Orlando; Danny Otera of Teak Neighborhood Grill, and chefs and experts from Whole Foods Market, New York Dinger and World of Beer. Gloria B, the bi-lingual host of KQ103 FM’s afternoon drive show, spices up the stage on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Latino style!

Get answers to important DIY and home improvement, landscaping and home décor questions from more than 250 experts around the show floor and on the main stage throughout the weekend. Local favorites Harry P. Leu Gardens Director Robert Bowden and popular green thumb and Orlando Sentinel columnist Tom MacCubbin are among the presenters (visit www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com for a complete listing of presentations and times).

Other experts can help show-goers make their gardens a beautiful retreat. Belgard Hardscapes, Hoffner Landscape, Jan Clay Flowers, Lanai Hardscape Company, Pebble Junction, Pondtastic Water Gardens and Smithwell will be on site with ideas, tips and cash-and-carry items.

Speaking of items for cash-and-carry, guests can “raise the woof!” and show their furry housemates some love at the Pet Pavilion sponsored by Urban Pet Magazine and Stanley Steemer. Exhibitors range from emergency vet, boarding, training and pet rescue services to purveyors of fashion, treats and grooming for cats, dogs and other critters.

Other not-to-be-missed features and opportunities at the show include Hero Day on Friday only, offering free admission to retired or current members of the military and first responders with proper ID or in uniform; Friday Family Day, offering free admission to children ages 12 and under and family-fun activities on the show floor; Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Champions for Children™ Corner, where guests can spin the prize wheel, putt for prizes and bid on celebrity painted bird houses to support Florida’s most vulnerable kids; fantastic ice and fruit carving displays throughout the weekend by Laz of Wizard Connection; and designer rooms with instant ideas to refresh and restyle. Plus enter-to-win contests, prize drawings, and much more!

Show hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and are $10 for adults 13+, $5 for seniors (60+, at the box office only), $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages five and under. Advance tickets can be purchased online for a $3 discount off full-price $10 admission at www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com, courtesy of TD Bank.

For more information, visit www.CentralFloridaHomeAndGardenShow.com , or call 877-871-SHOW (7469). Connect on Facebook, Twitter (@FloridaHomeShow), Pinterest (pinterest.com/homeshows/) for up-to-the-minute show details, discounts and fabulous home improvement tips. Visit the show’s blog at www.HomeAndGardenBlog.com.

We are also offering you the chance to win 4 tickets to the Central Florida Home & Garden Show!

But wait, there’s more! Your winner (and you) will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win a meet and greet with our special celebrity guest, Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes and VIP front row seats to his Saturday stage appearance.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Opening Day of the Central Florida Home & Garden Show Friday, March 22 is FAMILY DAY, a celebration of all things home and family. In the midst of spring and Spring Break, now’s the time to bring the kid out in all of us. Join in special activities and gather tips for a family-friendly home. Kids ages and 12 and under are FREE on Friday!

The Central Florida Home & Garden Show and its fall sister show, the Orlando Home Show (October 4-6, 2013) are both produced by Marketplace Events.

Wordless Wednesday – When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Wordless Wednesday – March 13, 2013

TrenD Report – Get Ready for Spring With Maxi Dresses, Scarves, Tanks, and More

TrenD Report – March 12, 2013

It is time to start thinking about putting away your sweaters and getting ready for Spring in this week’s TrenD Report which is full of great new pieces!

I was really excited to find that there were two new maxi dresses at TrenD! The Bambi Maxi Dress is jersey materials that is super lightweight but not see through. And the black and white Mickey Maxi Dress has a really great drawstring waist detail and is a two layer dress that would be great for date night. I love the short dresses that I have, and I am looking forward to trying these dresses on soon.

And the tanks are soooo much fun this spring. There are so many great styles out right now! From frilly and fun to perfect for warm weather tanks perfect for park hopping you’re sure to find something you’ll love! I really love all the stylized princess tanks, especially the ruffled Sleeping Beauty tank!

This time I didn’t find too many new purses, but I still love the black, white, and pink line that they have added pieces to over the last month! The color combination had me at hello!

It was also really fun to see all of the the Oz shirts, accessories, and OPI nail polishes in one place. I really want to give the OPI sand texture polish a try and the super soft t-shirts are whimsical and true to the style of the movie.

Another thing that I am excited about is the variety of Summer Scarves that are available! These lightweight scarves are the perfect accessory for windy spring evening watching fireworks. I am a huge fan of a scarves, and the retro scarf is really awesome in person.

I found all sorts of other great finds on my trip to Downtown Disney’s TrenD!

Have a great time window shopping with me!

TrenD Report — Zig Zag Summer Scarf $21.95

20th Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival Overview

The 20^th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival presented by HGTV blooms into action March 6-May 19, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort. More than 100 topiaries, 240 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape.

This year Disney’s favorite topiaries and beautiful garden landscapes create the perfect backdrop this year’s new crop of festival additions that include food-and-beverage Garden Marketplaces, new topiaries, a circus-like “Land of Oz” play area, and nighttime illuminated gardens.

Flower and Garden Festival Additions Debuting This Year:

Garden Marketplace culinary creations ranging from smokehouse barbecue and shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice. Chefs are perfecting menus for marketplaces that will include Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase and eight others. Around the World Showcase promenade

Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with a kick like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush. Beverage specialists will feature brews and beverages at food marketplaces and at Fruits by the Glass andPineapple Promenade. Around the World Showcase promenade
The Land of Oz Garden circus-like play area, based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful” to be released March 8, 2013. The interactive children’s play zone will feature play systems adorned with giant flowers and designed to stretch kids’ imaginations and muscles. Midway-style games, circus-themed game tents and the “Oz Movie Garden” of intriguing plants will capture the spirit of the upcoming film. Also on tap: photo opportunities and the “great and powerful Oz’s” crashed hot-air balloon. Imagination Walkway

Flower and Garden Festival — I am in love with these glass poppies outside of the Land of Oz play area.

Larger-than-life Fab Five Disney character topiary. Floral versions of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) star in a celebratory cookout scene in living topiary color. The 14-foot-tall Goofy topiary will bobble an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms. Epcot Front Entrance

Illuminated Gardens in the park’s Future World and World Showcase will twinkle and glow over the festival’s world-famous Disney gardens and topiaries each festival evening. Epcot Future World and World Showcase

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When you travel World Showcase, you’ll find each pavilion features its own nation-themed Garden Marketplace (they may even look familiar) featuring great food and drink options for theFlower and Garden Festival! Here’s just a taste of what’s in store:

International Pavilions

The Smokehouse – Barbeque and Brews: Get into some finger-lickin’ barbecue—pulled pork and smoked brisket—and ice-cold craft beers at The American Adventure.
Lotus House: Delicacies with Far Eastern flair await you at China: a savory spring pancake, taro-bacon puff pastry, bubble tea and more.
L’Orangerie: France presents a rustic ratatouille tart, country pâté with cherry compote and, of course, a selection of French wines.
Bauernmarkt – Farmer’s Market: Visit Germany, for spring pea and mushroom bread pudding, potato pancakes and a variety of beers.
Primavera Kitchen: Italy will be serving lobster with asparagus, spring vegetable lasagna, panna cotta, fruity cocktails and Italian wines.
Hanami: Named after the nation’s custom of viewing spring flowers, this location in Japan will feature “frushi,” or fruit sushi, grilled seafood sticks and sake.
Jardin de Fiestas: Join the party in Mexico with crab tostadas, pork tacos, the strawberry-infused Rosita margarita and tequila flights.
Taste of Marrakesh: Enjoy Morocco’s lamb kebabs and couscous, harissa chicken drumettes with chermoula, desert rose cocktail and more.
The Cottage – Savories, Trifles and Tea: Stop by the United Kingdom for tea and delectable dainties, including a salmon tartare-topped cheddar biscuit, an ultra-gourmet Caprese and a trio of trifles.
Pineapple Promenade: Take a delicious break in your day, indulging in spiced rum Dole Whip, pineapple upside down cake, fruit cups and more.
Florida Fresh: Taste the Sunshine State with watermelon and feta salad, shrimp and grits, and tomato and carrot wines!
Fruits by the Glass: Toast to Spring with mango and blueberry wines, nonalcoholic wild berry slush and gluten-free raspberry ale, among others.

Throughout the 75-day garden party, guests will discover festival surprises around every corner including new topiary triumphs, a butterfly bounty, whimsical children’s play areas, HGTV celebrity designers, daily hands-on gardening seminars and a Festival Center packed with events that offer innovative ideas, gardening know-how and design tips. Weekends, top Flower Power rockers of the 1960s and ’70s will perform.

Every Friday through Sunday, HGTV design celebrities will host Festival Center seminars in the Flower and Garden Festival Center. This is one of my favorite parts of theFlower and Garden Festival, and I absolutely suggest checking it out! If you do plan on attending one of these seminars, you’re going to want to grab a seat early.

NEW! Chris Lambton of HGTV’s Going Yard
March 8 – 10
NEW! Chris Grundy of DIY Network’s Cool Tools
March 15 – 17
NEW! Egypt Sherrod of HGTV’s Property Virgins
March 22 – 24
Brandon Johnson of HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney
March 29 – 31
Meg Caswell of HGTV’s Meg’s Great Rooms
April 5 – 7
Jason Cameron of DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves
April 12 – 14
NEW! Sara Peterson of Editor-in-Chief, HGTV Magazine
April 19 – 21
Carter Oosterhouse of HGTV’s Million Dollar Rooms
April 26 – 28
NEW! Casey Noble of HGTV’s Design on a Dime
May 3 – 5
Dan Faires of HGTV’s Design Star and HGTV.com’sDanMade
May 10 – 12
NEW! David Bromstad of HGTV Design Star, Color Splash, Design Star All-Stars
May 17 – 19

MoreFlower and Garden Festival Family Highlights Include:

“Monsters University” topiary: Floral representations of Mike and Sully from the hit Disney-Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” and stars of Disney-Pixar’s June 2013 release, “Monsters University,” will join the festivities as new topiary family members. On the Future World Walkway
Phineas and Ferb topiary: The popular Disney Channel animated celebs limit their shenanigans to go green for a family photo-op. Behind Spaceship Earth
“Radiator Springs” interactive play zone: Race car Lightning McQueen and tow truck “Mater” of the Disney-Pixar film “Cars 2″ will be the well-maintained topiary stars of this play area. On the Test Track Walkway
Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House: Eight fanciful fairy topiaries of Pixie Hollow, including Tinker Bell, Fawn, Vidia and Terrence, take over the Butterfly House this year where hundreds of colorful winged beauties flit to life. On the Imagination Walkway

Another really fun addition to theFlower and Garden Festival is the Flower Power Concert Series, which kicks off March 8-10 with Micky Dolenz (“I’m a Believer”), and continues each weekend with pop favorites including:

March 15-17: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
March 22-24: The Guess Who
March 29-31: Nelson
April 5-7: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
April 12-14: Paul Revere & the Raiders
April 19-21: Village People (new!)
April 26-28: The Orchestra, Featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO II
May 3-5: Tommy Roe (new!)
May 10-12: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 17-19: Starship starring Mickey Thomas.

You’ll notice that there are two really groovy additions to the Flower Power Concert Series this year! The 1970s top disco band the Village People (April 19-21) and 1960s singer-songwriter Tommy Roe (May 3-5) bring on the Flower Power beat when they take the concert stage for the first time.

If you are planning on attending one of the Flower Power Concerts, make sure that you get there early! Seats tend to go quickly and they are always a blast!

While you’ll find a lot of great exhibits and topiaries in Epcot’s Future World, the Flower and Garden Festival keeps growing as you travel around World Showcase, where the spotlight will shine on topiaries of Disney princesses, storybook characters and even pandas and trolls, guests will discover the attractions, shops and restaurants that represent cultures and cuisine of 11 countries.

httpv://youtu.be/gAHllZIQuek

For more information about the 20^th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639), check out the Flower and Garden Festival Guide, or visit www.EpcotinSpring.com.

The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

Wordless Wednesday – Glass Flowers

Wordless Wednesday – March 6, 2013

Beautifully Disney Giveaway

Beautifully Disney has arrived at Walt Disney World, and I couldn’t be more excited!

I got the unique opportunity to have a sneak peek and wear some of Disney’s newest collection of cosmetics and beauty products exclusive to Disney Parks, and I want to share some of my thoughts and give you the chance to win a lip gloss from the collection!

Beautifully Disney defines timeless beauty through collections of fairytale nostalgia, unlocking harmonious colors. Through the collections of this new and enchanting line, it is the goal to keep guests romanced by the contrast of mysterious yet inviting colors and sparkle to experience modern recreations of our most beloved and treasured Disney characters. Beautifully Disney is sure to bring out the sheer brilliance of your inner most beauty. The character inspired collection is the first of its kind for Disney Parks and has been developed to evoke the spirit, beauty, and fantasy of all things Disney.

I am a huge fan of make up brands like Urban Decay, Stilla, and MAC, and I have to say that the Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful Collection doesn’t disappoint!

When we arrived at TrenD early Saturday morning, we had the opportunity to speak to two cosmetologists about working with and wearing the cosmetics line.

We also heard from Erin Catalano, Merchandise Communication Specialist, Walt Disney World Resort, about the cosmetic line and it’s availability in the parks and online.

When I sat down in the chair for my Beautifully Disney makeover, I was really excited! We used the ‘Midnight Hour’ villain’s eyeshadow collection to created a subtle eye and used Ariel’s lip gloss ‘Mysterious Mermaid’ in combination with Cinderella’s lip gloss ‘Stroke of Midnight’ for a shimmery pop. The product names are super cute, and the results were pretty awesome!

The eyeshadow collections have a very smooth texture, even the shadows with a hint of glitter, a good level of saturation, and go on easily without leaving behind too much powder and glitter where you don’t want it to be! I usually have a hard time keeping eyeshadow on without a good base, but I definitely did not have that problem with the Beautifully Disney collection.

Beautifully Disney is a very build-able and wearable collection! The light colors of eyeshadow are ideal for the day and more casual occasions, and to get more of a dramatic look it’s super easy to use what you already have in the eyeshadow palatte. I love that one palatte can create so many looks!

The Beautifully Disney lip glosses were super high quality and long lasting! I also love that the creators of Beautifully Disney created a line that was so flexible! The glosses have a good level of shine and shimmer, but you can also kick it up a notch with lip glosses that are all glitz and glam!

It is easy to see that the nail polishes in the Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful Collection were created with durability and beauty in mind. The colors go on easily and wear beautifully!

The color palettes featured in Wickedly Beautiful play on the juxtaposition of good and evil, of Disney Princesses and Villains. With this new line, you can choose to emulate your favorite princess or villain, with the help of soft and deep lacquer crèmes shimmering with glitter, creating modern interpretations of Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine, Ursula, and Maleficent.

I love the pattern and colors of these bags!!! These bags are the only component of this collection that can be purchased online, and I have included a link to the Disney Store’s webiste for each bag directly under their picture.

Right now, there is a special offer going along with the launch of Beautifully Disney! If you spend $40 in products you can get the line’s compact (usually $16.95) for only $10.

Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful is a seasonal collection, and some of the components of this line will be retired to make way for new releases. So if you see a palatte or polish you can’t live without you may want to act quickly!!!

As I said earlier, this is a Disney Parks Exclusive collection available in TrenD and in World of Disney with just the cosmetic cases and compact available online. However, if you aren’t going to be visiting the park anytime soon, you always can call Walt Disney World Mail Order at 1-877-560-6477 to order these products.

Or…..

You can enter to win this Ursula lip gloss now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I hope that you enjoyed this look at the new Beautifully Disney Wickedly Beautiful Collection, and good luck entering our Giveaway!

Atlanta Braves Spring Training at ESPN Wide World Of Sports

This year the Atlanta Braves return to ESPN Wide World of Sports to play their Spring Training games in Champion Stadium for the 16^th year. It’s a really great chance to see some of your favorite teams play some Spring Ball.

I grew up an Atlanta Brave’s fan, I even had a pretty sweet Dale Murphy poster in my room, and having their Spring Training games so close to me makes me giddy!

The Atlanta Braves have a full and awesome Spring Training Schedule this year, and even if the Atlanta Braves aren’t ‘your’ team chances are they might be visiting Champion Stadium for a game!

Friday, March 1	Washington Nationals	6:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Sunday, March 3	Detroit Tigers	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Thursday, March 7	Detroit Tigers	6:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Friday, March 8	Toronto Blue Jays *SS	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Sunday, March 10	Miami Marlins	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Tuesday, March 12	St. Louis Cardinals	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Friday, March 15	New York Mets	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Saturday, March 16	New York Yankees	5:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Monday, March 18	Philadelphia Phillies	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Wednesday, March 20	Pittsburgh Pirates	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Thursday, March 21	Washington Nationals	6:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Saturday, March 23	Houston Astros *SS	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Monday, March 25	New York Mets	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets
Thursday, March 28	Houston Astros	1:05 PM	Buy Tickets

*SS – Split Squad

In addition to the regular Spring Training games, for the first time there will be themed games to help bring a little bit of pixie dust and magic to the following games:

Mar 10 – Princess & Pirate

Mar 15 – Star Wars

Mar 16 – Star Wars

Mar 21 – Princess & Pirate

Mar 23 – Salute To Our Troops

For these games, everyone is encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters!

When we visited Champion Stadium for the Brave’s first game of Spring Training, I was really excited to be able to be so close to the Brave’s Dugout! There are a ton of great ticket options available to see the games! Viewing the Champion Stadium seating chart is a great place to start with deciding on which ticket option is the best for your family. And during the game, there are a ton of fun games and trivia challenges that you can participate in to win tickets, fast passes, and other goodies!

I have to say that there is some pretty sweet Atlanta Braves Spring Training merchandise available at the games! I had to walk away quickly before I bought out the whole store!!! I love how the merchandise pays homage to Florida’s Spring Training history and is super fun!

Here are some things you might want to keep in mind as you make your way to Champion Stadium to see an Atlanta Brave’s Spring Training Game:

Make sure that you keep hydrated (and no beer doesn’t fully count), wear sunscreen, and dress appropriately, because you will be in the sun for quite some time!
Items NOT Allowed (NOTE: All bags will be inspected prior to entering the park)
- no outside food or drinks
- no coolers
- no containers
- no umbrellas
- no lawn chairs
- no banners
- no flags
- no weapons
Smoking Policy: Smoking not allowed in seats or concourse area. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas.
Children: All ages are welcome. Ages 0-2 admitted free on ticket holder’s lap (no ticket required). A ticket is required for all children 3 and older.
Box Office Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Will Call: Located at Guest Services (left-hand side of the main entrance). Opens 2 hour prior to the game. Customer must present the actual credit card used for the purchase, a photo ID and Ticketmaster order number in order to receive tickets.
Parking: General parking at ESPN Wide World of Sports is complimentary, however valet parking will be available for $20. I normally skip the valet parking, but I strongly encourage you to think about this option as parking can sometimes be hectic since ESPN WWoS stays busy!!!

httpv://youtu.be/2nYVG_NVIyU

I hope that you will travel out to ESPN Wide World of Sports to catch an Atlant Braves Spring Training game!!! I know that I will be back to take Zoe to her first Atlanta Braves Spring Training game!!!

Finding Teachable Moments In the Park: Epcot

When I was younger and we went on family vacations, it was important to my parents that we learned something while we were having fun.

And as we started our family, we made the decision to integrate these teachable moments into our family trips.

I remember my first trip to Epcot in 1986, and all the fun we had talking about what we saw on the rides and the countries we visited in World Showcase. Without a doubt, Epcot was (and still is) my favorite park!

Now that our family lives so close to Walt Disney World, we still keep this tradition alive when we visit Epcot.

I hope that you enjoy this short trip around Epcot’s Future World for some of our family’s favorite Teachable Moments!

httpv://youtu.be/IMKPlD_EIdI

I’d love to hear some of your family’s traditions and teachable moments!

Wordless Wednesday – RunDisney #Run3rd

Wordless Wednesday – February 27, 2013

For more information about #run3rd visit their site.

Please take a second to really look at the Mission Statement, because it is definitely something that means a lot to me.

TrenD Report – Purses, Purses, Purses, And More

TrenD Report – February 26, 2013

This week’s TrenD Report is one for all the purse lovers out there!!!

The LeSportsac Spring 2013 Holland Collection has arrived at TrenD! I was on the fence about this collection, because of the light and muted colors shown in pictures. However, when you see the bag in person the colors are vibrant and warm. I am really becoming a fan of this collection.

Also, they have updated their canvas bags and the new look is fun! Last year’s design had a Tory Burch cut out feel to them, but this year’s update has a more playful and bold feel. If you’re looking for a durable bag, you may want to consider these!

Villains Haveys bags have invaded the shelves of TrenD, and I was super excited about them before I saw them. I absolutely adore the concept of the bag, with a Princess on one side and her Nemesis on the other, yet in person the execution seems low end. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge Harveys fan, but these feel a little airbrushed to me. It was hard to get a great picture through the case, so I have included an image from their site.

There is a new Hidden Mickey floral design that is new that is so super cute! I am loving the tank top! The colors are super vibrant and fun!

You’ll find a few extra fun things that I found on my visit, so I hope you enjoy this TrenD Report!!!