Disney Wonder Cruise 2018: Part 2

January 8, 2019 by 1 Comment

In case you missed part 1, catch up here before reading below!

We woke up the next morning ready for an awesome day at sea. First up, we had the Disney Jr. character breakfast.

Pro tip: Spots for this free but ticketed event fill up fast. However, they hold back some spots, so go to guest services as soon as you get on board to try to snag tickets.

Breakfast was in Animator’s, and we were seated right away and promptly given napkin hats.

I will say the breakfast portions were on the smaller side, so if you like a big breakfast I suggest ordering multiple items like Bobby did. However, the characters were fun! This was the first time we let Emma Kate use an autograph book, and she had a blast with it.

She was so excited to see Vamparina!

After breakfast, we saw Minnie Mouse was taking photos so we did that. The line was really short!

We also took a few pictures in the lobby and Emma Kate and I danced on “stage”.

Emma Kate was asking to go to the kids club, so off she went and Bobby and I walked around the ship taking some photos. The sun is deceptive, it was windy and pretty chilly!

The rest of the afternoon was pretty lazy. We got EK out of the club for lunch (we knew she wouldn’t eat enough or at all if we didn’t make her) and then brought her back. Bobby and I went to the gym and i’m pretty sure we all took a nap that day (the ONLY day she napped!) and then it was off to dinner for formal night. Emma Kate wore her Rapunzel dress, and we stopped for a quick dance party at Preludes before heading to Tiana’s Place.

I LOVED Tiana’s place. I know I am biased being a New Orleans native and all, but it was so fun with the music and dancing and had such an adorable atmosphere. Kudos on this one Disney!

We got to get up and dance, watch awesome musicians, and eat delicious food!

After dinner, Emma Kate was begging to go play in the club again (ok ok if you twist my arm, kid) so we dropped her off and Bobby and I walked around on the pool deck and started what would be our nightly tradition of hanging out in Cove Cafe and getting a snack.

Pro tip: In the evenings they had delicious cheese and crackers (like the kind from Palo) for free. So we would get a snack and sit in the quiet and relax.

They also had some seasonal coffee drinks for an extra charge.

We picked Emma Kate up around 9:00, watched Elf on TV for the 14th time so far, and went to sleep. More coming up soon!

If you would like help booking your next Disney cruise, let me know! heather@travelwiththemagic.com

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Christmas 2018 Recap

December 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Christmas is officially over, and like every year, I am officially sad. It seems to go by faster and faster every year, no matter how much I vow to “soak it all in this time” or “slow down and enjoy.” That being said, we had a wonderful 4 day weekend with family, and I have nothing to complain about (except for how quickly it went by!) I thought I would share a little recap with you all today as we prepare to close out 2018.

We kicked off the holiday weekend on Saturday with some wine and cheese outside with my parents. Christmas music played non stop every day, and we had great weather.

On Sunday, we had lunch with Bobby’s family. All of his siblings were in town which never happens (there are 5 of them total) so lots of photos were taken.

That night we went to dinner for my moms birthday and I didn’t think to take photos. The Saints almost gave us a heart attack, but managed to clinch a #1 seed for the playoffs!
Christmas eve was laid back, we went to the store (again) and hung out at the house doing some cooking and watching Christmas movies. Emma Kate and I also made and decorated sugar cookies for santa. She LOVED it and it kept her busy for almost two hours, which if you know my child, is a long time for her to stay focused on one thing.

That afternoon, we all got dressed and went to the 4:00 candlelight Christmas Eve church service.

The service was great, I love closing it out singing Silent Night with all the beautiful candles. (It wa slightly terrifying seeing my clild with fire, but she insisted on having ehr own.)

We went back home and ate Bobby’s delicious chicken and dumplings, watched more movies, and read the Christmas story from the Bible and Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Then it was time to set out the cookies and milk and head to bed.

The next morning, Emma Kate was up at 6:00 on the dot, so it was most definitely still dark when we opened gifts.

We had a very happy little girl, and took our time enjoying opening gifts, drinking coffee, and listening to Christmas music.


I made a special tequila sunrise mimosa for breakfast to go along with the sausage casserole I make every year.

We spent the rest of the morning playing and cooking preparing for lunch.

Emma Kate was super pumped about her new bike. After a new death experience (I forgot to explain the brakes to her), she got the hang of it and had a blast.

We had a delicious lunch, and sang happy birthday to my mom (she is a Christmas baby!)

That evening we hung out with more family and ate…again. (so. much. food.)

After we left, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. There were two houses that had music and lights flashing together via a radio station! We got home and I realized we had not taken any family photos that day in front of the tree, so we did that before Emma Kate’s bedtime.

We were all pretty exhausted and went to bed early. The next three days we ate nothing but leftovers, and I enjoyed every bite! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and made wonderful memories with those you love.

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Holiday Traditions Revisited

December 20, 2018 by

This post was sponsored by Amazon as part of an Ambassador Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

I am really big on traditions, especially around the holidays. So big, that one year at Christmas I cried hysterically because my family decided to “change things up” and go somewhere else for Christmas instead of my grandparent’s house per usual. I was devastated. Now that I have a child of my own, we have started some of our own traditions, as well as continuing a few from when I was a girl.

One thing that is different from…well I won’t say what year, let’s just say “way back when”, is the technology. Technology has made connecting, learning, and entertaining that much easier (and more fun!) and I love that there are options for Emma Kate. One of our favorites is the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet. This tablet is the #1 kids’ tablets in the U.S. and comes with a kid-proof case. (My child is quite the dropper!) It also includes a two-year worry-free guarantee—meaning if it breaks, just send it back and Amazon will send you a new one without asking you a bunch of questions.

How do we incorporate this device into our holiday traditions? Easy! For example, we love to read to Emma Kate, especially Christmas books. It’s been fun to read titles right from her Fire HD 8 Kids Edition like Winter, Cold and Snow, and also listen to books audibly like The First Christmas Tree and the Great Sled Race.

For a lot of people (and usually for us, except for this year,) Christmas means traveling, which also equals bored kids in the car. Emma Kate loves it when we pre-download books, games and videos for her ahead of time to enjoy in the car.

There are even kid-friendly cookbooks available in Amazon FreeTime on the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition. What is Amazon FreeTime? Each tablet comes with a one-year subscription to Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, giving you access to over 20,000 books, videos, Audible books, educational apps, and games. There are also over 1,000 Spanish language books, videos, educational apps, Audible books, and more.

Another thing I love about this device is the Parent Dashboard. By using the Parental Control settings in FreeTime, parents can set time limits, adjust age filters, change web browser access, and turn on or off in-app purchasing. (That one is huge. Emma Kate is always trying to buy stuff!) You can also review the things your kiddos are using and seeing in FreeTime, and even remotely adjust your child’s FreeTime settings.

fire hd 8

We are all about education and learning games, so I love how the technology of the device allows Emma Kate to have fun and learn at the same time. (ssshhh don’t tell her she is learning!) It’s also something we can do together as I guide her, read with her, and watch alongside her. It has been such a great and fun addition to our holiday traditions this year, and I can’t wait to see how they evolve next year!

Filed Under: blogging, family, holidays, technology, Uncategorized Tagged: , , , ,

Babbleboxx: Gift’s for Everyone on Your List

December 15, 2018 by

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com, however, all opinions are my own.

Everyone loves getting gifts, and sometimes it can be hard to know just what to get for those in your life.  Any gift listed here be an amazing gift for any girl on your list!

My box was super cute and came packaged very nicely. There were cards on top explaining all the items inside.

I am so pleased with it all! Let’s take a look at what was inside.

Aftershokz Trekz Air headphones: I already use and LOVE this headphone brand, so I was excited to see Aftershokz in my box! As an avid runner who hates cords, these are perfect for the fithusiast on your Christmas list. The open ear design allows you to hear everything going on around you, and they are so lightweight for forget you are wearing them. Check out their cool colors like Midnight Blue, Forest Green, Slate Gray, or Canyon Red.

Charles & Colvard
Signature Halo Moissanite Necklace 0.91CTW in 14K
White Gold: This is called the Forever One halo necklace, and it is
set in 14K gold with a 6mm hearts & arrows center stone that is surrounded
by 1mm pave stones. I didn’t know that Moissanite is a naturally occurring gemstone. It’s also an environmentally responsible and ethically sourced gemstone. It’s also beautiful with unique optical properties that are super sparkly.

Be sure to check their social media handles and
www.charlesandcolvard.com for seasonal savings.

Chesapeake Bay Candle: Looking for a gift for that hard to shop for family member? These soy wellness candles with botanical inspired ingredients are perfect. They are designed an poured right here in the USA, and below is the info on the amazing scent I got in my box:

awaken + invigorate lemongrass eucalyptus
Includes essential oils of: eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint
Fragrance description: Awaken your senses with the energizing notes of lemongrass and
verbena wrapped in invigorating eucalyptus leaves, aromatic lavender, and garden
mint.

Finishing Touch Flawless: I was skeptical about the Finishing Touch Flawless at first but now I love it! This device gently erases facial hair instantly & painlessly. It has a cool built-in light and is 18-carat gold plated. Your hair will not grow back thicker, and there is no redness or irritation after!

Fun Socks
Fun x Fiorucci Women’s Sheer Crew Socks: These sheer socks are from a limited edition collection with Fiorucci. They also have t-shirts, winter accessories and more! I love that you can dress them up or down, they work for all types of outfits.

They also have a special offer for you! Special Offer/Discount
Take an additional 15% off your entire order at FunSocks.com by using code
BABBLEBOXX at checkout. One use per customer. Code expires 12/31/18
Discount is automatically applied by clicking the link: https://funsocks.com/discount/BABBLEBOXX

ALDI
Cocktail Shaker and Glasses: ALDI has gifts for everyone on your list at affordable prices. You won’t want to miss these Crofton Chef’s Collection Cocktail Shakers and Drinkware
available for a limited time starting Dec. 19 for $9.99 each for the shaker and $8.99 for a set of two glasses. I was so excited when I saw them in my box, as believe it or not we don’t own a cocktail shaker! Not to mention it’s the cutest one I have ever seen.

I was really pleased with the contents I was given, and would happily gift to any of my friends or family! All useful but fun things I think any girl would be excited to receive.

Filed Under: blogging, holidays Tagged: , , ,

9 Year Blogiversary

November 30, 2018 by

Nine years ago, I started a blog. I had never done anything like this before, but my friend had just started one and convinced me to do it. I had just gotten into distance running and was training for my first half marathon. I had a theory, that if I blogged about my training, it would be a great way to hold me accountable. If I said I was running 4 times that week, I had to do it, because you know, my four readers were counting on me. (heh.)

Fast forward a few years and I rebranded from Running with Sass to Through Heather’s Looking Glass.  nine years, and wow. Just…wow. Not only did I not have any idea I would still even BE blogging right now, but I had no idea it would change the entire course of my life. I now help support my family because of my blog. I have made lifelong friends, gotten to go to amazing places, run awesome races, and try fun products. I literally cannot picture my life without it, and it’s funny to think about how different things would be now if I had never taken that leap all those years ago.

If you search the word “blogiversay” on my blog, you can check out several other posts over the years on the topic, so I don’t really feel the need to rehash everything, so I just want to say this:

Life is complicated. Things almost never turn out the way we plan, and we all go through valleys and mountaintops. I have loved sharing mine with you, and hope to get to continue to do so in the future. I hope that in some small way, my blog has touched your life. Whether it be something as simple as a good laugh at my expense, or perhaps something more profound like motivation to become a runner or to start a business of your own. While my blog is for me, it’s also for you. A way for me to give back, to help, and to hopefully inspire.

I pray that I can be a little bit of a light in this sometimes sad and crazy world, and please know I am always here to be your cheerleader, and I love hearing from you.

Next year is the big 1-0, and I know it’s going to be epic. <3

If you DO want to start your own blog, check out my free email course that will get you started. STOP waiting. In 9 years, this could be you looking back over all your years. Let’s do this!

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, motivation, running Tagged: , , , ,

New Mary Poppins Returns Clip + Soundtrack Available!

November 27, 2018 by

Good morning my Disney loving friends! There has been so. much. Disney movie news out lately, and I am loving it! I grew up watching the original Mary Poppins, and I am super stoked for the new movie. Today I have for you the new Mary Poppins clip. Also, advance tickets are now on sale and you can pre-order the soundtrack! (details and links below the video.) To me, the best part of Disney is the music, so I can’t wait to hear the soundtrack. Enjoy!

The track list for “Mary Poppins Returns,” which Walt Disney Records will release on December 7 features nine all-new original songs by Tony Award® and GRAMMY® winning composer and song/co-lyricist Marc Shaiman (“Hairspray,” “South Park”) and Tony winner and three-time Emmy® nominee co-lyricist Scott Wittman (“Hairspray,” “Smash”) includes:

  1. “(Underneath the) Lovely London Sky” – Performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda
  2. “Overture” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  3. “A Conversation” – Performed by Ben Whishaw
  4. “Can You Imagine That?” – Performed by Emily Blunt with Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson and Nathanael Saleh
  5. “The Royal Doulton Music Hall” – Performed by Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson and Nathanael Saleh
  6. “Introducing Mary Poppins” – Performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Emily Blunt
  7. “A Cover Is Not the Book” – Performed by Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda and Company
  8. “The Place Where Lost Things Go” – Performed by Emily Blunt
  9. “Turning Turtle” – Performed by Meryl Streep with Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson and Nathanael Saleh
  10. “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” – Performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda with Emily Blunt, Tarik Frimpong, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson, Nathanael Saleh and Leeries
  11. “The Place Where Lost Things Go (Reprise)” – Performed by Joel Dawson, Nathanael Saleh and Pixie Davies
  12. “Trip a Little Light Fantastic (Reprise)” – Performed by Dick Van Dyke with Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson and Nathanael Saleh
  13. “Nowhere to Go But Up” – Performed by Angela Lansbury, Ben Whishaw, Pixie Davies, Joel Dawson, Nathanael Saleh, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters and Company
  14. “(Underneath the) Lovely London Sky (Reprise)” – Performed by Lin-Manuel Miranda
  15. “Theme fromMary Poppins Returns” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  16. “Kite Takes Off” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  17. “Mary Poppins Arrives” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  18. “Magic Papers” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  19. “Banks in the Bank” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  20. “Into the Royal Doulton Bowl” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  21. “Rescuing Georgie” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  22. “Off to Topsy’s” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  23. “Chase Through the Bank” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  24. “Lost in a Fog” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  25. “Goodbye Old Friend” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  26. “Race to Big Ben” – Performed by Marc Shaiman
  27. “End Title Suite” – Performed by Marc Shaiman

Pre-Order Links

Streaming: http://disneymusic.co/MaryPoppinsR

Download: http://disneymusic.co/MaryPoppinsRDL

Physical: http://disneymusic.co/MaryPoppinsRP

 

Filed Under: blogging, Disney, movies Tagged: , ,

Cyber Monday Digital Product Sale

November 26, 2018 by

Happy Cyber Monday! While we did venture out on Black Friday, I much prefer shopping in the comfort of my home in front of my computer on Monday. 🙂

I hope you found the things you were looking for, and I wanted to share about a sale I am having on two of my own digital products, and today is the last day for it! You can save 20% on the below two products by using code “holiday20” at checkout. 

The Ultimate Blogger Guide for Working With Brands:

“Feel like you are ready to make money from your blog or social media channels but don’t really know where to start? I can teach you how! I have worked with many brands over the past eight years and want you to be successful in your pitch and writing your posts. You CAN do more than just get free product through your blog and social media, I am proof!”

The Average Girl’s Guide to Living an Above Average Life:

“I want to let you in on a secret. A secret that really, you probably already know, but for whatever reason choose not to believe: no one that you know has it all together.

In the age of social media and oversharing, it may appear that everyone around you is thriving while you struggle to keep your head above water. The truth of the matter is that most people are playing the “fake it till you make it” game.”

Either of these products would make great “digital stocking stuffers” and set you or a loved one up for success in 2019. It’s time to take your life, or your blog, to the next level my friends. Happy shopping, and don’t forget to use code “holiday20” at checkout!

 

 

 

 

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Buy One Give One With Aftershokz

November 21, 2018 by

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Aftershokz, however, all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be present, where I get a small commission if you buy through my link.

It’s now November, and the holidays are upon us. It’s my favorite time of year, with all the beautiful decorations, movies on TV, parties, and events. However, there is one aspect of the holidays that can sometimes get overlooked, but it’s a really important one to me. The holidays are a time to give. To give of our time, our resources, and our love. It’s a great time to show your care for friends and strangers alike and recognize people for the goodness in their hearts.

This year, Aftershokz has made it super easy to give something to a deserving person, without it costing you anything extra. Were you maybe planning to buy some amazing wireless headphones this year? First, let me tell you why you need them, then why you need them specifically to give back to someone else with the buy one give one promotion.

In case you aren’t familiar with the brand, AfterShokz is a sport headphone company. These specific wireless headphones are amazing because they allow you to gain motivation from your music without blocking out your surroundings. They rest outside of the ears and use bone conduction technology to transmit sound. Also, AfterShokz headphones are extremely lightweight, and comfy. I usually forget that I am wearing them!

Now for the special promo: This Black Friday weekend, Aftershokz will be offering their wireless headphones at a discount along with a buy one, give one deal. For every order of wireless headphones on the website, they will be adding one FREE open boxed Trekz Titanium headphones, while supplies last.

The goal here is to pay it forward to someone else this holiday season, and Aftershokz is making it easier than ever.
In the pictures in this post, you can see me with my dear friend Kelley. She is such a wonderful, deserving friend and I knew immediately when I heard about this promotion, that she would be the recipient of my extra set of headphones.

Here more about Kelley, the promotion, and why she deserves this special gift in the video below.

Be sure to follow the hashtag #GiveGoodVibes, and use it as well as @aftershokz to show you giving your second pair of headphones to someone else. I can’t wait to see your photos. Happy giving!

Filed Under: blogging, fitness, health, holidays, running, running gear, technology Tagged: , , , , ,

Disney’s Dumbo Movie Trailer

November 16, 2018 by

Dumbo is a movie that I grew up watching. Then, when I became a mom, it became even more special to me as I fully understood the bond between Dumbo and his mom, who would do anything–ANYTHING for her little one. I am loving this trend of animated movies coming to life, and this is going to be another good one! Check out the trailer below:

Here is a little more info on the film:

“From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure DUMBO expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.”

Disney's Dumbo

I can’t wait! Did you grow up watching Dumbo? What are you most excited about in Disney’s Dumbo?

Disney's Dumbo

Tim Burton’s all-new live-action DUMBO opens in theatres everywhere March 29th, 2019!

Like DUMBO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyDumbo/

Follow DUMBO on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dumbo

Follow DUMBO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumbo/

Visit the official DUMBO website here: https://disney.com/dumbo

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Toy Story 4 Reaction Video

November 14, 2018 by

Just when I thought I couldn’t get any more excited about Toy Story 4, Disney Pixar does. it. again. Yesterday a teaser trailer was released, and now today, we have an adorable reaction video featuring two of our newest friends, Ducky and Bunny. Yall. These guys are hysterical and I cannot wait to see what funny lines they will have in the film. It’s going to be amazing.

So who are Ducky and Bunny? Check it out:

“Woody’s journey in “Toy Story 4” includes a visit to a carnival where he meets Ducky and Bunny, two carnival prizes who are eager to be won. But when their plans are rudely interrupted by Woody and his friends, they find themselves on an unexpected adventure with a group of toys who have no idea what it feels like to be tacked to a prize wall.”

Aaaahhhh! It’s going to be epic. I can’t wait. Between Forky, Ducky, and Bunny, Toy Story 4 is going to be out of this world, or could we say….to infinity and beyond? Because, you know…I know science and all. Heh.

What are you looking forward to most in this film? I would have said forky and Bonnie before, but now with the introduction of Ducky and Bunny, I think they may be my new favorites! I think Emma Kate is going to love them, too. Are your kids excited about the movie? Mine loves the new teaser trailer and the reaction video alike!

Don’t forget, Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

Follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, too!

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