Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web
September 30, 2009 By 7 Comments
Welcome to “Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web” where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web…all in one convenient location.
Contests
Did you know Chipotle now has a kids menu? I just found out, thanks to SuperMom Central! To help spread the word, Lauren is giving away 5 “Dinner for Two” certificates. Enter quick! The contest ends Sept. 30.
Nell {Casual Friday Every Day} is a Work at Home Rock Star and she is giving away lifetime access to Home Job Stop’s job database to help you become one too. Deadline: Sept. 30.
Win a costume (baby, child, or teen) at Rockin’ Mama. Enter before Oct. 13.
Here’s your chance to win the best baby carrier on the market: ERGObaby carrier (plus, the new Heart2Heart infant insert!). Submit your entry at A Giveaway Addicted Mommy before Oct. 16.
Enter to win $100 and a gift bag from Scott Naturals at 5 Minutes for Mom. Deadline: Oct. 16.
Announcements
Beginning Jan 1, 2010, when you sign up to volunteer a day of service with a participating organization (and your service is completed and verified) you’ll get one day admission to a Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® theme park…FREE! The goal of the “Give A Day. Get A Disney Day.” promotion is to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service. How cool is that?
Happy 1st Blogiversary to Mommy News & Views Blog {the official blog of A Mother’s Boutique}. Judy is hosting a big bash during the month of October to celebrate the milestone…with lots of breastfeeding-related giveaways. I’ll be at the party, for sure. Care to join me?
5 Minutes for Going Green {a sister site of 5 Minutes for Mom} is looking for contributors.
Good Reads
This is how I feel lately: I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing by Steph Precourt {Adventures in Babywearing}.
Vanessa {I Never Grew Up} recently featured me as her Monday’s Maven. I’m honored and delighted.
Miscellany
I really, really want one of these: Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer.
I said it once and I’ll say it again. When I become a billionaire, I want to hire Dana {MADE} to be my daughters’ clothing designer. Just check out her latest creation (and swoon): desert beauty.
This post made me smile: Cora Plays Peek-A-Boo {The Happy Housewife}.
I STILL haven’t been to IKEA. But when I eventually go, I’m going to buy a set of these bowls for kids ($1.99/6 pack!!!).
Brittany {Tangled and True} recently discovered the best vintage alphabet cards (and now I want them too).
I like all of the “career exploration” theme parks and attractions that are popping up across the globe: Wannado City, Pretend City, and Kidzania.
Farming for the Urban Dweller: Would you buy a deluxe chicken coop? {via Momtrends}
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*** If you have a contest or an announcement that you think might be a good fit for Tuesday Tours, e-mail me at stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.
48-Hour Sale: ebook {plus, win prizes}
September 29, 2009 By 58 Comments
Thanks to everyone for all of your wonderful support and interest in my new ebook – Bloggertunity: A Mom’s Guide to Blogging.
The last few weeks have been hoppin’ and I really am fortunate to have so many amazing readers (of my blog and of my ebook).
Here’s what people have been saying about Bloggertunity so far:
Susan Carraretto of 5 Minutes for Mom had this to say about the book, ”If you are thinking of starting a blog, STOP! Read this book. Okay, now GO!”
Janice Croze, her twin sister and co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom, writes, “With her step by step instructions and natural teaching style, Stephanie Sheaffer guides new bloggers through the vast and intimidating blogosphere in this concise introduction to blogging.”
Nell of Casual Friday Every Day said, “[The book] is fabulous. Seriously, everyone should buy it. Whether you’re new or not. I picked up some great tips and I’m a seasoned blogger.”
Andrea of Momma in Flip Flops2 added, “If you’re a mom that’s looking to start a blog or is looking to step your blog up to the next level, Stephanie’s new ebook is a book that you need to read.“
Nicole of The Pixel Boutique emphasized, “If you are considering starting a blog and have a laundry list of questions, this book is for you. If you are a new blogger and would like to take your blog to the next level, this book is for you. And if you are a blogger looking to monetize your blog but aren’t quite sure how to approach companies and PR agencies, then this book is for you. So what I’m saying is…if you are a warm blooded humanoid, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.”
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WANT TO BUY THE BOOK? Here’s your big chance. From today (September 29th, 2009) at 3pm PT to Thursday, October 1st, at 3pm PT, you can purchase the book for 25% off.
Just enter discount code: 48HOUR to get your copy.
The book will teach you how to start a blog, how to break into product reviewing, how to get people to read your blog, and much, much more!
As added incentive, anyone who buys the book before Thursday at 2pm will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate to Restaurant.com (an online network of thousands of restaurants across the United States where you can buy $25 gift certificates for only $10!). If you already bought the book, your name will be automatically entered! Plus, I have other prizes lined up for those who purchase the book so the earlier you buy the book, the more opportunities you will have to win!
Oh, and here’s a little something extra for everyone:
WIN IT! One winner will receive a MYSTERY PRIZE, valued at over $50 (it’s cool, I promise) – PLUS a copy of the book! To enter, leave a comment stating why you want to win the book OR leave one question you have about blogging on this post prior to Thursday, October 1st at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
If you have already bought a copy of the book, just leave a second comment to tell me that you did for a second entry.
*UPDATE* The winner is #21 Vanessa. She will receive a copy of “Bloggertunity: A Mom’s Guide to Blogging,” plus the MYSTERY PRIZE (click the link to read more details). Congratulations!
10 Disneyland Tips: With A Baby + Preschooler
September 29, 2009 By 9 Comments
Disneyland is a fun place for all ages – even the ittiest bittiest babies.
There is so much to do. So much to see. So many smiling faces.
To ensure that your experience at the happiest place on earth is extra happy, here are my top 10 tips for navigating Disneyland with a baby and preschooler:
1. Stay at a Disneyland hotel – preferably the Grand Californian. The “experience” of staying at a themed hotel is magical, but the location is the best part about staying at a Disneyland hotel. Hands-down. Being able to walk right into and out of the park is priceless.
2. Wear tennis shoes. You can always tell the single people from the married people at amusement parks. And not just by looking for a ring on the left hand. I always look at the shoes. The high school and college girls will be found in flip flops, boots, and heels (ouch!). The married women, on the other hand, will be walking the parks in their cushiest tennies. This is a broad generalization, of course, but it is – by and large – quite accurate. Tennis shoes might not be the height of fashion, but they are the most sensible option for Disneyland. Period.
3. Bring (or rent) a stroller. If you have kids that are four or under, you will want a stroller. Amusement parks are big; little legs are small. If you opt to not get a stroller, you will likely end up carrying your tot in your arms (which can be a bit burdensome on your back). NOTE: Renting a stroller at Disneyland will cost you $15/day. You are free to take the stroller between Disneyland and California Adventure. Double strollers are not available.
4. One word: ERGO. If you have a baby, having a carrier is paramount. I wore our 6-month-old often as we navigated the park. It was safer and more sanitary than having her in a rented stroller – and it was more comfortable than carrying her in my arms. Plus, the carrier served as built-in warmth when the sun started to set and the park began to cool off.
5. Slather on the sunscreen. Even if you try your hardest to stay in the shade, the sun will still sweep over your shoulders and the tips of your noses while you wait in line and wander from attraction to attraction.
6. Make use of the Baby Care Center. If you need to change a diaper, nurse your baby, or take your potty training tot to the bathroom, you can visit the Baby Care Center in Disneyland or California Adventure to take care of business in a private, air-conditioned place. There are also miniature tables, books, and a TV with cartoons for any older siblings that might need a break.
7. Bring a nursing cover. The Baby Care Center is nice, but there is only one in each park. We actually only used the Baby Care Center once. It was so much more convenient to just reach for my Bebe au Lait cover wherever we happened to be, park myself in a shady spot, and enjoy the buzz of people walking by.
8. Pack a Backpack. Stock it with diapers, wipes, an extra pair of clothes (including underwear) for every child, a water bottle, and snacks.
9. Go with another family. It’s fun to pitter-potter around Disneyland with just your spouse and kids, BUT it’s more fun to go with another family. That way, you can go on some of the “big rides” with other adults too. We meandered through the parks with the adorable Kelly {just Spotted and According to Kelly}, her husband, their two active little boys, and their blonde-haired baby girl.
10. Stay multiple days. If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, keep in mind that one day isn’t enough if you want to see all of the shows, go on all the rides, and rest up a bit. We spent a full day and a half in the parks and definitely could have gone at least a few more without getting bored (or doing the same things over again). For example, we completely missed Toon Town (can you believe it?), Peter Pan, and Playhouse Disney.
YOUR TURN: Have you been to Disneyland with a baby and/or preschooler? What tips would you add?
Halloween Time @ Disneyland
September 29, 2009 By 16 Comments
Do you know what gets me every time about Disneyland? The details.
I am always amazed by Disney’s attention to the subtle nuances – the little touches throughout the park that make the whole experience more special. For example, if you go to Disneyland right now, everything has a bit of Halloween inspiration. Pumpkins. Candy Corn. Hanging jack-o-lanterns. Fall colors. Etc.
There was even a HUGE candy corn (Don’t mind my frizzy hair in the second photo – the humidity made it go crayyyzeee):
Aside from the decor, there were other “spooky” touches throughout the park:
- Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy (a spooky ghost chases you through outer space, recommended for ages 13 and older)
- Haunted Mansion Holiday (Jack Skellington of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” serves as your tour guide), and…
- Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party (ride attractions, collect candy, and enjoy live music).
As I mentioned before, I’m not a huge fan of Halloween (the ghouls, the ghosts, the celebrating of evil and mayhem). That said, I do love the fall season in general – and I like that Disney keeps things classy and family-friendly. Even though both the fireworks show and the Fantasmic show were “hosted” by Disney villains (Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, Captain Hook, Jafar, and Ursula), they were both dazzling, colorful, lighthearted, and spectacular. Our 3-year-old wasn’t frightened by the displays (I should note, however, that we had discussed the nature of the shows with her beforehand, explaining that the characters were pretend). In fact, she actually loved both performances and excitedly pointed out everything as it happened: “Look! Green lights! The Bad Lady! The Princess! Peter Pan!“
All in all, we had a splendid and spooktacular time @ Halloween Time. Early fall is a great time to visit Disneyland.
Actually, the truth is that: Any time of year is a great time to visit Disneyland. Am I right or am I right?
Halloween Time at Disneyland will end on November 1st, 2009.
Sometimes living gets in the way of blogging
September 28, 2009 By 17 Comments
We walked for miles and miles.
We fought pirates. We sat on flying elephants and soared high in the sky. We rode on horses. We met princesses and monsters and talking mice. We went on an adventure through outer space and on a cruise in the jungle. We went underwater in a submarine and went sledding on a snowy mountaintop. We sang along with tiki birds, danced along to country western songs, and watched a mesmerizing fireworks show of dazzling colors.
We went to Disneyland (and California Adventure).
And it was enchanting.
Themed Weekend: Disney
September 26, 2009 By 26 Comments
Yesterday, we woke up early and left on a plane for California (more on that later, but suffice to say our experience included: a barf bag, too much luggage, and a grumpypants airline attendant).
After getting settled in our guest room at the Disneyland Hotel, we headed to the park and ate lunch on Main Street USA in the little deli where turkey sandwiches are $8/pop (but healthy and tasty).
We then ran around the park – my husband carrying our 3-year-old in his arms and me carrying our 6-month-old on my back on the ERGObaby carrier (tomorrow, we’ll get a stroller).
We all went on Pirates of the Caribbean to escape the heat (yes, it’s still 90+ degrees ’round these parts) and then my hero-of-a-husband & our 3-year-old went on a series of rides: Pooh, Dumbo, Pinnochio, the carousel, and the Matterhorn. Yes, the Matterhorn. She barely made the height cut-off. My husband said he held her close… and she LOVED it. You should have seen her face afterward, all breathless and beautiful and glowing.
While they rode, I planted myself in a cozy, shady spot near the exit with our 6-month-old – and we people watched together. The birds twittered, the music played, the people walked by – and we sat contentedly together.
And people smiled at us. Babies always make people smile – especially my baby with her golden hair and her decisive blue eyes.
Of course, we also waved excitedly when big sister exited a ride or rode by on the carousel. Her eyes sparkled and her smile radiated. That, my friends, was pure magic.
We didn’t bring our camera or a diaper bag (just the ERGO with the bare necessities), but we did get a few shots with the iPhone.
Later that night, we ate dinner at Napolini in Downtown Disney with Caryn {Rockin’ Mama} and her family (they live in Southern CA and have annual passes to the parks). Caryn is cute and thoughtful and fun-to-be-around, her husband is laid back and smart and made us laugh, and her little boy is sheer energy with a curly-haired top. We had a wonderful time.
At the end of the night, we all took baths and fell into bed – exhausted, happy, expectant of things to come.
Stay tuned for tips on “doing Disney” with little ones, traveling by plane, reviews of the Disneyland Hotel, and more.
YOUR TURN: Have you been to Disneyland?
