Photo:  Janice Croze Photography

I was recently invited to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Walt Disney World, Florida.  I was honoured to be amongst a handful of other Canadians and about 150 American parent bloggers in attendance.  The Celebration is truly that, not only a conference where Disney provides us with inspiration and educational presentations by well known authors, speakers and celebrities, but also a family-focused and FUN weekend that is all Disney.  If you’d like to read about the speakers and what I learned about Social Media from the Disney Parks team, check out my posts on Entrepreneur Mom Now over the next couple of weeks.

While we learned about many Disney brands and were exposed to so much ‘behind the scenes’ at the parks over the weekend, these five things were the things that stuck out most for me:

1 | Disney Infinity

Disney is releasing  a new gaming experience this August that will work across all platforms and will be controlled by actual Disney character ‘fobs’ that will drive your experience within the game.  You can actually create your own worlds within the game! Everything from the environment and stories to characters.  It looks and sounds like it will be fantastic and very creative. Follow Infinity Disney Infinity Facebook Community Twitter (twitter.com/disneyinfinity) Instagram (instagram.com/disneyinfinity).

Check out this game preview:

2 | Disney Story App

Download the new free iPhone App by Disney called Story.  It’s the coolest way to share a collection of photos.  Not only can you easily post and share to Facebook, you can also embed your Story, as below!  The app intuitively gathers your photos from your photo stream on your phone by date, and puts them together for you.  You can easily edit, crop, add text and more.

3 | Disney Magic of Healthy Living

“Making the default meal healthier means people have to think about the unhealthy options and ask for them.”  Disney has pioneered a new standard for food advertising to kids, the first ever major media company to do anything about food marketing to minors.  This means two things: a. The Disney Parks meal options for kids always offer a healthy side; and b. their licensing guidelines for what they’ll allow their logos and characters appear on have changed and are promoting healthier options with the ‘Mickey Check’.  Of course in Canada we don’t see as many licensed character food products, but when you’re visiting a Disney Park for a few days it sure is nice to see something other than hot dogs offered for kids meals.  All food advertised, sponsored and promoted by Disney will meet nutrition guidelines by 2015 (including TV, Toys and Radio).  Visit www.disney.com/tryit for more details.

4 | Monsters University hits theaters June 21!

Check out the Monsters University movie – it releases next month!  We were treated to a top secret screening of the movie and while I’m not allowed to share anything about the movie, I can say it was entertaining and a fun family movie, not to be missed!  Here is the official trailer:

5 | The Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World

Photo: dleithinger on Flickr

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World, I highly recommend the Contemporary Resort Hotel.  Not only is it sleek and modern, but the fact that it’s the first stop on the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom, makes it a no brainer for me.  When my family heads to Disney (typically Disneyland) we like to take breaks mid-day, and be really close to the park to minimize walking as much as possible.  The Contemporary has an amazing pool with water-slide, huge hot tub, a beach, lake, water sports and boats to the park.  At night, you can watch a Disney Movie outside on their manicured grounds and watch the electrical water parade in the lake. Mine was a standard room but would have easily accommodated my entire family of 5 as it had two queen beds and a pull out couch!  Those of you with a family of 5 will agree, it’s not always easy to find hotels that can host us all in one room, so that is a big deal for me.

A few general tips for visiting Disney parks:

• It’s huge, it can be overwhelming, especially for the kids.  Don’t try to do it all in one trip – you simply can’t.
• If there is one thing I witness every time we go to Disney parks, it is many, many overtired children.  Make sure your kids are still getting a full night’s rest otherwise it simply won’t be as much fun – for them or for you.

Merida from Disney·Pixar’s film Brave, rode her horse Angus to Cinderella’s Castle, to be inducted into the Disney Princess Royal Court on Saturday May 11th. The coronation took place at Walt Disney World Resort in the Magic Kingdom, directly in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Merida was led to the castle by a troop of Scottish dancers and an authentic pipe and drum band. Gymnastic Gold Medalist, Gabby Douglas hosted the celebration with her own mother and shared her own story of courage and perseverance with Merida and the guests of the resort.

Gabby commented on the event saying:

“I admire Merida for being determined and courageous as these are qualities that have had a big impact on my own life and helped me achieve my goals as an athlete,” said Gabby Douglas, gymnastics gold medalist. “And like Merida, I have a strong relationship with my mom, whose support and belief in me has helped me recognize my own inner princess qualities. It’s really special for us to be here and share in Merida’s celebration, especially on Mother’s Day weekend.”

“As a Disney Princess, Merida sets an admirable example for all, being brave, strong, passionate, determined and confident,” said Katherine Sarafian, “Brave’s” producer. “When Queen Elinor placed the crown on Merida’s head, it signified a moment of deep connection, as a mother recognized the spirit, heart and true personality of her daughter. It’s moments like these that encapsulate what is special about being a princess, but also resonate with mothers across the world.”

Declaring Merida an official Disney Princess:

Queen Elinor crowning her daughter:  (it’s not known whether Queen Elinor will make another appearance, this was her first and only)

A rare look at all eleven Disney Princesses together!

Bottom two photos by Janice Croze Photography

Disclosure: I was invited to the 2013 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Walt Disney World.  I was not compensated for this post or for the event, but I did receive swag, perks, meals and park tickets as a part of the conference fee.  Travel was my own responsibility and as always, opinions are my own.

World Meningitis Day video

Meningococcal disease is an aggressive illness that can lead to death within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. About 1 in 10 of those with the disease will die despite treatment. The highest rates of meningococcal disease occur in the first year of life.

Meningitis has flu like symptoms.  Early symptoms of meningitis are similar to flu symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck and vomiting3. Other symptoms can include confusion, light sensitivity and no interest in eating or drinking. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention.

Canadian children and young adults are most susceptible to meningitis. Children under one year of age and adolescents (15-19 years old) are among the age groups with the highest incidence of meningitis. College and university students are also susceptible to contracting meningitis because of their increased likelihood of sharing items such as drinks, utensils and cigarettes.

All vaccines to prevent against meningococcal disease are NOT the same.  Most meningococcal infections are caused by five different strains, A, C, Y, W-135, and B. Vaccines are currently available against four of the five strains, A, C, Y and W-135,  and a vaccine against the B strain is under review.

Canadian children who have received meningitis vaccines are NOT protected against all strains.  Many Canadians feel that their children are protected against all meningococcal disease, however, this is a misconception. There is currently no protection available for meningitis B, however Health Canada is currently reviewing for approval and use for Canadians, the first meningitis B vaccine. This vaccine would be the final piece of the meningitis vaccination puzzle.

We are also encouraging parents to take the Meningitis Awareness Survey, which will be live until April 29^th. This survey will provide insight into Canadians’ current perceptions and awareness of meningitis.

I participated in an information session to bring you this information.  I was not compensated for this post.

Once a week they pop by your home with a predetermined amount of fresh diapers (you can request as many diapers as you need) and pick up your dirty diapers. Their service enables treasured little bums to have the convenience of a disposable diaper with the advantages and health benefits of a cloth diaper; all this without having any additional work to think about. The diapers themselves look and act like a disposable without all those harsh chemicals. They have elastic waste and legs with an adjustable snap waste. You simply put that soiled diaper in your diaper pail (wipe and all) and once a week their driver will be by with a fresh batch of diapers.

Give them a try (all over the lower mainland), you won’t be disappointed. Check them out.

While this is a sponsored post, I have to admit – I used a cloth diaper service with my babies and loved it!  I never felt inconvenienced by it and loved that I knew I was doing what was best for my baby’s skin.

Don’t miss out on the Once Upon a Belly show next Sunday in Yaletown, Vancouver Moms!

With a fantastic roundup of great vendors, speakers and big prizes – you won’t want to miss out, new and expecting mamas!

This one is a ‘must-do’ if you’re expecting or a new mom:

Sunday April 28
10am – 2.30pm
Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre
First 100 moms receive a Gift Bag!

Are you looking to grow your network and connect with other women in business?  Would you like a “Job” that worked around your family’s hours and yet still provided a flexible income?  Working with MOMpreneurs® may be just what you’re looking for!

MOMpreneur® Showcase Group Inc. is the trusted national network that supports, educates, and empowers Canadian moms in business – and they are looking to expand!  With over 11,000 members across the country, MOMpreneurs® has made its mark in Ontario with close to 20 satellite chapters, all dedicated to holding monthly networking opportunities, trade shows, and workshops to further the success of their members.  Active Recruiting for Licensees is now underway in every province – find out what’s behind the business model that has connected so many women since 2011 – more information at www.themompreneur.com/licensing

Guest post by Allison from Modern Mama St. Albert:

Have you ever gathered inspiration from someone you have never met? I have. From bloggers, mama bloggers. Who specifically?

• Lori from Frugal Edmonton Mama
• Christina from The DIY Mommy
• Amanda from Natural Mommie

These inspirational, creative, accomplished and successful Edmonton & area mama bloggers will be speaking at Mama Blogs on Tuesday, April 23rd at Century Grill sponsored by Ron Hodgson.

How did they inspire me?

Frugal Edmonton Mama inspired me to explore Alberta’s beauty and reconnect with my family. After posting a Groupon travel deal and her own experience on a family friendly Jasper hotel it inspired me (and others) to pack up the family and go! My husband and I had not been to the mountains in 4 years and never with our children! Read about our trip here.

Christina of The DIY Mommy gave my confidence a super boost by posting a DIY project I had done for my daughter’s nursery! The queen of DIY liked my DIY! Christina’s redo of a nursery chair was far superior to mine but I still felt special. Last Christmas Christina committed to A Handmade Christmas for her girls, family and friends. Inspirational? Yes! This Christmas I will be committing to A Handmade Christmas for my children, family and friends. Which reminds me I should get started because it will take me while (amateur here).

Natural Mommieinstragram photos of letting her boys be boys aka playing outside with sticks inspired me to get outside more! I am surrounded by gorgeous walking paths and parks, so what if it’s winter. I packed up the kids and drove 10 minutes to Lois Hole Centennial Park with a baby carrier & a sled. Success!

Meet the above mama bloggers as they share how they got started, tips for writing a blog, blogging as a business and how to balance life! Details & Registration HERE.

Over-night dates mean you can look forward to sleeping in (!!!), quiet time, romance and intimacy.  But what about adventure?  If you can manage more than one night, Las Vegas is a great place to adventure for 2 or 3 nights.

Hoover Dam (45 minutes from the strip)

The Bellagio Fountains

Five Things …

1 | Rent a car for as little as $12/day and save on tours.  It’s more romantic to do a self-guided tour alone, without the bus filled with strangers.  Surprisingly, all the larger hotels offer free parking.

2 | Spend a few dollars more and stay right on the strip in a nicer hotel to avoid smelly casinos and outdated rooms.  (Both the Palazzo and Bellagio are beautiful.  The Palazzo’s rooms are all suites and the bathroom is total lux.)

3 | Don’t miss a Cirque du Soleil show.  With so many to chose from in Las Vegas, there are no excuses, book same-day discount tickets if you must, but don’t miss a Cirque show while in Las Vegas.  (The first time we went to Vegas, we did two of them in a space of 3 days, so good!)

4 | Get frisky and see an x-rated show.  Peepshow and X Burlesque are both sure to get you both in the mood.

The pool at the Bellagio

5 | Lounge by the pool and talk.  Yes, really talk.  I loved reviewing these questions with my hubby last week, as we hadn’t talked about our favourite word, biggest dream or favourite self-traits since last Winter when I wrote that post.

From Edmonton and Calgary, Westjet and Air Canada both offer packages;  if you’re venturing from the West Coast, I highly recommend flying from Bellingham on Allegiant or Alaska Airlines to get an amazing deal.

What’s your favourite over-night date night or weekend adventure with your mate?

Enter for prizes:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway

It’s a great app that helps you make healthier choices by simply scanning the barcode on your food products. They’ve have just released a new version with Tommy Europe – the very well known Canadian Fitness trainer you may recognize as the tough love TV host of “The Last 10 lbs Bootcamp” and “The Bulging Brides” on Slice Network.

This new app – CarrotLines Powered by Tommy Europe App – has amazing features that will help you stay fit andhealthy. I love that it’s a Canadian app made for Canadians!

Some cool features:

• I can easily browse or search for products by attribute or keyword
• After scanning I know exactly how close a product meets my profile
• There are over 40 attributes in the profile section ranging from low in fat to vegan, gluten free, and Madein Canada. So, definitely something for everyone!I can access information on over 40,000 Canadian grocery food products; I know that the CarrotLinesteam works hard to ensure information is complete and accurate so if something doesn’t come up, besure to take photos to help them out!
• I can easily share products with my friends via twitter and facebook
• I can create a healthier shopping list before entering the store
• Exclusive deals, and offers from health and fitness brands including from The Healthy Shopper
• The exclusive Tommy Europe fitness and nutrition content is engaging and easy to watch

Step 1: Set up your profile

Step 2: Scan your favourite food

Step 3: It doesn’t completely fit my nutrition profile (not low sodium or low carb):

I like that it’s simple and easy to use! Get yours today.