tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50936444184107858872024-02-07T07:38:54.139-05:00Pumpkin to PrincessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-5551616421327721142015-07-14T09:54:00.001-04:002015-07-14T09:54:52.939-04:00Why should I use a Travel Agent?<div style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 13.3333330154419px;">
<span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">The Disney booking window for 2016 is now open! We would love for you to consider booking your next Disney vacation with us! Here are a few reasons why you should consider booking your next Disney trip with Main Street Magic, LLC: </span></div>
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<ul style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 13.3333330154419px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3FgrIPujIoktSiX9CtwWkfhILL0uDBNGBBln29TpDgUqjCgbCO7wREWleKx9nAlxKzC-SJbLWpIJxXZz4qkEP2vqXn5Lv4U8U12-Z2IoI-kQrToZo90AJEWTmqhUeZ0wkK4rqTP0aTaF/s1600/7+princess+half.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3FgrIPujIoktSiX9CtwWkfhILL0uDBNGBBln29TpDgUqjCgbCO7wREWleKx9nAlxKzC-SJbLWpIJxXZz4qkEP2vqXn5Lv4U8U12-Z2IoI-kQrToZo90AJEWTmqhUeZ0wkK4rqTP0aTaF/s320/7+princess+half.png" width="265" /></a>
<li><span mce_style="font-size: 12pt;">Our services are FREE! We do not charge fees for bookings, making dining <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5">reservations</span>, itinerary planning, ect. Who wants to get up at 6 am to make sure you get the best, most coveted dining reservations? We do! We can</span><span mce_style="font-size: 9pt;"> <span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">help you decide where to stay, where to eat etc! We are here for what ever you need. </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">If Disney releases discounts after you book, you may still be able take advantage of it! As</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;"> long as your travel</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD3" mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">dates</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">qualify and there is</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;"> resort </span><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9" mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">availability</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">, we can apply the specials to your reservation</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">.</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;"> Disney </span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">will not automatically apply a discount to your </span><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD8" mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">reservation! T</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">hat is where your agent comes in. We will be on the look out for discounts so you don't have too! We will work hard to apply the discount to your</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">reservation</span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">and get you those savings. </span></li>
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<li><span mce_style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;">Most of our agents go to Disney many times each year. This means that when you contact one of our agents, you are getting someone who can give you tips and pointers you may not have heard of. You are getting an ally who knows the parks like the back of her hand</span><span mce_style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;">. </span><span mce_style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;">We love planning trips and chatting Disney so please feel free to ask questions! This is our job and we love it. It’s what we’re here for so ask away! </span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 13.3333330154419px;">
<span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">We look forward to hearing from you soon! 2016 is just around the corner! Please reply to this email or feel free to give me a call. </span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">A dream is a wish...</span></div>
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<span mce_style="font-size: 10pt;">--Amy</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-59359544447096550142015-06-22T12:15:00.000-04:002015-06-22T12:15:03.146-04:00Disney Travel for 2016 Now Open! <div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2B-Q-H0TyImkoTnNliEjn9g_aNTzz_-WrFH3-qcs_nT0ErBh4Zmb1FC8-Qlni0kUOwP4ccYs5Px2Gg_eymMGjQ17MyUhsn_6cbVhafhDuhYGICFx9DHsNKN_dbyEbMjZwCjUQWiTODBlL/s1600/iphone+princess+half+206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2B-Q-H0TyImkoTnNliEjn9g_aNTzz_-WrFH3-qcs_nT0ErBh4Zmb1FC8-Qlni0kUOwP4ccYs5Px2Gg_eymMGjQ17MyUhsn_6cbVhafhDuhYGICFx9DHsNKN_dbyEbMjZwCjUQWiTODBlL/s320/iphone+princess+half+206.JPG" width="239" /></a>The Disney booking window for 2016 is now open! I would love for you to consider booking your next Disney vacation with me! Here are a few reasons why you should consider booking your next Disney trip with Main Street Magic, LLC:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Our services are FREE! We do not charge fees for bookings, making dining reservations, itinerary planning, ect. Who wants to get up at 6 am to make sure you get the best, most coveted dining <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> stay, where to eat etc! We are here for what ever you need.</span></div>
reservations? We do! We can help you decide where to<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
If Disney releases discounts after you book, you may still be able take advantage of it! As long as your travel dates qualify and there is resort availability, we can apply the specials to your reservation. Disney will not automatically apply a discount to your reservation! That is where your agent comes in. We will be on the look out for discounts so you don't have too! We will work hard to apply the discount to your reservation and get you those savings.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Email us today at amy@mainstreetmagicllc.com</div>
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<br /></div>
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A dream is a wish...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
--Amy </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-43251763213068312402015-05-14T22:26:00.000-04:002015-05-14T22:26:50.492-04:00runDisney Tinkerbell Half Marathon Expo 2015<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kD3uUQ2JlgFXY3uWvEVbGFVEMC3oEgPe5fvAgzKGIJev-9gSACs3_d3wEcRRHsfct6GVnBgEZVz1LM9yUbhgsN5KjpH2NIMwAlIxnJQZzNXdWMdb6cjRIkbwgRC13bfQk36AtSJvO4ZL/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kD3uUQ2JlgFXY3uWvEVbGFVEMC3oEgPe5fvAgzKGIJev-9gSACs3_d3wEcRRHsfct6GVnBgEZVz1LM9yUbhgsN5KjpH2NIMwAlIxnJQZzNXdWMdb6cjRIkbwgRC13bfQk36AtSJvO4ZL/s320/IMG_5165.JPG" width="240" /></a>My day started out very early with a trip to the airport. After a short delay, I was on my way to sunny California. My flight landed, I got my bag, caught my shuttle and before I knew it, I was at the Disneyland Resort! I meet my girlfriends who had already checked into our room and we were off to the expo. I had my eye on a few must haves! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12Ns4OLnYuAYpPUbNqZvPcOAvSCl0Z59AxUnvEgMpr0MiNDPPvvccc5vGFnE_EuX6lmeBcyiSWMoEDHI9FiWr6AuIPyVhjq6odEWcvuSMgwT3D3lj_W9kIhiiqh8vsK0Qlu84FPwGXdP9/s1600/IMG_5174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12Ns4OLnYuAYpPUbNqZvPcOAvSCl0Z59AxUnvEgMpr0MiNDPPvvccc5vGFnE_EuX6lmeBcyiSWMoEDHI9FiWr6AuIPyVhjq6odEWcvuSMgwT3D3lj_W9kIhiiqh8vsK0Qlu84FPwGXdP9/s320/IMG_5174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once we got to the expo, my first stop was to pick up my race packets. I got my 5k packet then my Pixie Dust Challenge packet. I got to the expo around 2 PM, about four hours after it opened. By this time, the lines had really died down. After I had my packet, I went after the item I wanted most at the expo--the brand new runDisney New Balance Tinker Bell inspired running shoes. I am a bit of a collector of the New Balance runDisney shoes. Lucky for me, I signed up for the "virtual queue" while I was still at the airport that morning. When I arrived at the New Balance booth, my beautiful new shoes were waiting for me. To sweeten the deal, New Balance offered free shoe pom poms and wings if you posted a picture on Instagram.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi_T-ZBnJ9QAVrIXXymueh2IPtZaDJ4V2VzKdgFTof9ZdRZDeAwBwtWPeAhCnYuNNs1QxGM2GpTA0AraylesNlonVzxwPPc-n0s-Xexe01tCVlQ1s2NZ-0i2eEbzq1TN4-FICYEZ9G8gi/s1600/IMG_5186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZi_T-ZBnJ9QAVrIXXymueh2IPtZaDJ4V2VzKdgFTof9ZdRZDeAwBwtWPeAhCnYuNNs1QxGM2GpTA0AraylesNlonVzxwPPc-n0s-Xexe01tCVlQ1s2NZ-0i2eEbzq1TN4-FICYEZ9G8gi/s320/IMG_5186.JPG" width="240" /></a>After getting my shoes, I stopped at the official merchandise booth. Things in the runDisney booth sell out fast! Some things like the highly coveted wine glasses and coffee mugs sell out in minutes. I was hoping there would be some items left by the time I got there. At every runDisney event I participate, I always buy a pin that looks like the medal. It's a fun little thing I like to collect. They sell out fast, but I was lucky enough to get one. I also like to get a Sweaty Band from every race I do too. This time I got a purple Sweaty Band with the Tink Half logo on it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBAosBmH4wMgKiNeomA1Nb2kb6KQHy72xaGfpPXzVCSPuOdsJaF8y7CMbSrQDiXK0pSlV9SLjqQKQg13-6HIM5QavXIP44owiTvmkukDc5hR70ebpOG26ooiq1ranfbZILUbf54UH0C-_/s1600/IMG_5170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBAosBmH4wMgKiNeomA1Nb2kb6KQHy72xaGfpPXzVCSPuOdsJaF8y7CMbSrQDiXK0pSlV9SLjqQKQg13-6HIM5QavXIP44owiTvmkukDc5hR70ebpOG26ooiq1ranfbZILUbf54UH0C-_/s320/IMG_5170.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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I had my new kicks in hand and I got my pins and head band. I was ready to see what the rest of the expo had to offer. Samples is one of my favorite things at race expos! I got some Coppertone sunscreen samples, some GoodSense pain reliever, and some Luna Bar samples. I stopped by the Sparkle Skirts booth to see what was new. The girls go taped at the KT Tape booth. Before we left, we stopped to get our "wings" After the expo, the girls and I were off to the parks! <br />
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--Amy Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-87496306458423682992015-05-06T21:30:00.001-04:002015-05-06T21:30:01.762-04:00How to Make Shoe Pom Poms<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCVLMmxzv_p3ipHi3JDVxzr10ig88HBMfcLXDuGfn7du54CG5LVR6PHz1rohiIgas-kXLPFwxJMN7QjqvCvKwEkaTwdDCNT-5kTSyyw718WdqPzaBHyyCwApd7-OzNYjxb8CV_Az4neIU/s640/blogger-image-172121964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCVLMmxzv_p3ipHi3JDVxzr10ig88HBMfcLXDuGfn7du54CG5LVR6PHz1rohiIgas-kXLPFwxJMN7QjqvCvKwEkaTwdDCNT-5kTSyyw718WdqPzaBHyyCwApd7-OzNYjxb8CV_Az4neIU/s640/blogger-image-172121964.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Today I am sharing a super easy way to make shoe Pom poms. All you need is some yarn, a pair of scissors and your fingers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6zGZqEgx3t1BSEHUDJzeauks7WapQyTzPgRtNYRp0DUiBrUmtLsAaB0qFibTv9T2O-RWl1E3a5ka9OEF1qQcSH8k_MWAgG1ooE1qNasNwe7AYBRwqFyQlE3bou4ia92o9KYBBdEV9Sb7/s640/blogger-image-2038258636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6zGZqEgx3t1BSEHUDJzeauks7WapQyTzPgRtNYRp0DUiBrUmtLsAaB0qFibTv9T2O-RWl1E3a5ka9OEF1qQcSH8k_MWAgG1ooE1qNasNwe7AYBRwqFyQlE3bou4ia92o9KYBBdEV9Sb7/s640/blogger-image-2038258636.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Start winding the yarn loosely around your fingers. The amount of yarn you use will depend on how big and puffy you want your Pom poms to be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zkw_2U3TkGtAglJC2LneJa2iTxQB2G5dvfqRQk3DuRgUGLx8XhDyp-7acw-f3GxUAfMYjLrVBMT7kywpsJumJP3NrekAe6KPj_EBH1dgXO-xa0j1ZuDm0z9DD9JhBJ_qsqcM1wVrln67/s640/blogger-image-380165274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zkw_2U3TkGtAglJC2LneJa2iTxQB2G5dvfqRQk3DuRgUGLx8XhDyp-7acw-f3GxUAfMYjLrVBMT7kywpsJumJP3NrekAe6KPj_EBH1dgXO-xa0j1ZuDm0z9DD9JhBJ_qsqcM1wVrln67/s640/blogger-image-380165274.jpg"></a></div>After you are satisfied with the amount of yarn you have wound around your fingers, very gently take it off. Place close attention to keep the yarn in the shape you wound it. Lay the yarn down and tie a 24 inch piece of yarn around the center. I recommend you tie it as tight as possible. I tied mine twice just to make sure it is secure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w3I3i1x37rgwiq0PBc2ADWoQGB63dHY_BehmqIO5a5cwfuqriZOano1aAvUTqHys7dmpAPRvCs1HnFvZzPUBn5nlgbPM9cNmGPcucRxMwSaH-VgZnXpzXI7MDMsFKeBuxX3O_1ko-5ix/s640/blogger-image--828476338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w3I3i1x37rgwiq0PBc2ADWoQGB63dHY_BehmqIO5a5cwfuqriZOano1aAvUTqHys7dmpAPRvCs1HnFvZzPUBn5nlgbPM9cNmGPcucRxMwSaH-VgZnXpzXI7MDMsFKeBuxX3O_1ko-5ix/s640/blogger-image--828476338.jpg"></a></div><br></div>After its nice and tight, begin to cut the loops. Once all of the loops are cut, fluff the yarn and cut any stragglers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9oL4ViQQcC-dizD7N4eECmbGrW4QLdYZ0EdJ7WLw0cXuPh6wWUK8_p7Qq4nHsLju4JOrtTtEgDQinPCN4D01N5CPMx2jcz2zmfQMWqDKo6IfzPg9rfA1LGZHkNqwKQepz-GK9i4QNyx-/s640/blogger-image-1276340899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9oL4ViQQcC-dizD7N4eECmbGrW4QLdYZ0EdJ7WLw0cXuPh6wWUK8_p7Qq4nHsLju4JOrtTtEgDQinPCN4D01N5CPMx2jcz2zmfQMWqDKo6IfzPg9rfA1LGZHkNqwKQepz-GK9i4QNyx-/s640/blogger-image-1276340899.jpg"></a></div>Here are my finished Pom poms. I will use the left over length of the center string to tie the Pom poms to my shoes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58cKcRYYrykrw_OOUVFU7PfElzrJHjlRidbfDFzXpct-gFbivyhI_hX4okZcEa-O2JUcZ5nUYKKEI7FOojbTU2i-FhDS5TlKgTdkNjUrQ1rk5PcmEhG-UwDQPTAJKdHS-YqJGsablb7id/s640/blogger-image--1794263238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58cKcRYYrykrw_OOUVFU7PfElzrJHjlRidbfDFzXpct-gFbivyhI_hX4okZcEa-O2JUcZ5nUYKKEI7FOojbTU2i-FhDS5TlKgTdkNjUrQ1rk5PcmEhG-UwDQPTAJKdHS-YqJGsablb7id/s640/blogger-image--1794263238.jpg"></a></div>My shoes are all ready for my Tinkerbell costume!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A dream is a wish...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">--Amy </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-42711801556480960532015-05-01T22:39:00.001-04:002015-05-01T22:39:22.334-04:00My newest Disney obsession--Pandora!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sbopEEa0G-c0enxLV7kfLvYQL4mu6mzCh7xZm1V188M99quKfjng2jy2cAbg_ih7UmIqmbzMYD2IVrgfKYbI63O0JzwK6XWnVJ36TqzNygg75R0PhRxMyGG_iwVrJL8x7OpnlPG5Dy6w/s640/blogger-image-1056856610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sbopEEa0G-c0enxLV7kfLvYQL4mu6mzCh7xZm1V188M99quKfjng2jy2cAbg_ih7UmIqmbzMYD2IVrgfKYbI63O0JzwK6XWnVJ36TqzNygg75R0PhRxMyGG_iwVrJL8x7OpnlPG5Dy6w/s640/blogger-image-1056856610.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">About a year ago, Disney parks team up with the Jewelry company, Pandora. I was already a fan of Pandora jewelry, so when I heard about Pandora making Disney jewelry I was thrilled. Every Disney trip I take, I get a new Pandora charm to add to my bangle. Above is the newest charms--exclusive to the Tinker Bell Half Marathon. I can't wait to get one! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTM8sgdVqk_waboG2jlTSOKP_w4lra3x0G3ZnIY6MCz2H304GxaPZRgwIQlChRTEGrcyAmnGHfv_vNZLEnXdYjkZyr61_P1dOfhOt-iyOHqRrfk49KjHlSvu407Utp4lv8YWhC8NsEqBS/s640/blogger-image-1327968712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTM8sgdVqk_waboG2jlTSOKP_w4lra3x0G3ZnIY6MCz2H304GxaPZRgwIQlChRTEGrcyAmnGHfv_vNZLEnXdYjkZyr61_P1dOfhOt-iyOHqRrfk49KjHlSvu407Utp4lv8YWhC8NsEqBS/s640/blogger-image-1327968712.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-23103216874335936392015-03-31T23:54:00.002-04:002015-03-31T23:54:46.386-04:00Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite Disney events of the year is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! This is a special hard ticket event held select nights in November and December. They close down the Magic Kingdom at 7 PM on party days. Only party guests are allowed in after that. The party runs from 7 PM to midnight (but I hear they will let guest with party tickets in as early as four). Party guests are also treated to complementary snacks--including cookies, hot chocolate, apple slices and apple juice. <br />
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One of my family's favorite things to do at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is to visit with Santa Clause. We usually use one of our family Santa pictures as our holiday cards. Like everything Disney does, the Santa was perfect. He was jolly, with a long white beard, big belly and deep voice.<br />
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After visiting with Santa Claus, we went to visit with "Sandy Claws" from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Another cool thing about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is that they bring out characters that can not be seen any other time of the year. We got to see the Seven Dwarfs, Scrooge McDuck and Daisy Duck this past trip. Along with the other obscure characters, we love to meet the princesses with their princes. <br />
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Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party has so much more to offer than characters. They usually have a party exclusive Sorcerers Kingdom card for party guests only. Another party exclusive is the fireworks and parade. The parade features the characters all dressed up in their holiday best. There are skiers, toy cars that really drive, ice skaters and toy soldiers. The finale of this holiday spirit filled parade is Santa waving and wishing everyone Merry Christmas! The fireworks for the party are one of the best shows Disney puts on. It is a mix of the regular "Wishes" show with lots of holiday touches.<br />
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All of the regular rides are open during the party. My family usually chooses to not do the rides during the party--we like to do the party exclusives during the party and ride the rides another day. But, if you are interested in riding the rides, a party night is a great night to do it. The party sells a limited number of tickets, so it can be less crowded than a normal day. Plus, many people at the party will be doing the party exclusives instead of rides. Wait times on the rides can be significantly lower during a party than a normal day.<br />
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After meeting all of the special character, visiting Santa, getting some holiday snacks, watching the parade and experiencing the fireworks--midnight rolls around. That means its time to say good night to the Magic Kingdom. My favorite glimpse of the castle is just after Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party ends. It's late, the park is quiet and almost empty. I always feel a sense of calm, of thankfulness. I say good night to my favorite place in the world feeling totally totally jazzed for the rest of the Christmas season.<br />
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--AmyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-56090267492129783992015-03-27T09:30:00.000-04:002015-03-31T23:55:02.479-04:00runDisney Jingle Jungle 5k 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend, runDisney holds a Christmas themed 5k in Animal Kingdom. It's a little tradition for my son and I to run the event together. This year we dressed as Elsa and Olaf! I love Christmas, I love Disney--so I love the Jingle Jungle 5k.<br />
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Nathan and I woke up very early. We snuck around our room so we did not wake up my still sleeping daughter and husband. It was a chilly morning. We walked to the bus stop at the resort to wait to board our bus to the start.<br />
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We got to the Animal Kingdom parking lot just as the sun was coming up. We were lucky enough to have corral B bibs, so we did not have to wait to long to start. The first mile of the race is out around the AK parking lot. Then we enter the park and the fun begins. Nathan and I love to stop for all the character along the course. The fun part about the Jingle Jungle 5k is that some of the characters are dressed up in their holiday best.<br />
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After running through Africa and Asia, we went back stage. For a Disney geek like me, this kind of stuff is so cool! We got to see the back side of Expedition Everest. Even cooler is that we got to see the park's Christmas decorations laid out and ready to be put up.<br />
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Nathan and I had so much fun running the race together. He told me about all the other races he wanted to do--5k's only, nothing longer he says. By the end of the race, it really started to warm up. We hit the third mile marker just as we exited the park. Nathan and I could hear the finish line music planning and he started to dance. It was such a fun way to finish the race. He was so proud when the medal was put around his neck. Way to go little Buddy!<br />
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--Amy<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-51564119165327980622015-03-25T21:53:00.000-04:002015-03-25T21:53:34.463-04:00runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like to call the 2014 runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon the "splash and dash" half marathon. The day of the race, the weather was perfect. All day, I keep reading Facebook posts about how a huge rain storm was coming straight for Orlando. It's ETA--10 PM, the exact time the race was set to begin. Oh no, here we go!<br />
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I started the day by running the runDisney Jingle Jungle 5k with my son Nathan. My family spent some time in the parks for the day. I ate a quick dinner, then it was time to get dressed up for the race! My running friend, Heather, and I dresses as Anna and Else for the race.<br />
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As we hoped off the bus at the race start, it started to drizzle. My thoughts were immediately--oh no, here we go! I can handle a lot of crappy situations, but I hate to be wet! I tried to make the best of it though. Heather and I walked to our corrals at the start line. As the race got closer, the rain came harder. By the time the race started, I was already soaked! My shoes, my Raw Threads top--already dripping wet.<br />
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We started the race in good spirits. By the time we hit the first mile marker, I was already miserable! Heather and I love to stop for character pictures at runDisney events. The only picture we stopped for the entire race was with the Country Bears.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSj0d9JxmBp5obodASEIuVG8OOtO-b0onCzh2ekfmysxYrwwjRNu59K-eJMDfZBmpxKwxwtWjTQNGbIqhHAEZCrrpOQG2bqF1oxhwhtgo62o8XRStXIR5EZbCblEC2hmntoJI4f3IUZd-/s1600/winemedal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSj0d9JxmBp5obodASEIuVG8OOtO-b0onCzh2ekfmysxYrwwjRNu59K-eJMDfZBmpxKwxwtWjTQNGbIqhHAEZCrrpOQG2bqF1oxhwhtgo62o8XRStXIR5EZbCblEC2hmntoJI4f3IUZd-/s1600/winemedal.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a>Mile four rolled around as we entered Animal Kingdom. By this time, I was totally and completely done with this race! Running through Animal Kingdom was the highlight of the Wine and Dine Half Marathon for me--I really love that park. As we exited the park, there were several buses parked. Many of them were loaded with people who decided to call it a day and quit the race. At the time, I so longed to be one of those people, warm on the bus. It was raining so hard that my shoes were heavy as bricks. The rain on the road was several inches deep. My feet were so blistered, they were bleeding. My arms were chaffing and raw from my shirt being soaked and rubbing. I was so cold that I could not feel my fingers.<br />
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Thankfully, I had Heather to talk me out of quitting. She was earning her Coast to Coast medal! She would not have earned the medal if we did not cross the finish line--so we had to finish. Up next for us was three miles of highway, on to Hollywood Studios. I was looking forward to running through the Osborne Lights. We took the race mile by mile. It was tough, but we kept going. After Hollywood Studios, we hit the home stretch. We ran through the Disney Boardwalk (one of my favorite places in Walt Disney World) and entered the back gate at Epcot. All I could think about by this time was finished and getting into warm, dry clothes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8OKdoCMTO_S6HuU8DxoiakZfa0IaIfFEyi3jv0Eiu1CnpBFQQvFVwt38i5r9QUQWBkxZjkNaA5hocM9w1rFbXvOehBtkuPXQ8GEyOd2VqCM_j7mS-opHq5S65StMnixuH8byUzTdTcS9/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8OKdoCMTO_S6HuU8DxoiakZfa0IaIfFEyi3jv0Eiu1CnpBFQQvFVwt38i5r9QUQWBkxZjkNaA5hocM9w1rFbXvOehBtkuPXQ8GEyOd2VqCM_j7mS-opHq5S65StMnixuH8byUzTdTcS9/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>After thirteen cold, soaking wet miles--we made it! We crossed the finish line! We got our medals, an adult beverage and headed straight to bag check. I was never so happy to see my old sneakers and red hoodie. Putting on warm, dry socks felt better than crossing the finish line. <br />
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The best part of the Wine and Dine Half Marathon is the after party. Epcot is open till four AM for runners to celebrate their accomplishment. All of the food stands for the Food and Wine Fest are open. After all that running, I was hungry! I got lobster mac and cheese at American and some amazing desserts at France. And a Coke! The only time drink real Coke is after a half marathon.<br />
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After fresh clothes and some yummy food, I was rejuvenated and ready to party. Heather and I closed down the party at four AM. We stumbled onto the bus to the resort and rolled into bed around five AM. What a night! It was by far my toughest race ever, but I am glad I finished. I can't wait to do it again.<br />
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--Amy<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-41710879402886965462015-03-18T22:46:00.000-04:002015-03-18T22:46:54.897-04:00Have Courage and Be Kind--My Review of the New Cinderella Movie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhevoCcZkx5ajvP5TzyGqCFaMUCjOQzh8LZZCEouHqoFnK0pnxaStPlx3Tb29NWuq4XdIpL6qXzKnUU51wq7vtTiIFaPqJmxFXAWqc7LYlz_S9_UB8DqGdVvOtVlQHWoqX4YuOMm9cb2cY/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhevoCcZkx5ajvP5TzyGqCFaMUCjOQzh8LZZCEouHqoFnK0pnxaStPlx3Tb29NWuq4XdIpL6qXzKnUU51wq7vtTiIFaPqJmxFXAWqc7LYlz_S9_UB8DqGdVvOtVlQHWoqX4YuOMm9cb2cY/s1600/IMG_5046.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>This past weekend, I took my daughter to see the brand new, live action Disney movie "Cinderella". I don't know who was more excited--me or Andrea. We have been waiting a long time for this movie to come out! As you know, we are a house of Disney freaks. I have heard great reviews about the movie, so I could not wait to see it.<br />
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We meet my sisters at the theater, along with my daughters BFF and her mom. My husband and son had a scout event so it was a girls day out for us! I made sure I wore my Cinderella New Balance sneakers, my runDisney glass slipper challenge shirt and my Disney Pandora bracelet for fun. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMfaLgXSv7M_2Da9VDvuxSAGKTaSI6LXMVg5QOcTgycErHuVUve6L-ih6gm2FxB17hgU1AEtp-MaADFKYGaf3R2FmNsrB_QNI-qGlfr6Yb-yuDNwAAykWs2wVT_cQ019lAvWm2OscinD0/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMfaLgXSv7M_2Da9VDvuxSAGKTaSI6LXMVg5QOcTgycErHuVUve6L-ih6gm2FxB17hgU1AEtp-MaADFKYGaf3R2FmNsrB_QNI-qGlfr6Yb-yuDNwAAykWs2wVT_cQ019lAvWm2OscinD0/s1600/IMG_5047.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>My daughter was double excited for this movie--she could not wait to see Cinderella, but she really was excited to see the short that came before Cinderella. The short was "Frozen Fever." It brought us back into the world of Arendelle again for a few minutes. In this little glimpse into the life of our favorite royal sisters, we catch up with them on Anna's birthday. Elsa plans a huge party, but she is sick. We learn that her powers and illness do not mix well! All of the main characters are back for an update--we even get to see what becomes of Hans. "Frozen Fever" gets a thumbs up from us!<br />
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Up next was the main feature! I was not sure what to expect with the live action "Cinderella" movie. Cinderella is my favorite princess (and my blog's inspiration!) I had high hopes for this movie, but I have not been a fan of some of the animated turned live actions movies lately, like "Alice in Wonderland". I was hoping they did not try to modernize it too much. I also hoped they kept most of the original Walt Disney story line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGkv2TMmlNy2N7Srfii-efaRD336aQazXRqI-L2tD-oBemSEoqUBngJLGtAcvIUYl_JKVJkS-Vk18NmYNR45eu6Oca5Gga94fzFEWGbAXiXoyrczSqinribpVaVMEzRlITtUs_a1bjLG_/s1600/IMG_5049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGkv2TMmlNy2N7Srfii-efaRD336aQazXRqI-L2tD-oBemSEoqUBngJLGtAcvIUYl_JKVJkS-Vk18NmYNR45eu6Oca5Gga94fzFEWGbAXiXoyrczSqinribpVaVMEzRlITtUs_a1bjLG_/s1600/IMG_5049.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>At the beginning of the movie we meet Ella, her mom and her dad. They are a beautiful, happy family. We all know what happens to them from the animated classic. In the new live action movie, we get a much better back story about the family. Ella's relationship with her mom in explored in depth. Since I am a mom with a daughter, I could really relate to it. Right before she loses her mom, Ella is given some fantastic advice about how to live her life. "Have courage and be kind..." I love that this was the theme of the movie. No mater how poorly Ella was treated by her step family, she always keep that advice from her mom close to her heart. It's because of her goodness that her fairy godmother gives her a night of magic.<br />
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Visually, the movie was amazing! The costumes, scenery--all perfect. I have a feeling a lot of little girls will be begging for the new Cinderella dress very soon. The golden coach was elegant and beautiful. We got to see it when we visited Disney World in February. Ella's hair, her dress and of course the glass slippers were spot on. <br />
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I highly recommend this movie to everyone. My daughter is already asking when we can see it again!<br />
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--AmyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-59208286674634096362015-03-15T23:01:00.000-04:002015-03-15T23:01:21.979-04:00Our Disney Side Party! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucmFCicgVnQ3w0h5Gf4ekhG4lBpTRivI2Qjst1yRBSE0-ttgim7uj0QCOvC6Z2VSt3SmwXh1Z3jrNNUQUJuELx8AaNpwilRAqr8fMFroWG4lmDXSR2i6ZL2zEu2ajx9speU58PI3pyYQY/s1600/IMG_4922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucmFCicgVnQ3w0h5Gf4ekhG4lBpTRivI2Qjst1yRBSE0-ttgim7uj0QCOvC6Z2VSt3SmwXh1Z3jrNNUQUJuELx8AaNpwilRAqr8fMFroWG4lmDXSR2i6ZL2zEu2ajx9speU58PI3pyYQY/s1600/IMG_4922.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>A few weekends ago, we had our #DisneySide party! The party was sponsored by Disney and BSM Media. The kids and I were so excited when our giant package arrived! We could not wait to see <br />
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Disney sent us a big box of party supplies. We got cups, plates, napkins, and lots of decorations. We also got things to make the party extra fun--we got princess nail polish, a few Palace Pets to play with, and some fun party games. After all that fun, we would get hungry, so Disney also sent us a Mickey head shaped cake pan and some Duke's tie die cake mix. Yummy!<br />
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We decided to have a Valentines Day party with our #DisneySide box. We invited lots of friends and family to celebrate with us. The little girls dresses up as their favorite Disney Princess. The grown ups dressed up in looks inspired by their favorite Disney couples. A great time was had by all. It was the perfect way to celebrate Valentines Day!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-75228335014887681032015-01-04T15:41:00.000-05:002015-03-15T22:55:52.769-04:00My Goals for 2015<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will these be mine? </td></tr>
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Last year brought lots of changes. We bought a new house, I started my own travel agency and I started a part time job in the accounting field. Now that those changes have settled in, its time for some new ones. <br />
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My big goal for 2015 is to train for a full marathon! I don't feel sure enough as of yet to say I will complete a full marathon, but my goal is to start training and explore the possibility. Over the past three years, I have completed 17 half marathons. When I made the goal three years ago to complete a <br />
half marathon, I never really had any doubt that I could do it. I knew that I would have to work hard, but I knew I could do it. With all of this running under my belt, I know taking on a full marathon is a completely different animal. After finishing a half marathon, I typically feel fairly well--but there is no way I could turn around and run another 13.1 miles. This is what has me terrified to say that I will do a full marathon. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpJ-lZQRIRPYruAePI8Fkj2rFFSN2Fkp1ZufPXe3hFIMFMN_d4A5ND67cxWB0cEHq6HAYVqCcOz1ua1fx0sxl1MG4Ffdcz1w9AtsMn-ioVYynZX9SwXNlmSpzxhOxZbsFWGnCghOtIj92/s1600/iphone+333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpJ-lZQRIRPYruAePI8Fkj2rFFSN2Fkp1ZufPXe3hFIMFMN_d4A5ND67cxWB0cEHq6HAYVqCcOz1ua1fx0sxl1MG4Ffdcz1w9AtsMn-ioVYynZX9SwXNlmSpzxhOxZbsFWGnCghOtIj92/s1600/iphone+333.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>To take on this huge goal, I need to lose weight! I have a brand new workout plan to start tomorrow. I will be doing <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/amysmith7" target="_blank">PiYo by Chalene Johnson.</a> PiYo is a combo of Pilates and yoga. Along with some running mixed in, this will be a great start to my training. I plan to work hard for the next three with PiYo, clean eating and running--with the goal of losing 25 pounds. I will reassess in April (when Disney Marathon registration opens up) taking into account how my training is going and where I am mentally. Wish me luck! This is something I really want to do. <br />
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I need a big goal, something big to work toward. This just may be it. Nothing gets me going like the chance at another Disney experience! <br />
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--AmyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-88339700637141416272015-01-03T15:18:00.000-05:002015-01-03T15:18:18.989-05:002014--a Year of New Beginnings! 2014 was a year of changes for me! <div>
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We bought a new house! I loved our old house, but it was just too small for our growing family. We had our eye on this house for five years--yes five years! It was built and first for sale right after Andrea was born. That was not a good time for use to move. In November of 2013, it went for sale again. After a few months of consideration, we took a leap and put in an offer. On June 30, 2014 (the day before my birthday!) she became ours! This is my dream house. We look forward to painting, decorating and growing old in our new home. </div>
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I started my own travel agency! I call it <a href="http://www.mainstreetmagicllc.com/" target="_blank">Main Street Magic, LLC</a> after the iconic Main Streets at the Disney Parks. This too was a big leap for me. I had a few years of travel agent experience under my belt. After our big move, I now have my very own office. What better time than now to put myself out there and make a go of it. So far, its going great! I have hired three agents and I plan to hire more very soon. It feels amazing to actually love what you do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3IyMLqNCoIo_r6AbWaiV182Lbfkdb-AFtMEJVwqDMSz9jQjk6rSMiZqw7PNcXskV3WBL7nco7oRld9DRbMbtQRFOIV8t_UqftcjKJqt2ag4RnB_BWgVeeulQYOjrnhw9S5zbmO_3PeP6/s1600/iphone+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL3IyMLqNCoIo_r6AbWaiV182Lbfkdb-AFtMEJVwqDMSz9jQjk6rSMiZqw7PNcXskV3WBL7nco7oRld9DRbMbtQRFOIV8t_UqftcjKJqt2ag4RnB_BWgVeeulQYOjrnhw9S5zbmO_3PeP6/s1600/iphone+003.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>I started a part time job, back in the accounting field. This job sort of fell into my lap. A friend from our scout pack was looking for a Treasurer for his church. Knowing about my background and education in accounting, he asked if I was interested. I figured--why not! I am doing bookkeeping and accounting for the church and the church owned day care. I work a few hours a week at the church office and a few hours a week at home. It's nice to be back in the working world a few hours a week, and its nice to be using my degree again. </div>
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The past six months has brought me any exciting changes. These changes have kept me from blogging as often as I would like. Now that my family is getting used to our new life, our new routine--I will be writing much more often! I have run a few more races and visited Disney twice since I last wrote. Stay tuned--I have lots of fun stuff to tell you about. Thank you for coming back. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-64135998214036399952014-06-23T22:37:00.000-04:002014-06-23T22:37:42.400-04:00Baltimore Women's Classic 2014<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV_IoxtiTEuvJcZtmCfKTCb_WHyBPJssDTg8X0HyaP_VONd96U6adpb6OXD8hiDTvzjwgdFmtzY8awe3UiEXIt8gOp0D8SeiX1c9BwEyvrgnGKDm9WJH3RrwyRigsEWjZA8D14sjpOqNQ/s1600/iphone+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV_IoxtiTEuvJcZtmCfKTCb_WHyBPJssDTg8X0HyaP_VONd96U6adpb6OXD8hiDTvzjwgdFmtzY8awe3UiEXIt8gOp0D8SeiX1c9BwEyvrgnGKDm9WJH3RrwyRigsEWjZA8D14sjpOqNQ/s1600/iphone+008.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>The Baltimore Women's Classic was my first ever race in 2012, so it has a special place in my heart. It has remained my favorite local race since then. It's a women's only race that benefits Cancerve, a women's cancer charity. The race takes place in the beautiful Inner Harbor of Baltimore. This year, two of my sisters did the race with me.<br />
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The BWC has the best "race village" of any race I have ever been to. There are lots of vendors to check out and lots of free stuff--before and after the race. This year I won a t-shirt from City Sports, a cool water bottle with infuser, and a beach towel from our local SUP rental company. We tested tea, sports drinks, energy gum and lots of offer fun stuff. We shopped, and shopped. So much fun!<br />
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Our little group of family and friends got to the start line and took lots of pictures. Once the race started, we separated so everyone could run their own best race. Since this was my fourth time doing this race, I know the course well. I was prepared for the massive hill at around the .5 mile mark. The race runs through south Baltimore, around the Federal Hill area. The last .5 mile of the race is so beautiful--right along the harbor. Crowd support at this race is great. So many families sit on their front steps and cheer the runners on.<br />
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My sister and her friend finished the race before me. They stayed at the finish to cheer me on. After I got my water, cold towel, medal, finisher rose and some snacks I joined them while we <br />
waited for the rest of the group. It's always fun to hang out at the finish line and cheer on the other runners. My other sister finished with a 7 minute PR! We cheered my cousin on as she crossed her first finish line. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAQ-wLJHA2-L_TNSiQAu7qgEiqspsDQbJTXAmYcFLVFdKwYXWaNTiDqkKU0YHZ_QvBoI3Ul1NSHz1vmFFU3BiWuHPDPbWK04P0pbRI4_JJZAm12JTziAX5OUPYq6148yrCqB-H85Kfj79/s1600/iphone+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAQ-wLJHA2-L_TNSiQAu7qgEiqspsDQbJTXAmYcFLVFdKwYXWaNTiDqkKU0YHZ_QvBoI3Ul1NSHz1vmFFU3BiWuHPDPbWK04P0pbRI4_JJZAm12JTziAX5OUPYq6148yrCqB-H85Kfj79/s1600/iphone+040.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>After one more loop around race village, it was time to head home. The race volunteers were packing up and they had a bunch of roses left over. They told us to take a bouquet home! My rose bouquet looks so pretty on my kitchen table. My sisters and I got some pictures along the water before we left. I can't wait to do the BWC again next year.<br />
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--AmyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-50995384094471275012014-06-21T00:44:00.001-04:002014-06-21T00:44:38.410-04:00Disney Social Media Moms Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday I had the privileged of attending the Disney Social Moms "on the road" conference. When I got the invite in May, I was equally excited and shocked! I could not believe I was chosen to attend. Going to an event like this would be a dream come true for a Disney nerd like me.<br />
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I woke up nice and early for the conference, but I barely sleep at all the night before--I was to excited. I made the two and a half hour drive into Philly and arrived about twenty minutes before the start. I quickly ran into the other ladies I know who were also invited to the event--two runDisney friends. We chatted and met some other bloggers while in line for check in. Finally, it was time! The doors opened and the event started.<br />
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The room was already filled with Disney magic. The "Zippitty Do Da" song was playing. Above the stage was draped a big banner that read "Rock Your Disney Side", the 2014 Disney marketing slogan. I quickly found a seat and then just stood there for a minute--soaking it all in. There were balloons, banners, and a few backdrops for pictures. One of the backdrops was of the castle. The other was a "Disney side" photo area with every Disney character hat and accessory you could think of to dress up with. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYbVKiHP0i1kIg55K8WBBvUOw3OFdSMlw24ECsUbo3sSrUg0FzD9S5d7kFd-nyuuN3QCn3WZ3Dr733KVKnpUcx7qphAaT67JH1334nAHXLvDNVDJuIiUCITEGmBeq65bSzjtr34x4lprb/s1600/iphone+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYbVKiHP0i1kIg55K8WBBvUOw3OFdSMlw24ECsUbo3sSrUg0FzD9S5d7kFd-nyuuN3QCn3WZ3Dr733KVKnpUcx7qphAaT67JH1334nAHXLvDNVDJuIiUCITEGmBeq65bSzjtr34x4lprb/s1600/iphone+021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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Jaime and Gary from Disney PR got the event started. They used a unique to Disney icebreaker--pin trading! The assistants walked around with a huge bag of Disney pins and dumped a handful on each table. We had two minutes to meet some new people and trade pins. I end up with one of the most beautiful Disney pins I have ever seen--its a diamond wedding ring with Lady and the Tramp in the center.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1U75MfOIxi67aJjaWgNQuobNyL1g8SL_RXpxMSHPa-G3_8onm5g0NhMIhqSccE79c7NHaaAjTvSqznDDRxl71ecZ0bHx2an0zz5a7d2joQZ3ud90nP83TUMZPvE1XGPBjft4oT78fSMw/s1600/iphone+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1U75MfOIxi67aJjaWgNQuobNyL1g8SL_RXpxMSHPa-G3_8onm5g0NhMIhqSccE79c7NHaaAjTvSqznDDRxl71ecZ0bHx2an0zz5a7d2joQZ3ud90nP83TUMZPvE1XGPBjft4oT78fSMw/s1600/iphone+029.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
The first speaker was Gary Buchanan, the Disney Social Media Managing Editor. He told us about all the cool new stuff coming to the Disney Parks. After Cary, we heard from Jenn Fickly-Baker, the Disney Social Media Manager. Jenn gave a great talk about creating good content. Up next, we heard from HP direct print services. They had a big surprise for us--they printed our "Disney Side" pictures and gave us each a very nice pack of HP photo paper with envelopes. Thanks HP! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaACemteShrJ2BruQHpCM2MKUf7p5lAlJVHA-9fTcjoe3GCbmdNCWtvmkMSTfO6-oWgVhRWX9pHTX8tyH6eE1qpdflA0DalXvYjDdGgudFb6Du0XVjBpIHD64ppDZqo-5xeN8Kpviq7st/s1600/iphone+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaACemteShrJ2BruQHpCM2MKUf7p5lAlJVHA-9fTcjoe3GCbmdNCWtvmkMSTfO6-oWgVhRWX9pHTX8tyH6eE1qpdflA0DalXvYjDdGgudFb6Du0XVjBpIHD64ppDZqo-5xeN8Kpviq7st/s1600/iphone+019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
After a quick break, it was time to get back to the speaker series. At our seats, Disney surprised us with a Vinylmation--my first one. Up next we heard from Victoria Lim of Disney PR. She talked to us about creating great visual content. After that was a panel of mom entrapanuers discussing a work/family balance, followed by the Mojo Coach talking about how to stay healthy is every way. I learned so much from each and every one of the speakers. I plan to do a series of posts about all the amazing things I learned from each speaker--its way to much to put in one post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7CzG36RCPZKuFa9mLTRgHVuo3-E41bStYiNMecTH7tBk2ffuYO4yPkXipLBpb-AMPxB1b7PvTiEaQ3gm4DTYauqCTTMqpFp9j2ILV2HwUM6OFLWcog9IE6skuPCioR_e69fhuQcQ9pml/s1600/iphone+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7CzG36RCPZKuFa9mLTRgHVuo3-E41bStYiNMecTH7tBk2ffuYO4yPkXipLBpb-AMPxB1b7PvTiEaQ3gm4DTYauqCTTMqpFp9j2ILV2HwUM6OFLWcog9IE6skuPCioR_e69fhuQcQ9pml/s1600/iphone+050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>After some closing remarks, a very special guest appeared--Mickey Mouse!!! Everyone in the room jumped to their feet and started clapping. It was so magical! In the last few minutes of the event, we networked some more, exchanged business cards, hung out with Mickey, took more pictures and said our good byes. I was so sad that the event was over, but so happy to have been a part of it. Thank you so much Disney for putting on such an amazing event! <br />
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--Amy<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-64654408868627807112014-06-17T23:42:00.000-04:002014-06-18T00:31:31.198-04:00Tinkerbell Half Marathon Weekend 2014One of my favorite events of the year is the runDisney Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend in Disneyland. It usually turns into a crazy girls weekend pretty quickly!<br />
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This year I flew in to LAX on Thursday morning. I got to Disneyland just in time to check into the magical Disneyland Hotel and get to the expo right before it opened. I worked the entire day at the Sparkle Skirts booth, but managed to get away long enough to pick up my three bibs for the weekend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out my video of the 5k start!</td></tr>
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The first race of my runDisney race weekend was the Neverland 5k. This a a race through Disneyland park, and ends in California Adventure park. The Neverland 5k hand down offers the best race start of any race I have ever seen or heard of. The race starts right in front of Sleeping Beauty's castle. All of the sudden, Tinkerbell herself makes an appearance. Tink flies around the castle and starts the race! So magical!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3Naef78bKR2hdik3hf4VXs9aNBhKuDpASOieEWDNnZ7pmVUZcOa3flrLVvxEjr98KSLMCvwvEIO54bSapouK_I-3QzfgpSsmLOYhZ3IuM9IzzFQSZ6S8tnsyTm0W30AP4vTxQc3-keX-/s1600/iphone+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3Naef78bKR2hdik3hf4VXs9aNBhKuDpASOieEWDNnZ7pmVUZcOa3flrLVvxEjr98KSLMCvwvEIO54bSapouK_I-3QzfgpSsmLOYhZ3IuM9IzzFQSZ6S8tnsyTm0W30AP4vTxQc3-keX-/s1600/iphone+063.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The second race of the weekend was the Tinkerbell 10k. This race shared a start and finish line with the half marathon. The highlight of this course for me was the Haunted Mansion characters. I love, love, love seeing and getting pictures with obscure characters. I have never seen the Haunted Mansion characters before then, so that alone made the race worth doing.<br />
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The third race and main event of the weekend was the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. The course started outside of Disneyland park. We ran around the back of California Adventure park and entered the park in the Paradise Pier section. They had the "World of Color" music and lights playing. I love that show! After we got the rest of the way through CA, we ran across to Disneyland. After a run around Disneyland, we entered Downtown Disney, then on through the town of Anaheim.<br />
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The Tinkerbell Half is my favorite runDisney courses. I love running down the original Main Street USA, and past the original Disney castle that Walt himself built. Disneyland holds so much history--us Disney history nerds can't get enough. Another perk of doing a Disneyland race to us east coasters is that it does not feel as early as it actually is. Because of the three hour time difference, a 5 am race feel like it starts at 8 am to an east coaster. I am not a morning person, so I will take every hour I can get. I can't wait to get back out to Disney for Tink Half Marathon weekend 2015--with a new date of Mothers Day weekend in May.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVZv1XpzotBN8qEqbm0fDpRc9sCwjxZVZOR0xWUPpb-4Q2v6gE_dLpsj3QWJ5PiyF5siQf2gYED4PxPV9TvyplhKRrDl4l4huAQdg3rUpIaC6yKaPuvnULYzuEmbLq0PkHlgA0sYixvdp/s1600/iphone+153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVZv1XpzotBN8qEqbm0fDpRc9sCwjxZVZOR0xWUPpb-4Q2v6gE_dLpsj3QWJ5PiyF5siQf2gYED4PxPV9TvyplhKRrDl4l4huAQdg3rUpIaC6yKaPuvnULYzuEmbLq0PkHlgA0sYixvdp/s1600/iphone+153.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the finish line from my room!</td></tr>
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A dream is a wish...<div>
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--Amy </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-9764927783337728802014-04-25T21:00:00.000-04:002014-04-25T21:00:46.374-04:00My Oatmeal ReviewThis past week, I have the opportunity to try out "My Oatmeal". It's a site where you customer build and then order oatmeal just for you. There are over two million combinations! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGrbw3eF4Dqv8J2TTR-WZbCpHKwhJGj3FOsyCVYz_bdhXKJOA4TBp-0IuZpy4_mfZsRBrHsGdt803Hj1y6LJX4DE8U_xHqA0ts8NJRBbhhgT0b2Fm5Ive-YPCYwjYe-U15_u4WwA2kLfz/s1600/iphone+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGrbw3eF4Dqv8J2TTR-WZbCpHKwhJGj3FOsyCVYz_bdhXKJOA4TBp-0IuZpy4_mfZsRBrHsGdt803Hj1y6LJX4DE8U_xHqA0ts8NJRBbhhgT0b2Fm5Ive-YPCYwjYe-U15_u4WwA2kLfz/s1600/iphone+019.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I chose to try out <a href="http://www.myoatmeal.com/products.html" target="_blank">steel cut oatmeal</a>. I have been a big fan of steel cut oats for a while now--I like how they are the entire grain, making the oatmeal more filling and higher in fiber. Then it was time to customize! I decided to add some Turkish apricots, cashews, and flax seeds. Once I choose a bag size and delivery frequency, I was done. A few days later, my customer bag of My Oatmeal showed up at my door.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXn2nXQUj42K0AtnOIUFhKCEjUqFQUAy1ynqPT1K5NGrTi9k9DtCyF8wv_s70Y2148ru-jChgEsltEG9VVIlbhWfFCy3MAhHLrsuXOgBiza7SXCIxASN5lAOlE2tut1-8pT5z_GZcyQBY9/s1600/iphone+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXn2nXQUj42K0AtnOIUFhKCEjUqFQUAy1ynqPT1K5NGrTi9k9DtCyF8wv_s70Y2148ru-jChgEsltEG9VVIlbhWfFCy3MAhHLrsuXOgBiza7SXCIxASN5lAOlE2tut1-8pT5z_GZcyQBY9/s1600/iphone+020.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Since steel cut oats are bigger than rolled oats, they take longer to cook. The package directions said to cook the oats for 30 minutes. I do not have time for that in the morning! I cooked five servings on Sunday evening, so they were ready to microwave when I got up each morning this week. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLDaza6wq9gglpECHOM4Ju3tlsb2-C182HTxstVH7nqdG_VwdW8bfBMa3UefPwLP4AxqhLgZMaqnwnfE32AhMGdc5I2wXLjHJLxaD10Q96ccYFAGTn748EXhHSUwlpGRwx6y7jNPdpwyX/s1600/iphone+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLDaza6wq9gglpECHOM4Ju3tlsb2-C182HTxstVH7nqdG_VwdW8bfBMa3UefPwLP4AxqhLgZMaqnwnfE32AhMGdc5I2wXLjHJLxaD10Q96ccYFAGTn748EXhHSUwlpGRwx6y7jNPdpwyX/s1600/iphone+021.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I really loved my My Oatmeal trial! I love how the My Oatmeal is whole, fresh food--but still super easy to make. It's very tasty too! Let me know what you think of it if you give it a try!<br />
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--Amy<br />
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Disclaimer: I received the product for free from My Oatmeal via Fit Approach. These are my original thoughts and opinions on
My Oatmeal.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-13793049107565147192014-03-17T23:28:00.002-04:002014-03-17T23:28:24.732-04:00runDisney 2014 Princess Half Marathon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9BXUN-lMaAyWAJct35bzhtkn2zN9VHri5TKB8znK_w0xXAAvWXr8CK3lrKaW_sw0on6QgYd0w-qeruGsxz9HxmrLi6cGjOdTXkuMyl9zenKMFec3eLy2eHOSvJPsuLey9Xc8mrGRxnSB/s1600/iphone+226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9BXUN-lMaAyWAJct35bzhtkn2zN9VHri5TKB8znK_w0xXAAvWXr8CK3lrKaW_sw0on6QgYd0w-qeruGsxz9HxmrLi6cGjOdTXkuMyl9zenKMFec3eLy2eHOSvJPsuLey9Xc8mrGRxnSB/s1600/iphone+226.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>The 2014 runDisney Princess Half Marathon was my third Princess weekend. It's may favorite race weekend of the year! This race was going to be different for me--it would be the first that I ran with a group of friends. Typically, I prefer to run along--to take in the sights and sounds with no distractions. This year I was going to be different. Our plan was to stay together, take lots of pictures, and have as much fun as possible!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUASS_Y8Z14LYpJhpGQLxdBG4auf8xKJAPF8YR59Sx5q9Dnc3KPiKGgorJKRFfCNwv0KmykoG1gkGHZsVjymQE0wXnm9-mmxnuoLcN21ASruzFiwHmFfctjBTpnaT6p0Bf7KIC9AkELJ7/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUASS_Y8Z14LYpJhpGQLxdBG4auf8xKJAPF8YR59Sx5q9Dnc3KPiKGgorJKRFfCNwv0KmykoG1gkGHZsVjymQE0wXnm9-mmxnuoLcN21ASruzFiwHmFfctjBTpnaT6p0Bf7KIC9AkELJ7/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Race morning started like every other runDisney race-early! I woke up at 3:30 am, just in time to be at the Contemporary monorail stop by 4 am. I tell you, the monorail is fastest, most fun, most Disney way to get to the race start. The view of the staging area from the monorail really gets me pumped and ready to run! I met up with my group of friends just in time to walk to the corrals. It was a very long walk to the corrals. You can feel the excitement, the anticipation building.<br />
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This year runDisney tried out a new corral system. There used to be five to six corrals, corresponding with letter A-E or A-F. This year, there were many more, but smaller corrals. I don't know the exact number of corrals this year, but I was in "I" and started somewhere right in the middle of the pack. In amazing runDisney style, each corral got their own special send off from the Fairy God Mother, a "ready, set, go" and fireworks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-apT_btrzJg7l5fbXKaZLzokXBo5h48Hyl9cOd8BDj6tSDNW0iDlb_ZlhuUcL2xwM0dW3H21lcOHE_umHZv_fsdIoXfPk6WYZfD9F-TkeFvY0yUewaH73d-yEA0Kt7k6saj7dnizdBE_/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-apT_btrzJg7l5fbXKaZLzokXBo5h48Hyl9cOd8BDj6tSDNW0iDlb_ZlhuUcL2xwM0dW3H21lcOHE_umHZv_fsdIoXfPk6WYZfD9F-TkeFvY0yUewaH73d-yEA0Kt7k6saj7dnizdBE_/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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It was a warm, humid morning. The 90% humidity level could be felt even before the race started. I could see other runner struggling early. This was going to be a tough year. For the first <br />
two miles, it was just Jackie and I. Heather started several corrals ahead of us. The plan was for her to get in the first character line and we would catch up to her there. Jackie and I could see a character stop ahead--but who was it? It was the Princes--Aladdin, Flynn Ryder, Eric and Hercules. Jackie and I found Heather and the long wait in line started.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvKZklyOiZAJixFEQi-NJQNKYY3hWex72Mcf8tNPosooR80On_G0YB9Qy39WLVyCRbPIFtVI0ezXn6rKMxC49Ya34tLTPwn8BBB_qxIGAl28gFlYnL6R0fv_ATgNFRv63vwWUQneHoFV2/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvKZklyOiZAJixFEQi-NJQNKYY3hWex72Mcf8tNPosooR80On_G0YB9Qy39WLVyCRbPIFtVI0ezXn6rKMxC49Ya34tLTPwn8BBB_qxIGAl28gFlYnL6R0fv_ATgNFRv63vwWUQneHoFV2/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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The sun was rising as we run under that Magic Kingdom parking entrance sign. I always love this part of the race--its the half way point to the Magic Kingdom! It was my turn to sprint to the next character stop. Next up were the villains--Evil Queen, Cruella Devil and the Queen of Heart! This is a picture I have always wanted but never would wait in the long line for. The girls caught <span style="text-align: center;">up to me, but we still had a long wait. Right before it was our turn, the Queen of Hearts left. Bummer, but it was still an awesome picture.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KhCSimS9QXx5nzV9HS-hjv6TqA13qXYKypSx-CFh4NXxH-M_WI2IZEkkQXR5SB2FUElQ6KICTpmMHXpOnqv7zK-yl3CkyOyac6UOYrFISpRSMgVg-i-McLPA-4480iiiRth23kZacEFf/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KhCSimS9QXx5nzV9HS-hjv6TqA13qXYKypSx-CFh4NXxH-M_WI2IZEkkQXR5SB2FUElQ6KICTpmMHXpOnqv7zK-yl3CkyOyac6UOYrFISpRSMgVg-i-McLPA-4480iiiRth23kZacEFf/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Right around the corner was the Ticket and Transportation Center. This is a really fun area to run through because there are always lots of spectators there cheering on the runners. After ticket and transportation, we got a glimpse of the Contemporary Resort. With the thick, heavy fog we could barley see the top of the resort. Then it was under the water bridge. Next up--the main event. Next up was the Magic Kingdom!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIkpp7iWhuhg4qJegYVZqmp7ijCNfODhMnHICX_GmaLia1gw7wOa5gZyRCi6u1HJwY6CUfnHYWDy3ohQ8-p5_Vuhpx5x6mJq46oA6iJPCCHYCpMQaoa0dtBTPzQBTFJiCbKJwN88axK_G/s1600/photo+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIkpp7iWhuhg4qJegYVZqmp7ijCNfODhMnHICX_GmaLia1gw7wOa5gZyRCi6u1HJwY6CUfnHYWDy3ohQ8-p5_Vuhpx5x6mJq46oA6iJPCCHYCpMQaoa0dtBTPzQBTFJiCbKJwN88axK_G/s1600/photo+11.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Runners entered the Magic Kingdom from a back stage area, right between Tony's and the Confectionery. The best part of every runDisney event is the second you turn the corner and you see it for the first time--the castle! It's the most magical part of every runDisney event if you ask me. Running up Main Street USA is one of the most fun parts of the event. There are hundreds of spectators cheering you on--we are talking parade level number of spectators--all cheering, clapping, holding fun signs. Disney knows how important getting that perfect castle picture is, so there is always lots of friendly cast members and volunteers there to take your picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSLfMNG0M048-i8e__sH15D4_E66epvUNjERpaY_nUr-tUnclAlDMWv41kY83RPOCiBhrNRbZaccR-KhL25klHwo1M3sF26z_JuSbMms99Ue5vrzFXo8QyyZaiQ90zQt4Tb0k61ULRA25/s1600/photo+21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSLfMNG0M048-i8e__sH15D4_E66epvUNjERpaY_nUr-tUnclAlDMWv41kY83RPOCiBhrNRbZaccR-KhL25klHwo1M3sF26z_JuSbMms99Ue5vrzFXo8QyyZaiQ90zQt4Tb0k61ULRA25/s1600/photo+21.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Magic Kingdom is full of character stops! We got pictures with Buzz Lightyear and the White Rabbit. As we got to the castle, there was Minnie and Mickey dressed in their royal wear. The line for Minnie and Mickey were the longest we had seen all day, so sadly we skipped that picture stop. The disappointment faded fast though, as it was time to run through the castle! Well, it was more like walk through the castle....everyone stops for pictures, everyone slows down--to really soak up the experience, take it all in. We stopped for some castle shots, and then it was on through Frontierland. We stopped for a quick bathroom break and to get a picture with Woody. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYCLmlCRSdu0Fh4dzOO3DEUD0NOYq9qPS97JfWQjPoGuABp4GtGrzPfm2chRLcEK48Ct9_HBsVvRTv2VJSrvtT03CfQPpwincRQ-PKtZ2p866yYl8WHWUwj7RvERflW6UvJPkDlOrpn-I/s1600/photo+31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYCLmlCRSdu0Fh4dzOO3DEUD0NOYq9qPS97JfWQjPoGuABp4GtGrzPfm2chRLcEK48Ct9_HBsVvRTv2VJSrvtT03CfQPpwincRQ-PKtZ2p866yYl8WHWUwj7RvERflW6UvJPkDlOrpn-I/s1600/photo+31.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>We exited Magic Kingdom through a back stage area. Princess Aurora was there with her three good fairies and her prince, but we knew we had to keep going to keep time. This is always the toughest part of a Disney race for me. The race was only half way done, but the best parts were behind us. It would be a long five miles back to Epcot. To ease the let down, runDisney lets runners vote on a mile seven song. This year the song was "Let it Go" from Frozen of course. Over the next two miles we got some more fun pictures--Lilo and Stitch, the Genie, and the Disney golf cart. By then the runners around us were starting to panic. We keep hearing rumors that the sweepers were right behind us. No big deal--it just meant no more character stops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg419M7w9moXRpaevW8dN2v0o5udMLuEZH-LWVueO8v8_soNlYuw_kZUheK5fKk1D5y2qIRTZw9nfSt3JBUzrPdWGgmVtL7ULZhenLuF9o-UUiPJdSHmKyxp4f2AQVXYWicJHof-xSGCDdy/s1600/photo+41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg419M7w9moXRpaevW8dN2v0o5udMLuEZH-LWVueO8v8_soNlYuw_kZUheK5fKk1D5y2qIRTZw9nfSt3JBUzrPdWGgmVtL7ULZhenLuF9o-UUiPJdSHmKyxp4f2AQVXYWicJHof-xSGCDdy/s1600/photo+41.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>With the sweepers on our tale, we got moving. By this time, we were close to mile 10. It was time for the toughest part of the race--the mile 10 overpass. To me, the incline is not the tough part--the tough part to me is that the road way is banked. Having one foot constantly several inches about the other really hurts my knees. Along the road were the "green army men" from Toy Story giving drill sergeant like orders to the runners. At the top of the overpass we could see the Epcot ball! By this time in the race, I was struggling. It was SO hot! I had an awful blister. And I was hungry! But, knowing there was only about two miles to go kept me going.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7ZdjXZ6Ncg_-z6gBYdbSpqYdW0fsdmLFuabL0AmCzV9kBr9iJKD8k5uAGTBvWrg4Vm6boYwnW3HbcrJyJq5XueOqr94mlsQg6zF95Umfc30GRopPecq_uyG3pWveVu7RgQa7Qn2MaRnW/s1600/photo+51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7ZdjXZ6Ncg_-z6gBYdbSpqYdW0fsdmLFuabL0AmCzV9kBr9iJKD8k5uAGTBvWrg4Vm6boYwnW3HbcrJyJq5XueOqr94mlsQg6zF95Umfc30GRopPecq_uyG3pWveVu7RgQa7Qn2MaRnW/s1600/photo+51.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Finally it was time to enter Epcot. By this time, we had put a nice distance between us and the sweepers. We could enjoy the last mile of the race. Right before mile thirteen was an amazingly awesome gospel choir. They gave me the inspiration and energy to run the rest of the race hard! After one more turn, we could <br />
see it--the finish line! I ran hard and finished strong! It was time to get my THREE hard earned medals. First, I got my Princess Half medal. Next up, I got my Glass Slipper Challenge medal. Last I got my Coast to Coast medal. After that, it was time to get to my traditional friends breakfast at the Akkershaus. It was time for some good food and more pictures with Princesses! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzyQOgMM-KWqgQ2bld9OFL9hlWHnQAxSdOXWGsGHZDBF58eigsa82Qt0CURhXhAsgPmM5N42RGluKaBGIZooTp6DHrYpOABtd0u3np_BukYluuyrrzZqavRGOFmcX8TDfdXweLvPKoZmM/s1600/iphone+249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzyQOgMM-KWqgQ2bld9OFL9hlWHnQAxSdOXWGsGHZDBF58eigsa82Qt0CURhXhAsgPmM5N42RGluKaBGIZooTp6DHrYpOABtd0u3np_BukYluuyrrzZqavRGOFmcX8TDfdXweLvPKoZmM/s1600/iphone+249.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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The runDisney Princess Half Marathon will always hold a very special place in my heart. It was my first half marathon. I worked so hard to training for it, and I was so proud of myself for actually doing it. I hope this race is one I keep doing year after year. Maybe one day I can do the race with my daughter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl93OmbWZytO0InaC4OQ9q2baMKzaReAkHs8qNnoc5L1_w8XB3HV28pAsmr8LYXvnXz5qcs-v4w0hf0nnDZJ00iaemWAMMzEriYvMnwZIwBjBE-SkcoxuGWK9BPq-4vUPjV45VSuf7Kky/s1600/iphone+244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl93OmbWZytO0InaC4OQ9q2baMKzaReAkHs8qNnoc5L1_w8XB3HV28pAsmr8LYXvnXz5qcs-v4w0hf0nnDZJ00iaemWAMMzEriYvMnwZIwBjBE-SkcoxuGWK9BPq-4vUPjV45VSuf7Kky/s1600/iphone+244.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--Amy<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-44045559060422422202014-03-06T19:10:00.001-05:002014-03-06T19:10:46.764-05:00Hot Chocolate Race Series Race Entry Giveaway! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRkkp5ylP40LiUucHxUpIeTq2Fl5XOMhdrDCaDpapwNtqJZYjPydjtfDKSoMdjqQEfa8PcHDjFHGR4_lBj086WMB9YM3Rd4RT_oYnb5dJ6FmIJtSdRArmxYgUCQRDhgykp5MlxriRzyfm/s1600/hot-chocolate-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheRkkp5ylP40LiUucHxUpIeTq2Fl5XOMhdrDCaDpapwNtqJZYjPydjtfDKSoMdjqQEfa8PcHDjFHGR4_lBj086WMB9YM3Rd4RT_oYnb5dJ6FmIJtSdRArmxYgUCQRDhgykp5MlxriRzyfm/s1600/hot-chocolate-logo.png" height="98" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1RnUjhHVws_QbPnxd2VxzOOpwUniYqeGpZgV0-pikE9PpnTkD79hjflyccblEE7Kph4a9bHbDUpy-cIysFwnb_YHVx2AzRhlUvpbdgDkvgRczWUQmnmpUZirbrh35qJSiLie12-SWFti/s1600/HC+blogger_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1RnUjhHVws_QbPnxd2VxzOOpwUniYqeGpZgV0-pikE9PpnTkD79hjflyccblEE7Kph4a9bHbDUpy-cIysFwnb_YHVx2AzRhlUvpbdgDkvgRczWUQmnmpUZirbrh35qJSiLie12-SWFti/s1600/HC+blogger_dark.png" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">As you guys know, I am a blogger for the </span><a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Hot Chocolate race series</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">! I am so excited about this! Hot Chocolate races are springing up all over the county. The basic idea behind the Hot Chocolate race series is for runners to run their choice of either a 5k or a 15k, followed by a crazy fun after </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">party with all things chocolate. Think hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and so much more. Now, that is worth a good run if you ask me! What is a better combination than running and chocolate? I can't think of one!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXtzGraB7DGxfKk11JiPMes05UWiln1Y8fJZXUicumkAx8Zt5ogyLi7jLfdJm84q4R2WyyQoMBdzTr02hhkM7Zqz_DdyvdKr8jpqG3PHVT_ztDQyRDwupq_1x8Uc3IckIbjPMdQYkQcaP/s1600/hot+chocolate+fondue.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXtzGraB7DGxfKk11JiPMes05UWiln1Y8fJZXUicumkAx8Zt5ogyLi7jLfdJm84q4R2WyyQoMBdzTr02hhkM7Zqz_DdyvdKr8jpqG3PHVT_ztDQyRDwupq_1x8Uc3IckIbjPMdQYkQcaP/s1600/hot+chocolate+fondue.png" height="277" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Hot Chocolate races are also know for having the best </span><a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia/goodie-bag/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">goodie bags</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">! Runners receive a warm hoodie as their goodie bag--in either women or men specific sizes. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">I will be an ambassador locally for the Philly race on April 6th, but I have a special discount code to share with </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">everyone doing a Hot Chocolate race in the US. My code is PumpkintoMUG. This will get you a free travel mug when you use the code at registration.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOBlpCmJbklgTe3O6KxOvZZVSo1RAvTmJISHeZZvK1qPMH1Q18bUomiqN2D08BQ8IvlpoRmWtLc-yPzoBNY9265sMK2I-VeZ-QPajSvWXDW-f8efMbdA8bSA451Lgcd-CVvsPGVxyvB3f/s1600/hot+chocolate+hoodie.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOBlpCmJbklgTe3O6KxOvZZVSo1RAvTmJISHeZZvK1qPMH1Q18bUomiqN2D08BQ8IvlpoRmWtLc-yPzoBNY9265sMK2I-VeZ-QPajSvWXDW-f8efMbdA8bSA451Lgcd-CVvsPGVxyvB3f/s1600/hot+chocolate+hoodie.png" height="320" width="192" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">To celebrate my partnership with the Hot Chocolate race series, I am doing a giveaway! Up for grabs is a Hot Chocolate Race Series Race Entry! Follow the entry directions below to enter using the Rafflecopter app. Good luck! I hope to see everyone in Philly running for chocolate! </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">A dream is a wish...</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">--Amy</span><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bfb8dc9/" id="rc-bfb8dc9" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-23757137639248761622014-03-05T23:22:00.000-05:002014-03-05T23:22:09.059-05:00Inaugural runDisney Enchanted 10k<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXeBCz0K5msargI6kpeQLMXcUJpPwghCsuMUNbFBAD0BxKjgRLUDy4MQbqHi0kdak7FAN5mzu6fzckA5B7YBTJVpAeB6GOB9mqpf0rX_pxlGffxRqf9Mfs5jZOV-t0RcD-yFHvdAQRbZg/s1600/iphone+205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXeBCz0K5msargI6kpeQLMXcUJpPwghCsuMUNbFBAD0BxKjgRLUDy4MQbqHi0kdak7FAN5mzu6fzckA5B7YBTJVpAeB6GOB9mqpf0rX_pxlGffxRqf9Mfs5jZOV-t0RcD-yFHvdAQRbZg/s1600/iphone+205.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Ariel costume!</td></tr>
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The morning of the inaugural runDisney Enchanted 10k started like every other runDisney event--early! Staying at a monorail resort allowed me to sleep in a little, but still--3:30 is early! Taking the monorail torace morning added a of extra magic. Riding up to the race area and seeing all the people just added to my excitement--this was my first every 10k in Walt Disney World!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKojhCDRstwobEUNW7hu-9msXSC89JDuw6Ej5aMFbEqzxYwh9cKk6bgcIWB72aek2fiHheyg_LC-Vi2JNCa03zYUC3L357D9Mc81wqj_8dpcCK8LvUTdCySb6cA9f23QNFLY9QxEofsK6m/s1600/iphone+207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKojhCDRstwobEUNW7hu-9msXSC89JDuw6Ej5aMFbEqzxYwh9cKk6bgcIWB72aek2fiHheyg_LC-Vi2JNCa03zYUC3L357D9Mc81wqj_8dpcCK8LvUTdCySb6cA9f23QNFLY9QxEofsK6m/s1600/iphone+207.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather, me, Jackie</td></tr>
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I got to Epcot and headed toward the start area to find my friends. Before heading to our separate corrals, we checked out each others costumes, took some pictures, and wished each other luck! Our master plan was to start in our assigned corrals and meet up in the picture lines. The goal for this race was to have fun and get lots of pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7zlDeXk7p9vLW4OMhrZUWOvYRSK4ELzlnbyxFC-sdNcdFb62Kg6edF-RkfdCPHzVz6sDNQMlhzEDg1ccUdnwa3OOF6fHp_KsxfMVfrQozfkE8hNYKecn8Aaiolms1CG43id0NBgWMRYR/s1600/iphone+213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7zlDeXk7p9vLW4OMhrZUWOvYRSK4ELzlnbyxFC-sdNcdFb62Kg6edF-RkfdCPHzVz6sDNQMlhzEDg1ccUdnwa3OOF6fHp_KsxfMVfrQozfkE8hNYKecn8Aaiolms1CG43id0NBgWMRYR/s1600/iphone+213.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elsa! </td></tr>
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The race started out in the Epcot parking lot. For the first mile we ran toward the Magic Kingdom, away from Epcot. On top of the first over pass we ran under, there she was--Queen Elsa from Frozen! She, along with her sister Anna, are the two hottest Disney character rights now. At the first mile marker, runners made a sharp turn around, back toward Epcot. The first three miles were all highway. They were kind of boring, but we know Epcot and the Disney Boardwalk area were ahead of us--so we keep going strong.<br />
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Right after the 5k mark, we entered Epcot--near the Germany area. By this time, I was running with my friend Jackie. Jackie and I ran into our friend Heather in line to see Tiana and the Princess and the Frog characters. That is the best part of runDisney events--running with friends and getting character pictures! Once we made it into the park, we saw lots of characters. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijodVCBy4WuuO3Rpv7Y7BljwZe9g3Xx7cbZzpJq6JCXQIhPwtOooz_AB7LpqI_rHYLn_Gh5dqWdnaML2nXmv9MkeP8ApFu4I3TSoPECgjLDffZIW_yzBqw5ZMwUOOZlAzkoGmBLDO_61_E/s1600/iphone+215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijodVCBy4WuuO3Rpv7Y7BljwZe9g3Xx7cbZzpJq6JCXQIhPwtOooz_AB7LpqI_rHYLn_Gh5dqWdnaML2nXmv9MkeP8ApFu4I3TSoPECgjLDffZIW_yzBqw5ZMwUOOZlAzkoGmBLDO_61_E/s1600/iphone+215.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Half way through Epcot's World Showcase, we left Epcot for a whirl around the Disney Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is one of my favorite places in Walt Disney World. It feels so much like an actual Mid Atlantic Boardwalk, yet is still very Disney. The Disney Boardwalk is a most idealistic version of the a real Boardwalk, as Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom is an idealistic version of any main street in America. In line to see baseball Goofy at ESPN Zone, our friend Allison caught up to us. Together, the four of us ran the one mile trial around the Disney Boardwalk, past the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and past Disney's Yacht and Beach Clubs. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYp3RfWe9VPnmt7oPF_DVdQP2soEQDu2tHlsAq7u0OPSmy3PiRcPRZ5Zi2Prvxr2IA8mh5dyiZTZJBEnD1VUFw60PsHBu-jNubenX4VduOG_5YW006OLpOsGFTrHP-_EDFnlwcBqrbrqK/s1600/iphone+218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYp3RfWe9VPnmt7oPF_DVdQP2soEQDu2tHlsAq7u0OPSmy3PiRcPRZ5Zi2Prvxr2IA8mh5dyiZTZJBEnD1VUFw60PsHBu-jNubenX4VduOG_5YW006OLpOsGFTrHP-_EDFnlwcBqrbrqK/s1600/iphone+218.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>We got into our last half mile as we reentered Epcot. Runners were treated to something very cool there--giant Lumiere and Genie parade floats. They were very neat to see. After a few more character stops, there was mile six! Only .2 left to go! The four of us ran the last .2 miles to finish strong. Our official race times were nothing to brag about, but running with friends makes a slow time so very worth it. After crossing the finish line, I collected my beautiful medal and then got it line for my Glass Slipper Challenge bracelet. After some water and snacks, I headed to Hollywood Studios for a fun filled Disney day, and a ride on Toy Story Mania.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TMMCln-VYW_MGwuicVzUJz5ecKrAW-ggRVavPg4dvNv0N7ov7LT0jXd2UlpdbQF_G7uOakTxkCUDJnvoabBO-TuiDLbjA65KREj4nt_iGD2XYe-53KLV7FLG5GERkf4pkhVKFvHH4alI/s1600/iphone+220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TMMCln-VYW_MGwuicVzUJz5ecKrAW-ggRVavPg4dvNv0N7ov7LT0jXd2UlpdbQF_G7uOakTxkCUDJnvoabBO-TuiDLbjA65KREj4nt_iGD2XYe-53KLV7FLG5GERkf4pkhVKFvHH4alI/s1600/iphone+220.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--AmyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-9871028167336226072014-03-02T21:08:00.000-05:002014-03-05T23:23:41.269-05:00runDisney Princess Half Marathon Expo 2014 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1f4lPARoaeh8L5Z1croTYT5t-5zw2ngFOg-QJibWKPX9EBqESOYYz8aNaU-r3EUnxyslGN8fOQ8xthKxkxuOHNLCCBAr-WZO7bKQL-NHoaD1TLaD85MCP3Qk7kxmXM0ARli31U9Xicpk/s1600/iphone+204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1f4lPARoaeh8L5Z1croTYT5t-5zw2ngFOg-QJibWKPX9EBqESOYYz8aNaU-r3EUnxyslGN8fOQ8xthKxkxuOHNLCCBAr-WZO7bKQL-NHoaD1TLaD85MCP3Qk7kxmXM0ARli31U9Xicpk/s1600/iphone+204.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>I have not posted much lately. Life has been kind of crazy lately--I have so much going on! I have joined the Patient Advisory Board at my local hospital to represent NICU parents, taken a bigger role in my NICU parent support group, cub scouts, my kids and of course my duties as a travel agent. I am so happy to take on these new ventures--but they keep me busy! Thankfully, my travel agent business has been going well, but it is a lot of work. I think I have things under control now, a new routine--so I am ready to get back to blogging. Thank you for sticking with me in my little hiatus.<br />
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This past weekend was my favorite weekend of the year! It was runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend! For the first time, Mike and I got to go to Princess weekend kid free. We hoped a plane very early Friday morning. We were all checked into our resort (Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary) by 10 am. Right away, we headed to the race expo. I could not wait to get my race bib, see all of my new runDisney shirts, pick up my pins and Sweaty Bands.<br />
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Last year's Princess expo was a disaster! It was crazy crowded--you could not even walk around because there were people everywhere. This year was nothing like that! I walked right in to packet pick up and got my bib, then my shirts. After that we went to the main expo. I had a chance to check out the official runDisney merchandise booth, the SparkleSkirts booth, Sweaty Bands and a few other booths I wanted to see. My last stop was the runDisney booth. I was hoping to find early registration for Wine and Dine Half Marathon, but no such luck. After picking up some free yogurt at Dannon and some Chiquita bananas, I was ready to head to the parks!<br />
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I will be back soon to tell you all about my amazing five day weekend in Walt Disney World! The Glass Slipper Challenge, Disney Quest, Typhoon Lagoon, and all of the Disney theme parks. <br />
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--Amy<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-81572432321741513052013-12-28T11:54:00.001-05:002013-12-28T11:55:16.897-05:00Bestowed Box<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Ever heard of </span></span><a href="http://www.bestowed.com/" style="line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bestowed Box</a><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">? It's a monthly subscription box of healthy food. I love mine! It gives me lots of fun foods to try with little commitment.<span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This month's box! Yum--Dark Chocolate Chili Kind Bars! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Each month Bestowed will send you box full of nutritional products. Past boxes have included fun snacks like Zico Coconut water (my fav!) Kind Bars, Salba Chia, Quest Bars, and lots of other lesser known products like nut butters, pure dark chocolate bars, and various other snacks. I am always on the look out for new and exciting products to enhance my runs and general nutrition. Still to this day, after countless races, I do not have my race nutrition down. Trying out the new products is so much fun! When my Bestowed Box come each month, its like a special little gift! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The boxes cost $19 per month, including shipping. This can be a great value if you add up the prices of all various items you get to try out, plus shipping. I know that I can walk down the nutrition aisle of my local grocery store and spend alot more than that on a month's supply of nutritional products.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Looking for a gift idea or a great way to start your New Year off right? Consider joining Bestowed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A dream is a wish...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">--Amy </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-71409178457470232362013-11-11T16:57:00.000-05:002013-11-19T01:15:08.205-05:002013 Virtual Turkey Trot!<div style="text-align: right;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">Why do you run? I run to save lives! </span><br>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEB7vX5yJTl5Ml95PZ9hD3e-hT72zvZglXCxnmtBCZqvmLtI2BVZAi92MgE4wqFG7zAG7-yw4QPrrqZmW7O0RX9S_kSosgJaNO7lbg0EcrQkLIr1MM4qSYaA4yz-2bQlHe4X1Uw-3SnQZ/s640/blogger-image-305180997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEB7vX5yJTl5Ml95PZ9hD3e-hT72zvZglXCxnmtBCZqvmLtI2BVZAi92MgE4wqFG7zAG7-yw4QPrrqZmW7O0RX9S_kSosgJaNO7lbg0EcrQkLIr1MM4qSYaA4yz-2bQlHe4X1Uw-3SnQZ/s640/blogger-image-305180997.jpg"></a></div><br></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I wanted to take time out of all my fun runDisney banter to tell you about a project I am working on. As you know, I have been training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. I will run the Nike Women's Half Marathon on October 19th, 2014 in honor of my Aunt Linda who was recently diagnosed with cancer. I will be running for a reason much more important than the personal challenge of completing a Half Marathon. I am running to save lives! (and so can you...)</span></span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program, I have pledged to train on the behalf of all the affected children and their families to help raise money for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma research and patient assistance programs. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During my training, I have gotten close to a few families with sick children. I am very sad to report that my sweet angel Kaitlyn has lost her battle. I am very happy to report that Emily is still fighting leukemia--and winning! She is the first child to get an experimental treat that involves giving her body new T-cells. The treatment is working for Emily and she is now cancer free! She just celebrated her one and a half year cancer free anniversary. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As you may or may not know, leukemia is the #1 disease killer of children and the leading fatal malignant disease of men and women under the age of 35. Although the cause of leukemia remains unknown, recently developed treatments and steady advances in research bring us closer to a cure every day. These research advances were only achieved as a result of contributions made by companies, foundations and individuals like you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">My goal is to raise $2000 by the end of 2013. If you would like to help, please consider registering for my 2013 Virtual Turkey Trot! For the race, anytime until the end of November--run, walk, skip or crawl your </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">chosen</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> distance—BLING included! As a thank you for registering, I will send you this beautiful finisher medal. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> To register, just make a donation of $20 or more using the button below. Want to run with a group? I offer group discounts! Click the Paypal to see what they are (if you need 6 or more--email me and we can work something out). I will be doing this event with my kids on Thanksgiving morning. I am organizing this race a little different. Once I get 25 people registered, I will order the medals. If I do not have the 25 registered by November 20th, I will refund your money through Paypal. This will ensure that most participants have their medals by Thanksgiving! Please consider registering and helping me reach my goal. With the generosity of people like you, there is every reason to believe that a cure for blood-related cancer, and all cancers is in sight!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A dream is a wish…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">--Amy</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-17920379323841771202013-11-06T23:03:00.002-05:002013-11-06T23:03:42.341-05:00Nike Women's Marathon San Francisco 2013<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNFKUin-jKoaOpobqnXgZiNUE2TltyXO8uhxcr0z_AgAGFHbiGtIHbFn81Wk1TUCupU6mHQrKj39RnIsW8_8LcPIZ2qOWGxfusaGb5BcMK-89_7vGRsGGScG7w-2eqIarW1D0bhkjmBMF/s1600/iphone+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNFKUin-jKoaOpobqnXgZiNUE2TltyXO8uhxcr0z_AgAGFHbiGtIHbFn81Wk1TUCupU6mHQrKj39RnIsW8_8LcPIZ2qOWGxfusaGb5BcMK-89_7vGRsGGScG7w-2eqIarW1D0bhkjmBMF/s320/iphone+093.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Nike Women's Marathon / Half Marathon is one of the hardest races in the country to gain entry into. So many people want to be part of the event, Nike has to set up a lottery system for entry. Only about 1 in 5 who seek entry actually get into the event--unless you are part of Team in Training! If you commit to raise money to fight cancer, you are guaranteed entry into this most sought after event. That is how I got in! In total, there was about 3,000 Team in Training participants in the race, raising over $13 million dollars to fight cancer. Nothing like a sea of purple running to fight cancer! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I met my team bright and early in the hotel lobby. Since our hotel was right at the race start, we got to sleep in a little because we could walk to the start. I was a little said and lonely that morning because I was the only "Yorkie" from the Central Pennsylvania Team at Nike this year. Most of my local teammates choose to do the Chicago Marathon this year instead of Nike. Crazy! We gathered for a team photo and wished each other luck! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ9e4Qe7Jmz-r49bsWgXmTa5q9a7i8yWhOWcRsRJMO7idioCrhxxWpplOgHIyPp_zFaRcoDHLhtWTfsy4ugM_4HThIdT984iprc8ywXXkPPwE8piFofXdNgGJgzRjRwlpovmij9u1eenN/s1600/iphone+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQ9e4Qe7Jmz-r49bsWgXmTa5q9a7i8yWhOWcRsRJMO7idioCrhxxWpplOgHIyPp_zFaRcoDHLhtWTfsy4ugM_4HThIdT984iprc8ywXXkPPwE8piFofXdNgGJgzRjRwlpovmij9u1eenN/s320/iphone+100.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It was still dark when the race officially started! Nike had a great DJ to get the crowd going. We even got a firework sendoff! It took me about 26 minutes to cross the start line. Those minutes waiting to cross the start are always so anxious for me. The first two miles were on the city streets of San Francisco, through the Financial District, heading toward the Embarkadero. The view of the San Francisco Bay was amazing, although it became very evident that the word of the day, like last year, was quickly becoming fog. It was so foggy that morning, that we could only see about a quarter mile out. I could not even see the water while running through Fisherman's Wharf or Pier 39. As we ran through the Presidio, all of the runner were eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the famed Golden Gate Bridge. Unforgettably, this was a marvel we would not be blessed to see that day. This was also the coldest half marathon I have ever done. It was about 50 degrees, and very damp. It never rained but the air was very wet. I was cold for the entire event. Some teammates tried to talk me out of wearing my long sleeved top. I was so glad I wore it! My hands stayed icy the enter race. Brrrr! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The course was tough, but simply amazing. That word does not do it justice, but is a true description. The first really tough hill was around mile 5.5-6.5. It felt never ending! This is where the best bridge view should have been, but due to the fog the bridge was <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">never visible.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"> After the top of this crazy hill, was about a mile of winding down hill, along the San Francisco Bay--not that I could see it due to the fog. At the bottom of the hill, we ran through a very cute San Francisco neighborhood that contained what I was told was Robin William's house. Lots of the runners were whispering about it on the course. We made a sharp turn around mile 8 to greet the steepest hill yet. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOAIqHEcFWzmeKnid1x4nDoYc9AN8zR0Qec-0YNlRS18S-U3FQsFZgLGlswvpAacYkcLlNFOaJqBfjCaIDoeeI7t5YBiO5zqxHJ19aglfF0sY2tdjaC9R-QeqhVfkq2XwDbvhnyTQuf1G/s1600/iphone+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOAIqHEcFWzmeKnid1x4nDoYc9AN8zR0Qec-0YNlRS18S-U3FQsFZgLGlswvpAacYkcLlNFOaJqBfjCaIDoeeI7t5YBiO5zqxHJ19aglfF0sY2tdjaC9R-QeqhVfkq2XwDbvhnyTQuf1G/s320/iphone+104.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">Once we got to the top of this hill, we turned a corner and there it was--the most beautiful and breath taking view of the race. I got my first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean! The view looked like it came out of a book. The waves were crashing against the cliffs. The seagulls were flying around. Pure magic! I have always had a love / fascination with the ocean--especially the Pacific Ocean. When I got to the bottom of the hill, I could see race village--but I was only on mile 10. After another breathtaking mile along the coast, we made a turn into Golden Gate Park to run our last two miles. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">By this time, I could see runners who already had finished the race carrying their finisher bags, wearing their finisher shirts and holding their little blue boxes. It was tough to not look at the bright yellow shirt in the bags, but I was determined I was not going to look at their necks! I did not want to see the Tiffany necklace until I was looking at the one I had earned myself. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbv30HAvqwUFjd2zDB9vSc_j8gXYIEXf9_CcqBk2EOhvZNjQm4B4n2VgiW2XxMNqQ9UmgIfKG0en-apOll2iYKWpdbM-tf4IP5lSqq_G_GF-7UMAIbtfV60XdTDa1i4W5IxROfjC2O2l81/s1600/iphone+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbv30HAvqwUFjd2zDB9vSc_j8gXYIEXf9_CcqBk2EOhvZNjQm4B4n2VgiW2XxMNqQ9UmgIfKG0en-apOll2iYKWpdbM-tf4IP5lSqq_G_GF-7UMAIbtfV60XdTDa1i4W5IxROfjC2O2l81/s320/iphone+108.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final mile went pretty fast. By this time in the course, spectators had lined up and were cheering the runners on. As I got closer and could see the finish line, I ran faster! I once again could see the Pacific Ocean. My mind was on getting my blue box from a hot firemen in a tux. I crossed the finish line strong and chose the guy I wanted to give me my little blue box. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">After I got my box, there were volunteers giving out reusable water bottles sponsored by Whole foods. I got my </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">finisher shirt and then my</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> finisher bag--full of snacks and a nice note from Tiffany's. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbPA7E1pdoXyp4eHUdbl4wAQK1b7KaTRB1s8oToXfYE9X0P8_CX9MOZf9X0aIxcrRD9smPFRQoqZUHueez_4aFhkgvKsLJNbLTc5a_EWqjtJgkzWnYck-VN5RXNaqdi9mzU3-1fj6d1GS/s1600/iphone+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbPA7E1pdoXyp4eHUdbl4wAQK1b7KaTRB1s8oToXfYE9X0P8_CX9MOZf9X0aIxcrRD9smPFRQoqZUHueez_4aFhkgvKsLJNbLTc5a_EWqjtJgkzWnYck-VN5RXNaqdi9mzU3-1fj6d1GS/s320/iphone+112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">This year, I planned to spend more time at the finish line party. First, I stopped by and washed my face at the Neutorgena face wash station. Neutorgena really outdid themselves for race participants this year. They really pampered us at the expo, then they had a Neutrogena station at mile 5 with face wash clothes and sunscreen. Then at the finish line--they had huge bins with lots of Neutrogena products for runners to check out and take what ever they wanted. I got lip sticks, facial moisturizer, sunscreen and lots of other fun stuff. After the fun at Neutrogena, picked up my bag from bag check, then went to the Team in Training tent. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">After a stop for a sandwich and some food in the Team tent, I walked out on the beach. I took in my last few glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. After a quick stop in the Whole Foods tent for a snack, I rode the bus back to the hotel.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOSocg_u8_amHcVBn0lMJvSbx6xBzy0EglUoyE-r-WJFlHtFdY6THYkY0Z-7wH74sTp8N7JnDzweAmso7zvTJmQII0KlVGT7nHuy6k68p-Csomcd-kmUGL-rWirB_nSRaOWs8i4Q4i3Te/s1600/iphone+123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOSocg_u8_amHcVBn0lMJvSbx6xBzy0EglUoyE-r-WJFlHtFdY6THYkY0Z-7wH74sTp8N7JnDzweAmso7zvTJmQII0KlVGT7nHuy6k68p-Csomcd-kmUGL-rWirB_nSRaOWs8i4Q4i3Te/s320/iphone+123.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I was so excited to open my Tiffany necklace this year--but I made myself wait until I got back to my room. I wanted to take my time, open the box slowly--to take it all in. I slowly untied the ribbon and opened the box. I pulled out the tiny blue bag. There is was--my new Tiffany necklace. Its a triangle shape, with an X to stand for a 10 because this was the tenth year of the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSVMPck0kOc67NB0S1XD8dn2Ggb7KPmNV_KoATjyRCB-tPNASD0-tg31lxP9P7KA-vgb7SIkZ1-k872VY636gFRPppLESfiTYM1mQj35ycvEnLAiq_b-RGQj5D49uZOiEeSxxUfWXTPta/s1600/iphone+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSVMPck0kOc67NB0S1XD8dn2Ggb7KPmNV_KoATjyRCB-tPNASD0-tg31lxP9P7KA-vgb7SIkZ1-k872VY636gFRPppLESfiTYM1mQj35ycvEnLAiq_b-RGQj5D49uZOiEeSxxUfWXTPta/s320/iphone+120.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nike Women's Marathon was an amazing event! It was the most breathtaking course I have ever run. There is not one boring second of this race. There was always something beautiful to look at. The course was for sure my favorite I have ever done (don't tell the runDisney people.) The support on the course was also spectacular. I had 3,000 teammates/ new family members cheering me on on the course. There was hundreds of TNT coaches on the course. I could not go half a mile without seeing one of our green shirted coaches cheering on all of the runners. The NWM in San Francisco is going to be a yearly event for me. I can't wait to do it again next year!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">A dream is a wish...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">--Amy</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-35692403757621687672013-11-03T22:10:00.000-05:002013-11-03T22:10:19.266-05:00Some Running Inspiration That Keeps Me Going...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn1QqrEZVich87nY96CksRmqzsuDEUmxcjrkG0mPSKj8s83afzxq5uY0RlMCy_kpdE98F1AEEJjZ53IPyGsZIp9WiGCXiBKShKYZfvXMJSMocfSF9aJubE_rFbMA_RsUmpup9LhNNm598/s1600/iphone+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn1QqrEZVich87nY96CksRmqzsuDEUmxcjrkG0mPSKj8s83afzxq5uY0RlMCy_kpdE98F1AEEJjZ53IPyGsZIp9WiGCXiBKShKYZfvXMJSMocfSF9aJubE_rFbMA_RsUmpup9LhNNm598/s320/iphone+081.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before every Team in Training event, the TNT staff through an inspiration dinner for participants. It is their way of saying thank you for all the hard work we have done fundraising, but its also an a send off for us--a reminder WHY we did all that hard work. The inspiration dinner for the Nike Women's Marathon a few weeks ago was no different--except they had a few extra specials surprise in store for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The dinner started out just like every other TNT inspiration dinner. The staff, coaches, survivors and family members gathered to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">cheer us on as we entered the convention center. There were about 3,000 TNT participants, and countless supporters. All of the cheering honestly makes me uncomfortable. I always feel like I am NOT the one who deserves to be cheered for. The food was your typical pasta, salad, meatballs and veggies. The amazing John Bingham was our motivational speaker--like at every other TNT inspiration dinner I had been too. Besides all the typical--this dinner had some amazing surprises in store! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5xE6APALbqOD6BUAY2tLQ1QkyzFUq9AnWIGF_ixL7Vbh5ee4RsyouDV-tTJwCCCW3CByesSciZsuxkB4Qzpejx5bdxDtjHzz2eQh0r8HgQaUKouPcaTKTjdr9ft85hyphenhypheny3rietA7Y-25K/s1600/iphone+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5xE6APALbqOD6BUAY2tLQ1QkyzFUq9AnWIGF_ixL7Vbh5ee4RsyouDV-tTJwCCCW3CByesSciZsuxkB4Qzpejx5bdxDtjHzz2eQh0r8HgQaUKouPcaTKTjdr9ft85hyphenhypheny3rietA7Y-25K/s320/iphone+084.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
Team In Training was founded by Bruce Cleland in 1988</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">in honor of his three year old daughter, Georgia--</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">a leukemia survivor</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> . He wanted to do something for other families--to find a cure! He had the "crazy" idea to run a marathon while getting sponsors to donate for each mile he ran. Bruce created a team to train for a marathon in New York City . His team raised $322,000 and helped Team In Training grow into what it is today. TNT Participants at the Nike Women's Marathon received the honor of meeting Bruce and Georgia at our inspirations dinner! It was so amazing to hear them speak--the people who started it all! </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_bIuYySKoyJ3pXDNVS3chu2s95_mBMwQeZUEV35crNy82PcaDSM8MqZyb2G5Iysxg6wshhMnlnBMTzx4HLlaKFj1P9v1kPPUNw0uLeVnYzGFonJbLXbxH6fPwQQoRkPBOgvnX2-dkjyN/s1600/iphone+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_bIuYySKoyJ3pXDNVS3chu2s95_mBMwQeZUEV35crNy82PcaDSM8MqZyb2G5Iysxg6wshhMnlnBMTzx4HLlaKFj1P9v1kPPUNw0uLeVnYzGFonJbLXbxH6fPwQQoRkPBOgvnX2-dkjyN/s320/iphone+090.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">We also got to hear from another amazing family--The Family of "Team Mickey". Mickey is now a sixteen year old girl with Downs Syndrome. When she was a toddler, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. Hearing her mom tell her story brought me to tears. I know how it feels to spend months and months in the hospital--how scary it is to fear for your child's life. After fighting the disease for years, Mickey in now in remission! Her mom joined TNT a few years ago. Mickey crossed the finish line with her mom at her mom's first half marathon. Mickey vowed then to do a half marathon with her mom as part of TNT when she was 16. That race would be the 2013 Nike Women's Half Marathon! Hearing Mickey and her mom tell their story was so heart warming. It reminded me of the power of a mother's love, the power of a family. It also made me miss my kiddos a bit. Team Mickey is what Team in Training is all about! Finding a cure, giving back, helping families have more time together. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">The Team in Training inspiration dinners are always very powerful to me, but this one was different. It was all about parents fighting for their kids! They were speaking my language.... This inspiration dinner really put me in the spirit to conquer the hills of San Francisco. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">A dream is a wish...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">--Amy</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093644418410785887.post-16456839180486265812013-10-30T21:41:00.000-04:002013-10-30T21:41:12.286-04:00I'm a Hot Chocolate Blogger!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtkDfwQFmW2G41hLp-N-VX-S3Goo7TGnSZTkbLjyC-95b0bo4mzlO16sl1VEeGgWBkR6r0HohgIqhcHF6gf7EeW_Q369y06k3u6NkVv-vEz1dq8wtZ5qX3Se93xlUVAKqxA1G3657KT25/s1600/hot-chocolate-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtkDfwQFmW2G41hLp-N-VX-S3Goo7TGnSZTkbLjyC-95b0bo4mzlO16sl1VEeGgWBkR6r0HohgIqhcHF6gf7EeW_Q369y06k3u6NkVv-vEz1dq8wtZ5qX3Se93xlUVAKqxA1G3657KT25/s320/hot-chocolate-logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have recently found out that I was selected to be a blogger for the <a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/" target="_blank">Hot Chocolate race series</a>! I am so excited about this! Hot Chocolate races are springing up all over the county. The basic idea behind the Hot Chocolate race series is for runners to run their choice of either a 5k or a 15k, followed by a crazy cool after <br />
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party with all things chocolate. Think hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and so much more. Now, that is worth a good run if you ask me! What is a better combination than running and chocolate? I can't think of one! <br />
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Hot Chocolate races are also know for having the best <a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia/goodie-bag/" target="_blank">goodie bags</a>! Runners receive a warm hoodie as their goodie bag--in either women or men specific sizes. <br />
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I will be an ambassador locally for the Philly race, but I have a special discount code to share with <br />
everyone doing a Hot Chocolate race in the US. My code is PumpkingtoMUG. This will get you a free travel mug when you use the code at registration.<br />
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To celebrate my partnership with the Hot Chocolate race series, I am doing a little giveaway of Hot Chocolate brand goodies! I have a "will run for chocolate" shirt in a unisex size large, a Hot Chocolate head band, a luggage tag, a sticker and a little mascot figurine. Good luck!!!<br />
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Keep a look out in the future--I will be giving away a free race entry soon!!! <br />
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A dream is a wish...<br />
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--Amy<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bfb8dc8/" id="rc-bfb8dc8" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04372440939112155022noreply@blogger.com12