Tag Archives: review

Joggermom Marathon 2012

Posted on by Run DMT
3

As a mom on the run, I understand the difficulties of training for races while raising a family.   Mother runners struggle with balancing sleepless nights, sick children, crazy schedules, carpools, after school activities and homework with our training.  It’s not easy.

Thankfully, Joggermom has made training and racing while raising a family easy with her Joggermom Marathon, but don’t let the word “marathon” scare you.  With Joggermom’s virtual marathon, you simply run a total 26.2 miles during the month of May.  In other words…

“You have from May 1st thru May 31st to complete 26.2 miles. That means you have 31 days to run 26.2 miles. That is a little more than 6 miles a week, a very attainable goal for even a couch potato. This marathon is not about who comes in first, it is about completing something you set out to do for yourself.” – Joggermom

 

Think you can do it?  Like Joggermom said, it’s totally attainable.  I participated last year and I’m joining Joggermom Marathon again this year.  Now, I want to share this fun, totally attainable marathon with you.

One lucky Run DMT reader will win a free entry in the Joggermom marathon.    

To enter this Joggermom Marathon entry fee giveaway, leave a comment below and tell us how you plan to reach 26.2 miles in 31 days.  Giveaway ends midnight on 5/14.  One winner will be selected at random with the help of random.org and announced on 5/15.

Even if you don’t win, please sign up as 10% of each entry will go to the American Heart Association.  Registration will remain open until May 15 at midnight.

There a few “rules”, like keeping track of your mileage in a spreadsheet and submitting photos as proof of your efforts, but it’s so worth it when you see the fabulous prizes you can win.  Not to mention, there’s that sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you finish.  Then, you can wear that pride along with the Joggermom Marathon finishers bib to make it official!

How fun is that?! 

Rest assured your favorite stunner will be sporting a bib for sure.

So, you will join Joggermom Marathon and wear a finishers bib too?

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Tampa TECHmunch

Posted on by Run DMT
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Still relatively new to the blogging world, I often find myself longing to take a big bite out of blogging conferences but lack of sponsorship and personal funds make impossible for me to attend these events.  As I read other blogs, I envy the fun, food and wonderful photos and stories they share in their recaps.

Then, a little blogging birdie told me that TECHmunch was coming to Tampa and I would have a chance to experience a real blogging conference in my own backyard.  Finally, it would be my turn to take photos, have fun and share my recap.  I was ready to sink my teeth into TECHmunch.

Or so I thought.

Unfortunately, there was this little lottery thing happening and I needed to reserve a wad of cash in case I was selected, which left little money to play with the cool kids at a blogging conference.

However, I could get a small taste and so it was, I attended the Friday night mixer to meet my fellow foodie bloggers at TECHmunch.

Honestly, I felt a little overwhelmed and out of my league.  I mean, I am mother runner blogger who occasionally blogs about food.  What could I possibly bring to the table?  Was I still outside looking in at the cool kids?

With a gracious smile, my nervousness was laid to rest when I was warmly welcomed by Babette of Bake Space and TECHmunch founder and I thanked her for bringing such a wonderful event to Tampa.  Even though I could only attend the mixer, I felt it was important to be part of this event.

Almost as eclectic as the dishes served, I enjoyed the company of some truly interesting foodie bloggers, like @CarlosEats, @TheAllergic Kid, @ALocalFolkus and @DessertChic.  I rambled on with @TVFanatic about fitting quotes from Seinfeld and SNL into every day conversations and discussed how both are equally funny and quotable today.  (Yes, some of us still watch SNL in its entirety.)

I picked at paninis while picking Joshua’s SEO brain since I would miss his presentation.

I snacked on delicious strawberry themed foods provided by Driscoll’s, like strawberry bruschetta, a strawberry tomato borscht and strawberry gelato.

From the backdrop to the food to the company, every morsel of the evening was enjoyable and now I’m craving another helping.

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Hare Racing Experience

Posted on by Run DMT
8

Among my running friends, I had heard such great things about the Hare Racing Expereince at the University of South Florida (my alma mater) and I was excited to finally be able to participate in the race this year.  Especially, since the race benefits children living with epilepsy by offering “scholarships for kids with epilepsy to attend a medical-friendly camp, scholarships for families of kids with epilepsy to attend a family weekend retreat, medical and college/technical school scholarships for persons affected by epilepsy, seminars that promote new initiatives and partnerships in the field of epilepsy and funding for medical support services” (Epilepsy Services Foundation, Inc).

Since my niece, Meghan, lives with epilepsy, the Hare Racing Experience became a family affair.  We all wore purple to represent ourselves as “Team Meggers” to honor Meghan.

Kirsten brought her “Talk About It” sign to remind everyone to talk about the reason behind the race.  We were here to raise money and awareness for epilepsy.

But I really need to talk about this race!  From the start, I should have known I was in trouble when I realized there was no start line.  Instead of an official start, a small crowd huddled around a man with a bullhorn.  I could barely make out what he said, “Stay to the left of the orange flags!”  Orange flags. Got it.

A faint gun pop gave the crowd the signal to start running.  As I followed the crowd through the grass, I realized we were headed for a trail run.

Then, panic set in.  I haven’t trained for a trail run!  I’ve been resting for a week!  I hope my heels are ready for this!  But the wet grass and sand is going to ruin my new shoes!

Once I allowed myself a brief moment to panic, I took a deep breath and decided to embrace the trail run.  After all, the soft sandy terrain would be good for my recovering plantar fasciitis heels.  Plus, it wasn’t a chipped race so I wouldn’t have to worry about my time.  Besides, I was here for Meghan and a good cause, not a great finish.

With that, I focused on where I planted my feet while trying to snap as many photos as I could.

Honestly, running a trail was tough but fun.  I loved running through the woods even if we had to do it twice.  Still, I wished I had trained for a trail run.

We winded through the woods to a path that led us to the soccer field.  We ran through the plush green grass into the sunshine.

Then, it was back the through trail again to the 1.5 mile water stop and another loop through the trail again.

Second time along the trail, a few of us lost our bearings and began following some USF track students.   By following these runners, we were off-track and off the race route.  Once we realized what had happened, we had to double back to the race.  The whole misguided mistake added 15 seconds to my time.

One more time around the soccer field and as we exited the field, we passed a volunteer holding a Mile 1 sign.  “This is mile 2, right?”  I asked panicking all over again as I ran past her.  Although she assured me we were nearing the finish, I felt confused and frustrated and ready to be done.

As we exited the trail a second time, the volunteers pointed us in the direction of the USF Track and Field.  The last leg was half a lap around the track.  As I neared the finish, I still had some sprints left in me and I pushed it to the finish.

Focused on fast footwork, I forgot to look at the clock and stop my Garmin when I crossed the finish line.  Since the race wasn’t chipped, we were asked to record our own time.  Frustrated once again with this race and my performance, I tried to see the clock in my mind’s eye.  I think it said 31:07.

When I remembered to turn off my Garmin, it read 31:39.

According to the results listed on coolrunning.com, my official time is 30:51.  Not quite under 30 minutes like I had hoped to finish, but better than I thought for my first trail run race.  And I came in 5th place for my division (F/age 40-44)!  I’ll take it!

Jarrett did great for his first trail run and finished at 30:22.  My sister, Simone, my BIL Erich, Rachel and Grandpa Bill all finished between 42:00-44:00, which is fantastic for their first 5K!

*Photo by Aaron Stopford*

After a quick 5K cool down, Simone and I joined Meghan and the rest of the gang (Kirsten, Allan, Allana and Emmalynn) for the one mile fun run, which were four laps around the track.  I knew my girls would do great as their used to running in circles for running club.

*Photo by Aaron Stopford*

Allan, Allana and Meghan finished at 13:01.  Kirsten and Emmalynn finished just a few second behind them at 13:05.

Even though after the race my shins would tell you otherwise, running for a reason always feels good.  Despite being a bit unorganized and a few hiccups with the logistics of the race, I would run this race again for my niece, Meghan.

Sometimes it’s not about the time or the course, but the cause and encouraging people to talk about it…

*Photo by Kirsten*

…and giving a shout out to your alma mater, too.

*Photo by Kirsten*

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Enjoying a Red Sunrise from The Walking Company

Posted on by Run DMT
7

Upon a recent visit to The Walking Company I fell in love with the numerous styles and colors of comfortable shoes.  Sure, there were the traditional walking brands, like Clarks, Birkenstock and New Balance, but I was blown away by the variety of stylish sandals.  For once a girl can be cute and comfortable at the same time!

With the help of the sales assistance, I had my feet scanned for a proper fit and within seconds, a high tech analysis had measured me as a size 39, also known as an 8 US.

I tried on a few pairs and it was love at first step.  I even tweeted about them.

The prices of shoes at The Walking Company compare to your average running shoes, therefore, I experienced no sticker shock.  However, I needed new running shoes before fancy, fun sandals and I had to overrule any purchases based upon need vs. want.  Like a good consumer, I left the store empty handed, but with very sad feet.

A few hours later, I received an email from The Walking Company stating they would like to send me a pair of ABEO Biomechanical Footwear shoes.  I only needed to visit the site and make a selection.

You’re joking?  No need to tell me twice.  I was on it like a fashionista famished for new shoes.

When I visited the site, I discovered the most amazing thing. The Walking Company sells shoes specific to plantar faciistis.  I had died and gone to shoe heaven, because my feet would be walking on clouds this summer.

Much like my experience in the store, there were so many fun styles online.  After clicking through the site, I decided upon a fun color for summer: the ABEO Sunrise Red Reptile.

shoe

Now, I could share with you all the high-tech terminology and features of the shoes, but that’s all listed on the website.  You only need to know one thing: I love them.

My Red Reptile ABEO Sunrise shoes are so comfortable.  I don’t have any heel pain when I wear them.  I can walk in them for hours and never feel a twinge of pain from plantar fasciitis.  It’s like wearing running shoes, only much more stylish.  I can dress them up or down by coordinating the shoes with a sundress or shorts.  I can wear them to church, the mall, the park, the beach, an amusement park or restaurant.

Anything goes with a Sunrise (even a glass of red wine and purple toenail polish), but it’s the trendy comfort that makes this so fitting for my active mother runner lifestyle.

*I received these shoes as a gift from The Walking Company and I received no compensation for my review.  This review was offered in return for The Walking Company’s generosity.*  

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Pinning Down Tampa Bay Bloggers

Posted on by Run DMT
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What do you get when you combine tasty Square 1 Burgers with even more flavorful personalities? The Tampa Bay Blogger meetup, of course!

Last Saturday evening, seven of us met to discuss ways to take over the blogosphere.  I was joined by Brian of Digital Running, Kirsten of Gone Bananas, Caroline of Morningside Mom, Rachel of Runner’s Tales, Clarisa of TBO.com and Marisa of Fit Kids Playground.

Although most of us find our voices with keystrokes, the conversation proved once again entertaining and enlightening.  The last time we met, Google+ dominated the conversation.  This time, all focus was pinned on Pinterest and how to use Pinterest for self-promoting our blogs and brands with great photographs, visual aids and informational graphics.  Basically, bloggers and companies alike have to rethink all aspects of social media in order to stay relevant and prevalent in today’s social media-driven world.

We all agreed that Google+ is missing something besides friends in our circles.  Although we’re all on Google+, we’re not using it to its full capacity.  Considering that “Google is THE verb”, it’s disappointing that Google+ leaves us searching for more answers.

Pinterest, on the other hand, is the sleeper social media hit of the summer.  Although Pinterest seems to appeal mostly to women bloggers, we helped Brian discover ways to pin some manly boards before the end of the evening, like running tips and BBQ.

We also discussed Twitter as our number one resource for information.  Admittedly, I often check Twitter before Facebook, but I understand why I should be posting discussions and conversations starters on my Run DMT wall.  It’s all about staying present in the blogosphere.  At that point, the conversation halted as everyone checked-in on Facebook and tweeted #TBBlogger.

During the course of the evening, I realized the importance of revamping my Linkedin profile.  If I’m a going to tout myself a “social media enthusiast” than I should really be using each avenue to its fullest.

I also learned more WP plugins, Pinterest plugins and why I should be geocaching with my kids, which I am so excited to start this summer.

Even though there were only a few of us, there was tons of information to absorb, which is why I truly love these blogger meetups.  I learn so much every time and I look forward to learning tons more at our next meeting in August.

I wonder what THE next big social media will be by then.

 *I would like to thank all the sponsors who contributed items to our wonderful Tampa Bay Blogger swag bags.*

Square 1 Burgers

Pain Relief Centers

Suncoast Running

Painting With a Twist

My Stylist Dean

All Smiles Tampa Bay

Vology Data Systems

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
14

Prior to the race, I had caught my son’s cold, but thankfully, I knew I wouldn’t be running the race hard.  Having run a Disney race before, I knew there were so many distractions along the course that I would want to stop for a few of the photo opps.

Originally, I had planned to stay with my non-runner girlfriends the night before the race, but the more I thought about it, the more I worried about not being able to sleep.  Typically, a girlfriend getaway leads to heavy drinking and not enough rest, which is not conducive to any race, whether you run it easy or not.  Then, last minute, my mom offered to stay with me in Orlando and you know, my mom (any mom) would make sure I ate right and slept well.

And I’m so glad we arranged that last minute decision, because my 3:30 a.m. wakeup call came fast!

Since I still hadn’t decided which princess to dress as, I packed both princess costumes.  Allana (my ten year old) suggested I be Tiana.  “You’re just like Tiana.  You can sing.  You have dreams and you set goals”.  (I just love that she said that.  It was a proud mama moment that warmed my heart.)

My old running partner, Tiffany, gave me some great advice.  “Wear the Belle costume because if you get tired of the tutu, at least you’ll still have a running skirt on and you’ll still look like Belle.”

Once I picked up my race packet at the expo, I finalized my princess plans.  “Belle” was printed on the bib as my favorite princess.  So, I had to be Belle.

On the morning of the race, traffic into Epcot parking was very congested and I worried that I wouldn’t make the 5:00 a.m. corral call, but then things started to move and I arrived at the park at 4:40 a.m.  However, I still had to walk to the start line and Disney is not kidding when they say it takes 20 minutes.  I forgot about that walk!

It was a chilly morning, but not freezing and I warmed myself with a stolen hotel towel and the aluminum wrap from Rock ‘Roll Half.  I looked even more like Belle with a red cape around my shoulders.

On the way to the start, I spotted all types of princesses and Disney costumes: Dalmatian princesses, villains, Tinkerbelles, Minnie Mouse, Lumiere and Mrs. Potts, and of course every variety of Disney Princesses.  I wished that my girlfriends were running the race with me. Each of us was supposed to be a different Disney Princess.

Strangely, as I walked and wished for my friends to be there, I met Melissa dressed as Cinderella in corral B.  She looked just like Lori.  It freaked me out a bit, but my stares probably freaked her out too.  I explained to her that she reminded me of one of my friends and she said, “Well she’s here with you in spirit”, which is something Lori would say.  I was so grateful to have a Lori lookalike and Lori’s spirit running the race with me.

Fairy Godmother spoke the magic words and fireworks launched in the dark morning sky.  The race was underway.   Even though the start time is staggered for the corrals, it was still pretty congested and hard to run faster than 10:30 and I was o.k. with that.  I liked the easy start pace.

Since it was dark, I just focused on getting through the first few miles and didn’t stop for many Kodak moments.  I also knew we’d be running the same course back to the finish.  My plan was to run the roads faster and slow down in the parks since the Disney characters and cast members would be cheering for the runners as we ran past.  I had my mind set to stop for Belle and Tiana if I saw them.

Once in the Magic Kingdom, I intended to pop into the Tomorrowland restroom for a potty break, another little Disney race secret.  All the restrooms in the park are available so you can avoid the port-o-potties. Plus, in a full service bathroom, I could readjust my tiara if need be.

I literally whizzed through Tomorrowland and moved onto Fantasyland to stop for a photo in front of the castle.

Once passed the castle, we ran through Liberty Square, where Tiana and Prince Naveen stood waiting. Of course, I stopped.   As I stood in line waiting for a photo with Princess Tiana, I met another Tiana, who I would continue to meetup with throughout the race.

After a quick photo with Tiana, I was on my way through Frontierland and then through the cast member exit where we were on the road again back towards Epcot.  Just outside the Grand Floridian, I bumped into Belle.  “Hi me”, she said when I posed for a photo with her.

Shortly afterwards, I met my Prince Charming outside the wedding pavilion.  His glass slipper was so fitting for a running princess.

On the return trip along World Drive, I decided to pose for some pictures that I missed on the way to the Magic Kingdom, like Captain Jack and some of the other Disney fellas.  But my camera died.  Fortunately, my Disney Princess running partner, Tiana, saved the day and snapped some photos for me.

Next to the characters and cast members, the spectators were superb and their signs were so entertaining.   “Worst parade ever!” “Villains run faster.”  “I am so proud of you complete stranger!”  With louds cheers and cow bells, they had such enthusiasm as the runners flew by.

The “hill” near mile 11 was definitely the roughest, just as @clairgp had warned me.  I had to walk most of the overpass, but as bad as that overpass was, my plantar faciitis heels didn’t bother me.  I guess all the stopping to visit with characters had its benefits.

After a quick photo in front of Spaceship Earth, I ran the last mile hard.  I wanted to finish under 3 hours and even with all the stops along the way, I met my goal 3 hour goal.

Like I told my friends future Disney Princesses, I would totally run it again and take just as long.  You just can’t take this race too seriously or you’ll miss all the Disney magic.

But next time, I’ll be Tiana.

Chip time 2:51

Clock time 2:59:23

Ave Pace 13:04

Inaugural Rock ‘N Roll St Pete Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
13

The temperature for the start of the Inaugural Rock ‘n Roll St Pete Half Marathon had been predicted to hit 42 degrees.  Therefore, I had to rethink my whole outfit which is a big deal to a stunner runner like me, especially since my friends, Chrissy, Faith and I had planned our race outfit months ago.

Layers would be essential.  So, the night before the race I tried on all my old winter gear to make sure everything still fit and wouldn’t rub my unmentionables.  I also had to find a fleece pullover, some gloves and other warm articles of clothing, which would be waiting in baggage check at the end of the race.

After studying the course map for water stations and food stations, I decided against wearing my fuel belt and opted to wear my SPI belt instead to carry my phone and camera, the most important gear next to my shoes.

Chrissy, Faith, Heather, Jillian and I arrived at Tropicana Field a good hour and half before the start and even in all our layers, we were freezing our Rock ‘n Rolls off. Before the start of the race, the overnight low had dipped to as low as 35 degrees.

Crowds of people huddled around the propane powered halogen lights for warmth.  What’s a few brain cells? Oxygen is so overrated.  It’s a small price to pay for warmth and my friends and I gladly paid it once I stripped off my fleece pullover before the start.

Our bib numbers corresponded to our corrals, which placed me in corral 6.  After a few potty breaks and baggage check, the line into corral 6 spilled past corral 8.  The start time would be delayed approximately two minutes for each corral and I became a bit obsessive with trying to get into corral 6, like a scene from European Vacation, “Look kids! Corral 6! If I could just get over, I could get into corral 6.”

Finally with a little fancy footwork, I managed to find my way into corral 6 and joined the masses to start on time or as close to “on time” for those of us in the back (about 7 minutes after the offical start).

The first mile looped around and led us back to Tropicana Field.  During the first mile, my socks felt a bit strange, like they had slipped down and bunched up in my shoes.  Then, I felt a sensation like pins and needles in my toes and realized my socks were fine.  My feet were defrosting.

I ran that first mile pretty hard, harder than I had intended (~8:30), but I was so bloody cold.  The warmth and pace felt good.

Local bands and DJs entertained us about every mile along the course, which broke up the distance and kept things moving along.

I hit the 5K split at around 30 minutes.  At mile 5, I tossed my gloves because my hands were starting to sweat.  At the 10K split, I appeared to be meeting my 2:15 goal.

And then, we turned the corner and headed towards the bay.  The wind off the bay nearly froze me all over again.  When that first arctic gust hit me, I wished I still had my gloves.  Why didn’t I stuff them in my SPI belt?!

With the wind, blew my chances of finishing around 2:15.  I just couldn’t fight it.  Every time it hit me, I would clench my fists, cringe and shake.  I am such a Florida girl.

But I kept pounding the pavement.  Although technically for this little stretch, it was cobblestone and I began running through neighborhood yards to avoid the cobblestone.  Like I said, it was only for a little stretch, so no yards were harmed in the making of this half marathon post.

For the most part, the course was flat.  There was the occasional bridge and incline, like around mile 7, but I found the wind more of a challenge than the inclines.

Along the Pier around mile 9, I caught up with the 2:15 pace group. After my sad experience with the Space Coast pace group, I vowed to avoid them because they make me feel all insecure and unworthy if I can’t keep up, which wreaks havoc on my self-esteem and breaks my stride.  So I did my best to not focus on the pace group, especially when they seem to be slipping away.  No matter. I was still having fun with or without a super hero pace group.

However, the real super heroes are the entertainment and spectators who fought the frigid temps to cheer us on.

* Stilt men photo captured by Tracey of Suncoast Running*

King Tut danced for us, but the girls holding these signs stole my heart, because they spoke honey badger.

Just after mile 10, a food station offered Gu, but the cold air made it as hard as a rock.  Once I managed to squeeze out the contents, I was disappointed with the flavor.  I should have packed a Cliff Shot.

Once we reached the Vinoy Hotel, my panic over another path of cobblestone took my mind off the after taste of the vanilla Gu.  I opted to run through the grass of Vinoy park to avoid the cobblestone.

As we approached mile 11, we faced another bridge and I began to struggle a bit more.  At this point, my heels started bothering me due to a previous plantar fasciitis injury and I had to walk a little.

We circled around the Vinoy Country Club and mile 12 led us back over the bridge. This was the homestretch now.




Oh how the term “homestretch” never felt truer as this short distance of the race seemed to go on forever!


I could see the finish line, but it felt as though it kept slipping away from me.  A few Suncoast Striders cheered for me as I ran towards the finish line which helped me pick up the pace.  I knew I was almost there.

Yep, I rocked 13.1 miles in the cold.

And I would totally do it again, even if it was cold and windy.  It was that much fun.

Bib# 6465

Overall 4227 out of 7006

 Division 455 out of 822

 Gender 2349 out of 4562

5 Km 31:00

6 Mi 1:01:04

10 Mi 1:43:08

Pace 10:43

Chip Time 02:20:28

Clock Time 02:27:32

Garmin Time 2:20:34

Garmin Ave Pace 10:32

As for Chrissy and Faith’s first half marathon, they finished at 2:45:26 and 2:45:28 respectively.  They wanted to finish under 3 hours, so they were very happy with their times.  We were all proud of them!

Jillian finished a few minutes behind me.  I didn’t even know she was behind me!

Due to a bad T-band situation, Heather finished around 2:35.

After the race, Jillian and I heard Flo Rida bellow, “Where them girls at?”  So, these Flo Rida girls found their way over to the stage and the post-race party reunion area.  Flo Rida was the a perfect headliner to keep spirits high.

The weather was cold, but Flo Rida was HOT!  He created a fun party atmosphere.

*Photo of Flo Rida in the crowd by Jillian*

Although we just ran 13.1 miles, we found the energy to bounce with Flo and got low, low, low.  Between a great race and hanging at a jumping post-race party with friends, we really did get a good feeling…yeah.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogueUnknown Mami

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration 2011

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2

To start the holiday season with a splash, my family and I set sail once again for SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.

The evening’s Christmas festivities started with small reception to meet some new friends: a sloth, a sea lion and a macaw.

During the reception, we snacked on sugar cookies and sipped on hot cocoa while the Sea of Trees danced and sang.  With 25 more trees this year and comprised of more than 200 thousand individually choreographed LED lights, the Sea of Trees truly brings the season to sea.

Once our senses were dazzled and our bellies were full, we made the long journey to the North Pole for The Polar Express Experience.

Liam and I traveled by foot through the Wild Arctic while the girls traveled by train with Daddy.   Little Lion Man and I followed the frosty paths through the polar bears and beluga whales to find our way to Santa.

This year, SeaWorld added a new show, O Wondrous Night- The Greatest Story Never Told. 

“O Wondrous Night tells the greatest story never told, with more than 30 carols, based upon the Christmas Story and told through the eyes of a variety of live animals.  The 30-minute show features puppetry and dance against the backdrop of traditional Christmas music  and a true living nativity including camels, goats, sheep, an alpaca, a zebu and a flock of white doves.” -SeaWorld

Unfortunately, my girls were more interested in rides without queues than shows depicting the real season for the season, so we spent the rest of the evening in Shamu’s Happy Harbor.

In between rides, we stumbled upon two lively elves playing a game of marshmallow toss and the girls joined in the fun.

Although the girls wanted to stay for s’more fun, it was time to end the evening on a high note by remembering the Frosty the Snowman philosophy.   We’ll be back again someday.

Many other Orlando amusements parks charge an additional fee to participate in such extravagant holiday festivities, but all this magic and wonder is included with a SeaWorld admission every weekend night throughout December including Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

On Dec. 31, families can ring in the New Year SeaWorld style!  On New Year’s Eve, SeaWorld offers a spectacular musical celebration with DJs and live bands plus a bold fireworks display to send a wave of welcome for the New Year ahead.  With special show times for New Year’s Eve, the festivities continue until 1 a.m.

For more information about the last few days SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration or to purchase a Fun Card, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

But wait!  There’s more!  

Saturdays in January, SeaWorld kicks off a new program Just for Kids featuring special performances by LazyTown, Max and Ruby, the Doodlebops and Choo Choo Soul.  Check SeaWorld.com for dates and show times.

A Very She & Him Christmas

Posted on by Run DMT
10

I read somewhere that Zooey Deschanel’s voice helped land her role in Elf.  Since first watching that movie, my husband has had a crash on Zooey Deschanel all in part to her voice.  Normally, Allan doesn’t have a thing for blondes, but he could see past this siren’s golden locks in part to her soulful, sleepy bedroom voice.

 

Once he learned she was a brunette, Zooey Deschanel had a permanent spot on Allan’s laminated list somewhere between Marisa Tomei and Amy Adams.

Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of Zooey Deschanel’s voice.  I’d prefer to watch her in (500) Days of Summer or as the adorkable Jess in her new hit comedy, New Girl rather than listen to her sing.  However, I had a change of heart when I heard She & Him’s In the Sun, but more recently when I heard their new Christmas album, A Very She & Him Christmas.

More than another Christmas album filled with favorites, She & Him honors these songs with pure and simple renditions, perfect for cool nights drinking hot cocoa in front of a fire while gazing at the tree.  In a world of autotune and over produced music, each song sends you back to an era of a simpler time when families sat around a radio for enjoyment.

My favorite song on the album is The Christmas Waltz.  Zooey’s style and tone reflects the true heart and feel of the song.  Watch She & Him’s live performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

 

I’ve downloaded the songs from amazon and on the sly, I’ll add a few songs to Allan’s player as a surprise for our anniversary in a few weeks.  Christmas songs by She & Him will make a sweet, romantic gift, especially since Zooey’s voice is like sugar straight from the candy cane.  (Watch out, Jewel!)

Pssst!  Speaking of gifts….Don’t miss this one!



Visit Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Christmas Shopping with Shutterfly

Posted on by Run DMT
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Next Wednesday, we have our annual family Christmas portrait session with my fabulous photographer friend, Kelly.  With much anticipation, I’ve added the final touches on everyone’s outfits.  For this year’s portrait, we’re all wearing variations of red and black.

Also in preparation, I’m keeping a list of the poses I’d like to capture this year.  I love close-up shots of my kids’ smiling faces.  They’re perfect for Christmas photo cards sending Christmas cheer to wish everyone a merry and bright holiday.

When choosing our family’s Christmas card, I prefer a large card (5×7) that includes at least 1 family shot and 3 individual photos of each child.  I also prefer the colors of the card to match the colors we’re wearing in the photos; however, finding a card that displays that many photos in one card while color coordinating with our outfits makes the search for the perfect Christmas anything but merry.

Thankfully, Shutterfly makes the search for the right Christmas card or holiday card simple.  With its sophisticated system, Shutterfly helps refine my search by the number of photos and color.

 

 

On the Christmas card product page, I can view an assortment of cards with the appropriate number of photos and color by selecting that option in the sidebar.

 

 

I’ve already found a large variety of cards that fit my criteria, however, some the cards were folded.

 

Still not a problem!  With a simple click, Shutterfly shows the flat 5×7 photo card option.

 

 

But this year, I’m also considering purchasing photo books and other personalized gifts for our family’s Christmas presents.  Our Christmas portraits are such a treasure and I’m sure both sets of parents would love mounted wall art of our family as a Christmas present.

 

 

 

Even a pewter ornament would make a great gift but not solely as a Christmas tree ornament.  After Christmas, our extended families can hang it on the wall to enjoy it all year long.

 

 

Shutterfly offers so much from a variety of Christmas cards that fit my color by number criteria to wonderful gifts our family will enjoy throughout the year.  And that makes Christmas shopping very merry!


*Shutterfly is offering FREE standard shipping on orders over $30.  Enter code SHIP30.  Hurry! Offer ends November 30, 2011.
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