Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas in Cars Land



The holidays have come to Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park! If you haven't seen all the automotive-themed decorations and Christmas trees that line Route 66 in Radiator Springs, we've got you covered. Read more at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/SeLmAS

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Torrey Pines GliderPort

Ryan and I went down to Torrey Pines this afternoon to hike the cliffs. [We may have forgotten that the beach we were hiking down to was a nude one, so we did a quick walk up and down and then hit the trails again] While we were climbing around we saw all of the gliders in the air and decided to head over to the gliderport once we were done with our hike.

You could just walk up and go for a ride. It was $150 for a 20 minute ride. Obviously we didn't do it, but we did enjoy watching everything from the lawn.







I took a quick video too (they just sort of jump off the cliffs and soar around for a while, pretty cool, as long as you know what you are doing).


Friday, November 23, 2012

O'Side Turkey Trot

Ryan and I were originally going to go camping with friends over the holiday, but some family sicknesses came up and we decided to postpone the trip. Since we were free Thanksgiving morning, we decided to sign up for the Oceanside Turkey Trot. I wanted to do the 5-Miler and Ryan wanted to do the 5K.

The 5-Miler started at 7am (it was awfully floggy out, but by the time we got to mile 1 the sun started to break through. It was a beautiful course throughout downtown Oceanside, the Harbor, and finishing at the pier. My outloud goal was 45-50 minutes (I haven't ran a 5miler race length before and was shooting for a 9-10 minute pace), but I really wanted to be under 45 minutes. I ended up just eeking by 45 (I think the official time was 44:55) to I was keeping pace with about 9 minute miles (I forgot to stop my watch as the finish - well, I thought I did but I guess I didn't hit the button hard enough, which is why it is about 5 seconds after, but still not over 45:00 :) ).






The 5K started at 8:30am (they actually allowed you to run both if you wanted, which is why they gave time between the start of each). This was the first 5K race that Ryan ran on his own (without me running with him) - but that meant I got to be his photographer. He did GREAT! I think he beat over 5,000 people (the 5K was about 7,500 people while the 5Miler was only like 1,200 people).





The Turkey Trot is a fun race and am glad that even though we didn't run next to one another, we both got out there and kicked a little booty on Thanksgiving. Now on to the next races :)





Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Oh man. So a couple days ago runDisney had posted something on their Facebook page:



I thought to myself, "If it is more entries for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, I'm gonna do it". Well, last night my alarm went off to remind me to check runDisney at 9pm and low and behold - MORE TINKER BELL ENTRIES!!



So I OBVIOUSLY signed up (on my phone, while playing Cranium with friends, because I didn't want to miss my shot)!!

This one, especially since it is just 2 months away, will be more of a 'fun' run (as fun as 13.1 miles can be, hehe) - where I can stop and take pictures with the characters along the way and more of just use it as a training run, rather than for time.

It also means that my Princess Half Marathon (at Disney World in February) will be my Coast to Coast race (a half marathon or longer at both US Disney parks in the same calendar year) and I will get a second, extra AWESOME medal (and my family will be there cheering me on)!!


Sunday, January 20, 2013
5:00 a.m.
Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

Sassy, feisty, and fun loving, Tinker Bell is the fairy we all know and love! Celebrate your inner Miss Bell at the half marathon full of pixie dust and Never, Never Land adventure.

You can run. You can run. You can run through the Disneyland® Resort and historic streets of Anaheim, California on your way to a Fairy Finish where you will earn your "wings". Each finisher will receive an exclusive Tinker Bell-inspired Finisher Medal.

Tinker Bell Half Marathon


Tinker Bell Half Marathon
The Tinker Bell Half Marathon features:
  • Women's focused Half Marathon
  • 13.1-mile course through Disneyland® Resort and the City of Anaheim, California
  • Disney Entertainment on-course
  • Family Reunion Area with entertainment and characters
  • Stay at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel which are within walking distance from the event or stay at a select Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel and event weekend transportation is included.

Race participants in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon will receive:
  • Champion® Long-Sleeved Tech Shirt in Women's or Men's cut*
  • Tinker Bell Finisher Medal*
  • Official Race Program Guide*
  • A one-year subscription to REDBOOK (a $3.92 value). Offer and refund details.
  • iGift bag
  • Personalized bib (Must register by November 1, 2012 for name to appear on bib)*
  • On-course and post-race refreshments
  • ChronoTrack B-tag timed race with live runner tracking signup for friends and family
  • Personalized results website

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Cleaning reusable bottles


DON'T DRINK BACTERIA: HOW TO DISINFECT YOUR REUSABLE BOTTLE

The beauty of the reusable water bottle is that it's just that — reusable. You can repeatedly head to the water cooler or faucet to fill 'er up, but when your bottle continually stays wet, you know what that means? Yep, bacteria loves a moist, dark environment. Along with your dinner dishes, it's good to get in the habit of cleaning your bottle every night, or at least every few days. Here are some ways you can get rid of the germies and grime.
Throw it in the dishwasher: Some bottles are dishwasher-safe, so check the bottom of your bottle or the brand's website to make sure. Kleen Kanteen Classic stainless steel bottles are dishwasher safe, as well as some products from Nalgene, although it's recommended to clean SIGG water bottles by hand.

Wash it with warm soapy water: Pour out any leftover liquid, add a few drops of dishwashing soap and some warm water, screw on the top and shake for a minute or so. It's smart to invest in a bottle brush like this so you can scrub deep inside your bottle, especially if it has a narrow mouth. Thoroughly clean the cap and straw as well and allow to airdry overnight.
Keep reading to hear a few more cleaning methods.

Use vinegar: This all-natural cleaner is great for killing certain germs and bacteria, but it isn't effective at killing everything such as the flu virus. If you're OK with that, use this method: After washing with soapy water, rinse well and fill your bottle one fifth of the way with white vinegar. Fill the rest with water, let it stand overnight, and in the morning thoroughly rinse it out.

Use a weak bleach solution: If you're really worried about germs, nothing stands a chance against a little bleach. It's perfectly safe to drink from a bottle that's been cleaned with a weak bleach solution — it can even be used to sanitize baby toys and bottles. Make a bleach solution using one tablespoon of bleach per one quart of water. Fill your bottle, screw on the top, and allow to sit for two minutes. Pour out the solution and allow it to dry out completely.

Use water bottle cleansing tablets: Many companies make this type of product, includingSigg ($9 for 20) and Camelbak ($12 for eight), or you can also get away with using effervescent denture cleaning tablets such as Efferdent. Just fill your bottle with water, drop the tablet in, and allow to dissolve and sit for 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the product's directions). Then rinse and enjoy your clean bottle.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Royal Family 5K

Last night I signed my mom, my dad, my husband and I up for the Royal Family 5K the morning before my half marathon. I was able to talk my parents into running the race when they were out and I figured I'd sign us up before they changed their minds :). I mean, CHECK OUT THE AWESOME BLING?! How can you say 'no' to this SWEET medal?!



My mom is not a runner, so I think I will hang back with her and do more of a walk/ run for this one - especially since the following morning I will be running 13.1 miles. I think it is going to be SUPER fun to do this all together (even though I doubt the boys will stick with us to finish).

I better get my 'royal family' race attire picked out soon :)


Saturday, February 23, 2013
6:30 a.m.
Start/Finish: Epcot®

For princesses and their families, the Disney Royal Family 5K is a fun-filled way to start off this weekend's fairytale. Run a 5K that the whole family can enjoy in this official Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend event. Adults, teens and tweens can experience a 5K course winding through Epcot® with a storybook ending!

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Royal Family 5K
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Royal Family 5K
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Royal Family 5K
The Disney Royal Family 5K features:
  • 5K course through Epcot®
  • Stroller Walk division available*
  • Disney Entertainment on-course
  • Event Weekend Transportation from the Event Host Resorts

Race participants in the Disney Royal Family 5K will receive:
  • 5K T-shirt (Unisex cut)**
  • 5K Finisher medallion**
  • Official Race Program Guide**
  • iGift bag
  • Personalized bib (Must register by December 1, 2012 for name to appear on bib)
  • On-course and post-race refreshments

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Cobra = MVP




Cabrera's 2012 AL MVP season
A look back at some of the best moments of Miguel Cabrera's 2012 AL Most Valuable Player Award-winning season

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Free Nursing Cover


THANKSGIVING PROMO CODE FOR FREE NURSING COVERS!

Free Nursing Covers at UdderCovers.com!

Use Promo Code "THANKSGIVING2012" at uddercovers.com TODAY!

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Go to www.uddercovers.com.
  2. Click on "Shop Now" and select the 5-pack breast pads or nursing cover you like.
  3. Once you have made your selection, you'll automatically be directed to the shopping bag. Enter the promo code "THANKSGIVING2012" and we will deduct 100% off the cost of the cover or breast pads - all you pay is the shipping fees!
Remember: the promo code is "THANKSGIVING2012" and you can use it more than once - just open a new browser window each time you do.
These Products make great gifts.
Selections dwindle quickly, so get yours today!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Free Carseat Canopy


THANKSGIVING PROMO CODE FOR A FREE CARSEAT CANOPY!

Regularly $49.95, get one today for FREE!

Use Promo Code "THANKSGIVING2012" at CarseatCanopy.com TODAY!

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Go to www.carseatcanopy.com.
  2. Click on "Shop Now" and select any carseat canopy you like.
  3. Once you have made your selection, you'll automatically be directed to the shopping bag. Enter the promo code "THANKSGIVING2012" and we will deduct 100% off the cost of the canopy - all you pay is the shipping fees!
Remember: the promo code is "THANKSGIVING2012" and you can use it more than once - just open a new browser window each time you do.
These Products make great gifts.
Selections dwindle quickly, so get yours today!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Free Baby Carrier


THANKSGIVING PROMO CODE FOR A FREE BABY CARRIER!

Free Baby Carriers at SevenSlings.com!

Use Promo Code "THANKSGIVING2012" at SevenSlings.com TODAY!

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Go to www.sevenslings.com.
  2. Click on "Shop Now" and select any baby carrier you like, be sure to visit the sizing page to get the correct size.
  3. Once you have made your selection, you'll automatically be directed to the shopping bag. Enter the promo code "THANKSGIVING2012" and we will deduct 100% off the cost of the carrier - all you pay is the shipping fees!
Remember: the promo code is "THANKSGIVING2012" and you can use it more than once - just open a new browser window each time you do.
These Products make great gifts.
Selections dwindle quickly, so get yours today!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Thanksgiving Promo


THANKSGIVING PROMO CODE FOR FREE 5 4-PACK (10 PAIRS) BREAST PADS!

Free Breast Pads at UdderCovers.com!

Use Promo Code "THANKPADS" at uddercovers.com TODAY!

It's as easy as 1-2-3!

  1. Go to www.uddercovers.com.
  2. Click on "Shop Now" and select the 5-pack breast pads or nursing cover you like.
  3. Once you have made your selection, you'll automatically be directed to the shopping bag. Enter the promo code "THANKPADS" and we will deduct 100% off the cost of the cover or breast pads - all you pay is the shipping fees!
Remember: the promo code is "THANKPADS" and you can use it more than once - just open a new browser window each time you do.
These Products make great gifts.
Selections dwindle quickly, so get yours today!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Ryan's Apparel

Some of the shirts and sweatshirts that Ryan designed with Reef are on their website for sale. You should check them out and pick up a few!


REEF GYPSY SKULL












Magical Miles - AVAILABLE!!


Now Available!

Not sure of what runDisney race to run? Want to take a look at all the Disney resorts? Curious about the food options available at the parks? Worried about how to navigate the race activities throughout the weekend?
Have no fear, your guide is here!
Magical Miles: The Runner’s Guide to Walt Disney World is NOW available!
The book is available in both paperback and ebook formats. Share with your family and friends!
You can also keep up with the latest news, photos and more on Facebook and Twitter. We are excited to share our passion for runDisney events with all of you!

Monday, November 5, 2012

EMPWR Coats

Detroit entrepreneur goes from making coats to making some dreams come true



In a weed-strewn corner of Corktown in Detroit, inside a long-abandoned stamping plant, six women are sewing their dreams into a new kind of coat.
The women, homeless just months ago, know that they also are stitching the dreams of a tall young woman in their midst -- the one they call Miss Scott.
"I'm still surprised how far this has gone," Veronika Scott said, mirroring the women's smiles, as visitors toured her new mini-factory. 
Two years ago, the Free Press reported that Scott had invented an amazing coat to protect homeless people.
Since then, Scott, now 23, has drawn growing news media coverage and a stream of admirers for her radical idea: to give away to the downtrodden of Detroit -- and perhaps even the world -- her patent-pending coat, which converts in seconds into a sleeping bag.
For those among the homeless population who cannot find shelter, or refuse to accept it, her EMPWR coat -- as in "empower" -- could be a lifesaver. So far, Scott has made and handed out about 200 coats.
But this fall, Scott is gaining the support and recognition that could boost her fledgling nonprofit enterprise into Detroit-style mass production.
General Motors recently gave her 2,000 yards of scrap sound-deadening material, used inside the doors and dashboards of the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick Verano. That's enough to make 400 coats. It turns out that the scrap insulation, once requilted into fabric, is perfect for repurposing in Scott's coat, making it warmer than her original design, she said.
"We're excited to be doing it," said John Bradburn, GM's global manager of waste reduction.
"We love working with small companies like this, to promote sustainability and protect the environment," he said from his office at the GM Tech Center in Warren. He frequently visits Scott's tiny factory.
And on Nov. 19 in Boston, Scott will become the youngest person to receive the New Frontier Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.
"Detroit gave us the automobile and now Detroit's giving us this outstanding young person who is using technology to address a humanitarian need," said Tom McNaught, executive director of the foundation.
Caroline Kennedy, president of the foundation that bears her father's name, saw a CNN documentary about Scott last year, which led to the committee choosing her for the award, McNaught said.
Scott's hope is that this is a turning point -- that the GM link, together with the award, will help her land a breakthrough donation to double or triple production of the coats. With that, Scott said she could protect Detroit's most vulnerable residents, and then could start to satisfy her dream of helping the homeless

Radical ideas

Scott was still in college two years ago when she started selling her radical ideas, first to her dean -- now Provost Imre Molnar -- at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. 
Molnar said he planned to fly with Scott to Boston when she receives her award and speaks to the foundation's board.
"It's just phenomenal recognition. It's really all about her, but it's great to have CCS a part of it," he said.
It was Molnar -- a former design director for Patagonia, the outdoor clothing firm in Ventura, Calif. -- who found himself promising to listen to Scott for five minutes that turned into an hour. That was when she came to him in 2009 about this odd project that she had conceived in her industrial-design class.
The EMPWR is a long storm coat with a roomy hood and a secret. Folded up into the coat's back, and held there by Velcro closures, is an envelope of insulated, quilted fabric that matches the coat. With one yank, that envelope folds down to enclose the user's feet. With the coat's front and hood buckled in place, the result is a single sleeve of warmth and protection. 
And they're being made in the heart of Detroit.
"Sewing was forced on her," recalls her mother, Maureen Scott, 49, of Clarkston. 
Maureen Scott, an experienced seamstress and visual artist, said she was surprised that her college-student daughter suddenly came to her, asking how to sew.
Once the student had a prototype done, her dean racked his brain for just the right contact. Then Molnar called Mark Valade, the CEO of Carhartt. 
After seeing her prototype, Valade and Carhartt were in. 
Soon, the apparel giant famed for outdoors work clothes, provided the first of six industrial-use sewing machines, along with a trainer for Veronika Scott's machine operators -- each a formerly homeless person.
Also in were the first donors of seed money, beginning with Scott's grandparents in Huntington Woods, their neighbors and friends. One, a lawyer, set up Scott's enterprise as a nonprofit so that contributions would be tax-deductible. 
Those were the days when Scott's grandfather Marshall Charlip, 70, a retired social worker, stood by her side on sidewalks in the Cass Corridor, as Scott field-tested her earliest models with homeless people near the shelter of the Neighborhood Service Organization. 
"He told me, 'If you want to earn their trust, do not make promises you cannot deliver.' " 
Today, the graduate of the College for Creative Studies lives a few blocks from NSO's shelter, in a Cass Corridor apartment.

Design change

The early models of the coat were white, made of a popular building insulation material called Tyvek. 
Soon, word came back from the street -- the coats got dirty too quickly and they needed other tweaks, said Deacon Don Leach, pastoral associate for outreach at St. Aloysius Parish, a Catholic center that aids homeless people in downtown Detroit.
"Most of our ministry is on the street. I think we put close to 60 of her coats out on the streets last year," said Leach, 57, of Canton.
"One guy sleeps at Shelby and Lafayette, on the steam grate. He said the asphalt got on the coat. ... So she changed the color" from white to black, Leach said. "A couple guys said the way the buckles were on the front, when they moved around, they felt trapped in it, so she redesigned that.
"These people we're dealing with, for whatever reason, they can't or won't go to the shelters," Leach said. "You're going to have some of them high on drugs or drunk, and some will sell them for whatever, but most of these folks, they keep these coats and we know they're protected from the elements." 
The potential market is large. Estimates for Detroit's homeless population range from 10,000 to 32,000.
St. Aloysius is looking forward to its next shipment of coats, he said. And 300 are to be delivered in December at NSO's shelter, Scott said. All of the coats are free.

Training the staff

Scott spent the summer training her staff of six -- freshly recruited from homeless shelters; some of them recovering from drug addiction.
On a whiteboard, Scott lists their assignments for the day: "Demetra -- cut webbing; Arnetta -- pockets; Toya -- hoods or buckles; Annis -- hoods or buckles; Tanisha -- buckle backs; Jen -- check in parts." 
Scott starts each worker at $8 an hour in training, pays $10 per hour to start producing, and $12 "when you're performing at a certain rate and we're proud of you," she said. 
For these six, working on Scott's assembly line has been a godsend, they tell visitors.
"God gave me another chance," said Toya James, 32, who has moved from a shelter to transitional housing, and hopes to be in her own apartment this month. 
Each person has a story -- of life in shelters and on the streets. Of substance abuse and children taken away by Protective Services. Of fear and hopelessness. And now, of hope and opportunity. 
And each person tells of the surprise to find Scott visiting the shelters, offering work, and the flash of their dreams coming true. The plan is for the six women to cut, sew and ship 800 coats this year and 2,000 in 2013.
"To do that, we're hoping to raise $250,000" for 2013, Scott said.
Leaning on a cabinet in her cluttered work room is a framed note from billionaire investor Warren Buffet: "Veronika, I admire you and what you are doing," it reads.
He hasn't sent any money, Scott said.
She, too, can dream.