The last two weeks of June starts our family summer vacation. We’re going on a road trip and hitting Atlanta, Savannah, the Fort Stewart area (where my husband was stationed last) and Charlotte, North Carolina for the Type-A Parent Conference. And since we’re doing this trip without much planning, we don’t have hotel reservations, except for Charlotte. It’s going to help us save money by using a travel site on the road – Last Minute Hotel Deals from $47!

I have family in Atlanta so we’ll visit them. The most exciting thing is that my daughter, Alicia and her husband, Scott are driving in from Kansas to visit too! It’s going to be a mini family reunion. We don’t have definite plans, but I’d like to see the Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain, and the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum all together.

After a few days in Atlanta, Alicia and Scott are going to drive back to Kansas along with Sammi, who will spend most of July with them. This will be her first time away from us since being diagnosed with Sinus Tachycardia, possible Long QT Syndrome , POTS and Anxiety. But, I have no worries. She’ll be well taken care of. Alicia and Scott have lots of activities planned for Sammi. She certainly won’t be bored.

It will be good for her to get away from me and her father. And good for me and my husband to have some time alone. During July, we’ll go away for some short trips in the local Tampa/St. Pete and Orlando area. We deserve it.

Now I just have to find a way to cope with my husband’s driving during the road trip and all will be well.

What are your plans for the summer? Any suggestions for what to see in the cities we’ll be visiting?

Resource: Frommer’s Atlanta (Frommer’s Complete Guides)

No compensation was received for this post. This blog uses affiliate links.

Not that long ago, I’d go clothes and shoe shopping with my friends. We’d show off our outfits before going out to get last minute advice and even helped put on each other’s makeup and do our hair. I miss out on that now. My beauty and fashion knowledge has dried up. As much as I want to look good and dress well, there are way too many other things going on. And spending money on me makes feel guilty when there are bills to be paid.

On the StyleUnited site I took a few moments to re-learn about what it takes for me to look good and feel better about myself. After I joined, I took some quizzes about my skin type, my own fashion style, the type of cosmetics that work for me and my hair care and style. It didn’t take a lot of time and it was like being reborn into the world of beauty and fashion.

The beauty tips are helpful, especially the free things that I can do at home on my own time to improve the look of my skin and hair. The personalized fashion profile presented my long standing hippy side. The products and clothing that were suggested for me helped me get over my mommy guilt.  Plus it was fun!

No matter what stage you are in on your fashion and beauty life, StyleUnited has something to offer. Read articles, watch how-to-do videos, take the quizzes and even get advice from your friends on your style choices through the Inner Circle. And if you join StyleUnited by May 30^th, you are eligible to win the StyleUnited: New View, New You Giveaway. Two lucky winners will be chosen at random to take home a $500 gift card for Macy’s or Nordstrom.

StyleUnited is still in Beta, but works perfectly. Join now and be one of the first to get your own beauty and fashion tips and feel fantastic about yourself.

Disclosure: I was given the opportunity to use StyleUnited for this review. I will also receive a beauty gift from P&G, the owners of the website. All opinions are my own. This blog uses affiliate links.

Off we went to their “dressing room” – a suite in the Disney Yacht Club Convention Center. I still couldn’t believe I was one of the chosen – four bloggers who must have caught Leanne’s eyes as Cubby O’Brien and Sherry Alberoni were on stage. From the start of the Mickey Mouse Club March as I clapped and sang along to the effortless drum routine played by Cubby, I was enthralled by every minute. They deservedly received a standing ovation from many of us.

Meeting Cubby O’Brien and Sherry Alberoni in person proved to me that famous people can be just what they seem like on stage – caring, funny and considerate. They took time to speak with each of us one on one to get to know us a little better and to take photos with us. When I got overwhelmed with emotion, I got a hug from Sherry, who was just as kind as could be. It felt like family in the room.

Earlier, during their performance, we learned that Cubby O’Brien continued drumming after the Mickey Mouse Club. Some of the musical celebrities he worked with are Lawrence Welk, Ann-Margaret, Debbie Reynolds and Bernadette Peters (1968-Present). When he is introduced, he is remembered as a Mouseketeer. Sherry Alberoni was in the film, Dance With Me, Henry, as Lou Costello’s adopted daughter. She played Davy Jones’ wife or girlfriend on The Monkees and other shows, was the voice for Alexandra Cabot from Josie and the Pussy Cats and did voice overs for other animated shows and movies.

So what is it about the original Mickey Mouse Club that so endearing to me? I wasn’t even born during the first four seasons of the show (1955 – 1959), but thanks to syndicated reruns I was able to watch and enjoy the shows with my Mother and older sister who is 11 years older than me. They were reliving a part of their life with me which became a family tradition. Each day, we’d sit together and sing along to the March, and wait for Fun with Music Day, Anything Can Happen Day and Talent Roundup Day. It brought us close together, having one thing in common between the three of us.

I paid to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. In exchange for my registration fee, I received deeply discounted rates on hotel, park tickets, free events, meals, and swag. I am not required nor was I asked to write about the events by Disney or any other brands, celebrities, or speakers affiliated with the event. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used on this blog.

Fearless Mobility

I use a battery powered scooter as a mobility aid because of Myasthenia Gravis and Rheumatoid Arthritis and the resulting weakness, pain and fatigue.  This can be a barrier when traveling because of its size and weight. Thankfully we have a lift for our vehicle for road trips. When flying, I chose to use a wheelchair provided by the airline and someone to push the chair. The scooter is stored with baggage. Although I’m relying on someone else, it allows me to go to far off destinations.  Then watch out for me as I become fearless on my scooter and zip around when I arrive.

“We`re unflappable on the road. We seem to be fearless right now.” Chris Drury

Fearless Health Precautions

I’m prone to get sick when I’m around a lot of other people because of a compromised immune system.  Good hand washing, eating healthy food, getting enough sleep can all help me avoid illness. If going out of the country, it’s important to check if vaccines are needed and if there are any travel alerts for the flu, malaria and other illnesses. When I’m home and go to stores or my daughter’s school, I can get sick too. I’m fearless, but take precautions.

“I tend to think you`re fearless when you recognize why you should be scared of things, but do them anyway.” Christian Bale

Fearless Travel Planning

Going to a strange place and being out of my comfort zone can cause stress which can result in a flare up of one or more of the medical conditions I have. I plan ahead and double check my reservations being sure that any special accommodations I need are taken care of by the airline and hotel.  I make use of deep breathing, relaxation techniques and prescribed medication. When I see the beautiful scenery, meet new people from other cultures, I’m fearless and want to visit every single amazing site.

“Fear–who cares?” Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Fearless Travel Twitter Party

WHEN: May 7, 9-10 pm EDT (8-9 pm CT; 7-8 pm MT; 6-7 pm PT)

WHO: Panelists @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando @DebMomOf3 @CindyRichards @MaryHeston @LisaSamples @ConnieFoggles

WHAT: Twitter party – Fearless Travel

HOW TO JOIN: Follow the hashtags #TMOM and #BigC2

PRIZES: We’ll be giving away a Sony Pictures prize pack with copies of The Big C – Season 1 and 2, The Vow, Smurfs, and Zookeeper. We will also give away DVDs of The Big C Season 2 throughout the party.

RSVP: Fearless Travel Twitter Party

I wrote this as a compensated Twitter Party host for TravelingMom.com. All opinions are my own.

I remember buying Carter’s clothing for both of my daughters and getting gifts of Carter’s layette items – all adorable, soft and well made. It’s easy to find a Carter’s store near you with their Carter’s Store Locator. I’ve even saved some outfits and cradle bedding to pass down to my daughters when they have babies of their own.

I’m looking forward to the movie, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I read the book with each of my pregnancies and learned a lot about my changing body and my baby as she grew inside me. Even though I had my mother, other family and friends who had babies, I wanted the facts, not old wives tales that would scare me. My Obstetrician didn’t have much time to answer all of my questions, so relying on the book helped me relax. It’s going to be fun to see one of my favorite books come to the big screen.

It’s exciting that the movie will be a comedy. It feature five couples going through pregnancy along with their different approaches to coping with the news and the situations having a baby brings them. And I’ll be sure to look out for Carter’s fashions, the premiere children’s clothing featured in the movie and see how things have changed or stayed the same.

Are you looking forward to the movie? What about it makes it sound fun?

Carter’s partnered with bloggers such as me to promote their upcoming feature in the movie “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.”  As part of the program, I received product or gift cards. Carter’s believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words, and therefore did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products I used.  Carter’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

The Barclaycard Ring Community

After you apply and are approved for a Barclaycard, you are invited to their online forum, where transparency is of the utmost importance to Barclaycard. They share the company’s finances so you can make informed decisions about changes to the card. Should the interest rate be increased? Should a rewards program be started? Should the Giveback(SM) program (somewhat like profit sharing) be put on hold for a longer period of time?

You’ll be able to read your statements, interact with other community members, learn about financial issues and give feedback to Barclaycard about service, both good and bad. It has been through vigorous testing since December but the online community is open now and ready for more members.

Barclaycard Ring and Social Media

Companies who “get” social media are ones that I like to give my business to. They are the ones that are leading the fold and have good futures ahead of them. Just the idea that I can vote on issues concerning my own credit card, voice my opinions and get a quick reply is surprising. Crowd-sourcing for answers? I’m all for it. I spend most of my time online, so why should I have to make a call, go through the prompts, be put on hold and then speak to strangers about a problem with my credit card? I want instant gratification!

I also like the low interest rate of just 8%. And it won’t go higher unless the community agrees.  There’s no annual fee, or transfer balance fees on Barclaycard. Plus it’s a lot easier to trust a company that believes in being transparent. If I can see both what they are earning and losing, I’m willing to go the extra mile and tell my friends about them. This is more than a business; it has the personal touch consumers want.

This is a sponsored post for Barclaycard Ring and Dweeb Media. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

1. I talk to myself out loud. And answer.
2. Volunteering and making donations are important to me.
3. My daughters are 12 years apart. My sister and I are 11 years apart. My husband and I are one year and 5 days apart, a few social security numbers apart and pretty much opposites.
4. I forget everything unless I write it down, add it to three calendars and set an alarm clock.
5. I love going to conferences just to meet new friends. I’ve been to a few including Disney Social Media Moms, so I wrote about how to get ready  and make the most of your time there.
6. Chocolate is one of my favorite food groups. So is cake, cookies, potato chips, ice cream and fast food.
7. I’m a cheap date. Just ask my husband.
8. One of my favorite quotes is “If you are too busy to laugh. You are too busy.” – unknown
9. I am a strong mother.
10. My life is a jumbled, mixed up chaotic mess, but it’s always centered around my family.

Photo of Me:

This is me about 17 years ago. Hey, this is my party post and I can do what I want!

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Tell me something about you. I’d love to get to know you and your blog better.

Although I visit the dentist every three months, brush my teeth 2-3 times a day, floss once a day and use products that should help eliminate plaque buildup, I can feel the plaque come back again quickly, especially behind the front lower teeth and behind my back teeth. And my teeth lose that sparkling clean feeling way too soon. I hope that the Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control products will make a difference.

The Pro-Health Clinical Olympic Games Sweepstakes

You can enter to win trip to the London 2012 Olympic Games at www.crestoralbclinical.com/olympicgamessweeps! Plus every week, a drawing is held to for 5 prizes of the full product line. The sweepstakes ends May 31st. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

Pro-Health Products and My Daughter

After my trial of the Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Control products, I’ll introduce them to my daughter. She’s just two months away from getting braces if she keeps her teeth clean. Many tweens like to brush their teeth as quickly as possible and need all the help they can get from products. I’m sorry to say this is the case with my daughter. And the application of her braces has been put off for a while now. I have high hopes that she’ll be using the Pro-Health Clinical line soon.

I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Crest and Oral-B and received product samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a promotional gift to thank me for taking the time to participate.

As I go through life and make the most of it, I avoid circumstances that would cause me to face my fears. It can be easy or a very difficult task, especially when I’m traveling and wanting to try new things. I love the water – pools, the ocean, lakes, etc. but I’m on edge when I’m near it. It’s worse when other people are around because they may throw me in the water. And I miss out on so much! I dream of swimming in the ocean without the fear of waves knocking me down. I can picture myself jumping into a pool and the water covering my body.

I’ve said that I’m going to get help – take lessons with a swim coach who understands this type of fear. But, I make excuses and never do it. My older daughter learned to swim on her own, but Sammi takes after me. What example am I setting for her?

When I see the Characters In Flight balloon ride at Walt Disney World, I think about facing my fears. I’d love to take a ride high over the resort. One day I’ll take that leap of faith and surprise myself!

What type of fears do you have? Have you faced any of them?