diy mama

lifestyle blog sharing diy, family, travel, organization & disney tips

Shelly

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Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World

I was invited by Walt Disney Special Events to attend a private preview of Pandora – World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, but all opinions and photos are my own.

Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World is a wonder to behold. I had my skepticism towards the new expansion in Animal Kingdom. ‘How are they going to make it feel as huge as the World of Avatar?’ ‘Is there going to be anything to do over there?’ ‘Is it just an addition to keep people in Animal Kingdom full day?’ See, even hard core Disney lovers are skeptical about change. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised and wowed by the additions Disney World has made in Animal Kingdom with Pandora.

Pandora World of Avatar

Pandora World of Avatar

Must Sees in Pandora – World of Avatar at Disney World

I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of Pandora a few weeks before it will open May 27th, 2017. It was a bit of a whirlwind trip through the land and I definitely did not get enough time to explore. I would say that, currently, Pandora is a half-day experience, even without being completely finished. On May 27th Pandora will include Satu’li Canteen, and Pongu Pongu (refreshments), Na’vi River Journey, and Avatar – Flight of Passage (attractions).

My Top Choice

If you only have a short time in Pandora, I suggest making Avatar – Flight of Passage your only stop. After riding that attraction I had a hard time describing it to my friends and family. The best way to describe that ride is ’emotional’. The ride simulates a thrilling ride on the back of a banshee with technology that hasn’t been used anywhere. I felt a little silly when I caught myself tearing up during the ride and was worried someone would have seen. After leaving the ride, many of my fellow bloggers had the exact same experience!

TIP: Stay at a Disney World Resort to earn an extra hour in the park before it opens to the public! I hadn’t planned on visiting Disney World again until Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land had both opened in 2019 but I’m afraid I can not wait that long to go on Flight of Passage again.

map of pandora world of avatar

Pandora World of Avatar

Pandora World of Avatar

My skepticism regarding Disney not being able to make the park feel like Pandora – World of Avatar was silly. I should have known the Imagineers would blow us all out of the water. We were there during the day and was able to see all the beautiful colors of the flora and mountains. During the night the land becomes bio luminescent like the Na’vi River Journey.

The attraction is similar to Small World in that you sit in a boat and float through the ride viewing the night time world of Pandora. There’s so much to look at as you glide through the mysterious land but the highlight is the Shaman of Songs sending her positive energy out into the forest through the power of her music. They used the CGI animation technology they used on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train but perfected it on a giant Avatar. It’s hard to believe she’s not real!

Pandora World of Avatar

Pandora World of Avatar

Pandora World of Avatar

The photos don’t even do it justice. You’ll need to go check it out for yourself! Check out my friend Misty’s thoughts on our trip to Pandora. If you’d like to see more about my favorite attractions in Disney World, go here.

 

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Pandora - World of Avatar Must See Attraction at Disney World

 

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Healthy Habits to Feeling Better

There are lots of healthy habits to feeling better. I’ve realized it takes time to build habits and that I need to be patient with myself. I’ve now been working with my health coach Michael from Thrive Culture for 6 months. The biggest thing I’ve learned is:

consistency is KEY.

From the very beginning of this program I’ve known it will be a slow process with the goal to build healthy habits one at a time leading up to a year worth of healthy habits. Some habits came easy to me, like, not drinking calories. Other habits were very difficult, like, eating slowly and getting the correct mix of protein, fruits, veggies and good carbs.

healthy habits to feeling better

Over the past 6 months I’ve paid attention to when I fall off my habits and how that affects my progress and how my body feels. For example, I had been eating clean for 2 weeks while working out consistently and felt great. One Sunday, driving home from Chicago, I saw at least 5 Dairy Queen billboards on the highway. Ice cream was calling my name and I gave in. My thought process: ‘If I’m going to break my healthy eating, I might as well have a full meal of bad choices.’ I got a burger, fries and ice cream. My body HATED me afterwards. I felt dizzy and my heart was pounding out of it’s chest. My body wasn’t used to that much sugar and carbs all at once and it told me. The entire next day I felt bloated and lethargic and I knew I didn’t want to eat that way anymore.

Everyone is different in regards to how their bodies react to food and exercise. The huge secret is finding out how YOUR body reacts and how to keep the good habits consistent in your life.

heathy habits to feeling better

My most important healthy habits to feeling better:

Meal planning and prep:

I’ve mentioned this before but the most impactful habit is to meal plan and prep food for the week over the weekend. I am most successful when I meal plan and order our groceries with ClickList on Saturday. Sunday I will pick up the groceries first thing in the morning and prep. For us, because we do not like cooking, I chop all the veggies and brown all the meat during prep. I write everything on the calendar in our kitchen and make reminders on my phone if I need to put something in the crock-pot before work. Having all these reminders and doing this prep on the weekend allows our family to enjoy a full 1.5 hours together in the evenings every single week night.

Scheduling time each day for me:

If I am able to have time to myself each week for working out, walking outside, meditating and stretching, I am a happier person. Right now, my body is happy doing an hour workout 3 times per week with outside activities on the other 4 days. If I throw in meditation even a few times per week and stretching outside of what I do for my workout, I’m golden. It’s such an easy thing to make sure I am able to do these things. On Saturday, after I meal plan and put it on my calendar, I look ahead to the week and schedule out Me TIME. Physically adding it to my calendar makes it 90% more likely to happen than if I hadn’t put it on the calendar.

Having a sleep routine:

This seems a bit extreme to some. Sleep routines are for children who need consistency to thrive. Adults also need consistency to thrive. Just like exercise and food, everyone reacts differently to sleep. For me, I require 7-8 hours of sleep to be on my game the next day. To make sure I’m able to hit the 7-8 hours regularly I have an alarm on my phone that tells me when to settle down. Plugging in my cell phone for the night, turning off the TV, turning off the computer and changing the music are requirements. I make sure to leave time to change into my PJs, wash my face and brush my teeth before I get too sleepy. I may put on my diffuser or light a candle to help me calm down if I’ve had a rough day. Think about the things that you used to do for your bedtime routine and what made you calm. It’s likely the same thing that will make you calm now.

healthy habits to feel better

After working on these habits for 6 months I’m still not perfect at achieving them every week. There are always parties and travels that stop me from being able to do these habits but the parties and travels are why I’m doing these habits. I want to be healthier and happier so I can have more parties and travels during my life.

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Healthy habits to feeling better.

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Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Indy 500

The top 5 things you need to know about the Indy 500 include race history, atmosphere, what to pack for the race, tradition and the extra events. This will mark my 24th consecutive year of attending the Indianapolis 500 in my 31 years on this Earth. I’ve been so fortunate to grow up in Indiana just a few towns from Speedway.

I have not been sponsored to write about the Indy 500 but I have added affiliate links to my favorite products. All opinions and experiences are my own.

top 5 things you need to know about the indy 500

History

The first Indianapolis 500 race was ran in 1911 but the gravel track had been built in 1909. The first race ran on the track was the Prest-O-Lite which resulted in two fatal accidents because of the road condition. The owner had the track paved with 3.2 million bricks which is why the track is now referred to as The Brickyard. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest sports complex in the world in terms of capacity therefore making it the largest single day sporting event in the world. Last year, for the 100th race, Rossi won $2.5 million making it one of the richest cash prize funds in sports. The IMS has a great Hall of Fame Museum on the grounds showing the history of racing at the track.

indianapolis motor speedway aerial shot

indy 500 tickets

Atmosphere

The buzz of race fans on race day is like none other I’ve experienced. Some fans camp outside the track for a week leading up to race day. The morning festivities are my favorite part of the entire event. Walking past the campers in their stupor at 8am, meeting up with my family at our seats and then heading down to watch the pre-race events. My alma mater Purdue Marching Band plays around the track, the Indy 500 Princesses have a parade, the drivers have a parade, the military marches and then my favorite part: everyone sings Back Home Again in Indiana. I can’t help but cry every time I hear that song because the Indy 500 is such a special event. Once everyone has left the track, those famous six words are uttered as 300,000 fans are screaming at their seats ‘Ladies and Gentleman! Start your engines!’ The excitement only escalates as the familiar sound of the Indy cars zoom by. It’s the kind of event that you want everyone you know to experience it at least once.

What to Pack

Because I have been 23 times, I have had a lot of time to perfect what we need to bring to the track. In order to be as mobile as possible, we each carry one back pack.

North Face Backpack 1:

Cooler Backpack 2:

  • Mt. Dew
  • Lemonade
  • Frozen grapes
  • 2 Croissant chicken salad sandwiches
  • Pretzel M&Ms

Suggestions:

If you’re sitting in the backless bleachers, rent a cushion with the back at the track. Leave a cooler of cold water bottles in the trunk for your ride home. Some people change in the car after the race because you get very sweaty at the track. Always wear comfortable shoes. The walk is deceiving. I usually dress in layers with a tank top under a t-shirt and a light long sleeve shirt with shorts. I’ve worn everything from a sweatshirt and jeans to a swimsuit to the track because the weather is very unpredictable in Indiana.

Tradition

Tradition is a huge part of the Indianapolis 500. My family has been attending the race since 1953. One of our favorite traditions is to buy the newspaper with all the racers info and cut out their photos. Each person pays $1 to draw a driver out of the hat and whoever wins gets $33 (the number of drivers in the Indy 500). We also must always have the giant Twizzlers bucket that is passed around our section.

top 5 indy 500

top 5 indy 500

Extra Events

Throughout Indiana, Hoosiers are buzzing with anticipation starting with the Kickoff to May event.  The 500 Festival does an awesome job keeping race fans excited about the events leading up to the big race. Everything from wearing black and white for Friday Fashion to Georgia Street Activities (Food Truck Fridays, working out each Wednesday with race personalities).  Everyone is invited to watch the IPL 500 Festival Parade downtown Indy that has been running since 1957. More exclusive guests hope to score tickets to the Snakepit Ball the night before he race. This year you’re able to skip the lines and purchase your gear online ahead of time. This eliminates the letdown of your favorite shirt being sold out! Check out the IMS plan your visit page for more info on buying your gear as well as lodging, parking, maps and much more.

If you have been or are planning on a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an Indy 500 race, let me know. I love hearing about what other people love about Indianapolis!

 

5 things you need to know about the indy 500

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My First Disney World Media Event

In a couple days, I am going on my first Disney World media event! I say ‘first’ because I am determined to do this again. Being a Disney College Program Alumn, I have a very special place in my heart for Disney World. Crying at the first glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle is a natural reaction. Cravings for Dole Whip as soon as the weather hits 80 degrees occurs every year. Busting into any conversation regarding a Disney vacation can not be helped. It’s a sickness I have and I’m happy to have it.

You can guess my reaction when I was asked by a friend to join her on her travels to Disney World for a media event directly before the opening of Pandora. Heart attack. Squeals. Tears. Fanning myself. Deep breaths. Repeat.

In an attempt to not give too much away before my trip, I’ll let you know that we’ll be taking behind the scenes tours of the resorts and Disney’s newest addition Pandora- The World of Avatar. We’ll sprinkle in a few firework dessert parties and meals at restaurants I’ve only dreamed of experiencing. To say the least, I have no clue what I’m  most excited for. This trip will be full of firsts for this Disney Mom!

Pandora- The World of Avatar

A small glimpse of what’s ahead in Pandora- The World of Avatar:

I will be sharing my trip live on IG Stories for any Disney fans to follow along. We’ll also be meeting a few Disney team members that will be able to answer questions about:

  • Pandora- The World of Avatar/ Animal Kingdom
  • Hollywood Studios

I would love to ask them any questions you may have. You can tweet your questions to my Twitter account. Be sure to follow #wdwresorts and #visitPandora for updates from all of the media guests this next week.


Photos by Disney Parks Blog

 

Pandora Media Event

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What Real Moms Want for Mother’s Day

Being a Mom is AWESOME. However, sometimes we have a hard time not letting it define us. Personally, I catch myself worrying about being the ‘best’ mom ever. It doesn’t matter if I am the ‘best’ Mom but rather a caring, attentive, adventurous, and patient Mom for our daughter. Lately I’ve been working on being more patient and resilient when it comes to arguments and tantrums with her. There are always good days and not so good days, which is why I’m looking forward to a day where I am the Queen Bee.

Mother's Day Flowers

Here is how my dream Mother’s Day would look.

8:00- Wake up: Breakfast in bed paired with big hugs.
9:00-12:00- Alone time: A mani/pedi, trip to Target or the house to myself (lunch included).
12:00-1:00- Nap: Snuggling my little girl.
1:00-2:00- Presents: Something homemade is always best for this DIY mama.
2:00-5:00- Help: Planting new flowers in my window box or help with a tough chore like window washing (yes, I would choose to work on my special day).
5:00-7:00- Dinner: Preferably out somewhere we haven’t been that has outdoor seating.
7:00-Bed- The following are based on how I’m feeling, either way, I want it to be relaxing. Either a bath and an early bed time or a martini and a movie of my choice.

If there were more hours I’d add in doing some kind of craft project but I’ll leave that for another day. If you’re looking to do a DIY project for a Mom you know, here are some of my favorites:

6 Easy DIY Mother’s Day Gifts

DIY Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Ceramic Ring Holder by The Style Files
Macrame Plant Hanger by heyLilahey
Embroidered Picnic Blanket by Lovely Indeed
No Sew Rope Basket by Alice and Lois
Dip Dyed Napkins by Sugar Bee Crafts
Incense Holder by Curbly

To me, Mother’s Day should be the perfect mix of alone time and family time. A little time pampering and a little time working. What would your perfect Mother’s Day look like?

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