This Blog Has Moved!

I moved my blog to WordPress, with a different URL!  

I will no longer be posting on this Blogger site, so please come find me here ...

coloradomountainmom.com

Thanks!  

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Baby's New Favorite Shoes: Tip Toey Joeys

It took him only 18 months to reach this momentous point in life.  Whether it's a budding sense of style, or just purely a comfort and functionality preference (most likely the latter) we'll never know.  But my son has definitively decided that his Tip Toey Joeys are his new favorite shoes.

He tested them out ... they're all terrain approved!

Toddler Talk: Picky Eaters

Welcome to Toddler Talk!

Toddler Talk was created as a place for moms and dads of toddlers to come together over a weekly topic and share ideas, go-to toys, or products. It is a great way to meet other bloggers of toddlers. Each week the topic will be different; you are invited to link up, and share your weekly Toddler Talk!!

This week's topic:  Picky Eaters

I always swore there was NO WAY I was going to be "that mom".  That mom who makes something separate for their child to eat at mealtime, because they won't eat what I just made for supper.  Never.  Ever.

My Magical Moment at Disney

This post has moved!  Please click the link to read at it's new location...

 

My Magical Moment at Disney

Disney Wordless Wednesday

This week's theme:  Disney Icons!

Each Disney Park is represented by its own unique visual landmark.  It's typically when you spot this icon that your little heart skips a beat, and your inner child excitedly declares:  "You're really here!"  (Or is that just me...?)

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My Disney icon for the week:  Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life

I feel like I should divulge that I did not take this photo ~ it came as a bonus shot on our Disney PhotoPass CD.  But it's so unique, lush, and fun ... I just wanted to share it this week!

Check out the button link below for more great Disney pictures on this Wordless Wednesday hop.  And thanks to Deb at Focused on the Magic for hosting us!

Injury at the Playground

Image courtesy of Stoonn at FreeDigitalPhotos

"We have a Mom Down in the Gamma Quadrant of Sector Four, I repeat:  Mom Down."  (Ok, I stole part of that from my son's talking Buzz Lightyear toy...)

Chat With a Disney Guru ~ Days In The Park

This post has moved!  Please click the link below to read it at it's new location ...

Days In The Park - Chad

Toddler Talk: Crazy Climber

Welcome to Toddler Talk!

Toddler Talk was created as a place for moms and dads of toddlers to come together over a weekly topic and share ideas, go-to toys, or products. It is a great way to meet other bloggers of toddlers. Each week the topic will be different; you are invited to link up, and share your weekly Toddler Talk!!

I decided to link up this week and post about what is currently the most relevant topic (and challenge) in our household featuring a toddler:  Climbing!  On absolutely everything!

Disney Wordless Wednesday

This week's theme is: 

Disney's  Frontierland

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Dare I commit myself so, and say that Frontierland is my favorite land in Disney's Magic Kingdom?!  I think it may be true.  

And I think it all stems from happy childhood memories of riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with my dad (loving the sound of his low, nervous chuckle throughout), followed up by a session together with him and my brother at the shooting gallery.   Good times.  Now I take my own young 'un there...

Yeeeeee-Haaaaw!  Best Character Greetin' in the West, pardner!

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil ~ Review & Giveaway

I confess, I didn't know much at all about coconut oil when I received my sample of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from Topical Traditions.  I was excited to try it ... I just didn't know what to do with it!

One More Disney Day - Vicarious Recap

This year's Disney promotion was "One More Disney Day".  In addition to a sweepstakes, and on property room deals this Spring - Disneyland (in California) and the Magic Kingdom (in Florida) were open for a full 24 hours on Leap Day!

Being a few states away, I did not get to participate in this exciting event.  I "watched" from afar online, as many of the hard core Disney fans who started super early (in line at 4 a.m.) through til the very end (park closure at 6 a.m. the next day) were tweeting and posting pictures and tidbits online throughout their marathon of fun.

My online buddy Theresa was there, and put together this fantastic video montage of footage from her adventure.  Watch it for a mini-whirlwind tour!  Rides, fireworks, parade dances and all.  You can't NOT smile through the whole thing ...

WDW Fan Zone - One More Disney Day Video Recap

And for a great article and pictures on the event - here was my favorite live-postings blog that I watched throughout that day:

Da Mouse Live! at One More Disney Day

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Chat With a Disney Guru ~ DisneyBlueFairy Shares

Weekly series!


Welcome to a great new way to compare notes, pick up some helpful tips for your next Disney visit, and discover some fantastic Disney bloggers!  Each week I will be highlighting an interview with a certified, pixie dusted fan of The Mouse.  

WARNING:  Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is, in fact, quite contagious!  So come along for the ride with us ... you may learn something new, and it's sure to put a smile on your face as you read about the good, the really really good, and the "you absolutely can't miss this...."!

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This week:  DisneyBlueFairyShare's Ariel Snow!

Ariel on her 24th birthday with Princess Jasmine

Ariel used to be a Cast Member at Disney World!  So we're talking to a girl with alotta Mickey face time here!  Find out which ride she used to head to after work each day, and what her absolute favorite treat was (it was something I hadn't heard of!)...

The Quest for a Sweet Mom-mobile Ride

Do you drive a cool Mom-mobile? Do you even care?

For a good run there, I did really care what I drove.  I'd say late teens through my 20's, or so.   (Simply meaning I liked my car, and had other cars I really liked and thought I'd feel cool driving.)  And I knew all kinds of makes and models ... could identify vehicles quickly, including model year, with just a glance at their body shape, tail or head lights. 

Funny how once you become a parent, and have a million and one responsibilities and activities raging through your average day - you kind of forget to care about such a thing.  At least that's how I've been for a good few years now.

Until my husband parked one of these bad boys in my garage yesterday.  He does mobile detailing, and this particular client dropped his vehicle off at our home to get it serviced.

The Toyota 4 Runner:  It's breathtaking... is it not? 
(Photo copyrighted by Toyota)

Disney Wordless Wednesday

This week's theme:  Flowers and Gardens

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At first I thought, "I don't have any pictures of flowers or gardens... I never think to take pictures of that kind of thing when we're at Disney".  

And then I remembered one of the photo shoot sessions when we let our (at the time just turned 5) daughter use the digital camera and take some shots.  I love her perspective.  And as a child, she DID think to stop and take pictures of the flowers along the way.  

I think there may be a life lesson in there somewhere. 

These were all taken  by her at EPCOT, in the World Showcase.

Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to WDW With Preschoolers - Review & Giveaway - Ended 3/13

We started taking my daughter to Walt Disney World when she had just turned 4 years old.  Our most recent vacation there also included my 12 month old son.  So I understand how taking preschoolers to Disney really does make for a different mode and pace during your trip ... but boy, is it worth it!  

1st Grader's Perspective: Spotting Wildlife

We recently got to spend the weekend at Rocky Mountain National Park.  You can often get good deals on condo rentals in the winter there, since not having a ski area nearby makes it their off season.  (If you haven't hot tubbed outside, in the snow, you are missing out - make sure you book one with a hot tub!)  This is a majestic and beautiful area, and my favorite part is getting to see lots of elk.

I love when its snowing, and it just builds up on their back.

Chat With a Disney Guru - Focused On The Magic

Weekly series!


Welcome to a great new way to compare notes, pick up some helpful tips for your next Disney visit, and discover some fantastic Disney bloggers!  Each week I will be highlighting an interview with a certified, pixie dusted fan of The Mouse.  

WARNING:  Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is, in fact, quite contagious!  So come along for the ride with us ... you may learn something new, and it's sure to put a smile on your face as you read about the good, the really really good, and the "you absolutely can't miss this...."!

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This week:  Focused On The Magic's Deb!

For those who don't recognizer her - Deb is the weekly host of the "Disney Wordless Wednesday" I enjoyed doing each week.  Her Disney centric site showcases her remarkable photography, and features some of the most original and breathtaking Disney photos I've seen.  See the link below, from an article on Deb's blog that she wrote on "Photography Tips" to help us novices ... good stuff!

Disney Wordless Wednesday

This week's theme:  Your March Calendar Shot!

One of my all time favorite pictures.  My just turned 5 year old staged this shot herself.   (Baby Dumbo made alot of the snaps on that trip! ) You gotta love the raincoat-over-princess-nightgown garb. 

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Thanks to Deb at FocusedOnTheMagic for hosting this weekly Disney photo hop!  Click the button below for more great Disney shots this week.

Disney Pixar's new Movie "Brave"

Disney has just release a trailer for their new movie, "Brave" - due out in theatres on June 22!  I love this girl's attitude (and unwieldy hair, and cool Scottish accent), and can't wait to see this film.

Chat With a Disney Guru - Manda's Disney Blog

Weekly series!


Welcome to a great new way to compare notes, pick up some helpful tips for your next Disney visit, and discover some fantastic Disney bloggers!  Each week I will be highlighting an interview with a certified, pixie dusted fan of The Mouse.  

WARNING:  Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is, in fact, quite contagious!  So come along for the ride with us ... you may learn something new, and it's sure to put a smile on your face as you read about the good, the really really good, and the "you absolutely can't miss this...."!

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This week:  Manda's Disney Blog!

Ok, you guys - I have been thoroughly enjoying all of these "Disney Guru" interviews!  BUT... Manda is from Scotland!  And I am so excited to hear more about her home park - Disneyland Paris!  Make sure you read to the end - where I ask her some extra questions about this exclusively.

Disney Wordless Wednesday

This week's theme:  Disney Details

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How I love the Disney Princess float!  Plenty of details here to take in... (notice each princess is under an arch perfectly suited to her story).   From the "Celebrate a Dream Come True" Parade on Main Street USA, Disney World, January 2009.

Recipe: Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes

These are amazing, so I wanted to share!  I don't recall where the recipe came from, and I usually end up modifying things like this to use 1/2 whole wheat flour - so here is what my family uses.   Using whole wheat flour makes them healthier, but I also find they seem to keep you full longer!

Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes with Whipped Cream and Nutmeg

"If You Can't Stand the Heat" Cookbook ~ Review & Giveaway (Ended 2/26)

Overall, this was a very sweet gig.  I'll be walking away from this review experience with my first roux making under my belt, a recipe for my new favorite spice combo in the whole wide world in my pocket, a new interesting and fun fellow Disney loving comrade, and finally knowing how to make some amazing fish tacos at home!

Chat With a Disney Guru - A Disney Mom's Thoughts

Weekly series!


Welcome to a great new way to compare notes, pick up some helpful tips for your next Disney visit, and discover some fantastic Disney bloggers!  Each week I will be highlighting an interview with a certified, pixie dusted fan of The Mouse.  

WARNING:  Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is, in fact, quite contagious!  So come along for the ride with us ... you may learn something new, and it's sure to put a smile on your face as you read about the good, the really really good, and the "you absolutely can't miss this...."!

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This week:  A Disney Mom's Thoughts' Beth!

She's got 561 Disney blog posts under her belt, and she's still going strong ... this is a Disney Mom with lots to say!  Let's learn a little about what makes her Mickey clock tick ...

Disney Wordless Wednesday

It's Disney Wordless Wednesday!  

This week's theme ~ Animals at Animal Kingdom

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Last September, we had the exciting opportunity to see the new, 3 week old baby elephant at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park - Jabali!  With a Swahili name meaning "strong as a rock" - Jabali had just been entered into the elephant general population a couple of days before our trip.  We were thrilled to spot him on the Kilimanjaro Safari - so tiny! A mere 300 lbs at birth.

 

Check out this week's Disney Wordless Wednesday blog hop for more great Disney shots!

The Gym: A Real Person's Guide to Getting There, Part II

Today, Part II - where I share a few more tips (if you missed Part I, the link is at the bottom)  that have helped me muster up some momentum to get myself to the gym ... in hopes that they may help motivate you, too!

Bring what you need.  Nothing takes the wind out of my sails more than arriving in the locker room, only to discover I have forgotten one of my three absolute necessities:  water bottle, iPod, and swimsuit and towel for the steam room afterwards.

Although not proud of it, on the rare occasion where one of those items is missing:  I have seriously been so disheartened by this turn of events that I literally turned and walked right out of the gym without working out!  Shame on me, I know - but that's my point.  If it's hard for you to go, it doesn't take much to tip the scales over to the "I'm so not doing this today" side.

Photo courtesy of Toa55

Disney's "Secret World of Arrietty" - Activity Coloring Sheets & Clips

Do you remember reading "The Borrowers" when you were a kid?  I do, vaguely (aaahh, so many moons ago) and remember loving it!

Since it is the basis for the story of Disney's new movie  "Secret World of Arrietty", it has me very intrigued to see the new animated film.  It will be released in theatre's next weekend on February 17th. 

 

If' you're interested in a sneak peak and some activity and coloring sheets for your kids - here are some goodies rounded up in one place!  Check out these clips and the download...

Chat With a Disney Guru - Disney Fan In Colorado

Weekly series!


Welcome to a great new way to compare notes, pick up some helpful tips for your next Disney visit, and discover some fantastic Disney bloggers!  Each week I will be highlighting an interview with a certified, pixie dusted fan of The Mouse.  

WARNING:  Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is, in fact, quite contagious!  So come along for the ride with us ... you may learn something new, and it's sure to put a smile on your face as you read about the good, the really really good, and the "you absolutely can't miss this...."!

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This week:  Disney Fan In Colorado's Holly!

Holly is also an experienced Disney Cruiser!  Be sure to check out the extra questions I asked her about this at the end ...

The Gym: A Real Person's Guide to Getting There

We are the masses of real people.  You will likely not find us teaching a Pilates class or bench pressing our own body weight.  But if we could find the time, and the motivation - we'd like to stay active and healthy, and be able to reap the benefits that come from being reasonably fit.

Photo courtesy of photostock

Disney Wordless Wednesday

This week's theme:  Love is in the air

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... at Fantasyland!  

For me, being somewhere that you love with people that you love is the definition of "love is in the air"!

My daughter and I riding Prince Charming's Regal Carrousel at Disney World

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Thanks to Deb at FocusedOnTheMagic, for hosting this weekly Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.  Click the button below and check out all the other fun Disney photos!

"Brave Irene" Book & CD set - Review & Giveaway

We are regulars at our local library.  I love the world of possibilities it opens to children (and adults) free of cost.  Except for the overdue fees.

As a first grader, my daughter has been learning to read for awhile now, and thankfully shares her mom's love of books.  She loves the book and CD sets dearly, but I rarely let her check them out, for fear we'll misplace one or the other in the short week before its due date sets in.

Chat With a Disney Guru ~ The DVC Mom

Weekly series!


Welcome to a great new way to compare notes, pick up some helpful tips for your next Disney visit, and discover some fantastic Disney bloggers!  Each week I will be highlighting an interview with a certified, pixie dusted fan of The Mouse.  

WARNING:  Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is, in fact, quite contagious!  So come along for the ride with us ... you may learn something new, and it's sure to put a smile on your face as you read about the good, the really really good, and the "you absolutely can't miss this...."!

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This week: The DVC Mom!

Kristen, a.k.a. The DVC Mom, at Citricos

When I first discovered the joy of Disney blogs - Kristen's was one of the first I found, and loved!  It is gorgeous, features amazing photos, and has a very fun design theme to it - inspired by the Grand Floridian!  See the button link at the end of the article, and be sure to check it out.

She holds a special place in her heart for Disneyland, and we'll ask her about DVC at the end ... so let's get in on some of her thoughts!

Disney Wordless Wednesday

This week's theme:  Your February Calendar Shot!

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Since you saw my January Calendar Shot, you know what you're going to get from me today.  A collage!

We love riding the train first thing

1st Grader's Perspective: Mall Purchase Criteria

Spoiling the kids.  That Big Black Hole that's so hard to free yourself from ... once you've been sucked into its bottomless vortex.  It is so hard to strike a balance, isn't it?  You get sick and tired of your child with their sense of entitlement, which you know that you have fostered, constantly asking for more.  Then discarding the new toy or piece of clothing within days - no longer meriting their interest.

That's it.  You're done.  No more new stuff.

The questionable object of my 6 year old's affection:  "Shake It Up" sneaker boots, from Payless. 

Rocky Mountain Organic Meats - Review & Giveaway (ENDED 2/6/12)

For my entire life, my cousins have been cattle ranchers in South Dakota.  During my childhood, that meant a steady supply of high quality, fresh beef on our dinner table almost every night.  This was during the 70s and 80s, at a time before use of hormones and antibiotics to spur growth had begun to creep in. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case with most cattle producers.

When Rod Morrison of Rocky Mountain Organic Meats offered me the opportunity to try out their products, I jumped at the chance.  And he made me do my homework on organic meat!

Make a Weeknight Meal Special

I signed up to participate in a "weeknight meal special", but didn't know at first what the company would be.  I just knew I would be preparing a new kind of hearty meal soup for dinner, and would then needed to let my readers know how it went.

Chat With a Disney Guru - Disney Babies Blog

Weekly series!


Welcome to a great new way to compare notes, pick up some helpful tips for your next Disney visit, and discover some fantastic Disney bloggers!  Each week I will be highlighting an interview with a certified, pixie dusted fan of The Mouse.  

WARNING:  Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is, in fact, quite contagious!  So come along for the ride with us ... you may learn something new, and it's sure to put a smile on your face as you read about the good, the really really good, and the "you absolutely can't miss this...."!

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This week: Disney Babies Blog Jennifer!

Jennifer and family - at private "Disney Visa Character Meet 'N Greet"

Sonja's Snuggables - Review & Giveaway (ENDED 1/30/12)

Monkey Snuggables

Sonja, owner of Sonja’s Snuggables has been on quite a journey the past six years.  She began to sew after she was in a car accident which left her with a spinal injury.  She still struggles with the effects today, but one thing that gets her mind off her pain is sewing.

Finding Nemo in 3D

My family's favorite "Finding Nemo" scene to quote from:

"One of my tentacles is longer than the others..."
"I'm H2O intolerant."
"I'M OBNOXIOUS!"


FINDING NEMO returns to theatres for the first time in 3D September 14th, 2012!

Tale of a Waking Baby

What DIDN'T we do wrong?  You know as a parent, when you see yourself making these classic parenting mistakes ... and you are well aware of why you shouldn't do what you're doing ... but you can't seem to stop doing it?