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14 Things that Might Surprise You About the Disney Fantasy Cruise

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Everyone’s favorite mouse invited us on a preview cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship.

Before our most recent two trips to Disney, my husband and I would not have pegged ourselves for the Disney demographic. Sure, we have three kids, five and under. Still, our pre-kid vacations were more focused on hiking through jungles, exploring historical ruins, and touring Gothic churches. So, could a Disney cruise deliver both for our kids and for us?

Where the Disney Cruise Line really delivers is allowing families to customize experiences for the children, the whole family, and the adults.

I Spy: Eye Fi – A Better Way to Take and Wirelessly Share Photos

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I always have my iPhone with me and I love the ability to instantly share, store, or print photos on Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, Shutterfly, Walmart, and even on my blog.

Sometimes for business, I need to be able to share immediately. However, my phone’s camera quality is poor. So, I bring along my camera but then I have to wait until I am somewhere I can transfer the pictures from my camera to my computer.

Eye-Fi sent me their Mobile X2 and I am just in love with this way to wirelessly transfer pictures from my camera to my smartphone or tablet.

Project Runway All Stars 2012 – Episode 1

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Whew! That was a relief, wasn’t it? I was beginning to feel like a crazy old fogey.

In MY day, Project Runway contestants had talent AND drama AND vision. Austin could cut a gorgeous dress and then walk the runway in it. Backwards. And in HEELS.

Okay, maybe that was Ginger Rogers but still…I’m right, aren’t I?

Will You Help End the Cycle of Violence?

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Are you a Brave Woman?

One in four women experience domestic violence (intimate partner violence) at some point in their lives. These women need all their courage to find a way out.

People often wonder why victims of domestic violence don’t just leave. They do not realize that it takes a special brand of courage to believe in yourself after the person you think you love has told you that you are worthless. Someone has made you feel isolated and invisible…

Guidecraft Sensory Educational Toys (Giveaway!)

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You may know by now that Guidecraft makes fun learning toys for home and educational toys and furniture for the classroom. Many of their products are also accessible and helpful for children with disabilities.

The two items I am sharing this month (the Balance Base and the Multi Match Sensory Discs) are ones that are fun for typically developing children but take on a whole other dimension when they are used for occupational therapy with children with special needs…

Filling Their Stockings with Christmas Joy

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I hope your holidays were filled with joy!

Imagine, for a minute, a child waking up on Christmas day and wondering if there will be any breakfast… already knowing there are no toys to unwrap.

That is a reality for too many in our communities this season.

Here’s a way that we were able to share joy with some other children this Christmas.

My daughter has a new BFF!

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My daughter has a new BFF who enjoys the same things she does and looks a lot like her–except her new friend is a lot quieter! And she’s a total doll!

My daughter and I have a lot in common but she is more girly than I ever was. So, I have learned to navigate the world of tutus and dolls and all things pink.

We had a lot of fun together making the My BFF Doll from MyTwinn…

The Reason for the Season with Champions for Kids (and a Little Disney Magic)

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“Mommy, if Santa Claus brings presents to all the good boys and girls, why do we donate toys to the kids in the shelters?”

Whew. That’s a tough one.

We donate toys for these children because sometimes people do not let Santa know how little they have. We bring the toys because some children use their letters to Santa to ask for warm clothing and food. We give these gifts because even Santa does not work alone and he needs friends in every neighborhood to help him bring a little joy to every girl and boy…

ChoozOn to Get All Your Coupon Codes and Deals in One Spot!

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Who doesn’t love a great deal? One of the reasons I launched Mamanista with my friend, Debbie, was to share coupon codes and sales for the best products for families.

Know what I don’t love? My 99% full e-mail box.

When I heard from ChoozOn, I was very interested in this service that says it has the solution to both savvy shopping and a cluttered inbox!

The opinions expressed on Mamanista.com are based on a single consumer user testing, and are solely those of the author. Any factual claims, including but not limited to safety testing, are based on information from the manufacturer. Mamanista.com receives sample products for testing. Paid placements, such as announcements of sales or sponsored contests are clearly marked. See our disclosure policy.