Let the Magic Begin #DisneySMMoms

Editor’s Note: I wrote this on the plane, on my phone, as the babe slept in my arms. How I managed that with my normally happy/angry screamer, I’ll never know, but I’ll take it!

Everyone needs a little magic in their lives, right? In the midst of chaos and specialists appointments, I was so fortunate to get a little bit of pixie dust thrown our way—in the form of an invite to Disney’s Social Media Moms. Goodness knows, we needed it.

Disney SMMoms

Having attended the 2011 DisneySMMoms, my family is well aware of the magic the Disney Parks team has a knack for throwing.

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We’ll get an inside look at what’s coming up for the Disney brand and their partnerships, as well as convene to listen to social media mavens who have made their mark in their fields and the social media realm.
This time we have our tough as nails and loud as anything tot in tow. 2011 was my husband and older boy’s first visit, and of course my first visit as a parent. So much has happened in those short 2 years; namely, the addition of our very storied baby boy. Because if baby’s special needs, we asked my parents to accompany us, which in itself, will make things a little more magical.

Unlike our last #disneysmmoms trip, this trip I was invited as opposed to registering. And so, even though i don’t have the most trafficked and update so sporadically, it’s such an honor to be tapped to be included in such an esteemed group. (All that tweeting accounts for something, I guess!) I’ve attended my share of conferences, but this one is much more intimate, so don’t mind me if you see me gawking at some of my favorite social media voices in person.

Disney, as always, has been working hard to ensure DisneySMMoms is an incredible experience. Even before we set foot at the park, all of the attendees received a Colora Spinner from American Tourister to ensure we #packmorefun.


And just the other day, Disney Interactive sent us a package full of props as a teaser for the new Story app for iPhone. I’ve yet to download or check it out, but it sounds like this iOs app helps families do as the name suggests: create stories. As a digital mama who tries to keep my pulse on new and innovative things for kids and families, the Story app sounds like it will be a great fit for this very storied family.


Even though we’ve had a rocky start thus far, in certain the stress, frustration and exhaustion from missing our flight will be forgotten once we get to the Happiest Place on Earth.

This year, we brought along my parents to enjoy Disney with us (and to help the husband with the kids while I’m in the conference.) So, being with my family, including my amazing parents, will truly magnify the magic of the Mouse!

I can’t wait to share the latest and greatest from Disney, so be sure to stay tuned. Join me on Facebook, Instagram, Vine and Twitter for up to the minute updates on the magic Disney has in store. Follow all the buzz at #disneysmmoms

I’m back and some quick thoughts on DisneySMMoms

As with every trip or major event where I have limited internet access (or time for that matter,) I always plan to schedule posts in my absence. Eh, next time. A vacation wouldn’t have as much value if I was constantly plugged in…or at least I think so.

The conference part of our trip was incredible…as in, one of best conference experience I’ve had to date. Professionally, I’ve been to my fair share of conferences, but in the professional blogging realm, I’ve only attended BlogHer.  My DisneySMMoms experience surpassed my own expectations.

In any field, conferences are an invaluable resource to consume and share knowledge. In most cases, the backdrop is often an added extra, but in DisneySMMom’s case, the celebration part was an integral part to this specific conference experience. One day was devoted to keynote speakers while the other days were devoted to experiencing and learning about the institution that is Disney.

It’ll take me a few days to completely wrap up my thoughts about DisneySMMoms, but I thought I’d at least end my non-blogging week with a post or two. So, my most important takeaways from the event include the following from featured speakers or individuals involved in the success of celebrating the power of moms in social media.

  • Chris Brogan, President of Human Business Works and social media rockstar, reached out to the moms in attendance and urged us to raise everyone up, instead of bringing each other down. While he may have been directed that advice to mom bloggers, I personally think it’s safe to say that this piece of advice applies to all parents—myself included.  This is something I’ve become quite conscientious about and hope to work on judging others, something that seems to happen too much and too often.
  • Good Enough is Good Enough Rene Syler, former cohost of CBS’ The Early Show and author of Good Enough Mother, shared raw emotions about her life’s experiences, including her mastectomy and getting fired from her job.  Syler spoke candidly about her expansive broadcast journalism career and how at one time, she couldn’t imagine her life without it, but now, she couldn’t imagine her life with it.  Her keynote spoke volumes for me and her mantra, Good Enough is Good Enough hits so close to home—for so many of us.

What Did We Pack? #DisneySMMoms Edition

Traveling, like writing and shopping, is one of my many passions.  But unfortunately, we just don’t get to do enough of it, other than occasional trips to visit our extended family who are spread across the U.S.

Now, combine a social media conference with Disney?  We’re so there, I thought.  After all these weekends working on our house, and the stress that’s come with it, we needed a vacation!  So, when the Disney Social Media Moms conference registration rolled around this year, I crossed my fingers and hoped that our stars would align.

As luck would have it, I got in this year…and well, here we are.

But before any vacation, comes the packing and shopping!

I love getting ready for vacation:  the packing, planning, excitement, but most importantly, the shopping!  And vacationing in the winter/early spring brings with it a boatload of sales.

Shopping for this trip turned out to be a double mission (kinda like this post!) I’d shop for new Spring clothes for the kid and also grab bargains for next season in the next size. By sharing what we packed, I also get to share some new fave products and fun clothes that I found for super cheap!

Last Fall, I posted about H&M’s awesome sale.  When I went back then I scored some 4T shorts for $5 each.  Not just any shorts, but cool shorts for boys that don’t make him look goofy.  Is it me, or do the fit on most pants/shorts for boys make them look like Steve Urkel?  Anyway, I love H&M for their trendy styles and affordability. Love.

Get a pair of shorts (or a few outfits) for Spring and Summer for the kids.  From now until March 27th you can get 20% off of your kids purchase with this coupon.

The Children’s Place is my go-to for inexpensive staples for the kid.  Khaki shorts, funky graphic tees, classic collared shirts–you name it, TCP is always one of my first stops.

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