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Shaklee’s environmental heritage

Stephanie | April 19, 2015

One of the many reasons I love Shaklee is their commitment to be leaders in the environment. This post showcases Shaklee’s environmental heritage.

Founded in 1956, Shaklee is the first company in the world to be Climate NeutralTM certified to totally offset its greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment. For more than 50 years, Shaklee has quietly led the way in environmental stewardship and support of social causes.

Milestones

1956: Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee founds a company based on Living in Harmony with Nature® that is committed to developing products to improve the health of people and the planet.

1960s: Shaklee introduces Basic-H® Concentrated Organic Cleaner, one of the first nontoxic, biodegradable cleaners. 1970s Shaklee introduces one of the first biodegradable laundry detergents that contains no phosphates, nitrates, or borates.

1980s
1985: Shaklee is selected by the Wild Dolphin Project to provide environmentally friendly cleaning products for use onboard their research vessel, Stenella. The Wild Dolphin Project is dedicated to studying the habitat of dolphins; the organization’s relationship with Shaklee continues today.
1986: Shaklee provides financial support and products for the first recorded, unsupported expedition by dog sled to the North Pole, led by National Geographic® award-winning polar explorer, author, and educator Will Steger.
1987: Shaklee is selected by Jacques Cousteau and the Cousteau Society to provide environmentally friendly cleaning products for use onboard their research vessels, the Calypso and Alcyone.
1989: Shaklee helps build schools and health clinics and plants more than 1 million trees in Asia through a partnership with the American Himalayan Foundation, an organization chaired by Sir Edmund Hillary.
1989-90: Shaklee provides financial and product support for a trans-Antarctica expedition led by Will Steger, the first crossing of Antarctica on foot, covering 3,700 miles. Following this expedition, Steger testified before Congress on polar and environmental issues and co-founded the Center for Environmental Education.

1990s
1990: Nontoxic and biodegradable Basic-H® from Shaklee is chosen as one of the first official Earth Day products. 1991 Shaklee household cleaners and personal care products are selected to be used in the Biosphere 2 Project in Arizona.
1991: Shaklee introduces Basic-D®, one of the first phosphate-free automatic dishwashing detergents.
1992: Shaklee Cares®, a nonprofit organization, is established and dedicated to providing relief from natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes whose severity has been compounded by climate change.
1995: Shaklee provides financial and product support for the third International Arctic Project led by Will Steger, the first surface-crossing of the 2,500-mile-wide Arctic Ocean. The expedition brings information about environmental issues and changes to the polar landscape to millions of schoolchildren worldwide.
1996: Shaklee environmentally friendly cleaning products are selected by Ocean Alliance and the Whale Conservation Institute to be used onboard the Odyssey, a research vessel that gathers data on contaminants throughout the world’s oceans. This relationship continues today.
1996: Shaklee partners with Kids for Saving Earth Worldwide to produce Earth Works Central, an environmental resource kit for schools, parents, and community organizations.
1998: Shaklee becomes a Charter Partner of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Wise Program, which set aggressive corporate- wide greenhouse gas reduction goals.

2000s
2000: Shaklee becomes the first company in the world to be Climate NeutralTM certified to totally offset its greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a net-zero impact on the environment.
2000: Shaklee opens its World Headquarters, one of the first green, energy-saving, award-winning buildings designed using sustainable materials, including certified sustainable wood, recycled carpets, and recycled plastics. In 2001, Shaklee received the Savings by Design Energy Efficiency Integration Award from the American Institute of Architects.
2005: Shaklee becomes a major partner of the Green Belt Movement, founded by Dr. Wangari Maathai, the 2004 Nobel Peace laureate.
2006: Dr. Wangari Maathai becomes the Global Ambassador for A Million Trees. A Million DreamsTM, a Shaklee environmental campaign that raises awareness of global climate change and initiates efforts to plant trees in North America and Africa.
2006: Shaklee becomes a Charter Partner of the U.S. EPA’s Climate Leaders program and pledges to maintain a net- zero impact on climate change and offset 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions through 2009.
2006: Shaklee is commended by President Bill Clinton and recognized at the Clinton Global Initiative for its leadership in becoming carbon neutral and creating renewable energy in Africa.
2007: Shaklee becomes a founding member of the Business Council on Climate Change, an organization of businesses that serves as an inspiration and model of global climate stewardship by implementing effective and economically sound solutions to climate change.
2007: Shaklee partners with Millennium Promise to facilitate direct emissions reductions by providing sustainable solar energy to electrify villages in Malawi, a democratic country in southeastern Africa. Millennium Promise is an organization established by Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs that prototypes ways to implement the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.
2007: Shaklee provides financial and product support for polar explorer Will Steger and his GlobalWarming101.com expedition. This expedition includes an extensive educational outreach campaign to students throughout America to raise awareness of the impact of global climate change on five Inuit communities in the Arctic.
2007: Shaklee is the first consumer products company to offset 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions through the U.S. EPA Climate Leaders program and use 100% green power.
2007: Shaklee is selected by the nation’s leading child advocacy group, Healthy Child Healthy World, to be the exclusive partner for a new video, Creating Healthy Environments for Children.
2007: Shaklee is selected by the producers of The 11th Hour, a feature-length documentary narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, as a partner for its exemplary environmental leadership.
2008: Shaklee named to the Top 20 Retail Partner list by the EPA Green Power Partnership in recognition of being a top purchaser of green power.
2009: Shaklee achieves EPA Climate Leaders goal of net-zero US greenhouse gas emissions from 2006-2009.
2009: Shaklee commemorates the planting of the 1 millionth tree, a culmination of a three-year campaign, “A Million Trees. A Million Dreams, with program Ambassador and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Projects

Offset projects:

Shaklee converts boilers in the Portland School District from oil to natural gas.
Shaklee sponsors a rural electrification project in Sri Lanka and India to replace kerosene lamps and diesel generators with solar photovoltaics that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health for rural-dwelling families.
Shaklee supports the construction of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Wind Turbine Project, the first large-scale Native American owned and operated wind turbine.
Shaklee supports a project to convert San Bernardino County school buses from petroleum-based diesel fuel to biodiesel fuel formulated from recycled cooking oil.Awards Bestowed on Shaklee

1990 Family Circle® Green-Chip Award as one of the 10 most environmentally conscious companies.
2001 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards—Certificate of Recognition—from theCalifornia Environmental Protection Agency.
2001 The Edmund G. “Pat” Brown Award from the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance.
2001 Savings by Design Energy Efficiency Integration Award, co-sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and California Council.
2001 Vision for Tomorrow Award from the Direct Selling Association.
2002 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Protection Award.
2002 Environmental Stewardship Award from Social Accountability International.
2003 Gold Medal Award for Environment & Sustainability from the Nutrition Business Journal®.
2003 National Environmental Excellence Award from National Association of Environmental Professionals.
2006 The U.S. EPA recognizes the Shaklee pledge as a Climate Leaders partner to maintain net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from 2006 to 2009.
2007 Shaklee is honored with a Global Green USA Organizational Design Award for its outstanding leadershipveffecting positive environmental change.
2007 Shaklee is designated a Green Power Partner by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
2008 Shaklee Corporation is honored with a Stevie Award at the Sixth Annual American Business Awards for Best Corporate Environmental Responsibility Program.
2008 Shaklee named to the Top 20 Retail Partner list by the EPA Green Power Partnership in recognition of being a top purchaser of green power.
2009 Roger Barnett is honored with a Clean Air Award by Breathe California in recognition of ShakleeCorporation’s contributions to reducing global warming and improving air quality.
2009 Shaklee is honored with the Business Environmental Award for Sustainability from Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet.
2009 Shaklee is honored with a Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,in recognition of its commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntarygreen power market.
2010 Shaklee is honored as an Industry Innovator by Climate Counts for the company’s leadership in taking voluntary action to address climate change.

Testimonials

“I don’t know a company that’s doing more to make environmental stewardship part of its core business practice and its commitment to the public than Shaklee. I have to say it’s really quite impressive to see a company that committed to go carbon neutral before it became fashionable. You know it’s a big deal in 2007 to do it, but here’s a company that thought of it seven years ago. That really deserves credit and what a leadership position it provides for Shaklee.”

Dan Esty, professor at Yale, director of the Center for Business and Environment at Yale, and co-author of Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage

“Your efforts to make your operations carbon neutral and ensure that Shaklee products leave a light footprint on the earth are pioneering. Your support means a lot to me and the Green Belt Movement. Of the 4.6 million trees Green Belt groups—mostly poor, rural women—planted in Kenya in 2006, 100,000 were Shaklee-supported. These seedlings are helping restore some of Kenya’s critical landscapes where deforestation, soil erosion, and erratic rainfall threaten ecosystems.”

Dr. Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace laureate and founder of the Green Belt Movement

“We’re delighted to partner with the Shaklee Corporation. Partnerships with private companies are crucial to the overall mission to end poverty in the poorest places of the world. Promoting solar energy in African villages will not only provide much needed electricity, but also encourage renewable energy sources as a sustainable model.”

Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, president and co-founder of Millennium Promise, a nonprofit organization working to support the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals to end extreme poverty in Africa by 2015

“This is a commitment I love. Roger Barnett, the president of Shaklee Corporation, has made a commitment for his company to become net fully carbon neutral, 100% carbon neutral. Shaklee intends to oversee the purchasing and installation of solar energy to provide decentralized electrification to the Millennium Villages that Dr. Jeff Sachs is doing so much to develop. This is a great deal. Thank you very much, Roger, and thank you, Shaklee.”

President Bill Clinton, closing address of Clinton Global Initiative, Sept. 22, 2006

“Shaklee’s interest in protecting the environment makes the company a perfect partner. For the past 20 years, we couldn’t have been successful without the support of the Shaklee community. The high quality of Shaklee products is essential for us in what we do because failure is not much of an option when it comes to survival.”

Will Steger, National Geographic® award-winning polar explorer

“We are proud to partner with Shaklee, a company that we admire for its commitment to protect the environment.”

Leila Conners Petersen and Nadia Conners, co-directors and producers; Stephan McGuire, associate producer, of

The 11th Hour

“My many compliments to Shaklee’s historical commitment to health, wellness, and environmental stewardship for over 50 years. They have demonstrated time and time again that creating healthy environments for families, especially children, is a driving focus in their product development and a core principle in operations and business practices.”

Christopher Gavigan, executive director and CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World

“Our nation is shifting to a ‘green culture,’ with more and more Americans understanding that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility. EPA commends Shaklee Corporation for making a long-term commitment to protecting the environment by purchasing green power.”

Stephen L. Johnson, EPA administrator

“By using renewable energy, Shaklee Corporation is helping our environment by leading our national transition to clean energy; they are a model for others to follow.”

Kathleen Hogan, Director of EPA’s Climate Protection Partnerships Division

Slow cooker healthy refried beans

Stephanie | April 17, 2015

After eating Rachel Ray’s delicious vegetarian chili, which calls for refried beans, I was inspired to create refried beans, so we wouldn’t have to purchase them in a can. To my pleasant surprise, my whole family enjoyed this dish! I hope you enjoy it, too!

Slow cooker refried beans:

1 tsp coconut oil (or other oil/butter) for greasing the pan
1 small onion
1 pound pinto beans, rinsed
32 ounces of broth (any broth works)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
salt or Bragg Liquid Aminos (if using salt, I recommend hymelian or celtic sea salt for the most nutrients)
nooch (optional, but so good) You can read about it here.

Optional toppings:
Green onions
Cheese
Sour cream
Cilantro
Tomatoes
Cumin
Chili powder
Lime juice
Pepper
Small piece of rinsed kombu (seaweed – helps in bass reduction and is so good for you)

*I like to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

1. Coat slow cooker with oil/butter.
2. Turn the slow cooker on high and cook the onion for about 15 minutes (this isn’t necessary if you are prepped for time).
3. Add garlic, beans and broth.
4. Cook on high for 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low (depending on your slow cooker).
5. If you would like smoother beans, mash with a wooden spoon to desired consistency. For no lumps, you can blend it.
6. You may need to add more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

These beans are so versatile, you can eat them as a side; use them for tacos; buritos; in your chili; as a bean and cheese quesidilla or even in a seven layer dip! How do you eat your healthy refried beans? I’d love to hear on social media or below!

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This recipe was shared on: Share My Cup ; Let’s get real and The Evolution of Mom

Allergy and Sinus relief ideas

Stephanie | April 14, 2015

Hello Spring! Springtime is such a wonderful time of renewal and growth – not only in the plants, but also ourselves! Unfortunately, for a lot of people, it also means springtime allergies. After suffering off and on with allergies and sinus pressure for over twenty years, I wanted to share my allergy and sinus relief tips. You may notice that I haven’t listed any medications that have unpleasant and even possibly dangerous side effects.

To help relieve symptoms:

Garlic is traditionally used for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. People often take it to reduce symptoms of allergy, asthma, colds, flu, sinus infections, yeast infections, diarrhea & flatulence. It also has heart protective properties of lowering elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Shaklee’s Garlic Complex: Retains all the potency of one clove of fresh raw garlic without the odor.

To help strengthen the Immune System:

Vitamin C has been found to protect against smog, smoke, poor diet, stress, bruising, varicose and spider veins, chronic infection, allergies, asthma, colds, flu, swollen glands, anemia, colon polyps, and slow healing.

Shaklee’s Sustained Release Vita C: This unique all-natural sustained formula slowly releases Vitamin C into your blood stream over a 5-hour period and provides nutrients from the entire vitamin C complex including bioflavonoids. My children take the chewable vitamin C and love the taste!

Alfalfa: This is my favorite allergy product! If I don’t take it before a walk in the springtime, I can feel the sinus pressure within minutes of stepping outside. With deep roots extending 10 to 20 feet into the soil, this amazing plant is rich in trace minerals and protein plus contains 8 digestive enzymes. Recognized as a natural anti-histamine, allergy sufferers report good results from taking 3 or 4 of the little compressed sun-dried leaf tablets, which contain no pesticides, fungicides, growth regulators, or synthetic hormones. Other popular uses for alfalfa are swelling, pain and stiff joints, ulcers, stomach ailments, water retention, body odor, and bad breath.

Probiotics are a great way to strengthen the immune system located in your gut!

Optiflora probiotic capsule is a patented technology that allows the very fragile probiotics to pass through the highly acidic stomach protected by a triple encapsulation so they arrive exactly at the right location in the lower intestines.

Zinc is essential for the immune system and helps to support a healthy thyroid. However, it is often deficient in American diets. It can be lost with perspiration and stress.

NutriFeron: Developed and extensively tested by immunologists in Japan, this proprietary blend of natural plant extracts is derived from pumpkin seeds, safflower flowers, plantago seeds, and Japanese honeysuckle flower buds. Nutriferon supports and stimulates the immune system by increasing the activity of macrophages (white blood cells) and inducing natural interferon production. It optimizes the body’s immune response against environmental irritants and airborne substances (as with allergies and asthma). Completely safe – no adverse reactions to these plant extracts has been recorded.

Diet: Watching your diet can help with allergies. As always, fresh vegetables should be your focus. Sugar, breads, and baked goods should be avoided.

Local, raw honey: I have read that eating local, raw honey can help reduce allergy symptoms. Ideally, you are supposed to eat a teaspoon everyday. While I haven’t been that regular with it, my children and I enjoy it!

Water: Drinking enough water is important for so many things. Allergy and sinus relief are no exception!

Netipots or sinus irrigation: Make sure to use distilled, purified or previously boiled water if you are making your saline solution.

The Shaklee Difference: The principle of “Products in Harmony with Nature and Good Health” guides Shaklee science. Experts in nutrition, public health, food science, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, herbology, microbiology, and engineering all staff the 52,000 square foot Forrest C. Shaklee Research Center in Hayward, California. They continue the important research and development that makes each product the world standard for quality. Shaklee is based on pharmaceutical standards.

Reduce Exposure to Toxins

In addressing allergy and sinus issues, a I have found two approaches helpful: 1) strengthening the immune system (as discussed above), and 2) avoiding products that could aggravate allergy and sinus conditions. This could mean certain foods; smells (think perfumes or cigarettes), pet saner or cleaning products. Many cleaning products not only irritate the skin, but their odors can aggravate upper respiratory problems. Now a days, there are many natural cleaning products available. I have tried a lot of them and my favorites are here.

How do you relieve your allergy and sinus symptoms? I would love for you to share your tips below or on social media!

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase through my link. However, there is no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog and small business! (Please review the disclosure tab at the top for the full disclosure.)

Additionally, I am Shaklee Independent Distributor. The information provided on this website is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental health condition. Please consult your healthcare provider. I share personal uses. Please check the Shaklee labels.

Carry on, Mama

Stephanie | April 6, 2015

Hello. My name is Stephanie and I still carry around my 4½ year old daughter. Yes, my husband and son make fun of us. Yes, I know it is bad for my back, hips and body. Believe me, they feel the pain from it. However, that pain is nothing compared to the pain my heart feels to see my children growing so fast.

When I became pregnant with my daughter, I slowly stopped lifting and carrying my older son. However, that was a much easier transition. All the books I read said pregnant women shouldn’t lift heavy things. So there was an easy reason for me to say “no” and it was fairly easy for him to understand.

But as time passed by, my little mama’s boy-love bug turned into a big boy, who rarely likes to be hugged and wipes off any kisses you can sneak. Now, I relish any hug or snuggle I get with him.

Thankfully, my daughter is still in the mama’s girl stage. She loves to snuggle and give (and get) hugs and kisses. However, every once in a while she copies her brother and wipes off my kisses or says she doesn’t want me to sit by her, which of course breaks my heart and remind me of what lies ahead. This is why, when my little girl reaches up for “uppy”, it is so hard for me to find a reason to say, “no.” For I know the day will shortly come, when she won’t want to be held anymore. I’m hopeful that hugs and kisses won’t be denied shortly thereafter. So, until then (or my body gives out) I will be carrying my little one when she asks me to carry her.

Wishing you many hugs and kisses,

Stephanie

This post was shared at: Share your cup

Healthy Carrot Cake Smoothie

Stephanie | March 26, 2015

There is something about Easter and spring time that makes me crave carrot cake. This carrot cake smoothie is a healthier way to calm that craving!

Carrot Cake Smoothie

2 scoops of protein powder – you can use any kind, but one of my favorites are this one and this one.
1/2 cup carrots
1 cup of milk – I use unsweetened almond or coconut milk
1/2 cup frozen banana
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Blend and enjoy! How do you have a favorite smoothie recipe? I would love to hear it in this comments below or on my Facebook page!

Happy springtime,
Stephanie

If you enjoyed this and would like to hear more, please subscribe (on the middle right sidebar) to get our SATZ newsletters. To stay connected with Sharing A to Z, please see Facebook or Pinterest.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting my blog and small business! (Please review the disclosure tab at the top for the full disclosure.)

Other Smoothie recipes

Peppermint Mocha

Beginner’s Luck Fruit Smoothie (from Simple Green Smoothies.com)

Healthy Shamrock “Shake”

Chocolate Covered Strawberry

My little man’s fruit smoothie

Raspberry Lime Smoothie

Tropical Green Smoothie (coming)

Do good

Stephanie | March 26, 2015

When I hear bad health news, especially about someone I know, my mind is filled with a rush of emotions. My heart breaks for that person and their family and I wonder why I keep hearing more and more reports of disease (like cancer) touching the lives of so many. It makes me sad and angry. As a family, we have tried to help by donating money, purchasing items such as shirts and baked goods to help raise money for the person and family. We have also tried to help by donating money to charities. I try to learn as much as I can about ways we can preventing disease, especially through food, toxins and exercise and share this information with others. But, I want to continue to do more.

So, I have decided that this month, any profits from my Shaklee business will be donated to cancer research. I am going to research a good cancer foundation and will let you know when I have found one. Do you have a favorite charity I can check out?

Have you found a way to do more? I would love to hear it in the comments below or on social media. Let’s help to make the world a better place.

Hugs and love,
Stephanie

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Barbie Dreamhouse

Stephanie | March 24, 2015

Barbie™ Dreamhouse® Experience

Did you know that there are not one, but two life-size Barbie™ Dream houses? One is in Minneapolis and the other is in South Florida. When I found out there was one not far from us, I knew it would be a perfect gift for my daughter. She was so excited and we invited my mom to come on this fun girl’s day out.

The south Florida Barbie™ Dreamhouse® Experience is located at the Sawgrass Mills Mall. It is a wonderful explosion of pink!

After you purchase your tickets, you are escorted and checked into a very pink waiting room. You are also given bracelets that keep track of your interactive activities (you get to take a few treats home). Then, we met our tour guide and got into Barbie’s elevator. This stated our tour of Barbie’s home including her kitchen, outside area, bedroom and closet!

There were neat interactive activities in most rooms and the tour guide explains the activities, gives Barbie™ trivia and makes the tour even more special. At the end, my little princess got her make-up done and was in a fashion show! She was a little nervous, but loved walking the catwalk and posing for the camera!

As a little girl, I loved playing with my Barbie™ dolls. I was so excited when my little princess started playing with them, too. My parents even kept my old Barbie house. So this trip was a fun girls day out!

Have you ever been to the Barbie™ Dreamhouse® Experience? If so, I would love to hear it in the comments below.

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Our trip to Epcot

Stephanie | March 16, 2015

Epcot seems to get lost in the Disney experience. Aside from their Food and Wine Festival, I haven’t heard it mentioned very often. I’m not sure why as everyone in my family enjoyed our trip to Epcot! Epcot had attractions for adults and a some for children, too. We even saw Uncle Jessie there!

Because we couldn’t get a Fast Pass (you can read about those in our Disney Trip post) for the Test track (presented by Chevrolet), we went there first. The boys had so much fun they both wanted to ride it again! It is a very neat attraction where you can see various cars, then design your own. Last, you get to test out the car you designed and go on a really fast racetrack!

Then, the boys wanted to ride the spaceship ride, but my little princess wasn’t tall enough. So, we wandered around while the boys rode the spaceship ride.

We sat down to watch Captain EO, which is a mini-movie with Michael Jackson. I was excited to see him dance, but my daughter’s bladder had other plans. My husband didn’t enjoy it, but I think I would have liked watching Michael dance.

Then we were off to our Fast Pass of Turtle Talk with Crush. It was a cute little show with Crush from the Little Mermaid. It was almost like an interactive TV show. It was funny and the children enjoyed it.

Next was Epcot’s world showcase, which is a nice mile stretch of little mini-towns. There are shops with food and drinks from each country. The kids enjoyed Norway as there was a house which showed various items that inspired the movie “Frozen”.

We also had lunch at Aksrus, which has lunch with the princesses. We got to take pictures with Belle upon entering. Then, during our meal, we were greeted by Snow White, Princess Aurora, Ariel and Cinderella. There was even a parade where all the little ones walked around with the princesses. My daughter loved it so much!

Next, we used our Fast Pass for Soarin’. This ride flies you up and around to experience the best sights, smells and sounds of California. You feel like you are flying! We all enjoyed this ride (although I started getting a little motion sick).

Lastly, we went on Planet Earth, which was a ride that explored the last 30,000 years. It was interesting to me, but my children only liked the part where they took a picture of us and we could see them on our little TV screen.

Have you been to Epcot? What did you think? I would love to hear it in the comments below or on social media!

If you enjoyed this post, please check out these posts: our trip to Magic Kingdom; Disney resorts we visited and Planning a trip to Disney.

Happy travels,
Stephanie

Our trip to Magic Kingdom

Stephanie | March 11, 2015

Our 2015 trip to Disney began when I had the wonderful idea to give my daughter a meal with the Disney princesses for her birthday present. However, after not being able to get character dining on a weekend anywhere close to the date of her birthday, lunch with the princess and our trip to Disney turned into a Christmas present.

After I found character dining on a weekend I though wouldn’t be busy – after winter break, but before Martin Luther King Day, we made reservations at Akserus. It wasn’t until a few weeks later when I realized Akserus was in Epcot, which means we needed tickets to Epcot to be at the character dining. So, we purchased the Florida three-day passes. The children hadn’t been to Magic Kingdom in a while, so we decided to spend Saturday there (I always love to see their firework show) and go to Epcot on Sunday.

With the reservations booked, I was determined to be better prepared for this trip. The two other times we have went to Disney were with from my husband’s company, so we didn’t make any plans, which resulted in not experiencing many attractions. This time was going to be different. So, my research began. Living in Florida means many fellow Floridians have purchased Disney’s annual pass and are Disney experts. After speaking with a few, I compiled my Disney packing list (click here) and started planning our trip.

One thing I was going to use was Disney’s Fast pass. Previously, I didn’t know that you could select three fast passes per day. Fast pass lets you pick an hour window to access a special entrance for a ride; therefore your wait is shorter. When I was in Epcot a cast member informed me that once your 3 Fast Passes are used, you could go to a Fast Pass station and get three more. I didn’t test this tip, but it will next time.

Preparation summary:

Find character dining (if desired)
Book hotel (some hotels we visited are here)
Review ticket options and purchase tickets
Select fast passes
Plan of attack for most desired rides
Pack – for my packing list click here

Our trip to Disney

We woke up early and straight drove to our hotel. I wanted to stay on property (because it is easier to get to the parks and you get a wristband that serves as your park ticket, fast pass ticket and photo card), however, my husband wanted to get Marriott points, so we stayed at the Gaylord Palms. To find out more about our hotel experience, click here.

After we checked in, we drove to Disney to find that the weekend we had selected was Disney’s marathon weekend. It was busy, but we still were able to see more attractions than ever before. We parked, then walked to the transportation and ticket center to convert the cards that were mailed to us into tickets. Make sure to let the ticket person know if you are celebrating a birthday or anything special and they will give you a pin to wear for the day. After we got our tickets, we rode the tram to the park. I was so excited to find the Christmas lights and trees were still up.

We bolted to the new ride, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train before the park got crowded. The wait was 60 minutes, but that was good compared to how long it was later in the day (it was up to 120 minutes at one point). This is their new ride and I couldn’t get a fast pass. However, my little man heard how fun it was and definitely wanted to ride it.

After that the kids wanted to ride the carousal and Dumbo, which was recently redone and very beautiful. Then they took off (while holding hands) to Space Mountain. Unfortunately, it was having technical difficulties and my little princess was just shy of the height requirement. So, we went on the Stitch ride. This attraction has you seated while different sights and sounds happen around you. It gets dark and my 4 year old was scared. However, my 7 year old seemed to like the ending.

Then, we visited the Monster’s Laugh Floor, which is a comedian act featuring your favorite monsters. They actually pick people out of the crowd to be used in their act. That was funny and neat, but I don’t know that this attraction is a must see.

By then it was time for our first Fast Pass. Because my little man wanted the Seven Dwarfs, I decided to do something for my princess next. We got to meet Cinderella and Rapunzel. It essentially was just taking your picture with each of them. I don’t know that I would do that again, especially with a princess Character lunch, but her favorite princess is Rapunzel and she was not a the lunch, so my princess was happy she got to see her at this attraction.

Then, we rode the railroad essentially to kill time until our next Fast Pass. We were able to catch the 3:00 Parade, which began by Thunder mountain. My princess was so excited to see all of her favorite princesses, especially Elsa and Anna, in a parade.

Our next Fast Pass was for Thunder Mountain. It was a fast roller coaster. Both of my children loved it. Unfortunately, Splash Mountain was closed for repairs. My son was very disappointed.

Our last Fast Pass was for Peter Pan. In this ride, you sit in a boat and sail through scenes from Peter Pan. It was a neat ride.

We also went on Pirates of the Caribbean. The is a boat ride through almost life-like figures from the movie. They look so real that my daughter wasn’t too sure about this ride.

We split up so the boys could ride Space Mountain. My princess wanted to ride the carousel again (yuck) and the tea cups (my stomach is not fond of these rides). Then we went on the Little Mermaid ride where you slide along in a shell to see scenes from Little Mermaid.

We didn’t make it to Buzz Lightyear, which my son likes because you get to shoot stuff, but he didn’t mind. By now we were all pretty much done, but wanted to stay for the fireworks. As we were making our way to Main Street, we got trapped by the electrical parade and all of the cast members were shouting, “keep moving, this is a thoroughfare.” Not something frazzled parents want to hear. We managed to slide by and grabbed a spot right by the exit for the fireworks. Unfortunately, my princess fell asleep. Thankfully, my little man said we could leave after the first few fireworks because the wait for the train to the parking lot (or even the busses to the hotel) gets pretty long after the fireworks are done. We all had a really fun day and were ready for bed and all the fun of Epcot the next day.

Are you planning a trip to Disney? My post on planning a trip to Disney may help. You may also like my post on Epcot (coming soon) and the Gaylord Palms.

Have you been to Disney? What are your favorite rides and Disney pointers? I would love to hear it in this comments below or on my Facebook page!

Have fun,
Stephanie

Shamrock smoothie

Stephanie | March 3, 2015

When I was a child, March and St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated with a neon green shamrock shake (filled with yucky ingredients and fake colors). Now that I know better, I make my own healthier shamrock smoothies to celebrate!

Shamrock Smoothie

2 cups of fresh spinach
1/8 to 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract – depending on how minty you like it! I just use one capful.
1/2 of an avocado (optional)
1/2 of a banana-frozen or regular (optional, but makes it sweeter)
2 scoops of vanilla protein powder (My favorite is this one)
8 oz Almond or coconut Milk
6 ice cubes

Happy St. Patrick’s Day,
Stephanie

How do you like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? I’d love to hear it below.

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