What's Been Happening in the World of RunDisney?!

Since I've been MIA for about a month now I feel like A TON of stuff has been happening on the RunDisney front. Let's go through it all and catch up together. 

1. Princess Half Marathon early registration: Got signed up for Glass Slipper Challenge no problem-check!
   
2. Princess Half Marathon registration-Active.com has a freak out and so do all the princesses trying to register: Thank goodness I signed up before I went away and didn't have to deal with that on top of minimal/no internet coverage
   
3. RunDisney announces a Castway Challenge for Princess runners: Hmmm I wouldn't hate going on another cruise, maybe next year so I can save more
   
4. All Wine & Dine weekend medals were announced: Still not too sure how crazy I am about the anniversary medal, still doesn't mean I'm not trying to figure out if there's any way to run it
   
5. RunDisney announces the Pixie Dust Challenge! Now Tink runners can earn 3 medals between 2 races as well: This should've been a challenge last year, glad RunDisney responded to runner feedback!
   
6. Tinkerbell Half Marathon early registration: Sold out quickly, the norm.
   
7. The Avengers medals are announced!: Not a huge avengers fan, am eh about the medals. I'd rather see what the Star Wars ones will look like!

RunDisney has been BUSY the past month. It's hard to keep up with it all when you're not plugged into social media 24/7. Luckily I was able to sign up for the races I wanted without much trouble. Now I can sit back and relax until TOT weekend, or until RunDisney makes another big announcement.

QOTD: What kinds of events would you love to see RunDisney announce in the future?

A Quick Update & Big News Revealed

You thought I'd gone on vacation and never came back-huh? I wish that was the case! July was a crazy month and I can't believe we're already into August. So here's a quick update on what's been going on/what's happening. Let's back up a little bit first.

After 4th of July weekend I went into overdrive mode to get ready for Workcamp. This years Workcamp was 36 high school students and 16 advisors going up to Maine to help work on homes for those in need. I was in charge of doing the pre-workcamp shopping trip, so all of the non-perishable, paper items etc. Luckily for me my mom was around and volunteered to help with the Cost-Co trip. We divided the 2 page list in half and each took a cart and got to work. Along with helping with group preparations, I needed to get all my tools/clothes together for myself. The Saturday after 4th of July we loaded everyone up on the bus and made our way up to Maine! 

Ready to roll out!

We spent an amazing week helping out the community and bonding with one another without the hassle of technology. Sadly, I had to leave a few days early to come back home for the Disney cruise that my WHOLE family was going on. Ok, maybe leaving for a cruise isn't too sad, but you catch my drift. Within the course of 24 hours I drove from Maine to NJ. Finished packing whatever I needed for the cruise that I hadn't done before I left for Maine and got some sleep. Woke up the next morning, got on the plane, and was in Florida in no time.

Top Pic: Maine on Friday
Bottom Pick: Florida on Saturday

Saturday night we went to Jellyroll's to celebrate my mom's birthday before we all had to head off for the cruise the next morning. Sunday I started off with a quick run around the Boardwalk (one of my favorite Disney running spots) and then the 12 of us got ready to say Bon Voyage! 

The Grandkids

For 4 nights we sailed on the Disney Dream enjoying all it had to offer. We rode slides in Nassau, ran the Castaway Cay 5K, and conquered the Aqua Duck! I'll do a full post on the cruise and on the 5K because there was just so much to offer and we had an absolute blast.

Since we've been back my focus has been on cleaning and packing because Bryan and I will be moving back to Florida!! It wasn't an easy decision but it's one we're very excited about. We'll be relocating back to the Orlando area (which first thing that popped into my mind was-I can #runalltheraces)! I have an addiction people. Anyways, in less than 2 weeks we'll be in the sunshine state. So sorry if posts are lacking and sporadic but I hope to be sharing lots of good news with you as the move progresses. 

QOTD: Have you ever been on a Disney cruise? Where's your favorite place you've moved to? What kind of fun stuff do you want me guys to keep you updated on once I'm back in Orlando?

Surfs Up VoxBox Review

I was very excited to find out I was chosen for my very first VoxBox. The one I would be receiving was the Surfs Up VoxBox and had all your beach beauty essentials. Perfect. 

It's like Christmas in July!

I received in my box:
-Not Your Mother's Texturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
-Sinful Colors Nail Polish
-First Aid Shot Therapy
-Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion
-Jamba Juice At Home Smoothie

Perfect beachy waves for Rumble's maiden voyage out on the boat!

Not Your Mother's Texturizing Shampoo & Conditioner

During the summer I am down the shore almost every weekend. While I'm there the last thing I want to do is bust out a blow dryer. I prefer to enhance my naturally wavy hair and go for a beach wave look. Well it's taken me many years of product experimentation to find what looks good and this shampoo & conditioner may need to be added to the routine. The only thing I found is that I really had to work to get the shampoo to later but besides that no complaints. I followed my usual hair routine and spritzed some sea salt spray in my hair, twisted into a low bun for 10 minutes. Then took it out and let it air dry. This time I felt as though my waves had more shape to them and worked their way farther up the roots than they normally do. Two thumbs up for this product, would definitely use again.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish

When you work at Disney, you can only have neutral colored nail polish to keep within the Disney look. So after I left I got really excited whenever I could wear fun colors on my nails. The color I received in my VoxBox was perfect. It's that great shade of mint that I've been loving all year. The only problem I have is that nail polish does not stay on my nails for longer than a day. Unfortunately this was the case with the Sinful Colors bottle as well. One thumb up for color, one thumb down for lasting effect.

First Aid Shot Therapy

This was the one product I was a little hesitant about. If I have a headache I'll just take an Advil, why would I need this? Well after a little too much 4th of July celebrating I was looking for something to squash my headache and remembered this guy was in my VoxBox. I ripped open the wrapping and drank the berry flavored mixture. Within 10 minutes my headache was gone, talk about fast relief. Two thumbs up.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion

When I'm down the shore I'm more or less outside all day in my bikini. My skin gets lots of exposure to the sun during the summer and can use all the nourishing it can get. I applied the lotion to my legs after a day of being in the sun and the first thing I noticed was how good it smelled. It had more of an after shower gel consistency than a lotion consistency but no complaints here. My legs were moisturized and smelled great. Two thumbs up.

Jamba Juice At Home Smoothie

We didn't get the actual smoothie in our VoxBox but we did get a coupon for a free At Home Smoothie and 50% off a second one. I've had these before so I was thrilled to see the coupons in there. My go-to flavor is Razzamataz, all the fruit and yogurt is already frozen, you just need to add liquid and you have Jamba Juice in your kitchen. Two thumsb up.

I was super pleased with all the products I got in my VoxBox and hope I get to try more in the future! 

QOTD: Which product above would you most like to try?


"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Jellyrolls

In honor of my mother's birthday this Saturday (and the extra night we're adding on to our trip just to go here), I'll be talking about her favorite place in all of Walt Disney World-Jellyrolls!

Jellyrolls is a dueling piano bar located on the Boardwalk at the Boardwalk Resort right across from the Atlantic Dance Hall. It can be easily walked to from Yacht & Beach, and the Swan & Dolphin. If you're in EPCOT earlier in the day you can always take a stroll over her from the international gateway entrance. There is a $12 cover to get in as Jellyrolls is 21+.

Happy Birthday to my mom on Saturday! 

There are 2 pairs of performers each night and can play nearly any song you will come up with. It's no frills in here with free popcorn and daily drink specials. There's seating scattered throughout with stacks of napkins typically on each table. It's on these napkins that you write down your song request. You then place your request on one of pianos, typically with a tip. I've seen someone throw down $100 just to have their song played before. I've heard everything from Billy Joel to the thong song. You name it they'll play it.  Watch your wallets when the booze starts flowing people. 

Really getting into it now!

Not only do they play your song, but it's a big sing-a-long that everyone joins in on. Sometimes there's certain songs where the players will have you stand up and do a dance to get everyone loosened up. It can get rowdy in here, especially whennventions are at 03e nearby resorts. This is also a great place to go celebrate post-race during the RunDisney weekends. 

Jellyrolls is truly one of my all time favorite adult activites where you can let loose and not have to worry about making a fool of yourself. Trust me, there's always going to be someone acting more drunk ridiculous than you. Next time you're down by the Boardwalk, be sure to check out Jellyrolls!

QOTD: Have you ever been to Jellyrolls? What song would you request?

Diet Bet Review

You guys know Patty, right? One of the lovely DisBroads over at My No-Guilt Life. Well Patty has recently started talking about DietBet in her blog, I believe she's onto her 3rd round of games that she'll be hosting. I decided to take the plunge and try out round number 2. Now that it's complete I can give a little more info and my thoughts on how it works. 

What is DietBet?

DietBet is a game where when you lose weight, you win money! There is a game host, the host will set what the bet amount is to buy into the game. The game I played had a $30.00 buy in. If you reach your goal weight, you get to split the pot with all the others who reached weight as well. If you didn't make weight, you don't get any money back and your bet stays in the pot to be distributed among the winners. 

How much weight do I have to lose?

There are 2 different types of games at DietBet, the Kickstarter and the Transformer. I played in the Kickstarter game where you have 4 weeks to lose 4% of your body weight. In the Transformer game you have 6 months to lose 10% of your body weight. 

How does DietBet know that I'm not cheating to make my final weigh in?

When you first weigh in, you must take a full body picture of yourself standing on the scale and then a close up shot of the weight on the scale. Next to the weight you must also have a note card with your secret word that has been assigned to you by DietBet. The same must be done for when you weigh out. So even if you reach your goal weight during week 3, you must maintain it until week 4 when you are given your code word to take your final weigh in picture with. 

You're probably asking, "Lauren, did you win?!" and the answer is YES. I have a hard time losing weight, I'll usually loose 2-3 lbs then plateau for a few month then lose another 2-3 lbs, but this game kept my behind in check. I plowed through 6.2 lbs in 4 weeks like it was nothing. I'm back down to a weight I haven't been since freshman year of college, and I'm less than 10 lbs away from my overall goal weight. Having money on the line made me seriously motivated. I did NOT want to lose. 

Considering I'm away for the next 2 weeks I don't think I'll be joining the next game, but if you're looking for something to keep you accountable in your weight loss journey this is a great option. Patty has 2 more games starting on July 14th and 15th. Check out the links below if you're interesting in joining. 

The Kickstarter

The Transformer

How do you hold yourself accountable when reaching a goal?

Don't forget that sign ups for Princess Half-Marathon weekend begin tomorrow at 12PM EST! We'll be running the Glass Slipper Challenge, will you be joining?

Where in the (Walt Disney) World Wednesday-Goofy's Candy Company

One of my favorite parts of planning my Disney trips is the food. There are just so many amazing treats to enjoy but this classic is my favorite--The Mickey Rice Krispie. It hands down takes the cake as my favorite way to spend a snack credit. Recently I discovered that at Goofy's Candy Company in Downtown Disney you can customize your own Mickey Rice Krispie! Also available to customize are candy apples, 3 pretzel rods, 4 marshmallows on a straw, or a ginger bread cookie. How can you possibly decide?

Once you've made the decision of what to customize you get to pick out all the delicious toppings. Disney makes it super easy for you by providing a check list of all the options. Write your name at the top of the paper, check off what treat you want, what kind of chocolate you want it dipped in, one topping, and finally chocolate drizzle. You may add additional toppings for an extra $1.00 each. 

Then you hand in your completed form and watch a cast member bring your delicious creation to life. Try not to drool. When it's done they'll call your name, make sure you pay before you rip that bad boy open to get a taste! 

Are you done yet? Are you done yet? Are you done yet?

This is a great treat for kids and adults to partake in, and I found that the create your own treats typically are a little larger than the equally priced pre-made options. So next time you have a sweet tooth while in Downtown Disney, make sure to stop by Goofy's Candy Company!

Yum! Ready to dig in!

QOTD: What kind of treat would you make?

Monday Ramblings

Guys, I have been seriously slacking on the blogging front lately. Have you missed me? Things have been a little hectic lately with some changes that will be coming by the end of the summer. Don't worry, I will update you when the time is right :)

This is how we naturally pose for all our pictures

As of now, my sights are set on the month of July. I've got 2 big trips planned with one being the DISNEY CRUISE I will be taking with my entire extended family on my mom's side. There will be 12 of us setting sail on the Dream for tons of celebrations! My 2 youngest cousins who are twins are graduating high school today (CONGRATS GUYS!), my aunt just had a big milestone birthday, my grandfather will be turning 80 in August, AND it's my mom's birthday the day we set sail. So we're rolling all the excitement of this summer into one big celebration cruise. 

Another fellow advisor and I our senior year at workcamp
I'm not sure how much paint we actually got on the house...

The week prior to our cruise I'll be attending my church's workcamp. Workcamp is very similar to Habitat for Humanity, where a group of high schoolers go up to Maine for the week to help with home improvement projects in a local community. I attended workcamp all 4 years I was in high school and now I'll be attending as an advisor! It's crazy to think I'm old enough to supervise since I still feel like I'm in high school. Overall it's a really fun week with lots of fellowship and a bit of a break from technology. 

Take me back to Castaway Cay!

The one thing I'm hoping to keep up on during both weeks is my TOT training! I'm already off to a bad start since I had to send back my orthotics to be recast :( I should have them back this week and am ready to jump back into training. I do need to be ready for the Castaway Cay 5K after all! I'm thinking I might re-do my ease into 5K app to make sure I don't try and play catch up with my training plan and go out too hard too soon. 

There will be lots of fun updates coming your way this summer, I can't wait to share them all with you!

QOTD: Have you ever done a fun mission project? Have you every been on a Disney Cruise? What fun activities/changes are happening with you this summer?