Giveaway: Stella & Dot with Tara Murray

On January 1st I had the chance to sit down with Tara, who comes to PWC by way of California, London, Maryland, and some cool trips all over the world working as a human rights lawyer. Seriously, she had some amazing stories!

Her current story is that Tara is now focused on being a mom to her 2-year-old son, and she's enjoying the flexibility that Stella &Dot offers her to be both a mom and an entrepreneur. While she was passionate about her legal career, she found it didn't allow her enough time with her family. When the opportunity to become a Stella & Dot Stylist was presented, Tara wasn't so sure at first because she'd never imagined herself with a fashion accessories business. But she genuinely adored Stella & Dot's collection and loved the company's motto of "empowering women to style their own lives". She decided to give it a try figuring that it might be a good way to earn money on a more flexible schedule. Plus, she figured she had nothing to lose because you earn back your initial investment (as little as $199) after just one or two trunk shows and you get lots of gorgeous accessories, which she was happy to have!  

While she definitely loves the jewelry (and who doesn't love jewelry?), her biggest passion has become helping other moms enjoy the same flexibility in working the hours they want either to pay off a few bills, have a little extra spending money, or even to totally replace their former 9-5. Because there are no quotas or sales requirements and you set your own pace, Tara thinks Stella & Dot really can be whatever you need it to be for you and your family and though she already has a team of about 20 all over the country, now that she's settled here she'd love to build a fun stylist team of PWC moms! If you're curious and would like to learn a bit more you can: chat with Tara at her next local Stella& Dot meet-up on January 10th, contact her at taralcmurray@gmail.com.       

Here's a little more info about Stella & Dot: 

In addition to the business opportunity, Stella & Dot obviously offers sparkly things!

I love sparkly things!  I'm going to be sporting this bracelet (it says blessed in several languages and also comes in various "love" translations in gold and "always" translations in rose gold).

In addition to silver and gold delicates (including engravables) as well as some fun classics you can wear separately or together, Stella & Dot's got statement pieces -- if you're a little more daring than I am! All of their jewelry is made of sterling silver, gold vermeil, bronze, semi-precious stones, crystals, and hand-painted enamel. They also carry lovely scarves, handbags, and even a little girls' collection! And anything you get comes with a great return policy (so you're totally happy with your purchase!). Here's a sneak peek of the Spring 2015 collection that will be available starting January 13th:

You can shop for free by hosting your own trunk show! You can learn more here. Most of Tara's hostesses get at least $250 in free accessories and get to shop at 50% off on any additional items.  And because Tara knows just how busy the holidays have been, she's offering January hostesses a free massage from Massage Envy! She's only got a few dates left this month, so if you want to take her up on this offer -- and I would if I were you -- email her at taralcmurray@gmail.com.   

Finally, the giveaway!! 

Tara would love to meet up with you for a catered custom style-session! She'll bring some great snacks, talk to you about your personal style, and help you pick out a few pieces to update your accessories wardrobe! As part of your prize, you'll also get a $100 gift card to spend during your consultation! And with half the collection under $50 you're sure to find lots of things to spruce up your style in 2015!  Enter to win using the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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As always, by entering a PwcMoms giveaway, which is provided by the sponsor and in no way affiliated with anyone else, you are agreeing to be bound by our giveaway rules. If you need somebody to come to your style session with you, I am totally available to come eat and try on sparkly things anytime.  Just sayin.

Guest Post: Suriving Disney World With Young Children

Surviving Disney World with Young Children

When are we going to Disney?  As soon as your child asks you that question, you start asking yourself different questions. How stressful will it be? What age is the right age? What’s it really like to be there with young kids?

The thought of taking young children to Disney can be overwhelming. You have visions of a perfect magical experience, but you can also see overtired, over stimulated, tantrum throwing kids. The age group most parents seem concerned with are preschoolers.  The good news is that with a little planning and the right perspective, you can have that magical trip you dreamed about.

Should I wait until my kids will remember?

I often hear people say that they want to wait to do Disney World until their kids are old enough to remember the trip.  Disney for some is a once in a lifetime vacation and you want to feel you’re getting your money’s worth.  However, there is magic in taking young kids that can’t be replicated later. For a preschooler, that really is Cinderella just waiting for a hug and Mickey Mouse really has come out just to see them today.  The magic of Disney is never lost on a young child.

How does Disney help young families?

·       The rides and attractions are well suited for little ones and families. The majority of rides in the parks can be experienced by the entire family together.  With most of the height requirements set at 40" (and a few at 44"-48"), the average 7-8 year old can ride nearly all of the rides.  Many 3-4 year olds can even ride some of the “thrill rides”.

·       Child swap is available at all rides with a height restriction. This allows families with a child that is too small to ride without waiting in a long line twice.

·       FastPass+ allows you to come back to a ride later and wait in a much shorter line. These passes, along with a good touring strategy, can minimize time spent waiting in line.

·       From young kids to teenagers to parents and grandparents, the entire family can have a magical time together.

·       Baby care centers are available in all parks, providing a quiet, air conditioned place to take a break, feed, or change a baby or small child.

·       Each park has several play areas designed for younger children.

·       Live Shows showcasing their favorite Disney Characters are a big hit.  Disney Junior Live on Stage is a can’t miss attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These shows offer guests an air conditioned venue to get off their feet.

·       Long park hours and convenient transportation to onsite resorts make it easy to take a mid-day break back at the resort for naps or dips in the pool.

·       Full immersion of Disney entertainment, including all your kids favorite characters. There's nothing better than your daughter meeting her favorite princess or your son challenging Darth Vader to a light saber duel.

What are the Challenges?

As much as we all want everything to be “happily ever after,” there can be some challenges in a trip to Disney with young kids. One of the most important tips I can give is to manage your expectations. Remember, you won't see and do everything, and that’s OK. Pay attention to your kids' cues, and if they're not enjoying themselves anymore, take a break. It’s more important to enjoy the things you do than to try to force everyone to do everything.

If you are waiting until your preschooler is older to enjoy Disney, think again! Your preschooler will be enchanted just by the experience of being at Disney. From characters, parades, attractions and shows designed with them in mind, their days will be full of Disney magic.

Author Bio:

Patricia Mickus is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with Magical Memories Travel.  Patricia lives in Bristow, Virginia with her husband and two sons.  She believes you can have a Disney vacation of a lifetime and maximize your vacation dollar. All of her concierge planning services are FREE to her clients.   Contact Patricia at patricia@magicalmemoriestravel.com or visit her Facebook page or blog - www.MagicalMickeyTips.com for more Disney planning tips.

Got Toys?

One of the more popular questions we go during the holiday season was about where to take previously loved toys.  Here's what our readers suggested for places in Prince William County to take your gently loved playthings that need a new home.

The ACTS waiting room can use new toys.  Children often have lengthy waits here with their caregivers.  ACTS is located in Dumfries and can be reached at 703-441-8606.

SERVE is a family and individual shelter in Manassas.  They can be reached at 571-748-2537.

Ask your doctors office or OB/GYN if they need any new toys for their waiting rooms.  They'll be most interested in hard plastic toys that can be bleached/disinfected on a regular basis.

Purple Heart will come and pick up at your home.
The Lupus Foundation will come and pick up at your home.
American Veterans will come and pick up at your home.
National Children's Center will come and pick up at your home.

House of Mercy off Wellington in Manassas 703-659-1636.

Daycares and Preschools may also be interested. Again, especially in toys that can be cleaned and disinfected easily.

Village Thrift off Smoketown in Woodbridge.
Savers Thrift 

Eme's Army hosts a sight-impaired playgroup and will take tactile, light-up, or talking toys.

Pineapple Muffins

Randomly, we have lots of leftover pineapple around here during the holidays.  I know that's odd, but it's just how it is.  I make several recipes that require crushed pineapple, and for whatever reason, the large cans are always on sale, so I buy those even though I probably only need a small can.  Pineapple is a great canned fruit because it's in juice and not in syrup, so I don't feel bad feeding it to the kids constantly, but sometimes you just need to change it up.

I like to keep muffins around in the freezer so that we can grab them for a quick breakfast, so I tried to Pinterest some pineapple muffins and then realized that I didn't really have what I needed for any of them, so I combined a few to work with the ingredients that I had, which actually worked out really well.

Pineapple Muffins
Preheat your oven to 350

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 container low fat vanilla yogurt
1/3 cup sour cream
1 heaping tablespoon orange zest (I used tangerine zest because that's what we had)
8 ounces of drained, crushed pineapple
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups flour

Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add the egg whites and beat until combined.  Add the yogurt, sour cream, orange zest, and pineapple and stir to combine.  Combine the salt, baking soda, and flour in a separate bowl, and the add to the wet mix and combine.  Pour into greased muffin tins (you can go pretty full, they don't rise much) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.