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Travel

Fantasyland at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

January 7, 2013

The New Fantasyland is now open at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. Can it be any bigger and better?

The largest expansion in the 41-year history of the Magic Kingdom, it features attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions all laid out in fairy tale-style amid waterfalls, bridges and forests.

“Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all of our parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world,” said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs.

“New Fantasyland is a spectacular addition to the Magic Kingdom that delivers on Walt’s promise. We’re thrilled to take guests beyond the walls of Cinderella Castle to discover new worlds featuring iconic Disney characters and stories in ways that are more imaginative, more interactive and more immersive than ever before.”

The new Fantasyland consists of the Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus areas. Here are some of the new enchanted areas now open in New Fantasyland:

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. Guests riding in clamshells travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against the musical backdrop of beloved songs from the film. Before the experience, the fun is whimsical and interactive in the queue area under Prince Eric’s Castle. After the attraction and below the seaside cliffs, guests can meet the princess herself in Ariel’s Grotto.

Enchanted Tales with Belle. In a faroff French village, an enchanted mirror becomes the gateway to a new kind of storytelling experience. Through props, costumes and other interaction, guests step right into the story of “Beauty and the Beast” – meeting Belle and Lumiere and sharing in a lively re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”

Be Our Guest Restaurant features a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, delicate Rose Gallery and mysterious “West Wing” of the Beast’s Castle. The magnificent space offers “great food fast” lunch service by day and full-service table dining at night. Both experiences — fittingly for the story of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” — feature French-inspired cuisine.

Gaston’s Tavern welcomes guests to a comfy French lodge done in homage to — Gaston himself. The menu of this casual restaurant includes LeFou’s Brew, named for Gaston’s sidekick and a cooling concoction sure to satisfy any thirst.

Dumbo, the Flying Elephant – a Fantasyland icon – has doubled in size. Two Dumbos – one going clockwise and other counterclockwise – take guests circling above Storybook Circus in ride vehicles they maneuver themselves. The two Dumbos are connected to an indoor “big top” allowing guests to enjoy circus-themed activities while awaiting their ride time with the lovable pachyderm.

Aboard The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini, it’s family-style coaster fun as guests dip and soar daredevil-style above the circus grounds. Ride vehicles follow the twisting, turning coaster “flight” of stuntman Goofy.

Beloved Disney characters as aspiring circus stars are on hand to meet their adoring fans in Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Donald Duck are decked out in their big top finest to await their big break – and pose for photos with Magic Kingdom guests in the process.

There’s even more in store as the expansion of New Fantasyland continues this year and next:

Princess Fairytale Hall (2013) will be the new home for Disney princesses to meet their loyal subjects in the Magic Kingdom. To open in the Castle Courtyard in the center of Fantasyland, the regal space will provide the perfect setting for meeting Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana and the other Disney princesses.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (spring 2014) will take Magic Kingdom guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The family-style coaster will feature a first-of-its-kind ride system with a train of vehicles that swing back and forth.

Celebrities

Celebrity Couples Who Broke Up in 2012

January 4, 2013

We couldn’t just write up a celebrity hookups of 2012 post and not address all the heartbreaking breakups in Hollywood!

2012 was a year of shocking celebrity splits! Here is our list of Celebrity Couples Who Broke Up in 2012:

Heidi Klum and Seal

Klum and Seal renewed their vows every year but this couple finally called it quits last January after seven years of marriage. The Project Runway host officially filed for divorce in April citing “irreconcilable differences.” Shocking to many!

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

We saw this one coming… it was just a matter of time before Katie realized who she married! Holmes completely blindsided Cruise after five years of marriage by filing for divorce. Rumors were flying around about the reasons why… was Scientology to blame? Regardless of the reasons, it seems Katie had schemed an escape route for quite a while.

Will Arnett and Amy Poehler

Nine years of marriage and two kids couldn’t keep this funny couple together. In September, Arnett and Poehler announced their separation leaving many Up All Night and Parks and Recreation fans crushed. Why can’t the funny ones last?!

Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli

These two celebs seemed untouchable – but 11 years of marriage and three daughters couldn’t keep them together. Facinelli filed for divorce from Garth in March 2012. Garth compared the split to “excruciating pain” in Health magazine’s January/February 2013 issue.

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman

Together more than 30 years, DeVito and Perlman announced they were separating in October. But DeVito has since said they are still together but separate but together – whatever that means. RadarOnline reported that Michael Douglas, who has been with Catherine Zeta-Jones for 12 years, has been helping the couple save their marriage.

Bethenny Frankel and Jason Hoppy

The Real Housewives star separated from her husband of three years, Jason Hoppy but the couple is still living together and will share custody of their 2-year-old daughter, Bryn, according to Us Weekly. Will they work things out?

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart

The most scandalous breakup of 2012 hands down! Kristen Stewart was caught smooching with older and very married Rupert Sanders. Pattinson was heartbroken, kicked Kristen out of their home and wouldn’t answer her calls. But their undying love just couldn’t keep them apart – they got back together within weeks.

Russell Brand and Katy Perry

After just 14 months of marriage, comedian Russell Brand filed for divorce from Katy Perry. Was it his wacky ways that ended things? Rumors flew that it was his sexual appetite was to blame but later Brand revealed in an interview that the two just weren’t compatible.

Mayim Bialik and Michael Stone

The Big Bang Theory actress announced she and husband of nine years, Michael Stone were divorcing – on her blog. Seems the way to reveal shocking news these days!

Any celebrity splits that we forgot? Let us know!

parenting

Keeping Your Children Healthy By Staying One Step Ahead

January 3, 2013

When you become a parent, your children are always going to be the top of mind priority in your life. Whether this means ensuring they are happy or they are healthy, children require your time, your focus, and your promise to keep them safe no matter the circumstance. There are plenty of things you as a parent can protect your children from in the outside world, but there are several things on the inside you have no control over.

Your child’s health can be a fragile thing to maintain as disorders and illnesses can appear almost out of the blue, and change everything in the blink of an eye. That being said, medical advancements have provided options and potential where once there was none. One of these advancements is storing umbilical cord blood for potential to treat illnesses later in your child’s life through a process known as cord blood banking.

Why bank cord blood? Cord blood is the blood left over in the umbilical cord following the birth of your child. This was once considered afterbirth to be thrown away, but medical research has discovered it is a viable source of rich stem cells. These cord blood stem cells if properly banked, have the ability to develop into disease fighting immune cells, which have the potential to treat illnesses such as leukemia, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and many more.

If your child is diagnosed with one of these conditions and requires a bone marrow transplant, you must first find a suitable donor to begin the treatment. However, if you store your child’s cord blood at the time of his or her birth, the cord blood stem cells are a perfect genetic match to your child at any point throughout his or her life. Also due to familial genetics, another member of the family could benefit from the cord blood should need ever arise.

Cord blood is still considered relatively new to the medical community, and further studies continue to delve into other potential actions cord blood could assist. Most doctors are aware of the many benefits of cord blood banking, so if you are expecting a newborn consult with your primary doctor for more information. This way you can welcome your child into the world knowing you have an ace up your sleeve to keep them healthy.

Celebrities

Best Celebrity Hook Ups of 2012

January 3, 2013

Oh Hollywood love! For some strange reason, many of us love to follow celebrities on their path to finding love.

Will KStew make it as a couple? Will Justin and Jessica’s marriage last?

Well, 2012 was a year of interesting celebrity hook ups and marriages so let’s see who made our list of Best Celebrity Hook Ups of 2012:

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher

Probably the best hook-up of the year. They first worked together on That 70’s show and years later, they start dating? Ashton and Demi split last year after he apparently cheated several times… He and Mila secretly dated for most of 2013 but finally were caught together and made their relationship public.

Kristen Stewart and Rupert Sanders/Robert Pattinson

The most scandalous hook up of 2012 hands down! But the affair didn’t last very long – once they were caught, that is. Robert Pattinson ended things with Kristen but their love just couldn’t keep them apart – they got back together within weeks.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

Infamous now for her 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries in 2011, Kim has quickly moved on to another partner with the name K… and now they’re expecting a baby together. And we thought we wouldn’t have to hear any more news about the Kardashians for a while! A new reality show in the works for this couple?

Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne

The oddest pairing… right?! Who woulda thunk? These two lovebirds were showing off their relationship to the world, making us all gag. They top our “weird celebrity hook ups” if we had one.

Katy Perry and John Mayer

Katy has moved on from Russell Brand to yet another womanizer… this time, John Mayer. Hasn’t he dated all of Hollywood? How long will it take for Katy to get hurt again?

Lea Michele and Cory Monteith

Awww don’t ya love it when co-stars on a hit TV show get together? Lea and Cory’s on-screen relationship on Glee finally spilled over into real life. I imagine that they sing to each other while having a romantic dinner.

Rihanna and Chris Brown

The worst hook up of 2012. After physically assaulting her in 2009 and the world as a witness, Rihanna has taken Chris Brown back. Why?!? In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in August, Rihanna said, “We love each other and we probably always will, and that’s not anything that we’re going to try to change… he was the love of my life.” Good luck with that.

Emily Maynard and Jef Holm

Sweet southern belle and Bachelorette star Emily hooked up with Jef Holm but after weeks, they announced they were splitting. Another Bachelor/Bachelorette couple doomed.

Who got married?

Congrats to Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake who tied the knot in 2012; Biel wore a pretty pink wedding gown although I must say I’m not sure I’m a fan of anything other than white for wedding gowns.

My heart ached a little when Ryan Reynolds married Blake Lively last year too. Also a congrats to Kate Winslet who married boyfriend Ned RocknRoll in New York just before Christmas. Ned RocknRoll, yes. That’s his name. Good luck!

Celebs who got together in 2011

Top 10 Celebrity Breakups in 2011

Health

4 Exercises You Can Do On The Go

January 2, 2013

by Samantha Montpetit-Huynh

The holidays are a challenge for everyone when trying to maintain a fitness schedule. But with a brand new year here, there are no more excuses!

Even when you’re travelling, you can still maintain your exercise routine and food plan. If you plan ahead and get those creative juices flowing, you can put together a kick-ass routine that will keep you fit even if other parts of your life aren’t.

Here are the top four pieces of equipment to exercise on the go and 4 Exercises You Can Do On The Go:

1. Resistance Bands

Just a long piece of rope with stretch and resistance can be used in countless ways for a full body workout. Bicep curls, tricep extensions, chest presses, back rows, squats and lunges can all be done using this simple piece of equipment and you create how intense the resistance will be!

2. Gliding Discs

Developed by Mindy Milrea originally for gliding, you can now use them for an overall body workout. These slippery little plate like things can go under your feet for reverse, sliding lunges; under your toes for mountain climbers and under your hands to take boring pushups into a whole new animal!

3. Jump rope

Skipping has been around so long it’s surprising how so many have forgotten about probably one of the best ways to get your heart rate up and burn some serious calories fast! Buddy Lee helped to make jumping rope fun again and an awesome workout. Using two legs at a time or starting as a beginner one by one, skipping is not for the faint of heart so be careful if you experience any pain in your joints.

4. AquaBells

The coolest little things I have seen! As seen on Oprah, these have got you covered if you love to lift. You buy them deflated and then where ever you are, you just add water and you have instant dumbbells! So there are literally, NO EXCUSES because they weigh nothing and wont take up a lot of extra space in your luggage.

So there you have it. A little ingenuity and planning ahead and you can be sure to stay on track with your exercise routine no matter where you are. Try it this year and feel good about the fact you stayed on course even if everything else has fallen by the wayside.

You can do it so go get ‘em!

Samantha Montpetit-Huynh is the mother of two beautiful girls and the founder of Core Expectations, Toronto’s only full services wellness team that delivers personal training, abdominal rehabilitation and other support services to the homes and offices of pregnant women and new moms across the GTA.

Holidays

New Year: What are Your New Year Goals?

December 29, 2012

Another year come and gone and another dress size up – right?!

I love Christmas and the holiday season – entertaining, food and of course, family. There is something quite magical about New Year’s Eve. It’s a time to reflect on the past year – the ups and down, victories and feats – and make some decisions for the new year.

Or not.

When the clock strikes twelve, it’s the dawn of a new year – for some, a chance to start brand new. For others, just a new day.

I’m not one for New Year’s Resolutions but I do like to make some goals for the year. I will likely be thinking about what I want to accomplish over the next few days and start making new lists (on paper)… and hopefully start to cross them off, one by one, as the time goes on in 2013.

But in the meantime, I want to sit back and reflect on the past year. And with the help of some Facebook applications, I created a Year in Photos and a Year in Status:

What was the highlight of 2012 for you?

What are your New Year goals?

Christmas

10 Gift Ideas for the Home

December 20, 2012

I want ALL these gifts for my house this holiday season so let my husband know, ok?!

So what are the top 10 gift ideas for the home? The kind of gifts that your mom, sister, husband, daughter or father will be happy opening this holiday season?

Here are my top 10 gift ideas for the home Christmas 2012:

1. Kitchen Artisan Stand Mixer: This stand mixer is on my wish list and comes in a variety of colours. The Colourology test revealed that Empire Red is my colour – couldn’t agree more.

2. The Tassimo Brewer: Now that Tassimo has teamed up with Tim Hortons, please pass me a cup or two!

3. Honeywell HPA-150, True HEPA Tower Allergen Remover: I’ve been using this appliance in my home for a couple of months now and really do see a difference in the amount of dust in the home.

4. SodaStream: Turn your water into fresh sparkling water and soda? Sounds delicious and cost-saving!

5. The Philips goLITE BLU: For those of you who suffer SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), this little appliance may come in real handy during the dark, winter months. The blue light can naturally help increase your energy level and fight the winter blues.

6. T-Fal Actifry: ActiFry is a unique kitchen appliance engineered with innovative heat-pulse technology so I can make my french fries without all the oil and fat.

7. Cuisinart Electric Cookie Press & Cake Decorator: For the baker in your home, this is a wonderful gift idea.

8. Gordon Ramsay Stainless Steel 10 piece Cookware Set: I love Gordon Ramsay and that is reason enough for this gorgeous set to be on the list.

9. Verismo™ Machine: Starbucks lover in the family? Then you must get them their own Starbucks® beverage maker.

10.Hamilton Beach Hot Oil Popcorn Maker: For those movie nights in the winter, you need to have kettle-style popcorn!

Contest

Barbie and Building Together Makes Perfect Toy for Girls (Giveaway)

December 19, 2012

Often with boys and girls, you may see a difference in the types of activities and toys they like to play with. While boys are usually found building blocks, creating skyscrapers and forts, the girls are busy painting and coloring. Or is this even true?

Do girls have no interest in building or construction play at all? The answer is no.

Girls have just as much to gain from building as boys and equally enjoy playing with construction toys. So that gender myth is not true.

“Playing with building toys provides children an ideal way to engage in discovery-based learning,” says Dr. Maureen O’Brien, developmental psychologist and child play expert. “It is through this type of learning that children are able to build their confidence through trial and error and develop a sense of achievement, enabling them to physically link their world to the play world, building their brains in the process.”

The learning benefits of playing with blocks are further enhanced when layered with open-ended, imaginative play such as with dolls. Children begin to understand their world and give it perspective by playing with toys that enhance exploration through customization and storytelling. Combining block play and role play is a boost to your child’s development.

When I was a kid, I loved playing with my Barbie dolls. I also loved building toys as well. I enjoyed playing with dolls but also loved playing in the dirt.

Put two of my favourite childhood toys together – Barbies and building – and you have probably the hottest toy for little girls this holiday season.

Mega Bloks® Barbie® is the new creative construction line designed for girls. The first-ever Barbie® building collection invites girls to build, design and decorate their own Barbie world with compatible playsets, including a Build ‘n Style Luxury Mansion, Fashion Boutique, Convertible car and more. Each Mega Bloks Barbie playset includes one or more mini-fashion figures of Barbie and her friends that girls can dress up, accessorize and style with interchangeable hair styles and outfits.

The Mega Bloks Barbie® Build ‘n Style Luxury Mansion includes eight interchangeable rooms that can be built any way you want! Build a bedroom with a beautiful canopy bed, a fun living room where your Barbie® and friends can relax or a bathroom with a “bubbly” tub! Take the working elevator all the way to the top floor for a super fun party with Fab Girl™ Barbie®, Teresa® and all their friends. Ideal for children aged 4 and up.

Features:

Mega Bloks Barbie® Luxury Mansion with eight buildable rooms to design and decorate!
Real working elevator
Glam accessories for endless design and decoration possibilities
Includes Fab Girl ™ Barbie® and Teresa® mini-fashion figures each with extra outfits they can share!
Combines with all Mega Bloks Barbie® playsets to build a fabulous world of fashion, friends and fun!

Enter to win a Mega Bloks Barbie Build ‘n Style Luxury Mansion valued at $89.99! Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Canada only – sorry to our U.S. readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holidays

10 Tech Gift Ideas 2012

December 19, 2012

Are you a last minute shopper like me? Not tech savvy?

Here are 10 gift ideas for tech lovers.

1. Windows 8 Surface

With the addition of Microsoft office compared to other tablets, you can actually use this instead of a laptop.

2. iPad mini

It’s the iPad but a mini version, making it more affordable.

3. HTC One X

I’ve been testing out this phone for a month now and I just love it. The 4G speed is super quick, I love the camera and the screen is beautiful. I love the quality of ease when using the internet and apps. The telephone and photo quality are excellent. I’ll be sad when I have to give the HTC One X back!

4. Nikon Coolpix P510

The Nikon Coolpix P510 has is a compact camera in the superzoom class, that sports a 42X optical zoom and a handful of new features and enhancements.

5. Wii U

The The Wii U is the first Nintendo console to support high-definition graphics, capable of producing video output up to 1080p, and has 2 GB of RAM with half dedicated to the console’s operating system. My kids want it.

6. Memorex fun animal 8GB USB Thumb Drives

Aren’t these adorable?

7. Xbox Kinect bundle

The all new XBOX 360 has everything you love about the latest XBOX 360, but with a pared down 4GB of memory. It comes complete with built-in 802.11n WiFi connectivity, HDMI connectivity, a cool black colour and whisper-quiet operation. This bundle includes Microsoft Kinect and Kinect Adventures game.

8. Otter Box Case

Otter Box cases are the #1 selling smartphone cases. Definitely a must-have accessory for your phone.

9. Kobo Glo eReader

Kobo Glo’s revolutionary ComfortLight illuminates the screen with a soft, adjustable glow so you can read any eBook any time of day under the perfect light — no lamp required.

10. Rocksmith (XBOX 360)

Rocksmith, the first and only game where you can plug into any real guitar! By plugging into your console, you’ll develop real skills and real styles while playing absolutely real music.

Travel

Kids’ Reviewed Thomas Cook Kids First Program

December 19, 2012

For parents, or parents, planning a family vacation can be a daunting task especially if you haven’t done your homework on kid-friendly travel options.

Thomas Cook Kids First is a unique Kid Reviewed, Parent Approved program that offers video reviews of top destinations from a kid’s perspective – kid reviewed family resorts – and expert advice from knowledgeable Kids First travel specialists and exclusive partner offers.

The vacation spots are listed in a user-friendly chart listing all the services and amenities designed for family travel. The resorts are sorted by area and hotel with a chart listing whether the resort offers a kids club, baby club, is great for families, has added value and offers even single parents specials and deals for larger families (5+).

If you book a Thomas Cook Kids First Christmas Vacation, you’ll also receive up to $500 in added value.

Thomas Cook is also running a contest to win a family trip to Beaches Ocho Rios in Jamaica! Kids and parents are encouraged to create a video about a family vacation they have taken. Kid reviewed vacations! The vacation could have been taken anywhere in the world.

If you don’t have a video you can also tell your story in pictures with a description of your vacation memory. The Contest ends on January 15, 2012 so try to give yourself time to submit your video on time!

Be sure to get updates from Thomas Cook on Facebook and Twitter.