ModHousewife is a forum for all modern women, whether working professional or stay-at-home mom, with an inner-sexy, intelligent and fun "Housewife" spirit. This is your time to relax with your favorite latte and read up on Celebrities, Decor, Fashion, Food, Holidays, Health, Trends, and much more. Plus, ModHousewife encourages all readers to comment on blog postings and give their unique perspective on fabulous topics and trends.

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I am an alum of the University of Missouri's Journalism School and for the past nine years, my career has been focused on promoting several different and interesting products and services. Currently, I am a "housewife" and ready to add my unique spin on the world around me.

Tips to Enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth

Written on Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 @ 10:49 am

Last week, my family vacationed at the magical Walt Disney World. The week was perfect even though a tropical storm threatened to dampen our fun.

Throughout the planning and visit to Disney World, I learned some tricks that I would like to share with you!

1. If you are able to plan your Disney vacation months in advance, make sure to call or visit the Disney website to make your reservations for popular attractions 180 days from the start of your visit. Example: I called 180 days in advance and was able to get my dinner reservations for Be Our Guest at my requested time.


 

 

 

 

2. When making your hotel or restaurant reservations, make sure to tell your Disney Operator if you are celebrating any specials occasions. Plus, at any Disney Restaurant (price packages available), a special birthday celebration can be arranged for your prince or princess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. If traveling by plane and staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, take advantage of the Disney Magical Express (free service) to get you from the airport to your hotel and reverse. Plus, Disney will take care of your luggage; and it will be waiting for you in your hotel room.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Disney Meal Plans – Typically, you save 15%. We chose not to get one since we don’t eat large breakfasts and we wanted alcoholic drinks for dinner. No real savings for my family. Warning: Cinderella’s Royal Table takes two meal tickets per person. (My favorite meal was at San Angel at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot.)

 

 

 

 

 

6. Everyday a different Disney Theme Parks opens early at 8 a.m. Get up, throw a hat on and get there. There are less lines for some of the most popular rides. Example: At Disney Studios, the Toy Story line wait is normally 2 hours. We waited 25 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

7. This is my favorite tip for vacationers. Get up early and do the parks. Then around 11:30 am/Noon eat lunch either at the parks or at your hotel; and then relax by taking a nap or swimming at the pool. Around 4 p.m., arrive at the parks again and enjoy your evening. At 3 or 4 p.m., when we were entering the parks, lots of people were leaving. Again, we were able to ride popular attractions fast and then enjoyed dinner. Plus, if you stay at a Disney Resort Hotel, the extra relaxation will enable you to enjoy park extended hours.

 

 

 

 

 

8. Buy ponchos and don’t be afraid of the rain! We had heavy downpours for a few days, but that didn’t stop us. The lines for rides and character visits were short. As long as your clothes stay dry, the rain doesn’t matter. Example: At Epcot, we rode Nemo’s Adventure and participated in Crush’s Q&A without the hours of waiting.


 

 

 

 

9. Participate in the Disney Subculture: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/07/sorcerers-of-the-magic-kingdom-trading-card-game-coming-to-walt-disney-world-resort/   Receive free trading cards and map at the Firehouse in the Magic Kingdom. Go to locations in the park and watch movies relating to your cards. People were trading and wanting very special cards that were only available during Halloween and Christmas celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Finally, while at the Magic Kindgom, head to Adventure Land and enjoy a Dole Whip.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, I hope my tips helped with your itinerary. Disney is truly a magical place that brings out the kid in all of us.

Happy Vacationing!

 

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Reflection

Written on Monday, December 17th, 2012 @ 11:47 am

Today, every parent had a hard time dropping their child or children off at school. I was one of those parents. Unfortunately, we may never feel at ease sending our children to school. And how do we stop the violence?….Even President Obama is looking for those answers.

 

 

We must grieve, reflect and celebrate those lives taken much too soon. No matter their age, they are all heros and not to be forgotten.

This act of terrorism has shocked our nation leaving us angry and confused.  But we will gather all our courage and not live in fear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Starting Over…After A Job Transfer

Written on Wednesday, July 18th, 2012 @ 1:21 pm

Last year, my husband received a new position with his company, which unfortunately required our family to relocate to another state. Even though my husband was extremely excited to begin a new chapter in his career, I was scared and very sad to leave behind the life and career I knew. However, I was determined to make a happy new life for our family.

Lately, I have found out that several close friends will soon be going through this same situation.  And I have been asked the question, “How do you start over?”. To their surprise, my answer is simple, “Get involved”.

You don’t have to be the most outgoing person, but use the resources available to meet new people and participate in hobbies.

How to get involved:

-Meet your neighbors. I was very happy to have so many neighbors introduce themselves. But when outside working on the house or taking an evening walk, we make sure to wave and introduce ourselves. Neighbors love to talk about the area; and soon friendships begin.

-Join your neighborhood association. Our neighborhood is awesome. I would love to live here for a long time; and what better way to support the neighborhood but by joining the home association. I am the board’s secretary. This has given me a chance to know more people; and help make decisions to improve and grow neighbor relations.

-Join a church. If you are religious, join a faith community. Not only have we found a parish and school for our child, we found a community of friends who value our same beliefs. The Young Families Group plans fun picnics, book clubs and much needed, “Ladies’ Night Out” dinners.

-Volunteer at your child’s school. I made a strong connection with teachers; and gained some wonderful friendships with parents. I made an invaluable friend who is the best Thirty-One connection!

-Join a recreation center, pool or gym. This is a great way to meet new friends and get some exercise. It’s also nice to have your child play in a safe and supervised area while you workout.

-Use social media. One friend connected me with several women in the area for weekly playdates. Also, after noticing that I was a member of our neighborhood and church Facebook pages, a very dear friend immediately reached out to me. She figured we were going to meet at some point; why not now?

If your family is relocating in the future, I hope these suggestions help with a very smooth transition.

 

 

 

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Troop Beverly Hills

Written on Thursday, April 26th, 2012 @ 12:16 pm

I was craving Girl Scout cookies last night; and I began reminiscing of my years as a Brownie, Junior and Cadet. The Girls Scouts of America is a wonderful organization. I remember the crafts, campouts, badges and most importantly, the cookies. In the next few years, I see my daughter becoming a Girl Scout and carrying on so many traditions.

I think about becoming my daughter’s troop leader…even though I hate camping, not a fan of making knots and so on. I’m sure the Girl Scout curriculum has changed in past 25 years. However, I see my troop being more like “Troop Beverly Hills”.

What a wonderful movie that taught us so much such as:

  • -The California Community Property Laws can’t be beat.
  • -Appraising diamonds and gardening with glamour should be earned badges.
  • -A hotel room with nine people and one bathroom is roughing it.
  • -Perms are bad!
  • -Tori Spelling is not a real blonde.
  • -And the underdogs can always win the Annual Jamboree!

If you have a chance, watch this movie again. It’s fun and girls love it! Plus, you’ll get a small glimpse of my own troop. I will definitely teach my girls how to survive in the wilds of business, fashion and cooking with major appliances. (Not a fan of cooking on an open flame.) Also, I have a wonderful marketing plan for my troop’s cookie business….I see social media, websites, direct marketing, trade shows, etc.

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Be The Perfect Hostess

Written on Sunday, April 15th, 2012 @ 4:32 pm

Hosting guests from out of town? This is a great time to exercise the art of being the perfect hostess. Recently,we hosted out-of-town relatives; and I wanted them to feel completely comfortable in their new environment and ready to explore my city.

The keys to being the perfect hostess are simple: plan ahead and cater to the comforts of your guests.

Examples:

Create a guest room that’s cozy and tranquil…a haven to relax while away. A clean room, fluffy pillows, fresh sheets and a comfortable blanket make your guests feel right at home and very refreshed.



Surprise your guests with a special treat in their room. Our relatives received a local favorite, Graeter’s Buckeye candy.



Fill the guest bath with fresh scents. Have a votive candle burning and fragrant moisturizing hand soap. Plus, large soft towels give a luxurious hotel experience.


If lunch and dinner are at local eateries, make a continental breakfast at home. Have your guests favorite coffee brewing and bake a homemade breakfast roll everyone will enjoy…..Cinnamon Crescents (recipe tomorrow).


Finally, create a full itinerary including activities, meals and down time. Planning ahead makes life easy on the hostess and creates a mini-vacation for your guests. This also allows everyone to plan outfits and pack easily.

Happy Hosting!

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And The Thirty-One Gifts Winner Is………

Written on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 @ 10:01 am

Modhousewife would like to congratulate Kelly Box for winning the new Spring Cinch-It-Up Thermal Tote from Thirty-One Gifts.

Thank you to everyone that entered the contest by “liking” the Modhousewife.com Facebook page. Tune in for more giveaways including the “Right On the Walls” contest ending Feb. 15th (See previous post for details).

Also, if you are interested in booking a party or online catalog party with my rep, Amy Burke, click on http://www.mythirtyone.com/aburke1. (No need to be a resident of Ohio)

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Happy Adoption Story

Written on Monday, January 16th, 2012 @ 10:03 am

When I think of adoption, the first words that immediately enter my mind are “selflessness” and “conditional love”. There are so many children in this world waiting for a family to love them; and I want to tell you the story of an amazing family that is so excited to bring an adopted child into their lives.

To begin, Mike and Elizabeth (a high school friend) have an incredible love story. After meeting at a wedding and spending two wonderful weeks together, Mike was deployed to Iraq. For the next twenty months, they maintained a long-distance relationship even though Mike also spent time in Germany and Fort Benning. They talked or wrote to each other almost every single day and created an unbreakable bond. When Mike returned home they were quickly engaged and married. Mike and Elizabeth’s happily ever after was just beginning….and their dreams came true and hearts opened wider with the birth of their daughter, Morgan.

So in love with their daughter, they wanted to expand their family. Unfortunately, they endured two painful and heartbreaking ectopic pregnancies. But instead of giving up, Mike and Elizabeth decided adoption was the perfect path to create the family they always wanted.

Currently, they are waiting for their new baby. The child that will be paired with this family is lucky beyond words. I hope Mike, Elizabeth and Morgan will be united with their new addition very soon to complete this “Happy Adoption Story”.

For more information on this wonderful family or to send them words of support and love, please visit, www.waitingparents.adoptwebsite.com or happyadoptionstory.blogspot.com.

My love to you all!

 

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Thirty-One Gifts Contest

Written on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 @ 12:58 pm

Exciting news! Thanks to my wonderful Thirty-One Gifts Representative, Modhousewife will be giving away the new Spring Cinch-It-Up Thermal Tote on February 2nd.

To enter contest, log onto Facebook and simply “like” the “Modhousewife.com” Facebook page. If you already “like” Modhousewife.com on Facebook, you are automatically entered.

Also, if you are interested in booking a party or online catalog party with my rep, Amy Burke, click on http://www.mythirtyone.com/aburke1. (No need to be a resident of Ohio)

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The Waiting…..

Written on Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 @ 8:03 am

Tomorrow I have a doctor’s appointment; and it’s not the examination or possible blood test that frightens me, it’s the waiting. After I enter the office and fill out the insurance papers, how long will I have to sit and wait for my name to be called? Then once I am in the examining room, how long will I wait for the doctor to see me?

Last summer, I had a post-op appointment at 10am. I was in serious pain; and still waited for 45 minutes for the medical assistant to call my name. Then I waited another 20 minutes until the surgeon entered the room. He reviewed my incisions and wrote me a prescription. Total Time With Doctor = 5 minutes.

I believe there is a waiting room conspiracy. The doctors want you to wait long enough for a new aliment to begin. I know after I wait that long (especially if I am in a hurry to make a meeting, pick up a child, etc.) my mental state goes south quickly. This conspiracy will enable doctors to make more money or refer you to another doctor in their pyramid scheme.

So when scheduling your next doctor’s visit, my only advice is to choose the first appointment of the day or the appointment right after the office lunch break. You are sure to see your doctor faster!

Note to Doctors: Schedule your appointments farther apart. Then there’s no rush, patients will be happy and no need to ever apologize.

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Holiday Gifts…It’s Never Too Early

Written on Thursday, October 13th, 2011 @ 9:02 am

I realize that the Holidays are a little over two months away; but it’s never too early to buy your gifts.

When purchasing Holiday gifts early, the stores are sure to have the “most wanted” toys and electronic items in stock. (Most hot items are normally in the stores by late October). However, be sure to keep your receipts and careful watch on weekly ads. If these item(s) go on sale, it’s easy to bring your receipt to customer service for an extra discount. I recently purchased a holiday gift for my child; and to my surprise, Target discounted the item by 50% the next day. I immediately received my new discount; and I am relieved to have this popular item wrapped and secretly hidding for Christmas morning.

You probably receive a dozen emails a day from your favorite vendors advertising their latest sale. It’s important to take advantage of those sales now (especially for full price, new items). Retailers may remove sales from these items right after Thanksgiving when the Holiday shopping rush begins.  Plus, most vendor emails promise “free shipping” along with other super discounts!

No one likes crowded malls. So if you must buy in store in order to receive a discount or a special item, go now. Avoid the endless search for the perfect parking spot , not-so-friendly frustrated and tired shoppers and a possible confrontation with a person wanting your item.

Finally, by taking the extra time to Holiday shop now, you will avoid stress and have more time for festivities and family fun. Isn’t that what the Holidays are all about? Happy Shopping!

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