A Trip To The Mall Of America!

This past weekend was my 42nd birthday! It's crazy to think that TWO FULL YEARS ago I turned 40. After celebrating my birthday this weekend and having an Instagram memory pop up, reminding me of my trip to the Mall Of America, I realized I never blogged about it. Sigh... A back log of two years? Really?! Really!!!

Lori Burt...

Where have you been all of my life!!!? O.M.GEE. Ya'll, about a week ago, I was "@", on Instagram, from a friend who knew how much I would LOVE to win a contest that "lbprojectprint" was having! I had never heard of Lori Burt, but I didn't have anything to lose. Truthfully, I don't even recall seeing the details about WHAT I would win because I could only focus on those cute, lip paperclips that she was giving away.

Days prior, I had just rushed off to Target after a SeneSister of mine spotted them, in her town, at Targer. Sadly, no lips paperclips were found.  

My sister, who is also a SeneSister, and I, just days prior to winning, had an in depth conversation about how OUR contest, raffles, and giveaways are REAL, but we were skeptical of others who throw contests. We just assumed it's a deceptive ploy to gain followers. However, when it comes to LIP items, of any sort, I am not passing up an opportunity to at least TRY & WIN!

AND THEN... Lori Burt did a InstaStory, showing the winner, and the WINNER was ME! [Insert shocked emoji face HERE].  

Again, I thought I "just" won the adorable collection of items above.  BUT then... I realized, I also won a mini print of MYSELF designed and illustrated by Lori.  I was also able to share this WIN with a friend.  I chose my sister because I knew she'd greatly appreciate these girly lip items as well.  

I became pretty obsessed with this look IMMEDIATELY. I needed MORE than a mini print... I couldn't stop there. Lori Burt and I decided to collaborate together. In addition to what I had already won, Lori blessed me with an additional pdf file which included my very own Facebook Header (shown above), a profile graphic, a 4x6 thank you card, and the actual illustration for me to use! I'd LOVE to use Lori to rebrand my company eventually. I am looking into this on my 1-year anniversary, in April. 

Working with Lori was SIMPLE.  She is ON TOP of it.  Even though this was a giveaway, she treated it as if I was paying for it! She finished my print in less than 24 hours.  All I had to do was send her a photo of myself and my sister.

If you desire an illustration of your own, contact Lori, and PLEASE tell her that I referred her to you!!

I mean, every LIPBOSS needs an LBProjectPrint. Check Lori out HERE, to learn more about her talents, her business, and all of the products that she has to offer.

I have several LipBoss outfits that I would LOVE to have drawn up and of course we have 57 shades of LipSense (currently), so the options for notecards and personal images are endless. I've been telling my hubby for years, "If I could go back in time, I would go to college to be a graphic designer, chef, or baker!"  I will live vicariously through Lori. LOL! I am slightly "jelly" that I don't know how to do something like this. Lori, thank you kindly for EVERYTHING.  I look forward to either collaborating again or doing business with you in the very near future. P.S.  Now, it's your turn to try LipSense. Hehe.  

Mall OF America... HERE I COME!

It's been my dream or WISH since I was 37 years old.  I wanted to spend my 40th birthday at the Mall Of America, in Minnesota.  From all of my research, the majority of people say, "This is a DEFINITE bucketlist item!" I was never sure if I would really have the opportunity to go.  Anyone can dream, right? About two weeks ago, Darren came to me and said, "I have been trying to plan your birthday present, but I can't keep it a surprise anymore because there are too many details and questions I have?" "Huh?", I said? So he told me.  "I have been trying to plan your trip to the Mall Of America?" "HOLY COW!!!! NO WAY!" was my response.  Hehe. I was blessed with a new car in September.  When Darren handed over the keys he said, "Happy Thanksgiving.  Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday!!!!!! Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Anniversary!!"  So, getting a trip for my birthday, I thought, was not an option.  This man NEVER FAILS ME! 

So... on February 9th, my actual birthday, I am heading to the MOA, to spend Thursday - Sunday there. Darren wanted to come with me SOOOOOOO bad and he is actually sad that he can't go.  Our childcare, for out of town, is very limited and we just couldn't make it work this time.  So sad.  BUT, my sister Ashley, who I haven't seen in four years, is meeting me there.  At first, I really wanted to go alone, if I couldn't go with my hubby.  The only part that I was weirded out about was eating dinner, at a restaurant, by myself.  Otherwise, being alone meant doing whatever I want.  AND CATCHING UP on my sleep/blogging. I am so excited to have someone to go with though. We are going to have a blast.  

Enjoy a few funny, quirky, facts about the Mall Of America: 

1. You could fit seven Yankee Stadiums inside the Mall of America.

2. Or you could fit 32 Boeing 747s inside the Mall of America.

3. Or you could fit 258 Statues of Liberty inside the Mall of America.

4. The Mall of America has its own counterterrorism unit.

5. If you were to visit the mall and spend 10 minutes inside every store, it would take you 86   hours to complete your journey.

6. It took 13,300 tons of steel to build the Mall of America. That’s almost twice the amount it took to build that Tinkertoy the Eiffel Tower.

7. It boasts having a 1.2 million-gallon aquarium.

8. Feeding these aquatic creatures requires more than 100 pounds of food, daily.

9. It cost more than $650 million to build the Mall of America in 1992.

10. And they just confirmed a $325 million expansion of the mall. By the way, a trip to the moon costs roughly $100 million per person.

11. The Mall of America generates almost $2 billion in annual revenue for the state of Minnesota.

12. On Black Friday in 2013, 29-year-old Serge Vorobyov was “cited for disorderly conduct” for throwing $1,000 off the fourth story balcony at the Mall of America. He was inspired to do so by a GEICO commercial.

13. There is a light rail that will take you straight from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport to the Mall of America. You barely have to step outside.

14. You can get married at the Chapel of Love in the Mall of America. In fact, more than 7,000 people have gotten married at the Mall of America since it opened.

15. The Mall of America used to have a high school in it! Talk about an All-American education.

16. Ever wanted to get lost? The Mall of America has one of the largest mirror mazes on the planet!

17. The Mall of America plans to install two zip lines in the very near future.

18. It has no central heating. Despite Minnesota’s hot summers and brutally cold winters, the only parts of the Mall of America that are heated are the entrances. The year-round 70 degree temperature that it averages is maintained by body heat, lighting fixtures, and solar heat from the skylights.

19. The Mall of America uses water-saving toilets. This saves 1.4 million gallons of water a year.

20. The Mall of America boasts 40 million visitors annually.

21. In lieu of pesticides, 72,000 lady bugs were released in the Mall of America to protect its tropical plant life from aphids.

22. Speaking of plant life, moving all of those trees into the Mall of America required the labor of 65 semi-trucks.

23. The Mall of America was built where Metropolitan Stadium once stood (former home of the Vikings and the Twins). There are plaques around marking where home plate was and where iconic home runs landed.

24. Allegedly, one in three visitors comes from at least 150 miles away, while 4 out of 10 visitors are tourists of some kind.

25. The Mall of America holds the world record for having the most Ninja Turtles amassed in one area. There were 836. Previous record: 786.

26. There are more than 520 stores in the Mall of America.

27. The Mall of America produces upward of 4,000 pounds of biodiesel fuel monthly from recycled fryer fat.

28. The Mall of America employs roughly 11,000 employees year round, and about 13,000 during the peak seasons.

29. Contained within two parking ramps, the Mall of America offers 12,550 on-site parking spots.

30. It’s the largest mall in the United States, 4.87 million square feet.

Ashley and I are staying at the Radisson Blu Mall Of America.  This hotel looks AH-mazing AND SOOOOOO contemporary. Just the way I like it. It's also conveniently attached to the mall, so we can drop off our bags if our arms are too full/tired and need to rest our feet for a few minutes, but not for long... haha.  I ain't wasting a moment of this opportunity.  

If we finish shopping before our time is up, after all it takes 86 hours to complete IF you spend 10 minutes in each store, then we plan to take their metro or a taxi to explore St. Paul or other parts of Minnesota.  We even have a "fancy night" planned.  Gosh... I have SOOOO much to do to prepare this home for my departure and myself for my trip! Lord Jesus give me EXTRA ENERGY!

I cannot tell you how excited I am.  Darren, I love you and I am so thankful for this opportunity.  Saying goodbye to my 30s will be just fine. 40 is just a number and truthfully, I feel like last year and this year have been my best year yet!!! It's time this BIG 40 year old girl, do BIG THINGS, like shop at the largest mall in America, until I drop!!! #SoFun #MyHusbandROCKS

Exciting News About Me!!!!

It's very rare I blog about myself. I definitely share some home project ideas, organization tips, delicious recipes and crafts, but rarely do you hear me talking about something going on in my personal life, unless it relates to a family vacation.  

I was recently contacted by an instructor, at the family YMCA, Sandy Hart.  She had recalled a conversation that we had about some of my future goals.  She asked if I was still interested in becoming a fitness instructor.  I definitely was, but I had no idea that the push of another instructor would get me there even sooner than I had envisioned.  

The next day, I passed the YMCA's director, Nancy Greene.  She asked if I had a few minutes to chat in her office.  I was certainly willing to explore what being an instructor would require of me and what the process would be.  I wound up having the actual interview that day.  LOL!  I left the interview with instructions, by Nancy, to come up with a routine.  The next step would be to audition in front of her.  

I spent about two weeks designing my routine (not day in and day out, just during my spare time). I enjoyed learning the moves and making it my own. The hard part was giving "my clients" enough warning to transition to the next exercise, remembering to breath, and engaging "my clients" with conversation.  My routine was tough.  I'm not going to lie.  I was worried about whether or not I would be able to push through the entire routine without fail.  

Days leading up to my audition, I treated myself to an audition outfit or T-H-R-E-E.  Eeeek!  Come on, every instructor needs to look IN STYLE!!!!

This is the outfit I chose to wear for my audition.

Here was the playlist for my routine.  It was a 5 minute warm up, 10 minutes of PURE CARDIO (non stop exercising), and a 5 minute cool down.

My audition was last Tuesday!!! I had many prayer warriors praying for me.  And of course, I prayed too!! I felt the Lord's presence during the ENTIRE audition.  I walked right in and within 5-7 minutes began. I taught the class to the director only. Haha.  Being Nancy was rooting for my success, she made me feel confident rather than intimidated.  I felt so comfortable and energetic. I even wore the microphone, giving me the FULL experience.  It was a ton of fun.  The Lord was faithful to maintain my endurance, help me remember my entire 20 minute routine, and he removed all of my anxiety.  Afterwards, Nancy said, "You did excellent and I wouldn't just tell everyone that!"

Above: These photos are taken from video clips, from a video recording of this audition.  I brought a tripod and recorded the entire routine so I could see how I did.  I rewatched it several times to see what I did well and what I need improvement on. Will I be sharing that video with you all? PROBABLY not...haha.  That's like a photographer showing you all of her unedited photos. You'll just have to come take my class, once I get certified, and let me kick your butt. LOL!  

I was told to fill out an application, so I did.  

Now, I wait to get CPR certified in November and certified to be a fitness instructor in December.  I am really excited to see how the Lord uses me and this job hobby to minister to others.

Above:  (Top left, to right, to bottom) Sister, Brother, Sister, Mother.  My sister Whitney is a Yoga Instructor, in Florida.  My brother was a competitive body builder and personal trainer, but now competes in Jui Jitsu and is an FBI Agent, Richmond.  My sister Ashley is a Piloxing Instructor, in Pennsylvania.  My mother was one of the FIRST to be on stage with Richard Simmons and taught aerobics for decades in Florida. They are my motivation for success.  :)

A Paper Chain, Lead Me To An Internet Trail, Which Led Me to A Travel Agent!!!

It's so funny how something simple, such as a paper chain "pin", on pinterest, could lead to something so much greater!  Let me explain...

As I began planning my Disney trip, I started to realize that it was beginning to take over me.  For those of you who know me and know me WELL, you understand exactly what I mean.  Recall Lilah and Jax's 1st birthday party? I was a mother to an almost 5 year old, rambunctious boy and (2) 10 month old twins. I started planning the twins' 1st birthday party on December 31st... their birthday is March 25th. As the weeks progressed, I was staying up until 3 a.m., most nights, and waking back up at 5 a.m. to workout. Closer to the party date, my body was failing me, and I broke out in hives.  E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E.  The doctor said it was stress related. Uh- yea!!! Let's see, a mother of 3 only getting 2 hours of sleep nightly? Hives are so ITCHY, I must add. My girlfriend/sister in Christ, Jill, decided to rebuke me and remind me that my treasure should be Christ. She was right.  I have still been able to maintain my stupendous party throwing image :), but I have definitely kept things in perspective. I am very thankful for bold, loving friends who can use God's word and hold me accountable. So refreshing. Thanks again Jill, if you're reading.

Anyway, it's NOT that I desired my Disney planning to be an idol, but I almost could tell it was heading that way.  The way Disney vacations are now-a-days is intense.  Typically, you need over 180 days, in advance, to book your resort room and dining reservations, if you have specific places and times you cannot live without.  At the time Darren and I decided to go to Disney, I was less than 100 days out, so basically, I was already 80 days behind schedule (not good for my personality).  As I began planning our trip, I was spending my late night hours, staring at the computer, trying to design our eating agenda. It just wasn't simple. And reading reviews of each restaurant only made matters worse.  I decided to shut my computer down for a few days.  I just needed a break and Darren was getting slightly upset with me.  Out of respect to him and GOD (of course), I changed courses.  I decided to look up a few, fun ways to get the kids excited about our Disney trip.  

It was THEN that I came across THIS PIN  "a paper chain, which lead me to an internet trail".  I contacted the originally pinner.  Her name is Bethany.  She had mentioned, on her blog, that if anyone desired to receive the pdf file, for the Disney paper chain, all we had to do was ask. So I did!  Within hours, I received the documents. Sadly, I have YET to make the paper chain, but I did buy the items needed. Bethany was super sweet.  She took my request a bit further.  Bethany began offering many amazing suggestions for Disney, some of which I will be sharing in later posts, for example, renting a stroller from an "OFF SITE" stroller company. 

It was Bethany's final "offer" that lead me to something much GREATER.  She mentioned that she had used a travel agent, for her Disney trip.  She went further to explain that her travel agent made all of her reservations and even gave her a free, Disney gift card, for booking her trip through her.

I am NOT one to let someone else take control of my plans.  I am a HUGE planner and I guess, at times, a control freak, so the idea of a travel agent scared me a bit.  However, if I didn't want my Disney planning to be an idol and become my treasure, I had to at least test the waters.  Bethany aka "the internet trail, lead me to a travel agent", named Tabitha Woodard.

I contacted Tabitha, via email, and within a matter of seconds, she contacted me back.  It was like 9:30 p.m., at that point, and we immediately got on the phone with each other and spoke for over 20 minutes.  Tabitha's personality is contagious. She's friendly, personable, and loves, loves, loves to talk Disney. Her laugh is contagious too. My gut instinct was to use her. I asked what I needed to do in order to be able to accept her help and she said, 

"Well, you will need to turn all of your Disney accounts over to me and I will need a $200 deposit!"  

That's when I started to panic.  AHHHHH! I asked her where she lived and she said in Raleigh.  I asked her for references.  I spoke to her references.  I continued to press in on her and learn more about her and her family. I am not easily duped. After multiple phone calls with past clients, as well as multiple phone calls with her, I decided to trust her and the Lord's sovereign hand in leading me to her. My biggest fear, was sending my final payments, to her home address, and never hearing from her again. We all know that would NOT have been the first time something like that has happened. You hear those types of stories on Dateline ALL THE TIME.

What REALLLLLLY sold me was her love for the Lord.  We hadn't even been on the phone for 10 minutes and both Tabitha and I were sharing our faith in Jesus.  I did say to her though, "Well, don't take this the wrong way, but half the world "believes" in Jesus, so I still plan to do my due diligence."  LOL!  She was perfectly fine with that and wouldn't expect me to do anything less.  

Once I gave her my deposit and she began producing the results, I felt like the greatest gift I have received through this entire process, even aside from this trip to Disney, was a new sister in Christ and hopefully a friend for life.  

Tabitha is EXPEDIENT in her services.  She is a home schooling mom, yet she is always at your service whenever you need her.  I have spoken to her as early as 7:00 a.m. and as late as 11:30 p.m.  She has the UPMOST patience.  At one point I had TWO different rooms reserved, at two different resorts.  I had her cancel ONE reservation and then eventually rebook me at the same location.  She has given me suggestions and advice on things that do NOT relate to the actual booking, ie. What type of autograph books should I order?  ie. What is your opinion of the disney pin trading that takes place? Tabitha has offered suggestions that have saved me literally hundreds of dollars.  For instance, one day she said, 

"I was in the shower and almost screamed thinking about something that could save you hundreds of dollars. Do you have a target red card?  IF so, you can go to target, buy DISNEY gift cards, at target, and save 5% on your entire trip!"

While taking a relaxing shower, she was thinking about how I could save hundreds?  FYI, I took her advice and saved over $800 with my target red card.  

Since conversing with her, I have passed off her information to my sister, Ashley, who is traveling to Disney World, in November. Tabitha is now Ashley's travel agent too. Tabitha gifted, to me, a $75 gift card, for booking with her, as well as a $25 gift card for referring my sister to her.  I received a total of $100 from Tabitha to date.  SO... if you book with Tabitha, and you have learned about her through ME, please be sure to mention my name.  

Again, who would ever think that a simple paper chain pin would lead me to something so much greater.  Tabitha has rescued me from idolizing my Disney trip.  Tabitha has allowed me to sleep peacefully at night, in my husband's arms, and not contract hives.  Tabitha has made ALL of my reservations (dining and fast passes), with my final approval :) 

And aside from the best news of all, her being a believer in Jesus Christ, she is completely and totally FREE!!!!!!!! Can't beat it.  Tabitha, I truly am thankful for your help and I know I have NOT said it enough.  The gift card saga that we went through was enough to make you run far away from me.  HAHA.  I will be making that a separate post for anyone who is dying to know that story.  Because of you, planning my Disney trip has been a breeze and very pleasant.  Maybe you should turn into a wedding planner too!  Any bride would LOVE for their wedding plans to be memorable rather than stressful.  Love ya!!!

2 side notes: 

1. Can you believe that birthday party, which caused me hives, was a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse party?  How ironic that Tabitha is resolving those past issues for me by planning my Disney trip.

2. Tabitha has been to Disney over 10 times.  She knows all the ins and outs about the parks, the rides, the restaurants, and the resorts.  She has shared a ton of must DOs, might not want to do, and definite don'ts.

The Day Before The Tobin Family Left

"All good things must come to an end..." or so they say.  Ashely, Aeila, and Tripp were about to say goodbye after a wonderful 10 days together.  Usually after 2-3 days of company, I am ready for reality and routine to be back to normal, but I truly enjoyed every moment of their visit.  The day before the Tobin family left, we treated them to the Green Ridge Recreation Center's indoor water park!  The kids seemed to have a blast!!!

Tyson brought his buddy Josh with us.  They enjoyed the activity center after the swimming.  Here, they are playing virtual dodge ball.

Welcome Baby Daniel Joseph Tobin!!!!

Approximately ONE week earlier than expected, baby "Daniel Joseph Tobin" aka "Trip" (because he's a "3rd" ~ named after his grandpa and daddy) entered the world.

My sister, Ashley, gave birth to him NATURALLY (owe) without choice. She had been feeling contractions for several days, but was just working through them. Her and her hubby went to a birthday party tonight, and after being there for a short time, Ashley realized, "it's time!"

They headed to the hospital, were there two hours, and my sister knew that it was time to push. Already 10 cm dilated, Ashely gave it ONE BIG PUSH and bam.......... "TRIP" arrived. Incase you're wondering, "Trip" stands for "Triple".

My sister is my hero. LOL! She gave birth naturally. OWIE! But I quote her, "Oh I wanted an epidural. I was screaming for it, but it was tooooo late!"

I was able to speak to her on the phone just a few short hours after the baby was born. Ashley sounded WIDE awake, perky, and showed no signs of pain. Shew!!! What is it with these women named Ashley/Ashely. They are incredible.

Baby Daniel Joseph Tobin weighs 6 pounds. 3 ounces born on July 14th.

Born 1 DAY before his MOMMY'S Birthday ~ July 15th.

We can't wait to meet him!!!!

The Bride Throws the Bouquet

The Groom Retrieves the Garter Belt!

I FORGOT I CAPTURED Tyson's "catch", of the garter belt, ON VIDEO!!!!! It was much more hilarious in person!!!!! What a smooooth capture. The only bad part was the fact that I didn't realize he has to then put the garter belt on the girl who caught the bouquet. Luckily, he put it on her arm and NOT her leg.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Tobin

On September 9, 2011, our family traveled to Pennsylvania to be a part of my sister's wedding. Myself along with all three of my children were honored to be a part of the bridal party. The ride up was perfect. The kids are world travelers, even with the terrible traffic in D.C. and the twins' potty training, we made it in 6 hours. We NEVER STOPPED. I just brought a portable potty and let the twins get out of their seats when they needed to use the potty. Praise God for our safety there and back.

The weekend went fast!!!! It was wonderful to spend time with my family and to see the biggest smile on my sister and NEW brother-in-law's face. The wedding reception was a TON OF FUN. You can tell they put a lot of effort into making this a memory for not only themselves, but their guests as well.

My sister is no longer a Crisafi, but a TOBIN! I will let the pictures do the talking!!!! Double click on the album below to see the photos on a larger scale.