by Alexis Novak

Hi. My name’s Alexis, I’m a Florida native, and I don’t Disney very well.  Please don’t tell a soul.  As I write this I fear a gangsta Mickey Mouse will appear on my door step and break my knees.  It feels so sacrilegious to confess my anti-Disney thoughts.  Think Walt can hear them up in Disney Heaven?

I don’t like Disney and Disney definitely doesn’t like me. There, I said it.  I don’t speak their language.  I don’t feel the magic.  It isn’t the happiest place on earth.  All the hoards of people.  All the manufactured joy.  The sheer desperation to make sure your kids eek the most fun out of the pricey experience.  I sense it all and it just makes me anxious.  I’m not even going to blame the pre-pubescent New Jersey cheerleadering squad on “It’s a Small World” who joked that my baby looks like she has Downs Syndrome.  Or the lady that shoved my toddler aside so her older child could get on the Dumbo flying ride first.  (And that was just our first few hours). There is something about Disney madness that brings out the worst in people.  I would prefer not to witness the greedy ugliness or ugly greediness so close up.  The anxiety to have fun is palpable since most families have saved up all year to ensure a good Disney time.  And a good Disney time is an expensive one.

I tried to dig Disney our first family trip.  I wanted to like it and experience it through my toddler.  She did experience moments of big fun that she is still talking about. She also threw epic temper tantrums brought on by over-stimulation and exhaustion that continued after we returned home.  My daughter said her favorite parts were riding the “school buses” and “sleeping in the bed”.  That reminded me of when your child likes the box the toy came in more than the toy.

In fairness to Disney, we arrived about three years too early. Everything scared my 2 and ½ year old and my 9 month old was pissed her nap schedule went haywire so she cried the better part of two days.  I left every show about five minutes in when Punky started screaming “Too SCARY! Let’s goooooooooooo!” at the top of her lungs.  Even at Disney people stared.

Maybe I am overthinking it.  I have been accused of this my entire life. When my daughter asked me “Where is Wonderland?” after meeting Alice at breakfast and “Is there a big world?” after riding small world then I knew that this “thinking too hard” thing was genetic.  My kids are doomed.  They will also have trouble swallowing the over-branded and canned joy that the Disney machine shoves down our throats as cheery music surges through the loud speakers.

But that doesn’t mean I’ve given up on Disney entirely.  It is a necessary parenting evil that isn’t going anywhere.  I am going to learn how to Disney well if it kills me.  On the ride home, my husband and I have made Disney guidelines for our possible future trips.  Never again until every child is potty trained. Not until all kids have graduated to one nap or are nap-free.  Next time bring a grandparent or babysitter so we can go out at night at least once.  And next time our meal plan will include alcohol.  That’s all we could come up with.  I am going to try to stop thinking now.

How well do you Disney?  And what do I need to know to get this Disney thing right next time?

Written by Alexis Novak • Leave a comment

Name: Wendy Buck-Hessinger

Kids: Quinn, Miles, Eden, Skylar and Evan my two foster children and Maria and Florencia my two foreign exchange students. That makes 7.

Occupation: I am a yoga instructor at the Don Cesar. I teach beach yoga and various other fitness classes. I am also a hair extension installer, I sell and install feather hair extensions.

Hometown: I am from Stroudsburg, PA, I currently reside in St. Petersburg, Florida

H&H Interview with Wendy:

1. What are the top 3 items in your grocery cart?

Cereal, milk and bread

2. What are you reading (honestly)?

Life by Keith Richards

3. What is your guilty pleasure when you get a break from the kids?

I love to go to see live music and of course yoga.

4. What would we be surprised to find in your purse?

Feathers and pliers!

5. What is your favorite reality TV show?

The Rachel Zoe Project and The Millionaire Matchmaker.

6. What is your cocktail of choice?

Flavored Vodka and Club soda or a cucumber gimlet from Ocean Prime

7. What is the funniest thing your kids have said or done lately?

We have a new baby kitten they find ways to entertain her and when we gave her catnip it was quite entertaining.

8. What is your favorite quotation?

To err is human to forgive, divine.

9. Where is your fantasy getaway?

I love Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and I am a huge fan of most countries in Europe. We explored Spain in August and we loved it!

10. What is top on your list for Santa this year?

Health, success and happiness to continue.

11. What is something most people don’t know about you?

I have seven kids that I care for. I am a huge music fan. I have seen every band that you can name with the exception of country artists.

12. What is your secret to staying Hot & Healthy?

Yoga of course!

Written by Lea Barlow • 1 Comment

H&H holiday giveaway’s continue today with this very unique Dandy and Dogs clutch from EmersonMade – one of my favorite sites to shop! Just going to the website makes me happy. Check out the gorgeous Big Dahlia and UngloomBloom and I dare you to tell me you don’t crack a smile.

Plus, a bonus for all readers! Enter the code:
HotHealthyHoliday!120810
and receive 20% off any purchase.
Good through Sunday, December 12th, 2010

For a chance to win, please send an email through the H&H Contact page. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck!

Update: Congrats to winner Heather Sell!

Wear it this way…

or this way…

Enter now or I may keep it for myself!

*Happy Friday*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

The next few weeks will likely be the busiest and most stressful time of the year. Between holiday parties, winter break for the kids and all of that shopping to complete it’s easy to get that run-down look.  H&H friend and makeup expert, Wendi Braswell shares with us today some quick tips to help keep us gorgeous throughout the season.

1. Should change my skincare routine for each season?

Yes, with this colder weather your skin will need more hydration. Add a moisturizer with more antioxidants to nourish your skin.

2. What is the best eyeshadow color for my eyes?

Opposites attract! Whatever your eye color is you want to stay away from that color to make them pop. For instance if you have blue eyes browns will give you most definition. Green eyes, try plum to make them stand out.

3. Why does my makeup not last through the day?

Because of your application process. Prep your skin with moisture, primer and use good brushes.

4. Anything to do for my oily skin?

Yes! Switch to oil-free products and set with powder. Stay away from shine it will draw attention to oily skin. Try matte colors to enhance your face.

5. What is the best way to add some holiday flare to my makeup without looking overdone?

Define the eye with darker colors with some shine or try stronger lip but do with lighter eyes. Keep skin illuminating with hydration.

6. How do I create the smoky eye look?

Dark to light shadow starting at lid. Try in plum or gray!Line all around eye with darker liner then smudge with Q-tip. Make sure you blend,blend,blend!

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment