I love it when social media gathers around a good cause and effects change within the community. That is exactly what is going to happen next Tuesday, September 14th, 2010.
Weight Watchers is in the midst of the Lose for Good campaign. It is a 7-week campaign that runs from September 5th-October 23rd. As members of Weight Watchers lose weight and do other activities during the campaign, they are adding to the donation that Weight Watchers will be making to help end childhood hunger here in the US and around the world.
I will give you all the details on Tuesday as to what you can do to help but here is a sneak peak of what is coming… Lose-A-Palooza is a one-day social media event created to encourage participation in the Lose For Good® campaign to benefit Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger. As part of the Lose For Good campaign, Weight Watchers will donate $1, up to a maximum of $60,000, to Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger for each approved mention, acknowledgment or action related to “Lose For Good” made on September 14th through blogs, Twitter, Facebook and check-in via foursquare.
September 14th is our day to raise awareness for the Lose for Good campaign by participating in Lose-A-Palooza. Mark your calendar and check back here on Tuesday morning, my post will be up at 8am EDT, and jump in and get involved!
On August 5, 2010 Patina Restaurant Group opened a new casual pizzeria, called Via Napoli, in the Italy pavilion in Epcot World Showcase at Walt Disney World Resort. This becomes the first authentic Italian pizzeria to ever open in the park. Restaurateur and longtime Patina Restaurant Group CEO Nick Valenti created the Via Napoli concept, based upon his travels in Southern Italy and his time developing and overseeing the successful Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria in New York which was awarded the coveted certification of “La Vera Pizza Napoletana.” While in Naples, Valenti spent time studying the art of dough, crust, sauce and oven temperatures at the famous pizzerias Da Michele and Trianon. At Da Ettore, he discovered the art of pagnotiello, a folded round of pizza dough filled with mozzarella, ham and mushrooms.
“I have always loved the beauty of a simple Neapolitan pizza,” Valenti says. “It’s a perfect food, something beloved by both Italians and Americans. At Via Napoli we will make pizza the traditional Neapolitan way: with a textured, soft and charred crust. I look forward to bringing it to Walt Disney World, where it should be a welcome addition to guests visiting Epcot.”
The Grand Opening ceremonies were very festive and included speeches by Dan Cockerell, V.P. of Epcot and Nick Valenti, CEO of the Patina Restaurant Group. Mickey and Minnie even helped cut the ribbon, er… grape vine.
Both the interior and exterior of the restaurant are exquisitely detailed in traditional Italian style.
A unique feature at Via Napoli is the wood-burning ovens, which are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli. Each oven is sculpted with the “face of the volcano” — reflecting the gods whose mythology surrounds each volcano’s history.
Our meal started with a glass of Mineral Water, sparkling or still and our choice of flavors of Acqua Fresca…I had strawberry and it was a thicker beverage than I expected but it was deliciously refreshing. For appetizers we had Fritto Misto which is an assortment of Italian delicacies including Arancini, Calamari Fritti, Melanzane and more. Next it was on to the pizzas! I love pizza and with out a doubt the best pizza crust I have ever eaten is a Via Napoli. We tried three of the pizzas and they were all amazing but my favorite hands down was the Quattro Formaggi (four cheese) Pizza. We also tried the Margherita Pizza (tomato, mozzarella and basil) which was Aaron’s favorite and the more classic Pepperoni Pizza. The pizzas come in 3 sizes Individual is $16, Large is $27 and 1/2 Meter to Share is $36-yes they are pricier than your local pizzeria but I promise you they are worth it!
For dessert we had Tiramisu, Zeppole di Caterina (ricotta cheese fritters served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce) and Gelato Frizzante (ice cream soda “Italian Style” made with San Pellegrino’s “Aranciata” and vanilla gelato). I am not a big coffee fan but those that are loved the Tiramisu. I enjoyed the Zeppole but my favorite dessert was the Gelato Frizzante. I have been raving to everyone about Via Napoli and I can’t wait to go back and bring my entire family. Call now to make your ADRs for your next trip. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan Via Napoli uses Table service credits.
I love to bake so when Duncan Hines asked if I’d like to review their new Decadent Cakes and Glazes line, I jumped at the chance! They sent me a box of Decadent Apple Caramel cake and a bottle of Amazing Chocolate Glaze. We haven’t tried the glaze yet but I made the cake for dessert for our Labor Day get together.
Here is some information from Duncan Hines: Duncan Hines®, the well recognized brand that has been helping families create delicious memories for 60 years, introduces the latest breakthrough in deliciousness at the baking aisle – Decadent Cakes and Glazes.
Only Duncan Hines now offers the most premium, indulgent cakes that one can find outside of a bakery. Duncan Hines new Decadent Cake Line with two new incredibly indulgent offerings – Duncan Hines Decadent Triple Chocolate Cake with real chocolate chunks and rich fudge and Duncan Hines Decadent Apple Caramel cake with real apples and rich caramel. With more people entertaining at home and looking for better quality desserts, these decadent cakes are perfect. Both cakes contain zero grams of trans fat and NO hydrogenated oils. They are available in cake baking section of supermarkets nationwide in 20 oz size boxes at a SRP of $2.99.
Simultaneously, Duncan Hines launches Decadent Glazes, a one of a kind glaze designed to elevate the baking experience with a whole new way to top your desserts. Available in Chocolate and Vanilla, Decadent Glazes help home chefs create spectacular desserts with professional results. Only Duncan Hines offers this versatile topping to complement your baked goods or any dessert with a touch of sweetness and flavor. What separates Decadent Glazes from frosting is they are not as heavy or sweet as frosting and are convenient to use. These glazes are available in a 10 ounce squeeze bottle at an SRP of $2.49.
“We’re passionate and committed to product innovation,” said Lora Van Velsor, Vice President of Marketing for Duncan Hines. “We are confident the Decadent Cakes and Glazes will excite consumers and offer unbelievably delicious baking experiences.”
Try these NEW and innovative recipe ideas or visit www.duncanhines.com for even more indulgent offerings.
The cake was easy to make and was a HUGE hit! The cake is very light and moist with just the right amount of apple pieces. I served it with my mom’s homemade whipped cream and we all agreed this dessert was much better when served warm. We popped the slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before adding the whipped cream and it was perfect. We also all agreed this would make a great dessert for a breakfast, brunch or coffee meeting. As a matter of fact…I had some for breakfast this morning! I can’t wait to go buy the Decadent Triple Chocolate Cake mix and make that next!
I just made the cake following the recipe on the box but here are some other recipes from Duncan Hines. Apple Caramel Bars:
Prep Time: 20 mins Bake Time: 30-35 mins Serves: 24 (2×2 in squares)
Ingredients Needed:
1 box Duncan Hines Decadent Apple Caramel Cake
1 egg
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup butter
2 cups quick cooking oatmeal oats
1 cup chopped peanuts (1/2 cup reserved for top, _ cup mixed with caramel pouch)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. In small sauce pan, melt brown sugar, corn syrup and butter on medium. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. To a mixing bowl add the cake mix, nuts, oatmeal and egg. Mix by hand until blended. Mix caramel pouch as directed and stir in _cup nuts.
4. Pour in the melted brown sugar, butter mixture and stir until well mixed. Stir in caramel pouch with peanuts.
5. Spread evenly into a 9×13 inch, lightly greased baking pan. Press remaining peanuts onto surface of cake.
6. Bake for 30-35mins.
7. Remove from oven and immediately press down on surface of hot cooked bars with spatula.
8. Cool and refrigerate before cutting.
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars:
Prep time: 20 mins Bake time: 25 mins Serves: 24 (2×2 inch squares)
Crust:
1 box of Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Decadent Cake (reserve cup of dry mix for cheesecake filling)
1/2 cup butter ( l stick)
1 large egg
Chocolate shaving for garnish
Filling:
One 8 oz pkg. of cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
2 eggs
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup of reserved cake dry mix
Package of Duncan Hines triple chocolate add in pouch (mix as directed on package)
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Greased bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch pan. Mix together by hand the above ingredients. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 greased pan.
Set aside.
2. Beat together cream cheese, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Beat in ¼ cup of dry cake mix, until well blended.
3. Mix package of triple chocolate add in pouch following directions on box (stir 1/3 cup cold water into dry pouch ingredients), Stir pouch mixture into filling and mix until blended. Do not over mix. Pour filling batter on top of crust.
4. Bake in a 325° oven for 23-25 mins. Filling will still be slightly jiggly.
Cool completely. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired. Refrigerate after cooling.
Chocolate Biscotti:
Prep time: 15 mins Bake time: 45 mins Yield: 3 dozen
INGREDIENTS:
1 box of Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Decadent Cake Mix
1 stick butter, melted
2 whole eggs
1 cup flour
¼ cup water
PREPARATION and BAKING:
1. Combine the ingredients until a dough is formed
2. Divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll into logs
3. Place onto a sheet pan that has parchment paper
4. Gently flatten the logs to one inch thick and three inches wide
5. Bake 325° for about 25 min or until firm
6. Cool for 5 minutes, slice and re-bake for 15 minutes to dry out
7. Allow to cool completely. Drizzle with Duncan Hines Amazing Glazes if desired.
Triple Chocolate Cream Filled Cupcakes:
Prep Time: 20 mins Bake Time: 18 mins Makes 14- 18 cupcakes
Ingredients
CUPCAKES:
1 box Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Decadent Cake
3 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 cup water
FILLING:
1 ½ cup marshmallow fluff
½ cup (1 stick) softened butter
Fudge pouch (1/3 cup water added as per instructions on box)
Mix Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Decadent Cake as directed on box.
Method
1. Mix Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Decadent Cake as directed on box. Reserve the chocolate fudge pouch to be used in the filling. Do not mix into the cake.
2. Spoon the batter into lined muffin pan. Bake for 18 mins. Allow to cool.
3. While the cupcakes are baking, beat together the marshmallow fluff, the softened butter and the chocolate fudge pouch (mixed according to box with 1/3 cup water).
Cool until firm enough to frost with or pipe into cupcakes.
4. With pastry tip, pipe filling into center of cupcakes or cut a cone shape out of center of cupcake. Fill with tablespoon of filling and replace trimmed off top and plug hole in cupcake.
5. Frost with favorite Duncan Hines Frosting.
Apple Caramel Biscotti:
Prep time: 15 mins Bake time: 45 mins Yield: 3 dozen
INGREDIENTS:
1 box of Duncan Hines Apple Caramel Decadent Cake Mix
1 stick butter, melted
2 whole eggs
1 cup flour
¼ cup water
PREPARATION and BAKING:
1. Combine the ingredients until a dough is formed
2. Divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll into logs
3. Place onto a sheet pan that has parchment paper
4. Gently flatten the logs to one inch thick and three inches wide
5. Bake 325° for about 25 min or until firm
6. Cool for 5 minutes, slice and rebake for 15 minutes to dry out
7. Allow to cool completely
Have you tried the new Duncan Hines Decadent Cakes and Amazing Glazes? What are your thoughts on them? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Disclosure: I received 1 cake mix and 1 glaze for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% those of myself and my family.
My Mamavation Monday posts have been missing the last few weeks because I have been soooooo busy. I will probably miss a few more this month as I will be traveling a lot this month. Honestly, I am off the Mamavation wagon. I am still only drinking water 100+oz a day, I’ve eating whatever is available when it comes time to eat and I’ve been working out 1 day a week for the past 3 weeks.
That being said, I have now finished my summer job, and I am back at home full time. Now I can start exercising more regularly so hopefully get back on the wagon. Unfortunately the 10pm Mamavation show doesn’t fit it my schedule right now and I do miss hanging out with my sistas on Monday nights.
Aardman Animations’ Timmy Time is scheduled to air in North America from September 13, 2010 on Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney, following a special sneak preview on the evening of September 7th. Timmy Time is Aardman’s first animated television project for the preschool audience, and the stop-motion series has already enjoyed great success in its first season of broadcast overseas.
Timmy Time follows the adventures of Timmy, a little lamb with a lot to learn as he enters preschool. Fans of Aardman’s hit children’s series Shaun the Sheep will recognize Timmy as the baby lamb on the farm who is frequently drawn into all kinds of chaotic adventures by the mischievous older sheep. Used to having his way by being “the only lamb in the flock,” Timmy is now heading to preschool to graze on some important life lessons about playing nicely with others, namely his fellow classmates of the furry, feathered and spiky types.
Episodes portray all the aspects of a preschooler’s day that are familiar to parents—painting, puzzling, making music, building with blocks, napping, snacking and more—through strong but simple storylines that are told without human dialogue, instead using a unique combination of expressive character animation, gesture and reactions, comedy and slapstick, bleats, quacks, oinks and the like.
While being entertained by Timmy’s fun and fleecy antics, the young audience members will benefit by seeing important social skills in action, such as how to help someone in need, how to be good sports, and how to respect others. Creator/Producer/Supervising Director Jackie Cockle (BAFTA winner, producer on Bob the Builder, director on The Wind in The Willows, among other television credits) believes that “preschoolers can easily identify with Timmy as he learns universal lessons about himself, his friends and the world around him.“
Check local television listings for exact airtimes, and to find out more about Timmy, his classmates, and the show, visit www.timmytime.tv.
A few weeks ago I told you about our trip to the Richard Petty Driving Experience to be part of the taping of a television segment for the show Mobil 1 The Grid. Well, I received a link to the finished product and I wanted to share it with you.
We had a great time and I know my husband and sons can’t wait to go back!
“MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE ROAD RALLY,” PREMIERING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 ON DISNEY CHANNEL (7:00–7:50 p.m. ET/PT).
“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally” – Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, along with Clubhouse pals Toodles, Pete, Clarabelle Cow, and Chip and Dale embark on the first annual Clubhouse road rally. The friends select their favorite mode of transportation, with Goofy getting the opportunity to ride in Professor Von Drake’s latest invention, the Clubhouse Rescue Truck. The race kicks into high gear, leading the gang on a journey through sandy deserts, snow-covered mountains and lush tropical jungles in search of clues. During the race, Toodles feels unappreciated when the Rescue Truck gets all the praise for helping out, and he sadly leaves the group just when he’s needed most. It is up to Mickey and pals to reunite the team and make it to the finish line.
The special features five new songs – “Rock and Ride and Rally,” “It’s Fun to Go Ridin’,” “Mickey’s Marker Song,” “Goofy’s Rescue Truck Tribute,” and “I’m a Friend, You’re a Friend” – all performed by Mickey and the gang.
Normally September isn’t a big deal for me. We always start our homeschooling at least a week before the local public school kids go back to school so by the time September starts we are settled into our routine. This year is different though, we are in the middle of our 3rd week of school but a lot is changing now that September is here. As you know I was blessed to receive a summer job as our church’s office manager. This job has been a huge blessing to my family and hopefully I have been a blessing to my church. Tomorrow is my last day at that job and while I will miss the money, it is time to be back home with my family.
We are taking the long holiday weekend to RELAX! Which is something I haven’t done all summer and I am really looking forward too. I am praying for great weather while I lay by the pool and lounge in the hot tub at my parent’s house, while reading a book for pleasure! (If you are waiting on a book review from me it will come soon…this is a ME weekend.)
September is also conference month for me. I will be at the Travel Blogger Show, Experience 2010 and Type-A Mom Conference. I want to thank HotelsCombined.com for sponsoring my ticket to Type-A. I am still looking for sponsors for my hotel and flight to Asheville. If you know of a company that might be interested in partnering with me please let me know or send them to the Sponsor Opps tab at the top of this page.
I am so excited to go to all 3 of these events. They are all going to help me move forward in some new endeavors. In the next 2 months I will be launching a family travel blog and all of my Disney World, Florida Attractions and other travel posts will migrate to that blog. This blog will be refocused back to more of its original intent parenting topics and product reviews. I will also finally be launching my media company MomMavenMedia, to help small businesses find their niche in social media and help them build their websites and online presence. I also will be launching my Open Sky store soon, I had to put that on the back burner until I get these sites up and running…if you have any product suggestions for my store please email me Cindy@TheMomMaven.com so I can check them out. I will be focusing on parenting, organization and travel products in my store.
As you can see I have been busy behind the scenes this summer and I am really excited to leap into fall-even though it is still in the 90s here in Florida. I hope you are excited for a new month, a new calendar page, a clean slate whatever September is for you…leave me a comment and let me know what new thing you are going to do this month. I want to share your journey with you!
The premiere of Disney’s exhilarating rock ‘n roll musical “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” starring Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers, will be presented across Labor Day weekend with four event telecasts -– each celebrating music and dance with a storyline that suggests life is about the way you play. The fun for kids, tweens and families begins FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 and goes through MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT, each night) on Disney Channel. An extended edition of the movie, featuring two exclusive new music numbers, will be available on Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on Tuesday, September 7.
The soundtrack, featuring 15 songs spanning hip-hip, rock and pop/rock performed by the cast, releases on iTunes and in stores nationwide, Tuesday, August 10.
The 2008 premiere of “Camp Rock” was cable TV’s #1 entertainment telecast of the year in Total Viewers (10.1 million) and TV’s #1 entertainment telecast in Tweens 9-14. Among TV’s live action movies, it was #1 among Kids 6-11 for the year.
The sequel, choreographed by Rosero McCoy, is a tour de force for actress and recording artist Demi Lovato. It showcases both the music and charm of Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, and includes their younger brother Frankie Jonas in his TV movie debut. The highly anticipated sequel also brings back fan favorites from “Camp Rock,” 2008′s #1 cable TV movie. They are: Maria Canals-Barrera (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), Meaghan Martin (“10 Things I Hate About You”), Alyson Stoner (“Phineas and Ferb,” Step Up 3D”), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (“Fame”), Jasmine Richards, Daniel Fathers, Roshon Fegan (Disney Channel’s upcoming “Shake it Up”) and Jordan “J” Francis. “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” introduces two exciting new performers, Matthew Mdot Finley and Chloe Bridges. Daniel Kash also stars.
The sequel follows Mitchie and her friends as they return to Camp Rock for another great summer of music and fun. But when big-money, state-of-the-art Camp Star opens across the lake, it lures away many instructors and campers — putting the future of Camp Rock in jeopardy. Mitchie emerges as a leader determined to save the camp and challenges the egocentric Luke Williams and his fellow Camp Star campers to a Final Jam — an end-of-summer performance duel, may the best camp win.
The schedule for the world premiere of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” is:
Wednesday, September 1:
“Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” available on Disney Channel on Demand for Verizon FiOS subscribers (also available via select affiliates).
Radio Disney presents part one of “On the Set,” a special telecast from the set of “Camp Rock: 2 The Final Jam” (6:00-8:00 p.m., ET/3:00-5:00 p.m., PT). It will also be available at RadioDisney.com.
Friday, September 3:
Radio Disney presents part two of “On the Set” (6:00-8:00 p.m., ET/3:00-5:00 p.m., PT) and a pre-show hosted by Ernie D (6:00-8:00 p.m., ET/3:00-5:00 p.m., PT) that leads to the TV telecast.
The cast hosts the world premiere of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” on Disney Channel U.S. (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) with an audio simulcast on Radio Disney.
Mobile video simulcast of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” available for Flo TV, MobiTV and Sprint TV
Fans are invited to customize a page for the official “Camp Rock 2 Year Book,” collect mementos, access exclusive content and more on DisneyChannel.com.
Saturday, September 4:
The Rock Along edition of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” invites viewers to sing along to the songs. Lyrics will be visible on screen and at DisneyChannel.com.
Sunday, September 5:
Disney Channel presents the Sunday Dance Jam edition of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT). Hosted by Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers, it gives viewers a look at the making of the spectacular dance scenes.
Monday, September 6:
Disney Channel presents an encore of “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT).
Tuesday, September 7:
“Camp Rock 2 The Final Jam: Extended Edition” featuring two exclusive new music numbers — “Walking in My Shoes” and “Different Summers” — will be available in stores on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital combo-pack, from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
The movie was written by Dan Berendsen (Disney’s “Hannah Montana The Movie” and “Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie”) and the team of Karin Gist and Regina Hicks. It is based on characters created by Karin Gist, Regina Hicks, Julie Brown and Paul Brown. The director and co-producer is DGA Award winner Paul Hoen (Disney Channel’s “The Cheetah Girls One World” and “Jump In”). The producer is Kevin Lafferty and the executive producer is Alan Sacks. “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” is a production of Coin Flip Productions, Ltd. and Alan Sacks Productions in association with Disney Channel.
karen M on 
