Kinda Hurty About Gertie 🦕

A week ago today, Eliot and I kicked off our 2026 Christmas celebrations with an evening at Hollywood Studios for the first Jollywood Nights of the 2026 season.  

We attended our first Jollywood Nights back in 2024 during my 40th Birthday trip, and we were really impressed with it.  So I was very much looking forward to attending our second one!  We have had our tickets since they first went on sale and we've been counting down to seeing Santa Duffy in person again!

Eliot and I had a great time last weekend.  But unfortunately, there was one pretty big snag in the evening.  We got into line for the merchandise around 7:00 PM.  And by the time we entered the line, the Gertie the Dinosaur Loungefly bag had already sold out.  Eliot immediately went over to a supervisor to ask about it... since it was the first night of the event and we couldn't see how they were already gone.  Apparently, they set aside a certain number of bags, and when they were gone, they were gone for the night... and no one knew that until they got into the merchandise line.

Photo Source

Eliot was furious and I was really disappointed.  I know it's only a bag, but that's the one thing (other than the Duffy mug) that I really wanted from the event merchandise.  Eliot and I both love Gertie, and we were looking forward to adding her to our collection.

I'm gonna be brutally honest, it was a major fail from Disney.  They 100% get a failing grade on that one.  The Jollywood Nights event didn't even actually start until 7:30 PM.  So for them to sell out of the exclusive item (that they hyped up all over social media) before the event even started was completely unacceptable.  And if they knew that they were limiting how many bags were available during each night, then they should have told people that... because we would have completely changed our plans.

Let's be real, it's not like Disney doesn't have multiple ways to contact us.  They have our email addresses.  They have our cell phone numbers.  They have access to an app which we all use daily across their theme parks.  They have little things on our wrists that track our every movement inside of their theme parks.  And I wouldn't be surprised if Mickey didn't already know my blood type.  It's completely unacceptable that this wasn't common knowledge to all of the guests attending the event.  And plenty of other event guests were also upset about how this all went down... it wasn't just us.

Photo Source

So yeah... I'm still kinda hurty about what happened with Gertie, and it did put a bit of a damper on our evening.  Thankfully, the character interactions and Jollywood Nights entertainment was top notch- and that definitely took us out of our funk pretty quickly after we'd left the exclusive merchandise shop.  

I also happen to have the best husband- because Eliot purchased a Gertie bag on eBay while we were standing in the merchandise line.  Ironically, that guest couldn't purchase one that evening either, because of the sell out.  But that seller is going to another event in a few days, so hopefully they'll be able to get my Gertie bag during that one.

Even after all of this, I really did enjoy Jollywood Nights.  I'm still going through my trip photos, so I'll share more about it once I get those put together! ✨🎥❤️🦕🐻🎄🎅🏻💚✨

And Her Nose Stuck in a Book... ✨📖✨

Over the past few years, I've started to buy books here and there... and they just keep piling up.  I've also got a pretty large photo album of books that I've screen shot for my to read list.  Thus, one of my big 2026 personal goals was to start reading more.

Back in January, I purchased 'Secret Nights and Northern Lights' while at the bookstore at the Logan airport bookstore on our way out to Disneyland.  I won't lie, the cover was what first drew me in, but the storyline also looked fun.  It was a romance, and the book cover reminded me of a Hallmark movie- so I figured that I might enjoy it.  

While I didn't get to read it during our Disneyland trip, I did read it right when Eliot and I returned home.  My Mom had to have surgery the day after we got back, so I ended up reading at least half the book in the hospital waiting room.  At that point, I was fully invested and completely sucked in, so I finished the book the following day.  And I loved it so much that I promptly read it again right after the first time.

After that, I knew I needed to read more.  I'm not really even sure why I haven't been... because I love reading.  I think the biggest problem I'm facing is that I need to get back into the habit of allowing myself the time to relax and read.  But I'm finding that I need to rest more due to my endometriosis... and reading is the perfect way to lay down and relax when I need some rest but don't want to take a nap.

Yesterday marked four weeks since I finally picked up my next book.  I'd purchased the books in the Dream Harbor series last year.  But I told myself I wasn't going to read them until they were "seasonally appropriate".  So I pulled out my copy of 'The Pumpkin Spice Cafe' in October... and I devoured that first book of the series in three days.

The following day, I started reading the second book in the Dream Harbor series, 'The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore' and I finished it yesterday after three and a half weeks.  Reading the second book took much longer- not because it wasn't as addictive, but mostly because I was busy preparing for our WDW trip, and then taking our trip.  I read a little on the plane ride down to Florida.  After that, I literally only had three chapters left, so I assumed I would finish it... but then I was too exhausted after a day at the parks to read.  So yesterday, I finally picked it up again and finished it.

There are currently six books released in the Dream Harbor series.  I have the next one, 'The Christmas Tree Farm' and book five, 'The Gingerbread Bakery'.  I still need to buy book four 'The Strawberry Patch Pancake House' and book six, 'The Daisy Chain Flower Shop'.  Then book seven, 'The Apple Pie Ice Cream Parlor' comes out in 2027.  

I've really enjoyed them so far!  They take place in a cozy, small, coastal New England town and the stories about it's residents are all connected to each other.  And since it's now the holiday season, it's the perfect time to start reading about a Christmas tree farm... 🎄 Although at this point, I'll probably forgo my seasonal idea after book three and finish all of the books in this series.  Besides, I have plenty of other seasonal books I can read next year!  And the Dream Harbor series was a great place to start because so far I've loved them- and they have been the perfect cozy fall books… 🍂🍁🎃 ☕️ 🍂🍁 

So as of right now, I’ve only read three books in 2026, but that’s three more books than I read last year. 📚  It might not seem like a lot, but this feels like major progress for me... because I am working on creating a habit and allowing myself the time to do it. 💖 

If anyone needs me... I'll probably be reading about a Christmas Tree Farm. 🎄

🎶 With a dreamy far-off look, and her nose stuck in a book... ✨📖✨

Back From Our WDW Adventure... 🏰🌐🎬🌳

Hello Friends!  Eliot and I are back from another Walt Disney World adventure!!!

We flew back to Maine on Monday and got home around 3:00 PM.  But I haven't written anything until now because we were both beyond exhausted.  After going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Sunday night, packing our luggage and getting only about 50 minutes of sleep before we had to leave for our 7:30 AM flight, I've needed some time to recuperate.  Yesterday, I had two sewing classes and it was all I could do to make it through those and the middle part of the day between them.  Then, Eliot and I got home from our night class and basically crashed.

Today I woke up feeling more rested.  I've been getting back into the flow of personal and business stuff.  Eliot and I returned from our trip inspired and with another fresh wave of design ideas, so we're anxious to get working on those.  And I've been trying to go through photos from our trip.  I usually try to edit and set aside a bunch to share on our social media accounts.  But I wanted to share a few here first!

Eliot and I had such a magical time going from celebrating Halloween to ushering in the Christmas season.  We were in Florida for 11 full days- not including either of our travel days.  But it feels like we were there for much longer.  I'm not sure if it's because of the Halloween to Christmas thing, or if it's because we crammed so much into those eleven days... but it feels like we were there for weeks, not days!

Plus, we had the best time with Luke, Rachel and Audrey.  We all had a great time together and 8-year-old Audrey thoroughly enjoyed her first experience at Walt Disney World.  They're already talking about going back again a few years from now.  It was such a privilege to go with them, and to see the magic of Disney through Audrey's eyes.

Now that we're home, Eliot and I will start to look ahead to one more Walt Disney World trip in a few months.  Our annual passes expire towards the end of February, so we're planning to get one more trip in before then.  As you know, the Festival of the Arts is our favorite... so we're looking to get one more visit with Figment and Mickey in before the clock strikes midnight for us as passholders!

Thank you for another magical trip Mickey!!!  We'll be back again to visit soon!!! °o°

Another Glorious WDW Adventure... 🏰🌐🎬🌳

Oooh, another glorious adventure... makes me sick (with anticipation)!!!

This afternoon, Eliot and I are off on another trip to Walt Disney World... and I can barely contain my excitement.  This is definitely going to be one that we'll remember!!! 

The most exciting part is that we're taking my cousin Lucas, his wife Rachel and their 8 year old daughter Audrey.  It will be Audrey's first time to Walt Disney World!!!  And Luke and Rachel haven't been since our big family reunion back in 2009.  They are all so excited about it.  We've been planning this in secret for months... and Luke and Rachel finally told Audrey a few weeks ago.  She's been so excited.  I've gotten a few phone calls about rides and plans.  Matching custom t-shirts have been ordered.  And she even got a "must do list" from one of her friends from school.  (Side Note: The kid spelling on it is absolutely precious... and I think kids should just name everything.) 

Not only that, but we will also be doing something that we weren't sure would ever be possible for us- taking a Halloween to Christmas trip.  Eliot and I will start the trip with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and end it with Jollywood Nights and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  This is literally the perfect timing... and we are ecstatic.

This is sure to be one absolutely crazy stretch- with 11 days jam packed with magical memories in the making... and I can't wait.  See ya real soon Mickey!!!  °o°

Mariners 2026 Opening Weekend ✨🔱✨

This past weekend was the Maine Mariners home opener and I wanted drop by to post something quick on here before Eliot and I take off for Florida tomorrow.  We've been crazy busy and this is literally the first time I've even had time to think about writing in a few weeks.  But I wanted to share a few pictures from opening weekend!

We've been counting down to Opening Weekend for a while... but I have to say that it still kind of snuck up on us.  Eliot and I have been so busy that I barely had time to register that the Mariners were going to be back on our schedule regularly!  

Thankfully, Eliot was on the ball though.  Before this weekend, he was already hard at work making mouse ears to match our opening weekend ensemble.  Since they play "The Boys Are Back" after the second period intermission he made these mouse ears- which also worked great as it was the first home games of the season.

 

Saturday was a super early game at 1:00 PM.  The Hearts of Pine (Portland's soccer team) had their last game of the season that night, so they pushed the Mariners game up to earlier in the day.  We got there really early, even before the season ticket holder entrance had opened.  They gave us our 207 Member lanyards (for season ticket holders) and we scanned in.  Upon entering the arena, they gave us two green glow sticks.  We ended up going back to get another set, so we had both green and blue.

Eliot and I wore the new Mariners Lighthouse jerseys he'd found online.  I was a big fan of the pink and blue colors in it!  We had such a fun time at the opening game that we almost forgot to take a photo, but we remembered and took a few before leaving!

Sunday's game was at 3:00 PM.  We had coordinated with our friends Tabbi and Brad to all wear our matching Snoopy fall themed jerserys from two seasons ago.  (Eliot also made matching ears for this jersey, but we didn't get any good photos of them.)  Before the game, Eliot and I got our first photo of the season with Beacon.

During one of the intermissions of Sunday's game, we also saw the Mariners owner, Dexter, and his wife.  He loved our matching jerseys and asked the four of us to take some photos.  We followed him and got to meet his mom and mother-in-law, who were both lovely ladies to talk to.  I asked them both how they were enjoying the game and they said it was great after we'd scored two goals to take back the lead- and I agreed!

We all had a great time this weekend.  And the icing on the cake (or maybe the rink since it is hockey after all...) was that the Mariners won both games!  Saturday we won 3-0 and Sunday was 3-1.  So I think that's a great way to start season eight!  

Go Mariners!!! 💚✨🔱✨💙 

Maine Mariners Home Opener 💚🔱💙

Tonight is the Maine Mariners first home game of the 2026-2027 season!!! ✨🔱✨ 

Eliot and I are excited to begin our 4th season as season ticket holders, but this is the first time that we're starting the year as full season ticket holders.  (Last year, we had half season tickets and then added the 2nd half of the season.)  We definitely won't be able to make it to all 36 home games, but we're planning to attend as many as possible!

We are both looking forward to a lot of hockey, a lot of laughs with Tabbi & Brad, a lot of photos with Beacon, wearing a lot of fun hockey jerseys and hopefully a lot of Mariners goals and wins!!!  Last season, we made it two rounds into the ECHL playoffs, so we're hoping the Mariners can "ride the tide" back to the 2027 playoffs... so I guess we'll see! 

Have a great season Mariners!!! 💚🔱💙 

Magical Merchandise: Hallmark Holiday Ever After ✨❤️🎅🏻🏰🎄🐭💚✨

Happy Hallo-mas on this beautiful Monday!!!  'Tis the season for holidays colliding...

It's mid-October, so we're deep into the Halloween season, but Christmas is suddenly popping up everywhere... sound familiar?  I know some of you are crying "it's too soon", but as a Disney adult who runs a few small shops, I'm here for it.  As Disney fans, we aggressively celebrate every holiday way too early.  And as small shop owners... well, Eliot and I have to stay ahead of the holidays so we don't fall behind.  And all that's to tell you that I've held off on writing this particular post long enough... so I have finally allowed myself to go wild.  Disney has officially started to release their Christmas merchandise and I am 100% already obsessed.  Bring on the holly jolly!!!

Today, we're combining a few of my favorite things- Disney, Christmas and Hallmark.

As you know, Eliot and I are also huge Hallmark Channel fans.  We love watching a cozy movie... and their Christmas movies are always a highlight on our calendar.  We're super excited because Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas starts this Friday!!!  And you may recall that three months ago, I told you about Disney and Hallmark's new movie coming out this season, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.

Photo Source

At the time, I also told you about Disney and Hallmark releasing a ton of merchandise themed for this movie.  Back in July, the October release date felt like forever away... but here we are!  Today, I'm here to share some of that merchandise collection with you.

Before we dive in to the items, I wanted to share the overall motif and pattern.  The collection features lots of Walt Disney World inspired graphics including Cinderella Castle, the Jungle Cruise, the carousel, the Wishing Well, a shop on Main Street USA, the train, the tea cups, and Mickey's house.  It also features images of Mickey & Minnie on a bench, Mickey & Minnie enjoying a pasta (like Lady & the Tramp) while Donald plays an accordion, Mickey holding some balloons, Pluto with a letter at the mailbox and Daisy holding gifts by a Mickey light post.  (The only character I didn't see was Goofy.)  This overall design is the framework for the entire collection of items.  So let's dive in!

First, we've got this Mickey Recordable Ornament that is supposed to play a part in the actual Holiday Ever After movie.  It doesn't debut on Hallmark Channel until November 28th, so tune in with the rest of us Disney fans to find out what it's all about!

Now that we're curled up and ready to watch the movie, we might as well dress the part- and Hallmark has everything you'll need to get ready for Holiday Ever After.  First, we've got pajamas for the entire family.  They come in adult, kid and toddler sizes.

It's cold here in Maine, so I'll need these Red Castle Socks to keep my feet warm.

And then these Red Castle Slippers will be the finishing touch!

Get all cuddly on the couch with this adorable Throw Blanket.

You can sip something sweet from your Corkcicle Stainless Steel Mug.

Or take it on the go with this Corkcicle Stainless Steel Cold Cup.

If you enjoy baking, this Zrike Mixing Bowl & Spatula is perfect!

There's also a matching Zrike Baking Dish...

As well as this Zrike Pie Dish.

And you've even got a Zrike Canister to put your finished goodies in!

Or you could use this adorable Zrike Cookie Jar. 

Kitchen clean up is even magical with a Zrike Tea Towel.

Then you can settle back in for the movie with some hot cocoa in your Zrike Mug.

Or if hitting the theme parks is more your vibe, then you can park hop at Walt Disney World sporting some Hallmark Holiday Ever After Disney style.  First, we've got the absolute must-have, a Loungefly Minnie Mouse Backpack.

Naturally there are matching Loungefly Minnie Mouse Ears.

And of course there's also a Loungefly Minnie Mouse Bag Charm!

If pin trading is your jam, you'll love these Loungefly Mystery Pins.

And you've got two Spirit Jerseys to pick from, this fluffy ivory one... 

Or this sparkly Red Spirit Jersey.

You can also add a touch of magic with a Vera Bradley Backpack.

Or pack for your weekend trip using the Vera Bradley Duffle Bag.

There's also a Vera Bradley Sling Backpack for those park-hopping days.

But the Vera Bradley Tote Bag is personally my favorite option.

There is also this cute Vera Bradley Earbud Bag Charm for smaller items.

And finally, there's also a tiny Vera Bradley Zip ID Case!

So what do you think?  Isn't it merry and magical?!?!?  This isn't even everything that's included in the Holiday Ever After collection.  There are also greeting cards, more ornaments, a gift bag and wrapping paper!  Find the full collection here.

And if you're visiting Walt Disney World this holiday season, you can visit the pop-up Hallmark store in Disney Springs that's filled with this merchandise!  I'm really hoping that it will still be fully stocked by the time Eliot and I are there in a few weeks!!!  

Bring on the holidays, the Christmas movies and the Disney magic!!! ✨❤️🎅🏻🏰🎄🐭💚✨

All photos from this post are taken from the Hallmark's website.