Friday, May 29, 2015

Fun Find: Disney Side Week

It's time for another fun find Friday!  This week, we're focusing on a way to show your Disney Side!!!  The 24-hour celebrations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland might be over, but you can still show your Disney Side whether you're at the parks or not!  


First, let me start by saying that the Walt Disney World Facebook Page is a wealth of fun finds.  They post fun photos, graphics, holiday greetings and so much more.


If you like to change your personal cover photo on Facebook, they have a ton of designs you can choose from in their Cover Photos Album.  While they do use their cover photo for promotions or events like March Magic, they usually have a few awesome photos or graphics you can use or share!


My personal favorites are the Disney Side Week cover photos.  You can actually save six different designs- one for each week day and the weekend!  (To save on a PC: right-click photo and save.  To save on a Mac: drag photo and drop.)


They've combined our favorites characters, rides, snacks and accessories to create fun Disney graphics for each day of the week!  These are perfect if you're getting ready for a Disney trip countdown.  What better way to get excited for your upcoming trip?


Or, if you're back from a Disney trip, you could print them to use in your scrapbook!  All you have to do is print them out and use each photo for the corresponding day.


Aren't these awesome?  I love them.  In fact, I'm tempted to use some of these designs to create my own diecut alphabet letters for my Disney scrapbooks!


And, as if Disney couldn't get any more awesome, I just discovered that Disneyland's Facebook Page also has Disney Side designs tailored to Disneyland!  These designs are a little bit different than Walt Disney World's version.  You can check those designs out here.  Have fun expressing your Disney Side!!!  °o°

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Tomorrowland Movie Review

Have you seen Tomorrowland?  Eliot and I went to see it Friday night on opening day and I'm so glad we did.  Our local theater has an IMAX theater and it was awesome!

Photo Copyright: Disney's Tomorrowland
Before I say anymore, I'm going to give a spoiler warning for those of you who haven't seen it.  While I'm not planning to divulge huge plot storylines, I'm inevitably going to have a few spoilers throughout this movie review.  Read at your own risk!

Photo Copyright: Disney's Tomorrowland
Like the movie, I should start at the very beginning.  Eliot and I had absolutely no idea what to expect from the movie.  Disney has made a few movies based off their theme parks: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and Country Bears all pop into my head.  In my opinion, these have been pretty hit or miss.  The "Pirates" movies are awesome and one of my favorite film franchises.  The Haunted Mansion was good; not what I was hoping for, but good.  The Country Bears was ok.  I had high hopes for Tomorrowland and I wasn't disappointed.  Eliot and I both thought it was a great movie.

Photo Copyright: Disney's Tomorrowland
I suppose one of the reasons it resounded so well with us, was that both Eliot and myself can identify with the main character, Casey, played by Britt Robertson.  Casey is a teenager who questions the future and if there is a way to change it.  Eliot and I are a designer and an engineer- creating things and the desire to build things runs deep in our veins.  We're always thinking of new ideas.

The other quality I resonate with is Casey's ability to hope.  She never gives up her hope for a better future, her hope that there's a way to solve the problems she's facing.


Photo Source: Disney Store
This base for the storyline was well received by us.  Add in some of our favorite Disney classics like "A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow", It's A Small World and Space Mountain, and we're basically geeking out.  In fact, the people in our theater probably thought Eliot and I were a little crazy.  We have this thing where we sway our arms back and forth to "A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" while singing along on the Carousel of Progress.  We immediately started doing that in the theater.  (Minus the singing; it was a movie after all!)  It was a nice surprise considering we'd known It's A Small World and Space Mountain were in the movie from the previews we'd seen on television.

Photo Copyright: Disney's Tomorrowland
The graphics of the city of Tomorrowland were incredible.  (I freaked out when I saw the castle at the beginning of the movie.)  I loved when Casey was exploring the city after she touched the pin.  The interior design/architect nerd in me really wants to go there.  Maybe Disney will incorporate the movie in the theme parks?  Pretty please?

Photo Source: Disney Store
In the meantime, I guess Eliot and I will have to quench our Tomorrowland movie thirst another way.  We're planning to go see the movie a second time, something he rarely ever wants to spend money on!  He's also decided he's pre-ordering the DVD.  I on the other hand, am already scoping out the Tomorrowland merchandise.  I'd really love to get a pin.  (Although, it seems to be sold out pretty much everywhere... I guess it's popular!)  There are also some men and women's Tomorrowland t-shirts!  Maybe we'll get some for our next trip to see the movie?

Photo Source: Hot Topic
Have you seen Tomorrowland?  If so, what did you think of the movie?  °o°

Monday, May 25, 2015

Spring Has Sprung!!!

Ah... spring is finally here.  The temperature midday has been in the 70's and 80's here in Southern Maine.  It's the perfect way to kick off the unofficial start of summer!  Eliot and I have been doing a lot of spring cleaning and organizing lately.  He brought my Disney flower pots out to the front porch a few weekends ago.  Now that the weather is finally starting to feel like spring, I'm thinking it's time to get some flowers for the pots!


Two years later, they're still in great shape.  I'll give them a good cleaning before adding flowers.  Otherwise, they're pretty much the same.  If you're new here, I did a tutorial on how I made my Disney flower pots.  It was my first blog tutorial and it's been a huge hit.  Little did I know... this was before I realized how big my "tiny" blog would grow.  (Back when it was "just a hobby.")  I'm incredibly proud to say my flower pot tutorial blog post has had almost 7,000 views to date.  It's also been pinned countless times over on Pinterest.  This one pin has had over 5,000 re-pins!!!  Wow!!!


Sadly, I haven't seen photos of flower pots readers have made using my tutorial- until now!!!  A nice lady named Linda emailed me a few weeks ago with photos.  Linda came across my blog recently.  She saw my post and had to make some flower pots for herself.  I love what she did!  Linda's got cute little Dwarfs to go with her Snow White flower pot.  She made Mickey and Minnie.  She also created Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter flower pots!  Thank you for sending me photos Linda!  They look awesome!


If you'd like to make your own, check out my Painted Flower Pot Tutorial!!!  °o°

Friday, May 22, 2015

Most Magical Day of the Year

It's the most magical day of the year!!!  Disney celebrates the unofficial start of summer with it's 24 hour events!  While we're not at Walt Disney World's Coolest Summer Ever event, or at Disneyland's 60th Anniversary Kickoff, I still feel like I'm part of the magic.

Photo Source: Disney Parks Blog
I've been living vicariously through posts on Facebook and Instagram.  A few of my travel agent friends from Key to the World are at both parks, so I'm enjoying their posts!  I'm also following a lot of people at the parks on Instagram!  

Photo Source: Disney Parks Blog
Last night, I watched the Disneyland live feed from the Disney Parks Blog.  The Paint the Night Parade was beautiful!  The Disneyland Forever fireworks show looked stunning.  There was so much to look at that I had to keep switching camera views; but it looked absolutely breathtaking!  I really can't wait to see everything in person!

Photo Source: Disney Parks Blog
Of course, Disneyland's 60th anniversary diamond celebration merchandise has officially been released.  (My wallet is currently in hiding from fear.)  The merchandise is amazing.  I've always been a sucker for the blue and silver combination!  Eliot's family is at Disneyland today and Eliot already had his parents pick a few things up for us.  (Although, he won't tell me what... it's going to be a surprise.)  We're probably going to have a list by the time we go to California this fall.  Time to start saving!  I'm also loving the special diamond anniversary sweets, popcorn buckets, and cups!  I'm definitely getting a Minnie Mouse candy apple while I'm there!  Aren't they adorable?

Photo Source: Disney Parks Blog
Finally, Eliot and I are planning to go see Tomorrowland later on tonight.  I've heard it's a great movie and I can't wait to see for myself!

Photo Source: Disney Tomorrowland Facebook
I'm a little bit disappointed that we're not at Disney today, but we're definitely there in spirit.  I've basically had my own 24 hour at home celebration anyways- from watching the live feed last night to watching Tomorrowland tonight.  Someday, we'll be there in person for one.  After all, I'm adding it to my Disney Bucket List.  °o°

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Giveaway Winner

And the winner of my two year blogiversary giveaway is... Drumroll... Cathleen K!


Congratulations Cathleen!

Thank you to everyone who participated in my first ever giveaway!  I'm so excited to have had 208 entries!  I'm planning to do more in the future.  Keep an eye out on my social media pages and right here for new giveaways!  °o°

Monday, May 11, 2015

OUAT Season 4 Finale

The Once Upon a Time season 4 finale was on last night and all I can say is WOW!!!


I've been a huge fan of the show since it started.  It's my favorite tv show and it just keeps getting better!  (If you don't watch it, now's the time to get caught up!)  The season finales are always awesome and they keep you on your toes.  Last year I was pretty excited about the season 3 finale, and this year did not disappoint!  In fact, I watched it last night and I've already re-watched it this morning.  

I was on the edge of my seat the entire episode.  I laughed out loud a few times.  I screamed at the television occasionally.  I'm pretty sure there were a few squeals of joy... Eliot was definitely laughing at me.  Let's face it, I would be laughing at me- and I'm ok admitting that.  I get pretty animated.  All in all, it was a great two hour finale.  It wasn't as amazing as last season, but that's only because I'm severely biased.  Last season, my favorite couple (Emma/Hook) had a happier ending before the break.

Photo Source: Once Upon A Time Facebook
What did you think of the episode?  Spoiler Alert!  Here are a few of my thoughts during the two hour Once Upon a Time season 4 finale (prepare to be very amused):

Starting with another flashback scene- ooh the author!  Great, now I'll have "Jingle Bell Rock" stuck in my head for the next week.


Lots of blank storybooks... can I have one?  Pretty please?


Photo Source: Once Upon A Time Facebook
Stupid author.  Oh no!  Henry's alone.  Speaking of which, where has baby Neal been this entire season?  Henry's going to fix this.  It will be ok.

Henry found the author.  He has the door and key!  I hate Isaac Heller.  Henry took them to the alternate reality!  Ooh, Henry's finally in the enchanted forest!  Yay!


Oh here comes Rumple.  "Comes with no price."  Ha ha!  Funny.


Photo Source: Once Upon A Time Facebook
Why isn't anyone questioning Henry and the authors modern clothing?

Ok, creepy Seven Dwarves complete with whistling.  I'll never sleep soundly again.


"I will always find you, your majesty."  Ha ha... love the guy liner Charming.


Snow White isn't nearly as creepy as Regina's Evil Queen.


Photo Source: Once Upon A Time Facebook
Robin Hood cleaning Regina's wound only reminds me of Hook and Emma on the beanstalk after they first met.  Sigh... 

Emma's locked in a tower.  And she looks crazy.  (No!  It's like Peeta all over again!)


Rumple and Belle have a baby in this world?


Henry will save the day and find Emma.  He found Hook!  (Yes!!!  About time!)  Oh, and Hook's a wimp in this alternate reality.  This is going to be interesting.  How's Henry going to man the ship?  "I had a great teacher, you."  Sigh... 



Henry found Emma!  And she knows Henry!  Phew!  That must have been torture for her to know the truth and not be able to do anything about it.  Nice plot twist.

Hook literally running into Emma = Awkward.  (I'm awkward, your gorgeous.)


Lily the dragon?!?!  Ruh-roh.  Get her with a cannon!  Yay!  Goats milk?  Ew.



Emma teaching Hook to sword fight.  Jack Sparrow reference = yay!  He "gathers" that they're close in the other reality and is jealous of the other "Hook."  Ha ha.  Flashback to Season 3 jealousy of himself all over again!


Uh oh, Lily and the not-so-Charmings are here.  Hook tells Emma to run and save Henry.  Is Emma worth it?  Hook's "willing to find out." (sigh...)  He's kind of a natural at sword fighting.  In fact, Hook's a hero.  Wait, what?  No!!!  Watch out Hook!  Stupid not-Charming!  Hook can't die!  (Let's face it- he's the reason most of the viewers watch the show.)  Now Emma and Henry really have to save the day.

Rumple is the "Light One"... hahahahahahahahaha. Chipped tea cup!


Photo Source: Once Upon A Time Facebook
Emma's plea to Regina.  She loves Hook!!!  "I love him and I never told him."  *Insert fairy tale music.*  My soul is crushed now.

Ooh that's a cute little chapel for the wedding.


Regina, go kiss Robin and save the day!  Stop the wedding!!!  


Emma and Henry- kick Rumple's butt!  Henry protects Emma.  Regina protects Henry.


Photo Source: Once Upon A Time Facebook
Wedding bells... ugh.  Zelena's turning green anyways!  Ha ha.  Karma.

Isaac is watching his story ending.  I hate him.  Emma punched him.  Yay!!!


Wait, Henry sees the quill.  Henry's the next author!!!  I so called that!


Henry saves the day and returned everyone to Storybook.  Phew!


Hook.  Where is Hook?!?!  Oh thank God.



Emma, just say it!  Admit your feelings before we all die of exasperation!!!  Argh!!!

Henry wants to bring his Dad back.  I'm getting teary eyed.  He won't be swayed by the temptation of the quill though.  Wait, he snapped the quill.  Why do I have a bad feeling that he's going to regret doing that?


Aww... maybe there's hope for Rumple and Belle after all.  She doesn't love Will!



Wait... Regina isn't in tears during the finale?  Whoa.  You go girl.  You take that walk in the moonlight with Robin.

The Charmings seem to be warming up to Hook.  Well, at least they didn't mean to kill him in the alternate reality anyways.


Lily's necklace is her eggshell and the only clue to identify her father.  Hmm...


The apprentice tries to get the darkness into the hat.  The dagger is finally blank.  Is the finale over?  Please?  It's not over.  Why do I have a bad feeling about this?


Oh it's out of the hat!  And it's escaped... argh!!!  This will not end well!


The sorcerer had to tether the darkness to a human soul which could be controlled by the dagger.  Merlin.  Must find Merlin.  The darkness is surrounding them.  Emma is going to protect Regina and her happy ending.  Why am I not in tears right now?  I've seen the pictures online; I know what's coming...



Oh gosh... Hook is begging her not to do it.  I should be a sobbing mess right now.  "I love you."  What?!?!?  You wait until now to tell him Emma!!!  Ahhh!!!!  I give up.

One last look at Snow, Charming and Hook.  No... poof!  The dagger drops.


Emma Swan.



FOUR MONTHS... 4 long months until September when the show starts up again.

Photo Source: Once Upon A Time Facebook
It's going to be a long hiatus.  Thankfully, I have plenty of things to keep me busy.  I don't want to wish summer away, but I'll definitely miss watching Once!  In the meantime, I plan to re-watch Seasons 1-3 on Netflix.  Then, I plan to have a Season 4 marathon since I've saved all of this year's episodes on the DVR.  (Eliot- no touchy OUAT on the DVR!!!)  It'll be interesting to see how this new revelation affects all of the characters on the show.  I will be planted in front of the television to find out what's next.  I will watch you Once Upon a Time.  I will always watch you. °o°

Edits are not mine and were found on Pinterest from various sources.  All images are property of ABC and Once Upon A Time.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Happy Mother's Day

Today we celebrate the Moms in our lives.

Photo Source: Oh My Disney
My Mom is the best Mom ever!  She always puts others first and is an incredibly caring person!  I'm proud to call her Mom.  (I even catch myself saying things and sounding just like her!)  She'll listen to my crazy business ideas, be a shoulder to cry on and support my brother and I (and Eliot!) in everything we do!


My Nana is definitely my hero!  She's my been my fairy godmother for as long as I can remember!  She's my second Mom and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I cherish all of the fun times we've had together and all the lessons she's taught me.


My Grammie is my guardian angel this Mother's Day.  We miss and love you Grammie!


We're wishing Eliot's Mom a Happy Mother's Day out in California.  She's enjoying the day with his sisters at Disneyland!


Happy Mother's Day to all of my aunts, cousins and friends as well!  I hope you all have a fabulous day!  Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms out there!!! °o°

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Happy Birthday Katie

Today it's my bestest friend's birthday!!!  Happy Birthday Katie!!!

Katie has been my best friend since I was a sophomore in high school.  We met while playing volleyball and made a quick connection over our mutual love of the Backstreet Boys.  We also had a lot of other things in common; we played the flute together in band, both took French, loved going shopping and we had a lot of mutual friends.


Through the years, Katie and I been through a lot of great times and weathered a few not so great times together.  She's always been a shoulder to lean on, and she's there to lift me up when I need it.  I couldn't ask for a better best friend!  We've had a lot of fun memories and adventures together.  There have been many giggles, smiles and laughs.  There are so many to choose from, but here are a few of my favorites: 


While we were in college, we went to a Harry Potter conference in Las Vegas.


While there, we explored the Las Vegas strip!


We've had countless memories in and around Boston: Frog Pond ice skating, Six Flags, Duck Statues, Cheesecake Factory, Museum of Art, riding the T, Fire + Ice, walking the Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, hanging out at Wentworth, Museum of Science, movies, Hard Rock Cafe, and going to the top of the Pru to name a few.


We went to New York City with Eliot and BJ our senior year of college.  We went to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 5th Avenue, and Times Square.


We've explored Salem, Massachusetts over Halloween time a few times.


We've been to quite a few Beaux Arts Balls together.  After all, Katie's an "unofficial" Wentworth student according to our school president!  He he.


We have special memories around home: MDIHS, Bar Harbor, Acadia and camp.


I'll never forget our first trip to Walt Disney World together.


We've gone to a few Yule Ball concerts in Boston.  We love Draco... he he.


We went to each other's college graduations.  Go Class of 2008!!!


Of course, Katie was my maid of honor at our Disney Wedding.


We became wizards for a day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Butterbeer!!!


Finally, we did the Color Run last year and I'm sure we will many more times... 


As you can see, we've had a lot of fun through the years.  Katie, thank you for all of the wonderful memories that I cherish.  I can't wait for many more adventures together!!!

Finally, your birthday wouldn't be complete without our favorite Disney quote:

Mater: "I know it!  I knowed I made a good choice!"
Lightning McQueen: "In what?"
Mater: "My bes' friend."

Happy Birthday Katie!!!  °o°