Thursday, March 31, 2016

SeaCon 2016 Announcement

It's time for another fun announcement!!!  I mentioned it during my KeyCon 2015 post, but now I'm ready to make it official!  I'm attending KeyCon 2016, aka SeaCon 2016, and Eliot and I are going on our first Disney Cruise this fall!



We're sailing on the Disney Dream for a three night Bahama cruise.  We'll be stopping at both Castaway Cay and Nassau.  I'm so excited for the cruise and to explore Castaway Cay.  After years of dreaming, it's finally happening!!!  We were originally planning to go on the Dream for our honeymoon, but when our vacation dates weren't lining up with the cruise schedule, we opted to go to Walt Disney World instead.


I'm so excited to experience another Disney first with Eliot!  Not only that, but I'm also going to experience it with my family and my Key to the World friends!  We're having an "at sea" portion of the conference as well as a land portion (at WDW) for those who can't go on the cruise.  It's going to be a blast.  I can't wait to see everyone again!!!

And just like that, another Disney countdown begins.  Only 182 days to go... °o°

Monday, March 28, 2016

March's Magical Mail

It's no secret that I love getting packages in the mail.  It's like Christmas each time I open a box, even if I already know what's inside.  This past month, I've gotten a few more handmade items from other sellers on Etsy.  And I also received a few surprises!


While scrolling through Facebook one morning, I found out these Disney scrapbook items were on sale.  Normally, I wouldn't necessarily jump at the chance, but this entire group of items was about 60% off, totaling only $20!!!  This was the best deal ever!


I'm so excited I was able to purchase a hand painted pendant necklace by Savanna Rodriguez.  I've admired her work via Instagram for awhile.  I was fortunate to grab one during a recent shop opening.  (She only takes a limited number of orders at a time and they can sell out within minutes.)  Savanna was great to work with; she captured exactly what I wanted for my pendant.  I love how the castle is light up like the rainbow- one of my favorite visual memories from the parks!  The fireworks are even covered in glitter.  This entire pendant is perfect.  I hope to order another someday!


Recently, I've started purchasing a few ear headbands from other sellers.  (I know I make ears myself, but I've come across a few designs too cute to pass up!)  My first set arrived Friday- my Disneyland icons ears from Elephant and Mouse.  The scale of the designs is just right and the hot pink sequin bow is perfect!  They're also really well made and high quality!  Maggie was a pleasure to work with.  In fact, I love these ears so much that I ordered two more ear headbands from her the same day I got these!


Speaking of ears, I've been looking into more fabrics recently.  Most of the fabrics available at online retailers are already being used by other ear makers.  There's only so much Disney fabric to go around.  Instead, I've tried to look elsewhere.  I happened to come across these fabrics from someone online, and I'm so glad I jumped at the chance to get them!  They're absolutely stunning!


I also ordered a few yards of this Disney Princess fabric.  I was immediately attracted to this fabric as soon as I saw it online.  I love the hues of pink and how it's a sketched design.  I was really excited that Jasmine was included!  I'm hoping to make myself a skirt and scarf with it.  Of course, there will be plenty of fabric left over for mouse ears!


Speaking of skirts, I found this cream Lauren Conrad Minnie Mouse Collection skater skirt on eBay.  It's brand new with the tags still on it.  I bought the red version on sale last summer but never got the cream.  The skirt was originally $50 and this one was only $17 with shipping!  That's definitely my kind of deal!


Last weekend, Eliot and I received a package from his mother.  I knew he'd asked her to buy us something from Disneyland, but I didn't know what.  We opened the box together and found a few Christmas ornaments, little Frozen plushes, pins and a few other goodies.  She also got us two Genie plush- the final installment of the Disneyland limited edition plush.  Plus, Eliot got the Disney Pixar Hawaiian shirt he'd asked her for.


There were also a few Easter goodies.  Eliot had told me she was planning to do the Easter Egg Hunt.  She sent us the maps, stickers and the Disney eggs.  (I think I'm going to use some of the stickers in one of my scrapbooks!)  What I wasn't expecting, were the last two packages that were wrapped up really well.  Eliot told me to open them and to my surprise, there were two candy apples inside!  He had told his mother how much I love them.  She sent me a St. Patrick's Day and Easter Egg apple!  Yay!!!


Finally, the complete surprise arrived a few days ago.  Eliot received a package the other day while he was at work and I set it aside.  When we arrived home that night, he told me it was actually for me.  He said it was a present and that I had to open it.  I think I squealed when I saw Flower and Garden Festival ShellieMay and Easter Duffy!!!  (Eliot apparently contacted his friend who got the Flower and Garden Festival items for us last year.)  I'm so excited to have a Flower and Garden Duffy and ShellieMay!!!  And I love Easter Duffy.  The little 9" Duffy plush are my favorites!!!


I'm so thankful for all of these little packages filled with Disney magic!!!  °o°

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates!!!  Was the Easter Bunny good to you?


Eliot and I don't have big plans for Easter this year.  We're still trying to get stuff done around the house.  (He's currently painting our master bedroom while I'm getting ready to re-arrange the cupboards in the kitchen.)  Spring is coming and we'd like to be able to enjoy the nice weather when it's finally here!

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However, it's not all work and no play.  Eliot and I went out to dinner last night before going to see Zootopia again.  (Yay!!!)  After getting some stuff done, I plan to watch the Disney Easter Parade videos that I shared Friday.  I might not be able to see the parade broadcast anymore, but it doesn't mean I can't see it in some form!

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No matter how you're celebrating, I hope you have a wonderful day!!!  °o°

Friday, March 25, 2016

Fun Find: Retro Disney Easter Parade Videos

One of my fondest Easter memories is watching the Disney Easter Parade on Easter morning.  Like the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, the Easter Parade used to be broadcast on television Easter morning.  Jeremy and I loved to search all over the house for our Easter baskets, and then settle down to watch the parade.

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The Azalea Trail Maids were always my favorite part of the parade.  Their gowns left me in awe.  Even to this day, it still has impacted me.  I admit that I teared up when I discovered that they were still in the Easter Day pre-parade that Eliot and I saw back in 2013 during our honeymoon.  (Ok... so maybe I was sobbing from nostalgia.)

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After a little bit of searching, I finally found what I was looking for: pure magic and memories all rolled into one.  Boy, do I have a treat for you!  For today's fun find Friday, I'm sharing some retro Walt Disney World Easter Parade videos!!!


Each video is pretty long since they're the entire broadcast of the parade, but if you have some time, they're fun to watch.  I'm hoping to sit down and watch them in their entirety over the weekend.  It's crazy to see what attractions were "new" back then!



I'm sure that I'll be humming "I could write a sonnet, About your Easter bonnet, And of the girl I'm taking, To the Easter Parade" all weekend.  And I'm totally ok with that.



These videos really bring back memories.  Jeremy and I would sing the Easter bonnet song for days after watching the parade.  I really wish Disney would broadcast the parade on television again.  However, they'd have to actually have a full Easter Parade and not just the pre-parade.  But, beggars can't be choosers and I'm thankful that I at least found these videos to re-live my Easter Day Parade memories.  Enjoy!!!  °o°


(Note: You might have to click through to YouTube on a few of the videos.  Some of them don't appear to be allowed to playback on other websites!)

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Easter Project Round Up

I can't believe Easter is this weekend!  March has flown right by- which is definitely saying something.  As a kid, March seemed to drag on forever.  Basketball season was over and it's still too cold, snowy or rainy to do much here in Maine.  This year Eliot and I have been super busy or super sick!  I actually went to the doctor earlier this week.  Now both of us are on prescriptions.  Aside from the side affects, mainly being extra tired, we seem to be on the mend.


A negative side of being sick is that I haven't had a chance to work on DIY projects.  All of my energy has been going into my Happily Ever Hatter orders.  I had a few more extensive Easter projects in mind, but they'll have to wait until another year.  And, I'm ok with that.  I'd rather do them justice than wing it and fail.  If I'm not able to do one in the next few days, I've at least made a round up of my past Easter projects!


If you're looking for a kids craft idea that's really simple, cheap and not messy, then my Mickey Easter Egg Centerpiece is perfect.  It doesn't take much time, you can prep the stickers before hand and then let your kids decorate the eggs!


If you want to make something simple that you can keep up throughout spring, my Mickey Easter Pom Pom Garland is perfect!  I enjoyed ours all last spring.  I'm also very proud to say this project was featured on Buzzfeed!


Finally, my favorite Easter DIY was my Mickey and Minnie Easter Wreath.  Not only is it really cute, but it's fun, bright and perfect for Easter.  I absolutely love the little Mickey and Minnie Mouse Easter eggs!

If you tackle any of these projects, I'd love to see them!  You can email them to me at mydisneylifeblog[at]gmail.com or post them on my Facebook page!  Enjoy!!!  °o°

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

2016 Wedding Trends

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Katie at Paperless Post.  She saw my blog and wanted to know my opinions for the wedding trends for 2016.  After some research, I discovered the Paperless Post has paper products for weddings, birthday invitations and more!  (They even have a Disney line!)  Of course, I love all things weddings so I was definitely excited about this opportunity!  


As many of you know, in September of 2012, my fairy tale came true.  I married my Prince Charming in the Disney Wedding Pavilion at the Walt Disney World Resort.  I’d dreamed of getting married there ever since I was a little girl.  Luckily, my prince (also known as Eliot) is also a big Disney fan.  We knew there was no better place for us to start our happily ever after together.

I love everything about weddings- from the dress, to the cake, to the invitations to all of the little details.  In fact, I loved planning our wedding so much that I’m already daydreaming about a Disney vow renewal someday.  Hey, a girl can dream right?

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In the world of weddings, trends and ideas are always evolving.  I personally think that’s half the fun though!  With social media and websites like Pinterest, it’s easy to find new ideas, inspiration and ways to make your wedding unique.  That being said, there are a few popular trends that I’ve noticed recently.

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Popular wedding colors are always changing.  Right now, I’ve seen a lot of pastels.  You can see the influence the 2016 Pantone colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity, have played in the wedding industry.  In the world of Disney Weddings, this trend was welcomed with open arms.  The first thing I thought of when I saw the Pantone colors was Sleeping Beauty.  “Make it Pink!  Make it Blue!”  These colors bring a subtle nod to a fairy tale favorite.  They’re perfect inspiration for the bride who wants to be feel like a princess.

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I’ve also seen a lot of sparkle.  From shimmering silvers to glittering golds, the world of weddings is all about sparkle.  Wedding gowns are also adding some silver and gold elements.  The 2016 Alfred Angelo Disney Fairy Tale wedding gowns are full silver and gold detailing.  Brides can add a little sparkle from intricate swirls and floral designs to sparkling rhinestones and beading.  Bridesmaids can also join the fun in dresses that are covered in shiny sequins.  Sparkle is definitely a trend I can get behind.

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The biggest 2016 trend I’ve seen is rose gold.  It’s taking the whole world by storm.  Rose gold is not only beautiful, but it’s also classy and elegant.  I expect to see a lot of weddings including rose gold elements.

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Finally, this last "trend" has been around a while, but I think it’s still important to mention.  The personalization trend is still going strong.  No matter what your style, colors or theme, it’s important to create a wedding that’s distinctly for you and your partner.  After all, it’s your special day to start your own happily ever after!  Plus, no matter what your theme, colors or style, Paperless Post has got you covered!  °o°

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Mini Keycon- Maine Edition

I'm am so grateful that my love of Disney has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people.  Disney really is magical.  Not only that, but tonight was another example of how blessed I am to be a part of the greatest family of travel agents.


I just got back from having dinner, aka "Mini KeyCon", with my friends Carrie and Shauna.  I'm lucky to live close to a few of the other Key to the World travel agents from Maine.  Both these ladies aren't too far from me, and we've been trying to meet up to get dinner for a few months now.  Tonight was finally the night!

My face still hurts from laughing.  We reminisced about our KeyCon 2015 antics: from Slytherin group selfies to Universal ride adventures.  We talked about our next KeyCon conference coming up this fall.  Of course, we had to talk a little Disney!!!


We also exchanged a few fun things.  Carrie was awesome and offered to grab some goodies for Shauna and me from the RunDisney marathon weekend expo!  She got me the light blue RunDisney shirt I'd been hunting for.  She got Shauna the Ariel New Balance sneakers.  They're stunning!  (Mental note: Add to wishlist.)  She also grabbed us a stack of Walt Disney World maps!  

Meanwhile, Shauna raided our local craft store a few weeks ago and adopted/rescued a few plush Olafs from the clearance bin.  She brought some for Carrie and me.  They lined up to watch us eat dinner before we took them home.  I'm up next for the goodie exchange!  I'm planning to grab us all Disneyland maps when I'm out there!  Maybe I can find a few other fun Disneyland things!


It was a fantastic evening.  I'm so glad we got to catch up with each other.  We're already talking about meeting up again this summer.  I think mini KeyCon part two in Old Orchard Beach while eating fried dough is an idea we all can get behind.  °o°

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Zootopia Movie Review

Eliot and I finally went to see Zootopia this weekend!  It was so good!  I absolutely loved it and I'm dying to see it again... maybe I can convince my brother to go with me!

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Before seeing the movie, I had read a few reviews online from some of my favorite bloggers and Instagram accounts.  They all said this movie was so much better than they were expecting and some of them had already seen it twice.  Needless to say, I was really excited to see it for myself!

The general consensus of viewers is correct- the animation is beyond incredible.  The scenery is stunning.  Animals live in all sorts of different habitats: desserts, rainforest or the arctic.  All of the different scenes were so realistic you felt you could actually go to Zootopia.  Then, there was the animation of the animals themselves.  The fur was so realistic, you'd swear cartoon Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde were real.  Major props to the Disney animators involved in this movie.  (Caution: Possible Spoilers Ahead!)

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One of the most fun parts of Zootopia was all of the Disney Easter eggs hidden in the movie.  I'd read about a few before seeing it and I'm glad I did.  Otherwise, I wouldn't have noticed Judy's playlist filled with animal puns of Disney songs, the Mickey Mouse plush in the stroller or how the calendar in Chief Bogo's office is of San Fransokyo- the city in Big Hero 6.  I might have noticed the hidden Mickey on Clawhauser's cheek, but I'm not sure. (He's the cheetah at the front desk of ZPD- seen below.)

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However, there were a few Easter eggs that I picked up on myself!  I caught Chief Bogo's Frozen reference when he says "Life's not like a cartoon musical where you sing a little song and dreams magically come true, so let it go!"  I got a chuckle about Duke Weasleton and how similar it sounded to the Duke of Weselton in Frozen.  (But I didn't realize both were voiced by the same person!)  Finally, there was a glimpse at Disney movie titles.  Pig Hero 6, Wreck-It-Rhino and Meowana were my favorites.

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The best part of Zootopia was the storyline.  It was definitely a feel good movie- which I appreciate after having my heart crushed from The Good Dinosaur.  The storyline itself was a little over the head of a younger child, but older children, teens and adults will appreciate the resounding message that you can be whatever you want to be.  My other favorite message from the movie was to "try everything".  Judy Hopps is my spirit animal.  (Side note: I really need that on a shirt!)

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Overall, Zootopia was a hit and I'm sure it will become a beloved Disney classic.  I personally can't wait to see it again.  I want to try to find more Easter eggs!!!  °o°

Saturday, March 19, 2016

When Inspiration Strikes

I've learned that when inspiration strikes, it's best to hit the ground running.  As I've mentioned before, I have many business ideas bouncing around my head.  Eliot and I have plenty of products we're designing in our minds at any given time.  However, I don't usually jump headfirst into something unless I'm really feeling inspired.


The past few days, the ideas were bouncing around, clamoring to be heard.  I did not have plans to lay the ground work for two new businesses- based off ideas that I've had for a while now.  But sometimes, you just have to go while the going is good.  

Thursday, I had a pretty low key day at home.  I worked on a glittering a few pairs of ears while Luck of the Irish played in the background on Disney Channel.  It was a really quiet St. Patrick's Day.  Honestly, I was a bit exhausted from a busy three days at work.  Then, Eliot came home from work sick that night.  Yesterday was a low key, go to the doctor, get medicine and then rest at home kind of day.  However, the entire time, ideas kept bouncing around my head.  I couldn't seem to turn my brain off.


Finally, I caved and worked on business names.  You know I'm really serious when I commit to a name for my proposed business.  This particular idea has been in the back of my mind for a long time now.  It just happened that it was finally necessary to name it!  I ended up setting up an email, Etsy and Instagram account for the first business idea on St. Patrick's Day after Eliot had some medicine and went to bed.  

The other idea was suddenly crying out for more attention.  I wanted to settle down and go to bed, but I kept finding myself back in front of my computer.  I played around with a few names and after a bit of a debate, I found one I liked.  I discussed the name of my other proposed business idea with Eliot on Friday night.  He thought it sounded good, and another business name was born.  Early this afternoon, I set up the email, Etsy and Instagram accounts for the second idea.


So, just like that, two more business ideas have taken one step closer to becoming reality.  While I don't anticipate their official introduction to be anytime soon, it's nice to know that the foundation has been set.  The account names have been set up and can be activated when the time is right!  Here's to progress!!!  °o°

Note: These photos are from a few years ago when I first started to learn how to make jewelry and from when I took a silk scarf painting class!  They're sort of relevant to this post, which is why they made the cut.  I don't have actual photos for these ideas yet!

Friday, March 18, 2016

Fun Find: March Magic

Today, I have a really fun find to share with you!  While the sports world has the NCAA March Madness college basketball tournament, Disney hosts a competition that's magical for it's loyal fans: March Magic!

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In 2014, Disney started doing it's own version of March Madness by pitting some of their attractions and shows against each other in a friendly competition.  They created brackets by dividing East vs West Coast or Walt Disney World vs Disneyland.  Then, fans were able to vote for their favorite "teams" in each round via Facebook.

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The March Magic competitions for 2014 and 2015 proved to be very popular with Disney fans.  Each year, the team logo designs for the most popular attractions are different.  They also change the overall line up each year by rotating some less popular attractions.  (See the 2014 logos here, the 2015 logos here and the 2016 logos here.)


I've enjoyed the competition and selecting my favorites each round.  Of course, I'm probably biased because my two favorite Disney attractions always seem to make the final rounds.  In 2014, the March Magic winner was the Caribbean Pirates from Disneyland.  The 2015 winner was the Gracey Manor Ghouls from Walt Disney World.

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In 2015, Disney started selling merchandise for the teams in the competition.  After many fans were upset when nothing was available to purchase in 2014, Disney made limited edition t-shirts available to order through the Disney Store.  There's a caveat though.  And that is the fact that you can only order your team's merchandise while your team is still in the competition.  Each week, the designs available shrink down as teams are eliminated through March Magic.

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However, it's not a big deal if you purchase all the shirts you want at the beginning of the competition.  In fact, Eliot and I got a few shirts last year.  His parents bought the entire family shirts from each of our favorite attractions.  Eliot and I also bought a few knowing we might not be able to find merchandise for them again.  We both got Main Street Electricity, World of Color Spectrum, and the Fantasmic Dragons.  Eliot also got a Briar Patch Splash shirt; while I opted for the Philharmagic Maestros!

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The absolute best part of March Magic is that you can purchase merchandise for attractions, shows or lands you normally wouldn't be able to.  I mean, have you ever seen merchandise available for Kali River Rapids, Liberty Square, Tom Sawyer Island, or the Enchanted Tiki Room?  If you have, it's incredibly limited.  This year, they even have a design for the Haunted Mansion Nightmare before Christmas overlay!

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Plus, the logo designs for all of the teams are awesome!  This year, I've got my eyes on a few teams I don't usually see merchandise for: the Adventureland Dole Whip, Adventureland Swirl, Future World Phoenicians, Imagination Institute Dreamfinders, and the Tomorrowland Movers.  I admit, I'm a big fan of dole whip, Orange Bird, Spaceship Earth, Figment and the People Mover.

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This year, Disney is also offering individual posters of teams as well as the East vs West coast line ups.  I love the Disneyland vs Walt Disney World team posters!

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If you're interested in a certain team's merchandise, head on over to the Disney Store to purchase your items before March 24th.  After that, the pool of available teams starts to get cut in half each round of March Magic.

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Also, if you're rooting for a specific team, or you just want to get in on the fun, visit Disneyland and Walt Disney World's Facebook pages to vote on your favorite teams in each round!  May the best attraction win!!!  °o°

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!  Whether you're actually Irish or not, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!!!  I'm part Irish, if my red curly hair didn't give you any hints!


In honor of the holiday, I thought I'd do a quick Throwback Thursday blog post!  Here are some photos from past St. Patrick's Days.


My all time favorite St. Patrick's Day has to be from 2013 when we celebrated Nana and Papa's 80th birthdays at my aunt Sherrie's house.  Papa's birthday was March 4th and Nana's is April 6th so we had a joint celebration in between the two.


Of course, I made sure Eliot and I also dressed up in green!  I went all out with my green sweater, St. Patrick's Day ribbon headband and green Mickey earrings!


I also used to dress up when I worked at my previous job in retail.  This was from 2012 when I wore a green sweater, shirt, my ribbon headband, a green necklace and my shamrock socks to work!  You can't see it in the photo, but I also wore green eye shadow to work that day!  I'm definitely rocking the green theme!


Eliot and I don't do too much for St. Patrick's Day.  As you can see, I usually celebrate with a cake.  I'm not a fan of beer and Eliot and I don't drink often anyways.  Someday, I'd love to wear my green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Walt Disney World!

Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!  May the luck of the Irish be with you!!!  °o°