Fun Find: How To Make A Mickey Snowflake Ornament Candy Apple

It's Friday and you know that that means... another Fun Find Friday!  Yes, it's another candy apple post.  What can I say?  This girl loves her Disney candy apples!  Today, I wanted to share a fun video of how to make a Mickey Snowflake Ornament design.

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These cute Mickey Snowflake Candy Apples are really easy to make and you can make them in any color you'd like!  I love all of the possibilities!  Plus, I love how they're less Christmasy and that they could be made for Christmas, Hanukkah and winter!

These would be perfect to make this holiday season!  I might actually make some to enjoy this winter after all the holiday craziness dies down.  Yum!!!  °o° 

Fun Find: How To Make a Mickey Ghost Candy Apple

I'm back for another Fun Find Friday!  Today, we're taking a look at how to make a hauntingly good Mickey Ghost Candy Apple!  Isn't he cute???

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This sweet Halloween treat has always caught my eye.  I've never purchased one, but I've always thought he was really cute.  I'm such a lover of milk chocolate that I usually go for the Minnie Candy Apples, but I might have to try one of these guys soon!  Plus, Eliot does love white chocolate!  He'd probably love this!

 

For some reason, I've always thought this candy apple would be hard to make at home.  But, now that I've watched the video, it doesn't seem hard at all!  Maybe we'll add some Mickey Ghost candy apples to my to do list!   °o°

Fun Find: How To Make a Minnie Witch Candy Apple

It's no secret that Disney's candy apples are one of my all time favorite treats... but a lesser known fact is that I'm pretty sure the Minnie Witch candy apple was the first one that I ever tried!  The Minnie Witch apple has always held a special place in my heart.

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I love the bright pop of color with the purple contrast to the orange.  The sweet taste of milk chocolate against the white chocolate and caramel has always captivated me as well.  These treats are adorable, delicious and pretty easy to make! 

Mmmmh.  I can almost taste them right now!  Now all I need is a witch hat candy mold and I'm ready to make these sweet delicious treats!!!  °o°

Fun Find: How To Make a Mickey Pumpkin Candy Apple

Happy Fun Find Friday!  Today, I thought that I'd continue with my candy apple making fun.  Part of the reason that I love Disney's candy apples so much is that they are versatile enough to change them up for the holidays.  (You know how much I love the holidays!)  In fact, these Mickey Pumpkin Candy Apples are one of the first things my mind conjures when I think of celebrating Halloween at the parks.

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These Mickey Pumpkin Candy Apples aren't really that hard to make either!

Yum... I'm getting hungry just looking at them!  Maybe I'll attempt to make some of these tasty, magical treats this spooky season!!!  °o° 

Fun Find: How To Make a Minnie Mouse Candy Apple

There are only four weeks until Walt Disney World turns 50!  Today, I'm back with another installment of my countdown fun find series.

You guessed it, today we're taking a look at how to make Minnie candy apples!  I was actually pretty surprised when I first watched this and learned that the Minnie apples are more popular than the Mickey ones.  However, after thinking about it, it does make sense to me.  She has more candies on her than Mickey... and I've probably bought more Minnie Mouse apples myself!  I love the delicious combination of the caramel, milk chocolate and white chocolate.  (Great, now my mouth is watering...)

Let's take a look at how to create these cute and sweet treats!

I hope you enjoyed this video!  Now that we've covered how to make both Mickey and Minnie candy apples, I am on my way to making my own version of the Main Street Confectionery right in my own kitchen!  Now if only I could get it to smell like it...  °o° 

Fun Find: How To Make a Mickey Mouse Candy Apple

The 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World is 8 weeks away.  I thought that I'd start a bit of a countdown and post some special fun finds on the way to this historic event.

Today, I'm sharing a video from the Disney Parks Blog about how to make their popular Mickey Candy Apples.  Character candy apples are my favorite treats to purchase and bring home from our Disney trips.  They travel well and taste amazing.  They are the perfect way to glide back in to everyday life after a Disney trip.  I've brought more of these home than I can count.  It's well known that they're my favorite.  In fact, Eliot's family has taken to getting me some and mailing them whenever they can.  Yum!

Of course, with the ongoing worldwide coronavirus pandemic, I haven't had one of these beauties in a long time.  And I won't lie, I miss them and their delicious magic.  

But maybe I don't have to miss them much longer after watching this video...

I hope you enjoyed this video and learning how to make the classic Mickey Mouse candy apples sold at the theme parks!  They look so good!!!  You have no idea how badly I want one of these sweet treats!  Although, with this video, I might attempt it!  It probably won't taste the same, but it will help tide me over to my next one!  °o° 

An Excused Absence

Hey everyone.  Yesterday, I briefly touched upon my absence from my blog.  Eliot and I have been insanely busy.  If I thought we were busy before, I didn't truly know what busy was.  I've been burning the candle at every end possible, but it's all good.  I've been so busy the past few days, that I haven't even had time to work out.  And since that's one of my main goals right now, that's really saying something!

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder... hopefully you will all look past my unplanned extended absences of late.  I really do miss blogging.  Unfortunately, with the half marathon creeping up on us, I'm going to be training more than ever... possibly daily.  (The 10K is 3 weeks from today... yikes!)  Since showing you photos of me training or hunched over the table working on ears would be pathetically boring, I'll give you an overview of what else has been happening the past few weeks!

A few days after my National Hat Day post, Elissa returned to Maine for her second semester at UNE.  Eliot and I were glad to see her.  We had a night to catch up before she had to return to school.  She even came with a few Disneyland goodies!  Yum!!!

The following weekend, my parents, Nana, Jeremy, Elissa, Eliot and I all got together in Portland to celebrate Jeremy's birthday weekend.  Jer turned 30 last month.  My "little" brother isn't so little anymore!  We went out to dinner at Friendly's, then went to the movie theater.  Dad, Jeremy, Elissa, Eliot and I went to see Passengers and Mom and Nana went to see Hidden Figures.  I really enjoyed the movie, and taking a break!

The next morning, Eliot, Elissa and I went to breakfast, also at Friendly's, before having a quick birthday celebration at the hotel, and then saying goodbye to everyone around noon.  (We all wanted to get home long before the Pats game started.)  I made sure to wear my Minnie polka dot bow brooch, since it was National Polka Dot day!!!

Speaking of the Pats... I'm so incredibly excited that my boys made it to the Super Bowl again!!!  I've watched the New England Patriots since I was little.  I won't lie, this year is especially sweet after everything that's happened.  We're the most hated team in football, and I couldn't care less.  They're my team; I'm so excited for the big game!!!

Of course, Eliot and I have been super busy with ears.  Eliot's designed tons of new IllusionEars.  We've listed a ton of new designs in my shop.  I've been cranking out new headband and ear hat designs.  There are a ton, but I'll try to share those soon!

In the few times I have allowed myself a break, I've either been watching the San Jose Sharks, playing Emoji Blitz, using the new Disney Coloring app, or attempting to relax and watch one of the few television shows I still keep up with.  I've really enjoyed those short breaks, especially since they've been few and far between.

Surprisingly, we haven't had tons of snow.  We were expecting to have a really bad winter and I was gearing up for a snow storm a week.  But, it hasn't been that bad.  We had one storm last week that caused me to have a snow day home from work, but that's been it.  That day, it wasn't really snowing so much as it was icy and hailing.  The roads were horrendous.  I had little tiny balls of ice all over my car the next day!

Finally, we've been gearing up for our trip to Walt Disney World at the end of the month.  It's quickly approaching.  As excited as I am, this is probably the first time I haven't been counting the days down to our trip, mostly because it means the race is coming too!  I'm feeling a little bit better about it though.  Plus, it's hard not to get excited when you open up a package with the brand new Magicband 2.0.

So, there you have it!  We haven't been doing anything out of the ordinary- just working really hard and getting things done!  Like I said before, this month is probably going to be sporadic with the blog posts, but I'm going to cut myself some slack.  There's only one of me and I'm doing all that I can.  I'm calling it my excused absence.  Between work, ears and training, I often don't have time to do anything else.  However, I've got tons of posts that I'm mentally preparing.  I might be here less often right now, but I'll definitely be back full force as soon as I'm able to be!!!  °o°

Post Disneyland Trip

Hey friends!  I'm sorry that I've been so quiet since I got back from Disneyland.  I've been really busy playing catch up with work, my emails, cleaning the house, laundry, etc.  You know the drill!  I was only away a few days but there's still so much to do!

This trip, there hasn't been any post Disney trip depression because I know our next trip to Disneyland is only days away!!!  (26 days to be exact!)  Instead, I'm kicking it in to overdrive to get a ton of things done for that trip!  I've also enjoyed a little bit of Disney magic that I brought home with me!

The other day, I indulged in the Minnie Mouse marshmallow pop I bought.  I had every intention of eating it as a mid-day snack on my last day at Disneyland, but I put that on pause to enjoy my Tigger tail.  The other day, I curled up on the couch in my Minnie pjs and enjoyed every single bite of my tasty treat.

Speaking of tasty treats, I've also enjoyed my Diamond Celebration Mickey and Minnie candy apples that I've brought home.  I just ate Mickey two nights ago and Minnie last night.  (They last about a week to ten days.)  I usually cut around the stick to be safe, but the apples were still delicious as always!  26 days until I can get another one... 

I've been busy at work the past two weeks.  I wasn't too far behind from missing one day, but I've stayed a bit extra this week to behind the scenes things done.  I've kept the Disney spirit alive.  Today, I was working with our IT guy (we weren't seeing patients) so I wore my Mickey iced latte shirt from Once Upon A Mickey Tee.  I've been wearing my Mickey key necklace (from WDW) all week.  Yesterday, my Paint the Night Mickey Lollipop Necklace from Enchanted Candy Carousel came and I had to wear it immediately!  I absolutely love it.  It's so fun and colorful!

I've also been busy at home getting a few more things put away.  This past weekend, I tackled my office.  Eliot surprised me by putting together my drawing desk while I was in California.  I've had it for about three years and we've never had enough space for it to bother putting it together.  I'm so excited to have a place to draw and paint!

I also unpacked the Wonderground postcards I bought at Disneyland.  I'm planning to make a huge collage wall above my drawing desk.  These are going to look great on it!

Ever since I got home, I've been really inspired to create things.  Thankfully, I've had a lot of ear inquiries for Happily Ever Hatter!  I'm so excited to start working on a few new designs!  I'm also hoping to get a few done for our trip to Disneyland!

I'm sure I'll definitely keep myself busy over the next few weeks.  Actually... I've gotta run now.  The San Jose Sharks hockey game seven is on and I'm going to go join Eliot in cheering them on!  Speaking of the Sharks, I registered our new car the other day and he was so happy to get his SJShrks license plate!  I had to bring the donkeys along with me so I could send Eliot this photo!

Hopefully I'll be back by the blog again soon!  In the meantime... Go Sharks!!!  °o°

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°

KeyCon 2014 Trip: Day #2

The second day of my trip, I wanted to make the most out of being at Disney by myself. My new friend Wanda had a tour at the Magic Kingdom in the morning so I was on my own.  I slept in a little so I'd be recharged for the day.  When I got up, I decided that my first Walt Disney World Solo Mission would be Blizzard Beach!!!

Blizzard Beach is one of my favorite parts of Walt Disney World.  It's surprising to me how many people don't take advantage of the water parks.  The first time I went to Blizzard Beach, we were at Walt Disney World when I was 12 for Christmas.  I got a huge chuckle out of the "fake" snow when our friends and family back home in Maine had the real deal.  I'll never forget listening to Christmas carols while walking around in my bathing suit.  I make it a point to go there every trip to WDW- as long at it's open. 

I knew Blizzard Beach was going to be closed when we return in January, so I decided I'd get my fill this trip.  I started my water park day the same way I always do, with a trip around Cross Country Creek.  (I had promised my friends and family that I'd do a few trips around the lazy river in their honor.)  While everyone back home was dealing with the seasonal temperature changes, I was floating along in the warm waters the lazy river. As I looked up at the sun shining through the trees, I felt nothing but contentment and relaxation.  I went around three times before getting off near the Purple Slope.

Eliot loves the Toboggan Racers so I had to go down them at least once for him.  I had a blast and I even came in second of the eight riders!  Although, I was up against a bunch of kids, so maybe that's not really a big win.  After my ride, I decided to head over to Melt-Away Bay to enjoy the wave pool.  I grabbed a tube and floated along.  The waves turned on and a bobbed up and down near the wave maker for a while.  Eventually, I made my way back to the lazy river for two more trips around the park before calling it a day.  To my excitement, the cast member at the locker return offered me an Olaf bag instead of my $5.  I had to get the Olaf bag; Eliot would have disowned me otherwise!

After an enjoyable morning and afternoon, I headed back to Pop Century to take a shower and rest a little.  I stopped by Concierge to purchase my Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets for that evening, and was completely shocked when the cast member told me they were sold out!?!?  I should have known Columbus Day weekend would be busy.  However, I've never bought MNSSHP tickets in advance except for Halloween night in 2010.  I was pretty bummed out that I wouldn't be meeting more up with more of the Key to the World crew.  Thankfully, I had a little bit of a surprise waiting for me at my room.  I had a KeyCon welcome goody bag waiting for me on my extra bed. Eeyore, Duffy and Olaf were left curled up on my bed by Mousekeeping.

I sent Wanda a text to let her know I wouldn't be meeting up with her at MNSSHP.  Then I showered and ended up taking a nap.  When I woke up, I decided I'd go get dinner and head over to Downtown Disney to poke around for a few hours.  I left Eeyore, Olaf and Duffy in bed on my pillows.  Eating dinner at Pop Century alone was the first time I felt a little bit lonely all day.  Everyone else was sitting with their families enjoying dinner and I had a booth all to myself.  My delicious burger was well worth it though.

Walking around Downtown Disney alone was actually a lot of fun.  I took the opportunity to poke around stores I've never been in before.  I started in the scrapbook store and made my way into the art store.  I love admiring the Disney art. They even had a few new Thomas Kincade items!  I made my way from the Marketplace over towards the West Side.  Eliot wanted me to check out D Street for a few Vinylmations.  Along the way I stopped to admire the Lego sculptures and the Characters in Flight hot air balloon.

I didn't find the Vinylmations Eliot wanted, but I did enjoy looking at the candy apples in the candy store.  I wandered back towards the Marketplace and stopped to relax on a bench for a few minutes to watch the hot air balloon.  I continued along through the construction route.  It was a little crazy with all of the walls put up, but I'm excited to see how it'll look when Downtown Disney becomes Disney Springs.

I spent a while wandering around the World of Disney store.   It's always one of my favorite places to shop for park merchandise!  I found a few things that I made a mental note of.  I was very proud of myself when I left without purchasing anything!  I continued on and decided to look in a few places I never have.  Basin was at the top of my list.  I spent a while in there admiring the soaps and bath bombs.  I took a few photos of the Mickey soaps to show Eliot.

I continued on my quest and walked through the Arribas Brothers store.  I loved all of the glass work.  There was a cute Olaf necklace and new Frozen inspired vases and bowls. I continued on over to Tren-D where I found some awesome Harvey's seat belt bags. Next up was a quick peek around the pin store.  Then, I made my way over to Once Upon a Toy.  I love that place.  Eventually, I ended up at my weakness: Disney's Days of Christmas.  I took a lot of photos, but for once, I left the store without buying anything.  I was very proud of myself and my will power.

Of course, after having such a great display of willpower, I decided that I'd treat myself. My final stop was Goofy's Candy Co where I admired all of the candy apples.  I really wanted an Olaf apple, but I decided that since it was Halloween time, I would get a Minnie Mouse Witch candy apple instead.  I was supposed to be over at MMSSHP after all. This seemed like a pretty good consolation prize for missing out.

After I purchased my candy apple, I made my way back to the buses and headed to Pop Century.  I worked on my "top secret" KeyCon project for a little while and went to bed to prepare for another busy day!  °o°