Fun Find: “The Gift” Final Video in “From Our Family To Yours” Series

It's ok... I suppose that I needed a good cry this afternoon... 

I certainly wasn't prepared for this.  I literally popped over to Youtube thinking I was going to share a video of the updated Fantasmic show Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios.  Then, I saw a link to a new video from the Disney Parks Youtube page and I had to stop everything and watch it.  There was another one.

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For the past three years, I've been captivated by the From Our Family to Yours video shorts Disney has released each holiday season.  It started out with the little girl and her grandmother with the Mickey Mouse plush.  That video was the most emotional for me.  After all that 2020 threw at us, it hit me right in the feels and I sobbed watching it.  

Next, came last year's version where the little girl from the first one was now a mother herself and getting remarried.  Her two children and their new step-dad are adjusting to becoming a blended family and starting new holiday traditions together.

Finally, with this year's final installment of the series, it takes place little bit later than the last video, and the family is now welcoming another new addition to the family.

This video holds the same magic as the last two, and I think it's beautiful to see how the family's story has played out over the past three years.  I get emotional seeing all of the Disney toys and ornaments because it reminds me of my own family's traditions and the memories that we hold through certain ornaments and decorations.

I also thought it was cool that the new song, "A Little More," is performed by Jessica Darrow- who voiced Luisa in Encanto.  Finally, like the other two videos in the series, this one is to help others during the holiday season.  This video sponsors Toys for Tots and you can learn how you can help donate a toy here. 

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No matter how old I get, the magic of Disney will always bring me back to my own childhood and experiencing it all for the first time.  Thank you to the Disney creative teams for capturing this feeling so perfectly through this series of videos.  °o°

From Our Family to Yours 2021

Disney has done it again... This morning, the mouse debuted the new 2021 Disney Holiday Short video in their daily email from Shop Disney.  Once again, it broke me.

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Like last year, the "From Our Family to Yours" video promotion was made to partner with Make a Wish.  Proceeds from the merchandise that Disney has created to match the video will go to the Make a Wish Foundation.

This year, the story continues with a grown up Nicole- the granddaughter of Lola from the 2020 short.  (You can see pictures of Lola and last year's Mickey plush in the video screenshot above.)  Nicole and her two children, Max and Ella, are welcoming Mike and his dog into the family home as he takes on his new role of stepdad.  The story is centered around him joining the family and with them sharing traditions.

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At the heart of the short is a special storybook that was given to Max from his birth father.  The book celebrates the magic of storytelling.  As the family reads together, the characters come to life and spring off the page.  The figure skating Minnie (pictured at the top of this post) is one of the images in the book that comes to life.  (I wish they had made the matching Mickey Mouse plush to go with her!)

This video is beautiful and it's clear that so much love was put into the animation.  My favorite part is how the story continues from last year's video.  I also love how many Easter eggs they tucked into the short.  The kids are making a Make A Wish puzzle on the table.  There are hidden Mickeys everywhere.  The lamp in the bedroom has Andy's cloud wallpaper and Trixie (the dinosaur) is on the wall.  The kids play with lightsabers and there are Disney plush toys scattered throughout the short. 

The animation was stunning but the music is what finally broke me.  The song "Love Runs Deeper" tells the story through Mike's eyes.  The song is sung by Grammy winner Gregory Porter and is available to download.  For every download before December 31st, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish International.

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I read an article stating that there would be over 200 retailers and brands supporting Disney's "From Our Family to Yours" 2021 campaign.  Pandora, Primark and more will also have their own animated stories featuring Nicole, Mike, Max and Ella being released on their channels throughout the month of November.  I hope this means there will be more merchandise (plush Mickey?) and more ways to help Make A Wish.

Not gonna lie, this video really pulled at my heartstrings.  It didn't completely knock me on my butt like last year's video, but it definitely produced tears.  If these short videos are going to become an annual thing, I clearly need to invest in more Kleenex.  °o°

Magical Merchandise: Mickey Mouse Vintage Holiday Plush

Please excuse me and my feelings while I go sit in the corner and sob.  Absolutely nothing could have prepared me for this.  Last night, I first watched the new 2020 Disney Holiday advertisement video and I sobbed.  I've watched it again twice today, and I cried both times while watching it again.

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Disney's newest advertisement hits home in the form of an animated short with the importance of family, traditions and heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next.  After this crap-tastic year, it has me feeling all sorts of things.  Leave it to Disney to bring it all out of me in 3 short minutes of animation.  But don't let me spoil it, take a peek at this beautiful short yourself.  (And bring tissues... you'll need them!)

This video reminds me so much of my Nana.  I remember when I first saw Moana and I felt the same way about Gramma Tala.  (In fact, back then I basically made my mother take my Nana with me to go see it in theaters and I didn't shut up until we went.)  Nana and I have always shared a special bond and this pulls at my heartstrings so much.  As much as I've been able to physically "see" her this year, I still haven't been able to get too close to her or hug her in months due to COVID.  This video really hits home to me.

This is Disney and the power of storytelling at it's finest.  The story simple but it's so beautiful.  The animation is stunning and the music is perfect.  (You can also download the song on iTunes. It's called "Love Is A Compass" by Griff.)  I'm not sure if this short will be eligible to win movie awards or not, but it wins all of them in my book.

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Plus, the thing that I love most about this video is that Shop Disney is selling a plush of the Mickey that looks just like the one in the film.  He's an exact replica, right down to the red stitching where Lola's granddaughter mends him after his ear tears off.  The only difference is that this plush is a bit larger in scale than the one in the film.

At 4:00 am this morning, I hopped out of bed and was online purchasing the plush.  I wanted it anyways for what it represents to me, but I was so happy to find out that this is the next item that benefits Make-A-Wish.  Like the Disney items available in the Wishes Come True Blue Collection, 25% of the proceeds from this Mickey plush will go towards Make-A-Wish through January 31st, 2021.

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You could say this film really "hit me in the feels".  This Mickey plush is very symbolic and already means so much to me.  He'll be a treasured piece for years to come. °o°

Magical Merchandise: Wishes Come True Blue Collection

I'm seeing stars!  Last Thursday, Disney released a brand new collection of Wishes Come True Blue merchandise.  Eliot and I were surprised by the Thursday drop, since most new items are released to the website on Monday.  Nevertheless, I was excited to see the new merchandise in my email and I jumped right over to the Shop Disney app.

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What I found took my breath away.  There was a new color collection of 20 clothing and accessory items in a beautiful shade of crisp, bright blue.  I'd actually seen a sneak peek of the Loungefly backpack online and everyone assumed that it was just a new Sorcerer Mickey collection.  While the current items don't scream Sorcerer Mickey, it's definitely a subtle nod to our favorite sorcerer's apprentice and his hat.  I am in love with the bright blue, silvery sparkles and the stars and moon design.

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This new collection was made to honor the 40 year partnership of Disney and Make-a-Wish.  For all items purchased in the Wishes Come True Blue collection between now and World Wish Day (April 29, 2021) in the US, Canada and Europe, Disney will donate 25% of the profits (up to $500,000) to Make-A-Wish.  According to Disney, there will be three merchandise drops so it appears as if there is more to come!

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Make-a-Wish has always been important to me.  In the past, we've participated in the Share Your Ears event, a Walk for Wishes fundraiser and Eliot and I have donated a few pairs of mouse ears to a few Wish Kids going to Disney.  I've also done many virtual races to benefit Give Kids the World Village, which is where the Wish Kids and their families stay while visiting Walt Disney World.  It's so important to me that these kids have their wishes fulfilled.  We've been blessed to go on many trips to Disney.  It brings me joy to know that these kids will get to experience the magic too.

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So not only is it stunning, but this collection is extra special to me.  Today, I wanted to share a few of my favorite pieces from the collection.  Unfortunately, a lot of it is already sold out online.  (It's unclear if Disney will be restocking those items or if they'll return in one of the future merchandise drops.)

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The thing I was most excited about were the Spirit Jerseys for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.  They had them in adult sizes, as well as a style for children and for your pets!  There are also Face Masks to match the Spirit Jerseys.  Of course, there are also mouse ears that match the collection.  However, this time, Disney has also made their first ever adjustable mouse ears (with a chin strap) for people who might need something a little more comfortable.

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My other favorites from the collection were the leggings, super sparkly Crocs, Alex and Ani bracelet and the sequined Loungefly Mini Backpack.  I love how the Crocs and the leggings both had the moon incorporated into them too.  They'll be perfect additions to a Sorcerer Mickey outfit!  Just look at that sparkle!!!

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I am absolutely in love with this collection!  Thankfully, I knew enough to purchase my favorites when I saw them as I was worried these items would sell out quickly.  (And they did.)  I'm happy to report that the WDW Spirit Jersey, Leggings, Loungefly Mini Backpack and Crocs jumped into my cart and will be on their way to me soon.  (Even while checking out, I had problems with the Spirit Jersey jumping in and out of stock.)

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If you have your eye on something that's still in stock online, don't wait too long to order!  And you can feel good about it, since not only is the collection beautiful, but 25% of the sales are going to a great cause.  "Starlight, star bright, first start I see tonight.  I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.  Make a wish, and do as dreamers do.  And all our wishes, will come true."  °o°

Fun Find: Share Your Ears

Hello friends!  It's time for another Fun Find Friday!  Today I'm sharing something really near and dear to me.  If you haven't heard about it yet, Disney is donating $5 (up to $1,000,000) to Make-A-Wish for every photo of "ears" shared on social media with the hashtag #ShareYourEars.  The campaign was announced and launched last week right before the Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60 television special.

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Since 1980, Disney and Make-A-Wish have granted more than 100,000 wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.  Many children wish to go to Walt Disney World or Disneyland for their wish.  This cause is really important to Eliot and me, especially since we've been blessed to travel to Disney so many times.

Eliot and I have been fortunate to be able to contribute a little magic to some of these children.  We raised money for "Walk For Wishes" a few years ago with my aunt and cousin.  There were signs at the end of the 2 mile walk with photos of children whose wishes were granted.  About half of the photos were of children at Walt Disney World.

Eliot and I have also used our businesses as a way to help out.  Snowblade Creations donated soaps to a local child for his wish grant party.  We made him and his cousin a few packages of Mickey and lego soaps.

We also contributed to Scarlet's Wish.  Scarlet's Wish Granter bought an Elsa ear hat from my Happily Ever Hatter shop.  Eliot and I also included some snowflake hair clips, Olaf soaps and Mickey Mouse soaps in her package.  After the party, her Wish Granter sent me a few photos and told me Scarlet didn't want to take her new hat off!

I absolutely love this idea and how much publicity it's been getting.  You can learn more about the campaign here.  It only runs until March 14th and it's so simple to help out.  All you have to do is post a photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #ShareYourEars.  If you don't have an ear hat or ear headband, you can make ears with fruit, plates, balls... basically anything round that could look like mouse ears!

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You can also post a photo with this cool Make a Wish and Share Your Ears border on Facebook.  If you click this link, it will take you to the page where you can hit "try it" to change your profile picture.  Don't forget to switch to an ear photo first!  Here's Eliot and I with Mickey and Minnie at the Disneyland Diamond Celebration!

As Disney fans, we all truly know the power of a wish.  Please consider sharing a photo on social media.  Let's help make dreams come true!  °o°

Make A Wish

Hi friends!  I wanted to follow up with a story I shared with you.  Last week, I told you about a package that Eliot and I sent to a very special little girl named Scarlet.

Last Saturday, Scarlet found out she is going to Walt Disney World through Make A Wish.  Her Wish Granter ordered an Elsa ear hat from my Happily Ever Hatter store.  As I mentioned, Eliot and I wanted to spread some extra Disney magic.  We also included snowflake hair clips, bubblegum scented Mickey Mouse soaps and an Olaf soap.

A few days ago, I got a letter in the mail from Make A Wish thanking us for helping to make Scarlet's wish come true.  It was a beautiful letter and it brought tears to my eyes while reading it.  Scarlet's Wish Granter also enclosed was a Make A Wish magnet, which now proudly hangs on our refrigerator.

Last week, Scarlet's Wish Granter emailed me pictures of Scarlet at her party.  She gave me permission to share them.  Here's Scarlet opening the box with the Elsa hat. 

Her Wish Granter told me Scarlet didn't want to take her hat off after she opened it.  It's made me feel really good to know I made her something that she will cherish so much.  I absolutely love her Elsa outfit!

She also enjoyed the soaps Eliot made her from Snowblade Creations!

I'm so happy we could help make this little girl's wish come true.  I hope Scarlet has an incredible trip and that her family makes many magical memories together.  °o°

Anniversaries and Ear Hats and Soaps, Oh My!

Hey Friends!  It's been another eventful week!

As most of you know, our second wedding anniversary was this past Saturday.  We didn't do too much for it since we both had a lot of Etsy orders we've been trying to get done.  However, we did make the time to go out to one of our favorite restaurants: Longhorn Steakhouse.  It was definitely yummy.  Eliot stuck with his usual beer and a burger but I had a wonderful watermelon margarita, steak and mac & cheese... soooo good!  We also grabbed cake from the grocery store.  (I love any excuse to eat cake!)

I was busy last week with Happily Ever Hatter orders.  I've made a new record for myself: I finished six hats in one week!  I made 3 Anna ear hats and 3 Elsa ear hats!  I also designed an Elsa stretchy headband for an infant.  It was a busy week but I'm so glad to get all of these orders out!  I've felt so behind ever since I got sick a few weeks ago.  Eeyore even helped me package one of the boxes which was on it's way to Walt Disney World.  (Although, he tried to tape himself to the box in an effort to stow away.)

Eliot has been busy making soaps with his Etsy shop, Snowblade Creations.  He's had an order for a favors for a birthday party, fish extender gifts for a Disney cruise, and a huge wedding order of about 80 soaps!

We also mailed out a special package yesterday.  It's on it's way to a very special little girl named Scarlet.  She's going to find out this Saturday that she's going to Walt Disney World through Make A Wish.  Her Wish Granter ordered an Elsa ear hat from me, but Eliot and I wanted to spread some more Disney magic and pixie dust.  We also included four snowflake hair clips, four bubblegum scented Mickey Mouse soaps and one Olaf soap.  I can't wait to hear how her party goes this weekend!

My job has been going well.  We've been working on getting ourselves back up and running.  We've found a new office space.  I actually got to go with my boss to help with our interior finish selections yesterday.  We've picked the paint colors for the walls and door trim, the baseboard color and the carpet color.  We also decided which finishes she's going to order her new adjusting tables in.  It was really fun to help with finish selections!  It's been a while since I've done that!

Finally, I'm trying to make a list of the Happily Ever Hatter items I need to make myself over the next few weeks.  I'm planning on bringing a few different headbands to Walt Disney World for KeyCon!  I just started one pair today, but I have a lot to do!  I really need to get cracking on that!  I leave in 15 Days!  Woo-hoo!  °o°

Ice Bucket Challenge

Eliot and I have been tagged to do the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS Awareness that's sweeping our nation via social media.  (Ironically, we were actually discussing this over the weekend, and guessing which of our friends would be the first to challenge us.)  Eliot and I have decided that we're not going to participate in the challenge.  Now, before you start judging us and why we're not going to join in, this is our reasoning.

Although it seems to be the current thing to do, we're taking a different stance.  I've seen tons of my Facebook friends, television morning hosts and famous celebrities who are all doing it.  However, my mother taught me not to jump off a bridge just because everyone else was doing it.  I'm not knocking those of you who have participated.  Actually, it's quite the opposite; I applaud you.  I'm glad that social media has the power to do something to enrich our lives and make the world a better place for all of us to live.

I've heard that you have to dump the ice, or make a $100 donation instead.  In my understanding, the people who are getting soaked in ice water are not donating to ALS. (In fact, donating seems to be the less popular option according to my Newsfeed.)  Don't get me wrong, the ice bucket challenge did intrigue me when I saw everyone getting soaked in ice.  I even contemplated doing it while wearing one of my mouse ear hats to change it up a bit.  But honestly, I don't know how me dumping a bucket of ice water over my head will help someone fighting a horrible disease.  While I'm sure it would probably be entertaining to watch, that's not supposed to be the point of the challenge.  The point is to raise awareness about ALS.

ALS is short for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and it's often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease."  According to the ALS Association, ALS is "a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death."  It's a horrible disease.  As the motor neurons die, patients may become totally paralyzed in the later stages of the disease.  (To learn more, visit the ALS Association.)

Before the challenge, I didn't know that much about ALS.  Now I've learned more about the disease and how it affects people who have it.  And I think that's the great part of social media.  But, I can't help wondering: where are the challenges to help stop gun violence?  To stand up for equality for men and women?  This challenge reminds me that there are still a lot of things we can do to help the world become a better place.

Over the past year or so, Eliot and I have done a lot of things to make a small difference in our world.  We've taken donations for and participated in the Walk for Wishes through the Make a Wish Foundation.  We've donated a box of Mickey Mouse soaps to a little boy named Konnor going to Walt Disney World through Make a Wish.

This summer, I donated an afternoon of my time helping clean the cat areas at the Hancock County SPCA.  (My family got our dog Lucky from the SPCA and he was a wonderful companion to us for almost 15 years.)

I have also donated hundreds of dollars to countless charities through the Virtual Runs I've participated in.  One of my favorites is Give Kids the World which is a 70-acre resort located right near Central Florida's world famous theme parks: Disney World, Universal, Sea World, etc.  It is a place where children with life threatening illnesses and their family members can go for a weeklong, cost-free dream vacation.  This is a great cause and it's near and dear to my heart since I've been blessed with so many opportunities to go to Walt Disney World.  It warms my heart to know I'm helping other kids' dreams come true.

In reality, there are many people that need a voice: the homeless, the hungry, veterans, domestic abuse victims, sexual abuse victims, people with other severe illnesses and more.  And there are many causes that need donations: disaster relief funds, animal welfare groups, environmental organizations, humanitarian organizations, etc.

Therefore, instead of participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge, we challenge everyone to donate your time, voice, or money to a cause that's near and dear to your heart.  In the meantime, I'll be finding another virtual run to sign up for to make a small difference.  °o°