Elissa's College Move-In Day!!!

Yesterday was the day!  Elissa is officially living at University of New England!!!  These past few days have been a blur and a rollercoaster of emotions.  Eliot and I have really enjoyed having her stay with us.  And we're excited for what the school year will bring!

Thursday night, we picked Elissa up from the airport.  Her flight landed as scheduled this time around.  We took a few pictures and grabbed her luggage.  Then, we went over to Walmart to get some food, a few snacks and to do a preliminary scan of the college dorm stuff.  We got home late and Eliot and I went to bed.

Friday, Elissa and I hung out at our house.  Still being on California time, she stayed up a bit later than us, so she slept in.  I got a bunch of computer stuff done while she was asleep.  Then, she and I got ready and drove into town to do a little school shopping at Target.  We must have been there for a long time because the next thing we knew, Eliot was out of work and driving over to meet us there.  We paid for her school supplies and then took her to Long Horn for a macaroni and cheese welcome dinner!

On Saturday, we all slept in.  Once we were all up and moving, Eliot and I took Elissa over to Funtown Splashtown for a little bit of summer fun before school started.  The park was busy, but the lines were still reasonable.  Eliot and Elissa went on a few rollercoasters together.  Then, they split an order of nachos while I had churros.  After, we went to the waterpark for the last hour it was open.  (Elissa opted out- instead choosing to watch from a picnic table in the shade.)  Eliot and I went down three of the waterslides together before I went to relax in the pool.  Eliot met up with me a few minutes later and we swam around until it was closing time.

After we dried off, Elissa, Eliot and I got Dippin Dots ice cream sundaes.  I got a birthday cake flavored sundae with sprinkles and it was amazing.  We hung out for a bit while eating our ice creams, then afterwards, we made our way home.  Eliot and I took showers and then we all watched Descendants before heading to bed early.

Elissa didn't have to check in at UNE until 3:00 so we slept in a little bit Sunday.  She started to organize her school supplies while Eliot and I loaded everything into our cars.  We all got ready and then we went to Amato's for lunch.  After, we still had a little bit of time so Eliot swung by his work and Elissa and I went to Michael's.

Finally, it was time to head over to campus.  We got Elissa all checked in and then we went to her room.  Her roommates had already been there and were both set up for the most part.  (So much for making them all wait to check in at 3:00.)  Eliot and Elissa took her stuff upstairs while I stayed with the car.  Then, Eliot took the car to the other parking lot and I started to help her unpack.

We had a few amusing casualties trying to get her top bunk made, but overall, move-in day went pretty smooth.  Once she started to get settled in, we made a list of things we realized she would need.  Thankfully, the list isn't too long.  We did pretty good!

I had an easier time leaving her there than I was thinking I would.  The closer we got, the more I was worried that I would be an emotional mess.  But we reminder her (and ourselves) that Eliot works about 15 minutes away.  Our house is only 30 minutes away from campus.  We've already made some loose plans with her.  And I'm sure she'll come over to watch some San Jose Sharks hockey games once the season starts in October.  Plus, both of Elissa's roommates seem really nice.  That definitely made it easier for me to leave her there!

So, our mission to deliver her to UNE safe and sound is complete.  Thus, another new chapter begins!  Eliot and I are both very excited to have Elissa so close and we're looking forward to a lot of fun adventures this school year!  °o°

Fun Find: Learning Disney Style

The school year is winding down and I thought it would be fun to share a few of the things I've stumbled across in my travels online.  I love the Oh My Disney blog Disney writes.  It's got a lot of fun quizzes, free printables, and random posts that take me back to my childhood.  (Can anyone say Darkwing Duck and Disney Afternoons?  Le sigh.)  I've compiled a list of Disney learning related posts for your enjoyment.

How to Learn Disney Style:

The Periodic Table of Disney

Photo Source: Oh My Disney

This is awesome.  I never took chemistry and thus, never learned too much about the Periodic Table of Elements.  (I skipped it to take Physics instead.)  However, that doesn't matter because this is nothing short of awesome.  They found something Disney related for every single element on the table.  Make sure to enlarge the photo to enjoy it in it's entirety.  I really want to rock it out on a t-shirt.  Nerdy girls rule right?

Solving For Disney

Photo Source: Oh My Disney 

Another fun thing I stumbled across were some Disney "math" problems.  I love math and I've always been good at it.  (A perk of being the daughter of two accountants!)  I know math isn't everyone's favorite subject, but you have to admit these problems are awesome.  Who wouldn't want to solve Disney "math" problems?

Photo Source: Oh My Disney

I really love this next one!

Photo Source: Oh My Disney

 Put 'em together and what have you got?

Photo Source: Oh My Disney

Yes.  This is wonderful.

Photo Source: Oh My Disney

Yes.  Please excuse me while I sing this the rest of the evening...

Photo Source: Oh My Disney

Can anyone get this next one?  Yes?  Virtual cookie for you!

Photo Source: Oh My Disney

Disneyland Puzzles

Photo Source: Disneyland Facebook

What better way to celebrate Disneyland's 60th Anniversary then by solving some Disneyland Attraction puzzles?

Photo Source: Disneyland Facebook

These are really great.  I wish they'd come out with more of them!  This last one is one of my all time favorite attractions!!!

Photo Source: Disneyland Facebook

So, how did you do?  Did you get the answers to all of the Disney puzzles?  Did you earn your ears?  I admit that I only got 9/10 of them.  (The globe one threw me for a loop.  It's been a while since I saw that movie!)  However, 9/10 is still a passing grade; I'll take it!  Speaking of numbers... this is my 250th blog post!  Woo-hoo!!!   °o°

Fun Find: Frozen Frenzy

It's time for another Fun Find Friday!  As you know, I loved Frozen.  (A lot of people did!) We're all aware of the Frozen Frenzy that's going on at the moment with merchandise.  It sells out within minutes.  (The re-sale frenzy on eBay is even more insane.  $1500 for a kids' size Elsa dress?  Wait, what?!?)

I admit, I'm definitely a part of the craze.  The movie was great.  I loved the music, storyline, characters, designs and details, the ice castle, rose-mailing, etc.  In fact, I loved it so much that I completely geeked out when we were at Walt Disney World this past January.  I even wrote a post about all of our Frozen Experiences while there.

And it didn't end there; I've been getting sucked deeper into the Frozen phenomenon. Once Upon a Time including Frozen characters this season? Can't wait.  Soundtrack? My go to shower playlist.  Merchandise... ummm... is it too late to plead the 5th?

Here are my confessions of a few ways that I've contributed to the Frozen Frenzy:

Scrapbook Supplies-  Ok, so it started out fairly innocent.  As you may remember, I got my photo taken with Anna and Elsa when Eliot and I visited Epcot in January.  Naturally, I wanted some supplies to scrapbook the occasion.  I found supplies on Scrap Your Trip.  I got the Anna and Elsa paper/die cut sets, a Frozen die cut, as well as this awesome ice castle paper.  (The ice castle paper was obviously a must!)

Stickers-  I found these stickers at Wal-Mart.  Ok, so maybe I've seen them a few times and bought one (or two) packs each time.  I can stop myself any time I want to.  (FYI: The glittery set was in the greeting card section.  The square stickers were with the party supplies.  Finally, the big pack of stickers were next to the posters.)

Poster-  Which leads me to another Frozen purchase, this new poster.  In my defense, I've been looking for artwork for my office.  I figured that a poster from one of my favorite movies would be appropriate.  I love how it has all of the characters.  I eventually chose this particular poster because it also included the ice castle and Arendelle.

Photo Source: Hot Topic

Coloring Book-  We love to color and Eliot and I have a huge collection of coloring books and crayons.  (In fact, we each have our own set.)  I saw this jumbo coloring book in Wal-Mart and it was begging to come home with me.  Bonus: more stickers!

Back to School Supplies- No, neither Eliot nor I are going "back to school" this fall.  But that doesn't mean we don't use folders, pencil cases or notebooks!  We found the Frozen items at Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and Target and brought a few things home from each store.  (Ok, maybe "a few" is a stretch...)  

My favorite thing from this adventure?  The adorable Olaf thumb drive. We got the last one from our Target.  Thankfully my family found a few at the Target near my brother. Otherwise, Eliot and I would have had to fight it out over who got to use it.  I'm glad we both have one now.  (Although, I was winning- he's already got three thumb drives!)

Lithograph from Comic Con-  My Dad and brother Jeremy went to Comic Con in San Diego a few weeks ago.  This is the third time they've gone, and they always come home with awesome presents for me.  In the past, I've gotten Harry Potter limited edition Tonner Dolls, and a Hogwarts Castle Lego set!  This year, Dad and Jeremy got me this awesome limited edition Frozen print by Amy Mebberson!  It's so cute!  I love it and I can't wait to get a frame for it so I can hang it above my desk!

Photo Source: Dark Ink Art

Hot Topic Order- This is arguably my biggest contribution to the Frozen hype.  I've been eyeing the Frozen items on Hot Topic most of this summer.  About a month ago, they had a really good deal to cash in on Hot Cash, and Elissa had a ton she wasn't going to use. (Eliot and I made sure her coupons didn't go to waste!)

Photo Source: Hot Topic

I caved and got the three tanks I'd been watching all summer.  (Why did I get three?  I simply could not pick between Elsa, Olaf and the adorable stained glass design.)  Eliot had to have the Olaf belt, which he's worn basically every single workday since it arrived. (So much for me attempting to "borrow" it.)  I also got the Frozen socks since I was just shy of the amount needed to use the coupon.  No regrets, they're super cute!

Photo Source: Hot Topic

My favorite thing from Hot Topic was the Frozen Fair Isle Skater Dress.  This dress is amazing.  It fits well, is stretchy and comfortable.  The pattern is stunning.  The details make it a great piece.  Not only does it have silhouettes of both Anna and Elsa, but it includes beautiful rose-mailing designs and Elsa's tiara.  I can't wait to wear it!

Photo Source Top Left: Hot Topic

Olaf Charms- I found these cute Olaf charms online and I had to order some.  I'm planning to use them for some craft fair projects.  But I'm probably going to make myself a necklace or bracelet with them too.  (There are some adorable Olaf earrings at Wal-Mart these would go nicely with...)

Eliot's Soaps-  Eliot recently got some molds to make Frozen soaps for his Etsy shop Snowblade Creations.  So far, he's only released Olaf, but there's definitely more to come.  I've helped him with photographs and came up with the slogan "I don't know why, but I've always loved the idea of bubbles, and soap, and all things sudsy..."  Pretty creative use of Olaf's quote about summer, huh?  ;-)

Happily Ever Hatter-  Finally, you guys know all about my Frozen inspired accessories from Happily Ever Hatter!  I've made Anna and Elsa hats, snowflake hair clips, and an Anna ear headband.  I'm currently working on an Elsa headband design, as well as a few other top secret designs!  (Stay tuned for those!)

I'm sure this isn't the last of the Frozen stuff.  I'll get (or make) more merchandise to show my love of all things Frozen!  My birthday and Christmas are right around the corner... ;-)

All in all, I guess we're not too bad.  It could be worse right?  I haven't run anyone over in my attempt to get Frozen merchandise faster than someone else.  And I'm not buying it in bulk to re-sell on eBay for profit.  I'm an adult who loves the movie, characters, songs and storyline- and that's ok.  If you don't like it, go thaw your Frozen heart!  (He he.)  °o°