A Fintastic Friday

It's definitely a Fintastic Friday!  The day that Eliot and I have been waiting for finally arrived... and it was here sooner than I had anticipated!  The 2022-2023 San Jose Sharks game schedule (along with the rest of the NHL games) has been posted!

Ok, so Eliot and I actually got our hands on the schedule Wednesday night.  It was posted in our Sharks Facebook group by someone earlier that afternoon.  The full schedule hadn't been publicly posted though, so Eliot and I took the one that we found with a grain of salt... even though we gave it a full glance over that night.

Yesterday afternoon, I went straight to the source, the San Jose Sharks website.  After a quick check, the schedule we had been looking at was the correct one.

Naturally, Eliot and I have already sat down and poured over the details.  Wednesday night, I sent the schedule to him and we thoroughly looked it over top to bottom.

There are a few highlights... the first being that the Sharks will actually open their season abroad in Europe as part of the NHL's Global Series.  They play two back-to-back games in Prague against the Nashville Predators on October 7th and October 8th- Timo Meier's birthday!  They also have a pre-season game versus Eisbaren Berlin on October 4th in Germany as part of the NHL Global Series Challenge.

Our first home game at the Shark Tank won't take place until October 14th, and there's another one the next night on October 15th.  The Sharks longest home-stand is in February when they will play seven games at home from February 18th to March 4th.

Eliot and I have also circled a few other games that we're looking forward to.  The Boston Bruins will play the Sharks at SAP Center on January 7th during our trip to Florida for the WDW Marathon Weekend.  Joe Pavelski and the Dallas Stars will be in San Jose on January 18th with their new coach, and our former coach, Peter DeBoer.  

The Sharks' week off and All-Star Break is from January 29th to February 6th.  Their first home game back at the Tank (after the All-Star Break and their road trip) isn't until February 14th against the Pittsburg Penguins.  The first time we play 2022 Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche isn't until March 7th.  Finally, the Sharks game that I'm most looking forward to right now is the one in Boston on Sunday, January 22nd which Eliot and I will probably go to... so that's definitely marked on my calendar!

There are also a few things we weren't so thrilled about.  The Sharks have 10 back-to-back games in the season... and the only one that's at home are the first two home games of the season.  10 of them are away, one is the Global Series in Prague and the last two are split between home and away games.  Blah... 

The longest road trip this season is from January 21st to February 12th.  The All-Star break splits the eight game road trip in half, so the Sharks will be away from playing at the Shark Tank just one day shy of 4 weeks!  (This is when I'm glad we aren't locals.)

Now, Eliot and I need to figure out which games we would like to go to... which might be a bigger task than we originally bargained for.  There isn't a clear cut weekend to go to San Jose since there are no back-to-back Saturday and Sunday home games on the schedule this year.  There also isn't an ideal road trip to travel for... which means that we will probably be doing a bit of flight and cost evaluations before we make any concrete travel plans to catch a few away games (other than the Boston game).

Regardless, I'm sure Eliot and I will figure something out so we can see a few Sharks home and away games.  Most importantly, I'm excited to have the schedule and to know when our boys in teal will be playing!  The countdown to October 7th is on!!!  °o°

#tbt Elissa's Bat Mitzvah

Happy Thursday Friends!  Today, I'm popping in with another Throwback Thursday post.  I'd actually planned to do my 4th of July recap today, but I was reminded of another event when I opened up Facebook earlier this afternoon.  Exactly ten years ago today, Eliot and I were in California celebrating Elissa's Bat Mitzvah on 7-7-2012!!!

It's hard to believe that was 10 years ago... but it was a few weeks right before Eliot's and my Walt Disney World Wedding.  And because our 10 year wedding anniversary is also coming up... that's correct even if it seems impossible.  (Time really does fly!)

I actually don't have many photos from Elissa's Bat Mitzvah party.  I'm assuming that Eliot's parents have the ones from the professional photographer, but I've never actually laid eyes on them.  Since we had a photographer, I took minimal photos of the day with my cell phone.  I did however post a few on Facebook: one of the party set up and the giant Minnie Mouse balloon arch, and another of Eliot and I after the party was over... which is why we both look like a sweaty mess from dancing all night long!

I have a lot of memories from that day... and most of them are good.  I was so proud of Elissa for how hard she studied the Torah and practiced leading up to her big day.  Her ceremony at the temple early in the day went wonderfully.  After, we had a small snack in the reception hall.  That evening, the big event was her party in the same reception hall... but we had transformed it into a beautiful banquet hall.

One of my fondest memories of her Bat Mitzvah were the centerpieces that Eliot and I made for the party.  That was our big contribution.  Eliot and I went to AC Moore in the weeks leading up to the event and we created a bunch of Disney themed centerpieces for each table.  Each one was themed for a different movie.  

I have to admit that I had forgotten about what most of the centerpieces looked like until I saw this photo.  (I never took photos since we had the photographer.)  Here we have Tangled, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Monsters Inc, Cars, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Toy Story.  I really love how the Monsters Inc. one came out with Boo's door and the text painted like Mike and Sulley.  I also love how I used letter blocks on the Toy Story centerpiece to spell out Elissa's initials EFC.

I'm really proud of how all of the centerpieces came out.  Obviously, they're clearly handmade... but considering that I made most of them myself, less than three months before my own wedding is a pretty big accomplishment all on it's own.  And I'd certainly do it for Elissa all over again if given the chance.  She means the world to me.

Overall, Elissa's Bat Mitzvah was a wonderful day that I look back fondly on.  I'm so proud of how much she's grown over the past 10 years into the amazing and incredible woman that she is today!  Happy 10 Year Bat Mitzvah Anniversary Elissa!  °o°

Independence Day 2022

Happy Independence Day America!!!

I am so excited and I've been looking forward to today for weeks!  After a few years of uncertainty, it seems like things are finally heading in the direction of normal.  Today, Bar Harbor hosts their usual festivities for the 4th... the parade and fireworks... along with the Pancake Breakfast, Craft Fair, Seafood Festival and live bands!!!

Back in 2020, Eliot and I completely skipped going to Bar Harbor... because like most of the rest of the country... they weren't doing anything for it due to COVID.

In 2021, we went up to Bar Harbor, but it was a bit of a jumbled weekend.

This year, I'm looking forward to things going back to normal... or whatever normal will feel like going forward.  Things have changed.  Epi was sold so we'll no longer be able to go there after the parade for lunch.  We also won't be able to have breakfast there when we arrive in town super early.  But maybe we'll go to the Pancake Breakfast instead and start a new tradition?  Or maybe we'll grab something downtown... 

After the parade, maybe we'll check out the Seafood Festival.  I love lobster and it sounds like they'll have hamburgers for Eliot, Jeremy and Nana to enjoy.  I do enjoy browsing the Craft Fair which is right across the street from it at the YMCA.

One of the things that I'm most excited about this year is that things worked out so that Eliot has today and tomorrow off.  His hard work the past few weeks has paid off and he basically earned an extra day off since he's worked so many hours.  We were afraid that we'd have to skip the fireworks, but now he has tomorrow off as well... so we'll be able to enjoy the fireworks and get a good night's sleep before driving home tomorrow.

I'm not sure what today will hold, but I know I'm glad to be home.  I'm glad that things feel more normal.  And I'm glad that we are able to celebrate the land of the free. 

Happy 4th of July!!!  °o°

Small Shop Saturday: Patriotic Finds 2022

Happy Saturday!  Ahh... the weekend is here and it is so magically glorious!!!!  Today, we're jumping back into our 4th of July celebrations.  I thought it would be fun to do another small shop post with some fun patriotic things that I've found!

If you haven't figured it out already, 4th of July has always been a big deal in my household.  Growing up, the 4th of July in Bar Harbor was the highlight of the entire summer.  Everything else after it felt like a slippery slope into the following school year... even though the 4th of July was really only about three weeks into summer.

Each Independence Day, my family has always dressed head to toe in red, white and blue and Eliot and I have kept the tradition.  I always find myself gravitating towards those things to add to my festive wardrobe.  Today, I rounded up some of my favorite finds over on Etsy.  It's too late to get them in time for this 4th of July, but you can always order them now to be ready for next year!  So let's dive in!

We're starting off with shirts again.  The one that first caught my attention was this America Shirt by Gary Cox Gift.  I love how it is in the style of the retro Disneyland Sign and the sensational six characters are sitting above it in their 4th of July outfits!

I also love the similar design of this Independence Tank by Writer Girl Photos.

I also love the retro look of this Disneyland America On Parade Shirt by B Bop Tees.

This Fab Five Shirt by Tom Butch is fun and simple with all of the character's faces.

I love this Mickey Balloon Shirt by Eliana Tee.  I absolutely love Mickey balloons.

Speaking of balloons... here's a fun shirt of Mickey with balloons by Durum Apparel. 

And here's a shirt of Minnie with some balloons by Beyti Apparel.

Here are some patriotic coffee and drinks on a shirt by DoanlichVipStore.

I also love this Patriotic Mickey Head Shirt by The Trendy Apparel with all of the little Disney things scattered in the shape of a Mickey head.

Switching gears... let's look at jewelry to complete your outfit.  If you want something simple, these Mickey and Minnie Flag post earrings by Doggone Chic are perfect!

I also found these similar American flag earrings by Bella Notte Magic.

If you want a little bit of sparkle, these Mickey Rhinestone Earrings by Vector and Romance are a fun way to dazzle like a sparkler.

These glittered red, white and blue Mickey dangle tiered earrings are also by Vector and Romance and they will definitely add some pizazz to your patriotic look.

If you like dangle earrings but don't want something as shimmery, these red, white and blue Mickey earrings by Brazzle Dazzle Clay are another option.  I love how the Mickey heads are tilted creating a fun and whimsical look!

Another fun option are these Mickey Flag beaded dangle earrings by Hokey Donut.  I have a ton of her earrings and they're so lightweight and comfy!

Rounding out jewelry are these Mickey teardrop earrings by The Really Swell Shop.

If you need more accessories, you could add headwear so you're red, white and blue from head to toe.  This Knotted Headband by Lilah's Mommy would be a fun addition!

If you're spending Independence Day at a Disney theme park, or if you want to add some Mickey magic to your at home celebration, these sparkly sequin mouse ears by Enchanted CharactEARS are really pretty!  I love the stars on them!

Of course, you could also get some 3D printed mouse ears from Eliot's and my very own Happily Ever Hatter shop.  These Mickey American Flag ears are really popular!

We have a bunch of patriotic designs in our Happily Ever Hatter shop, but I also have to feature these Cinderella Castle American Flag ears.  They're some of my favorites!

We're switching gears one last time since I have to include home decor!  These wood signs by The White Bunny Brigade would be the perfect addition to your castle.

Another sweet find is this Patriotic Ice Cream Banner- Marisa Anne Designs.

There are plenty of patriotic banners to pick from over at Made 4 U Gift!

This Mickey Balloon Garland by Happy Hearts By Lizette includes a few of my favorite things: Mickey Balloons, sparkles and magical home decor!

This Mickey Flag Garland is also by Happy Hearts By Lizette.  It's absolutely perfect!!!

I really love this wooden sign set by Crafty Magic By Brenda.

And I had to include this stunning rose floral topiary decoration by Harley Qs Crafts.

Finally, for those of you hanging in with this super long post... I have a special sneak peek for you!  Here is a rendering of a design that will be coming to Eliot's and my Snowblade Creations shop in the future.  (Basically, once we have a chance to start printing samples on our printers again!)  Eliot designed this Mickey American Flag Pen Holder ages ago... and we're excited to add it to our shop soon!

And there you have it!  I hope you enjoyed these fun finds from small shops!  They're sure to put you in the patriotic spirit!  Have a Star Spangled Saturday friends!!!

Please Note: Eliot and I are not affiliated with any of these shops (other than our own Happily Ever Hatter and Snowblade Creations Etsy shops) and we will not earn anything if you purchase something from this post (unless you buy an item directly from our shops).  I just wanted to spread a little bit of magical good will by sharing some stuff that I love from Etsy!  I know how much it means to small shops for their stuff to be shared.  All of these items are literally things that I picked off of my own Etsy favorites list!  

All of these photos belong to the shop in which I've shared them from.  If you link them from this post, please attach them to their corresponding Etsy shop!

Happy 4th of July!!!  °o°

Fun Find: Celebrating Canada Day

We're hitting pause on our 4th of July celebrations for a day to celebrate another country near and dear to my heart, our neighbors up north!  Today is Canada Day, which is basically their Independence Day.  I think it's important to also acknowledge their special day, so I wanted to do a Fun Find Friday in honor of Canada!

From a young age, Canada was special to me.  My Mom was actually born in Canada, along with both of her siblings.  Mom grew up in Calais, Maine and at the time the closest hospital was over the river in another country.  When Mom was growing up, she and her friends would cross over the bridge into Canada all the time.  You didn't need a passport and all of the stuff that's required today.  In fact, most of the border patrol people knew kids on both sides of the border as they crossed across it so often!

As a child, I remember going to up Calais the first weekend of every August for the International Festival.  Calais and St. Stephen, New Brunswick would have a huge celebration together.  There was a parade that went from one country to the other and events are on both sides of the border.  And they still host the festival every year.  

Going out to Nana and Papa's camp during the International Festival also meant gathering with my Mom's side of the family.  It was a highlight of every summer.  My cousins and I loved playing together there.  It usually meant swimming and boating in the lake, a huge cookout, lobsters, and lots of laughter.  To this day, I still smile every time I see the Canadian flag since it brings back so many wonderful memories.

So today I wanted to honor Canada.  I was doing a bit of research and I came across a few videos over on YouTube that I wanted to share with you.  The first video is of the "O' Canada" film from the Canada Pavilion of the Epcot World Showcase.  (This is one of the older versions before it's most recent update.)

I love how the film shows so much of the country.  It really makes me want to travel there more!  My parents just went to Niagara Falls and I'm dying to go back.  (They took me when I was young enough to barely remember it.)  Plus, Eliot and I are dying to visit Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Montreal, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Edmonton to see the Sharks play against all of the Canadian NHL teams someday!

The second video I came across is from the Walt Disney Studios Canada YouTube channel.  They made this video to celebrate Canada's 150th Birthday back in 2017 and it shows actors from Disney films that are all from Canada.  I thought it was cool to see!

And there you have it!  This little blog post isn't much, but I'm happy that I was able to take a few minutes to celebrate Canada and her beauty.  To all of our neighbors up north, I hope you have a wonderful day of celebration!  Happy Birthday Canada!

Happy Canada Day!!!  °o°