Sunday, December 23, 2012

Visit to Santa (Bass Pro Winter Wonderland)

 
 

Snowman Breakfast (North Pole Breakfast)

Many folks welcome their Elf on a Shelf with a breakfast, but our family does just the opposite. We have a farewell breakfast with our Elf each Christmas Eve. 
 
I have to admit, this year I have not been as organized as in the past, so I rushed to put it all together (with a huge thanks to Pinterest!), but was still happy with results.   Here's what my kids will see when they awake tomorrow morning:
 
 
 
I found the tablecloth and napkins on clearance after Christmas last year at Walmart and held on to it!  I was just lucky to find similar paper plates at the Dollar Tree last week!
 
 
What kid doesn't love marshmallows! 
Snowman Poop printable:
 
 
Melted Snowman (Water bottle label):
The labels are made for the regular size water bottles but I only had the kid-sized bottles.
 
 
(Sad I didn't have white mugs to coordinate my table)...
Snowman Soup (aka Hot Chocolate):
 
 
And of course, breakfast is snowman donughts!...
 
Our Elf decorated the entire house with paper snowflakes! I think he's missing the snow.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Ouch: Eyebrow wax burn (or reaction)


Yes, this is my eyebrow 20 minutes after a wax!!!  The cosmetologist said one of my skin care products is making my skin extra sensitive and thus reacting to the hot wax.  (As a note I went to a trusted spa, not a cheap nail service place)  Lovely.  I have put on aloe vera and antibiotic ointment, and am praying for no scarring. 

Has this every happened to you??


The next morning...still red and now swollen!

 I will be wearing sunglasses all day to wide this!!!

Update:
Well I went to the dermatologists; and apparently, one of my face creams has “retinoids” in it, so I shouldn’t have used wax…who knew!?!  I am supposed to stop using the cream for seven days prior to waxing!! I had no idea.  She gave me a RX for Bionect (which is very expensive, like $200+!!), but it will give quicker healing. 

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Christmas at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Each December, we do a "family night" at Hollywood Studios.  We have a nice sit down dinner and then stroll through the Osborne Family Lights.  Staying with tradition, last night was our night!  It was get a warmer-than-normal night (70 degrees) but we did our best to into the Holiday spirit.
 
I had found the kids matching shirts on etsy...and we purchased the hats at Disney:
 
 
We had dinner at Sci-Fi Drive-In theater.  (Brings you back to 1957!)
It was my kids' first time there and they loved it.
 
We got to see a few Disney characters:



And then time to see the lights!

Santa Goofy is new this year!!

 
 

Friday, November 23, 2012

Gus the Elf Arrived - with huge surprises!

Our "elf on the shelf" Gus arrived on Thanksgiving morning with a huge surprise, a 40" HD Samsung TV!  (I don't have a media center yet, so had to put it on an old cedar chest!! ha)...
 
 
Here's our silly elf! 
 
And on morning two, we all got new pajamas!
 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

40th Birthday Celebration

Hubby and I met a several friends on Saturday night for my 40th Birthday Celebration.  We had a blast, and I appreciate all who showed up!!  I still can't believe I am turning 40 this weekend! wow.


Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Sneak Peek of the New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom

We were so fortunate today to be able to attend a "dress rehersal" at Disney World's New Fantasyland. This is a great new area for Belle and Arial. (It doesn't officially open until December 9th, I believe).

The new "Be Our Guest Restaurant"  - but good luck trying to get reservation as they are filled up for months, but the menu looks devine!

 Gaston's Tavern
 
Gaston and my son showing their muscles!
 
Unfortunately my camera battery died right before entering "Enchanted Tales with Belle" but the kids really enjoyed the interactive story time.
 
 
Outside of "Under the Sea" - Little Mermaid New Ride

The seats are "clam shells" (similar to the NEMO ride seats at EPCOT)

 The end of the ride/last scene...the ride is SO CUTE, great music, just FUN all around.
 
Arial's Grotto - photo time

 
It's just beautiful - and MAGICAL - in the new area. My kids loved it. 
I can't wait to go back again soon. 

New "Circus Theme" Characters at Magic Kingdom

My kids were off school today so we hit Magic Kingdom.  We were able to do several NEW things today, including a visit to "Pete's Silly Slideshow".  Basically four of Mickey's best friends--Donald, Goofy, Daisy and Minnie--are dressed up in magical costumes. Very cute. 
 
Donald Duck

Daisy Duck

Minnie Mouse

And Goofy!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Miniature Golf at Disney: Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course

I have lived in the Orlando-area for over 16 years, and ya'll know I go to Disney World all the time.  But, I have never gone there to play miniature golf.  This was a first for us!  And I can't wait to go again.

We played on the Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course, located near Blizzard Beach.  We had our choice of playing on the sand course or the snow course.  We chose the snow (Winter) course.  The course was  cutely decorated, and there are some surprises along the way.  And, of course, lots of great Christmas music!






Because I know someone will ask....prices are $12.00 per 18-hole round for adults, and $10.00 for children 3 to 9 years of age. Learn more HERE.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A twist on Halloween cookies: Halloween Cookie Pizza

Halloween Cookie Pizza






Here's my version...I added a layer of chocolate frosting on top
of the peanut butter, yummo:

 

I found this great idea today on Pillsbury.com-- it's a Halloween Cookie Pizza!! yummo.

I think it's a great alternative to cut-out Halloween cookies. My kids and I plan to make it this weekend.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Our Family's Halloween Costumes: The Incredibles


This year the four of us are going as Disney/Pixar's The Incredibles.  Hubby has been wanting to do this for years so this year will be our year!!
 
Our son is Dash:
5904 (4-6) Child Dash Costume
Our daughter is Violet
The Incredibles - Violet Child Costume - 07/08/09
Hubby and I will be Mr & Mrs Incredible and wear Incredible tee shirts:
The Incredibles Logo T-Shirt, Medium


Affiliate link to Amazon:

Monday, October 15, 2012

Christmas pajamas for my kiddos

Every year my kids get new pajamas at Christmas time; it's a family tradition.  My mom used to give us new pajamas on Christmas Eve, but I started giving my kids new pajamas on Thanksgiving. Actually, Gus the Elf delivers the pajamas! :)
 
Usually, it's easy to find cute pajamas, but as my kids get older, I am finding it harder and harder.  However, here are a few options I have found online so far:
 
Boys Printed PJ Sets
Old Navy Boys Printed PJs (above)
 
 
The Children's Place Snowman Fleece (green, pink or blue)
 
 
DisneyStore.com has a super cute set. 
 
Holiday Stripe  Family Set
Pajamagram has matching family sets (but are a little pricey than others).

UPDATE: Found these from Gymboree! So cute and come in bigger sizes too! yea.
Snowman Two-Piece Gymmies
 

Hmm, which do you like best???

 
 
And just because I love my kiddos, here are a few pictures of our Christmas pajamas in the past: