snips and snails

Top Ten Tuesday:Pin It to Win It from Layla Grayce

2012-01-10T15:40:00.004-06:00

So, Layla Grayce just opened a contest for a entry or foyer using pinned items via pinterest. I had a little fun in publisher and decided to add it for my very first Top Ten Tuesday post. Here goes...

(clockwise)

1. Love the 'upside-down' view of this lighting

2. This mirror, for those last minute checks out the door...turned sideways to fit over...

3. this console

4. But I want the console in this color

5. And this rug (Oh! This rug! Gotta love Amy Butler...)

6. And this plate stand, I just love it...for my fancy mail

7. Such a pretty place to sit and put your shoes on just before rushing out the door...

8. And a clock to make sure you don't miss your Zumba class...

9. (& 10.) And this pair of doves

Full Disclosure:
I am not being paid to promote Layla Grayce or Pinterest, nor will viewing any of these affect the contest in anyway. Only one link (#4)goes to my pinterest page, and that also has zero effect on the contest. The remaining links do go to Layla Grayce so you can check out all the loveliness. I'm just having a little fun and procrastinating as usual.

Thanks to Oh!Amanda for inspiring me to finally make a top ten list. For more Top Ten Tuesday fun, go here.

(Hot!) Fudge Friday!

2011-08-05T12:25:00.000-05:00

Inspired by this:

I made a peanut-free version today for the back to school luncheon for the teachers at one of local schools...

I used the simple directions from Baked Perfection, but adapted as follows:

1 box of your favorite brownie mix (I used Risa's suggestion of Ghiradelli, and it was perfect!)
1/2 cup (I didn't measure, I just took them straight out of the bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup Hershey's hot fudge

After warming the hot fudge, I funneled it into one of those small plastic bottles with a small tip (you can find in baking section of walmart/hobby lobby/party city type stores) and filled the brownies this way.

I had a little fudge left in the bottle after my second batch, so I did a quick pass over the brownies just for fun.

Of course I had to sample one (or two) before sending the majority off to the luncheon, but if you need a quick and easy fudge/chocolate fix...this.is.it.

Thanks Risa for the inspiration!

Pirate-y

2011-04-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

Feeling a bit pirate-y? If you have children between the ages of 4-12, they can embark on a wonderful pirate adventure cruise shipping from the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World.

Our boys have gone on two of these adventures over the years and have had a blast both times.

The first adventure took place in late summer of 2006, when our two oldest were able to make the voyage. We surprised them with the trip and although at first they had no clue what to expect, they both came back with huge smiles on their faces afterward. They were about 7 & 5 years old at the time. Our second littlest did not make the age cutoff, but was surprised with a Mickey pirate bandanna of his own at the end of the trip. (Disney magic at its best!)

The second adventure took place just last summer, when all the boys fell in the age range (11,8, 6 and 4)to take part. A few minor changes (no more Mickey pirate ears!), but still a grand adventure for all. Since all four boys made it this time, we were able to do a monorail resort hop during their voyage and enjoyed a little shopping and quiet down time at the end of a very crazed week of park touring.

Now-ish (May 2010)

Then (Aug/Sept 2006)

And some other pics from both adventures...

Although there were a few changes in the pirate ship (good), pirate booty, and pirate attire...they were both grand experiences with memories for the boys that they will always remember!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T22:37:00.002-05:00

easter 2011

kool-eggs

directions here (from Hey! Jen Renee)

ready for spring

2011-02-01T18:14:00.001-06:00

ready for spring by randomtink featuring silver jewelry

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T08:27:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T13:45:00.003-05:00

the Disney 4th

2010-07-05T08:38:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Courtesy of http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/summer-fireworks-at-disneyland-a-beautiful-tradition/

toy

2010-06-05T10:12:00.001-05:00

wordless wednesday: last cupcakes of the school year

2010-05-19T09:36:00.004-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-14T13:12:00.003-05:00

Black and Gold to the Superbowl

2010-01-25T16:26:00.009-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T16:23:00.001-06:00

We are done!

2009-11-28T21:30:00.003-06:00

I really hope I don't jinx us or anything, but I am finally selling a good amount of baby items on ebay right now...this is the fall/winter stuff I have, I'll put up more spring/summer items during late winter.

Four boys = too many baby Gap clothes that I don't know what to do with anymore...so buy them up!

http://shop.ebay.com/mmounsey/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

Everything is listed at $4, except one small lot...$4 for 4 boys.

(going to knock on some wood now...)

All Hallow's Eve

2009-11-02T17:37:00.005-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T15:59:00.001-05:00

Philharmonic in the Park

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZDV2wqYTXw

Halloween Memories 2002

2009-10-14T09:32:00.003-05:00

Our very own animal kingdom

A few of my favorite things…

2009-09-18T16:29:00.005-05:00

Martha Stewart roses in a mint julep cup.

Vera Bradley purse…this bright cheery fabric just screams
summer to me.

Dream crafting/scrapbooking room, courtesy of Pottery Barn.

This is a piece of jewelry from the vingtage pearl that is currently on my wish list.

Moms Panel!

2009-08-25T21:16:00.004-05:00

Here's what I'll be obsessing with over the next month or so...

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/genericcontent/message?destinationPage=MomsPanel2010

Applications for the 2010 Disney Moms Panel open on September 10th!

Surprise!

2009-08-06T14:20:00.003-05:00

As I sit with absolutely nothing to do (nevermind those dishes!), I was reminded of past trip to Disney World a few years ago (don't worry, we've been back twice since this video) that started off with a surprise.

We had just finished a year of craziness (post-Katrina) and really needed a little vacation. So, we decided to take a trip to Disney World (again). But, this time, we decided to not tell the boys anything about it. We just said we were going to visit an old friend.

enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5jhWb6bBLY

Disney Celebration Playdate

2009-04-05T20:11:00.010-05:00

(Warning: Warning: this is a very long, sometimes grammatically incorrect, run-on sentences galore play by play of my Disney At Home Celebration...read at your own risk Read at your own risk.)

Invites: via Evite, using their Disney Evite that was perfect…tailor made for this! I even altered the replies:

Who's coming?--->See ya soon!
Attending------->Oh boy!
Undecided------>Gosh!
Declined-------->Aw, gee...

Was planning on a Tuesday mid-morning or Sunday afternoon party. Polled my guest beforehand via email and the majority could make the weekend party, so that's what I went with.

Also used the evite 'playlist' option to add music to the invite for guests to listen to or add their own. These were the songs I added:

Hakuna Matata

A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes

Mickey Mouse March

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Theme

Due to an overly scheduled weekend and week, I didn't have a chance to do as much as I would have liked, but I think it still turned out nice.

Favors:

Extra favors I bought or had on hand…
-glow sticks, blow pops, skittles (for older kids that came)-had these on hand from a previous b-day party…already bagged up and everything!

-Tinkerbell and Cars Pencils

Decorations & Misc:
In addition to those provided…

-Took giant cut out of Mickey Mouse head (made from black foam core board, already had from previous activity), laid it on the table and covered it with a White plastic tablecloth.

-MM colored m&m's placed in two large 'spring-like' goblets…yellow, black, red and white…used these as markers for the Bingo game as well as an extra snack.

-Paper lanterns, had large ones hanging on chandelier in office and mini string hanging over entry to kitchen…these were in the bright Disney colors….lime green, blue, orange and red and yellow.

-Placed a few Disney books out on the coffee table…the new D23 magazine, the Art of Disney book, an Ultimate Disney book, and the Dream book from the parks. I also placed my D23 litho and the sketch litho under glass on the coffee table to view

-I fixed the box that everything came in with some of the items laid out so everyone could see the kit…they were all excited to see what I got

-Entry table in foyer…I had the maps laid out next to a pirate Mickey. I also had the the little business cards and DVD forms there so guests could fill them out on their way out and a little basket to place them in.

-I passed out the fortune cookies to the moms as they arrived and gave one away to the winner of the Bingo (but we yelled out "Pluto" instead) game.

-Plates, napkins, etc.: Used MM Clubhouse plates, small and large and had red, black and white plastic ware. I had the MM fiesta ware (a couple platters and two large bowls) for chips, fruit, and cookies. Used napkins that came with party kit.

Menu :

Kept it simple (since it turned out to be a very busy weekend for us) and just some snacks and sweets…salty snacks, sweet snacks, and fresh fruit.

-Picked up some petit fours that happened to have the same bright colors on top of them. Also had chocolate chip cookies, chips and dips, fresh fruit (strawberries, fresh pineapple, and watermelon) and the Fizzy Punch from the kit recipe page. Served sweet tea in a cute summer-y MM pitcher (with MM ice cubes) that I just picked up at the Disney Store outlet last week. Soda too.

Also had some MM Clubhouse food picks in the fruit as well.

Entertainment :

Had the DVD planning video playing throughout the party…also had a Disney mania CD playing in the next room.

Played Bingo, did Wish maker and while guests were finishing up the wish maker, we did the trivia cards.

Attempted to play a new Wii game, Disney's Think Fast, but the remotes (newly charged I might add) were not behaving…older kids got bored, so that ended quick (most had their DS's on hand already)…then attempted to put on the Disney Scene it party mode, but then the DVD remote froze…so we just put on the planning video again, which seemed to work.

Misc. Ideas :

Some of these I had either planned on using, but time ran out, or came across while researching on the web itself (via Disboards thread). The ones I ended up using are marked with an "*"

-using the crinkle filler from the kit for topping off the goody bags for the moms…

-Wishes CD playing in background?

-Mickey shaped food items-use cookie cutter

-Mickey shaped paper cutouts-use scrapbook punches

-Disney Bingo for kids* (via kit)

-Disney Scene it for everyone-party version* (attempted)

-MM party supplies from Party City*

-Have Disney Guidebooks/planners out-passporter (2009) and 2008 birnbaums/kids version 2006/hidden mickey book

-Buy Disney Think Fast game for Wii???*

-Dress as your favorite Disney character? Kids only??*(kinda…lots of guest did wear something Disney or Mickey)

-Mickey shaped rice krispie treats dipped in chocolate? (like parks?)

-www.mymagicalparade.com

-Cast member badges as name tags for goodie bags? (what will you celebrate version)

-Mickey mouse cupcakes?

-Wall décor from here: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29216931&postcount=183

-MM shaped food: pizzas? Chicken nuggets?

-Mickey Mouse colored jelly bellys? Black/red/yellow OR a color mix of Red/Lime Green/Orange, -Blue and Yellow…like the colors used for fab 5?

-OR same as above, but M&M's?*

-Cute Mickey Mouse cupcakes

-Mickey streamers…punched out MM heads and curling ribbon…

-Envelopes with a 'hidden mickey' inside for a prize gift/s???; where hidden mickey is yet another punched out mickey head

-Bright, colorful forks/spoons/knives, etc*

-Colorful candy décor…jelly belly, runts, etc…bright!*(purchased the runts, but didn't end up using)

Party Inspiration

2009-03-26T12:39:00.005-05:00

As I was purging my bookmark list, I came across a gorgeous and inspirational site to help plan parties. Major eye candy here!

http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/

The blog that goes along with the site is my absolute favorite thing to browse through for ideas:

http://www.hostessblog.com/

Celebration Party

2009-03-24T18:10:00.004-05:00

As a member of the Mickey Moms Club (those of us who 'tried out' for the Moms Panel this past fall), I was invited to submit some essays describing 1.myself, my family and our activities, 2. our WDW vacation experiences, including our most recent trips, and 3. my 'network' (blog, facebook, twitter, etc). After a few days of wondering if my essays made the cut, I was thrilled to be chosen to host at 'In-Home Celebration.'

As of yet, I am eagerly waiting for my 'celebration kit,' straight from the Mouse House itself. More details coming soon.

So, now in addition to waiting for my D23 kit, as well as some newly acquired Disney stock via "One Share", I have yet another Disney kit to wait for...Fed Ex can't get here quick enough!

Are you 23?

2009-03-23T07:29:00.004-05:00

Just joined the ultimate in Disney fan sites (and the only official one...D23. In addition to receiving a quarterly magazine with an 'insiders' look at Disney, I will now have "access to all things Disney."

hmph.

They had me at "Disney."

http://d23.disney.go.com/index.html?cmp=d23_OFC_D23_vanity_d23_Extl

Celebrating Disney Style...

2009-03-16T18:11:00.001-05:00

More details to come soon...

So, you're going to Disney World?

2009-03-06T14:32:00.007-06:00

After being asked by many friends recently what sites, books, tips, etc I'd recommend, I finally saved it all so I wouldn't have to re-type everything every month or so. Here is my little guide to get you started:

Walt Disney World Sites & Books

Websites:

www.allearsnet.com The online version of my Disney ‘bible’. Everything you ever wanted to know is on this site…rooms, pics, menus, everything. Great site that is very up to date. Also has a newsletter you can subscribe to.

www.mousesavers.com A site that lists upcoming deals and more. Newsletter is the best way to keep track of when the deals come out.

www.disboards.com Just what is says, boards site with Disney crazed people like myself, talking, asking and talking more. Great site to get answers and read others tips, ideas, and trip reports.

www.mouseforless.com & www.magicforless.com The first is a website associated with yahoo groups (what I like best. But it is a lot of emails, subscribe if you wish. ) The second is the travel agency that “sponsors” the group, but they are free to use! I have used them often and love the service. They will let you know if a new deal comes out and apply it to your vacation if they can. Highly recommend.

www.tourguidemike.com Online tour guide planning. My favorite. He tells you how to avoid the crowds and plan each day. If you book through magic for less (see above) sometimes they have a deal where it will include this.

www.disneyworldmoms.com A fairly new site (only in its second year) from Disney. You can ask a panel of moms any question about WDW.

Books:

-WDW Passporter (available online via their website for future discounts) www.passporter.com
I consider the passporter my Disney ‘bible’, it is by far my favorite, and it has lots of info, worksheets to help plan, as well as pockets for souvenirs. I started with the spiral edition, and now have the deluxe, which is refillable.

-Birnbaum’s Official Guide (they also have one for kids)-great pictures and fun to read, keep in mind that since it is the ‘official’ guide, it is a bit biased, but I still love it. A must for any first timer.

-Unofficial guide to WDW- another book that I honestly have never looked at (other than the occasional glance at the bookstore), but it gets good reviews and a lot of friends do use it and like it. It has a touring plan in it as well (as does the Passporter)

-Hidden Mickey’s-although not a ‘guide’, just another fun book to tote around to the parks while waiting in lines…

Ok, yeah...

2009-03-06T13:55:00.008-06:00

I think I will...first up: my favorite website to find Disney World menus, very up to date, and I never plan a trip without visiting it many, many times.

http://www.allearsnet.com

Just click on "Dining" at the top and you will find restaurants sorted by location...whether it is in a park or resort.

Happy Planning!

Disney Dish?

2009-03-06T13:51:00.004-06:00

I just realized that the majority (2/3, wow) of my posts are food related. Then I realized that 2/3 of them are also about Disney World. So...guess what? This may be turning into a Disney Food Blog soon...we will see...

So I suppose my blog title might/should change from "Are you kidding me?" to something that might fit a little better...

Thanksgiving! The countdown begins...

2008-11-20T12:04:00.008-06:00

Despite the stores insistence that Christmas is the holiday of the month (Christmas carols are not allowed to start until Black Friday, unless you are a Hallmark store, and definitely do not belong on the radio either.)...Thanksgiving is just a week away!

We will host this year, and I am already drooling in anticipation of a yummy meal. We fry (ok, my brother-in-law does) our turkeys here and have done so for at least 7 years or so...once we tried it, we were hooked and now 2 of those bad boys are fried up every November.

So, what else is on the menu? Probably too much, but that's ok, we have a big family.

Cranberry Conserve (Martha's Cranberry Conserve to be exact, from Catt)
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes (plus marshmellows)
Green Bean casserole (courtesy of my sister in law, I don't touch or make the stuff)
Brown and serve rolls (a must)
Pumpkin and Apple pies
corn and more green beans
stuffing (outside the turkey please)
Pumpkin dump cake (another favorite from Catt)

I cannot wait.

If you'd like to see more of Catt's wonderful recipes, you can find them here:
http://www.mycoupons.com/boards/lets-get-cookin-save-lgc/894693-catts-cook-book.html

WDW food withdrawals

2008-10-14T20:29:00.006-05:00

Even though I shouldn't be complaining after 2 trips (one quickie last month), I am going through WDW food withdrawals...especially after just finishing a trip report that featured a HUGE cinnamon roll from the Main Street bakery...it looked too good!

I think earlier this year we stopped by, but I chose the chocolate chip muffin...decisions decisions.

What's your favorite sweet treat?

Buddies

2007-09-11T11:50:00.002-05:00

I just love this picture of Joey and Brandon taken last September on our last day at WDW. This was taken in the Beach Club Resort in the Solarium, just before we headed out for home.