Jun 30, 2014

Changes at Walt Disney World

Hardy and I recently read an unofficial blog post about some changes happening to WDW soon.  I'll have to admit, I'm kind of sad for a couple of these changes.  While change can be a good thing (unless referring to the Obama administration), sometimes it's hard to accept.

So word on the street is....



1. They're removing Indiana Jones Stunt Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios (or if you're like us you still refer to it as MGM)  to expand Star Wars.  I understand Star Wars has a larger following than Indiana Jones, but this stunt show is like a staple.  It's a nice spot to rest your feet, sit in the shade and enjoy seeing other vacationers become a part of the movie scenes.  I am interested to see what exactly they plan to do, but will be sad to see this show stop.


2. They're getting rid of The Great Movie Ride to expand even further with Star Wars.  I guess this is all part of their recent acquisition of the rights to the Star Wars franchise.  Don't get me wrong, I like Star Wars too...but this ride is CLASSIC.  Some people complain it's boring and dated.  Are you kidding me?!?  This is like Monster Plantation at Six Flags, you can't get rid of it!!!!  I have fond memories of this ride from every visit.  I especially love when cast members are involved with the rides/attractions (like the Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom).  Hardy and I have made it a goal to try and watch every movie they play trailers for while you're in line and throughout the ride.

Need to see:
Footlight Parade
Singin' In The Rain
Tarzan the Ape Man

Have seen:
Mary Poppins
The Public Enemy
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
The Searches
Alien
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Casablanca
Fantasia
The Wizard of Oz


3. They're going to refurbish Soarin' to include other parts of the world, not just the U.S.of A.


4. They're going to close Maelstrom in Norway (Epcot) and will "possibly" be remodeling it to a Frozen themed ride.  This is one of Hardy's favorite attractions.  We always ride it (or at least he does) whenever we visit Epcot.  I like it, I just hate the wait, normally without a Fastpass it takes about 45min or more.  I guess I shouldn't complain since the line is inside, but whatev.  Hardy would be sad to see this go, even IF the ride remains and it becomes Frozen themed, he's sad to see this go.

Jun 24, 2014

Queen of Clearance

As with most moms you get caught up buying for your kids more than yourself.  It's ok as long as it's on sale, right?

Over the last few months I've got emails that I should probably unsubscribe to.  Whether it be FREE SHIPPING, LAST CHANCE CLEARANCE, EXTRA 20% OFF, they're all very appealing. 

So I've hopped on the "savings" bandwagon.  A few weeks ago I got 7 pieces of clothing from Carter's sticker priced at $106.00 for only $37.00 (shipping was free).  Disney Store offered free shipping with any Disney Parks purchase last week, so I found a cheap $5.00 Disney Parks item and got her two pair of pajamas and a pair of sunglasses off the Twice Upon a Year clearance sale.

I also recently got a promo code from a friend on Facebook to try out Citrus Lane.  I got a 1 month subscription box for only $8.00 (regular price $29.00) **You can read my informational post about them at the following link Citrus Lane.  I did receive the box last week and it was adorable.  We got 2 Plum Organic snack bars, a cute bumble bee sippy cup w/ straw, a 12 piece large puzzle and a wet/dry bag with a Minnie Mouse design.  While I loved the box, I can't justify spending $29 each month for these items.  I'm sure they all retail for $29 or more...but this first box didn't convince me to commit.

My latest steal was last week.  I got 8 items again from Carter's (20% OFF CLEARANCE) sticker price $114.00 for only $35.00.  Plus they also had $6.00 flat shipping.  While I feel this was an EXCELLENT deal, it made me realize how overpriced baby/toddler clothes are.

I haven't gotten the Disney shipment yet, but today I got my latest Carter's order and had to share!

 
1 pair pink shorts
1 pair gray shorts
3/4 sleeved green striped shirt
Short sleeved "Sparkle & Shine" 4th of July shirt
Short sleeved "Awesome since Day one" shirt
Short sleeved Monkey with balloons shirt
Short sleeved "Happy Birthday to Me!" shirt
Striped tank

Jun 20, 2014

Picasso or Monet?



How funny that the paints match her apron

Look at this face - cutie patoooooooootie

Jun 18, 2014

Happy baby

 Persephone loves Hardy, there's no doubt about it.

Just look at the smile she gets when they play :)

 

 
In this photo she totally reminds me of me as a young one.
Normally I don't see any resemblance unless I look at old photos of myself.

"Hewoo"


Pool time!


Throwing rocks..





Deep in concentration

Jun 16, 2014

First Boat Ride!

This weekend we hung out with some friends on the lake! 

We got to take a nice ride on their pontoon, enjoyed some sandwiches and a couple of swims.  We weren't sure how Persephone would take to the boat since she'd never been on one, but she LOVED IT.  She also LOVED swimming in the lake.

I was worried about the life jacket getting on her nerves, but she wore it like a trooper.  In fact, she's wanted to put it on a few times just laying around the house...guess that's a good thing!  Here are some photos of our trip :)





She LOVED swimming, as usual




With her pal Olivia

Word up
Swimming in the lake (aka treading water) is quite tiring.
When you're in a pool you can stand...in a lake not so much.
I can see why so many people drown.

Someone fought a nap 



Olivia was so sweet to Persephone the entire day.  
She even gave her a tricycle that she used when she was younger.






It was a PERFECT fit :)


Can't wait to go back and enjoy the lake again soon

Jun 12, 2014

Dog with a blog

In my The Great Outdoors post the other day, I mentioned Persephone's love for dogs.  

On Monday evening after her bath, we went outside to color with some sidewalk chalk 
and she got some quality time with her BDF (best dog friend) Bowie.

She wouldn't share her Oreo

Family photo :)

YAY!

Bowie, come back Bowie

Hugs

Let's go inside, it's time to get ready for bed....
 Ok...we'll just sleep outside

This girl cracks me up daily.  I'm glad she's so personable and lively.  I can't imagine what it's like to have an antisocial baby.  I think she gets her personality from her mama ;)

Jun 10, 2014

Citrus Lane

Have you guys ever heard of Birch Box?  Where you pay like $10/month to receive a box full of goodies (beauty products, feminine products...etc.)  They have one for men too apparently.  Basically they send you samples of up and coming products and then sell the full size version if you like what you sample.  I think they also provide coupons for the products, or maybe I heard wrong.

Anyway, two weeks ago a friend of mine on Facebook posted about getting a Citrus Lane box for a discounted price and the box she took a photo of was SO cute.  It's basically a Birch Box for babies/kids!  I was able to use the same coupon code she used (which has since expired) and got my first box for only $8.00!  It should be shipping soon and I'm so excited to see the goodies!  I will definitely post about it when it gets here. Basically, you can buy a subscription month-to-month for $29.00, 3 months at $24.00/month or 6 months for $21.00/month and shipping is FREE.  You can cancel the subscription at any time.  They also sell baby/kid toys, clothes, goodies out right so you don't necessarily have to do the subscription service!  I've only ordered the one box and already received a $5.00 off coupon towards any other purchase :)



Whether you're interested in giving it a try for yourself,
or purchasing a box for a friend/relative who's expecting,
click this link below and you'll get your first box 50% off!

 



This is a little excerpt about the company - I pulled it from the ABOUT US section



Our story 

Once upon a time, I was a first-time mom. And like many expectant mothers, I spent months planning for every last detail of motherhood.  To find the absolute best products for my baby, I emailed all my mom friends and asked which brands they loved the most.  Soon my inbox was flooded with advice on everything from breast pumps and strollers to pacifiers and swaddle blankets. Being a parent is an amazing experience! But let's face it, it's not an easy job. There are so many options that it can be overwhelming.  How'd I finally make my decisions? I turned to other parents for their sage advice and words of wisdom. And that's why I created Citrus Lane--to help parents discover innovative products, share information, ask questions and find inspiration.  I like to think of our monthly boxes as care packages to help moms and dads on their parenting journeys. Every product we include has been recommended and reviewed by our advisory board and our community. No marketing gimmicks, no paid placements -- just real recommendations from real parents for products that solve real problems.  I hope that you enjoy being here as much as I enjoyed creating it for you.

Happy parenting!

Mauria Finley,
Founder, CEO and Mother of Two

Jun 9, 2014

The Great Outdoors

Guess who loves to be outside?  It's not me.  It doesn't matter if Persephone's swinging, kicking a ball, walking (or running away), playing with puppies, water or bubbles.  When she's outside, she's happy.  As a result, I have to endure things I wouldn't normally subject myself to, because I'm just too lazy to be in the sun.

Last weekend when we were in Alabama for Trevor's graduation she had the best time playing in Mimi & Pops' back yard.  Here are some cute shots of this fun time.


Playing badminton with Daddy

Being a goofball

"Giddy up horsey"
 
She also enjoyed this adorable pool from her Uncle Michael and Aunt Kris Kris

There are also a lot of dogs in our neighborhood and Persephone 
enjoys hanging out with them on occasion. 


 Here she is with her friend, Riley.

It's so sweet to hear her call out to them in excitement.  
All of them are "puppy" except one. 
 She's been able to remember the name of a sweet Boxer named Bowie.




Guess I'll need to get over my issue with sweating A.S.A.P.