A Long Distance Friendship

Today is an important day. It's my best friend in the entire world, A's, birthday. And I get to see her!

This isn't the first time I've tried to surprise A on her birthday. Two years ago, everything was planned perfectly. I was to take a long weekend, skipping my few Monday classes and thankful to have Friday off already. My parents had booked a hotel room at Disney World and planned a fun evening safari at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

But I can't tell you how that went, because the trip only happened in some alternate universe. Here, the weather Gods were having none of it and they sent a mean blizzard to upstate New York instead. The storm moved in fast and then stalled, dropping a ton of snow. The winds picked up and you couldn't see across campus from the highest dorm. I was trapped. I told her about the fallen through plan, and that was the end of that.

But, when I was out in Arizona, A surprised me! My mom planned a visit with a few of her friends. Someone had extra points towards a vacation rental, and so mom told me to take a couple days off. I needed the break from work, so I didn't hesitate too much. However, I didn't know that she had been planning a surprise visit with A! We finally got our long weekend, though with cocktails and a private hot tub instead of a safari.

This year, I didn't go with the surprise visit. I was thinking of it originally, but considering how well it went the last time I tried, I decided not to tempt the weather again! So, while A is spending the morning on a Scuba diving trip, we'll all get together tonight to celebrate her birthday. I think the last birthday either of us celebrated together was A's 18th, so it's definitely been awhile. We're both 26 now!

So, Happy Birthday A - to many more!

My Disney Decorated Living Room

Well, Christmas is super over. Last weekend we took down the tree and then today I finally took down the stockings hanging over the fireplace. Without the little festive details all over the living room, there was room to decorate with some of the gifts I received for Christmas.

On the mantle, I've put some of my new commemorative Adventureland dishware on display, including an Enchanted Tiki Room plate and glass, and cloth napkins from both the Tiki Room and Jungle Cruise. The line on the chalkboard is part of an old Neil Gaiman new year sentiment. Here's the full quote:

I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you'll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you'll make something that didn't exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be,  be wise, and that you will always be kind. -- Neil Gaiman

Mickey also sits atop the mantle in his cute Mickey mug, which is currently housing the last sign of December - some candy canes we took off the tree. I see a lot of peppermint hot cocoa in the future.

My last Adventureland piece is draped over the couch - a gorgeous woven throw from The Boy. This is the centerpiece of the couch, but it's surrounded by other things I love: my Sleeping Beauty and Chip 'n Dale pillows, and of course, my Chihuahua, Tessa, snuggled up and cozy.

My favorite part of the room, however, is The Boy's comfy recliner, which I turned into a castle corner. I absolutely love the castle line of merchandise, and couldn't help but display the gorgeous scarf and matching mugs on the end table. Draped over the chair is a Cinderella Castle throw, accented by a Sleeping Beauty's Castle pillow. The final detail is a Disney picture book, of course open to the castle page.

I love the whole room, even though The Boy isn't a huge fan of his chair having been taken over by my girly castle comforts. It makes me feel like I'm home at Old Key West on a Disney vacation every day.

I'd love to see your living room: does it have a theme, or just pieces you've collected? Post in the comments.

Steal my style with similar products: Chalkboard | Disney Tapestry Throw | Disney Castle Fleece | Adventureland Decor | Walt Disney World: Then, Now, and Forever book

In Praise of Dole Whip

I'm a fan of ice cream. Anyone who knows me can vouch for this.

However, there is one beautiful, gorgeous, delectable flavor of soft serve that just outdoes itself with taste, texture, and cooling perfection on a hot summer day - and that's Dole whip.

Nailed It: 4th of July

Fourth of July, huh. Yesterday, we passed the halfway point of 2013. Actually the Boy and I calculated it out and determined that halftime occurred at exactly 1 pm (local time) on July 3. 

My Dooney & Burke bag in Disney Cruise Line print!

Or if you live in one of those places that makes sense like Arizona where's there's no Daylight Saving Time, noon on July 3. Anyway, in honor of the holiday I did a pretty traditional patriotic manicure. At first I was thinking fireworks, but I actually own red, white, and blue nail polish now so I had to honor the flag.

Drinking Around the World

Yesterday I told you all about tea. Well, now we're moving on to more alcoholic imbiberies.

One of our favorite Disney traditions is drinking around the World Showcase part of the Epcot park. There are eleven pavilions for different countries, and in each we have a few traditions that we celebrate.

Tea for Twelve

I just got back from B's Bachelorette party in Disney World!

Part of the festivities involved getting lunch at one of my (and A's) absolute favorite restaurants on property: The Garden View Tearoom at the Grand Floridian resort.

Friday Five Things [04/26/13] on Tuesday

1. By the time this posts today, I'm in Disney World for B's Bachelorette Weekend! Yeah, my family goes to WDW all the time, but it never gets any less exciting. And this time we're having a totally girls weekend with all the bridesmaids and family and a few friends to celebrate the wedding this summer. It's going to be totally awesome. [Note: I forgot to schedule this to post! So now I'm back and posting it late]

Friday Five Things [04/12/13]

Pic of the Week: Miniature Baseball Stadium

1. I moved out of the basement of my apartment (where I lived with the guy I used to date) and into my own room upstairs. I've loved decorating my new space to really make it all my own - by covering the walls in paint chip art, old pictures and postcards, and pages ripped out of magazines. I hung up some of my scarves as more wall art and window treatments. It's amazing how a few sentimental items can turn any room into a haven.

Introducing Fandoms

I hear it all the time from my friends, "I can't date him if he doesn't watch Firefly" or "How have you never seen Doctor Who - we're not friends!"

Ask anyone I know, and they'll tell you Disney is my biggest fandom!

This is one school of thought to which I just can't subscribe. See, the thing is, I love introducing people to new fandoms. It's a brilliant feeling watching them watch or play or just be a part of something I love.

Castaway Cay

I grew up in Disney World, but hadn't been on a Disney cruise until mom took A and I on one of the inaugural voyages of the Disney Dream.

The grand Disney Dream, ain't she a beauty?

Gosh, sometimes my life sounds like a dream.