I am trying to catch up on a few quotes this morning... I've fallen seriously behind this week... Mostly because I wanted to start work early every day this week, in the hopes that I could start "vacation" a day or two early.
So, my apologies for leaving you all hanging.
Love reading about your plans! It sounds like you have the outfits covered. Can't think of anything you've missed. I do like to take 1 rain type jacket just in case. I prefer a rain jacket to a poncho. If you do have some cool days you should still be OK unless it's windy. I can take cool weather if it's sunny and the winds are calm. I'm excited for the 3 of you! Hope you all stay healthy - so much flu around here.
We had a little get together at our home yesterday so I was forced to de-Christmas the house. After New Year's just looking at it stresses me out so I was glad for the push to put everything away. We had so much going on this year I cut way back on my normal decorating. Yesterday, I was glad that I did. It went much quicker than it normally does. Now I feel like I can focus on my goals for 2018!
Thanks! I feel like I have given this much too much thought, and I just need to be OK with what I have. Hopefully. LOL It's looking like we will have 1-2 really cold days, and the rest should be OK.
It sounds like you enjoyed the gathering... I agree - it was nice to get it all put away. I still need to buy one large bin... I have a few straggling items that need to get put away, and it's my goal to have that done this weekend.
Good luck with your 2018 goals - how are they going?
It looks like you have everything covered with your wardrobe for your trip. I only have 3 pairs of nikes that I wear most of the time and one pair is in my locker at work. I have that Columbia jacket in lime green. I wear it a lot in the spring and fall. the shirts you made are really cute. Maybe you can wear one in the evening when it's cooler? I always forget to pack a swimsuit.
The weather here have been really cold for us. I've been wearing the jacket that formerly had the grease stain. Now I just have to figure out how to get the salt off my solid navy Vera bag.
You've been busy taking the tree down. I think that's the worse part of Christmas, putting everything away. My tree's in the spare room waiting to go back into the garage. I don't wan to drag it through the snow.
I finally got the day shift at work. It only took almost a year from when they asked me if I wanted it. Actually, it was moving the other person that took that long.
Have a good day
Liz
Hi Liz!
Thanks... Yes - I am hoping to wear my new shirts, but I may have to adjust my days a little bit to be able to wear them... The day we are in DHS looks to be quite warm, I am half tempted to hack off the sleeves on my Toy Story shirt to make them 3/4 length? LOL I just hate to cut off that cow fabric... It was so expensive and it's adorable. LOL
I know the feeling... We had 3 days last weekend where it was very nice and nearly all of our snow pack was gone, then on Wednesday we were hit again - which is to be expected, and it has been very low wind chills again... I am very tired of the cold, that's for sure!
Congrats on getting the day shift! I know you have been waiting a long time for it, it's so nice to have that normalcy while working in retail.
Thank you - same to you!
I’m watching the weather too. Every week closer looks like it’s getting a bit warmer. However 40 would be a heat wave.
I love the shirts!!! I am loving raglans this year. I have sever from Lula Roe, then I just bought two super cute ones from Zulily. But yours
I traded Tutto Italiano dinner for 1900 Park on our last night there. The reviews were awful, I may it again. Idk. Then I changed yak and yeti to via Napoli for Monday dinner.
Yah - the weather has changed a bit since I posted above... So, I've added in warmer clothes. Again. LOL But it looks like we have mostly nice days, so that will help.
Thank you - I am loving raglans too... I love how they shape my shoulders and they are so comfy!
We've done dinner at 1900 several times, it's one of V's favorites! We've never done Tutto Italiano ever, so I can't compare for you... but the Step Sisters are a riot, you will enjoy them.
And we love the plain cheese pizza at Via Napoli, it's the only thing we ever get... When I went with Suzi - we each ordered our own individual pizza, different toppings... and we all shared... The plain cheese was by far the best - and typically I like LOTS of toppings on my pizza...
Good luck getting everything figured out!
The knit raglans you made are adorable. I really like them!
Definitely bring a swim suit. I regretted not packing them on a trip last year & was kicking myself. They take very little room if you just pack one.
On our 4th of July trip I wore mostly dry fit capris. I found that the material is pretty light weight & made to keep the sweat off. I didn’t feel any hotter in them compared to my shorts. I don’t like wearing shorts though so I’m sure that makes me a little bias.
Thank you - They are so fun and easy to make!
I am bringing it... However - unless we go to the water parks - I typically don't swim much down there, in recent trips anyways... So, we will see? I just hate having to shower and get ready all over again after. LOL
Yes - I've been to WDW twice in August now... And the less you wear during that time of year, the better. LOL I haven't enjoyed shorts much in recent years either... I've lost so much weight that I have a lot of saggy skin on my thighs (TMI?) - and I am very self conscious about it.
I'd rather be a little warmer in denim capris... However - in the heat of summer in Florida, I think I"d get over my issues and wear shorts. LOL
I so love all your bags and ears, they are just so adorable and I love how fun they are and it is so cool when the characters interact when they see themselves on the bags. Hoping whenever your trip is that the weather is warmer for you and that you girls will have a blast!!!!
Thank you - I am so excited about them! Like, beyond excited! I dont' think I've ever been this excited about trip bags... The last few trips - I've gone a little more "plain"... It was fun to be able to create some Over The Top stuff for myself.
And thank you - our weather is looking mostly OK... We have a few colder days, but I think - for the most part - we should be comfortable. Hopefully. LOL
We're getting down to the wire!!
Packing is so tough! I think all that you mentioned is great. I am doing the same, stalking the weather apps and trying to decide how much I actually NEED to bring. I have to fit all my stuff in two carry-ons! I really need to get that going and just throw in what I think will be good and hope for the best LOL. That is part of my plan for this week, get packed, hair, mani and pedi.
Wahoo!!! I was so excited to see your photo in my feed this morning!!!
Yah - I reload the weather apps several times per day, LOL... Both for home and for Florida - as our weather here has been less than stellar too. LOL
I sure hope you were able to fit it all into 2 carry ons??? And wahoo for new hair, mani and pedis!!! Mine are getting done soon!!! Can't wait!
Safe travels my friend - see ya real soon!!!!
So close to your trip. I love all your outfits and how coordinated you are
Definitely think you should bring a swimsuit (just in case )
Thank you - I am certain I have some sort of "Disney outfit planning disorder"
It's crazy, but it's my one true love about Disney trip planning - it's my thing.
It's packed... We'll see if I actually get to wear it now.
I'm having the same struggle, D. I started laying stuff out last night. I think it's going to be pretty much all leggings and long t-shirts. At least with the leggings, I can pull them up to capri length if it gets too much warmer. I'm also taking my denim jacket and one sweatshirt. Shoes...my Saucony runners, one pair of black low top Converse and my Sanuk flip-flops. Swimsuit, Pjs, socks and unders, my two amazing park bags and...I think that's it.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
Em and I are going to get our haircuts, manis and pedis the day before we leave. One of Em's Christmas presents was having our hairdresser dye her hair. She's decided...I think...on a teal blue/green color. It should look nice with her blond hair and blue eyes. I've told her that I'd rather it not be her whole head and she's shown me some great ideas so far. Should be interesting. I'll send you a pic when she's done.
And now we wait...
Yes! It's crazy! I am just bringing a lot of everything and hoping for the best. I think my saving grace this time is my new fall jacket - because it's quite heavy weight and wind proof and mostly water proof... And I tried it on yesterday over a heavy sweater and it still fit just fine - so I should be able to layer under it, if necessary - but hopefully it won't be necessary.
I think your leggings and shirts ideas are perfect - and versatile!
I am so excited to get my nails done - probably more excited than anything else... Though my nails don't get done for a few more days yet - I still can't wait.
Oooh - I can't wait to see Em's hair!!! How fun for her!
Yes, and we wait...
Hi D!
Having been to WDW in January a couple of times, if you and your girls enjoy swimming I would totally bring a swimsuit. When my kids were little I would get in to be with them, and since the pools are heated it's not bad at all - especially if you have actual beach towels or a terry robe to put on when you get out of the pool.
I was reading an article this morning about a product called Compeed to combat blisters or hot spots, that you can get from
Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Compeed-Blis...e=UTF8&qid=1515442085&sr=8-7&keywords=compeed
We're 26 days out. So excited!
I wish you safe travels and good health for your trip!
Hi!!!!
OK - I am bringing the suit... but I am not sure I will use it. The girls are bringing suits too - so we will see?
I will look into that... I always bring a GIANT stack of precut mole skin - and it has been a lifesaver on many trips!
Wahoo!!! 26 days!
I love this time in trip planning! It's my favorite part!
Have a great trip if I don't see you before then!
Hey D! So I guess you saw that we took a little trip this weekend as well. It was exhausting to take another trip so soon after getting back from a long trip, but we went down to see an extended family member who is Japanese. She came back to visit her family, so we drove down to meet up with her and her family. The town was called Karatsu just south of Fukuoka. It is directly across the Sea of Japan from South Korea. It was a nice visit. Although, I am sure you saw the videos of FB of us eating live squid. Ironically, neither Jason nor I even like seafood! But we ate it (at least a little bit) so as not to appear rude, and it was a fun experience to say that we tried it. We learned recently that it is actually cheaper to fly to Hong Kong than to fly to Tokyo, so a long weekend trip to Hong Kong
Disneyland might be in the works? I would like to go since we are this close especially if it is affordable. Jason really wants to go to China while we are here, but that is an expensive trip (less than coming from the states, but still expensive). Honestly, I am sure I would enjoy the trip, but for that much money, I would rather go to London or Paris. I am much more interested in European History and culture than Chinese. Also, I just get squeamish with all the political upheaval in the world right now.
Anyhoo- your trip is fast approaching! I echo the above posters that you should bring a swimsuit just in case. Also, I think with your capris, you will be fine wearing the long-sleeve raglans. Plus they are super cute- you can't NOT wear them! You may just have to make sure you have a bag or something to put your extra layers in when it gets warm. Likely, it will depend on if the sun is out. If it is mid-70's and cloudy, it won't seem that hot. I always over pack, so I am not the person to ask about down-sizing, LOL. Good luck fitting it all in! I am soooo excited for you, and I can't wait to see and hear about all your adventures!
Ahhh - yah, I saw that... LOL Gotta admit, you are much braver than I am - I don't think I could do that? LOL
That would be awesome if you could do a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland... I guess I am behind the times - I forgot that there was one there with all the hoopla surrounding Tokyo Disney.
And since you are there...
I agree - though - I personally have no desire to see anything in that area of the world... But Europe... Definitely. I am right there with ya!
Yup - bringing a swimsuit... not sure if it will get used? But it's packed.
Right - I'll likely melt in my Toy Story raglan, but I must wear it! LOL
Allison will be carrying a smaller Eddie Bauer backpack... She has already agreed to haul all of our layers around in it for us.
What a nice girl.
Tell me about it - LOL... I'll be posting a picture below... Definite packing problem. LOL
Thanks - we are so excited for this trip!
Just got back tonight from Orlando dropping my son of at college and it was freezing that whole week we were down there. Hoping when I go back down in April its so much warmer.
Yah - I was following that weather... Crazy! I felt so badly for everyone down there, as I knew how horrible it was for us. I hope it's much warmer for you in April too!
Your raglan shirts are adorable. I would think you could wear them in Disney at night - maybe one of the nights you are out late for fireworks. It usually gets cold at night in Disney in January.
It looks like you have packed a good variety of clothes to handle every temperature. I have been following the weather in Orlando, too, and hoping that the cold weather is over and more normal temps will return now. The weather forecasts for Orlando are always misleading in January. A predicted high of 67 means that it is 63 degrees most of the day and then might hit 65 or 66 for a short time in the afternoon, but never quite makes it to the predicted 67. But anything above 60 is fine with me, although 78 would be a lot better. We always bring swimming suits, just in case
We received quite a few Disney gift cards for Christmas and my birthday to cover a good portion of our food for our upcoming Disney trip. And my husband has a Disney Visa with rewards dollars for even more free food. Plus, it is a short trip, which helps. We bought Disney gift cards at Target to pay for the room and that 5% discount is really nice.
I hope you get good weather for your trip, especially on the days you are flying.
I hope so... I am debating on hacking the sleeves on my Toy Story raglan to be 3/4 length??? I just hate to cut off that fabric - it was so expensive, but it's an easy fix... We'll see how ambitious I am over the coming days?
I sure hope so - but I agree... the temps usually don't *quite* make it as high as it says it's going to... It looks like we have a few good days and a few not so good days...
That is awesome!!! I always buy our GCs at Target... Every little bit helps!
Thanks! I appreciate that... So, far, no bad weather here on the day we leave - so we shouldn't have to worry about any flight delays or anything.
If they want to keep us in Florida longer, I am OK with that. LOL
I think you have more than enough jackets so I guess if you didn't have room I would leave one of the heavier ones out. I looked at our pictures from Jan. and we only wore coats the first day. We did have hoodies our last night at AK when we went to see ROL. We only did a few evenings though when you are more likely to need a light coat. Even when we used to fly I wore my fall coat on the plane and usually that's the only time I would wear it. I always bought a new Disney hoodie to wear if I needed one. But I know you like to coordinate your outfits and I tolerate the cooler temperatures really well. I often just leave my hoodie in the car and I can get it if I need it. I think I only went once to grab jackets when we were staying for a parade and it was cooling off. I hate carrying them around all day. I remember leaving DS in short sleeves and people were wearing coats. When we got back to the car it said 68° and we thought it felt wonderful. I would also bring a swimsuit as it takes very little room. We love swimming though and the big advantage of a house is not having to run back to the room, we can just jump right in the shower.
I got the last of my Christmas decorations put away yesterday. I was still feeling tired from the flu so I've done one room each day. I go a little overboard I guess, but I also have a lot of stuff I've collected over the years. I did give away a lot of stuffed snowmen I used to collect and had 3 tubs full. I never put them all out as I didn't have room. Now I have 2 tubs left but I just couldn't get rid of anymore. I also gave some other stuff to Goodwill too so I have a few less tubs. Doesn't help that I asked for Jim Shore Disney decor so I'm always collecting more, lol.
Looking forward to seeing more new shirts. I think raglan shirts should have 3/4 sleeves. That just seems like the style they should be and then you could wear them more often. Hope you have time to make more.
I forgot to mention in your Target picture that the tree by the $3 ornament sign is my new Disney tree. You can see it's not real full, but it has the strong branches that I need.
I hope so... I am still considering pulling out the red jacket from Box Lunch... I am not sure I will actually wear it down there? And my black one is much more versatile.
I did pack my swimsuit, so I am good there.
It's always a relief to get it put away - I think... It can be such a daunting task. I need to weed out some of my Christmas decor too, but some of it is sentimental to me - and I have no desire to get rid of it - I'd rather store it forever. LOL
I hope you're feeling better now!
I am honestly debating on hacking off the sleeves on the day I wear my Toy Story outfit... It's supposed to be very nice that day - and I am afraid I will melt in long sleeves... I haven't decided though - that cow fabric was incredibly expensive, and I hate to hack it off... Though - then I tell myself, it's useless if I can't wear it too... So we'll see?
Cute tree!!! I think that would be great for Disney ornaments.
Your trip is so close! I'm excited for you -- you and the girls will have a wonderful time. I hope the weather continues to warm up -- but it looks like you've got the contingencies all covered with the outfits you have planned. V's ears are so cute. And it's awesome that (as always) your trip is already paid for. Woohoo!! I absolutely love the shirts you've made for yourself. If it was me, I would probably take the swimsuit just in case. Does SoG have hot tubs? Those always feel so good on my feet after a long day in the parks.
Brie has thrown a potential major wrench into our Disneyland plans so I'm not sure if we'll end up being able to go in May or not. She's got a couple of big decisions to make and if things go the way I think they're going to go, she will need to head to Virginia for work as soon as lacrosse nationals are over in mid-May, and she doesn't get enough time off of lacrosse between the end of school (end of April) and lacrosse nationals for us to go then. And her school doesn't have a spring break, and she's not willing to miss classes for a day, which means our only option would be to leave after her early afternoon class on Friday, fly to California, rent a car, spend Saturday and most of Sunday at Disneyland, and then fly home Sunday night. I just don't think that's worth the expense, especially since the girls have never been to Disneyland before and I haven't been since 1989. I feel like we need a minimum of three solid days there, preferably four. My plan was for us to drive there -- saving the airfare plus that gives us our car while we're there. If we can't do May, there is a slight possibility we could do the end of August, but that's going to be a potential conflict with one of the major decisions she needs to make as well as a potential conflict with when Alyssa and Andrew have to be at optometry school (wish him luck -- his final interview is tomorrow and then we'll see where he decides to go....). So right now it looks like the trip is up in the air. :-(
Your sewing on knits -- do you use a serger for your seams, or how do you finish them? I think those shirts are SO cute and I have some basic sewing skills -- I've made basic clothing in the past and those look like something that I could possibly make....
I went through the numbers from the builder this morning and it looks like I can cut about $6K off the price with some changes to the kitchen that are changes I definitely can live with. One of those is to change from white cabinets/cupboards to stained cabinets/cupboards. White cabinets/cupboards in the kitchen and bathrooms added $2500 to the price because it's so much more expensive than stained. And I saw three homes last weekend with dark stained cabinets/cupboards that I actually liked quite a bit -- I didn't think I would, but I did. And that solves my concern of how the kitchen cabinets/cupboards would tie into my dining table, which has a dark cherry espresso finish. We're getting closer, I think......I hope.
So sad that your Target store will be closed soon. As much as I love the convenience of online shopping for many things (case in point -- I ordered some authentic German Christmas tree candle clips and candles this year -- I'm trying to learn and pick up as many of my MIL's German Christmas traditions as I can, while we still have her around to share them -- and I would not have been able to find those in any local brick and mortar store)...I really prefer being able to see items in person, touch and handle them, try them on, determine quality, etc. Target is one of my favorites, especially Super Target, and it makes me sad that your store is closing. Hugs....
We are very excited!
As usual... It's hard not to be excited when we are going to Disney. It is such a great feeling to be able to be there with BOTH of my girls again - I honestly thought it would never happen.
Bummer about the wrench in your Disneyland plans - I know how much you are looking forward to that time with them.
But along the same line... Brie is a smart girl and I have every confidence she will make the right decision for her... Hopefully everything comes together soon, so you can resume planning.
How did Andrew's final interview go? Always wishing all of you the best success in everything!
I do use my serger for the knits... I literally use my serger once per year... But in the last weeks - I haven't even put the cover on it, as I am using it all the time. So, I use the serger to assemble all of my seams... Then I top stitch on my regular swing machine with a longer straight stitch... Surprisingly - this works well... There is some stretch to a longer stitch, so the thread isn't popping on me with normal on/off and wear... Now, I haven't *over stretched* to test it out, but it works for normal wearing.
It's so fun making these raglans - honest! And very addicting... Consider that your warning. LOL
It sounds like your changes to the kitchen are good ones... I am very "dramatic" when it comes to cabinets... I either like them very dark or very light... So espresso is a great color and so is white. I would be very happy with either... and if you can get a savings like that - I think it is worth it. You can always change it later if it's something you want to invest $$ in.
Hopefully you can get closer to building the house soon.
I know... It's so hard to watch my Target store die off... I go in there now, and I don't even spend $$, I just go in to see how much is left... It's getting very empty. I found out the other day that many of my co-workers are going to the store I plan to shop at often... So, not all is lost... I will still have a store "where everyone knows my name" - even if I won't be working with them (for the time being... I may go back after my 6 month Target employment quarantine?)
The Germain candles sound beautiful - and I agree - I think it's wonderful that you are adopting some of your MIL's traditions!
Thanks Stephanie!!! Looking so forward to it!
It's getting close Dorine, so close! I can't wait to see your nails. I can't wait to see your stuffed suitcase. I can't wait to see when ya'll get there!!!
We had a cold front blow in last night; another one blows in tomorrow, and a major one blows in next week. I hope your weather is good and not too terribly cold; good idea on the jackets just to make sure. I am not sure if I would rather melt in the heat or freeze in the cold. We were definitely melting when we went to US the first weekend in October.
I will be checking in to see when this epic trip happens!!! Hugs Dorine!!
Hi Carol!!! Yes - we are getting beyond excited now... this is when all of the "last minute jitters" start to come. LOL I'll be posting some suit case pictures today. LOL
Thank you - I hope your weather gets better soon... I am not sure which I prefer either? LOL I prefer the heat in the winter and the cold in the summer... I am much more a spring/fall girl.
Thanks for following along Carol! Looking forward to sharing! Always sending you hugs my friend!
Don't believe that forecast! I see a low of 32 and a high of 54 on one of the days next week.
Hahaha!!! Right? We had 2 days drop by 20 degrees over night... So everything I wrote above is now a lie. LOL Back in, went warmer clothes.
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OK all - we are coming into the home stretch!
First things first... Packing... Our forecast has changed dramatically, several times, over the last few days... Many of our days got *much* colder and many of them became warmer... So, yet again - I have had to totally repack.
The swimsuit is still packed... I've added back in another pair of jeans... and a couple of sweatshirts... I think I am taking out the red quilted Mickey coat, because my black one is much more versatile...
This is what my luggage looked like a few days ago.
I was able to get that suitcase closed - but as Cindy told me, I better wrap a strap around it our it's gonna burst in transit. Ahhhhh... So, I had to rethink that.
And here's my carry-ons...
In talking with BFF the other day... She told me she had a smaller rolling duffel from Eddie Bauer, carry-on size... She offered to loan it to me for our trip... Low and behold it is the EXACT one (color and everything) that I was planning to purchase a few weeks ago... I don't have any pictures, but let's just say this thing has been a LIFE SAVER!!!! I was able to partially unpack my stuffed suit case (including all 7 of my park bags - I HATE checking them), and also nix taking my VB backpack... Which is fantastic, because then I won't have to be a pack mule in the airport, and I can just roll all of my stuff behind me!
I will get pictures of this new bag in the coming days. The only problem I have right now - is my own OCD for matching luggage... I will not match at all this trip. It will be OK.
I found this picture on V's Instagram the other night - and I seriously cracked up!!! She posted it in August of 2014... It appears I've had an over packing problem for quite some time...
Both of the girls have started packing... I think, at this moment, they are both mostly packed? Which is unheard of - typically - they both like to wait to pack until the very last minute.
I had my hair done on Tuesday... This was the only time my stylist could get me in before our trip, I was thankful to have new hair - though it's isn't as "freshly colored" as I like it to be for trips... Oh well... It's better than half gray. LOL It looks good - I went back to a little more of an inverted cut with a stack in the back - though it isn't nearly as short as it has been for some of our other trips. I don't have a picture - I will try to get one posted before we leave.
I've made a couple more raglans this week... Though I only have a picture of this one... I love it!
And another picture of our store... This is the back portion of our women's clothing area...
Today... Well... V's car broke down on the way home from work the other night - so she ended up walking the rest of the way (one block)... We are going to try to nurse it to the mechanic this morning, and he can have it indefinitely... After all - we are getting close to leaving on our trip, and she can use my car for the time being...
Then Allison and I are leaving straight from there to head to the MOA... I am going to try again to exchange my too big Pandora bracelet (the store was closed last time)... And Allison has a coupon for Box Lunch that she wants to maybe spend...
After - we are going to have Allison's nails done for our trip... I suggested that she wait a few more days - as I like to wait until as close as possible before we leave, but she wants them done early... soooo...
It's her money. LOL
Then I am going to come home and possibly hack off the sleeves for my Toy Story raglan... I am going to give it some serious thought today (and consult the weather a bazillion more times) so we'll see...
That's about it... I'll probably pack and repack a bunch more too. LOL
I hope you all have a nice weekend, I'll try to check in as I can over the coming week. Prayers and pixie dust to all!
D~