Update on Everything to Come

 
I've let this little baby of a blog just sit here gathering dust. I think about it every day (being a BIG Disney fan, it's practically impossible not to.)Every single day of my life I am either doing something Disney related (like collecting Disney Infinity characters, scouring thrift stores for vintage Disney, or slipping Disney park recipes into our weekly menu.) What it comes down to (aside from my over use of parenthesis)is that every day that I am not at Disneyland, I am trying to grab some of that magic I've felt there, some of the magic my kids experience, and bring it into my life! Our lives are FULL FULL FULL of work, and traffic, and bills, and stress, and smog, and politics... WHY NOT try to bring some magic to our homes so they resemble "the happiest place on earth"? I want to come home from a crazy day out in the world, slip into cozy mickey pjs, mix up a mint julep, turn on some Silly Symphonies, and then fall sleep in my Enchanted Tiki Room themed bedroom listening to (fake) distant thunder and rain under a bamboo roof.

   Am I crazy? Delusional? Disney fans probably don't think so. That's right... you all know what I'm talking about... you know that life feels at it's realest when we are enjoying it. At the very least, that's the life we want to experience. One where we can leave our troubles behind for a little bit, escaping to enchantment, imagination, and innovation. Probably putting everything into perspective so we can deal with real life with a new outlook.

   So what can you expect if you follow this blog? You're going to see ideas for putting Disney style magic into your life. We've developed a supplementary home school curriculum completely based on the different lands at Disneyland (why shouldn't school be fun?!) You'll see ideas for decorating and dressing Disney style. We'll post about our favorite artists and fans. There will be party ideas and our favorite recipes (we have a TON of parties planned this year including our 20th wedding anniversary Disney themed party!!! ooh I feel old.)

   And you can help us! Leave us comments if we're doing this right. Share photos with us if we're doing this right. Follow us on facebook. AND follow us on Pinterest AND  email us (link on the sidebar). Have a Magical Day!!!

Monster's University Diz Kid Review

Miss E (5 years old): So, when he was little it was really cool and then it was really sad, and then it was REALLY HAPPY and sad. My favorite monster was the girl with the purple tail hair.

Miss B (9 years old): I love it. I liked it all. 

Mr. T (11 years old): It was a really great movie about friendship, I mean Mike and Sully weren't friends at the beginning, but they started to get to know each other and they became really good friends. My favorite part was when they worked together to scare adults.

Miss C (17 year old Disney fan): Um, ok, uh... I liked the part when, um, Mike and Sully were talking on the bank of a lake, I liked how at that point Mike and Sully finally saw "eye" to eyes. This was when they really became friends. I think it was awesome how Pixar/Disney showing two of our favorite characters going to college, and like Toy Story 3, these characters are going to college at the same time many of their original fans are doing the same.

Mom thinks: Being married to one of the biggest nerds there is, I can't tell you how many times I have seen Star Wars...dozens maybe??? The thing about Star Wars (for me anyway) is that I could watch it again and again and still feel like I am hearing at least parts of the story for the first time. I figure this is because the story and dialogue are so rich, the costuming and scenes are saturated with detail and creativity, and that the characters are entertaining and enticing to the viewer. Such is the Case with "Monsters University". Half way through the movie it occurred to me that so much had happened in Mike and Sullivan's months at college that I scarcely could remember all the details. Pixar does more than just tell you a simple story of their love/hate friendship; they weave visual details (and Easter eggs) and funny dialogue into a clever and intricate story line that keeps you and your little entertained. And the bonus of this? At least in our house, I foresee "Monsters University" being played repeatedly (once released to dvd/blue ray) without irking me into that "Haven't we watched this a dozen times?!" mood that happens so often with the annoying movies and shows that seem to dumb down my kids. 

"Monster's University" is a must see for the family. Any child that enjoyed "Monster's Inc." will have an instant liking for M.U. And it should be one the parents get a kick out of too! Be sure to get there for the previews. You'll see a humorous short from Disney's upcoming "Frozen" that will send your littles into a fit of giggles. "M.U." has the typical bonus short before the movie titled "The Blue Umbrella". The animation is remarkably realistic and the story is darling.

Fan Art Friday Little Mermaid Poster

I haven't the time to track down the artist of this BEAUTIFUL Little Mermaid poster. If you know where it's from or who it is by, let me know. (I found it on a tumblr page)

Happy Anniversary Haunted Mansion

Happy Anniversary to my tied-for-first favorite Disneyland ride, The Haunted Mansion!

Being an artist, I love all things created. Being a Disney fan, I love all creative things Disney. Here are some of my favorite Haunted Mansion pieces I've found on the web:

This embroidered piece of the tight rope girl down by Giddy Girlie

Vinylmation Stretching room by
Mametchi86

These wedding invites (that would work for a halloween party too) from nyballadeer

And how cool is this fan art from
Nekeesorf

One of the best Haunted Mansion fan blogs out there is run by talented photographer Carrie Vines called Haunted Mansion Collectibles. Really worth a look if you're a fan!

Alice in Wonderland themed party

picture use by permission

I was already working on an Alice in Wonderland when I saw this wonderful post that took the cake! Maybe you might think Let's Explore blogger, Amy had gone over board... maybe the flowers with eyes were too much, or the perfectly drawn caterpillar blowing real life bubbles was over the top... but I disagree! Every child should have at least one birthday so spectacular, so unique, so perfect to remember on all of their unbirthdays!

And if that's not enough, head on over to the next post for more details!