SOCIAL MEDIA

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Brynn's Second Birthday Lemon Party!


We had Brynn's party the day before her actual birthday over at The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. All week the weather was showing rain during her party but luckily it was clear and sunny (and HOT...sorry guests) during her party. We served BBQ pulled chicken sliders, grilled hot dogs, pasta salad, and veggies to our guests. I had lemonade, french berry lemonade, limeade, and water for our guest to enjoy. Instead of serving a traditional cake/cupcakes I went for mini cupcakes, mini lemon cakes, and mini cookie sandwiches which were a HUGE hit with our guests so I'll make sure to keep that in mind for years to come.

We ate, mingled, Brynn {but mostly me} opened presents, and then we let her smash her little cake. So many people raved about her cake and could not believe it when I told them at it was a vanilla mini cake from...Publix that I decorated myself! It turned out so great and the birthday girl snacked on it all day.

I originally picked a citrus theme for the party but then Target came out with the most adorable lemon/lemonade things in their dollar spot so I fully committed to lemons lol! I arranged flowers from Traders Joe's and Publix for the centerpieces and then placed fresh limes, lemons, greenery, and baby's breath in berry baskets to go on the sides of the arrangements. I also shoot for low cost items that I can reuse when entertaining so I'll make sure to provide links for the most asked about items.

We all had a great time and only had one casualty...Brynn's bestie, Nora took a tumble from the new princess carriage and got two bad skinned knees. Now I know to always have a first aid kit at kid's parties! Good news is that Nora is on the mend because she's literally the toughest toddler this side of the Mississippi! The other lesson I took away from this party is that next year I don't care how cheesy and un-Pinterest worthy it is...we're having an indoor, air conditioned...possibly Chuck-E-Cheese party! Here's the photo drop....
















Party Supplies:

Tablecloths
Centerpiece Vases
Kid's Picnic Table (Early Birthday Gift from Aunt Maggie)
Entry Table
Yellow Gingham Paper Plates (Used a 40% off coupon on each pack)
2-Tier Cake Stand

Thanks for stopping by and please comment if you have any other questions about the party!

Thursday, August 2, 2018

To My Sweet Two Year Old



Another year has gone by and I wonder if I'll not feel that it was just yesterday that you were born. Looking back at your newborn photos and videos is a recipe for tears but I can't help myself because I need to always remember that time is fleeting and I need to soak up every second because it's so true when I hear people say the days are long but the years are short.


This has been a year of growth for all of us. We have a year under our belt as Floridians and are finally getting into the swing of our life here. We've spent countless days at Disney and you absolutely LOVE meeting the characters. You cry and throw a fit until it's your turn to meet them...but I do need to mention it's only love for fur characters because the face characters give you a big case of stranger danger. 


You are talking more and more every day. Your favorite words include: momma, daddy, Google, RuPaul, Poppa, yes, no, and saying that you are TWO! You are so agile and as much as I'd love for you to be a prissy ballerina I honestly think you're going to be a stellar athlete.You can shoot baskets, run super fast, climb, jump, and swim like a fish. You seriously have zero fear of the water which dad loves and I have crazy anxiety about. 


You still like MMCH but it's definitely on the back burner compared to your love of Peppa Pig, Word Party, Moana, and still Boss Baby. You love to color and draw on you chalkboard table and easel. You are so incredibly sweet...and far more maternal than I ever was...with your Bitty Baby named Vanjie from the Brankamps and mini Cabbage Patch kid doll from Mim. You are totally your mother's daughter when it comes to your sweet tooth...you beg for popsicles every evening. You could be in the worst mood but the second something is present you smile ear to ear...I'm trying my best to teach you moderation with sweets but am failing miserably. 


You are so sweet 90% of the time but man do you have a raging temper the other 10%...I have no idea where that comes from lol! My favorite part of my day is when I get home from work and you bolt to the door to greet me with the biggest hug, kiss, and pat on the back. Two years ago I was scared and felt so unready for you but that's the great thing about life...it gives you exactly what you need exactly when you need it. Thank you for making me a mom and for teaching every day how to be a better person. I'm so glad you entered my life exactly when I needed you. Happy Birthday Mouse, I love you. 

All photos courtesy of Faison Anne Photography



Saturday, June 30, 2018

WDW Tips and Tricks: Q&A Round 2

I took to good ole Facebook for the next round of Q&A and I'll try to cover as many as I can so here it goes...

Photo courtesy of Faison Anne Photography

Q: If you have flexibility with your travel dates when is the best time to go for lower crowds?

A: Honestly the best times for low crowds are when kids are in school. In my years of living here the second week of January until President's Day is super slow followed by September after Labor Day until Halloween.

Q: What are you favorite toddler friendly table service locations?

A: We dine at Disney a lot and nearly everywhere is what I consider kid friendly but we LOVE the following places: Ale & Compass at the Yacht Club, Nine Dragons in Epcot, Hollywood & Vine at DHS, Trail's End at Fort Wilderness, 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian, Rainforest Cafe at DAK and Disney Springs, and lastly the most relaxing meal you'll have...Sci-Fi Drive-in at DHS. The drive-in theater screen entrances kids and they don't talk, fight, or bother anymore...it's the true hidden gem of Disney.

Q: What are some, in your opinion, overrated things that people hype up but aren't really worth it if you're only visiting for a few days?

A: I get this question a lot and all I can only speak on behalf of myself...with that being said I think the Fireworks Dessert Parties are overrated and too rich for my blood. I'd much rather get a treat and watch them among other guests instead of shelling out $80+ per person. Also don't hate me y'all but I'm not a fan of Cinderella's Royal Table. I personally like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall's food and experience better. I'm not saying CRT isn't great I just think it's a bit overrated compared to some of the other fantastic dining options.

Q: What are your favorite spots for parades and fireworks?

A: Magic Kingdom fireworks=train station, Magic Kingdom Festival of Fantasy Parade= across from The Hall of Presidents under the tree for shade or anywhere in along the Liberty Square area and get there early, Epcot fireworks=the space between the Canada and UK pavilions, and my advice for Fantasmic and Rivers of Light is get there about 30-40 minutes before the show so you're higher up in the arenas so you can see better.

Q: Is it worth it to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?

A: People always ask about this and my answer is always YESSSSSSSSS! They are my favorite thing at Disney and I will do posts on each party later on this year!

Q: What are your must-do attractions for a one year old?

A: First of all I definitely recommend always going to Magic Kingdom with one year olds because it's the park with the most baby friendly attractions. Here are our favorites at MK: Dumbo, It's a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, The Carousel, and The Peoplemover. At Epcot we love The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Spaceship Earth, Journey in the Imagination, and Frozen Ever After for the littles and recoomend meeting Mickey Mouse at the Epcot Character Spot over the meet and greet and Magic Kingdom and here's why...Mickey at Town Square Theater at MK talks and honestly it's a recipe for disaster for little ones because it's a sensory overload. If you've seen my social media you know that Brynn LOVESSS meeting characters but even she was scared of Mickey at Magic Kingdom.

Q: Best photo spots around WDW property

A: This is an excellent question and I'm currently working on a post for this very topic so stay tuned!

Q: How should we reveal to our kids that we're going to Disney

A: I gave this idea to a friend years ago and it was a huge hit! Get three boxes for When-How-Where...in the first box (when) wrap a calendar with the date you get there circled. In the second box (how) wrap a toy of how you're getting there...a little plane or car that looks like your's. In the last box (where) wrap something like a Disney shirt, Mickey Mouse plush, autograph, or even a picture of Cinderella Castle. Oh and no matter how you reveal it make sure you video it!

Q: What are your favorite grown up attractions?

A: In no particular order...Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, Soarin', Mission Space, Tower of Terror, Rockin' Rollercoaster, Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest. Also I love going to the videos at the pavilions in Epcot's World Showcase...to a kid they're boring but as an adult they are so inspiring and make you want to travel, Travel, TRAVEL!!!

Q: What shoes should I wear?

A: Comfort over style 100% for the entire family! I recommend something with support that will help your feet because you're going to be walking a ton! The quickest way to spot a local is the shoes...we don't stay in the park as long so we wear more stylish shoes usually lol! Also take the advice of Lt. Dan from Forest Gump and bring a spare pair of socks for everyone because nothing is worse than wet socks.

Q: Is Bippity Boppity Boutique worth it?

A; I haven't had the joy of taking Brynn there yet because the minimum age is three but I'll put it this way...as a grown woman how do you feel after getting your hair and makeup professionally done? Imagine that feeling but times a hundred because it's pure joy from a little girl...so in my humble opinion...YES! It's totally worth it!

Q: What are your can't miss snacks?

A: This is a loaded question because I love so many snacks but here are my top five...Dole Whip Swirl (pineapple and vanilla), Zebra Domes from The Mara at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, The School Bread from the Norway pavilion, The Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich from the France pavilion, and the ever classic Mickey Pretzel and cheese.

Q: If we're going to "splurge" on something what do you suggest?

A: If I've said it once I'll say it a thousand times...A PHOTO SESSION in the parks. It's my favorite souvenir and I'm blessed to call one of the best photographers in Orlando my friend and highly suggest booking her...you can find out more info about Faison HERE.

That's all for this round folks! More questions? Comment below and I'll put it in the next round of Q&A. Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more Disney posts about photo spots and seasonal holiday offerings and guides!