The Biz on Diz: {A}

Woo hoo! Let's do this.

{March Magicalness} has officially begun!

For the 2 trips we've taken with the Twinados to Diz, we consulted dozens of blogs, Pinterest boards, Facebook groups and articles. You name it - we probably read it! It was overwhelming. Happily overwhelming. But, wayyyyy too much to take in all at once. We had to just stop.

I don't care what anyone says - you'll never be able to see or do EVERYTHING Disney has to offer.

And, that's the fun of it, right?! It keeps ya wanting more! It's constantly evolving, while still upholding tried and true traditions. There are surprises and sentiments around every inch of that preciously perfect place. Disney's what YOU make of it. So, I thought I'd chime in with our D-World thoughts to get your wheels turning for your next vacation yearning.

In keeping with my bloggy fashion, the next dozen posts or so will be heavily haphazard with a big sprinkle of random. I'm going to attempt to chart out our Happiest Place on Earth thoughts alphabetically. An A-Z of dear Dis-ney!

Here's where YOU come in! Did I miss something in a particular letter that's special to you? {Tell me!} Send me a pm on Facebook. {Tell me!} Drop me a line under this post. {I'm serious - tell me!} I want to make this a collaborative adventure, so hit me up with a few lines and send me a pic or two. I plan to go back into each post and update them with your commentary. {You'll totes get props. I'll add your initials under the excerpt for an extra secret agent-ish kinda vibe.}

Let's go...

{Adventureland}
We spent a bit more time in this lil land this year - and it was cute! Freakin' Dole Whip, man. I'm saving my ode to it for {F}, but it needs to be mentioned first. Here's where ya find it - at Aloha Isle right next to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Speaking of him, he and Jasmine park it near one of the gift shops close by - get your camera out. They're super friendly and they will let you pose near the Genie's lamp during the meet and greet. The Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean are here also - both very popular rides. Keep an eye out near the Jungle Cruise entrance...because your Fast Pass+ kiosk awaits! Used up all of your 3 Fast Passes already? Get your toosh over to that kiosk and add a 4th one, honey. Don't forget to make yourself into a Pirate at the Pirates League and make a pit stop at Sunshine Tree Terrace for a refreshing citrus treat. {Can I get an Amen that Orange Bird is quite possibly the cutest lil birdie ever?!} Swiss Family Tree House was a true treat!

Really diggin' this area.

{Akershus}
Located in Epcot's {Norway} area, we found a dinner spot fit for a princess. Literally! The Twinados met 5 of their new BFFs during a character dinner - Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White and Ariel. They stationed Belle right smack at the entrance way  along with a photographer. We were able to scan our Magic Bands for a keepsake pic with a castle backdrop. During dinner, the princesses made the rounds to each table. Seeing the girls rock Cheshire Cat-style smiles at each beauty was worth Every. Single. Penny! {Note: It's wicked pricey. So...order up as many Cokes as you can stomach. They come with the meal!} All kids were invited to take part in a parade, and each area of the restaurant was assigned to a particular princess. Ariel was ours. The decor was old-timey and rustic...just how we like it. The girls enjoyed mac and cheese. You know I'm a burger and fries {or big buffet} kinda gal, so this menu was quite a stretch for me. Alas, I stocked up on cheese and bread off of the all you can eat appetizer bar...and I saved room for goat cheese ravioli for the main course. I totally stole several bites of the beef dish The Hubs ordered. GET THAT ONE. Just get it.

Jarlsberg for days.

{Aladdin and Jasmine}
Goodness gracious, they're stunning! We met them in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland just a stone's throw from Aloha Isle and right across from the magic carpet ride. They were adorable - really playing up the part of love birds - giving each other googly eyes, holding hands and criss-crossing their arms.

Gorge.

{Adventurer's Outpost}
Located in Animal Kingdom, this lil Meet-and-Greet is super cozy. We originally had this booked as a FastPass+...but you never know what's going to happen on the big day. The lines here looked semi-decent, so we used the FastPass+ app to switch out our passes for another attraction. The lines moved fairly quickly and we got to meet Mick and Min all decked out in their safari gear. We had this on our Bucket List because it was a chance to see the Marvelous Mice in vacation outfits. 

Safari Squeezies.

{Alice}
We met her last year right near the Tea Cup ride in the Magic Kingdom - right near the Cheshire Cafe. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum often join her...as well as the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit. Her English accent is on point. I had BIG plans to bring a tea set with us so the girls could have a little fun with her this year in a pic...but I remembered that idea...as we were standing in line. {D'oh! Airhead.} Next year. It's on.

Little loves blondes.

{Ariel}
T-2's most favorite of faves. We saw her at the Akershus character dinner and also in her grotto in MK. Both times, her dialogue with the girls was just jolly. Everything was happy go lucky and centered around the sea. She's just like all of the red heads I've ever known  - a true rock star.

Love the sleeves.

{Airborne}
This is a tip. An order! You don't want to get sick. Stock up on this ish before, during and after your trip. Ya hear me?!

Note: I'm not a doc, so before ya rock...
read the deets...you capiche?

{Aloha Isle}
I'll probably find a way to reference this place in every letter of the alphabet. Find this counter in Adventureland and order up a Dole Whip. Do it.

Swoon.

{American Dream}
Located in the America section of Epcot, you'll find a cult classic at the Fife & Drum walk up counter - a red, white and blue beauty with sweetness for days. The tart cherry and blue raspberry flavors pair well with the creamy vanilla ice cream at the bottom. It'll cost you about 5 beans.

Mocktails with Mama.

{Animal Kingdom}
We heard mixed emotions on AK, so we really didn't know what to think when we first rolled up. I saw leopard and zebra print Mickey ears for sale, so it didn't really take me that long to warm up to the place. The atmosphere transported you to a faw away place. We dug it. It was super heavy on the nature end...something sort of foreign to us...but we embraced it.

Loved seeing Chip and Dale. Tried to stop for Pocahontas {she has a special Meet-and-Greet area}, but the family wanted to head out. We booked a Fast Pass+ for Adventurer's Outpost because we wanted to guarantee we saw Mr. and Mrs. Mouse in safari gear. We couldn't find Rafiki, but it's rumored he shows up during the Maharaja Jungle Trek.

My chicks rode Expedition Everest. I thought. I'd. Die! They're young...but their legs are long...so they juuuuuust hit the minimum height requirements. The Hubs and The Inlaws kept saying they should go on it - so I had no choice but to give in. {Peer presh at its finest.} I ended up riding in the front cart. Epic! I worried that the girls would be scared of the Yeti. No dice. They laughed!

The ride area of the park was adorable. My gals didn't make the cut for Primeval Whirl, but Tricera-Tops fit the bill very nicely. A big Gertie the Dinosaur statue was back in that area - she's the first dinosaur to make an appearance in an animated film. You bet "Jurassic" we stopped to look at her. {Ha!}

Had a nice lunch at Rainforest Cafe. It was pricey...even for lunch...but, it's vacation. One of my littles stared for almost 10 minutes at a gift shop's mug display - trying to find her name on the cup. Poor baby. Her name is particular to a nationality, and we switched out one of the vowels for another, so sadly, she won't find it. The other dumpling has one of the most common names in recent years, so even though her name is there, the products are almost always out of stock.

Would we go back? Probably if we had park hopper passes...just so we could ride Everest again.

This tree. I want it. 

A quick glance at the ride area. 

I brought two 5 year olds on a ride through a mountain with a monster.
Nice.

{Autograph Books} 
Have the kiddos bring some autograph books to the Meet-and-Greets. It's cute! It's tradition! It also gives them a convo starter with the characters. Some people DIY their own...or you can be like us and pick up one from the Dollar Store with a bunch of princesses on the front. A big rule of thumbelinas - make sure you have them ready to go when it's your turn to greet your favorite friend...and keep a big fat pen quickly accessible for the character. {Help a pal out and remove the cap!} 

I had high hopes to bring the matte from a frame with me so all of the characters could sign around it, we could pop a family pic in the middle and eventually hang it in the girls' Playroom...but the thought of carrying a delicate {8 x 10} shape around and not getting it smooshed and squished gave me the OCD shakes somethin' fierce! SO! I'm going to transfer {trace} all of the autographs onto the matte myself and see what happens. Hopefully it's done by {F} so you can see what I mean! 



{Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies}
Stop here for frozen treats. It's located in Tomorrowland.

{Animation Courtyard}
We stumbled upon this awesome area in Hollywood Studios. Sophia, Jake and Minnie {in a Clubhouse setting!} were there in full effect! Short lines. Quick wait. It was just around the corner from this sort of secret area to meet Mickey in his Sorcerer hat. He was in an air conditioned room - sort of out of the way. We waited for about 3 minutes total. Score! Star Wars Launch Bay is right in the back of this area.

The dude himself.

{Art of Animation}
We stayed here in the Little Mermaid rooms during our first visit with the girls last year. Terrifically themed! Just enough room. GREAT on the wallet {just over a hundred clams}. Loved that there was a shuttle service to the park. Big parking lots to dock your ship for the week. Very quiet. Raindrop shower heads. Holla!

Thingamabobs all around.

{Aurora}
Didn't get to see her last year, so she was for certs on our list this time. She doesn't have an official Meet-and-Greet, so we tracked her down at Akershus. She's only a "possibility" there...so we got really lucky! The chicas love all of the princesses...like whoa!...but in true twibling fashion, each sister has made claim to certain beauties. Aurora is the only one they share equally.

Another day...another blonde!

Up next...{B}...see ya real soon!

Thanks and love if you click for me above! 

Space Reserved...

Welp.

Today was going to be the day I was going to kick off {March Magicalness} by discussing a bunch of Disney items that all begin with the letter {A}. Sadly, I attended the funeral of my beloved Great Uncle today, and I just need a quick lil sec to ponder what just happened. Still a slight mess of sadness right now...with raccoon eyes, shaky lips and sobby memories in tow. Yo.

I'm going to leave this lil post here so I can time stamp it for future references. I hope you'll check back tomorrow night when it's filled with All Things {A}. Pretty please! I can't wait to gab with you this month.

{P.S. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight, ok? Will ya do that for me?}

Introducing: March Magicalness

We're back from The Diz!

Annnnd, sadly, we're right smack in the middle of that monumentous melancholy mode.

You know the one. You know it all too well, my dearies.

That Disney denial dip. Ya know that feeling? That one where you were recently on the sweeeeeetest of sugar highs, and now you're tragically trying so hard to hold on to that fantastic fix, that you find yourself daydreaming about Dining Plans uno minuto and then drifting back to your desk the next :60. You just don't know which way to turn.

Super sad, eh?

It's the #DisneyDrop, yo. And we've got 4 confirmed cases over here in our Clubhouse.

Biffies.

If Mickster was a doctor, we wonder what he'd say. Would he tell us to just keep on replaying every scrumptiously superb second of our terrific trip? Or, would he nicely nudge us to snap back into reality, tackle the loaded laundry pile, catch back up on Scandal and stock up the fridge?

Our family knows that the mighty Mouse would say whatevs, you foolish foursome! Relive your Orlando Overload anytime you dang well wish.

He's cheesy...but... yes, please-y!

We're a pack of spirited souls, my family and me. So to us, life is just one big blast, and we're planning to dwell on the Diz any chance we get. Now, here's where you come in! Want to join us? We're (un)officially renaming this month {March Magicalness} - 31 days of Disney all nicely nestled into this snuggly small slice of the web. We're going to celebrate Walt's Wonders every single day for the next few weeks. So, if you're up for some Goofy gab and down with some Daisy dish - stay with us. At the end of each post, we're going to ask you to weigh in. So, get those Hollywood Studio hats on and let out your inner animal {Kingdom}.

It's about to get mucho magical up in dis.

See ya real soon!

Thanks and love for clicking the pic above!

{Disclaimer: I'm no Disney expert - oh no, no! I can't even hold a teeny tiny candle to those that are. So, what you'll soon read are my own righteous reviews on a lovely land I've admired since I first stepped a 1987 jelly sandal onto Main St. USA. I hope you'll stay!}

Peanut Bundt-er Buckeye Cake

So, there I was! Right smack in the middle of an ordinary Wednesday, about to run a few errands on my lunch hour, when I get a text from my homegirl {KK}... "Happy National Chocolate Cake Day!"

Lawd, this girl gets me.

I responded with the fact that I luv her because our friendship is based on a firm foundation of reality tv...chit chats...and CHOCOLATE CAKE! {#TrifectaYo}

Her mid-day message reminded me of a little number I like to call...{Peanut Bundt-er Buckeye Cake}. Want to make it? Please do! It's hella good. And, hella sinful. CoCo always told me to break the rules sometimes, so go 'head darlins. Chow down in your most sparkliest of crowns. 

And, don't you give one hot damn about how many calories this is.
Don't you dare!

{Step 1}: Mix it, Mamas!

Take your fave chocolate cake mix and pour the dry mix into a bowl. A 1 pkg. dry chocolate pudding mix, 1c sour cream, 1c veg oil, 4 eggs and 1/2c warm water. Mix it thoroughly in a stand mixer. 

{Step 2}: Fold it, Fellas!

When mixed, fold in 2c chocolate chips and a swirl of Hershsey's chocolate syrup.

{Step 3}: Bake it, Beauties!

Place the mixture into a greased {NOT FLOURED!} Bundt pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, then turn your oven down to 330 and back for another 35. Test and see if you need another 5 more minutes. It's up to you, depending on how you like your cake. Let your cake cool a bit, put a dish over the top and flip it out onto your cake stand.

{Step 4}: Top it, Tootsies!

For peanut butter glaze, combine 1.5c powdered sugar, 1/4c milk, 1/4c smooth peanut butter and 1/2t vanilla. Melt it a little bit and add it to a squeeze bottle. Start drizzling from the inside out. Don't worry if the outside base looks sloppy. 

{Step 5}: Ganache it, Gorge!

When your peanut butter drizzle is all set, start making a chocolate ganache. Whisk 3t cocoa, 2T melted butter, 1c powdered sugar and 2T hot water. Make sure ALL the sugar bumps are gone before adding this to a squeeze bottle. When you're ready to rock 'n roll, start drizzling the ganache from the inside to the outside edge. Again, don't worry about the bottom lookin' cranky.

{Step 6}: Add chips, Chica!

If your OCD is buggin' out because the bottom outside edges are lookin' kinda rough, grab some mini chocolate chip morsels and line the entire cake's border. No one will spot the sloppy drizzle and it'll add a little crunch to each slice eventually!

Wondering about the "Buckeye" part of the name? Welp. As an honorary Ohioan, this is an ode to THE Undisputed Champs of 2015. This cake and that team are both the stuff of Urban legends, ya know?

Oh....one more thing, you little dears! Many thanks to those who have clicked on the following pic! You may have seen this graphic in previous posts, and if your kind heart pushed you to press, you've made me feel very blessed. I'm honored to be listed on this super site alongside some big time beautiful bloggers {especially in the Multiples category}. I truly appreciate your stellar support!

Thanks and love if you click above!

Babblings, Big Girls and Bottle Drying Racks

{2016.}

I'm crushin' on you so far, sweetcheeks!

I've been telling friends and fam that I'm welcoming this year with a wide-eyed, chillaxin' and relaxin' view. I'm kicking back, goin' with the flow and not taking things too seriously {not that I ever have, lol}.

It has been so freeing!

Basically, I found myself on the XS end of a clearance rack in the Target Girls section before Christmas...and I felt a little breathless for a second. So, I gave myself a little pep talk about time. Where did my teeny tiny twosome go?!

I typically shop a few sizes ahead to be ready to rock 'n roll when growth spurts take center stage...but WHAT THE FEEZIE?!!!! I gasped when I looked down at my now shaky arm -  covered with lovely soft pink leather jackets, non-footie pajammies, flowy skirts with NO attached bloomers and athletic gear. Yep. "Performance" zip-ups, for God's sake! Champion. {Stahhhhp.}

I said stahp.

I suddenly wanted to sprint right the H back over to the Circo romper display. Gimme back dem bonnets! {Pretty please.} I want onesies! {Now.} Look me in the eye, you 3-pack 'o bibs!!!! {Don't be shy, honey.}

Oh, Carter's 3-pack. You're so fresh 'n fly.

How in the crap did we get here already?

My current Twinkles then flashed in front of my eyes, and I saw how elementary-aged dimples have taken the place of wittle baby chipmunk cheeks. Barbie has given Barney the boot. Gerber puffs were Bye Felicia'd by Rold Golds many Fridays ago. Elmo has turned in to just a mere googly-eyed acquaintance. Jars of sweet potatoes have been replaced with curly fries and nuggs.

Yada, yada, yada...
So bittersweet.

It's wonderfully exciting to see these little butterflies spread their wings, but on a daily basis, I can't help but miss cuddling them in their smooshy wooshy swaddled cocoons. So, yep. Semi-new outlook for your 'ol pal over here. Born right smack in the middle of a Jr. Mossimo display.

I've always lived religiously by the "live in the moment" Mommy mentality... {spontaneous dance parties, Taylor Swift sing-a-longs before school, bracelet making before bed time, etc.}...so it's time to do even MORE of it...but at an even slower pace. No more rushing around. No more over-scheduling. No more keeping up with the Kardashians. {That last one is just a metaphor. I have E! network on loop, yo.}

Just good 'ol fashioned marchin' to the beats of our own drums. It's gonna be a Sweet '16!

{Product review time}

Glimpses of our twinfants are still bouncing around the house to keep our hearts a flutter.  Here's one of our faves...The Boon Grass Countertop Bottle Drying Rack.

We once used these beauties to keep track of alllll the itty bitty baby bottle stuff. {Caps, rings, bases, etc.} They came in SO handy that we couldn't bear to part with them after our chicas said sayonara to Similac.

The gist? Here it is. A bunch of sturdy plastic points allow you to keep an eye on strangely-sized kitchen accessories as they dry - you know the kind -  the doodads that don't fit quite right in the dry side of the sink. They prevent garbage disposal whoopsies with the quickness!

{I just said doodads. Told ya I'm a vintage soul, ya whippernsappers.}

#Doodads

These drying racks are sold in small and large sizes. We have 2 small versions stacked side by side, but the large is a boss. If one of these bad boys ever bust, I'm totes getting big poppa. They'll cost you around $14 for a small and $20 for a large.

Doodads on point.

Tarzhay hooked us up with these beauts, but you can def find them elsewhere...with even cooler attachments...like little stems and twigs and flowers and such. So, get shoppin' sweeties.

Big thanks for letting me jump on my soap box today. Do you have any baby items you've upcycled at your casa? Tell me about 'em!

Thanks and love...if you click above!

P.S...Oh, yes! I'd love some cheese with my whine today.
{Havarti please.}

Black Velvet If You Please

Happy New Year!!!!!!

I'm back at rambling blogging, so I hope you'll stay with!

Whatcha been up to? You ready to take Sixteen by storm? Good! Buckle up, because I have a honey of a hurricane to tell you about. {Velvet Hangers.}

I can't. Even. Deal!

We can all relate to the following nightmare-ish photos, but I want to share with you how to kick these Felicia-style scenarios to the curb. These images are not safe for the faint at OCD heart.

The Circle of Life. Where one begins...one ends?

Girl fight. 

Excuse me gorgeous, can I cut in? 

Red for the win.

Man down.

It's like they're gossiping about the one to the far left.

Umm.

Over the holidays, I kept hearing about "Joy" - the movie based on the HSN powerhouse, Joy Mangano, and I remembered she is the brains behind the almighty {Huggable Hangers}. This lightbulb moment coincided with my organizational plans for 2016. Zhooshing up my closet had been sitting pretty at the tippy top of my list.

Now, I love the nice workout I get each time I try to unhook hangers from fist fights each morning. But, while the bicep lovin' is mucho appreciated, it's sooooo yawn-worthy. Terrible time-waster! The concept behind these Huggable Hangers seemed to be a total knockout, and I wanted it right on my side of the ring.

{A few facts}...

• They're slim.
• They're lightweight.
• The hooks can swivel.
• Velvet coating provides a non-slip grip.
• Clothes will hang level for easier  selection.
• The shape forms to your garments.
• It's designed to also hang pants. 

Sign me right up, Joy!!!! I checked out a few YouTube reviews for her name brandies, and then naturally high-tailed it to Google to see if I could find a deallio on them.

I did! But...I wanted to save even more moolah. So, I checked out some comparables. While a set of leopard-printed gems made me weak in the knees, and Miz M's hot pinkies looked adorbs...a few sets of black velvet beauties from Better Homes and Gardens are now the newest members of our famiglia.

Here is what they look like. I scored a set of 30 for $12.88 right at my local Wal-Mart. Best price I could find...and for those that know me well, I searched to the ends of the web to provide this research. {There might be even better cheapies out there, but I factored in convenience...a.k.a. impatience!...as well. I didn't want to pay for shipping and the possibility of having to send these back if they didn't strike my fancy.}

Hey there! How's it...hangin?

Real Talk: here's a {before} snapshot of my faves. A little rough around the top edges, eh? Just a buncha Daisy Fuentes prints tryin' to step to a Vera Wang army. {Shudder.}

See you peach floral. Get back in line.

As I started to tidy this tango, I discovered many treats. I looked at each dress and reminisced about an event it was attached to. {Gave me all da feels.} I was able to pitch a few that just aren't my thang anymore. {Gave me plans to donate.} I laughed at some "what was I thinking" prints. {Gave me agita.} And...one of my fave findings...was a new dress! {Gave me some future dinna plans.}

Oh, hey there, sweets. 

As I started to reorganize, the line-up started to look like this. Clean...crisp...cute! Stuff 'o dreams, ya'll. #haha

Two are twisted. They're still just getting to know each other.

Getting better! Time to soon spread out. 

I squished these dresses together just to show you the chunk of space I was able to gain with these goodies. I've since spread these out for easier scanning. {Hmmmmm...who has a Kohls 30% code on hand? hehe}

Geesh. What did that floral robe say?

Final thoughts? Buy 'em. Someday I'll spring for some genuine JMs, but for now, BH&G is totally having a moment ova here. I'm now off to new adventures. Seeking help for my dear dress obsession {#Obdression}...and...

...saying bye to this bunch of Felicias. 

Thanks and love if you click this pic above! 

Snowy Soles

Been a minute kids, hasn't it?

The {CD} fam had a bit of shared heartache over the past few weeks, that ultimately resulted in a new angel flying high above the clouds. My beloved cousin passed away unexpectedly on Dec.1... and we've been doing some heavy soul searching and spiritual reflecting ever since.

I feel an intense loss right now, but I've been inching back to my regular vibe of choosing cheer {#Always} I could ramble for days about the deep impact Cousin {F} made on my life and to everyone he met, but it's all just a bit too fresh. {I'm still too ticked!} One day, I will surely tell his tale, and I hope you'll kick back with a K-Cup, bust out the VS sweats and snuggle down on a sleepy Sunday night to hear about this beautiful being who was filled with love and who beamed with light.

But, for now, in my attempt to slowly switch gears and get back on track, I'd like to waltz on in to the Christmas spirit and pair a craft with a tribute to Cousin {F}. So random, right? Yep. Just the way I like it.

{Snowy Soles}

Cousin {F} left a major footprint on my heart. I happily compare him to my Grandpa {Papa} who I often talk about on here. Both of them were larger than life. Huge bundles of energy whose big shoes simply can not be re-filled.

So..in honor of {F} today...and in remembrance of your special someone in the sky...how about we bust out a tried and true Salt Dough Ornament recipe, take a "step" in the right direction and paint to our own perfection?!


My fave recipe...

• Love up your oven to 325.
• Mix 4c flour and 1c salt together.
• Gradually add 1.5 c warm water.
• Mix with a spoon.
• Finish kneading by hand. 
• Roll out dough.

Get the kiddos to stand on a large portion of the dough {rolled to about 1/8 thick} and make a keepsake of those twinkle toes. Cut around the footprint and leave a bit of dough toward the top so you can make a small hole {straws work fab}. Bake these beauts for about 1 hour. When done, you can string a ribbon through it so it can chill on the tree.

Last year, we painted ours to look like Olaf. Sure could use a warm hug right now!

Chat soon, smoosh faces.

Thanks and love if you click the pic above!