Disneyland…Here We Come

It all started harmlessly enough. I requested a book from the digital library to enjoy while working so much these past few weeks. I thought that it would be rather enjoyable to read up on what I certainly consider The Happiest Place on Earth.

I had no idea the damage that would come as a result

While sitting in Van Nuys last Saturday, mostly minding my own business with my tablet in hand, I was reading the book and occasionally gazing out the window with glazed over eyes. When will I get there to enjoy all of these wonders again? I can honestly say that the two days that I got to spend there with my Mama last year were some of the best two days of my life! When can I rinse, later, and repeat?!

And then it hit me. I happen to have a week in April when I know that we won’t be flying. El Capitan has taken some time off officially, and the airplane won’t go far without him. So I know that I have that week off as well.

Oh my goodness. Could I really do it?!

So I called Mama to see if she was game. Of course she was! And, even better, my little fourteen year-old brother was going to come along for the ride, too! He was bitten by the Disneyland bug even more after their visit this past November as a family.

I am just amazed at how everything has fallen into place for this trip…once we decided to just make it happen. I was able to use some special bonus hotel points for free rooms, so we are only paying for one night out of our five! And the hotel, which is just two miles away, ranks fourth in a list of over a hundred in quality, right behind a few of the fancy Disneyland hotels! Not too shabby for free, huh?

I ordered tickets for the Art Shuttle to take us to Disneyland each morning (crazy early, of course). And then I scheduled Super Shuttle (my credit card information got stolen the next morning, and I’m guessing it was from this phone call. Creepy, huh?) for a ride to and from LAX. Mama used their credit card points to practically buy both airline tickets for them! And my flights on Southwest were very affordable! We land within an hour of each other and will even be able to spend most of our first day in town at the parks!

An investment that I’ve always wanted to make was an annual pass, and my wishes came true for this trip. Besides, I have some very serious plans to return to do this all again in September, so an annual pass was a wise decision indeed. Mama has an annual pass, too, and Kip’s ticket will be cheap with the help of a local friend of mine who offered some Disney points that are about to expire! How awesome can friends get?!

Do you see how all of these stars are aligning? I think it’s meant to be!

Best of all, that week in April is one of the best times to go. Because of school, most normal people won’t be able to attend Disneyland for an entire week. We will have short lines but will be far enough into Spring that the weather will be gorgeous. Seventy-five degrees, in fact.

So it’s all set. And now we are just enjoying emails and phone calls back and forth, talking about what we are most anticipating!

Is it the songs of Splash Mountain?
Is it a breakfast burrito in California Adventure?
Is it the fast-paced lunacy of Indiana Jones?
Is it the nostalgia of The Jungle Cruise (since it was closed on my last visit)?
Is it the Dole Whip Float outside of the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room?
Is it the ghost hitchhikers in The Haunted Mansion?
Is it Soarin’ Over California, or Screamin’ there instead?
Is it a sourdough bread bowl lunch of heaven at the Pacific Wharf?
Is it the cannon blasts of Pirates of the Caribbean?
Is it the abominable snowman in the Matterhorn?
Or is it Peter Pan, which is always our first ride of the day and certainly a favorite?

I guess the answer to those age-old questions is…yes. It’s all of them. I love it all and can’t wait!

After working so much these past two months and being gone almost constantly, it will be a fun way to recover from my busy winter. And I can’t think of anyone else who I could possibly enjoy such a trip with other than my Mama and Kippy. We had such a nice time in our crash two-day course there last July. It will be wonderful to have five days there to really enjoy the place!

Eek! Come on, April!

Have you been to The Happiest Place on Earth lately? Apparently, I’m not the only one who loves it there…

Patience Pays Off – Colorful Pants Edition

I’ve drooled over colorful pants for years but just couldn’t justify the price tags to get some good ones.

In the home-decorating arena, I can recreate expensive versions for much cheaper than the originals. But you know what? I can’t even sew on a button. So making some fun pants wasn’t in the stars for me!

My pant-less situation changed a few weeks ago when I was wandering through Marshall’s looking for some home goods. I rarely shop for clothes any more but can’t say no to some pillow shopping.

Shopping for pillows never makes me wonder if I look fat in them, you know?

I accidentally found myself in the clothing clearance aisle, and I stumbled upon pure colored-pant bliss.

Even better? They were on clearance and more clearance. When compared to the original store price tag of $59 a piece, I was thrilled to pay $10-20 for each of these beauties from Nine West.

For the price of one full-price pair, I got four.

You can check my Micah Math, but I think that I scored.

So they are ankle-length “skinny” jeans that fit me perfectly. And did I mention that they are pretty colorful?

Purple, emerald green (Pantone color of the year, yo!), sea foam green, and hot pink.

Yes, color.

I have learned time and time again that sometimes it’s worth it to buy the finer things in life. But I refuse to pay full-price. I was in shock in the dressing room when these were so comfortable and perfect!

And on clearance!

So I went back to the rack and found a few more colors in the same style. I can’t believe my luck today.

I haven’t worn the purple or emerald green yet, but the other two were down-right alarmingly beautiful. I am so tickled to add to my wardrobe for such a great price!

My closet has welcomed these four pairs of pants with open arms. It’s so much fun to find the perfect addition to so many shirts in there! I feel amazing when wearing them and was happy to give them a new home.

Maybe I should check that clearance rack more often, huh? The Marshall’s/TJ Maxx family of stores has never let me down.

Have you scored any happy findings lately?

House Tweaking – Yellow Lamp Edition

   

I have had this lamp for years and years, and it was passed down to me from family when they moved out of our shared apartment to get married. I painted it green about three years ago to try to update the look of it.

But if we’re being honest here, and why wouldn’t we, I’ve never been crazy about this lamp shape. So Deseret Industries to the rescue!

I recently found this bad guy while we were out shopping some sales. Who knew that twenty years ago, they would know that this year’s design color is emerald green? As much as I love green, I’ve never been much of an emerald green person. But I saw this lamp and knew that it could solve all of my lighting dilemmas!

Especially with a price tag of $5.

    

It had potential, I must say. I was immediately imagining these brass pieces a different metallic finish. And I loved that the light switch was located on the base of the lamp, so it was easy to use without reaching up inside the shade.

Because that’s so much work?

I still haven’t jumped on board the brass wagon. But I did go outside of my Satin Nickel box today by trying some Chrome Spray Paint from Ace Hardware.

And may I just say…I am in love! Where has this stuff been the past few years?! A little hole in my soul was filled when I discovered Chrome spray paint…

I prepped the lamp by giving it a good cleansing scrub. Then I wrapped the bottom portion to prevent it from being chromed. It was a beautiful day to spray paint, so I headed outside to change the metal forever.

Oh my goodness. Really, can it get any better than this?! I love it!

The arch and entire top half got a great coating of chrome. I was so excited thus far, so it couldn’t dry quickly enough to allow me to do the bottom half!

I brought it inside for a few hours to “cure.” Already, it is an improvement. I love seeing projects as they get better right before my eyes. Maybe that’s the best part about spray painting? Instant gratification!

Later that same day, it was dry enough to tape up for the bottom half to get sprayed. I had picked a new color from Rustoleum…Marigold in Gloss. I don’t work with gloss paint very often, but this experience has also changed that thinking forever.

Gloss is awesome!

And in this case, it looks like a big, yellow school bus. I actually dig it, yo. But now I can’t wait to see it combined with the new shiny chrome on top!

But I’ll wait. Because it’s awful to mess up a paint finish by trying to remove tape and plastic before things are adequately dried.

Patience, right? I’ve heard of that…

From what I could see so far, though, I really liked it.

I brought it inside once again to cure overnight. My duck seems to like it, too.

   

I made some lamp switches throughout the two rooms to make the new School Bus Lamp feel warmly welcomed. This blue lamp, another previously-sprayed favorite of mine, got a new home on the buffet.

Stamp of approval.

I have always loved the shape of this formerly-brass lamp. And I get all of my shades from Walmart…they have a gorgeous drum shade in white that works to make every lamp look its best!

This lamp switcheroo is successful! Now, let’s see where the new yellow one is going to fit in!

Can you see it? That bright, fun, happy pop of color on the end table? If you feel like staging a spray-painting intervention, you’re too late.

How can you not love doing something so cheap and easy that makes such a huge difference?!

This is my present view when coming down the hall. And I like it quite a bit.

   

And Mr. Horse got a new home from the fireplace mantel to here. I just wanted some bright colors to wake up this little corner in here.

Green horses and yellow lamps fit that requirement perfectly.

Because I used gloss paint, the surface still looks wet and shiny. And I surprised myself by absolutely loving the effect! Maybe gloss paint and I need to get better acquainted these next few months?

I’m happy to report that the twist switch still works, too. And a wood ball adds some natural texture to this side of our home.

Wha? Green horses aren’t natural?

This is the now-yellow view from the dining room. I really love how we now have a pop of brightness to balance out the dresser on the other side of the living room.

I hate to toot my own horn, but I’m really loving all of this!

Toot toot! (oops)

I’ve been watching for some new pillows these past few months, so maybe we’ll be having a “House Tweaking: Pillow Edition” post really soon!

Being picky and cheap cost-effective is not a good combination when wanting to update several pillows in a home, by the way.

Another “natural elements” spot in the living room. Texture and green plant color. You can’t go wrong with that combination!

Especially if it’s sitting on top of some shiny bling!

These are my winter “flowers.” They are just twigs that Hubby helped me cut to size from one of the countless trimming sessions on our I-passionately-hate-how-it-sheds Honey Mesquite Tree out front.

You know, because nothing says winter more than some dead twigs in a vase…

And we have a family of ducks residing in the living room now. In fact, they are about to be joined by an additional family member, but I’m considering repainting all of them a fun color!

Do I have a problem or what?!

Any House Tweaking going on in your neck of the woods?

Consider These Halls Decked

Ah, Christmas. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a long wait for me for December to finally arrive. When it does, I am so excited to get these decorations up!

Sadly for Hubby, this means that he gets to do most of the work. It’s how I manage to spread the Christmas spirit very early in the season.

He appreciates it, I’m sure.

We’ve had this unbreakable ornament set from Costco since our very first Christmas together. I love them. They are the right colors and have lots of bling. What more could a Christmas-loving maniac like me want?

Then we went outside. Once again, Hubby is having to do lots of the work here. Who plans this stuff?

We’ve had the inside all Christmased up for a few weeks now. But only last night did we finally put our strand of lights on the house exterior.

He can’t do it without me, though. Someone has to hold the ladder while he climbs up on the roof. And someone has to say, “Is there anyway that we can close that gap there?”

Honestly, what would he do without my constant nagging me?

I really love the idea of putting up Christmas lights with palm trees in the background. It has been absolutely perfect weather for the past few weeks. We haven’t even turned on the heater yet! It will be cold this week…Friday only gets up to 58 degrees!

Yes, that is cold for us! Sheesh!

Simple, but very pretty. Ho ho ho.

Inside is rather festive as well.

I forgot to put the new beaded garland (from clearance a few years ago!) on the tree before all of the ornaments, so I had to get creative with what to do with it. I really love the result! I hung it on the mirrors  and am using it to hold Christmas cards that we receive in the mail!

Well, hello, Cute Cousin Andrew and his family. His wife, Megan, designs cards. She is also a photographer. And I designed her blog. You should probably go check it out.

Charloe, can you see how I’m holding the card to the garland? It’s one of your airplane clips that you gave me for my berfday!

Man, I love reflections of Christmas trees in mirrors. I just really love this month of celebrating. I would have it be Christmas all year long, if I could get away with it.

There is probably a movie about that, and it doesn’t work. But I think that we could make it work.

These were a post-holiday sale score last year, and I love them. Adorable beaded Christmas trees! They make me smile every time that I see them. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Smiling for no reason?

This is our beautiful tree. We’ve had this since we got married as well. Want to see how young we were four years ago? OK. Check it out!

I invested in some Christmas pillows this year and am trying really hard to not go buy a few more red ones. This room needs more red, and those couches need more pillows. Red pillows would be a win-win in my book!

But I am trying to be “patient” by waiting for the clearance sales after Christmas…

I cried and cried when I opened this from my Mama a few years ago. I have such wonderful memories of this advent calendar from growing up. She surprised me by sending it to me for my home to enjoy. Isn’t she awesome?

I love it. I talk to it when I move the mouse each day. That’s normal, right?

Of course, the dining room got a little Christmas spirit as well. I love the table but am still not thrilled with that fireplace wall. I have such fun ideas in my head as to how to make that wall a true feature piece in the room. Right now, it’s just busy. With a stocking or two. Too bad I haven’t used this space much this winter.

Now if I could only get a fireplace insert for there…

Another garland that didn’t end up on the tree! Truth be told, I love it just randomly scattered on our Christmas table this year. It makes eating dinner so much better!

See what I mean? My attempt to make it feel cozy has just made it feel busy. And my normal colors of apple green, teal blue, and bright yellow don’t mesh well with Christmas colors, huh?

My favorite addition from my fall clearance sales was this wire mesh basket for $9. They are $25 at Target! I love you, TJ Maxx…

Here is our Christmas mantle. With any luck, it will look even better next year. How is a girl to fit in so many projects? Man, I love projects.

And I’m still debating if this blue table is too bright for the eyes. Opinions?

Our gazelle gets holidayed up as well. I’m pretty sure that someone named her Beyoncé, as that is what she answers to.

I inherited this wreath when I moved to Phoenix (almost six years ago?!) to live with my sister. Somehow, when she moved out, I got lots of stuff that wouldn’t mix well in her new married life. I passed on a lot of it but kept some fun stuff, too.

I know that we have a fake tree, but you wouldn’t know it when this pine candle is going! Christmas trees are probably my favorite smell in the whole wide world.

And, though it isn’t the original like what we had growing up, Mama sent each of us this copycat book of a family favorite. I love this book. We spent hours admiring all of the beautiful pictures inside. So many elves to see! The original can be found here, and it’s pretty cheap! Maybe that will also be on my post-Christmas shopping list!

Please ignore the blocks. They are waaaaaaaay off. I forget to change this because I have a mouse calendar to keep me straight! Who wants to talk to blocks, anyway?

I really love our Christmas tree. It looks stunning at night. I will try to post pictures of that soon!

I got a new camera lens for my birthday, and it would be fun to get some Christmas bokeh with it!

I love our ornaments, too! Bokeh in the background with my normal camera lens!

All year long, I happily anticipate sitting in the living room with some hot chocolate while staring at the tree. I’ve done it many an evening so far and haven’t tired of it yet. This is certainly my favorite time of year, and certainly my favorite holiday.

Aren’t the cable-knit pillows fun?

Are you ready for Christmas? Decorated? Shopped?