Virtual Vacation // Happy Anniversary Tokyo Disneyland!

On this day in 1983, The Walt Disney Company opened its first international theme park, Tokyo Disneyland!  What better way to celebrate than to take a virtual vacation there today?  Ready to ride a few unique attractions, and check out the Japanese twist on others?  We'll take in some magical shows, dine in Disney style, then wrap it all up with a great view of their spectacular nighttime parade!  I can hardly wait!  Let's get this {virtual} vacation started!!

Five Loves on Friday!

Hey, Friday!

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...You totally read that in Joey Tribbiani's voice, didn't you? ;)

Friends, it has been a scrumptious week!  I'm excited to share some of the sweet memories made, and a few simple snack recipes too!  Let's get right to it!

1.  Biking with Bears
How cute is the contraption Little One rigged up to take her bear-y good friends for a ride?  My sweet girls have been over the moon that the weather is finally allowing for them to enjoy OUTdoor fun!

2.  My culinary cutie has skills!

Yumminess Your KIDS Can Make!  Cutie Kabobs:  purple grape, banana, strawberry, green grape, repeat 

Little One loves putting her creativity to work in the kitchen.  Yesterday she asked if she could make us a snack and dessert from fruits and veggies we had.  How could I turn down that offer? ;)  Her explanation of the kabobs was every bit as sweet as the treat itself!  She told me, "The reason I like these kabobs is because they are sweet, but they are good for you!  Usually when people think of sweets they think of things like ice cream, but these are sweet and so good and good for you!"  {Insert proud mommy smiles here!}  She placed pieces of lettuce on top of baby carrots to make them look like "real carrots" (stems and all), but this was just for cute presentation.  The proper way to eat this snack was to wrap the carrot in the lettuce.  I may need to give her a little cook nook here on the blog.  She's constantly creating fun snacks that kids can make on their own.  Think I should pass along the blogging torch to her?

3.  Brinner!
This week my parents invited us for dinner and my mom made such a scrumptious spread of all things breakfast for dinner!  A creamy crockpot hashbrown casserole, Sunny Breakfast Bake, and a strawberry dessert braid - it seriously hit the spot!  Thanks again, Mom! ;) 

4.  First Cookout of the Year!  
My husband grilled up some AMAZING, juicy, bacon cheeseburgers last weekend!  {I'm drooling just remembering how good those were! MmmMmmMmm!}  I L-O-V-E cookout season!!!  I just think everything tastes better on the grill ...well, except maybe ice cream, but you know what I mean!  This is the grilling goodie I think I need to get my hands on A.S.A.P.!  Any other recommendations for grilling must-haves I should add to my Summer Wish List?

Corn Griller Basket in Barbecue & Grilling | Crate and Barrel

5.  Cadbury Spring S'more Mix

I created this yummy mix around this time last year.  It's been on my mind this week, as those oh so delightful Cadbury creme eggs are everywhere now!! 

Click HERE for the recipe + 4 ways to share this adorable, sweet & simple {just 3 ingredients} mix!  

 Click through, pin, enjoy, and share with those sweetest to you! 

Thanks so much for visiting today!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Exploring World Showcase through Epcot's Kidcot Fun Stops

What is Kidcot?  This question was posed in a comment to one of my recent Walt Disney World trip reports.  Today's post will answer the question, and hopefully inspire you and your kiddos to join in on the fun during your next WDW vacation!

In each country throughout World Showcase you will find a Kidcot Fun Stop with a warm, welcoming cast member native to that particular country.  Here you can pick up a complimentary craft and make your way around the world (showcase), having the back of it stamped in each country.  The challenge of completing this craft encourages exploration throughout the pavilions and will enrich your family's Epcot experience!

You can find a list each Kidcot Fun Stop's exact location within the World Showcase here. 

They do change up the craft from time to time.  In years past, my girls made masks.  Last year, the characters Perry the Platypus and Duffy the Disney Bear were offered. Each option we've done over the years has consisted of a craft on a stick.

Here's a pictorial tour of our last Kidcot adventure!

Five Loves on Friday!

Happy FRIDAY, lovelies!

Here are a five lit'l things that I'm loving on this fantastic and fanciful F-R-I-D-A-Y . . . 

1.  Eat, Sleep, Dis, Repeat hit 100 subscribers!!!

Are you one of those fabulous fellow-Disney fanatics fans that have subscribed to my hubby's new YouTube channel?  If so, thank you!  We're thrilled to have you joining our family {via vids} for FUN in the Disney Parks and throughout Disney property!!! 

Looking for an escape from the still {in our area anyway} winter-ish weather?  This week's Eat, Sleep, Dis, Repeat vid includes plenty of sunshine, water slides, and Mickey sprinkles, at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park!   

{You can watch it HERE} 

Be sure to check out the other 9 videos too, Disney magic makes Fridays {or any day!} even better! (:

2.  Kate Spade "Get Out of Town" Tote Knockoff!
So, I have this problem.  You may have noticed that I adore Kate Spade loveliness, but my budget doesn't realistically allow for me to splurge on every lit'l thing that I swoon over.    Adorable, affordable, DIY look-a-likes to the rescue!  This cutie caught my eye on Pinterest this week!! LOVE it!  

How talented is Bev of Flamingo Toes to recreate Kate Spade likeness in such a stunning way?  I'm crazy about every last detail of this bag!

Kate Spade Nautical Tote Knockoff | Flamingo Toes

*Wanna pin this tutorial?  Please click through the link above and do so directly from the source.  Thanks! ;)

3.  I've Got Sunshine on a Cloudy Day
I'm always looking for a pretty excuse to play on Polyvore!  Here's the cheery goodness that I enjoyed putting together this week...

I've Got Sunshine on a Cloudy Day by brendalynn1114

Whatever the weather, a smile is the loveliest accessory!

4.  All Grown Up...
... the cast of"Growing Pains", and those who tuned in every week!  A few days ago my parents and I were chatting about the days of "Growing Pains".  Can you believe it's been TWENTY-NINE years since it first aired?!! 

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Remember how "totally awesome" that show was?  While Growing Pains was one of my favorites growing up, I prefer Kirk Cameron in this vid much more!  I love the reaction at the end of their conversation!  Check it out!...

...that's a wake-up call we can all use! 

5.  Little Things ...

Thanks so much for visiting today!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Top 5 {Favorite} April Fools' Pranks of 2014

I love to laugh!  Who doesn't, right? ;)  While I don't like pranks that scare or upset people, I love watching funny videos and seeing the silly faux promotions companies come up with for April 1st.  Here are my top 5 of 2014.  I hope they bring a smile to your face too, friends!

Chili's Ice Cream  

Chili's announced their signature line of artisan ice cream!  Those flavors you love from their menu, now available to be enjoyed by the frozen spoonful!  Nacho Queso Crunch, Baby Back Chunk, and Buffalo Brownie Sundae - what's not to love?! ;) ... April Fool's, Chili's Style!

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New Mickey-Shaped Foods at Disney Parks

  Disney introduces all new Mickey-Shaped Foods!  WDW will now be offering Mickey corn dogs, Mickey Dole Whips, Mickey churros, Mickey pepperoni pizza, Mickey veggie burgers, Mickey risotto balls, and of course Mickey turkey legs -- in your dreams! ;)

  

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Bacon M&M's

You love M&M's.  You drool at the mention of bacon.  Mixing the two together - pure genius jokey goodness!

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Cheeteau by Chester
Cheetoos launches a new line of perfume.  This is so cheesy!

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Virgin America's New Feature:  Total Temperature Control By Nest
A new partnership between Virgin America and Nest allows airline passengers to customize their own climate at 35,000 feet.  Which option would you choose?  I prefer "Cancun Afternoon", please!

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In case you missed it, I shared some April Fools' Fun here yesterday too!

Disney Themed April Fools' Day Fun!

 Head over to that post for family-friendly jokes that will have kids {and kids-at-heart} giggling, any day of the year.  Plus you'll find free printables, because everyone can use a Mickey mouse-tache, even on April 2nd. ;)

Thanks for visiting today, friends!

Make sure you don't miss a thing at

Chatting Over Chocolate! 

Follow on Facebook // Bloglovin' // Pinterest // Polyvore // Join via GFC @ left side bar

I appreciate each comment, & Facebook "like"! They let me know that you enjoyed what you read, which makes it worth sharing! ;)

Disney Themed April Fools' Day Fun!

Ready for some April Fools' Fun?!  You've come to the right place for family-friendly, magical madness!  I've rounded up some Disney themed pranks and jokes that will have kids of all ages laughing, loud and long and clear!

Five Loves on Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY, friends!  Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof! ;)

1.  Platt Family's Day Off

Monday we all played hooky and enjoyed a fabulous family day together!  It was amazing to have a plan-free "bonus day" with the three people I adore most in the world!  *happy sigh*

2.  Congratulations to my dear friend Lindsey on the birth of her son!
Welcome to the world, precious baby boy!  We praise God for your safe arrival!! XxOo!

3.  Everything's Peachy!
I have been in love with my Market Peach candle from B&BW!  It makes me feel like Spring actually has arrived, even though it's been in the 30's here this week!

Market Peach Candle | Bath & Body Works

4.  Kate Spade Inspired Storage Boxes
This storage sweetness caught my eye on Pinterest this week and sent me swooning!  Kate Spade storage boxes currently run a whopping $54, but Christine at First Home Love Life created these look-a-like cuties for a fraction of the price! LOVE it!

Kate Spade Inspired Storage Boxes | First Home Love Life

*Wanna pin this tutorial?  Please click through the link above and do so directly from the source.  Thanks! ;)

5.  Noah - And the Last Days  //  Living Waters

Now available to watch FREE!  It's absolutely worth your time!  Check it out @NoahTheMovie.com!

*This is a 30-minute documovie.  This is NOT the Hollywood version of "Noah" starring Russell Crowe.  

I do NOT endorse the movie featuring Russell Crowe as "Noah" due to it's unbiblical content.

Thanks so much for visiting today!  Have a fabulous weekend!

A Dozen Ways to SAVE Before, During, and After Your Disney World Vacation!

When it comes to a Walt Disney World vacation there are so many ways to save, and so much more for the saving than just money!  Today I'm delighted to share a dozen of my favorite ways to save before, during, and after our Disney vacations!  

Five Loves on Friday

Happy 1st Friday of SPRING!!!  It has finally arrived, friends! HOORAY!  As if that weren't enough, here are five other things that made my heart skip a beat this week!

1.  Princess' 1st Youth Group Retreat

She was so excited for an excellent weekend in the Word and in fellowship with church friends!

Princess enjoyed fun games, hiking, and a maze on the camp grounds, but most importantly she took part in discussions and went through lessons on the gospel centered theme of the retreat, "Why did Jesus Die?".  She had a great time, and best of all, God was glorified!


2.  Magical Memories
This week the girls and I spent an evening looking through pics and watching video from Disney vacations when they were so much smaller.  It was such a precious time reminiscing about cherished memories!

Love my sweeties!  Wish they'd stop growing up so fast!

Need a Disney fix?  Visit my Disney Trip Reports page for oodles of Disney magic!

  

3.  Strange Fire Conference
I'd been meaning to watch videos of last year's Strange Fire conference for a long time now.  While stuck on the couch sick earlier this week, I finally did!  Joni Eareckson Tada and Justin Peters' teachings/presentations were excellent!  As unpleasant as it is being sick, it's not always a bad thing when we have no other choice than to sit and be still.  God uses all things for His glory!

Strange Fire, part of Grace to You's Truth Matters conference series, evaluates the doctrines, claims, and practices of the modern charismatic movement, and affirms the true Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Teaching Presentations by:  R.C. Sproul, Steve Lawson, Conrad Mbewe, Tom Pennington, Phil Johnson, Nathan Busenitz, Justin Peters, Todd Friel, and Joni Eareckson Tada

Watch // Listen // Read Transcripts at:

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermon-series/325/strange-fire-conference

4.  Cadbury Egg Cupcakes!

I've always thought that Cadbury eggs are the tastiest Spring treats ever ....until I saw these!!  Cadbury eggs + chocolate cupcakes! Be still my heart!  Courtney at Pizzazzerie is brilliant!! 

Cadbury Egg Easter Cupcakes! | Pizzazzerie

*Wanna pin this recipe?  Please click through the link above and do so directly from the source.  Thanks! ;)

5.  YAY, SPRING!

The start of Spring was the perfect excuse to play {grown up} "dress up" on Polyvore this week! ;)

Hello, Spring! by brendalynn1114 

Thanks so much for visiting today! Have yourself a fabulous first weekend of Spring, lovelies! :)

"Frozen" Family Fun!

In honor of Frozen's Blu-ray/DVD release day (and because I've been down with a "bug" for the past week), I'm directing you to a "cool" post that I created and published shortly after it's theater release.  It's chock-full of activities, printables, and recipes that would be perfect for a Frozen themed family movie night!

"COOL" Round Up of Activities, Printables & Recipes Inspired by Disney's Frozen!

+

Do You Wanna Draw a Snowman?

I'm so over snow, but I still love Olaf!  We have a lot in common.  I, too, like to close my eyes and imagine what it'll be like when summer does come! .....

I'll be back next Tuesday sharing more WDW goodness!  
Meanwhile, have a magical week, friends!

Visit my DISNEY! page for magical crafts, recipes, and Disney goodness galore!

Visit my Disney World Trip Reports page for magic inside the Disney Parks and throughout Disney property!

Make sure you don't miss a thing at

Chatting Over Chocolate! 

Follow on Facebook // Bloglovin' // Pinterest // Polyvore // Join via GFC @ left side bar

I appreciate each comment, & Facebook "like"! They let me know that you enjoyed what you read, which makes it worth sharing! ;)

Five Loves on Friday!

Happy Friday, lovelies!  I'm sick at the moment, but I won't let that stop me from sharing the excitement that took place here before this "bug" hit!  Then, I'll finish it off with a few delicious finds I stumbled upon while stuck on the couch with my iPad.  Let's get right to this week's five loves...

1.  Check Out Her New Bling!
Last weekend Little One competed in a taekwondo tournament and rocked it!  She did her absolute best and we couldn't be more proud of our girl!  She got 1st place in weapons, 1st place in forms, and 2nd place in sparring!!!

Way to go, Little One!!!

2.  "So This is Love"
Isn't receiving fun mail the best?!  I was tickled pink to find this sweet poster in my mailbox this week after winning 3rd place in My Borrowed Heaven's #DisneySide giveaway!  Thanks again, Meg! :)

So cute!

3.  70ºs!

There was still a little snow here and there when we woke up Sunday morning ...until the temp hit 70º! {Woohoo!} Then Monday it reached 74º!  We were even able to open our windows and let in some fresh air!  *happy sigh*!  Even though there is more snow in the forecast this weekend, this week's temps gave us a taste of what's to come whenever spring does arrive! :)

4.  Bacon Mac & Cheese?  Yes, please!
Check out what Ingrid {aka:  missglamorazzi} shared this week! YUMmm!

5.  "Once Upon a Time" + Themed Goodies!

Once Upon a Time is baaaack!  L-O-V-E that series! What else do I love?  Themed goodness!  Although I wasn't well enough to bake a batch this week, I think these would be the PERFECT treat for a Once Upon a Time viewing par-tay! :)

Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to visit today!  Wishing you a fabulous upcoming weekend! :)

Trip Report Tuesday // WDW Day 17 {The Farewell Character Breakfast}

The day has come to say goodbye to Walt Disney World!  {Insert tears here.} ...but first, we'll enjoy a fun farewell character breakfast at 'Ohana!  I look forward to bringing you along via this trip report, sharing all about our final of 17 days at WDW, and filling you in on what's to come!

Five Loves on Friday!

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Happy Friday with sprinkles on top, friends!  It has been a fantastic week!  I'm looking forward to sharing the exciting and delicious details with you today!


1.  Little One is Officially a Recommended Black Belt!
Our small, but mighty girl tested for and received her Recommended Black Belt last weekend!  She's been working so hard, and has come so far!  She's now just one rank below Black Belt!  We are incredibly proud of her! 

Way to go, Little One!  We couldn't be prouder!

2.  A Sweet Celebratory Lunch
Taekwondo testing works up an appetite, so we took our girl out for the celebratory lunch of her choice at Culver's!  

Enjoying sweet conversation over our delicious entrees, Wisconsin cheese curds, & frozen custard!

3.  Eat, Sleep, Dis, Repeat!

My hubby has been doing such an amazing job of creatively sharing magical moments from our recent 17-day Walt Disney World vacation on his YouTube channel, Eat, Sleep, Dis, Repeat!  The video he posted this week was my favorite so far!  Hope you'll stop by and check it out!  If you enjoy it too, be sure to subscribe, like, & comment!  It'd make his {and his wife's} day! :)



4.  Cookie Dough Oreos
Ever since I saw that Nabisco brought out this limited edition Oreo flavor, I have been searching for these every where I go!  I finally found them at Target in their Spring goodies section.  Loved them!

So yummy!

5. DIY Nail Polish!
I came across this tutorial on YouTube yesterday and can hardly wait to try it with my girls! I have plenty of rarely used eye shadow palettes that would make stunning shades!  

 

Doesn't that look simple &  fun?!

Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to visit today!  Wishing you a fabulous weekend ahead! 

Trip Report Tuesday // WDW Day 16

Welcome, friends!  Today I'm delighted to share the details of our final day in the Disney Parks, a day filled with Disney magic, epic adventure, and tears, both happy and sad...