Your ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GUIDE to Disney World at Christmas Time! UPDATE x2 10/21

[onelilspark]

I'm sorry you need to postpone your trip to Disneyland. What a bummer!

It makes me even happier that I took advantage of having no wait the other week to ride the Maelstrom (I was at the park by myself during the Tropical Storm and I was the only one on the boat. Creepy.) seeing that the line was 80 minutes! Wow!

 

[therussells08]

Oh no, Jess I'm so sorry about your Disneyland trip. Postponing a trip is pretty much the worst feeling in the world. Here's to hoping you guys can reschedule it for VERY soon! I'm so sorry!

Aww I love the Father Christmas in the UK! He looks so cool!

My sister would flip over that giant nutcracker. She is obsessed with nutcrackers, and has like 100 of them.

UGHH those crowds. This is bringing back memories of those terrible crowds on our trip!

HAHA That Maelstrom wait is killing me. These people totally know what's up- that ride is completely worth spending half your park day waiting for it. Duh.

That really is a gorgeous sunset! They're only that pretty in Disney- I'm sure of it!

 

[aras4007]

So sorry you have to postpone your Disneyland Trip! Now, you'll be able to use the extra time to do even more research on California..you will be a pro before your trip! At least you still get to visit your boyfriend!

 

[katt789]

The story tellers seem like a fantastic way to spend a day, especially such a crowded one! As IF Malestorm was that backed up! That is some craziness!! Also, just had to tell you, the Tommorowland Noodle Station was open again Thurs & today!! Summer crowds I tell ya!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Oh no! Jess, I'm so sorry you can't go to Disneyland yet. That's so disappointing, but I'm sure you'll get to go soon. Every time I realize I won't be going soon, I remember that when I finally do go, it will be that much better because of the wait. So just think of how amazing it will be when you actually do get to go. and also, obviously, I'm sorry about your dad's company not being in the best place right now, but I'm sure things will turn around. AND I saw your tweet about it being the worst summer ever, and mine has pretty much been that too. But it could be a LOT worse. Things will get better <3

It's alright. It is disappointing, but we have a new plan and I think it's going to work even better. I'm going to be SO excited by the time that trip rolls around. Yeah, it's not even the company my Dad works for currently, it's the one he used to work for. There was some shady business going on that he was not a part of, however, he was a partner of the company so he got hit with a fine. It's 1/5 of the size of the fine that the other guys got hit with, but it's still a whopper. Ah well. And lol yup, that tweet was in reference to this. Things could be A LOT worse, but still, Summer 2012 was not *summer fun* and all that jazz. Ya know. I am just ready to see Preston and have school start up again. Sigh.​

Anyway, onto the update! I've never watched MoRockin, but i've heard they're really good!

Yeah they were pretty cool! It's not an "every time" thing, but they were cool!​

Oh my GOD those crowds. WOW. You are so lucky the Maelstrom wait was only 50 minutes!!!

I KNOW! What a short line!​

The Christmas Witch of Italy? Wow, that's different. I've never heard of her before, that's awesome!

She was really cute! I loved that story. It's such a unique tradition!​

Yay for cute CMs and treats from Norway! Can you believe I've never eaten anything from Kringla?? Even though I'm obsessed with the name and SHOUT it in a thick Norvegian accent as I pass by?? I really need to go there on my next trip.

SO DOES THAT MEAN YOU'VE NEVER HAD SCHOOL BREAD!? You better talk to Kristen about that one. Haha seriously, get your butt over there! Everything is delicious!​

hahaha that gnome thing is so funny. That Santa looks kinda frumpy too. I love it!

Haha gotta love frumps.​

I just never get tired of saying it... Maelstrom is a FASTPASS. Very necessarily a fastpass attraction. How many times did you go on? 10??? 20?????? It is never enough.

I know, right!? The Maelstrom is my #1 must see attraction in all of Disney World. We need to get Stacey to add it to Must Do Disney. I don't know why it isn't already!​

OMG that is the most beautiful sky ever! Amazing pictures!

Thank you!

Awww Jess, sorry about your trip getting postponed! You are so very lucky to have parents who want to take you there and do everything Disney with you! I wish we lived closer so we could get to Disney more or at least have cheaper flights, lol!

Have to say your thread is my favourite, it's the first I always check, you are so thorough and such a great storyteller! Keep your chin up!

That's alright! We are rescheduling it so that's the good news. Haha I think we do so much Disney because of me. It's been part of my lifestyle/my obsession forever. Thankfully the flights for WDW are never really bad and they're direct. If that wasn't the case, I don't think I'd be able to go much.

Aww thank you so much! That really means a lot to me! I'm glad you enjoy what I post!

I'm sorry you need to postpone your trip to Disneyland. What a bummer!

It makes me even happier that I took advantage of having no wait the other week to ride the Maelstrom (I was at the park by myself during the Tropical Storm and I was the only one on the boat. Creepy.) seeing that the line was 80 minutes! Wow!

That's alright. We have a new plan and I think it's going to work out even better.

Oh I know, right!? WOW, WHAT A PRIVELEDGE! VIP seating on the Maelstrom. Lucky, lucky gal.

Oh no, Jess I'm so sorry about your Disneyland trip. Postponing a trip is pretty much the worst feeling in the world. Here's to hoping you guys can reschedule it for VERY soon! I'm so sorry!

That's alright. It really is sad... but our new plan seems awesome! So I hope it all works out - I think it will! ​

Aww I love the Father Christmas in the UK! He looks so cool!

He was precious!​

My sister would flip over that giant nutcracker. She is obsessed with nutcrackers, and has like 100 of them.

Aww that's so cute!​

UGHH those crowds. This is bringing back memories of those terrible crowds on our trip!

Gahh I know. The crowds were terrible. But the trip overall was great!​

HAHA That Maelstrom wait is killing me. These people totally know what's up- that ride is completely worth spending half your park day waiting for it. Duh.

LOL I know. The Maelstrom is quite the NORVEGIAN adventure!​

That really is a gorgeous sunset! They're only that pretty in Disney- I'm sure of it!

I know, I completely agree!

So sorry you have to postpone your Disneyland Trip! Now, you'll be able to use the extra time to do even more research on California..you will be a pro before your trip! At least you still get to visit your boyfriend!

That's alright. I am excited that we get to reschedule it.... I think it'll end up being great! And yes, I will know everything about DLR by the time we get there! YAY! Yeah I'm really happy I get to see Preston soon. And also, my family is trying to set up a smaller scale vacation/getaway for the end of August, just so we can all relax after working so hard this summer. Hopefully that'll work out, too!

The story tellers seem like a fantastic way to spend a day, especially such a crowded one! As IF Malestorm was that backed up! That is some craziness!! Also, just had to tell you, the Tommorowland Noodle Station was open again Thurs & today!! Summer crowds I tell ya!

Yes, they definitely were! Haha oh the Maelstrom. That is quite the ride. And AHH was it really!? That's insane! ​

 

[kristen1587]

I am SO sorry to hear about you postponing your trip! I was so looking forward to reading your TR before my trip to DL to get a bunch of great ideas!!!

But in all seriousness I am very sorry. I almost cried reading the news. I do hope that you are still able to go very very soon!!!

 

[cindianne320]

First, big hugs to you and your family. I am glad you just have to postpone and not cancel your trip.

Second- I can't believe those Christmas Crowds- EEK! We must find a way to experience WDW at Christmas, but not right at Christmas- which could be a challenge because I'm a teacher!

 

[LifeIsDis]

I am sorry you have to postpone your Disneyland trip. I can't imagine how awful that would be. At least you will be able to go and won't have to cancel the whole trip.

I will look at your update later (I'm on my iTouch right now and it's easier to look at it and comment on the computer).

I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry about the trip. I hope the financial issues get figured out soon :

 

[JessicaFaye508]

I am SO sorry to hear about you postponing your trip! I was so looking forward to reading your TR before my trip to DL to get a bunch of great ideas!!!

But in all seriousness I am very sorry. I almost cried reading the news. I do hope that you are still able to go very very soon!!!

It's alright! Thankfully it seems like things are working out even better And although the trip is postponed, it looks like it still may be happening before you guys go! So hopefully I'll have part of the TR done for you to read!

Aww that's okay! Don't worry... I think it's all for the best!

First, big hugs to you and your family. I am glad you just have to postpone and not cancel your trip.

Second- I can't believe those Christmas Crowds- EEK! We must find a way to experience WDW at Christmas, but not right at Christmas- which could be a challenge because I'm a teacher!

Aww thank you! I think we already have the new dates all figured out so I will share the new plans soon!

I know... they were CRAZY! Ahh yeah, teacher schedules can make that complicated. I'm sure you'll get there someday, though!

I am sorry you have to postpone your Disneyland trip. I can't imagine how awful that would be. At least you will be able to go and won't have to cancel the whole trip.

I will look at your update later (I'm on my iTouch right now and it's easier to look at it and comment on the computer).

I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry about the trip. I hope the financial issues get figured out soon :

That's alright! I was really sad when I first heard the news... but I think this is working out even better!
Okay, sounds good!
No worries. I was really sad yesterday, but my family hopped to it and we already have a pretty good plan! I think everything will get figured out shortly!
​

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[kasedroz]

Thanks so much for your detailed Christmas trip report! I'm very excited to be able to take my girls and husband down this year for Christmas. I've been gathering ideas and making ADR's as soon as I could. Your post got my husband very excited, especially all the food pictures. And made us decide to go to Hollywood Studios, we were going to skip it this trip but we can't miss those fantastic lights! Thanks again!

 

[PlutosRHM55]

Awwww.... I'm so sorry to hear about your trip to Disneyland, Jess But at least you know it will definitely be in the near future otherwise. Still, I know how awful it is when a trip is cancelled or postponed. You're still going to visit Preston, right? I'm sure you will have such a great time with him after being apart for so long that you won't even miss Disney

Oh, these storytellers look so good! I've heard many good things. Personally, La Befana's story sounds the most interesting and knowing how most witch characters are, I'm sure it's just as interesting to listen to. The Germany one also sounds cool especially with the Nutcracker "appearing" out of thin air, same with Norway. This TR just gives me many more reasons to go to Disney during Christmas.

Mmmm... I see some Schoolbread. I wish to eat thee. Oooo, are there cannolis too? Why I have never gone inside this little shop is beyond me. And now, I have so many reasons to check it out (Schoolbread, Cloudberry Horn, Cannolis and Sweet Pretzel).

Love your pictures all around the World Showcase, but those crowds do look INSANE! I'd be so scared if I'd end up there while you were there. But it seems you got through the insanity fairly well. Love that little sign in the UK gift shop where you can try to guess what those items are called in England. I can only get one lol And what a great artsy picture in front of the EPCOT pavilion! Those fences are so cool!

Oh my word, Maelstrom is truly the most popular ride in Disney! 80 Minutes... wowzer! And the FP line being just over 10 minutes... as if you couldn't paint a greater picture of the ride. to pin trading and getting the Fozzy pin!

Ooooo... such a pretty sunset, I must agree! World Showcase really makes everything look so much prettier and photogenic

Can't wait to read about what else EPCOT had in store for you!

 

[Caretames1]

Sorry you have to postpone your DL trip, but you are correct, healthy and safe is number 1 in life! Hopefully soon, you be back on track to Cali!


Those crowds scare me! I can't even believe Maelstrom with a wait time! I think I seen ten minutes once, but walked right on.

I would love to listen to all the storytellers one day. Would be a great way to be in park, yet not standing in any lines forever!

 

[emma212010]

Sorry your Disneyland trip is postponed! That is always the worst feeling ever!!!

What a beautiful sunset!!!!

OMG those crowds are INSANE!!!!!

 

[__disneygirl]

It's alright. It is disappointing, but we have a new plan and I think it's going to work even better. I'm going to be SO excited by the time that trip rolls around. Yeah, it's not even the company my Dad works for currently, it's the one he used to work for. There was some shady business going on that he was not a part of, however, he was a partner of the company so he got hit with a fine. It's 1/5 of the size of the fine that the other guys got hit with, but it's still a whopper. Ah well. And lol yup, that tweet was in reference to this. Things could be A LOT worse, but still, Summer 2012 was not *summer fun* and all that jazz. Ya know. I am just ready to see Preston and have school start up again. Sigh.​

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Oh, I'm glad it's not your dad's current company. That's so unfair that he has to pay even though he didn't do anything wrong, but at least it was a smaller fee than the others. How frustrating though! But I'm really happy that you guys already have a new plan. I can't wait to hear all about it. Yay!

oh and YES I HAVE NEVER HAD SCHOOL BREAD. I know, I know. IT'S CRAZY. I am trying it next time NO MATTER WHAT.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Thanks so much for your detailed Christmas trip report! I'm very excited to be able to take my girls and husband down this year for Christmas. I've been gathering ideas and making ADR's as soon as I could. Your post got my husband very excited, especially all the food pictures. And made us decide to go to Hollywood Studios, we were going to skip it this trip but we can't miss those fantastic lights! Thanks again!

You're very welcome! Thank you for reading it! You guys are going to have a wonderful time! Just make sure you have everything planned out and your trip will go very smoothly! AHH yes, do NOT miss the Osborne Lights! They are incredible!​

Awwww.... I'm so sorry to hear about your trip to Disneyland, Jess But at least you know it will definitely be in the near future otherwise. Still, I know how awful it is when a trip is cancelled or postponed. You're still going to visit Preston, right? I'm sure you will have such a great time with him after being apart for so long that you won't even miss Disney

Aww thanks Timmy! It's alright... we already have a new plan so I will be posting that soon! I'm actually very excited about it! It was a real shock at first but everything happens for a reason! Yes, I do get to visit Preston in 2 weeks from today! YAY! I can't wait! (even though I'll still miss Disney haha. But I know I'm going back so it's okay)​

Oh, these storytellers look so good! I've heard many good things. Personally, La Befana's story sounds the most interesting and knowing how most witch characters are, I'm sure it's just as interesting to listen to. The Germany one also sounds cool especially with the Nutcracker "appearing" out of thin air, same with Norway. This TR just gives me many more reasons to go to Disney during Christmas.

They were all incredible! I really enjoyed how unique each story was!​

Mmmm... I see some Schoolbread. I wish to eat thee. Oooo, are there cannolis too? Why I have never gone inside this little shop is beyond me. And now, I have so many reasons to check it out (Schoolbread, Cloudberry Horn, Cannolis and Sweet Pretzel).

Me too! Nom. YOU HAVEN'T BEEN IN HERE?! You're crazy!​

Love your pictures all around the World Showcase, but those crowds do look INSANE! I'd be so scared if I'd end up there while you were there. But it seems you got through the insanity fairly well. Love that little sign in the UK gift shop where you can try to guess what those items are called in England. I can only get one lol And what a great artsy picture in front of the EPCOT pavilion! Those fences are so cool!

Thank you! Yeah they definitely were. Yeah, for some reason I am immune to Disney crowds. I just laugh them off. ​

Oh my word, Maelstrom is truly the most popular ride in Disney! 80 Minutes... wowzer! And the FP line being just over 10 minutes... as if you couldn't paint a greater picture of the ride. to pin trading and getting the Fozzy pin!

I KNOW. Gotta love it.​

Ooooo... such a pretty sunset, I must agree! World Showcase really makes everything look so much prettier and photogenic

Thank you!​

Can't wait to read about what else EPCOT had in store for you!

You will soon see!

Sorry you have to postpone your DL trip, but you are correct, healthy and safe is number 1 in life! Hopefully soon, you be back on track to Cali!


Those crowds scare me! I can't even believe Maelstrom with a wait time! I think I seen ten minutes once, but walked right on.

I would love to listen to all the storytellers one day. Would be a great way to be in park, yet not standing in any lines forever!

That's alright! Everything seems to happen for a reason. We already have our new plan and I'm very excited!

I know. It was CRAZY!

Yes, it was a great use of our day! I really enjoyed the relaxed pace even though we were surrounded by insanity!

Sorry your Disneyland trip is postponed! That is always the worst feeling ever!!!

What a beautiful sunset!!!!

OMG those crowds are INSANE!!!!!

I know it was so sad! However, I already feel better because we have our new plan set!

It really was!

I KNOW.

Oh, I'm glad it's not your dad's current company. That's so unfair that he has to pay even though he didn't do anything wrong, but at least it was a smaller fee than the others. How frustrating though! But I'm really happy that you guys already have a new plan. I can't wait to hear all about it. Yay!

oh and YES I HAVE NEVER HAD SCHOOL BREAD. I know, I know. IT'S CRAZY. I am trying it next time NO MATTER WHAT.

I know, it's really ridiculous. Ah well. Our new plan, I think, is going to work out so much better anyways. I am very excited and I can't wait to share!

THAT'S INSANE! I am shocked. You must go back just to try the school bread!​

 

[ChelseaIsMyBelle]

Oh, I am so sorry about the postponement of your Disneyland trip! I know how heartbreaking that is! I love your positive attitude!!! Keep your chin up!

 

[Cira]

If you mentioned it, I apologize, what is your name on Twitter? Would love to follow, as I have been following your TR's. Have LOVED them!!! Thank you.

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Oh, I am so sorry about the postponement of your Disneyland trip! I know how heartbreaking that is! I love your positive attitude!!! Keep your chin up!

That's alright. Even though it's sad, I think my optimism paid off because we already have a new plan! I'm very excited!

If you mentioned it, I apologize, what is your name on Twitter? Would love to follow, as I have been following your TR's. Have LOVED them!!! Thank you.

It's PrincessJess508 Same for twitter and instagram. I'm so glad you enjoy the trip reports! That means a lot to me! Thank YOU!

​

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Alright everyone. I CAN'T HOLD IT IN ANY LONGER!!! We have all of our new plans figured and I am SUPER excited! I just have to share because there is no reason to be sad anymore!

As you may have guessed, DISNEYLAND IS RESCHEDULED! WOOHOO!

And when is it, you ask!? Well, after a lot of contemplation and discussion, we are arriving in Disneyland on DECEMBER 30TH, 2012 and staying until JANUARY 8TH, 2013! WOOOOOHOOOOOO! We are hoping to do some other part(s) of California before we get there, but those details are not figured out yet.

We were able to book it so we could stay three nights and each of the Disneyland Resorts! (which is actually one more night than our August trip! Since we are gaining a day, that means MORE TIME TO EAT!!!!)

As for the end of August, my Dad still wanted to plan some sort of vacation, just not a giant one like our trip to California. It has been a crazy summer for him, and he knows the rest of us have been working really hard, too. So he was hoping for a relaxing, road-trip type of getaway.

After spending ALL of yesterday doing tons of research, making some calls, and searching the entire internet... I came home from work and found out that my parents booked us a trip.

WHERE ARE WE GOING!?

DISNEY'S HILTON HEAD RESORT IN SOUTH CAROLINA!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, if I couldn't go to Disneyland, Disney World, Aulani, or a Disney Cruise, laughing this is the next best thing! I have been dying to go here but I never imagined that it would happen anytime soon!

If any of you have been there before, I would really appreciate some tips! I want to make the most of my visit but I don't know much about the resort/island in general! Thanks!

As many of you have asked, yes I am still visiting Preston. But instead of flying home, I'm going to drive to Hilton Head after our week together!

So this truly is working out all for the best. I was heartbroken to find out that the trip was off, but now that its all rescheduled and I have a little end-of-August getaway to look forward to, I feel MUCH better. I guess all of this hard work did pay off after all. I'm so, so excited!

I'll be taking lots of pictures while I'm there. I was debating on whether or not I should do a trip report? What do you guys think? Would anyone read it? If I don't have enough time to write a full-out report, I could always just post some photos of the vacation. I don't know - we will see what ends up happening!

Also, I am going to probably post these Christmas updates a little less frequently. I want to get the trip report done before California, but I don't want to end it too early. Just so you all know ahead of time!

Okay, so that's the news in my life. In exactly two weeks from this very moment I will be in Georgia and I CANNOT WAIT! Everything happens for a reason and I am so very happy!

Now onto the update!
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Chapter 82: Yak and Yeti
December 28th, 2011

Here are some more sunset pictures:

These two are my favorites:

We went over to Test Track and sat on the benches. Dad and Jon met us there so we could give them our Test Track fastpasses. Their plan was to go on that and then head over to the ESPN Zone. (surprise!)

I posted on twitter:
170 minutes for test track. Oh my God hahaha

The crowds were out of control.

Mom and I walked out of Epcot after that and it was very cold again! There was a CM with a big ol’ pin board walking around Future World so I had to trade for a pin! It was a Mickey World Pin.

We went to the bus stop and caught the bus to Animal Kingdom! Thankfully it was there waiting for us!

One of the singers from Joyful was ON OUR BUS! That was way too cool, my Mom and I were so excited. It was this girl:

We arrived at Animal Kingdom! This was actually the first time we went there this whole trip! I was excited to see a whole new group of decorations.

We tried to get a photopass picture of us infront of the Tree of Life. However, we couldn’t get the camera settings right and either got a blurry picture with the tree or just a picture of us and darkness. Ah well.

We went through the shops and made it to our dinner destination – Yak and Yeti! We were seated in an upstairs room with blue walls. A cute CM smiled at me while I was on my way upstairs… *sigh* They were just all over the place that day!

Natski was our waitress. She was a little Asian girl who was very cute and friendly!

We started off our meal with Pot Stickers. YUM! For some reason they tasted unbelievably good that day. They were just perfect.

I got my Shrimp Lo Mein. It was exceptional as usual. YUM! It was so, so, so, so delicious. I couldn’t finish it though. I was so full!

Mom got the Maple Tamarind Chicken. She really liked it a lot! You could dominantly taste the spice on it though, so if you don’t like that specific spice it’s a no go. I wasn’t a big fan.

We finished our meal with some FRIED WONTONS. Aww yeah. Those are SO good. Oh my God. The wontons and the ice cream should truly be illegal because they are THAT delicious!!!

Overview of Yak and Yeti:
Waitress: Natski
Service: She was really friendly and had a lot of energy! She kept us moving and satisfied. No complaints! 4.5/5
Atmosphere: We were upstairs and it was very relaxed. I liked the blue walls a lot. 4.5/5
Food: AMAZING. Everything tasted SO good. 5/5

We headed towards the exit of Animal Kingdom and I made my first purchase of the trip! (Holy cow, I waited this long to buy something!? Go me!) I got MY PLUTO PILLOW PET!

I also got the BEST BEACH TOWEL EVER CREATED. My Little Mermaid Towel! Isn’t it beautiful!?!?!

We exited the park after that. Then there is the gift shop once you leave, and I spotted the Animal Kingdom crewneck that I wanted! So I had to buy that too.

Mom’s back was sore and she was so tired, however I really wanted to go to Hollywood Studios and ride Toy Story Mania!

So we went to DHS to meet up with Dad and Jonathan. Dad was going to stay with me and Jonathan was going to leave with Mom.

After waiting for about 10 minutes in the cold they finally arrived. Mom and Jonathan left while Dad and I went into the park. We went right over to Pixar Place. However, the line for Toy Story Mania was 160 MINUTES. It was winding outside of the building. Oh my goodness.

I had a moment of crazy and we waited in line for about 3 minutes. Then I realized I could never justify that for myself since I knew how to beat the system. We decided that we’d just go back in the morning.

We went to the bus stop and the Contemporary bus was full! So we took the TTC bus and transferred over to a monorail.

We got back to the room and surprised Mom and Jon by being back so early. However, they understood why we didn't wait. I couldn’t believe the line was THAT long! Yikes.

We went to bed once we got back! We had to get up early the next day!

Overview of December 28th, 2011:

Highs:
- Seeing all of the Storytellers
- My quick glimpse at the French Waiters
- My Chocolate Ice Cream from Giovanni
- The Maelstrom!!!
- Laughing about and Dodging the insane crowds!
- Yak and Yeti’s FOOD. Yum.

Lows:
- It was cold!
- The crowds were CRAZY
- Not getting a hot French waiter ):
- The day went by so fast
- Mom’s back was hurting
- I had a sniffly nose because of the cold
- TSM having a 160 minute wait

Weather:
The coldest day yet! 40 degrees in the morning, warm in the sun during the day (maybe high 60’s-low 70’s) and then back to the 40’s at night.

Food of the Day:
Lo Mein from Yak and Yeti in Animal Kingdom

Continued in Next Post​

 

[Reberella]

Yay for new dates!! And tickers! That's so exciting! And Georgia and Hilton Head are going to be awesome too!

That Epcot Sunset picture is gorgeous!

I like Test Track, but 170 MINUTES?? That's crazy! I would never wait that long!

Those wontons look soooo good! Yum!

I love that AK crewneck! The color and design is super cute!