Countdown to the Clown! A September PTR - Updated 9/13 - TR LINK

[jenjolt]

Loved the fashion update!! I'm all about those Disney shirts and I love the pink Disney one...it is way too cute and I say that only because I own it LOL!! I love the other shirts too!!!!

Henry modeling the bag is just way too cute!! He is such a handsome little guy!! Can't wait for more updates!

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Great shirt collection. It is hard not to take everything, isn't it? I find myself packing and unpacking because I just can't decide on which ones to take. It happens more with shirts than shorts for me.

 

[claryche]

I love the shirt that you say reminds you of the animal kingdom, because I thought the exact same thing. September is so hot and that looks so cool. I think next you need to show us the outfits that Henry will be wearing. Do you think he is up for a modeling day for us. I know I would love it, and I'm sure others would do, he is just so cute.

That isn't good about the dvd from the library. If it happens again, my sil had a friend who told her if there were just a few scratches on a disc that you could put it in the toilet, flush it and it would help take away the scratches. I know it sounds silly, and I don't know if it works and I don't suggest it with an expensive movie. But maybe something to try.

Looking forward to the plan.

 

[All7OfUs]

All of your shirts look like winners!! I agree that it is so hard to whittle the "what goes in" bunch to just what you need and will fit. I know because I'm in the middle of it RIGHT NOW. TODAY!! I have to make the decision today, what to wear in Germany!! 2 outfits is all we're allowing ourselves. Will I dork- or will I look presentable?? Time will tell...

Henry is the perfect model- Bagallini needs to sign him on!!

Shoes. Still working on that- yours look EVER so comfy!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Loved your updates with Henry as model and measurement!

I think all your tops look great and when I saw the very first one I immediately thought: Oh, this must be for AK!

Gaining weight back is annoying, I understand what you mean. Sometimes being disciplined about what you eat is really difficult when other stressful things happen around you. But, you are already on the right track again with your running! Being physically active really helps in that regard. So hopefully there will be a Disney trip in your future when you can wear those shirts again!!

 

[MeMom]

And Henry has a stroller cover (i.e. Kid in a Plastic Bag, or Bubble Boy----sorry MeMom!).

I really think the apology should have been written in LARGE letters, not small letters! Poor enclosed baby boy. I've had to 'rescue' my little girls a few times by sneaking when Jill wasn't looking and lifting the plastic a little more. Let's just say, I am much happier when it is not raining.

Have fun choosing your wardrobe. Disney trip planning is fun - from choosing clothes to getting all of your travel-sized items together. Anything that is making the trip seem closer and more real is a good thing.

 

[Lady Lallie]

What a wonderful update! I love Henry the little model.

All of your shirts are really nice. They will make good choices.

I have serious Keen envy. I love your Keens. They are so cute!

 

[loritemp]

Your son is beyond cute Love the pics of him!!! And love your clothing choices. Even the things with sleeves look comfy and flowy so they should still work well for you.

On a side note, congrats on C25K!!!! Great program!!! I am already planning to do the F&W half marathon next year, Disney has so many great races, another fun thing you can plan a trip around

 

[pooh'smate]

I loved this update. I like your shirts. I have some RIP clothes that I haven't gotten rid of either. I love the pictures of Henry with the clothes and bags. He is so cute.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Good grief I got behind!

--Cream Cheese Pretzel – Lunching Pad, MK - ala LL fame. With the slushy Coke she mentions, this sounds absolutely divine!

I've never had one of these - sounds like something I NEED though!

--Spicy Jalapeño Pretzel – somewhere (WHERE?) in AK – SoonerGirl, Michelle, mentioned this beauty. Sounds ahhhhmazing![/FONT

They aren't hard to find, lots of little carts around have them. I've gotten them at one by KRR and at another by the Safari

--Popcorn - Everywhere! Except Epcot during Illuminations it seems... - I have never had Disney World popcorn!

OK, this had me going until I read that you have never ridden HM, then I went Brook, honey, you must rectify this!

Love your countdown chain - that is soooo cute! As is the little boy taking off the links

I'm jealous of your new phone purchase! My battery is starting to fail, it won't hold a charge for very long. I could just buy a new battery for it, but I'm thinking I may need a new phone instead - the iphone just may make the cut

I bought this on a previous trip and really like it. I have a very weird thing where I can’t wear blue shirts with jean bottoms , but I have some non-jean bottoms that will be coming.

Oh my gosh, I'm like this too - I thought it was just me, glad to hear I'm not alone!

 

[DWGal210]

Love your shirts!! I have about 1/2 of your Mickey ones

And I have that exact same Baggallini!! That is a great bag.

I will have to check out your shoes online...my feet are flat so I need support, but I want flops to wear too, so I'll have to investigate.

 

[claryche]

Odd question maybe. If you have the bagglini (I'm sure I spelled that wrong.) Then why do you need the extra bag in the park. I'm seriously trying to condense down the stuff that we take into the park, because we might be going without a stroller for a few days and therefore won't have it to help carry the stuff. So I was just wondering what all you carry into the park. Thanks.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I have that pink glittery Mickey Mouse top too! And I love that green flowy top. Where'd you find it?

JCPenny! Lots of my clothing is from them from over the past few years - they have always had lines of clothes I really like, AMAZING prices (the biggest sale of the season is every.single.weekend ) and the quality is usually really great. Lately I've had more trouble finding things I like and that fit properly since they have changed some things, but I was happy to find this a couple other items!

Love all the shirts -- so hard to leave any out. And the shoes are cute too...especially the first pair. I have that shopping bag. That is my "carry home all of my breakables" on the plane bag. I love it (and it is going into its third year and still in great shape).

It is hard to leave any out! Since I know it will be stinkin' hot I like to have the options, so I'm pretty certain they all will come if we have room in the suitcase. That first pair of shoes have served me very, very well. I would love to get a second pair! That is exactly what we use the bag for as well - an airplane carry on when we have things too large, or too much! stuff for the suitcase. It's been an excellent bag - this will be it's 3rd trip!

Oh my goodness, Brook!! Henry is cracking me up in the photos!! He is a riot posing with your shirts and bags! I just showed DD Henry's picture again.. she hadn't seen him in a while. We're all looking forward to finding Steve McQueen on a postcard for him!
Love the fashion show you posted! You are ahead of me... I think I have about 3 shirts picked out! Guess I need to get going. I just laminated our LGMH's! My family keeps asking, "Now, what exactly are you making these for?? Who do you think is going to notice them?" They aren't quite sure what I am making them for! Maybe there will be some other DISers there with them too.

Isn't he a nut??? He insisted on being in all those, so I just let him!! He had fun with the bags too. I hope you run into some other DISers! I've only ever seen ONE LGMH in the park! I always wear mine on our bags and stroller though. It's fun, you never know who you might meet!!

I have tears of laughter right now as I type this. I was just getting caught up and the pictures of Henry modeling park bags were on the screen. Liam came over with a big smile on his face when he saw Henry. I said cheerfully "That's Henry, he's going to Disney World soon." Liam's response? "Hmmffpt!" and he walked away. Guess he was a little jealous

Hilarious!!! Your turn will be soon Liam!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

If baggalini wants to use H as their model, I have a feeling sales will shoot straight up!

You have so many cute tops to choose from. You are going to be one well dressed park goer!

Know exactly what you mean about the temporarily retired due to weight gain wardrobe collection. Good for you getting out there and running! It's not so much about weight loss but feeling healthy is a great thing!

Can't wait to hear about "the plan."

I think I would be prone to buy a few more Baggalini's! (though, maybe we would get them for free if my child was their model... )

The fact that I don't fit into those shirts anymore - and have only worn them ONCE (aside from around the house or to bed!), really irks me. It actually motivates me to do better in hopes I'll wear them on our next trip!!

I loved this post. Loved it.

Though I have 50+ pairs of shoes in my closet, this trip will likely see three of them: black Croc flippies, brown flippies and sneakers (though I usually avoid using those - I hate hot feet).

I'm going simple with the bags too - a cute "oversized" COACH wristlet and a Mickey purse.

I'm sure I'll detail it all on my PTR but reading this post has got me thinking about it...more...again.

I mean it's not like I'm thinking about it day in, day out already...

::ahem::

50 pairs. I used to have that many. Now I currently have 34 pairs...this pic is from my Facebook....yes I have a picture of my shoe organizer on Facebook!

When we moved our new place has 2 teeny closets, so I got this Ikea closet with my DREAM shoe organizer, I love it! Holds 36 pairs, there is room for 2 more.

How are the Croc flip flops? I have been tempted to get their sandals, but just haven't taken the plunge yet.

I look forward to the day I can go to the parks with just a wristlet. Ahhhhh... I look forward to your future PTR post!

Loved the what you're going to wear update! You've got some tough choices girlie, but I love, love, love the grey "vest"....you need to wear that, at least to dinner, get a black tank to go underneath it, it will be adorable! And btw, I think we ALL have that "retired" waredrobe, so no fear, I have confidence you'll get back there someday!!

I was cracking up about the bag review and pics of Henry modeling them! LOL!! So cute! Have you used your Baggalini before? I have the black one, brought it for my '08 trip, wasn't a HUGE fan.....it kept strangling me...lol...cutting my neck off, know what I mean? Did you have that issue at all? I'm a little stressed about using it again but hate to spend the money on something else, too, you know?

As far as your ponchos go and the rain...hard to say, this will be our 3rd September trip....we always have at least one day where it pours for quite awhile and it seems most afternoons we'd have a quick storm come through...be sure to bring them with you!!

Can't wait to hear more!!

I'm actually wearing the gray vest right now! I tried it today with a greenish-blue tank and it looks pretty cute! I think I would like it with black better, but the only blank tank I have is a bit short. This just might make the Disney suitcase!

I don't have that issue with my Baggalini, but I've heard that others do, so you aren't alone! The only time it annoys me is if I have to bend over and it swings around my neck. Ugh. So annoying. I had a black one originally, and have used that for the past year or so as my regular purse (it's so convenient with a little one, diaper + wipes fit in back pocket, sippy in the mesh, etc.), but the cell phone pocket zipper broke recently, so I just pitched it. It was pretty well worn, and the key chain thing inside broke a long time ago...it was time. Now I just have the lime green and I can't bring myself to use it as a regular purse-its just too BRIGHT! Besides, I like having a bit more of a girly choice, so it's nice to have a normal bag again. Anyway! I would say if the Baggalini drives you crazy, it's worth buying something else. I know a lot of people like the Vera Bradley bags, so maybe one of those would work better for you?

The ponchos are definitely coming with, but I do hope they stay in their little packaging and our no rain mojo keeps up!

And how did I not see that you had a new PTR?!?!? Will get caught up ASAP!

Henry is cracking me up in those pictures. I can just here him, "can I be ii the picture mommy, take one of me!" At least that would be Claire. If I want to take her picture, half the time she can't be bothered, but if I am taking something else, she is jealous!

I think I might have you send us a post card. I'll send my info later, gotta run now. But Claire just mentioned today "remember when the princesses sent me a card?", which was just over a year ago from another Diser. Her trip was at the same time that Claire got her tonsils out, so Claire just loved it even more that they knew she had a surgery. LOL!

Yep! Exactly! I sometimes can't even get him to stay in the same room when I pull out the camera, but if I'm taking pictures of something else, he's all about being in it!

I would be more than happy to send Claire a postcard! I'll find her another Princess one!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

yes I have a picture of my shoe organizer on Facebook!

Are we sisters from a different mother?
Amanda (creativeamanda) asked for a pick of my multi-tiered shoe rack...just haven't gotten around to it yet.

How are the Croc flip flops? I have been tempted to get their sandals, but just haven't taken the plunge yet.

I have the Capris (only mine are black on black):

I've had them for...more than a year. I love them. Very comfy and still in great shape.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Followed your We love Donald TR way back when you were writing it, but it disappeared from my subbed threads so I lost track of you. But I found you through Princess Caitlin's TR and am looking forward to seeing what September brings for you and the fam (we're going this December, May, and next September). We've only ever been once, but I talked DH into AP's, so it'll be exciting to see how September is! Hope you guys have a time!

I'm so glad you found me!!! Ohhh, I loved that Donald TR. That was such a fun trip-despite the freeeeeeezing cold weather, Ghetto Gas diaper changing and baby vomit... It was nice and long! It was so relaxed!

That is incredible that you've only been once, but now have your DH convinced into APs and THREE trips! Are you going early December? May you've got the F&GF, right? And September has been our favorite time of the year so far - low crowds and nice weather. A bit hot, but not "surface of the sun". I bet May will be beautiful!

Great update! You have lots of good choices. Your top 3 shoes are the same ones I have I have a VB messanger bag or a Crocs backpack as a bag. I also have many Disney reusable bags.

That's funny about our shoes! Do you rotate yours too? It works so well for me. One time I wore the Crocs 2 or 3 days in a row and started to get a sore spot, but when I rotate I never have issues!

I am all about clothing and park bag updates! This one was a lot of fun! I think Henry makes a sensational bag model!

Isn't he a goof? He had a good time playing with those bags!

Loved the fashion update!! I'm all about those Disney shirts and I love the pink Disney one...it is way too cute and I say that only because I own it LOL!! I love the other shirts too!!!!

Henry modeling the bag is just way too cute!! He is such a handsome little guy!! Can't wait for more updates!

I like that pink one too! I remember when I found it, Joe looked at me like I was crazy for wanting a glittery shirt, but sometimes I like REALLY girly things! I also like that the glitter doesn't come off! I was a bit fearful it would in the wash, but I've had no problems. Have you?

Great shirt collection. It is hard not to take everything, isn't it? I find myself packing and unpacking because I just can't decide on which ones to take. It happens more with shirts than shorts for me.

It is! I will probably take it all so I have options and the opportunity to change into something clean should I want to/need to. As long as it all fits in the suitcase, it's going!

My shorts collection is teeny. I have really wanted to get some new ones before the trip, but all the stores have their fall stuff out now and no shorts are to be found! I have a few pairs, but I'm not crazy about them.

I love the shirt that you say reminds you of the animal kingdom, because I thought the exact same thing. September is so hot and that looks so cool. I think next you need to show us the outfits that Henry will be wearing. Do you think he is up for a modeling day for us. I know I would love it, and I'm sure others would do, he is just so cute.

That isn't good about the dvd from the library. If it happens again, my sil had a friend who told her if there were just a few scratches on a disc that you could put it in the toilet, flush it and it would help take away the scratches. I know it sounds silly, and I don't know if it works and I don't suggest it with an expensive movie. But maybe something to try.

Looking forward to the plan.

I love your idea with Henry! I think he would cooperate at least for a few outfits! Maybe that will be our afternoon activity later today.

I've never heard that about the toilet! Crazy! Who knows, it might work! I can see it being a forceful clean, so maybe that would help? Joe tried to clean it, but it didn't help it at all.

And speaking of those movies...they were due back Saturday! OOPS!

 

[brookelizabeth]

All of your shirts look like winners!! I agree that it is so hard to whittle the "what goes in" bunch to just what you need and will fit. I know because I'm in the middle of it RIGHT NOW. TODAY!! I have to make the decision today, what to wear in Germany!! 2 outfits is all we're allowing ourselves. Will I dork- or will I look presentable?? Time will tell...

Henry is the perfect model- Bagallini needs to sign him on!!

Shoes. Still working on that- yours look EVER so comfy!!

You are only allowed TWO outfits? Is that for all your moving and WDW too, or just Germany and moving? Wow. That would be hard! Pick things that can create at least four outfits! Are you going to share your picks on your PTR?

I really like my shoes. The Crocs are wearing thin and have seen better days, but the Keens live long. We paid a lot for those Keens, but they have been worth EVERY penny. So comfy and they stand the test of time! They have been on several NYC trips (before we lived here), to Israel, to Chicago, and to Disney several times. Maybe instead of getting a new pair of Crocs I'll just get a different style of Keens. Hmmm....

Loved your updates with Henry as model and measurement!

I think all your tops look great and when I saw the very first one I immediately thought: Oh, this must be for AK!

Gaining weight back is annoying, I understand what you mean. Sometimes being disciplined about what you eat is really difficult when other stressful things happen around you. But, you are already on the right track again with your running! Being physically active really helps in that regard. So hopefully there will be a Disney trip in your future when you can wear those shirts again!!

He had a really good time playing with the bags! He was a bit disappointed he didn't find anything in the Baggalini to take out and explore though!

That shirt has to be the AK one then! I thought it and so did a few of you who are reading along! It will be really comfy for that park too since it's a tank.

I am really enjoying the running! I remember when you told me you got into it and how I wanted to want to run. Now I'm there! Er---well...I'm getting there. I'm amazed at my ab muscles! There is still a layer of chub, but there are MUSCLES under there!

I really think the apology should have been written in LARGE letters, not small letters! Poor enclosed baby boy. I've had to 'rescue' my little girls a few times by sneaking when Jill wasn't looking and lifting the plastic a little more. Let's just say, I am much happier when it is not raining.

Have fun choosing your wardrobe. Disney trip planning is fun - from choosing clothes to getting all of your travel-sized items together. Anything that is making the trip seem closer and more real is a good thing.

Sorry MeMom!!! I cannot imagine how you feel when your babies are stuck in there!!!! The first time I ever saw one of those I thought it was the craziest thing! But, they really are very handy and do such a great job. We used one for Henry in January 2009 when it was soooooo cold in Disney too.

The travel sized items update is coming soon. And I agree, ANYTHING that will make the trip seem closer!

What a wonderful update! I love Henry the little model.

All of your shirts are really nice. They will make good choices.

I have serious Keen envy. I love your Keens. They are so cute!

He had a good time being my model! Next time I'll have to hide stuff in the bags for him to find.

I love my Keens! They were pricey, but worth every cent. So comfy! It took me a while to get used to them, at first I thought they were ugly! They felt so BIG on my feet, but the more I wore them, the more I liked them! Now I like them a lot and wear them not just for travel, but sometimes as my everyday shoe! They have tons of different styles and colors too!

Your son is beyond cute Love the pics of him!!! And love your clothing choices. Even the things with sleeves look comfy and flowy so they should still work well for you.

On a side note, congrats on C25K!!!! Great program!!! I am already planning to do the F&W half marathon next year, Disney has so many great races, another fun thing you can plan a trip around

Thank you!!! The shirts with sleeves really are loose and comfy, so you are right, I think they will still work well even in the heat. And looking back to last September, several of my shirts had sleeves and I did just fine!

And thank you on the C25K! It has been an INCREDIBLE program! I really like it! I never, ever, EVER thought I would be able to run for 5 minutes straight. I could hardly do that in high school! I've just never been an athlete, or even decent at anything sporty. I hated running above ALL. My gym teacher used to yell at me to "Pick up your feet!" because I would just shuffle along dreading every second. I do hope to run at Disney someday! I want to run through the Castle in the Princess one! I have a ways to go before I can do that, but I do hope to participate in a 5K at least sometime soon!! Maybe by next year I could do the half marathon...

 

[princess&her4princes]

OMG....LOVE that shoe organizer!!! Ikea, you say? I'm sooo there!!!! Love it!

thanks for the ideas on the bag....I'm torn...with three kiddos the baggalinni offers so much for me, too and Todd carried a backpack as well...decisions, decisions......

and yay for the grey vest....I'm sure it looks adorable!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I loved this update. I like your shirts. I have some RIP clothes that I haven't gotten rid of either. I love the pictures of Henry with the clothes and bags. He is so cute.

Those RIP clothes are my motivation! I will fit into them on a future trip, I will!

Henry had a great time modeling the bags!

Good grief I got behind!

I've never had one of these - sounds like something I NEED though!

They aren't hard to find, lots of little carts around have them. I've gotten them at one by KRR and at another by the Safari
OK, this had me going until I read that you have never ridden HM, then I went Brook, honey, you must rectify this!

Love your countdown chain - that is soooo cute! As is the little boy taking off the links

I'm jealous of your new phone purchase! My battery is starting to fail, it won't hold a charge for very long. I could just buy a new battery for it, but I'm thinking I may need a new phone instead - the iphone just may make the cut

Oh my gosh, I'm like this too - I thought it was just me, glad to hear I'm not alone!

Doesn't the cream cheese pretzel sound just awesome? I really look forward to it! YUM!

Good to know the jalapeno pretzels are easy to find at AK. I was completely ready to HUNT it down though!

I know, I know! No HM, no popcorn, no rope drop...it's sad really, isn't it? Popcorn is very high on the list and LL and I are planning a HM DIS Meet!!!

I'm excited about the iPhone! I think it will be really useful for many things. I have a feeling it will get its own update on here once I have it!

Love your shirts!! I have about 1/2 of your Mickey ones

And I have that exact same Baggallini!! That is a great bag.

I will have to check out your shoes online...my feet are flat so I need support, but I want flops to wear too, so I'll have to investigate.

I forget how many Mickey shirts I have, I always want another when we are at the Disney Store.

I LOVE the Baggalini, it just works sooooo well for me! I know others have issues with it, but it's perfect for me. It holds a lot, but is still comfy.

I have very high arches and often have trouble with proper support in shoes, but I think the Mush is really good since they kinda mold to your foot. It might work too for flat feet.

Odd question maybe. If you have the bagglini (I'm sure I spelled that wrong.) Then why do you need the extra bag in the park. I'm seriously trying to condense down the stuff that we take into the park, because we might be going without a stroller for a few days and therefore won't have it to help carry the stuff. So I was just wondering what all you carry into the park. Thanks.

Not an odd question! In my Baggalini I usually have my stuff - and in the past have had a PassPorter book, which took up a lot of the room in the main pocket, but I liked having it handy. I carry a few things for Joe too - like his binoculars. In the big park bag we have a change of clothes, diapers, wipes, glow sticks, a few random toys for Henry in case he needs a distraction, and sun screen - it's not full, but it has quite a bit in it. HOWEVER, your post made me realize I might be able to ditch the park bag and just use the baggalini since we aren't using a PassPorter this trip (going to try to just use my new phone for all the notes/info). And I just scoped out a stroller organizer (ours doesn't have one at all) on Amazon that has a big pocket that would easily fit diapers, wipes, etc. So the park bag might be left in the room! The thought of not having that thing completely excites me. It's a great bag, but its annoying having THAT much with us. And once Henry is potty-trained we will hopefully need less.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Are we sisters from a different mother?
Amanda (creativeamanda) asked for a pick of my multi-tiered shoe rack...just haven't gotten around to it yet.

I have the Capris (only mine are black on black):

I've had them for...more than a year. I love them. Very comfy and still in great shape.

I think we just might be! Thankfully Joe "gets" my shoe craze (as much as a guy can I guess) and doesn't mind it when I tell him I need another pair! I love that shoe organizer, it's quick and simple! Their closet systems aren't cheap, but worth every penny. I have my big one (the only one with a shoe rack), we have a thin one also in our bedroom and then Henry has a big one in his bedroom as well! They are wonderful!

I like those shoes! They look very comfy...and I'm glad to hear a good review on them. I would love to squeeze in a purchase before we go...gotta crunch the budget numbers first though.

OMG....LOVE that shoe organizer!!! Ikea, you say? I'm sooo there!!!! Love it!

thanks for the ideas on the bag....I'm torn...with three kiddos the baggalinni offers so much for me, too and Todd carried a backpack as well...decisions, decisions......

and yay for the grey vest....I'm sure it looks adorable!

Yep! Ikea! It's AWESOME. It's part of their closet system. It's not cheap, but worth it! I really like mine. As I explained to Tink above, we have 3 of their closets in our new place! The shoe organizer works slick. It has some trouble with flip flops and some sandals, but there is plenty of room on the bottom, under the rack, to just slide them in.

It's a hard decision on the bag - you want something useful so you don't have to carry several bags, but something comfortable too!