Having a GRAND time - the NEW Official GF Chat Thread PART 3

[goofygal531]

Here's the link to Disney terms: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/birthdayFunCard/index

NO Basin OR Basin White or anything neat from the country's at Epcot

My kids will like it b/c they can buy the plush items or crap they sell at the exit if the rides but i was hoping for a little Basin shopping spree too!

Arribas Brothers - isn't that the Glass Shop on Main St? Damn, everything I want is off limits!

Maybe I'll get the family some Mickey ears, we don't have any yet. Aren't they a "must have"?

I bet they won't offer a gift with purchase next year since everyone will have a $75 Fun Card.

Deb: Unfortunately, the closer to the holiday, the better the sales!

Annette: Remember you bought that Baggalini Bag?? You might not like it. I didn't. It's not very large inside. I brought it with me to WDW, but never used it. I just ordered this bag from QVC. It's the same exact style as a Fossil bag I saw at the mall and the Fossil bag is $98 and this one is $32! Watch the video, the photos don't really do anything for it.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/...Leather-EastWest-Messenger-Style-Shoulder-Bag

Here's the Fossil bag:
http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/st...der_history|1&rec=11&pn=c&imagePath=ZB2340206

Gotta run, DS1 just discovered a bag of Doritos and he's sitting watching TV devouring the entire bag!

 

[BlueSkies]

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Marvel Thanks for checking in Chrsitmas music drifting up to your balcony sounds so wonderful... Hope baby M is feeling better-have a wonderful time...

Mandy The kids in the cage!! I could have used one of those when my kids were little...

Annette I love those lemon drop cookies...are you making stuffed artichokes...love them too...my MIL makes them...yumm! We're gonna try Mama Melrose on the next trip too...I always have my favorites..but sometimes its nice to try something new.

Mare We have learned that too about not ordering typical Italian fare outside of NY...especially at WDW...

Vanessa and Marcie Enjoy!!!

Channing The VeraB sunglass case I have is called night owl I think...its real cute...good winter colors...did you see that fabric and plastic tote called the resort bag...I think you're going to like it too...I just have to decide which pattern I like (kinda like them all!! ) I definitely need one...Re booking ADRs far in advance ...we used to like to wing it mostly but all of the free dining offers have made that difficult at times....maybe not in June

Princesses I'm with you better late than never!! I had a head start on all my holiday shopping and then fell way behind...finally got my cards out done shopping but NOTHING is wrapped...(thank goodness DH does this part though!!)

We baked yesterday...had a great time...loved the gingerbread recipe also brownies with peppermint frosting and chocolate chip cookies (all DD choices!!) now the trick is to try and keep DSs from eating everything in a day!!

Its freezing here (we're not as cold as you are in Illinois though).... is it 89 days until spring??? Let me say for the hundreth time I hate winter

Have a good day everyone... stay warm...Carolina girls too...

 

[BlueSkies]

Mare I know Dawn is the resident expert on this...but recently I was at the Basin shop in DTD and then the one at the GF and they dont carry the same items Many are similar but not the same...DD loves this cherry scented soap-they didnt carry this at the store in DTD and the holiday soaps were different too...maybe Dawn knows why...the one at the GF is named a little differently too Basin White...

 

[goofygal531]

Mare I know Dawn is the resident expert on this...but recently I was at the Basin shop in DTD and then the one at the GF and they dont carry the same items Many are similar but not the same...DD loves this cherry scented soap-they didnt carry this at the store in DTD and the holiday soaps were different too...maybe Dawn knows why...the one at the GF is named a little differently too Basin White...

I was looking online and Basin (DTD) offers the Bath Bomb Barrel for about $5 less than Basin White at GF. I was just wondering, aside from scents, if there's any big difference between the two? I was in the DTD Basin once when it opened, I haven't been there in awhile. I plan to hit it this trip, I was just really wondering if there's anything good in that store that Basin White doesn't have. Oh, I did see they have this "Spot Soap" online that claims to get out any stain!

 

[mickeynut1]

Arribas Brothers - isn't that the Glass Shop on Main St? Damn, everything I want is off limits!


Good thing you're finding all this out beforehand . It kinda stinks that they're excluding so many places......kinda makes it not so a good deal for some .


Deb: Unfortunately, the closer to the holiday, the better the sales!

That's what's making it so hard NOT to go back out shopping . I could probably find some awesome things for great prices .


Gotta run, DS1 just discovered a bag of Doritos and he's sitting watching TV devouring the entire bag!


Little ones can be soooo sneaky

Deb

 

[goofygal531]

Deb: You hit the nail right on the head!!! I knew they'd have some strings attached to this "Birthday Fun Card" but to limit it to only crappy merchandise really stinks! I thought I'd be able to get something really memorable in the glass shop, especially for $75! Oh, well. I guess we'll play "grab what you want" in the Emporium that evening - the card does expire at midnight . I think we'll have no problem spending $75 among 4 people. It would have been nice to get something "special" rather than basic stuff.

I have to blame DS1's new love of chips on the BWI!! He loved helping himself to a bag of Lays Potato Chips each afternoon in the club lounge! He's never had them before and he's now addicted to chips - all kinds!

OMG! Gotta go get DS4 from school!! How could I forget about him!!

TTYL!
Mare

 

[mickeynut1]

Deb: You hit the nail right on the head!!! I knew they'd have some strings attached to this "Birthday Fun Card" but to limit it to only crappy merchandise really stinks! I thought I'd be able to get something really memorable in the glass shop, especially for $75! Oh, well. I guess we'll play "grab what you want" in the Emporium that evening - the card does expire at midnight . I think we'll have no problem spending $75 among 4 people. It would have been nice to get something "special" rather than basic stuff.

I have to blame DS1's new love of chips on the BWI!! He loved helping himself to a bag of Lays Potato Chips each afternoon in the club lounge! He's never had them before and he's now addicted to chips - all kinds!

OMG! Gotta go get DS4 from school!! How could I forget about him!!

TTYL!
Mare

I agree........4 people should be able to spend $75 with no problem . But I know what you mean about getting something special other than the every day things you'd probably buy anyway .

Too funny about DS1 and the chips .

And about forgetting DS4 at school . You better get moving .

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Oh my! I am 4 pages behing here.
Marval- Glad you made it, Hope baby M is better today.
Mandy- Take care of those feet, we need you in Feb And kids in the cage?
Kel and Siobhan- Did you guys get buried in snow too? It is nuts here! (I need a smiley buried in snow.)
Chan- Baking sounds yummy. I am just not feeling it this year though, if I cook it I WILL eat it. UGH!
Blue- Basin and Basin White are two levels of the same store. (Like Old Navy to Gap) BW is the "upscale" version of Basin. Seems that only the prices and scents are different...but I could be wrong
Mare- I forgot a child at school once...ooops! And I really forgot,not just a little late...they called me 30 minutes after the last pick up time...I felt like an a$$.
Marci and Vanessa - Wishing you both fabulous trips!

We had over 16 inches of snow yesterday, adding to the 5 inches we got friday. It is crazy. My 3yo wants to go out and play but she would not be able to walk at all. It is nuts! It took 40 mins to get my car moved so we could clear the snow around it. And of course it is 4 degrees out...because it would be fun to clean up if it were warmer...but nooooo. LOL
Anyone want a new MIL? I am considering giving mine away, so please feel free to put in your bids. She has no manners, shows up 5 hours before she is supposed to, then is ticked that we are not home. She will call in the middle of dinner to complain about her drive home (duh- stay home when they predict 18+ inches of snow.) She only buys dollar store gifts, typically 3 sizes to small or too large. And if that is not enough the deal comes with an apathetic FIL and a SIL who is 32 years old but still attached by the umbilical cord. Anyone want them???

 

[princessesrule4]

Sheli - LMAO about your MIL!! I have a similar model...

I thought the same thing about Basin and Basin White - they do have some of the same soaps, though. I like Basin White better because I love the Lemon Sugar!

Blue Skies - I haven't wrapped hardly anything for the kids or DH yet so don't feel bad.

Deb - My kids would love to see some of your snow!

Okay , I'm going to mail my Christmas cards - I was lame and only did about 15 for family and close friends but I'm hoping to get more out! Then to Publix for the baking stuff so DD and I can get our cookies going!

 

[goofygal531]

Blue- Basin and Basin White are two levels of the same store. (Like Old Navy to Gap) BW is the "upscale" version of Basin. Seems that only the prices and scents are different...but I could be wrong :

That's what I thought, but wasn't sure. They have a cute Bath Bomb Bouquet online that would be really nice for Valentine's Day.

Mare- I forgot a child at school once...ooops! And I really forgot,not just a little late...they called me 30 minutes after the last pick up time...I felt like an a$$.
:

I made it to school with minutes to spare! Last year I thought he had soccer after school when it really finished the week before. The teacher called me knowing I must of forgotten soccer ended for the semester. Thankfully, I was nearby at the playground! So I kinda forgot him

OMG your MIL sounds "fun". Mine passed away 4 years ago, but I used to complain like that too!

I like Basin White better because I love the Lemon Sugar!

I LOVE Lemon Sugar!!! I bought the shower gel and body butter! I love the way I smell after a shower!!! It says online that the bath foam can be used as a shower gel, it just lathers more. I think I'm going to try that next. Have you tried Lime Sugar?? I think that's at Basin DTD.

Hey, we got Omaha steaks in the mail today!!! I've never had them before, my mom used to send us the Kansas City Steaks from QVC (yum!) We got filet mignons and steak burgers!! I wonder if I can find the Le Cellier Mushroom Risotto recipe online?? Hmmm, that would be a nice New Years Eve menu

I have a cooking question for you serious cooks: I bought a sprial ham back around Thanksgiving and put it in the freezer (it said on the label it's okay to freeze, I checked) How many days do I need to defrost it? I'd like to serve it on Christmas Day. Should I take it out tomorrow morning to defrost??

Mare

 

[Lives4Disney]

Mare!! Get that ham out of the freezer and into the fridge NOW!!! ASAP!!!!!!

Well..back from braving the cold and the crowds and the grocery store! omg...omg...I almost drove home because I couldn't park!!!! If Lucy hadn't been with me I would have said SCREW IT and left. I am that aggravated. My kids are a bunch of freaks. Here's what they want on Xmas Day....but it's nothing new...been going on for years....OK..Christmas Eve we always go to Plum Garden (has to be that place) for Chinese. Then we have tons of left overs for Xms Day. But...they want certain donuts (from this little place I only buy them there on special occasions) and then....hot wings, saganaki & pita bread, nachos, spinach dip in a round sour dough bread with veggies to dip, spanakopita...(probably totally butchered that word), spinach squares - which are TO DIE FOR and if anybody wants the recipe let me know...super easy and soo sooo good - cashews, summer sausage and cheese and crackers, cashews, kid champagne, eggnog.....pumpkin pie and goodies. Lucy mentioned artichokes, but last year we had so much food I don't want to make more. So it's a food fest here on Xmas Day - I feel like I am leaving something out...probably am.....we stay in PJs and just open gifts, eat, relax, play games & with the new toys.....They prefer that day to Xmas in WDW.

Shel....sad sad sad.....I have my own family issues....I do not want more. Sorry you have yours.

Mare...yeah..I have some Basin stuff...it was Basin in the GF for a month of so before they redid the thing to Basin White. The Basin stuff is not as nice. It's nice...but not as.

TTYL!!

Chan

 

[goofygal531]

Chan: I'm going to get that ham out NOW! Thanks!

That's a great idea to just munch your way thru Christmas Day rather than have a big meal. I'd love the spanikopia (spinach squares) recipe! Thoase are yummy! We used to go to my mom's on Christmas Day and she'd always have breakfast ready for us. She'd make Paula Deen's French Toast (it's to die for!) and we'd bring bagels and assorted cream cheeses. I'm thinking of making a breakfast pizza for Christmas Day. I found the new 2008 recipe online from Chef Mickey's it has ricotta on a Boboli crust, then eggs, bacon and then the cheese. I think my kids would like it.

What's kid champagne? Sparkling cider??

Has anyone bought the spinach and artichoke dip from Costco? I saw people buying in by the case the other day. DS4 loves artichoke dip and the costco version was cheaper than making it myself.

Gotta prepare my christmas eve and day menus, I'm grocery shopping tomorrow.

TTYL,
Mare

 

[Maxie86]

goofygal: I am by no means a serious cook, but I agree with Chan. Time to get the ham out of the freezer.
I am making lasagne for dinner Christmas eve and made the sauce today, cleaned the house, did laundry, balanced the check book and did my online bankiing. I just have to fold towels and I am done for today. I have to work tomorrow and then I'm off the rest of the week.
BlueSkies: It is 88 days until spring. We don't want to make it any longer than we have to.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Chan: I'm going to get that ham out NOW! Thanks!

That's a great idea to just munch your way thru Christmas Day rather than have a big meal. I'd love the spanikopia (spinach squares) recipe! Thoase are yummy! We used to go to my mom's on Christmas Day and she'd always have breakfast ready for us. She'd make Paula Deen's French Toast (it's to die for!) and we'd bring bagels and assorted cream cheeses. I'm thinking of making a breakfast pizza for Christmas Day. I found the new 2008 recipe online from Chef Mickey's it has ricotta on a Boboli crust, then eggs, bacon and then the cheese. I think my kids would like it.

What's kid champagne? Sparkling cider??

Has anyone bought the spinach and artichoke dip from Costco? I saw people buying in by the case the other day. DS4 loves artichoke dip and the costco version was cheaper than making it myself.

Gotta prepare my christmas eve and day menus, I'm grocery shopping tomorrow.

TTYL,
Mare

Mare, I have had the Costco artichoke dip!! It's GREAT!!!!! If I go over to Costco (unlikely with another winter storm coming) I might buy some!

OK...I am a cheater...my spinakopita is frozen....not made from scratch...

Yes...lol...sparkling grape juice. They don't like the cider..but same type of thing. I like champagne but the girls like theirs, too.

My spinach squares are made in a 13X9 pan and they are cheesy and yummy hot or warm or even room temp - you just slice them into squares....let me know if you want that recipe.

Channing

 

[BlueSkies]

Sheli Your post made me laugh out loud!!! especially about the in laws...I already have a MIL thanks (actually she is a gem...I mean it ) but one MIL is enough...

What hasnt everyone been a LITTLE late for child pick up every once in a while....

Thanks for the Basin/Basin White info...

Channing Sound like Christmas day is alot of food and fun at your house

Mare I have had that spinach/artichoke dip its pretty good...not like home made but good...

Deb Are you done with eveything??

Princesses I guess we're all in the same boat....

Wonder how Kristin is doing...hope her DS is feeling better and she didnt catch that nasty bug

Im off to do some ...what else!!! TTYL

 

[BlueSkies]

Channing Spinach squares sound yummy too...share the recipe...please...

 

[BlueSkies]

Maxie Oops 88 days...youre right dont want to wait one day longer than we have to....

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hi,...OMG ...my crazy friend Heather sent me this. It is appropriate for bdays...and Christmas.....it's about 4 minutes long but it's cute.

http://www.casttv.com/video/vofcxp1...usbands-in-the-dog-house-funny-web-film-video

OK...I have to run!! TTYL!
CHan

 

[PrincessPaczki]

The spinach dip from Costco is wonderful. I have tried the frozen spanakopita from there also and it is delicious! Channing could you please share your recipe. I bet it is so good.

 

[tinklvr64]

Hey gals......

I was a cleaning machine today....then had to go out for a few things and now Im home . Yikes i think Im getting sick...I have "fire" in my throat..sonofa......

Ok heres the scoop on Basin and Basin White....Basin White's products are made from a different concentration and purer ingred, better quality (thats what they told me when I questioned them). I personally dont think there is a difference. I do love Lemon Sugar from Basin White, but prefer the sugar scrub from regular Basin. Scents are also not the same....way more products at Basin. Did you know there is a Basin at Mall of America in Minnesota??? I would love to open a franchise..they are not selling any though.

Annette...please share your lemon drop cookie recipe. I love lemon drop cookies....

Shel...you know my saying..."You can pick your nose, and your friends, but not your family"

Maxie..thanks for the update...WHY DO I LIVE HERE IN CHICAGO???? ITS FRICKEN COLD AND SNOWY!

Chan..pick a day for breakfast..let me know!

Got to go gargle with some salt water
dawn