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

[Lives4Disney]

good morning!

Vanessa, YAY on the party!!!! I am glad it was fun and it's over and now you can look to WDW Xmas.

Hi, Deb & Blue Skies. Those cookies are really yummy. I've been making them for about 10 years now....only at Christmas because they are a PITA to make but good. My real specialty is gingerbread!! I have an AWESOME recipe for that.

Maxie, thanks for checking in. Glad you're having FUN!! I'm curious about Gaylord Palms, too. The pictures look stunning.....but I have been so fooled by photos before.

Siobhan is probably having a GREAT TIME with all the sales!! She IS the shopping queen.

Dawn.....I hope you had a nice day yesterday. We were all thinking of you. AND...I just checked SWA again this morn and that 445 is still $83. Hope you get it!!!!!

Kel.....how are you? I am glad your parents are being amazing but it's so not the same as being in your own home. Hope that power goes on today and things can return to normal. Keep us posted.

KELLY....here's something you might be interested in....that Kota dropped to $99!!!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Kot...e=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1229271217&sr=1-1

OK....I will go get my gingerbread recipe...it is the best ever. I also have the GF Gingerbread recipe. I like mine way better.

Things are MELTING here!!! It's windy and cold, but the snow is melting and yucko looking. I might get to go for a walk though.

TTYL!

Happy Sunday,
Channing

 

[tinklvr64]

Morning All......Well Its Official....Im done with a BA in Elementary Education!!! (high honors too) sorry I had to throw that in cause I worked my BU** off for that! We had a lovely lunch at Maggianos family style so it was MORE than enough food....My DD treated everyone..

OK on to other business...WHO WANTS TO CHAT I have LOTS of time!!

Chan...I GOT THE FLIGHT! 445...im in!

Vanessa...time to concentrate on GF! no more partays!

Kristin and Maxie...hope you are having a grand time. Thanks for the update Maxie..I also want to know all about Gaylord Palms give us the 411~

Siobhan...Whew you made it...give us updates and shopping updates!

Kel...I just watched the news and it looks HORRIBLE up there! Hopefully you will get some relief today....good thing you are able to go to your parents.


Hey IL Gals(Deb too)...anyone want to get together over Xmas break for breakfast???? Im free as a jaybird!

Chan im going to try those cookies..sounds yummy!

Hey you know those black sweatshirts with the designs we are having made?? What if I used a velvet zip up jacket???

Also, who can I call to get some of those Mickey coconut patties???

Dawn

 

[mickeynut1]

BlueSkies.......Ya I was up kinda early this morning.....I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep so I figured might as well get up and make some coffee and look at the paper . I'm pretty much done shopping......there are 1 or 2 gift cards I have to get this week and then I will officially be done . So hard to believe Christmas is just a week and a half away .


Chan......Those cookies do look like it takes some effort ........but they also sound soooo good that I think it'll be worth the hassle .


Vanessa.......Glad to hear your party was a hit . Now it's time to focus on your Christmas trip to WDW .


Maxie......I'd like to hear about Gaylord Palms as well.....I've seen pics and it looks just beautiful . Have a great time there .


Mandy......Hope you are having a great weekend at Disney celebrating DH's graduation .


Deb

 

[irisbud]

Maxie & Sibohan, Hope you are having fun!

Kristin, I think you come home today. Hope you had a fun trip!

Vanessa, Glad you had a fun time at your party!

Kelly, I hope your power comes back on

BS & Deb, I am going to try Channing's peppermint recipe too, maybe this afternoon.

Dawn, I hope you had the best day yesterday!

Channing, I would LOVE to see the gingerbread recipe! Gingerbread is my favorite!

I have to run and print off some pictures as part of my mom's gift and go pick up DF's super secret gift. I bought him a rare book of horse prints that was supposed to be his wedding and Christmas gift, but some of these sales are great! I just got him a big tool chest he has wanted for 60% off, so now I have to get it and wrap it without him seeing! I was going to have it shipped to my office, but shipping was $150! Doing in store pickup is free, LOL. He always guesses my gifts for him and it pisses me off!

I am DONE shopping! I just have to wrap. Oh, and we still have to buy for DF's mom...

HAve a great day everyone!

 

[irisbud]

Morning All......Well Its Official....Im done with a BA in Elementary Education!!! (high honors too) sorry I had to throw that in cause I worked my BU** off for that!

Don't EVER apologize for that! We all know you worked super hard and through a lot! You should be really proud of yourself

 

[mickeynut1]

Dawn..........YAY for it OFFICIALLY being over . And graduating with honors is a HUGE accomplishment.........CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you had a nice lunch at Maggiano's . We LOVE eating there.......we always eat WAY TOO much.........but it's GOOD . I would love to get together for breakfast or something with you IL gals . I'm actually only about an hour from you.....is that about 1/2 way between me and Chan/Kristin ??

Amy.......WTG on the tool chest......can't beat 60% off . I bet you're getting soooo excited for your wedding/trip since it's so close now . Have fun with any last minute preparations .


Deb

 

[tinklvr64]

Don't EVER apologize for that! We all know you worked super hard and through a lot! You should be really proud of yourself

Thanks Amy....Your right I shouldn't! ....You too!

 

[irisbud]

Deb, I am getting so excited! 37 days to Disney (oh, and 39 days to me wedding, LOL J/K)! I am WAITING for my BEO (tells you what is due) since my final payment is due a week from tomorrow! I just sent an e-mail to my planner asking if they do wedding portrait shoots in AK. I know the do in MK (for a nice price, LOL) but DF LOVES the Tree of Life and I think pictures in front of it would be really cool. Don't know if they do such a thing, though. I'm sure the would....for a price... they will do about anything...for a price, haha.

Dawn, I think it was you that told me not to apologize...I was just reminding you of your own advice! You are awesome!

 

[mickeynut1]

Amy........Those would be some awesome pictures if they were able to do it . But like you say......ANYTHING is doable for a price.....and it would be a hefty one I'm sure with Disney . But my thought is that it would be totally worth it for a once in a lifetime thing . I'm all for unique things......especially when it comes to a wedding . I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back .


Dawn.......I agree with Amy.....no need to apologize because going to college and graduating while having a husband and family is an accomplishment in itself.......not to mention graduating with honors . You've done a great job and you should be very proud of yourself .


Deb

 

[BlueSkies]

Dawn Congrats again...and with honors!!! That is quite an accomplishment...

Deb and Amy done shopping.. I had such a good head start and then...

Deb did you say a week and a half away...I hadnt thought of Christmas being sooo close...Ive gotta get a move on...

Amy You are too funny 37 days until disney...oh yeah and that wedding day coming up too

Channing I'm looking foward to your gingerbread recipe...love gingerbread!!!DD and I will be trying 2 new recipes this year thanks to you I'll let you know how we do...no Betty Crockers here!! but we try hard...

 

[Lives4Disney]

Thanks Amy....Your right I shouldn't! ....You too!

NO KIDDING!!! BRAG BRAG BRAG AWAY!!! You should!!! That is fabulous & you did a great job!!!!!

Yay on the 445 too!!! Whoohooo!! We are SO THERE!!!!!

I have been adding pics to my Facebook album!! LOL....My friend Heidi is into it...and when she was here she did some stuff to my settings and she added me to a bunch of people and now i am getting all kinds of scary friend requests and I am gonn have to throttle her. OMG....

I think Kristin comes home today....tonight? Mandy, too. I can't wait to hear how their trips went. I wonder if Siobhan and Mando saw Kristin...even from a distance.

Here is my BEST gingerbread recipe...and it's super duper easy & makes tons.

5 C all purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 C BUTTER - ONLY BUTTER
1 1/4 C mollasses....I use the yellow/black jar kind...grandma's???
1 C sugar
2 eggs beaten

Preheat oven to 350 (although I always let the dough harden in the fridge for several hours or overnight before I mess with it.....so I wouldn't bother preheating that oven - it's kind of sticky dough straight from the bowl)

In a large bowl, combine flour, spices, baking soda & salt. Set aside

Melt the butter in the microwave...or at least soften it to smooshy is what i do

With a mixer - I use my stand Kitchenaid because the dough gets big and thick - mix melted/smooshy butter, molasses, sugar and eggs til well mixed. Add flour mixture gradually and mix until blended.

Form dough into a ball, wrap and refrigerate until you can handle it.

On a lightly floured surface roll it out to desired thickness. (I like them a little thicker..maybe 1/4 inch or so) Cut into shapes and bake on lightly greased cookie sheet (OK..this is where I went wrong last niight....too many recipes going thru my head...make sure you GREASE the sheets. I had a sheet ruined)

Bake anywhere from 9 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the cut outs. Most of mine baked for about 9 to 10. They were shapes about 4 to 7 inches..you have to guestimate. The longer time is for larger house parts. Leave them on the cookie sheet a few minutes to cool/harden before removing to wax paper to cool. NOTE!!!! If you ARE making a house...you have to let the pieces harden for DAYS before you put it together. Also..make the pieces on the thicker side & cook longer.


Royal icing (house glue) Or it's pretty piped on to the cookies.

1 large egg white
2 1/2 c sifted confctioner's sugar (I NEVER sift it lol)
pinch of cream of tartar

In a large bowl place egg white. gradually stir in half the sugar with the cream of tartar until mixutre is the consistency of unwhipped heavy cream. Add remaining sugar a spoonful at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. (WHO DOES THAT? not me....i don't have patience for that) Continue stirring until icing stands infirm peaks when the spoon is lifted out. DO NOT BEAT WITH AN ELECTRIC MIXER. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

Notes...keep icing moist...you mihght have to add a touch of water as you go...this stuff hardens like cement FAST. I put it into a decorating bag and sometimes have to add a drop of water into the bag as I am going.

Anyway.....I am the impatient baker. I take all kinds of shortcuts and I am good...so don't let this sifting, one spoon at a time, blah blah intimidate you. And...here's a nasty little secret...I am SICK of baking...so last night I handed the girls a can of vanilla frosting and said GO TO IT....I just ate one with my coffee...and it was good!! Yay for that canned frosting.

Enjoy!!! I am off to shop today.

Chan

 

[goofygal531]

I had, no let me corect that... I have the biggest crush on Michelle Lee.
Since the early to mid 80s... I always watched knots landing and it was all because of her.
I got to see her on broadway in 'the tale of the allergists wife'

( i think i have a thing for older women )

She has aged, but is still very attractive. She was dressed beautifully, more for style than comfort on an airplane. She was very concerned that her driver was waiting for her and had to circle the airport since her luggage had not arrived on the carousel. She felt so bad having him wait. I thought that was sweet of her.

Anyone know what number to call to book the resort photo session?

Yes, that's the number that Sheli gave you. I just wanted to mention that the prepaid Photo Ppass is still listing the photo session as $25 on the confirmation email. Just bring it and they'll honor it. We did the photo shoot at the YC/BC and it was great. The photographer took us all over both resorts even hit the arcade for some shots of my DS4 playing the games. DH was impressed we got great pictures for $25. I think we got about 150 photos. We're looking forward to doing it at the GF in June. It saves me time and money rather than bringing the kids to the photo places in the mall. And the photos are so much better!

I just got my ME documents in the mail! I love getting Disney mail (except my Visa statement )

Oh, that is the BEST feeling when you get DISNEY MAIL!!

No tickets on my KTTWC!!! Mare I thought of you right away!!! Tell ya more about that later!

OMG Siobhan! What happened? I'm now wondering if their ADR system upgrade is effecting the rest of their computers???

We take ME because the boys love it. I've really been thinkking of taking SE, but my little one loves buses and when he sees "Mickey's Bus" he get's so excited! I know that will wear off soon, but it hasn't just yet.

Chan: I used to watch the Frugal Gourmet with my grandfather when I was little!! Thanks for the recipe!

Wow! 50% off Xmas already in WDW! We found 50% off 2008 merchandise in the stores in Nov.

So I called and got a Chef Mickey ADR for June. I know, I know Ugh CM, but it's all about the boys in our family. They LOVE it there. We got a last minute ADR in Nov and the food wasn't as bad as it was last time. It was decent. The CM told me the system should be up and running the second week of Jan for the ADRs. I'm okay with that, I'm more annoyed with the park hours and EMH not posted yet.

I'm off to clean and do lots of

Oh, we road the Polar Express train last night. The boys loved it, I thought the train was gross. It wasn't restored. They duck taped a sign "Polar Express" on the outside of the train! Inside, they strung xmas lights and told the story. They did the "hot chocolate scene" with chefs in floppy hats. Then Santa came and gave each child a bell. I just thought the actual train could have been nicer. We've road the Thomas train at Strassburg Railroad and that train was immaculate. It was a restored train used in the Hello Dolly movie. It was just beautiful. Wood, old light fixtures, velvet seats, etc... This Polar Express train was like riding on a converted school bus!

Off to clean!

Have a great Sunday everyone!
Mare

 

[goofygal531]

Here is my BEST gingerbread recipe...

What about the Special K cookies?

 

[tinklvr64]

Deb, I am getting so excited! 37 days to Disney (oh, and 39 days to me wedding, LOL J/K)! I am WAITING for my BEO (tells you what is due) since my final payment is due a week from tomorrow! I just sent an e-mail to my planner asking if they do wedding portrait shoots in AK. I know the do in MK (for a nice price, LOL) but DF LOVES the Tree of Life and I think pictures in front of it would be really cool. Don't know if they do such a thing, though. I'm sure the would....for a price... they will do about anything...for a price, haha.

Dawn, I think it was you that told me not to apologize...I was just reminding you of your own advice! You are awesome!

I know..LOL...I was saying you too as far as your studies all your hard work
Everyone is awesome here with all of their support and kind words for each one of us...Its nice to have somewhere to come and brag about things in our lives, complain about "things", and just have fun!!!!

 

[Lives4Disney]

What about the Special K cookies?

Oh My GAWD.....here's the deal on those precious babies......the first batch I made I had to guestimate the sugar cooking time because one of my CRAFTY kids took/lost/whatever my candy thermometer....so I over cooked it and they turned HARD AS ROCKS...I mean chip the tip off a stainless steel knife rocks....LOL...but they are so yummy still!!! So...yesterday I go and make another darn batch...BUT MY RECIPE IS NOW LOST AGAIN!!!!! I had just found it after like 20 years!!! And it's GONE!! So I guessed on the whole ting...probably had it right but again overcooked my sugar so I have this 9 X13 glass dish with rock hard brick Special K cookies SMASHED into it....I just cleaned up my kitchen and that is sitting on my counter and I don't know what to do with it. AND MY RECIPE IS GONE! I set it aside and though....what EVAH. Tomorrow is another day.

I know..LOL...I was saying you too as far as your studies all your hard work
Everyone is awesome here with all of their support and kind words for each one of us...Its nice to have somewhere to come and brag about things in our lives, complain about "things", and just have fun!!!!

Aint that the truth......

Have a fun free day!!!!

I HAVE to get myself outa here. It's so ugly out....and I bet the stores will be jammed....so I am totally dinking (nice word) around.....

TTYL!
Chan

 

[hobbester]

Hey everyone. We got home late last night. I'd never been to Disney at this time of the year, and I think it was my favorite. Everything was so beautiful and the crowds were very manageable. I wanted to post a picture of 2 people I got to meet on Friday. I don't know if any of you watch Discovery's "Deadliest Catch" but Captain Sig and Edgar were in Norway. I got them to sign a couple of things - Edgar is so cute. We'll I need to go unpack and all of that fun stuff. Thanks to you all for all the great tips about the GF. I can't wait to go back, we are already talking about when our next trip is going to be - Lisa.

 

[BlueSkies]

Lisa Dont know that show but thanks for posting!! Also I'm so glad to hear that you had a great trip...you're right holiday time at WDW is incredible...especially the GF...I'm alwways thinking about the next trip

Deb Speaking of next trip...have you been thinking about your ADRs...I have a short list going on...dont want to make too many as long as its not during free dining I think we should be ok...I read Mare has started making hers!

Mare My 2 year old nephew loved ME also but I just I dont love taking it to the resort-I wanna get there ASAP!!...going back I think its works out fine ...JMO Have you made any other ADRs??

I want to go to Citricos next trip and I think Artist Point too (Maxie's post made me think of that one) and I definitely want to go back to Le Cellier...nor sure about anythink else yet...

We have always gone to the Plaza on our first day but our last visit wasnt so good not sure...Channing I think you said it was ok and you were there after we were I hope it was just an off day when we went ...thats been a tradition for us..Oh I amost forgot Cape May too...My list is growing!!!

And definitely a cabana day or two...

Did make a dent in the shopping today...hope to finish tomorrow...

 

[mickeynut1]

Lisa.......Welcome back . Glad you had a great time . We've been to Disney once during the holidays and I loved it!!!! We are going in June next year and then again in December . As much as I can't wait to go in June and have our first stay at the GF, I think maybe I want to go in December more because I just LOVE all the beautiful decorations and all the things going on that time of year . My tree and all my Christmas decorations are Mickey so I REALLY get into it at Disney during the holidays . Sounds like you really enjoyed your trip which is great . I can't wait to hear all about it . DH and DS sometimes watch "Deadliest Catch" so it was neat to see your pic .


BlueSkies.........YES......can you believe it........only a week and a half until Christmas . Thank goodness I'm done shopping except for 1 or 2 gift cards that I will easily pick up when I run out this week . In a way I'm glad because the sooner Christmas comes and goes.......the sooner I get to the GF in June .


Kelly......Do you have power yet ? Hang in there, girl .


Chan.......How was shopping....were the stores crazy?? It rained a little here this morning but has since quit . The wind is WICKED and has been ALL DAY . NOT a good day to go out around here . I hope it wasn't too bad for you and that you were able to get alot of shopping done .


Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday .


Deb

 

[mickeynut1]

Deb Speaking of next trip...have you been thinking about your ADRs...I have a short list going on...dont want to make too many as long as its not during free dining I think we should be ok...I read Mare has started making hers!

Oh I amost forgot Cape May too...My list is growing!!!

And definitely a cabana day or two...

Did make a dent in the shopping today...hope to finish tomorrow...

I can make my ADRs next Sunday and I DO NOT have my list yet . I'm usually sitting a month or two with a list just waiting for my day to call . I don't know what's wrong with me this time around .......I think maybe the days are slipping past me too fast with Christmas creeping up on me so fast and it's throwing me off . I kinda know where we want to eat but I haven't put them on specific days yet . Cape May is a fav of ours.......we love it there . We've never been to Le Cellier so that's a possibility for us to try . And for the cabana......I'm right there with ya on that one.....I can't wait .


Deb

 

[BlueSkies]

Deb I guess we posted at just about the same time Youre right once the holidays are over I'll be thinking MORE about June too...and lucky you you already have two trips planned for next year

If I can go twice (I sure hope so!!!) I'm thinking about the fall...love that MNSSHP...

Loved the MVMCP but they have changed things alot since it began...you used to get a big holiday button to wear...they had photo shoots (not the photo pass ones that you pay extra for) you would get one photo of your family standing in front of a screen of what looking like holiday wrapping paper (mickey themed of course )does anyone else have these photos?? and they'd mail it to you and you could order more turn them into holiday cards if you wanted too...and they did have the hot cocoa and cookies.

This year no pins no special photo...glad they kept the cookies and cocoa though..

I will say the castle looks spectacular and the holiday shows were great too...