"Having a GRAND time - The Official GF Chat Thread"

[Tinkaroo]

Hi, everyone!

Sorry I've been MIA - had my parents in town last weekend visiting, and then this week has just been busy. Sounds like everyone is hanging in there. It's the 1st day of spring!

Kristin - I hope the fever breaks for DS soon, poor little guy! Lots of heading your way. Your comment on 6 in. of snow has me . DH is working up in your neck of the woods right now, but is scheduled to fly home tomorrow night. Flying in/out of O'Hare is bad enough - I'm sure this will just make it fantastic.

Welcome to all the new posters!

tholczer - I hope you enjoy your first trip to WDW! You're doing it right staying at the Grand. As for ideas for dinner that 1st evening, you can also keep in mind the food court at the Poly (Captain Cook's) - they've redone their space/menu within the last 18 mos. or so. You can get Dole Whips there now, too! FYI - I believe the Food & Fun Center is closed at the CR - there is a temporary location (Tempo Grab & Go) on the concourse level while they shuffle all the restaurants at the CR around. The new permanent food court, Chef Mickey's Express, is to open I think in August some time.

Hi, Kelly - how are you feeling?

So, when my mom was in town last weekend, we hit the Bare Escentuals boutique. OMG, I think I'm in love! That stuff was amazing. My mom was skeptical going in, but ended up buying more than I did. I am about to go bonkers waiting for the starter kit, though - it was a better deal to order it through the TV offer, because you get more bang for your buck. I ordered it over the weekend, but they didn't ship it until yesterday! It won't be here until Monday.

But now, everything that you guys have been talking about makes sense now.

 

[tholczer]

Thanks for all the well wishes on my first trip! I'm dying over here. I figured that since it was our first real vacation, we should do it right and stay at the GF! I only wish I'd booked concierge at the time because they're all sold out, now. Here's to hoping for an upgrade!

And all this talk of Bare Minerals has me foaming at the mouth. I can't wait to get in there. We have a Sephora in our local mall.

Cinderumbrella - thanks for the dining tips and I hope your little guy is feeling better soon. Stay healthy and good luck on your last few pounds!

Spacec47 - we are checking in on April 12 and leaving the 19. I have made all kinds of fun plans. Fireworks cruise, cabana rentals, P&PP, character meals, BBB, a limo. I don't know that we'll be able to get back for quite awhile, so I wanted to make sure we did all the fun stuff!

Tracy

 

[smcinerney]

Hello All!

Happy Spring

Thanks for all the welcome words!!

Sorry for those not feeling well (and the little ones!) I too am just getting over the latest round of sickness - this has been my worst winter - one bug after another! I teach so I usually pick up a thing or two - but I have been sooo sick - was out ALL last week - finally feeling a bit more normal but still tired.

Tinkaroo - I saw on the other thread (oops - I am new to this - should I be writing my question there?? or here ok???) - anyway - You said you were checking in at ASMu the night before and then checking in early at GF - Is this what you've done before? How has that worked for you? Our check in is 12/5 so my sis and I are thinking of flying in 12/4 pm and doing the quick stay somewhere. I will be arriving from Long Island - she comes in from Albany. We did a trip in Jan - stayed at SSR with friends (I'll give the scoop on why I don't take my teenage boys anymore another time - but notice the word "teenagers") There are great flights that get us in only an hour apart - but its late - Last time we stayed at a really nice place offsite - like a villa - huge but what a hassle to get there and we were on the THIRD floor - no elevator. So the idea of doing quick check in scares us - Is it smooth if you are at one Disney property going to another? Which do you suggest?

As you all will see - I am VERY wordy!! - No, not an english teacher - 4th grade - but I just seem to go on and on....

Thanks

 

[irisbud]

Hello All!

Happy Spring

Thanks for all the welcome words!!

Sorry for those not feeling well (and the little ones!) I too am just getting over the latest round of sickness - this has been my worst winter - one bug after another! I teach so I usually pick up a thing or two - but I have been sooo sick - was out ALL last week - finally feeling a bit more normal but still tired.

Tinkaroo - I saw on the other thread (oops - I am new to this - should I be writing my question there?? or here ok???) - anyway - You said you were checking in at ASMu the night before and then checking in early at GF - Is this what you've done before? How has that worked for you? Our check in is 12/5 so my sis and I are thinking of flying in 12/4 pm and doing the quick stay somewhere. I will be arriving from Long Island - she comes in from Albany. We did a trip in Jan - stayed at SSR with friends (I'll give the scoop on why I don't take my teenage boys anymore another time - but notice the word "teenagers") There are great flights that get us in only an hour apart - but its late - Last time we stayed at a really nice place offsite - like a villa - huge but what a hassle to get there and we were on the THIRD floor - no elevator. So the idea of doing quick check in scares us - Is it smooth if you are at one Disney property going to another? Which do you suggest?

As you all will see - I am VERY wordy!! - No, not an english teacher - 4th grade - but I just seem to go on and on....

Thanks

Not Tinkaroo, but as I mentioned above we almost always do split stays. Disney makes it VERY easy. Call bell services and tell them you need someone to pick up your luggage. Tell the person picking it up where it needs to go. Go to your next hotel and check in. You moay not have your bags for a couple of hours, but it is super simple. Then, once you get your room (if it wasn't ready when you checked in early) ask them to bring your bags to you. Or, if you want, you can take a taxi and bell services will store your bags at your second hotel until your room is ready.

Trust me, if it wasn't super easy we would NEVER do it. BF hates to be hassled and wouldn't agree to changes if WDW didn't make it so simple.

HTH!

 

[grannyminnie]

Hello GF friends...love the new tickers; now if I could only figure out how to make mine! 28 days til my sister and I go back. To the WL this time.
Anybody heard how it's going for Channing?
BTW, I just happened to be offered to try some of my daughter's BM items while visiting her near D.C. last week. One comment...how do you "neatniks" stand all the mess that stuff can make?!? All that powder everywhere in and around her makeup drawer....whew!
Happy Easter to all!

 

[smcinerney]

Thanks Amy

Now the big question is where to stay for that one night. My sister has always thought POP culture looked fun - but since its only the one late night - its really all about convenience - Any place easier to get in/out? Remember - I am still having horrible memories of dragging my way overstuffed luggage up three flights from last trip!

And we haven't decided on the transportation to/from airport yet. We fly SW so going is no problem, but returning we have had to print our own boarding passes in the past - And I am such a nut - I HAVE to be at the computer exactly 23 hours and 58 minutes before the flight just so I get a good boarding position!!
We have done ME but we didnt leave the airport for at least 1/2 hour and it seemed like we have to meet the bus so much ahead of time for the return flight - We are actually thinking of doing the limo - treat ourselves - might as well complete the dream.

Thanks for the info

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hi all!

DS is down for a nap so I figure I would poke around here a little Thanks for all the well wishes for him!! I feel so bad for him when he is sick He is a child of perpetual motion and when he just lays around with those rosy red fever cheeks I feel HORRIBLE!!! I am so tempted to pull a new toy or something out from the Easter stash just to give him something new to do!!

Lindsay- I would tell DH to watch the weather like a hawk. I would doubt he will be flying home tomorrow with what they are talking about (any chance he can get out tonight??).

Hooray for all the new Bare Minerals converts!!!!!!! I truly love the stuff! For those of you who have Target's carrying the line now, they have a Get Started Eyes kit that it great! My mom wants a starter kit for Mothers Day!!

Grannyminnie- I used to make a HUGE mess when I first started. I am much neater when I tap it in the lid now But if I get messy I just reach for a clorox wipe and wipe down the counter real quick. As for a ticker, just give me your arrival date and I will go to MickeyPath and make one for you if you want! All you would need to do is copy it and paste it into your "EDIT SIGNATURE"

Kristin

 

[mandymommy4]

I had to jump on this thread and let everyone know how much you all helped me in planing my week at the GF! I didn't have to ask to many questions b/c of all the great info posted on the other thread but when I did have a question I got answers quick! Now the only problem is I don't think I can stay anywhere but the beloved GF!

It has been almost a week since we have been back in the "real world" and I have been blue. My husband surprised me with a beautiful shirt from the store that sells all the Lilly Pulizter, it's the one that has Disney's GF in crystals, the day after we got home. The shirt and the Basin soap I bought and of course the H2O body butter is helping!

Anyways, I had to throw my 2 cents in about the BM. I have used it for 2 years now and I LOVE it. I like a heavier coverage and like the Kabuki brushes, my favorite being the Handy Buki. Any other Kabuki lovers? A friend convinced me to try the new Mary Kay mineral makeup and I hate it, it makes my skin feel dry and itchy and the brush sheds horribly! Don't waste your money if you are use to BM. I think the MK might be a step up from the drug store brands but no where near BM.

Back to the never ending

 

[mandymommy4]

Hi all!

DS is down for a nap so I figure I would poke around here a little Thanks for all the well wishes for him!! I feel so bad for him when he is sick He is a child of perpetual motion and when he just lays around with those rosy red fever cheeks I feel HORRIBLE!!! I am so tempted to pull a new toy or something out from the Easter stash just to give him something new to do!!

Lindsay- I would tell DH to watch the weather like a hawk. I would doubt he will be flying home tomorrow with what they are talking about (any chance he can get out tonight??).

Hooray for all the new Bare Minerals converts!!!!!!! I truly love the stuff! For those of you who have Target's carrying the line now, they have a Get Started Eyes kit that it great! My mom wants a starter kit for Mothers Day!!

Grannyminnie- I used to make a HUGE mess when I first started. I am much neater when I tap it in the lid now But if I get messy I just reach for a clorox wipe and wipe down the counter real quick. As for a ticker, just give me your arrival date and I will go to MickeyPath and make one for you if you want! All you would need to do is copy it and paste it into your "EDIT SIGNATURE"

Kristin

Target sells Bare Minerals?!?!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hi MandyMommy!

Welcome aboard!! And welcome back to the real world. I usually have to stay away from the Dis the first couple weeks back as I get over my funk.

We feel the same way about the GF (OK, I have always felt that way, but DH had other ideas in the past!! ) We booked this year's trip about 3 weeks after returning from last years. And DH told me to book the GF even if it was RACK RATE (Luckily we got a 20% code later but I was still stunned at the gesture!!)

I use my handi buki to apply blush, but that is all. I don't have any of the other buki (QVC was featuring a body buki with gossamer a couple of days ago- that sucker was HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I have not noticed Bare Minerals at my normal Target (yet) but I was at a different one yesterday and they had Get Started Eyes kit and Beyond the Basics Face kit. I WAS STUNNED!!! I doubt they will ever carry the full line, though. I get mine at our local Ulta store since the nearest Bare Escentuals and Sephora are at a mall about 45 minutes away. I also order from QVC occassionally since most of their stuff comes with brushes (Can never have too many of those! )

Hope you stay and chat with us!

Kristin

 

[Tinkaroo]

Tinkaroo - I saw on the other thread (oops - I am new to this - should I be writing my question there?? or here ok???) - anyway - You said you were checking in at ASMu the night before and then checking in early at GF - Is this what you've done before? How has that worked for you? Our check in is 12/5 so my sis and I are thinking of flying in 12/4 pm and doing the quick stay somewhere. I will be arriving from Long Island - she comes in from Albany. We did a trip in Jan - stayed at SSR with friends (I'll give the scoop on why I don't take my teenage boys anymore another time - but notice the word "teenagers") There are great flights that get us in only an hour apart - but its late - Last time we stayed at a really nice place offsite - like a villa - huge but what a hassle to get there and we were on the THIRD floor - no elevator. So the idea of doing quick check in scares us - Is it smooth if you are at one Disney property going to another? Which do you suggest?

Like Amy said, Disney makes it really easy to transfer resorts!

We actually always have a rental car, so it's just a matter of putting the bags in the car, checking out of the 1st hotel, and driving/checking in to the new resort. If your room isn't ready, you can leave your bags in the trunk of your car, or have Bell Services hold them for you. We always do split stays (usually a more even # of nights), and we've never had any problems. We've also had some good luck in our rooms being ready for us at the 2nd resort right away!

I've done the fly in late/stay at a Value resort one time before (we stayed at Pop that time). I usually prefer to take an early morning flight, but the difference in flight costs was horrendous, so we're flying in the night before and have an AP rate at ASMu (it also helps with my goal of staying at all the Disney resorts - ASMu is a new one for me).

Most of the Disney values and moderates have elevators, so there shouldn't be any dragging luggage up/down stairs! I know Pop has elevators. You might want to try it for a night - it's really not bad - some neat theming (although the colors and electricity wear on me for longer trips).

As for asking question - I think we're happy to answer them anywhere! I would hate to see our GF FAQ die though , so I would suggest that everyone keep posting questions/responses for the GF over there so it can continue to be a great Resorts Board thread!

Thanks Amy

Now the big question is where to stay for that one night. My sister has always thought POP culture looked fun - but since its only the one late night - its really all about convenience - Any place easier to get in/out? Remember - I am still having horrible memories of dragging my way overstuffed luggage up three flights from last trip!

And we haven't decided on the transportation to/from airport yet. We fly SW so going is no problem, but returning we have had to print our own boarding passes in the past - And I am such a nut - I HAVE to be at the computer exactly 23 hours and 58 minutes before the flight just so I get a good boarding position!!
We have done ME but we didnt leave the airport for at least 1/2 hour and it seemed like we have to meet the bus so much ahead of time for the return flight - We are actually thinking of doing the limo - treat ourselves - might as well complete the dream.

Thanks for the info

Do you have a mobile phone? You can now check in for SWA flights on their mobile platform! Or, the front desk concierge is usually willing to check you in. If you can't print your boarding passes right away, no biggie. You can print them from a kiosk at MCO, or have a sky cap do it for you.

I really don't like ME - too impatient! I say rent a car or get a car/limo service!

Hi all!

DS is down for a nap so I figure I would poke around here a little Thanks for all the well wishes for him!! I feel so bad for him when he is sick He is a child of perpetual motion and when he just lays around with those rosy red fever cheeks I feel HORRIBLE!!! I am so tempted to pull a new toy or something out from the Easter stash just to give him something new to do!!

Lindsay- I would tell DH to watch the weather like a hawk. I would doubt he will be flying home tomorrow with what they are talking about (any chance he can get out tonight??).

Hooray for all the new Bare Minerals converts!!!!!!! I truly love the stuff! For those of you who have Target's carrying the line now, they have a Get Started Eyes kit that it great! My mom wants a starter kit for Mothers Day!!

Grannyminnie- I used to make a HUGE mess when I first started. I am much neater when I tap it in the lid now But if I get messy I just reach for a clorox wipe and wipe down the counter real quick. As for a ticker, just give me your arrival date and I will go to MickeyPath and make one for you if you want! All you would need to do is copy it and paste it into your "EDIT SIGNATURE"

Kristin

Poor little guy!

I bought that eye kit at Target on Tuesday! They had a few other kits, too - can't remember the details of them, but they weren't ones I was interested in - too much duplication of what I already have bought, or have coming in the mail.

Yes, he's watching the weather, although it doesn't sound like it's looking good. He so wants to come home. I was supposed to travel for work on Tuesday and we had such torrential rains here in TX that my plans got canceled too - seems we don't have any luck this week.

 

[Tinkaroo]

I had to jump on this thread and let everyone know how much you all helped me in planing my week at the GF! I didn't have to ask to many questions b/c of all the great info posted on the other thread but when I did have a question I got answers quick! Now the only problem is I don't think I can stay anywhere but the beloved GF!

It has been almost a week since we have been back in the "real world" and I have been blue. My husband surprised me with a beautiful shirt from the store that sells all the Lilly Pulizter, it's the one that has Disney's GF in crystals, the day after we got home. The shirt and the Basin soap I bought and of course the H2O body butter is helping!

Anyways, I had to throw my 2 cents in about the BM. I have used it for 2 years now and I LOVE it. I like a heavier coverage and like the Kabuki brushes, my favorite being the Handy Buki. Any other Kabuki lovers? A friend convinced me to try the new Mary Kay mineral makeup and I hate it, it makes my skin feel dry and itchy and the brush sheds horribly! Don't waste your money if you are use to BM. I think the MK might be a step up from the drug store brands but no where near BM.

Back to the never ending

So glad you had a fabulous trip - sorry that the Disney blues have set in. I've found the best way to combat those is to begin planning your next trip!

Would love to hear about your trip - what were your favorite things?

I'm at a little over 40 days until I'm heading back!

 

[mandymommy4]

Hi MandyMommy!

Welcome aboard!! And welcome back to the real world. I usually have to stay away from the Dis the first couple weeks back as I get over my funk.

We feel the same way about the GF (OK, I have always felt that way, but DH had other ideas in the past!! ) We booked this year's trip about 3 weeks after returning from last years. And DH told me to book the GF even if it was RACK RATE (Luckily we got a 20% code later but I was still stunned at the gesture!!)

I use my handi buki to apply blush, but that is all. I don't have any of the other buki (QVC was featuring a body buki with gossamer a couple of days ago- that sucker was HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I have not noticed Bare Minerals at my normal Target (yet) but I was at a different one yesterday and they had Get Started Eyes kit and Beyond the Basics Face kit. I WAS STUNNED!!! I doubt they will ever carry the full line, though. I get mine at our local Ulta store since the nearest Bare Escentuals and Sephora are at a mall about 45 minutes away. I also order from QVC occassionally since most of their stuff comes with brushes (Can never have too many of those! )

Hope you stay and chat with us!

Kristin

Thanks for the warm welcome! A group of GF girls that share my obsession with BM, Vera, And GYMBO! I'm subbing! Just wait until my trip report, my girls were in Gymbo almost everyday! Gotta love those Gymbucks!

I buy almost all my BM from QVC. I like having so many brushes so I can clean them and not worry about waiting for them to dry. Are you the vanilla sugar fan? I LOVE that color and use it all the time. I think that may be the one color I actually run out of!

Mandy

 

[mandymommy4]

So glad you had a fabulous trip - sorry that the Disney blues have set in. I've found the best way to combat those is to begin planning your next trip!

Would love to hear about your trip - what were your favorite things?

I'm at a little over 40 days until I'm heading back!

The food of course! I ate at the California Grill and Narcoosses for the first time, YUM. There are not words to describe the almond cheesecake at Narcs! I have four little one and I cook and clean non stop, so the break from that was great. This was the first vacation DH and I have had since our honeymoon and the first trip ever with our kids so the family time was magical! I plan on doing a trip report but we had to do some catch up on home school!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Thanks for the warm welcome! A group of GF girls that share my obsession with BM, Vera, And GYMBO! I'm subbing! Just wait until my trip report, my girls were in Gymbo almost everyday! Gotta love those Gymbucks!

I buy almost all my BM from QVC. I like having so many brushes so I can clean them and not worry about waiting for them to dry. Are you the vanilla sugar fan? I LOVE that color and use it all the time. I think that may be the one color I actually run out of!

Mandy

You will fit in so well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE VANILLA SUGAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think that is one of the first things I tell everyone to buy (once they have the foundation stuff of course)For those of you on the fence, the Target eye kit has vanilla sugar (plus that wonderful fashionista eye liner so many of wear- plus all the brushes).

When I am on the ball, I wash my brushes in the am right after I put my face on and then leave them sitting out on a towel until the next day when I need to start all over again- they are always dry. That's the beauty of Bare Minerals- you don't need to touch it up later in the day!!!!!!!!!!

Case in point... wow, I can't believe I am going to voluntarily post an awful picture of myself...deep breath... this is me at about 11:30 at night at MK after spending an etire day at the parks in August's horrible heat and humidity and 4 rides on Splash Mountain... see that eyemakeup- IT'S STILL THERE AFTER 16 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!

(wow... I hate that picture...)

Much better

 

[grannyminnie]

Cinderumbrella/Kristin:
Thanks for your offer! Problem is, I don't even know how to "cut and paste"!! Aren't I pitiful??
(we leave April 17 BTW).
Can't believe Target is selling that makeup!
P.S....nothin' wrong with your pictures!

 

[mandymommy4]

You will fit in so well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE VANILLA SUGAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think that is one of the first things I tell everyone to buy (once they have the foundation stuff of course)For those of you on the fence, the Target eye kit has vanilla sugar (plus that wonderful fashionista eye liner so many of wear- plus all the brushes).

When I am on the ball, I wash my brushes in the am right after I put my face on and then leave them sitting out on a towel until the next day when I need to start all over again- they are always dry. That's the beauty of Bare Minerals- you don't need to touch it up later in the day!!!!!!!!!!

Case in point... wow, I can't believe I am going to voluntarily post an awful picture of myself...deep breath... this is me at about 11:30 at night at MK after spending an etire day at the parks in August's horrible heat and humidity and 4 rides on Splash Mountain... see that eyemakeup- IT'S STILL THERE AFTER 16 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!

(wow... I hate that picture...)

Much better

So I see we not only have the same love of eyeshadow but men! Good thing we live in different states, i'd hate to run into you while out with my man Jack! Things might get akward...... I'd be called a wench any day as long as I was Captn. Jacks!

By the way the pics are great! And your little boy is adorable!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

OK, grannyminnie here it is!!


http://www.**************/id/1206044229.jpg

Take your mouse and hold down the left button. Run the mouse over the whole thing above while holding down that button. See how it is highlighted in blue?? Then let go of the button and on your keyboard, press the CTRL button and the "C" button at the same time. Now it is copied.

Click on your "Private Messages" link in the yellow box at the top of this screen. That will take you into you user profile.

On the left hand side of the screen click on the link called EDIT SIGNATURE

Place your cursor in the big box (just like you were going to type a message). Then on your keyboard hit CTRL and P at the same time. That will paste the message in.

Next, place your cursor in front of the "http" and hit the backspace button once so all of the above is on one line.

Hit save signature and you are all set!!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

So I see we not only have the same love of eyeshadow but men! Good thing we live in different states, i'd hate to run into you while out with my man Jack! Things might get akward...... I'd be called a wench any day as long as I was Captn. Jacks!

By the way the pics are great! And your little boy is adorable!

JD is actually filming the Dillinger movie near my house right now!! I told DH that I invited him to stay with us so he doesn't have to stay at a hotel!! DH was NOT amused (He doesn't approve of my JD obsession!!!) I am a proud card carrying Dis Pirate Wench

Thanks to all for the comments on the pics (that top one barely even looks like me, but at least you can catch my drift on the makeup!!)

 

[mandymommy4]

JD is actually filming the Dillinger movie near my house right now!! I told DH that I invited him to stay with us so he doesn't have to stay at a hotel!! DH was NOT amused (He doesn't approve of my JD obsession!!!) I am a proud card carrying Dis Pirate Wench

Thanks to all for the comments on the pics (that top one barely even looks like me, but at least you can catch my drift on the makeup!!)

Lucky you! I know what you mean about the diaproving husband. MIne acts like I am breaking a marriage vow because of my admiration of him! I actually snuck off to go "shopping" but instead watched the Pirate tutorial, but it wasn't the same you know? It was a good CJS lookalike though.

So, about this Pirate Wench card, how would a Wench get her hands on one?