Pixie Dust and Presents, Christmas Decor, Oh My! What a lucky gal am I! Update P. 21

[TarzansKat]

The snow stops and starts off and on---I doubt you will miss it!! I have some pics if you want a sneak peek---but if you would rather wait to see for yourself, I understand!

Good to know, thanks! And no, I'll wait until I get there. Makes it more magical!

 

[MegansMom]

Good to know, thanks! And no, I'll wait until I get there. Makes it more magical!

That's why I asked---I am the same way!!! I wouldn't look at any of the pictures that are out there over all the many websites because I wanted to see it first hand myself!!! It is so wonderful---and the music is just perfect!!!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

So bear in mind we're dealing with a very strong-minded woman who raised a very strong-minded daughter who in turn raised another strong-minded daughter.

So what you're saying is, "Bring on the stubborn!"
No worries, it's genetic in my family too.

We'll save that for the freak out right before I leave.

Mental Note: Charge phone for 12/6 to receive TK's "I'm Freaking OUT" call sometime around 11:30 p.m. when she is sitting in her suitcase and HRH is trying to zip her in.

Now, I'll be taking on the role of DH for some portions of this trip.

NOJackSparrow

Which means I will also be finding the most efficient, effective, least possible amount of luggage to travel for this trip.

I will be of little help here.

Perhaps I'll limit myself to two pairs of shoes.

And even LITTLER help here.

THE YACHT CLUB

::sigh::

I'm putting on my envious shoes now.

Our plans are simple. Ride TSM if we can. Eat dinner at the Brown Derby. See the Osbourne Lights.

You have a heading.

 

[TarzansKat]

So what you're saying is, "Bring on the stubborn!"
No worries, it's genetic in my family too.

Well, I was trying to be pc about it, but yes, stubborn is definitely the word.

Mental Note: Charge phone for 12/6 to receive TK's "I'm Freaking OUT" call sometime around 11:30 p.m. when she is sitting in her suitcase and HRH is trying to zip her in.

Actually, you'll want to charge up that puppy earlier in the week. See, since I have to work all day the Friday before I leave, I'm hoping to pack on Tuesday. Which is technically, 12/2. Just so you're prepared.

NOJackSparrow

You have a heading.

We have a heading.

 

[TarzansKat]

Ah, dear friends. To properly get in the mood for this update, I think it's all time we poured ourselves a glass of wine. Or bubbly. Or whatever tickles your fancy.

This trip is filled with wonderful dining reservations, and Sunday, December 7, is no exception.

But, first, we must start at the beginning. With three ladies and HRH hopefully having spent an evening at the Yacht Club, and waking refreshed and rested (if you believe that allow me to sell you this bridge ) and ready to take on the WORLD!!! (At least that last part is true.)

See, I have my reservations about our sleeping arrangements. I anticipate that we'll be fine, but I also anticipate that I'll have a little company. In the way of my three year old. You all remember him, right? Fish out of water? One of the reasons I booked the Wilderness Lodge in September, i.e. queen size beds?

Ah, yes, I see by the nodding of heads you DO remember.

Anyway, I know it'll be interesting, but it's only three nights. Honestly, I did it for seven. I can handle three. It's really what comes afterward. When we get home. With the Mama, please let me sleep in your bed that we have to break him of. That was fun after our September trip. I would say it took about two solid weeks. And not that he still doesn't ask now. Or still come running in to snuggle with me at 600am when he's decided to wake up, and therefore I must wake up.

Ah, my little peanut. I know it won't last forever. So along with the sleep deprivation, I'm going to be grateful. Because someday my beautiful little boy is going to be a handsome young man, and all my lovey hugs and kisses may be few and far between.

Where were we?

Ah yes. Day Two.

Sunday, December 6, 2008

Most likely you'll laugh when I tell you the plans. And some may even shake their heads. It's pretty simple. I wonder how I could possibly draw out the suspense even longer?

Another tangent, perhaps.

So, on Sunday, we're going to Epcot. I'm very excited to see the World Showcase all decorated, and I know that various versions of Santa appear, indicative to the country they're in. But mostly, I'm excited about the decorations.

And it's a CERTAINTY that there will be shopping involved. In all honesty, I finished shopping for almost everyone last year after Christmas. Great sales on the Disney Shopping site, voila, done. Except for a few key people. Who may or may not enjoy what the World Showcase has to offer. So I'm keeping my eyes peeled. And of course, for any last minute items for my little nut. Now, I did find two gifts for him on my last trip, but I also like to plan ahead for his birthday, which is in February, and the best time to buy birthday gifts is before Christmas. Because, trust me, whether in the World or the world, all the cool toys are gone after Christmas.

So that's it.

We're going to Epcot. We'll take the boat to get there, and then we'll partake. Depending on what time we get there, we'll mosey on over to France and have our customary three ladies champagne toast. I must, must, must come up with something fun for HRH during this. I've put my thinking cap on, including but not limited to smuggling in a small bottle of sparkling cider. Which, actually, my mother did for me when I was pregnant, and couldn't have champagne in France. She had champagne, and I had cider. Good memories, my friends.

I remember the last time Mom, Nana, and I toasted in France. It was in May 2004, right before I got pregnant. A lovely girls weekend trip. That's when all the pictures on the trips used to be of me. Now they're of my son. I love it when life comes full circle.

So, because Epcot is rather large, and because we plan to see all the decorations, we'll be renting an ECV for Nana. I don't like to go into detail, because I think she'd be personally mortified if I plastered her private life on the internet, and I respect her too much to do so. Suffice it to say, the ECV will make it much easier for her to really enjoy herself, and it is necessary.

And that's pretty much it.
































What, you were waiting for something?

Oh, right the dining plans!!!

Of course we have a reservation. Why wouldn't we? This is three ladies and HRH, after all. And actually, this is a reservation that was a must do for Mom and Nana. We all sort of latch on to our favorite restaurant, and require to do it every time we go to the World, and that is what this is to Mom and Nana.

Chefs de France - 510pm

Now, it used to be Alfredo's. Back when there was Alfredo's. NoTuttoItalia. But to everything there is a season, and Alfredo's season is no more. So Mom and Nana thought to move on, and thought to try Chefs de France.

And they love it. They've had wonderful meals there, and think it's very, very good, considering it's not a signature restaurant. Which is usually more their fare.

And I'm excited about France. I'm a little nervous, because I worry whether or not HRH will like it, but given his affinity for signature dining (that's a little spoiler for my trip report), I think he'll do well in this environment.

I haven't eaten there in many moons. I don't even know what I'll have. Haven't even looked at the menu. But I do know one thing.

And that's escargot.

Yum. When I was little, my mother would make this for me, and being that I had no idea what it was, I would eat it. If I could only convey to you some of the looks I used to get when my parents would take me out and at the tender age of eight, I would order escargot. The waitress would look at my mother and whisper, "Does she know what that is?" And my parents would smile, nod, and say yes.

In case you haven't guessed, there's a deep and abiding love of food in my family. Just thought I'd let you in on that.

I'll probably peruse the menu sometime before we leave because I like to have a game plan, for myself, and for HRH. That's half the battle, really.

Having the plans, but being willing to change them.

 

[MegansMom]

Sounds like a great day!!! The decor in Epcot is so neat because it is so different in each country. You will LOVE it!!!

Now, I have never tried escargot......what DOES it taste like? I doubt I will ever be able to eat it, but just thought I would ask.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love how DS has become HRH. It's just plain ol' cute!

I really want to try Chefs des France, so I can't wait to hear allllll about it your TR. A fresh perspective if you will, especially since you haven't steered me wrong in your dining opinions yet!

 

[If U Had Wings]

It's sounding like it will be another great day. Chefs de France is another one of those places I want to try one of these days.

 

[Princesskeyblade]

Les Chefs de France was not only fun to say, but an awesome dining experience. Depending on the Illuminations time, you may be able to catch some fireworks from the window... It is a great view!

 

[Tinkerbellarella]

Ah, my little peanut. I know it won't last forever.

Think of it as a good thing.
Someday he'll be taller than 3 feet and twisting around in that bed like a fish out of water.

And it's a CERTAINTY that there will be shopping involved.

Shopping.
Shopping in the World Showcase.
Shopping in the World Showcase when it's decorated for Christmas.

I'm still not entirely sure why I haven't cashed in what remains of my 401K to join y'all on this trip.

Oh.

That's right.

Because $4.68 wouldn't quite cover it.

I must, must, must come up with something fun for HRH during this.

While not technically a drink, how's about a Kaki Gori for the little nut?

NoTuttoItalia.

Poor Tutto. Not even getting an Italian's blessing.
That's fine.
More calamari and sachetti for Tink.

I'm a little nervous, because I worry whether or not HRH will like it, but given his affinity for signature dining (that's a little spoiler for my trip report), I think he'll do well in this environment.

And that's escargot.

Ok, seriously. How freakin' BIZARRE is it that we had that conversation the other day and then here you are writing about this.

I'll try not to read your mind so much. NOYoda

That's half the battle, really.

You real American here, you. NOCOBRA

 

[TarzansKat]

Sounds like a great day!!! The decor in Epcot is so neat because it is so different in each country. You will LOVE it!!!

I'm really looking forward to the different theming.

Now, I have never tried escargot......what DOES it taste like? I doubt I will ever be able to eat it, but just thought I would ask.

It's really hard to describe, because it's not like anything else. If it's not cooked properly, it can have a rubbery texture. Other than that, it should be softer. And most typically, it's drowned in herbed butter, which makes it really, really tasty. This would probably explain why I love it, because as a kid, it wasn't uncommon for me to go out to restaurants and eat butter packets.

Yes.

Butter packets.

Sometimes with bread.

I love how DS has become HRH. It's just plain ol' cute!

Well, when he's having "those" moments, adding the regal nickname makes you feel better about it all.

I really want to try Chefs des France, so I can't wait to hear allllll about it your TR. A fresh perspective if you will, especially since you haven't steered me wrong in your dining opinions yet!

Truthfully, I'm looking forward to trying it. I haven't been in so long.

It's sounding like it will be another great day. Chefs de France is another one of those places I want to try one of these days.

I'm sure I'll have a nice little review for you when I get back!

Les Chefs de France was not only fun to say, but an awesome dining experience. Depending on the Illuminations time, you may be able to catch some fireworks from the window... It is a great view!

I doubt we'll be there during Illuminations, since our reservation is pretty early. Although, stranger things have happened. NoThreeHourDinnerAtCitricosWithTink.

Shopping.
Shopping in the World Showcase.
Shopping in the World Showcase when it's decorated for Christmas.

I'm still not entirely sure why I haven't cashed in what remains of my 401K to join y'all on this trip.

Oh.

That's right.

Because $4.68 wouldn't quite cover it.

Okay, no joke. I haven't even looked at my personal 401ks, but I took a gander at the one I have through work the other day.

In the past few months, it's had an over 40% loss.

40%!

I rationalize this is okay, because that's roughly what my employer contributes, so in theory I'm losing their money. Right?

While not technically a drink, how's about a Kaki Gori for the little nut?

You know, that's not a bad idea. Thanks!

Poor Tutto. Not even getting an Italian's blessing.
That's fine.
More calamari and sachetti for Tink.

There's a LONG story behind why we love Alfredo's, and the waiters, and the atmosphere so much. And so far, I can't bring myself to set foot in Tutto Italia. In addition to the menu not being appealing. And being married to Italian husband. And being part Italian myself. With a lot of chefs in the family, it's just not something I want to eat on vacation, especially when it's not Alfredo's.

:::sigh:::

I was spoiled by Alfredo's.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Do not torture yourself with looking at your 401K. I repeat do not look at your 401K.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm all caught up. Your plans sound fantastic!! And, yes, I will thank you now for the hilarity that is bound to ensue. But along with that hilarity I know will come an amazing time with family, great memories and of course a terrific trip report!!!

Yacht Club! I think you'll love it. I haven't stayed there but I've seen pictures and WOW. And at Christmas.

Nice easy arrival and boat over to Brown Derby sounds like the perfect plan. And glad you hear that you are raising a young'un w/ an affinity for signature dining. Good job!

Shopping at World Showcase is terrific any day but I can only imagine it when its all decorated for the holidays and the "santas" are coming out to tell their stories.

Chefs de France - I haven't eaten there but I want to. Especially at night it looks so warm and inviting in there. The lights are glowing, glasses are clinking (I can't hear the clinking with my face pressed up against the glass but I'm imagining)... can't wait to hear about it!

 

[TarzansKat]

Oh, I am so wise.

So wise in the ways of the force ...and the ways of bargain shopping.

Everyone remember these?

You got a lovely preview of these puppies in my first wardrobe chapter. Well, they're still here, and they're still lovely. And, I was able to wear them with ankle socks, and it works very well. I was concerned at first, but since I ordered a half size up from what I normally wear, there's plenty of room.

Now, I thought I'd gotten a good deal, savvy?

20% off, and then 10% off of that, and free shipping. I was feeling pretty good. And given the amount of ordering / returning of shoes / clothes I'd been doing, I'd really been avoiding advertisement e-mails that kept pouring into my inbox. Shocking, I know.

But this morning, for some reason, I decided to click on one for Sierra Trading Post. See, apparently it's been so long since I've ordered from them, that lately, they've been barraging me with a variety of offers, and today's actually peaked my interest. 25% off all items.

Now if you're not familiar with that website, let me tell you, their prices are great, but you really have to know what you want, because you pay for shipping, and pay to ship if you need to make a return.

Now I knew they had these Tevas before. And I thought, what the heck, let me see if they have them now...

Oh, my.

Did they.

In this color...

And this color...

And this color...

Oooo...the possiblities. The black to go with black pants, the green to go with my funky artsy clothes, the blue to go with jeans.

Hmm.....

But what really got the frugal TK to thinking she could purchase THREE pairs of shoes?? And the same shoe in different colors no less?

THE PRICE, OF COURSE!!!!

They're on sale, and then 25% off, so the total price of one pair is...

$17.97



$17.97!!!! For ONE PAIR!!!! Do you know what I paid on Shoebuy's site? $46.76!!!!

Holy shoe shopping, Batman! Oh, I was and and

Total cost of three pairs of shoes with shipping? $63.86

Sweet! So basically, two pairs of shoes for the price of one, and while I'm at it, why not just throw in that third pair.

I mean a girl needs versatility, right?

Tink, back me up here...

Plus, I can still return the unworn black Tevas to Shoebuy and get my full refund. Oh, the

The sweet bliss.

Now, while we're on the topic of clothes, let's just hash it all out shall we. I placed a rather large order on WalMart's site, with the intent of returning what didn't fit, which I've already done, and I just require a quick opinion on something.

::scurry, scurry, shuffle:::

Alright, I just tried to take the headless shots, and I'm having a little trouble. But without further ado, here they are.

I know, I know. Why on earth am I so excited about velour sweats? But I am! Because I can never find these in a length that fits me in the pants, and this is terribly exciting to me. These are good airplane clothes, my friends! Imagine how comfy, and warm and snuggly I'll be. Did I mention they come in different colors too? Which certainly means I'll be ordering more, since the set only cost me $18. I love a bargain. Love, love, love it.

And let me explain as well, so you all don't think I'm crazy. Most of the time, I have to buy new clothes for work, and my casual wardrobe is sadly, lacking. And I do not want to wear my work clothes on my days off. You know, it's the whole separation thing, I like to keep it out of my days off as much as possible. But that means that my casual wardrobe is sadly lacking, because most of the wardrobe money goes to nice clothes for work.

Well, enough is enough. I'm me every day of the week, not just when I'm at work, and as such, I figured I deserve a good casual wardrobe. Now, I'm not going to spend oodles, and oodles, but I would just like a couple of outfits that are specifically for my days off, or more specifically, just for me. Not things I wear because I have to, but because I want to.

Does that make any sense? Lack of sleep lately is addling my brain.

Now here's my question. The pants fit me perfectly, which is so exciting to me. I'm betwixt and between on the hoodie. I have two different sizes, and I can't decide whether or not to stick with the more fitted one, or go a size up. I know it's hard to tell in these photos, but I welcome opinions. I've tried them on so many times, I'm just not sure. I like how the fitted one looks more polished (if that's possibly with sweats ), but the larger one is very comfortable, but also, to me, looks sloppier.

Option One - Smaller Size Hoodie

Option Two - Larger Size Hoodie

And, I did find a cute shirt on Kohl's website. It has short sleeves, but I'll bring it with me in case the weather's really good. This photo is not the most flattering, but it's very cute on, with a nice v neck and bubble sleeves. I plan to dress it up with this pretty necklace I have.

I also got some good advice (thanks, Tink) and am hoping to order myself a new pair of jeans soon. I actually...:::gasp:::...went into Old Navy and tried on different pairs to see what fit best.

I know. Pick your jaws up off the floor. After all my talk about bad lighting and hating dressing rooms. At least DS wasn't with me. But when I walked into that dressing room, I had my head held high. It is what it is, it is what it is was my mantra.

And you know what? I didn't look so bad. Sure, there are areas to be worked on, but I'm rather proud of my mommy body. Especially since I've started working out more regularly again. I gained some weight after the last trip, and I'm hoping to shave off at least a few pounds before we leave again. So far, I'm down two, and counting.

This update was much longer than I ever intended. We need to get back to the plans!

Thanks for bearing with me.

 

[TarzansKat]

Do not torture yourself with looking at your 401K. I repeat do not look at your 401K.

Oh, believe me.

Haven't.

Even.

Tried.

I'm all caught up. Your plans sound fantastic!! And, yes, I will thank you now for the hilarity that is bound to ensue. But along with that hilarity I know will come an amazing time with family, great memories and of course a terrific trip report!!!

Yacht Club! I think you'll love it. I haven't stayed there but I've seen pictures and WOW. And at Christmas.

Nice easy arrival and boat over to Brown Derby sounds like the perfect plan. And glad you hear that you are raising a young'un w/ an affinity for signature dining. Good job!

Shopping at World Showcase is terrific any day but I can only imagine it when its all decorated for the holidays and the "santas" are coming out to tell their stories.

Chefs de France - I haven't eaten there but I want to. Especially at night it looks so warm and inviting in there. The lights are glowing, glasses are clinking (I can't hear the clinking with my face pressed up against the glass but I'm imagining)... can't wait to hear about it!

Yay, you're back! And you're all caught up, and I just posted! Hope you enjoy the next installment. I'm really looking forward to this trip, and getting so excited. Thanks for sharing it with me.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Yeay for headless shots!!!

Hurray too for cute shoes and vacation clothes!

 

[TarzansKat]

Yeay for headless shots!!!

You know, when I started on the DIS, that's not something I ever thought I'd hear. Although, given my love of Halloween, I guess it is appropriate.

Hurray too for cute shoes and vacation clothes!

Indeed!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Your shopping posts are going to be the death to my budget. I can't believe those shoes are so affordable! Sierra has been sending me those emails too, apparently they miss us!

I would go with the "bigger" hoodie. I think hoodies are meant to be cozy and comfy but that's just me.

 

[TarzansKat]

Your shopping posts are going to be the death to my budget. I can't believe those shoes are so affordable! Sierra has been sending me those emails too, apparently they miss us!

Honestly, I've just been deleting those e-mails as soon as I get them. But, I knew I'd seen those shoes on there before and thought I'd give it a whirl. And since I really like them, one of every color is okay...right?

I would go with the "bigger" hoodie. I think hoodies are meant to be cozy and comfy but that's just me.

That's true. I'm also not really taking into consideration what I'm going to wear under it, although most of my tanks are thin.

 

[TarzansKat]

So, when last we left the royal plans, we'd spent a lovely day in Epcot, with a lovely dinner in France.

Monday, December 8th will be no exception to loveliness, just of a different kind. I'm not even going to do a big lead in, I'm just going to say it.

Today we're going to the Magic Kingdom!!!

I am SO excited about seeing the Magic Kingdom all decorated for the holidays. As much as I love Epcot, I LOVE the Magic Kingdom. It's just magical. It's how it all started. There's something about the roots of it, the beginning of what we know as Walt Disney World. Inspired by Disneyland, but improved upon.

And I get to see it decorated like some kind of holiday fairy tale. Lights on the castle, decorations galore. I'll be in some kind of

We've got a full Magic Kingdom day on the horizon, and that's mostly for DS. We want him to be able to get on whatever rides he wants, and we want to just take our time to enjoy it. After which, we have a lovely dinner reservation at....


Citrico's!


Oh, yes. This will be my second time there this year and I anticipate it so much! I had forgotten how much I love it until I ate there with Tink in September. It's amazing, and lovely, and I love the Grand Floridian. Never mind getting to see the huge gingerbread house in the lobby! And the tree! Oh my goodness the big tree!

Oh, it's just heaven. Heaven, heaven, heaven. I love my Grand Flo. I do, I do. And eating at Citrico's will be just so divine. Our reservation is at 530, and I believe the Magic Kingdom has extra magic hours this evening, so we can certainly sneak back in and check out how everything looks at night in case we don't see it beforehand.

This day is just perfection. When we originally booked this trip, and it was only three days, not four, the deal was that Mom and Nana got to pick a restaurant, and I got to pick a restaurant.

They picked France, I picked Citrico's. I've thought about changing my mind, but I won't. It just makes sense. Magic Kingdom, see the Monorail Resorts decorated, fantastic dinner.

:::sigh:::

It doesn't get much better than this...





But it does...

because on our last day, we're going to........