Sew much to do, sew little time - but it was worth it! New PTR link posted! ~~~~~~~~~

[lovethattink]

OK - so I managed to fix my siggy...

So, the plan, from here on out... I will start using my other Photobucket account for the remainder of this TR. Which is a bummer, because that means that half my TR photos will be in one PB account and the other half will be in another.

The sad part... According to my Photobucket account, my bandwidth resets every month on the anniversary of when I created my account... So, my bandwidth doesn't reset until the 7th of every month... Which means that I've exceeded my bandwidth in a mere 17 days! Ack!!!

However, I must say, that Photobucket used to have 25 GB of free bandwidth every month, when they redid their ToS last month, of course, I didn't read the fine print - but I am sure it was stated in there that they've reduced the free bandwidth to 10 GB per month! Less than half of what it used to be! Which is why I have gone over so quickly.

I have no plans to redo any of my pictures so far, but I'll start using my other accounts from here on out.

Oh well... Glad I have a few PB accounts to choose from... Might have to create yet another?

D~

I didn't know they changed their band width allowance. Thanks for the heads up.

a napolean is a layered desert.

It generally has a crispy pastry layer, then cream, then fruit and repeat. Sometimes it has a cream frosting too.

There are different variations.

It looked yummy! Is there chocolate in it? Doesn't look like any chocolate from her picture.

 

[VBAndrea]

Ick on the rain! It still looks like you had fun -- enough fun to tire you all out!

I've never had a Napolean -- good reason to go back so I can try one!

Because, then, you know, the trip here this summer could be written off as business related

Heck, if I had a basement, period, I'd feel fancy! I miss basements!!!

Okay- the ILs arrive on Saturday and DH & I have a lot to get done. . . I'm off to try to be productive!

1. Good idea about D being able to write her trip off!

2. We were looking at the real estate listing for our house last night and the kids were whining they wanted to go back to that house. Our house here is really nicer, but when I asked them why it was the basement! Of course, we finished it so it was even better than a basement. I HATE not having basements here.

3. Sorry

a napolean is a layered desert.

It generally has a crispy pastry layer, then cream, then fruit and repeat. Sometimes it has a cream frosting too.

There are different variations.

Oh sounds yummy! I fell in love with zebra domes, but this sounds delicious too!

It looked yummy! Is there chocolate in it? Doesn't look like any chocolate from her picture.

Good point!

 

[miprender]

Love your new updates. Glad I missed all the pictures missing.

Yuck for the Fish & Chips being slimy

DUCK UPDATE
I posted on Disbout, but I think I've mostly talked about the ducks on MY TR. Mama duck was acting very strange yesterday and stayed out of her nest almost all day long -- normally she flies away for about 10 minutes, comes back and swims for 5 minutes and then nests again. And Daddy duck came along and stayed for three hours -- we don't even see him daily and when we do see him he's here for 10 minutes. So I think yesterday was the big day! Today there is a discarded egg shell to the side of the nest -- I didn't get too close, but the top is off and I saw another piece of broken shell that was too large to be the top of the first so there have got to be ducklings in the nest. (Unless you are a pessimist like my grumpy dh who says there may not be b/c a predator could have got them already -- he is such a grump!). I will post pics eventually -- I already have pics of mom and dad but am hopeful to get baby pics as well and I want to get some eggshells for the kids to take to school and pics of the nest once it's vacated.

Oh I hope they are OK...

D~ I forgot to tell you that the family that came for the second showing is still interested in our house so please keep your prayers coming -- they seemed to have worked thus far.

Also forgot to tell, post any photos here first!!!! We are your loyal fans and deserve first peek!

That is great news. Sending prayers that your house will sell soon.

Um...yes... dissection is one way to put it! Yucky is another way! He is a 70 pound puppy and is taking a special laxative and high fiber food....So glad the weather is too chilly to get in the pool this week...just saying...smelly!
Nini

Nini I missed your ealier post... poor Mr Max

and how did I know that somehow part of this would get blamed on me?
!

You're a bad influence

 

[IheartDDuck]

That CM is so right. You cannot share your Napoleon! You have to get one of your own. My favorite dessert at the patisserie for sure.

 

[MrsDrewsky]

Love the update!

I adore the mickey inspired bag.

Your dad and brother will definitely be in our prayers.

I feel kind of old, I had to google osiris shoes. They are really ugly! I remember when I was her age, and the trend was wearing Doc Martins. LOL, every generation has their trendy ugly expensive shoes I suppose.

I have really neglected my PTR. I was given the opportunity to accelerate my accounting classes for school, and my school work has been severely cutting into my DIS time. I haven't been able to sew either.

 

[blessedmom4]

AWESOME new update D~! I am sorry it rained, BUT I bet it helped a bit with crowd control. I know once when we were at Epcot (sharing pastries in a wet France too) it cleared the crowds out and we enjoyed a less crowded park! LOVE the American show, although we always have to watch from the second floor because they send the W/C up there to go to the show. ONce we just watched them sing and left, so we could stay downstairs and hear them..they harmonize wonderfully!

Max is ADORABLE! He is getting big, they grow so quickly, just like our children.

How is Josh feeling? Is the new job going well? Keeping you all in prayer! for your not great job situation!

 

[DMGeurts]

I can feel your pain. I craved Mexican so much on our last trip and finally dragged the family to the Mexico CS. It was awful. One of the benefits of staying offsite this trip will be that we can get decent Mexican!

Yah - I am really sad that there was no good Mexican food in WDW... Has anyone stayed at Coronado Springs? How is their Mexican food?

hate that you had a rainy day.
liking the nap station idea, esp when the kids can doze off anywhere.

Yah - I think Disney would make oodles of $$ on nap stations... Seriously!

Now that Josh has you adding your sewing earnings into the budget, is Target giving you enough work to make it worth it to still work there? I wonder if there's a more "local" photo printing place that might need someone with your knowledge? Or could you just sew sew sew and replace that income?
Because, then, you know, the trip here this summer could be written off as business related

It's something we've discussed a bit lately - and I've thought about it a bit more than we've talked about it. The thing with my real job, is that it's guaranteed $$... Where my bags are not guaranteed income. If I quit at Target, that would leave me 2-3 extra days per week to work on bags, so I could possibly squeeze in an extra bag into that, or most of a bag... Theoretically - to be safe - that would mean one extra bag every 2 weeks, which does not make up for my time at Target. Sadly. And I do have a waiting list for my bags, so potentially, I could cover a month or two of full time bag making - but who knows after that? It would just have to be a huge leap for me to do that, and it scares me a bit.

The thing I am considering, is a leave of absense for the summer (or most of it) to see how it goes. Then I could test if the income could be made up with my bags or not. The only down side, part of the enjoyment I get from making the bags, is that part of the $$ I make goes towards something fun, if I was to make bags exclusively, all of the $$ I make would go into the budget and I'd probably lose some of my motivation?

But yes, I am seriously considering it... especially after a crappy day at work.

Michelle - I knew about both BOBs! and how did I know that somehow part of this would get blamed on me?

Awesome about Josh really liking the launch bag! I'm still in awe!!!!

Yah - I am glad he liked it - I was kind of surprised that he liked it, actually. I am still worried that it's too much though?

You're so smart! I wonder how much bandwidth I'm using? Hmm. . . Maybe I should start an account JUST for my TR??? Oh, wait, maybe I should work on my TR . . .

Okay- the ILs arrive on Saturday and DH & I have a lot to get done. . . I'm off to try to be productive!

I am so sorry that you have the ILs there... You can text me if you can't stand them anymore.

Thanks for the pictures of the American area. We didn't even go near there in Feb. Will have to remedy that in July But yikes! That was a lot of people going up the stairs. Were they all in the theater?

And I think you should really call Disney about the "nap station" idea. Maybe you could get in on the profits. I'm sure they could charge for that service. I know a certain DH that would pay for sure by the end of the trip!

It was acually all the people sitting around the rotunda listening to the Voices of Liberty... as soon as they were done singing, they kind of funneled everyone upstairs at the same time to watch the show... It was a lot of people - but the theatre was quite large and it was fine - there were several empty seats around us.

I would totally pay for a nap station too... Imagine having to figure out ADRs for that one?

Sorry to hear about your troubles at Target. It certainly WOULD be nice if your sewing business could cover the wages you are earning at Target. Making $$$ doing what you enjoy!

I agree, it would be nice. I talked about it at length above, but I am a bit afraid to take the leap though... it's a huge decision.

...and the WDW rain continues! We have never tried the food in Mexico except the churros, they really are good. We just eat mexican here a lot since it is a relatively cheap place to eat out, so we try to go for more "exotic" or different places to eat when we are in the World. Glad we have steered clear of it!

Yah, those churros with caramel sauce - NUM. Believe it or not, we have 2 very excellent Mexican restaurants here, so getting that bland stuff at Disney was so disappointing.

Mmmm- the napoleon looks delish! (why with all the new smilies, did they NOT add a drooly face?

The Napoleon is amazing - probably my all time favorite Disney dessert ever... and yes, a drooly face would have been appropriate.

Ah, the American Adventure. We have always used this and CoP at MK as our good napping spots.

I can sleep in AA, but never in CoP - I love it too much. LOL

Looks like despite the rain you had a good day at Epcot! I like that the churros at Mexico QS are served with a caramel sauce! What is in a Napolean? That was one of the last times we had rain until last weekend. Our retention ponds are so dried up. Usually I can't see the legs of the herons when they are fishing, but the water's so shallow now we can.

Yes, the churros with caramel sauce is quite good... I can't believe you have never had a Napoleon - and you live right there! You need to make it a priority the next time you go... You can get them in France or you can get them at Starring Rolls at DHS...

They are layered like lasagna... Flaky pastery, thick pastery cream, and I dunno what else - but the two we had (yes, we had another later in our trip) did not have chocolate in them... They are cold and they are delicious.

looks like you had fun despite the rainy day! AA is a good place to take a break! love the napstation idea
sorry you didn't like the mexican CS food, I loved their chicken tacos!

I am one of "those" people who is using your BG siggy button, off to change it so it doesn't take up your space!

The girls chicken tacos were waaay better than what I had - but still not marvelous... part of our issue - possibly - there might have been some sort of condimant station that we missed? Since it was raining and the tables were crowded - we were kind of stuck at the way back and it was hard to get in or out - so we never did get condiments (sour cream, hot sauce - that sort of thing). ????

Oh Lisa - I am so sorry about the siggy button... Do you need me to get it all set up for you? I'd be happy to do that. No wonder it had so many views - it's not like you and I don't rack up the posts daily or anything. LOL

wow that's one rainy day! Seems like your whole family was troopers though and soldiered on! I would also like to know a little bit more about this "napoleon", as it's the first I've heard of this snack.

Sorry you are so frustrated at work right now. Hopefully it turns out to be not as bad as you expected.

Sunshine

Yes, we did troop through the rain... WS was totally dead until after we'd gotten out of AA - so it was nice, even though it was wet.

You need to try a Napoleon... I brought a list of must try snacks with me, because I knew I'd forget about them... Glad I remembered to look at it - LOL

I'll update about work at the bottom.

a napolean is a layered desert.

It generally has a crispy pastry layer, then cream, then fruit and repeat. Sometimes it has a cream frosting too.

There are different variations.

Hmmm... neither of ours had fruit (or chocolate, but you didn't say chocolate - I was just putting it out there)... at least I don't remember it having fruit. It definately had cream, and lots of it - so heavenly. But I LOVE cream, so this dessert is just amazing to me.

Hi D~

Just started reading your TR.

I'm going to wait until the pictures come back, but I love to sew but am quite new to it (more of a knitter/crocheter) so I look forward to Disney photos and sewing photos.

Victoria x

WELCOME!!! Sorry about the lack of pictures... It totally bums me out. I hope you'll come back once my pictures reappear, so you can check out the rest of our TR.

Congratulations on starting a new sewing hobby - I love doing it. If you haven't checked out the Disboutiquers thread (in the families section) - you really need to do that - they are so inspiring! I've never been able to knit or crochet, I totally admire those that can - it's a beautiful art!

I didn't know they changed their band width allowance. Thanks for the heads up.

Yah, neither did I, until I went and looked... and it not like it went down a litte - it was A LOT! And it's such a bummer, because I love PB.

It looked yummy! Is there chocolate in it? Doesn't look like any chocolate from her picture.

Nope, no chocolate in either of ours, just cream and lots of it. NUM! You must try!

Ick on the rain! It still looks like you had fun -- enough fun to tire you all out!

I've never had a Napolean -- good reason to go back so I can try one!

Yes, you need to go back just to try one - they don't travel well, so it's something you definately need to go back to do.

1. Good idea about D being able to write her trip off!

2. We were looking at the real estate listing for our house last night and the kids were whining they wanted to go back to that house. Our house here is really nicer, but when I asked them why it was the basement! Of course, we finished it so it was even better than a basement. I HATE not having basements here.

3. Sorry

Interesting about the kids wanting to go back to the old house... Our basement isn't finished - it's quite damp/ugly/scary... but I am thankful we have one.

Oh sounds yummy! I fell in love with zebra domes, but this sounds delicious too!


Good point!

I tried the zebra domes at Boma, and I really didn't think they were all that great. I could taste the alcohol in them, and I didin't like it - it was too strong for a dessert for me.

On a side note - I am praying like crazy that your house sells... if it sells, we need to have a party in Charlotte! Seriously!

Love your new updates. Glad I missed all the pictures missing.

Yuck for the Fish & Chips being slimy

Yah, the Fish and chips were a bit gross because of that... but the batter was really good... So, maybe be got a bad one? Glad we only got one order to share between the 3 of us.

That CM is so right. You cannot share your Napoleon! You have to get one of your own. My favorite dessert at the patisserie for sure.

Yes, I will never ever share a Napoleon again - I think you only make that mistake once. LOL As a matter of fact, next time, I'll probably order 2 for myself. LOL

Love the update!

I adore the mickey inspired bag.

Your dad and brother will definitely be in our prayers.

I feel kind of old, I had to google osiris shoes. They are really ugly! I remember when I was her age, and the trend was wearing Doc Martins. LOL, every generation has their trendy ugly expensive shoes I suppose.

I have really neglected my PTR. I was given the opportunity to accelerate my accounting classes for school, and my school work has been severely cutting into my DIS time. I haven't been able to sew either.

Thank you - I loved the Mickey bag too... Kim did a great job designing it!

Thanks for the prayers for my dad and brother... They seem to be fine - I haven't called him for a couple of days, so I need to do that again tonight.

I still don't like the shoes, but at least she is wearing them. Unlike the Keens that I spent $100 on and she refuses to wear them... but she threw the box away, so I can't return them.

Sorry about your lack of Dis time... but awesome about accellerating your accounting classes! That's really great! You'll have pleanty of time to sew once you finish school - that's more important right now... Said like only a mother could say.

AWESOME new update D~! I am sorry it rained, BUT I bet it helped a bit with crowd control. I know once when we were at Epcot (sharing pastries in a wet France too) it cleared the crowds out and we enjoyed a less crowded park! LOVE the American show, although we always have to watch from the second floor because they send the W/C up there to go to the show. ONce we just watched them sing and left, so we could stay downstairs and hear them..they harmonize wonderfully!

Max is ADORABLE! He is getting big, they grow so quickly, just like our children.

How is Josh feeling? Is the new job going well? Keeping you all in prayer! for your not great job situation!

Yes, the wet Epcot definately kept the crowds down in the morning. That was nice. So, having rain wasn't the worst thing, IMO.

I know - I can't believe how big he is getting, and he is the biggest baby ever!

Josh... well, he was doing pretty good - up until the last few days. He's started to get a lot of pain/tingling/numbness in his left hand (the side he had the surgery on), he thinks it might be related to possible nerve damage from the surgery??? I am not sure - I do know it is quite painful for him - and he plans to go in to see his surgeon again soon.

Well, I had my first day in the new lab yesterday. I will admit is was easier in some ways and more difficult in others. I am sure, once I get used to it - it will be easier all around. I had some issues that I had to sit on the phone with a Kodak technician for almost 2 hours - so that really cut into my day - in the end, we think we got it resolved... I'll find out today. But yes, they did give me a nice laundry list of odd (not wanted) jobs around the store that they wanted me to accomplish - but since I was on the phone with Kodak for most of the day, I didn't get to them. That's OK - I am sure they'll all still be waiting for me today.

We had an issue with MM last night. He was playing, and I noticed that the underside of his tongue was really red (almost bloody looking)... So I pointed it out to Josh and he said it was normal. Hmmm??? A little later, Josh was playing with him, and he caught a look at it, and immediately became concerned. So we held him down and opened his mouth (which really isn't easy with all those sharp teeth), where we discovered that the under side of his tongue was really swollen... it looked like a big red balloon under there. Then we realized that he hadn't eaten all his dinner like he normally does... Of course the vet was closed... story of our lives. Right after we discovered this, a neighbor walked by (they breed yellow lab puppies), so we asked her, she then called her husband, and his first thought was a bee sting... which made sense to Josh, because Max was messing with a hornet that was bugging him the day before... So I ran to town and got some benedryl, and we gave a dose to MM (the neighbor had given one of their puppies benedryl at about the same age, so he looked up the dosage from his vet bill)... When he got up this morning - he immediately ate the rest of his bowl of food from dinner last night (good sign)... When he came back inside, I looked at the underside of his tongue, and it looked like a deflated balloon... So, we gave him another dose of benedryl this morning. He seems to be doing much better - thankfully. I am not sure we can do another expensive vet bill right now.

So, I have to work all day, then I am off for the weekend. I will most likely work on the bag I set aside last week, and get it finished up.

Hopefully, by next week, I will have a few bags to show you all, since I've been working hard, but due to circumstances out of my control - I haven't been able to post pictures.

Have a great day everyone!!!

D~

 

[BrerMama]

My thoughts on the job at Target... I hate to see people doing jobs they don't enjoy. And when you're thinking about your bags... don't forget all those people you've had to turn down because you're booked. And how if you had a supply of bags already made so you could stock Etsy, you could have a fairly regular income. I think coming up with new combinations of fabrics and appliques could continue to meet your creative needs. Maybe that would give you time to find a "real" job that better meets your needs?

 

[tinkbell13]

Ugh, I remember this day. It was the crazy, mixed up day we arrived. We waited and wandered around in the drizzle for 2.5 hours at an absolutely packed outlet mall for BIL to show up after losing him in traffic on the way from Jacksonville Beach. I was just shoving DH and DS in the truck to leave for the resort when they finally showed up. Don't ask what they did in the time they were missing . . . just don't. Anyway SIL purchased the candles she just HAD to have (the only reason we were going to this place) and then BIL saw a bike outfitters that he just HAD to go to. Only good thing is that it was right next to a Burton store that kept DS's attention and we ended up getting a great deal on a pair of Gravis shoes for him. Okay, enough threadjacking, on to your Epcot day!

Great updates on Epcot. I love the fact that you didn't let the rain slow you down! I learned more about WS from your report than I saw when there, or rather didn't see. We did get to explore a lot of Norway as that is where DS's Kim Possible Mission was and it was awesome. After that we had to boot it over to England to meet up with BIL/SIL.

We loved Oh Canada! when we saw it in 2008. We thought it gave a pretty good description of the vastness and differences of our country. If you ever come to visit, make sure you head east to Ontario. I know a place you can stay!

I feel bad about your fish n chips being slimy. We shared one while in England and it was very good. Nice and crisp, fresh fish inside, awesome chips. And this is from someone who does not like fish or seafood of any kind.

Mmmmm, the Napolean looks good. Although, I have to agree with others who think it needs chocolate. I'll have to make a note to get one the next time we go.

I guess the fact that we have never gotten to explore WS is the reason why I didn't know about Pick a Pearl. That looks really neat. Definitely add to the list for next time.

The American Adventure theatre is beautiful. Again, must add to the list. about the naps!

We ate at the Mexican CS in 2008 and were happy with our meals. Can't remember exactly what we had. Must go look at 2008 trip photos as I am sure we took pictures of it. We were going to have something there this time but couldn't find a place to sit and the others were waiting for us to meet up with them, so we passed. DS discovered Churros this trip and is in love with them. We couldn't pass one up anytime he saw them!

Can't wait to hear about your dinner. I was going to book GG on our Epcot day this trip but we ended up at The Wave at the Contemporary as I thought MIL/FIL would really enjoy it. When they cancelled, we let the ADR stand so we could tell them about it. Think I would have enjoyed GG more.

 

[DMGeurts]

My thoughts on the job at Target... I hate to see people doing jobs they don't enjoy. And when you're thinking about your bags... don't forget all those people you've had to turn down because you're booked. And how if you had a supply of bags already made so you could stock Etsy, you could have a fairly regular income. I think coming up with new combinations of fabrics and appliques could continue to meet your creative needs. Maybe that would give you time to find a "real" job that better meets your needs?

Thank you for your thoughts Kim - I really appreciate them. I like your thought process and it does make sense.

I had considered making a few RTS (ready to sell) bags in the begining, but then I saw exactly how much time I put into them - to risk the chance of not selling one would really not be good. If I stick to custom only - they are presold and I don't have to worry about not selling one. Does that make sense?

It was a big step for me to do the bag for the Launch... As it will be my first bag that hasn't been presold, since I am doing it auction style, I guess it will be a test run to see if there really is interest in some of my custom bags that I create vs. what others want me to create. Personally - I like being able to create something that I can use my own creativity on, it gives me the creative outlet that I seem to thrive on. However, it's just so risky - financially.

Did any of that make sense?

It's just a huge leap for me to jump off the cliff and quit my job right now... I guess that's why I am leaning towards a short LoA from work this summer - I still have to discuss it with Josh - but then I would have the safety net of still having a job to go back to, with out losing my pay or job title, but yet I can test the waters to see if our family could survive with me making custom bags, or not?

D~

 

[mommy2mrb]

no worries on the BG siggy button, I put in a different one thanks for the offer though!

I think taking a LoA is a good idea to test the waters! plus you can enjoy having some time off! sorry you are getting to do the yucky work at Target!

oh ouchy for Max, lucky your neighbor was helpful! hope he'll learn his lesson not to eat the hornets!

I don't remember seeing any condiment station, maybe was a bad day for the chefs at WS due to the rain!

 

[merbobear]

The empanadas de queso is up near the top of my list of "foods that I can't wait to eat again." lol! Maybe you had it on a bad day...or I had it on a good day! But I loved that dish. And the churros..oh the churros. YUM!

All that rain just looks miserable, I hate being wet all day long..so annoying when you start feeling soggy! Hope your dinner and the rest of the evening got a little drier!

 

[mphalens]

I totally get your thought process on the Target vs Sewing job front. I think your LoA is a good one (so long as it means you can still come to Charlotte ) to test the waters. . .
I also think using the launch to see how a bag of your own creation/design/theme will do is a great idea . . . and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome, because I own a UPB and other than telling you which character I wanted, you designed the entire thing and I LOVE it and I love your launch bag just as much and wish I could afford to bid on it right now

I know i didn't live up to my promise of a TR update last night . . .I'm sorry. My migraine took over and there was just no way . . . but I did get lots of pages done this afternoon and I only have the two wrap up pages to finish before I can post the rest of day 4!!!

 

[nowellsl]

Have you been giving out peeks of your launch bag? I want to see

 

[blessedmom4]

LOVE the LOA idea.

I thought Charlotte was a done deal??!!!?? I saw it on Marianne's TR so it MUST be true, right????

for Josh, praying it is not nerve related. I can't wait to see your bag! When is the launch and how can we see it if we don't FB???

 

[miprender]

Have you been giving out peeks of your launch bag? I want to see

I saw a sneak peak.... it is awesome

 

[cogero]

I saw a sneak peak.... it is awesome

wheres the like button?

I am debating Charlotte

 

[nannye]

D,
I haven't read this trip report yet, I'm halfway through your PTR so I'll continue with this later, but i was wondering since you seem to be the American Girl Doll Expert, I am looking for a princess Doll, along the same lines as the American Girl Doll, good quality. Disney doesn't have anything to offer so i thought i'd ask if you knew of anything similar to an American Doll in size, quality, and just plain niceness that is a princess doll (preferably cinderella) - if anyone makes one?
Thanks

 

[mommy2mrb]

wheres the like button?

I am debating Charlotte

really??!!!!! that would be wonderful if you can come down too! would you bring Miss C??

 

[cogero]

really??!!!!! that would be wonderful if you can come down too! would you bring Miss C??

It would depend if she wanted to come and Gs schedule. i would definately have J