~~~SEWING my way to POFQ ~ American Girl outfits & Custom Park Bags! ~~~

[NiniMorris]

I'll add my 2 cents worth to the military salute tickets. Each person can only use one of the ticket sets (at 4 days each) once per 'year' of the offer. The offer runs from October to October. So, if you went the end of September, used 4 days, then you could use 4 days the beginning of October.

The kicker is...according to the rules, you can only purchase once per 'year'. So, if I purchase 4 today, I couldn't go back in a couple months and purchase 2 more. One purchase per year.

The service member (or military ID holder) has to 'activate' the ticket at the first park you go to. Each ticket is good for only one person. (so I couldn't let my son use a ticket this week, and my daughter use the same ticket next week.) The rules say that the military ID holder HAS to use one ticket...but this is the one rule they do not enforce. The rule was meant to prevent me from purchasing the tickets and selling them to someone else. But it is poorly written and unenforceable!

This is the 4th year the special has been offered. I think the first year was the best...it was for 5 days. No one seems to know if it will be offered again in October...but I hope so.

We have used parts of our Military Salute offers every year for the past 4 years. If you have any questions...I'll be glad to help.


Bottom line...if free dining is offered, and you have 4 Disney adults, the free dining offer is the cheapest way to go. Purchasing the 4 days worth of military salute tickets and then 2 or 3 days worth of tickets through Disney is the most expensive way to go. (and that includes when you add in the 35% off room rates to the mix)


I should have been a travel agent! LOL

Nini

 

[DMGeurts]

Gee wiz all this ticket & FD is making my head spin! I never understand all of that stuff!

I have finally caught up! Phew!

I worked on DD's prototype doll house today.
Sorry for the bad cell phone pic. I can't find the camera!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26104736@N00/6674748315/ http://www.flickr.com/people/26104736@N00/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/26104736@N00/6674748675/http://www.flickr.com/people/26104736@N00/

We don't have much furniture...we really need more than 2 rooms. DD was concerned that they do not have a bathroom!

Totally adorable!!! You've done a fabulous job with those rooms! How did you make the chairs/sofas??

Athene, Liddy, Nini... You guys are just the best trying to help me save a bit of $$... What in the world would I do with out you??? I think, when I worked the math, it was $300+ cheaper to just buy all the tickets from Disney outright, and that's totally fine, it just happens to be the best route to go.

No matter what, we are going...
No matter what, we have a resort to stay at...
No matter what, we will have park tickets for every day we are there...
However, we might be crappy tippers...
We might not have 3 squares a day...
And we might have to trade for every pin that we want...
But no matter what - we are going to have a wonderful time...
And no matter what, I am proud of myself for achieving this goal while doing something I love...
And no matter what - I have made the best Dis friends in the world. ​

D~

 

[karebear23]

Totally adorable!!! You've done a fabulous job with those rooms! How did you make the chairs/sofas??
[/LEFT][/CENTER][/COLOR]
D~

Thanks D!
I followed this for the brown/blue sofa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAcP6ML3Li0&feature=BFa&list=FLe98pU5706ipLxwuo5dVmaw&lf=mh_lolz
She has lots of neat ideas for dolls !

The striped chair DH bought from walmart.

 

[mommy2mrb]

That's cool about McKenna... Have you purchased her yet?

You think I need a lanyard/pouch too??? Geez.... Slave drivers!!!

Today, I am locking myself in the sewing room. I am working on a bag order - I would love to be finished with it by the end of the day, but I don't think that will happen. It's gonna be close. This one won't take me as long because I've been working on it for the last 2 weeks, in between other things, because I knew I couldn't do the bulk of it until this week, and the person leaves for Disney in 3 weeks - I don't like cutting it that close...

I've also been working on Allison's Up! bag inbetween other projects, and I've managed to make a dent in that... I really want to make that one of my first priorities after I finish this order.

Trip update...​

Yesterday, I transferred the last of my $$ into my acct, so I plan to have my trip PIF by the end of the week. Also, I went to my meeting last night, where I received a check that I wasn't expecting - with the guarantee of another nice one next month, which will take care of a huge chunk of our park tickets that I still need to add back into our pkg. So, that makes me feel a lot less stressed. Then I can start saving for all the other extras that I still need to pay for - luggage fees, tips, oop food, incidental cash, and the very last thing I will save for is souveniers.

D~

No Megan will not be getting McKenna...has two dolls already! she's saving up for an ITouch!
can't wait to see the UP bag and your other new bag!
yay for getting the check and upcoming on too! will definately help your budget out

 

[miprender]

Gee wiz all this ticket & FD is making my head spin! I never understand all of that stuff!

I have finally caught up! Phew!

I worked on DD's prototype doll house today.
Sorry for the bad cell phone pic. I can't find the camera!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26104736@N00/6674748315/ http://www.flickr.com/people/26104736@N00/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/26104736@N00/6674748675/http://www.flickr.com/people/26104736@N00/

We don't have much furniture...we really need more than 2 rooms. DD was concerned that they do not have a bathroom!

I love the rooms. They came out great.

 

[DMGeurts]

Thanks D!
I followed this for the brown/blue sofa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAcP6ML3Li0&feature=BFa&list=FLe98pU5706ipLxwuo5dVmaw&lf=mh_lolz
She has lots of neat ideas for dolls !

The striped chair DH bought from walmart.

Thanks for the link, I'll go check it out.

No Megan will not be getting McKenna...has two dolls already! she's saving up for an ITouch!
can't wait to see the UP bag and your other new bag!
yay for getting the check and upcoming on too! will definately help your budget out

Good for her for saving... I think that's really important. I didn't think they were that big of deal until my girls got theirs - they are a really neat thing to have.

I spent most of the day in my sewing room yesterday, until my oldest dd called me from school - she needed me to run her homework folder into town... So, that took an hour out of my day. I did make a good dent in this current bag - I hope to have pictures to post tomorrow.

I work all day today.... That's all I will say about that.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

I thought I would post all of my MP pages today, so you could see all of them together. I still haven't taken any pictures of the actual book... But I do have to say that it's really awesome - and potentially, I think it will be very useful in the parks.

I am going to post them in the order that I have them in the book. I also stuck a couple of Robo's maps in there and a couple of basic itineraries from TP.

D~

 

[WDWCP96]

Love All your MP pages. Can't wait to see it in book form. I remember you saying it only cost you $6 was that with your discount at Target? I am thinking I would love to have ours printed on photo paper and wondering where will be the bet place to do it.

Can't wait to see the UP bag and your latest order. I really need to get back to sewing but these Christmas decorations just don't want to be put away, every time I turn around I find more stuff.

 

[cogero]

D I totally love your Mini Planner it is absolutely fabulous.

 

[DMGeurts]

Love All your MP pages. Can't wait to see it in book form. I remember you saying it only cost you $6 was that with your discount at Target? I am thinking I would love to have ours printed on photo paper and wondering where will be the bet place to do it.

Can't wait to see the UP bag and your latest order. I really need to get back to sewing but these Christmas decorations just don't want to be put away, every time I turn around I find more stuff.

Of course, I am going to tell you to go to Target, right??? Seeing as I work in their photo lab, I am going to rally for that, even more. I've heard horror stories about Walmart's photo lab (but I've heard horror stories about Target's too)... I know that we use Kodak and Walmart is a Fuji lab... Not sure if you have preference there??? Just watch for print sales in the flyer (sometimes they are hard to spot)... Last week they were 10 cents each - so that's a good deal. I do know that prices vary by region (and store), so it's possible that they might be on sale this week in your area.

I haven't found any straggler Christmas items yet... but I really haven't looked. LOL

D I totally love your Mini Planner it is absolutely fabulous.

Thanks!

D~

 

[aboveH20]

Gee wiz all this ticket & FD is making my head spin! I never understand all of that stuff!

I have finally caught up! Phew!

I worked on DD's prototype doll house today.
Sorry for the bad cell phone pic. I can't find the camera!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26104736@N00/6674748315/ http://www.flickr.com/people/26104736@N00/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/26104736@N00/6674748675/http://www.flickr.com/people/26104736@N00/

We don't have much furniture...we really need more than 2 rooms. DD was concerned that they do not have a bathroom!

Looks great. My AG lives prone in a box. She'd LOVE to sit up!

No matter what, we are going...
No matter what, we have a resort to stay at...
No matter what, we will have park tickets for every day we are there...
However, we might be crappy tippers...
We might not have 3 squares a day...
And we might have to trade for every pin that we want...
But no matter what - we are going to have a wonderful time...
And no matter what, I am proud of myself for achieving this goal while doing something I love...
And no matter what - I have made the best Dis friends in the world. ​

D~

Your planner looks great. It will be a good souvenir to have in addition to your journal.

 

[Lidian]

Of course, I am going to tell you to go to Target, right??? Seeing as I work in their photo lab, I am going to rally for that, even more. I've heard horror stories about Walmart's photo lab (but I've heard horror stories about Target's too)... I know that we use Kodak and Walmart is a Fuji lab... Not sure if you have preference there??? Just watch for print sales in the flyer (sometimes they are hard to spot)... Last week they were 10 cents each - so that's a good deal. I do know that prices vary by region (and store), so it's possible that they might be on sale this week in your area.

Another vote for Target's photo-lab! Our local one is just so much better than Walmart's! Also, when I did a Target-Walmart price comparison, our local one was same price (in store, not online). Granted ... I've never seen a body in the photo lab area at Target ... but I love their "print it yourself kiosk". And I'm sure if I needed assistance, one of the cashiers would call for someone.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Good for her for saving... I think that's really important. I didn't think they were that big of deal until my girls got theirs - they are a really neat thing to have.


I work all day today.... That's all I will say about that.

D~

she wanted to get it before we leave for HI in April, but didn't have enough time, so she bought a Shuffle with some xmas $$ and will trade it in later when she saves up the rest of the $$

remember work = Disney $$

love how your planner has turned out, its getting so close

 

[babynala]

Lost some quotes but I love seeing your planner all together. I think it will be a great tool and it looks awesome. I didn't realize that your trip fell during the Flower and Garden festival, I thought that it was later in the spring. That should be neat.

karebear23 - love the AG house!

 

[DMGeurts]

Looks great. My AG lives prone in a box. She'd LOVE to sit up!

Yes, but then her eyes would be open... Lord only knows what she'd see? She might prefer to lay down...

Your planner looks great. It will be a good souvenir to have in addition to your journal.

Thanks - I hope so.

Someone I work with has the new Disney Parks DVD and they loaned it to me for a few days, so I could watch it - along with some trivia books... I am going to be so loaded with information...

Another vote for Target's photo-lab! Our local one is just so much better than Walmart's! Also, when I did a Target-Walmart price comparison, our local one was same price (in store, not online). Granted ... I've never seen a body in the photo lab area at Target ... but I love their "print it yourself kiosk". And I'm sure if I needed assistance, one of the cashiers would call for someone.

Thanks for voting for Target's photo lab... It's reassuring to me, that nationwide, Target steals their Photolab people for other menial tasks around the store - like they do to me all the time. Then they get mad that I have to run half way across the store because I am not in the lab to help someone... Two sided coin, I guess?

she wanted to get it before we leave for HI in April, but didn't have enough time, so she bought a Shuffle with some xmas $$ and will trade it in later when she saves up the rest of the $$

remember work = Disney $$

love how your planner has turned out, its getting so close

I know, work = Disney... but sewing = Disney too and I'd rather be doing that.

I know, before I know it - my trip will be over and I'll be crying. My girls tell me multiple times a day that "Mom, I am soooooo excited for our trip" I asked my oldest dd today if they were actually going to get along for once, and she said she was really going to try, but she is not guaranteeing that her little sister will. Bummer, I should probably get that in writing though?

I hope Megan is able to earn enough $$ for her Ipod in time for your trip.

Lost some quotes but I love seeing your planner all together. I think it will be a great tool and it looks awesome. I didn't realize that your trip fell during the Flower and Garden festival, I thought that it was later in the spring. That should be neat.

karebear23 - love the AG house!

Thank you. I am actually really excited to be there for the F&G show... Seriously, I have the brownest thumb in the world, but I enjoy looking at flowers and such. I've always wanted to go in the spring, so now I will get to say that I got to go, but part of me really wishes for Halloween in Disney - that is truly the best time (although, I'd love to try Christmas too).

Trip Update:

I purchased the last of my GC today, I plan to call Disney in the morning and pay off our trip. I was also able to purchase about half of what I need for our remaining days on our park tickets... It won't be long now, and I'll be able to start saving for the fun stuff. ​

D~

 

[mphalens]

WooHoo!!!

so exciting!!!

I have NOT had a lot of time near a computer the past few days . . . but I did get to go shopping SOLO last night and hit Jo-Ann's, Michaels', Kohls & Target. I scored a very amazing deal on some brand new Star Wars cotton fabric at Jo-Ann's (Thanks to Michelle for posting about finding new Star Wars flannel at the RI store!!! ) . . . and I found what I'd been searching the world for so I can finally put together the Mickey Mail I'm going to send D~ & her girls!!!

LOVE the AG dollhouse stuff!! How cool!!! My friend Karen here in Charlotte would LOVE something like that! All 3 of her "non-baby" daughters (she has four girls, the youngest of whom just turned 1) love their AGs (the two younger ones actually have target dolls, but don't know) and just got a bunch of stuff for Christmas . . . a house would be fantabulous!!!!


I'm off to grab a bite with friends before our monthly BUNCO game! Can't wait to see pictures of the Up! bag!!!

 

[aboveH20]

Yes, but then her eyes would be open... Lord only knows what she'd see? She might prefer to lay down...

Excellent point. I should leave well enough alone.

I know, before I know it - my trip will be over and I'll be crying. My girls tell me multiple times a day that "Mom, I am soooooo excited for our trip"

I used to get depressed a week or so before our trip, knowing that too soon it would be over. We never knew if we'd be going back, and if we did it would not be for several years.

You're in "prime time" now where you have the thrill of anticipation and planning but it's not so close you know it will be over in a blink of the eye.

Trip Update:

I purchased the last of my GC today, I plan to call Disney in the morning and pay off our trip. I was also able to purchase about half of what I need for our remaining days on our park tickets... It won't be long now, and I'll be able to start saving for the fun stuff. ​

D~

Hooray for paying off the trip.

<------3-D lover me who will be mad if you give me more money for souvenirs than you give your daughters

 

[mommy2mrb]

for paying off your trip!
hope the girls will be "good" on your trip, makes it so tough when they are crabby - had one and its not fun


Megan won't have it all saved before April....maybe by the summer!

 

[DMGeurts]

WooHoo!!!

so exciting!!!

I have NOT had a lot of time near a computer the past few days . . . but I did get to go shopping SOLO last night and hit Jo-Ann's, Michaels', Kohls & Target. I scored a very amazing deal on some brand new Star Wars cotton fabric at Jo-Ann's (Thanks to Michelle for posting about finding new Star Wars flannel at the RI store!!! ) . . . and I found what I'd been searching the world for so I can finally put together the Mickey Mail I'm going to send D~ & her girls!!!

I am so happy to hear that you got the Star Wars fabric, and am anxious to see what you make with it!

I am excited to see the Mickey Mail, but please don't feel like you have to.

LOVE the AG dollhouse stuff!! How cool!!! My friend Karen here in Charlotte would LOVE something like that! All 3 of her "non-baby" daughters (she has four girls, the youngest of whom just turned 1) love their AGs (the two younger ones actually have target dolls, but don't know) and just got a bunch of stuff for Christmas . . . a house would be fantabulous!!!!


I'm off to grab a bite with friends before our monthly BUNCO game! Can't wait to see pictures of the Up! bag!!!

Hope you had fun at your Bunco game... I've tried, but I've never been able to get into it.

Excellent point. I should leave well enough alone.

See, I knew you could listen to reason.

I used to get depressed a week or so before our trip, knowing that too soon it would be over. We never knew if we'd be going back, and if we did it would not be for several years.

You're in "prime time" now where you have the thrill of anticipation and planning but it's not so close you know it will be over in a blink of the eye.

ACK!!! Don't tell me that... I've been trying so hard not to think about it. I am hoping that the TR will help me get through all that hum-drum stuff and Post Disney Depression.

Hooray for paying off the trip.

<------3-D lover me who will be mad if you give me more money for souvenirs than you give your daughters

Today I will pay off the trip... But I told myself I have to finish this bag first...

for paying off your trip!
hope the girls will be "good" on your trip, makes it so tough when they are crabby - had one and its not fun


Megan won't have it all saved before April....maybe by the summer!

I know, I hope they can be good too... My youngest is not an early riser - and if you wake her too early - she is just a BEAR! Like, to the extent, that she makes everyone with in a 20ft. radious miserable. Compounding that with the fact that we are going to lose an hour in time zones, then 4 days later we will lose another hour due to DLST... It's gonna be rough. I am hoping that the fact she is in Disney will power her through - but probably not.

That's a bummer that Megan won't have it saved in time.... Oh well, I am a firm believer in making the girls pay for their own stuff like that - it's the only way for them to see the value in it. Yet, I am taking them to Disney all by myself...

Disney Parks DVD review:
Honestly.... I watched the first 30 minutes of each chapter, and there wasn't anything earth shattering in there, that I didn't already know from The Dis or elsewhere. However, if you were planning a trip to one of the parks, you didn't do your research and didn't know a thing about Disney, you could probably learn a thing or two from it. I was disappointed, glad someone loaned me the DVD and I didn't buy it. Basically, it was one of the free movies about the resorts that you can get from Disney - except it was less magical because it was done by a 3rd party. So, if you are dying to see it - rent it.

I am also anxious to dig into the books that were loaned to me, I browsed the first chapter of one last night, and I am afraid it will be the same thing... For instance, the book tells you... Beware of the spitting camels on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and find the paintbrush hidden on Tom Sawyer Island... All of this is basic knowledge if you research your trips, so hopefully it gets better?

Plans for today:
1. Finish my current bag (it isn't the UP bag) it's an ordered bag.
2. Call Disney and pay off our trip, also verify the price to add 8 more days of tickets.
3. Post pictures of above said bag.
4. Work some more on the UP bag.
5. Also, maybe, do some work on the little project I keep telling you about - but I keep putting it on the back burner to work on other things, it's important that I finish it before our trip.

D~

 

[cogero]

WooHoo!!!

so exciting!!!

I have NOT had a lot of time near a computer the past few days . . . but I did get to go shopping SOLO last night and hit Jo-Ann's, Michaels', Kohls & Target. I scored a very amazing deal on some brand new Star Wars cotton fabric at Jo-Ann's (Thanks to Michelle for posting about finding new Star Wars flannel at the RI store!!! )

Glad you got the Star Wars Fabric. I want to run to my Joanns but probably won't get there before Saturday. Is it a Woven Fabric or Flannel?

I am so happy to hear that you got the Star Wars fabric, and am anxious to see what you make with it!

Today I will pay off the trip... But I told myself I have to finish this bag first...

I know, I hope they can be good too... My youngest is not an early riser - and if you wake her too early - she is just a BEAR! Like, to the extent, that she makes everyone with in a 20ft. radious miserable. Compounding that with the fact that we are going to lose an hour in time zones, then 4 days later we will lose another hour due to DLST... It's gonna be rough. I am hoping that the fact she is in Disney will power her through - but probably not.


Plans for today:
1. Finish my current bag (it isn't the UP bag) it's an ordered bag.
2. Call Disney and pay off our trip, also verify the price to add 8 more days of tickets.
3. Post pictures of above said bag.
4. Work some more on the UP bag.
5. Also, maybe, do some work on the little project I keep telling you about - but I keep putting it on the back burner to work on other things, it's important that I finish it before our trip.

D~

D my daughter has to wake up on her own so I can totally relate. If you wake her up she is a snot.

Can't wait to see your new projects. I need some time to work on some projects.

Congrats on paying off your trip.