Cassandra Laine

Why hasn't Cassie updated her blog...?

2011-05-08T22:06:00.000-07:00

Mothers' Day seemed like an appropriate time to make an appearance again... ;)

Let the Memories Begin!

2010-09-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Disney's done it again! They have come up with one of the most 'memorable' campaign yet! Digital age here we are! So...what is it?

Well they are going to project actual Disney Park guest memories through pictures, and videos that anyone can upload to their site, on both the Disneyland's iconic It's a Small World ride, and Walt Disney World's Cinderella's Castle! (I was close with my last post! Cinderella's castle at night!)

Grab some tissues that darn Disney music gets me every time...and I live here!

Start uploading your Disney memories at disneyparks.com now!

Oh and the announcement had some other info that I thought this site spelled out pretty well here, just scroll down to the end for Disney’s new 2011 campaign: Let the Memories Begin, excitement!

Disney's making a pretty big announcement TODAY... I can't wait to hear what it is!

2010-09-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

(Photo taken by yours truly while watching Wishes with 600 other people-I just love the camera screens in this shot. Classic.)

According to a tip from my sources...;) ;) you can see that Disney's official Disney Parks Blog, posted that a rather large announcement will be made today in NYC around noon EST TODAY!!

Can't wait to hear what it is! Seriously don't know!

My INCREDIBLE Cousin Sarah Jane also recently on TV!

2010-09-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

Sarah Jane Wright of Sarah Jane Studios is my dear cousin, and is an amazing Stay-at-Home Mom who is living her creative dreams one day at a time. With creating her own line of style "illustrating childhood", illustrating for celebrities, and now coming out with her very own Christmas book soon, I have many reasons to have looked up to her - like she was my older sister, as I am the oldest girl who loooonged for an older sister and found refuge in more than just a few fine female cousins of mine that I conspicuously watch, question, and sometimes torment for answers to life... to follow footsteps in ;) and friend.

Sarah and I have some very special bonds: we both love the arts, musical theater, singing, Audrey Hepburn, simple particularities, our daddys whom are brothers, and we both love both our immediate and extended families fiercely. Little known fact about Sarah to her blogging world: she graduated college with an MDT degree - Music, Dance, Theater degree that is, and is one amazing performer! And yes I would know!

Please, please, PLEASE for the sake your own happiness, check out her regularly updated blog -I promise you won't regret it- filled with motherly love and sweet vintage children designs oh and be sure to check out her Etsy shop too! You can buy her fantastic prints there! Oooo and she has these irresistible Paper Dolls and embroidery patterns too, be sure to search out her blog for a couple of print out freebies... ;) wow I'm shamelessly showing her off now aren't I? Believe me - she's worth it!

Studio 5 link here.

p.s. I've been meaning to feature her on my lil' blog here for so long! This post is wayyyy over due!

Rachel Steele Fighting Cancer On KSL TV!

2010-09-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Remember how I have been posting about our 16 year old friend Rachel Steele, here, here, and here. Well now she's on TV! Last night her local news station featured her and her story!

Maybe YOU can host a bake sale for Rachel?

Click on the link below for more information, while you're there why not sign up as a follower, grab the button and spread the word!

www.SteeleStrongBakeSale.blogspot.com

It would mean a lot.

Read about Rachel's now famous "Steele Strong" Blog click below:

www.SteeleStrong.blogspot.com

Read, Read, Read

2010-08-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading these books...

"Your time is precious. Mothers have to budget time more carefully than members of almost any other profession."

Teach Your Baby to Read the gentle revolution

by Glenn & Janet Doman, I like how these two think, ;) they totally get it!

A couple of some ones out there gets it!

That is the sound of my mind as I read these books about how to feed your toddler, or tantrum guidance, learning activities, and so on. They help me feel like I'm not alone in this new little life that we've created. Books are great like that.

Blogs are too! ;) ;)

Steele Strong Bake Sale

2010-08-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

Yes I have been neglecting my blog but for a very good reason...

One of my very best friend's little sister (Rachel) is 16, and after just one week of having a 'headache' discovered that she has AML Leukemia.

She was a volleyball star - her club team was on their way to NATIONALS - she had colleges looking at her and everything! Her team has really shown support through their games by wearing her favorite color - orange) and just being incredible friends! You can read more about Rachel's story and her progress through her regularly updated blog:

www.SteeleStrong.blogspot.com

I actually met my husband on their doorstep! So needless to say they mean an awful lot to our family. My mother-in-law and I have been working together to create a vehicle to raise money for the Steele family.

This was definitely her idea to create a Nation Wide Bake Sale, I just helped her with designing the blog, header, button, pictures, layout, etc...ya know the stuff I do! ;) So check out the Steele Strong Bake Sale blog, and look within yourself to see if you could donate a little time or a small donation for a BAKE SALE!

www.SteeleStrongBakeSale.blogspot.com

Also, here is a FREE ADVERTISING opportunity...

Here's our adorable button above, when you click on it, it will take your web browser back to the Steele Strong Bake Sale blog!

Please link the Steele Strong Bake Sale BUTTON to your site! Then email YOUR BUTTON to: steelestrongbakesale [at] gmail [dot] com OR leave me a comment here letting me know you did it, and I'll take your button and put it in on our SPONSORS LIST!! Doesn't get any easier than that!
(Need a button? I can make you one for a small fee! Email me: CassandraLaineBlog [at] gmail [dot] com for more info! I'm working on getting a 'shop' up soon!)

All you need to do is add a "widget" if you're using blogger and copy and paste the html code below into an "HTML/JavaScript" gadget. For Wordpress use a "text/html" widget!

<center><a href="http://www.steelestrongbakesale.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9QqjFCxbQ3w/THVQ7HYe2FI/AAAAAAAADtM/IaWokxXYGjU/s1600/Steele+Strong+Bake+Sale+Blog+Button.png" /></a></center>

Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about how to do this!

Dear Crocs,

2010-08-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

I don't care what they say about you,

you complete me.

I am a fan of Croc comfort.

I have a history with Crocs.

I bought my first pair of Crocs just days before my study abroad trip to Europe. [As a suggestion from my Euro-savvy cousins (Robbie and Andy one of which just recently got hitched over the weekend! Congrats!! Wish I was there!)]

And Fell In Love.

These shoes are seriously perfect for any walking adventure.

Especially if you're planning a trip to DISNEY WORLD - no seriously any Croc would do, I promise you won't ever regret buying a pair of these before you head over here!

Maybe you can get these particular pairs on sale with free shipping, and you could click here to see how if ya want.

PLUS its buy one get one 50% off right now!

...and I really want to see about an investment in kids crocs although they'd only be good for a few months!

hmmmmmmm...

Maybe this post should have been, "Dear Santa" ;) ;)

I'm really liking this one too...and oh look they're also on sale...;) ;)

pink or black?

SU2C

2010-08-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Click here for more information.

Two months ago a dear young friend of ours discovered that she has Leukemia. Her name is Rachel Steele, she was a high school student getting ready for a NATIONAL Volleyball tournament when she found out. Ya she's that good. Read an article about her story by the United States Olympic Committee USA Volleyball site here.

Read her blog here.
Leave lots and lots of lovely comments she's a "social animal" as her dad would say.
Tell her Cassie sent you! ;)
Also, my mother-in-law has started a way to help Rachel out go here.

"Please stand clear of the doors...Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas."

2010-08-10T22:36:00.000-07:00

Why we love the Monorail:

Its free

Peaceful during the middle of the day

Can put my baby (okay toddler) to sleep

Awesome views and

People say the darndest things in there, its fun to pretend that we're one of the fellow "vacationers" and have them 'tell us' what to do at Disney, like where the best deals are, rides, and restaurants...silly people little do they know... ;)

Oh and best of all this:

"Please stand clear of the doors...Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas."

and maybe Jacob always says that last part with his most cheesy Spanish accent possible...maybe.

She screamed like a banshee today.

2010-08-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

My ears were seriously ringing. in the car. in her room. in the kitchen. everywhere. when daddy came home they started their ritual dances in the kitchen with me and i just couldn't take it any longer - i sent them out of our 3x5 foot kitchen and made them go play in the living room so i could finish dinner! Also because i needed to sneak in a bunch of health pureed vegetables and beans without my hubby seeing...;) he liked it!!!!!! He just doesn't need to know what's inside his food heheheeeee. i've learned the hard way. believe me!

On a happier note...this lil' girl of mine is going to be one heck of a SINGER!!! Also, I have a bday boy to blog about but we'll just have to wait for a calmer, quieter few days for that one!

Happy Belated Birthday Beeto!

2010-07-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Genuine, kind, loving, intelligent, fun, honest, & just all around good guy?

Check.

All qualities one would hope for in a new brother-in-law?

Check check!

One happy and most dear sister of mine to celebrate his birthday?

Check check check!

Brandon you are a wonderful addition to our crazy family, we love you so much! Thanks for taking such great care of my sister for me! xoxo

Incredibly Inspired Imaginative Mum on Maternity Leave

2010-07-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

**UPDATE**
Go here for the few pictures left. The mum decided to keep her pictures private because of misusers and for a book!

I completely understand her woes and that is why I removed the pictures as I did not ask for permission, she stated that its "okay" for lil' blogs like mine to post 1-4 pics with recognition (which I did, but did not have written permission from her) but she really didn't want that either. SO I have taken them off and respect her wishes.

Also I hope that those of you reading this will also respect my wishes in keeping my daughter's identity safe and our pictures too.

Thank you!

**END OF UPDATE**

WOW.

The mother of this child is on maternity leave and this is what she does while her baby sleeps.

I. am. so. doing. this. someday.

Its like the ultimate little girls'/new mommy's dress up dream!

Props to this fabulous mom for pulling off such an incredible feat!

BYU + Old Spice = Awesome

2010-07-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Check out how they made this here: newspicepromo.blogspot.com

Thanks Dad for showing me this! So fun! Loved it.

Weird to think that most of my "BYU" memories are while I was in elementary & high school, although my hubby went to school here for a while. My parents are alumni, my grandparents are alumni, and now many of my cousins are too!

Ask me if I got accepted.

Nope not the first time, but later I did! Yay!
...but chose to stay at BYU-Idaho instead.

We ♥ Rexburg + Provo = Orlando?
ya...doesn't make sense to me either ;)

Happy Pioneer Day & Happy Birthday Big Brother!!!

2010-07-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

(Check out this wooden brooch by Me2Designs)

So it was Pioneer Day and.... nobody cared?!? Where do I live people!?!?

Even my sister who works for the state of Utah got this day off as a State holiday (well Friday because it was on a Saturday but even still)!! I guess that's exactly why it makes sense that no one else would really know about it!

Pioneer Day is a special day for Utahns, it is the day when Brigham Young, who led the Mormon Pioneers across the plains looked over the Salt Lake valley and said the famous words, "This is the Place." Making it the first day of settlement in Utah, July 24, 1896. How do you people not know this?? ;)

We also get school off if our schools happened to be year round (which mine were growing up for part of elementary), and the banks are closed! Man I'm gonna miss this day...

ALSO, it is my big brother's BIRTHDAY TODAY!! Naturally we went to Disney World and celebrated for him, and ordered this special birthday pin to be made by the customer service desk (aka free) and sent him this wonderfully manicured nail shot to him via picture mail (through our phone)... aren't we thoughtful?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH WE LOVE YOU!!!

Us.

2010-07-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Dear husband:

I love us.

xoxo

wife

p.s. thankyouforallyoudo

Currently loving MIKA, OWL CITY, & UTAH!

2010-06-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I'm in Utah! We are loving it here (me and the B - Dada's workin' perks of being a SAHM). So much love here! B totally adjusted to our fam and is LOVING the fact that she can run around a three story house!! Compared to our lil' place this is like Disney World! hehehe...

I love the dry weather, the cool nights, the SOFT grass, the clean air, pleasant neighbors, and just so many people that I know and love and that know and love me (and of course the B)back!

Music love:
I've just recently fallen in love with MIKA! His dance moves are inspiring ;) hehe. LOVE Kate Nash, especially Merry Happy. Here's some Owl City love:

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2010: Part 2

2010-06-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Fairy houses, floral arrangements, butterfly sanctuaries, and HUGE foliage sculptures!

If you've never been I highly recommend it!

We have a thing for fairies!
Monkey liked it too ;)

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2010: Part 1

2010-05-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Farewell.

We will definitely miss you!!!

This beautiful time ended on Sunday, but will be back next year with new incredible ideas.

How lucky are we to have had my parents, sister, and two very best friends with their baby all come during this beautiful time of year for Epcot!? Very.

I absolutely LOVED their logo and overall design for the Festival this year:

(Sounds like "Into the Woods"... "We're going to go to the Festival. The Festival? The Festival!")

The layered-transparent letters with organic shapes and garden-like coloration made for one TERRIFIC logo design.

This is the Festival's program filled with all of the dates and events being held throughout spring, including musical concerts, maps, free gardening seminars and classes, and much more! For the complete front and back program click here (there are 2 pages so scroll around till you find both sides).

I am working on some very fun shots of what was in store for us this year at the Festival so consider this post a little teaser... because there's more!

Talking Mickey Mouse at Disneyland!

2010-05-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Um...WOW! This is amazing! The technology is truly incredible, Walt must be smiling ear to ear on this one. wow.

Now when will Disney WORLD get this...?

*Spoiler Alert - Not for the innocent Disney eyes*

Although I have seen the moving mouth and eyes trick used during stage performances with pre-recorded music, I've never seen this - so interactive and dare I say...REAL? Its like the Turtle Talk with Crush show but a real big touchable MICKEY TALKING? Incredible.

lil' b and her monkey.

2010-05-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

This is Disney World's Epcot Park during the Flower Festival, but more to come about that later... let's talk about the monkey.

Yes we use a monkey leash for our child... no I never thought I would ever use such a thing; but it has become a special little part of our frequent Disney World walks.

How else would one keep track of their curious monkey-like toddler with 52,000 other aimlessly walking people around you?

I'd like to hear from the people who've done it!

Besides...she LOVES her "oo-oo" (think monkey sounds). From the moment I brought it home and out of the bag she's love love LOVED it! She actually wants to wear it - I think it makes her feel safe.

So cute: when we ask her to "give us five" she "gives him five" and hits his little monkey hand on the straps - priceless (well $9 at Walmart - but so adorable, affordable, and safe).

Thank you to my local friend Orn who recommended it!
Its the BEST!

Updates on 52 Weeks of Design Project Blog!!

2010-04-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

What?! Is it really true?! YES! Yes it is TRUE! Cassie POSTED SOMETHING on 52 Weeks of Design!

Go check it out here.

Sneak peak over - now go here.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!

2010-04-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

Heehee, he's the one on the left ;)

My dad's birthday is this week and I just love him so much! He, my mom, and baby sister (okay so she's 17) were all just here in Orlando playing at Cocoa Beach and Disney World!

we miss them.

I'm also loving these homemade devil costumes that I think were made by my Grandma... I'll call her and let you know ....

p.s. That's my Uncle Scott on the right and his b-day is in a few days too! Love & birthday wishes to Uncle Scott!

Photo taken by my grandparents??? But recently scanned and brought back to life by my oh so talented cousin Jesse Draper, go check out his incredible artwork on his Flickr page here.

These cookie cutters make me happy.

2010-04-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

What is it with me and cookies? Especially cookie cutters this year!

I think I'm finally "nesting" ...

Show your state pride through a cookie! Great for fourth grade state history classes! I put the California one up for our moms (they're both from there originally), and well because Utah and Colorado aren't all that interesting in shape. Maybe Utah is a little more... ;)

I'm in love with all of these - don't they just make you happy too? They're really inexpensive little cutters! Go to the Etsy site for the Forbes Farm Destash shop to see more! Baby shower themes, bridal showers, birthday parties, oh the possibilities!

you're welcome.

Just a reminder...photos from here, an Etsy shop where you can buy things like this!

Willaby Wallaby Wassy, an elephant sat on Cassie

2010-04-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

April Fools!

(hey I'm a mommy, my jokes are much sillier now...)

Okay so not really, BUT there is a Wallaby loose in Windermere, FL ! (a nearby town of Orlando and also the home of Tiger Woods...well his wife's home now...anyways...)! Click here for full the story.

My hubby sent me an email with the said title and it made me laugh because of the RAFFI music we use to calm our tiny toddler in the car ;). If you don't know what I'm talking about, don't feel bad, I didn't grow up with RAFFI either; but my husband did and his mom shared the love with us! Go here for our favorite RAFFI CD.

Wallaby pic found here. Elephant pic here. And Raffi pic here.

Diners, Drive-In's, & Dives in West/Central FLORIDA! Keegan's Seafood Grille!

2010-03-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Yep. That's it, in the blurry background. We were kinda wary about going in there, but once inside we got THIS...

Fun atmosphere, bright colored chalkboard, incredibly blue wainscoting, funny "mer-man" art, and crab cake sandwiches with fries (Little B was there too of course, we played it safe with a grilled cheese sandwich for her first seafood experience-oh and the kid's plate was an upside down frisbee aka the toy! ;). Definitely unique tastes here!

Oh ya and THIS GUY...

Believe it or not, his name is Guy!

On the Food Network there is a show called, Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives. I think its on mostly at nights, (we don't have cable anymore -gasp!) so I'm not sure but we would always get hungry watching it!

Here's the video clip from the official Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives Blog below - we were totally there at that beach spot too! Its just across the street! Star struck.

Here's the link to the official Keegan's Seafood Grille, complete with menu.

You can see different Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives throughout the country by state on the blog on the lower right hand side if you scroll down. So fun.

We tried to catch a place in Roy, UT but always ran out of time! So go see some of these for me k?

Clearwater Beach! (Gulf of Mexico Side) & Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!

2010-03-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hubby had a FOUR DAY WEEKEND! So we took advantage of the extra days and drove about 2 hours West to Clearwater Beach!

Funny story - we found it to be a bit too busy for our tiny-toddler-flow, so we drove down 20 min South to a site where the Food Network's T.V. show, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, featured a local well...DIVE! More about that later, but we ended up hanging out at a beach called, "Indian Rocks Beach."

Total local territory-complete with soft white sand beaches- it felt like a custom-made day, just for our lil' fam. to be together.

Recipes like this make me want to become a Vegetarian...

2010-03-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Vegetarian Samosas

Recipe & Photo found here.

OK so... I'm flirting with the idea of eating less meat.

Partly because of documentaries like Food Inc. and well all the hype about antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, and what today's livestock animals are put through to get to my shopping cart and onto the breakfast/lunch/dinner table. PHEW!

I've already cut back a TON and it feels...well...right.

...what do you think?

Any good recipe ideas? Links? Sites? Words of encouragement?

One of These Please.

2010-03-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Incredible. The house I grew up in has a gorgeous handmade-by-the-original-owners spiral staircase, but this takes the cake!

xoxo.

p.s. speaking of cake, I made my first chocolate on chocolate cake today and forgot to take a picture! wow. i can't believe myself. i'm like a self-proclaimed picture queen.

But I have witnesses! They liked it too!

spiral staircase photo found here.

Kiss Me! I'm Irish!

2010-03-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

It's a different holiday outside of school and away from family!
But we all wore green today!
I was so happy when I received these pictures from my mom!

My cute parents made a nice little video for me that I'd like to share too!

How did my mom get my dad to do all this? In response to the question he says,

"Happy Wife, Happy Life!"

Such great words have never been more true! Just look at my mom, doesn't she just radiate happiness? I love them both so very much and my Irish heritage!

Now where's that pot of gold...?

Here's the video ;) too cute! I love them so much!
(Made with my dad's iphone)

$8,000 tax credit looks really good right now. Well it always looked good.

2010-03-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

I. CAN'T. BELIEVE. THIS.

IT IS 10:24 PM ON A TUESDAY AND THE seemingly considerate CUBAN FAMILY BELOW US HAS DECIDED TO HOST A FULL OUT KARAOKE PARTY!!!!!?!?!?!?! And they invited half of Cuba.

Their favorite song is, "Hello Goodbye" by the Beatles.

IF THEY WAKE UP LITTLE B........

I really hope this was a one time thing.

we. are. so. ready. for. a. house.

Thanks for listening.

photo from stock.xchng

Mickey Mouse shaped eggs anyone?

2010-03-09T06:51:00.000-08:00

We made a pretty healthy breakfast complete with Mickey Mouse Shaped Eggs! Our like one little splurge purchase while we're here ;) oh and well an ice tray that we'll get to later...

Special days off. Special moments. laughing. dancing. and trying out new kitchen toys. What a fun day. Seriously we were like, "Wow if $3.50 could buy us this much happiness we should splurge a little more often," ...or maybe not right now... ;) let's maybe wait till we're in a more permanent place. Such fun conversations.

OH and YES those are onions mixed in with the spinach thank you very much! He loved them! Ate 'em all up!

(Jacob doesn't like onions for those of you that don't know - but these were dehydrated ones and he totally enjoys them! weird.)

photo taken by me with our little casio point-n-shoot.

Um... EARTHQUAKES?!?!

2010-03-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

Recent earthquakes

Time	Magnitude	Location
1 hour ago	6.4	Vanuatu	Map
2 hours ago	3.9	Offshore Northern California	Map
14 hours ago	6.4	Taiwan	Map

earthquake.usgs.gov

What is going on? The world around us is shifting! Here's what's on my mind:

72 hour kits

Food for toddlers

Food Storage

Water Storage

We've personally been preparing for Florida's annual hurricaine season, but wow we really gotta step it up if these earthquakes are just going to be moving across the globe!

---

I saw a commercial last night about how we can help the people in Chile through TEXTING, pretty amazing how easy it is. click here.

Organizational Chart

2010-02-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

I am feeling the need to become more organized. Like really organized. I've been out of school for about a year now and I miss the structure that it brought to my life. So the beauty of my new life as a "Stay-At-Home-Mom"/Freelance graphic designer is that I get to do whatever I want, whenever I want...but that is also my downfall... ;)

I came across the above organizational chart here.

By a very nice lady here: http://righteouslou.blogspot.com/

Any Suggestions all you SAHMs out there? Or Freelancers? I think this could be a great conversation!

Cookie cutter found!

2010-02-20T23:12:00.000-08:00

Look what I found at Ikea today!!!

It's the porcupine/hedgehog cookie cutte r on the top left of the picture available in American stores! Not Germany or Japan, but in the Swedish based Ikea available in America! It's also very inexpensive: $3.99 wow. Gotta love Ikea.

lost? remember this post last month or so...

p.s. we love lost. its getting good isn't it!? I can't believe we kinda know something about the numbers!

52 weeks of design

2010-02-18T13:01:00.000-08:00

An updated week 07. Click here to see more.

Saturday Morning Pancakes

2010-02-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember my dad has made Saturday morning breakfast a special event. Its either pancakes, crepes, German pancakes, or French toast. All served with dad's homemade maple syrup and love♥.

I was special enough that dad asked me what I felt like last Saturday morning - I picked crepes! He made them "mini" style.
I love my dad. I love syrup. Its so good to be in my parent's home again.

Is there sugar in syrup? Then YES! Name that movie ;)
pics by me with my Nikon D60.

My baby and i are sick.

2010-01-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

We both have ear infections. boo. Its not very fun.

Especially because we have to miss out on some important things that need to be done.

Wow my ears hurt! I can't imagine what my baby girl has been feeling too!

I'm so glad we went to the doctor and caught it early, I followed those "mommy intuition" feelings and SO GRATEFUL I didn't back down.

I don't understand why the nurses I seem to always get on the phone try to talk me out of not coming in to see the doctor. Its a little frustrating.

Making an appointment for the doctor seems to be trying also because they always seem to fill up at the most needed times. Not to mention being able to recognize a need for a visit within office hours. It can be such an ordeal.

I am glad that I went even though others didn't think it was a big deal, because it turned out to be the catchings of something that could have turned into somethings worse.

Even though our ears are hurting I'm so grateful for modern medicine and that we can find solutions to some of our little problems through doctors.

Hey mommas out there! Listen to those mommy feelings k?

p.s. photo taken in our old idaho apt.

something to make you smile ;)

2010-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have a memory with Mary Poppins - mine is this... my baby sister would watch this movie - over and over and over again until finally we would try to hide it from her!

No, but really, I do love Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke very much! Love this remix! Enjoy!

I have the coolest younger siblings ever!

2010-01-26T21:52:00.000-08:00

Look at these guys. Don't they just look like the kind of people that you'd want to hang out with? I love them so very much and guess what!? I get to go see them in like 2 days!

I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself!

I think this picture was taken by Dee my sweet sista-in-law (i get to go see her too!)

Hey I Forgot Something!!

2010-01-25T23:55:00.000-08:00

I forgot my MOMMY NOTES for that last Walt Disney Rule make sure you scroll down right here and read it!

Walt Disney World Secret #72

2010-01-25T23:06:00.000-08:00

Jacob and I went on a date tonight for like the first time in a long time - it was so nice we went to a place called DISNEY QUEST... we made songs, played virtual reality games, designed a roller coaster to ride, and just so many other things! A couple of the rides made us queasy especially me, but over all it was a GREAT DATE!

We did however decide that this place was definitely for the young at heart and for young boys like under ten. It was a video arcade pushed to the limits, and was completely over the top cool with new inventions and ideas of design. We met some really great people while in line from all over the world. Most of them were dads with their young sons spending one-on-one times together. I think that if you are looking for ways to get your pre-teens and young ones to have some bonding time, this is definitely a place where YOU will become the COOLEST PARENTS if you brought your kids there. Also, you would be the coolest date too! Lots of fun to be had here!

p.s. picture of my handsome husband in the car at the parking lot in Downtown Disney where Disney Quest is located. It cost extra to go to Disney Quest, but parking is free! It's an all day pass and five floors of extra gaming fun!

***UPDATE!****

I forgot my MOMMY NOTES: There are unfortunately NO STROLLERS allowed in Disney Quest, so our little one had to play with friends instead. There are however games to play for little ones in a designated area that is nice! It is fairly dark inside, and many rides might be too scary for youngsters. There are also many height limitations for the more instance rides as well.

I'm in love with this movie.

2010-01-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

Why? I'm not sure, but it is definitely a favorite!

I also recently watched the A&E version and its good too, but not as beautifully orchestrated as the newer version. Its fun to see how different people interpret and play different characters, kinda like a play... maybe that's why I like it...?

p.s. can't figure out which movie I'm talking about? Look here. oh and the picture is from here, nice high resolution shots.

Walt Disney World Secret #47 - Space Mountain Updated

2010-01-20T21:49:00.000-08:00

Space Mountain has just recently as of November 2009 had a re-opening with new features throughout not only the ride, but the LINE too! There are now interactive games to play while you're walking up to your rocket seats. Its the kind of game where everyone in line can play and get into it as long as the line isn't moving too fast!

Mommy note:
There is a great little couch that you can wait with your little ones for your party at the end of the ride. Also with the use of Disney's gift to parents and grandparents: "child swap", you can "swap" out your child with your spouse/party and get a fastpass type ticket that works for not only you but three others in your party!

To get a "child swap" ticket, all you need to do is go to a "cast member" who is standing in front of the "fastpass" line, and show them your youngster. They will then give you the pass, and any specific directions from there!

Here in the picture above is of my little one experimenting with standing up while balancing up against the wall, (next to that couch) while we wait for daddy and a friend to get off the ride. Cool lighting effect don't you think?

Things you should know about while living in Florida: Part 01

2010-01-19T18:27:00.000-08:00

If you've ever lived in Florida, or any highly humidity filled place, you know why! I, a west coast girl, coming here, to this wonderful warm humid place, struggled.

There always seemed to be a missed spot, or two or three or SEVEN! Did I ever scrub my shower this often in Idaho? In Utah? Did you hunny in Colorado? no... I dare say we didn't....

Then one day a friend comes to the rescue to SAVE ME from this awful time-consuming burden of the bathing place.

"Just spray it on and walk away for a few hours, and that's it."

"That's it!?"

"That's it."

Believe me, you'll thank me later if you're not doing so right now.

Picture from the tilex site.

No School, Work, Banks, Mail ...

2010-01-18T22:53:00.000-08:00

These special little Monday holidays make me stop and think about how important they really are. I am so very grateful for men like Martin Luther King Jr. who stood up for their beliefs. For teachers that care, for leaders that have conviction, for parents that love their children, and for the good people all throughout the world that stand up for themselves and for what they believe.

I hope that we can all do this a little more.

Quote design by me.

Week 02

2010-01-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

Wedding Invitation Updates on 52 Weeks of Design. click here.

Helping Haiti

2010-01-16T07:35:00.000-08:00

The current events with Haiti has been very emotionally straining to hear about. We are feeling it very deeply here in Florida as we are close with people we know who cannot reach their families ...

I am so grateful to be finding so many generous foundations, church groups, and philanthropists from throughout the world lending a helping hand to Haiti.

I found a few links for relief donations here. here. and here.

p.s. and please don't forget to pray.

"Miracles are wrought through prayer." Go here to see who said that.

I don't know what I'd do if this happened around me...

2010-01-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

This is hilarious. Heehee I'd probably join them! Here's their site.

Design Geek

2010-01-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

Its about time I posted something designer-geeky ;) This could be a dream come true.

Hedgehog Love

2010-01-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

My bro-in-law and his way cool girlfriend have a pet hedgehog together. These cookies from this college sophmore, featured on The National Cookie Network made me think of them! So cute, even if they are labeled as "porcupine s'mores" they could pass for hedgehogs ... right?

p.s. found more felt food thanks to friend Chantelle, here & here.

We live here

2010-01-13T11:49:00.000-08:00

Yes we live in the - surprisingly, currently freezing - beautiful state of Florida!

...and we love it!

We also have Walt Disney World passes that allow us to go whenever we feel the need to ride Splash Mountain, see a "nearly" Broadway show at the Animal Kingdom, go on a Safari, drive a Segway, dance in a Parade, or just be in a happy place where most people are on their best behavior and just extra nice!

...and maybe my hubby has an in with the mouse...maybe...

So I guess I am just going to have to write about these little adventures while we're here. It seems only appropriate that I would share my "local-mommy's" favorite places and must-know secrets. So check back for more! I'll definitely spill!

p.s. photo taken last July by my dad with his iphone

Strawberry Search

2010-01-12T10:39:00.000-08:00

So maybe I am working on a design project and needed to look up the word "strawberries"... maybe this little beauty found here showed up whilst searching ;).

Maybe I want felt-plush-make-believe-food toys for my little one and its becoming more and more aware to myself that I need to maybe jump on this bandwagon and maybe even make some myself.

maybe.

Fantastic Calendar for the New Year!

2010-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

I'm totally in love with this whole idea by YANKO DESIGN

This is definitely my kind of calendar.

Especially for a countdown of sorts, it would be so fun for kids to do too. It reminds me of Christmas countdown calendars - loved those with the chocolates, then I found this:

by Dmitry Kutlayev from Russia link here.

But I found these calendar beauties on this web page - gotta give credit to where it goes - there are lots more calendar designs there!

Which Would You Pick?

2010-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

To find out which one the Moma-To-Be chose click here.

i LOVE these bedrooms!

2009-12-10T12:14:00.001-08:00

From HGTV's site design on a budget series.

Seriously, these rooms make me so happy inside!

I left my heart...

2009-11-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

me and my bebe in san francisco

(we're actually facing the golden gate bridge on a bridge on the way to the Pier 49 - Wharf thing My arms were full and our eyes were wide open!)

Wedding Event Planners Logo Comps

2009-11-21T09:45:00.001-08:00

I did these for a wedding event planning business, I felt like these were successful.

I'm still trying to find my identity for a design name. What do you think?

October Calendar

2009-10-01T20:02:00.001-07:00

Why Hello There

2009-09-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

I am starting this mother, designer, things that inspire muah blog and I hope you enjoy! Be sure to feel free to comment nicely and become a follower!