Thursday, August 30, 2018

Magic Kingdom Research - ADVENTURELAND

courtesy of wdwinfo.com

Magic Kingdom - Adventureland

Magic Kingdom OverviewFireworks / Parades
Magic Kingdom Rides and AttractionsRestaurants / Dining / Menus
Magic Kingdom MapMagic Kingdom Articles

Magic Kingdom Lands
AdventurelandFrontierland
FantasylandLiberty Square
  - Enchanted ForestMain Street, U.S.A.
  - Storybook CircusTomorrowland
Adventureland Attractions

Enchanted Tiki RoomPirates of the Caribbean
Jungle CruiseSwiss Family Treehouse
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin 

Adventureland Overview

Adventureland is hard to describe. It's part jungle, part tropical island and there's a desert oasis thrown in as well.
From Main Street, U.S.A., you enter Adventureland by crossing a wooden planked bridge. One thing you notice about this section, the walkways where you first enter tend to be narrow and congested. It's easy to overlook the authentic landscaping as you're kept busy avoiding strollers and other guests. You'll probably walk right by the Swiss Family Treehouse.
Fortunately, Adventureland has two of the Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions; the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. This makes up for that treehouse and the Enchanted Tiki Room. There's also The Magic Carpets of Aladdin which is basically Dumbo turned into a flying carpet.

Adventureland does have some of the better shops. If you need new sunglasses, this is where you'll find Island Supply by Sunglass Hut. If you need a tropical shirt (and who doesn't?) you'll find what you're looking for at one of the open air shops. If you need a Johnny Depp fix, anything and everything that's Pirates of the Caribbean themed is sold here.
Speaking of Jack Sparrow, there's a fun Pirate Tutorial that takes place throughout the day. Other characters often found in Adventureland are Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Rafiki, Timon, Tinker Bell, and Goofy. (Check the Times Guide.) If watching pirates isn't enough for you, you can become a pirate yourself at The Pirates League. Make an appointment and you can experience a pirate makeover including makeup, a costume, and even your own pirate name!
A Pirate's Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas is an interactive game in which guests will use pirate maps and "magic talismans" as they compete to become members of Captain Jack's pirate crew. There are five different 20-minute missions to complete, such as searching for Treasures of the Seven Seas and fighting off pirate enemies. If they fail, they will be left to face the enemies alone without their crew.When guests complete each pirate raid, they can get a Collector Card reward at Pirate Headquarters. An additional card will be given when all five raids are completed.
Arguably one of the best features at Adventureland is the Aloha Isle. This is one of the only spots in all of Walt Disney World where you can purchase the very popular Dole Whip soft serve pineapple flavored ice cream (the other is at the Pineapple Lanai located in Disney's Polynesian Village Resort). Be warned, this stuff is addictive.
Other refreshing fruit-flavored treats are on the menu at the Sunshine Tree Terrace.

As you can see, Adventureland is sort of a mishmash of themes. You can climb a tree, fly over the desert, explore the jungle, sail on the high seas and visit a tropical island where birds talk and sing. No matter which adventure you choose, it's a fun area to visit.


Magic Kingdom Research - LIBERTY SQUARE

courtesy of wdwinfi.com 

Liberty Square Information

Liberty Square Attractions
Liberty Square Overview

Liberty Square is best described as "low key" in comparison to the other "lands" at the Magic Kingdom.

There are only three attractions here, but among them is the Haunted Mansion, one of Disney's best.
As you enter Liberty Square, you're stepping into the colonial era of America. The brick covered buildings are reminiscent of Williamsburg, Virginia and there's a replica of the Liberty Bell. It's no wonder why Liberty Square was chosen as the home of the The Hall of Presidentsattraction. A little history about the Liberty Bell: In 1976, 50 replicas were cast and molded in honor of our country’s 200th birthday. Each state would receive one and place it in a spot of their choice. However, the state of Pennsylvania had a problem. They already had the original Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Why would they want a replica? Years later, Walt Disney World realized Pennsylvania had the replica and asked if they could have it for Liberty Square. Pennsylvania agreed and on July 4th, 1989 the replica Liberty Bell was hoisted and lowered into its permanent spot inside Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom where it still sits today. Florida remains the only state with two of the 50 replica Liberty Bells.

There's an actual Liberty Tree in front of the Liberty Tree Tavern. Its name is from the 1957 Disney movie "Johnny Tremain." Among its branches are 13 lanterns representing the original 13 colonies of the United States. At a hefty 38 tons, this tree is the largest living thing in the Magic Kingdom.
Stop and watch The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History starring Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear, and friends who reenact famous moments in American history – as only they can. The live show is performed multiple times daily in Liberty Square.
One of the most relaxing attractions is located here. The Liberty Belle paddlewheel boat takes guests on a cruise around the Rivers of America. It was originally the Richard F. Irvine riverboat until the Liberty Belle was built from its hull in 1996.


A very popular photo spot is the wooden pillory found in Liberty Square. Stick your head and hands through and smile! Getting your picture taken sure beats what used to happen - in the days when this was used as punishment, you'd be locked in and have food thrown at you. (Getting pelted with one of those mammoth Disney turkey legs could be painful!)

There are some fun souvenirs that are unique to Liberty Square. Little girls love the umbrellas that can be personalized with their names. At the Silhouette cart you can have a memorable keepsake created.

Christmas shopping can be done all year round at the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Sadly, the other shopping locations like the Olde World Antiques and the Silversmith Shop have closed over the years.


If you're hungry, the Liberty Tree Tavern takes reservations for a meal of delicious American fare. If you want a quick New England style meal, then Columbia Harbor House is the place to go.

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Barbie Organization and Furniture Hacks

Did you know that on March 9, 1959, Barbie (Barbra Millicent Roberts) debuted at the American Toy Fair in New York City.  Who knew Barbie had a full name.  Happy Birthday Barbie. I found a bunch of Barbie DIYs that are so cute and worthy of saving.

this adorable closet is made from cardboard, popsicle sticks, hot glue, and spray paint with an optional bar for hangers.




Perhaps you like this Barbie clothing rack better? This one takes a bitt more effort and some startup materials but the end result is adorable. It also looks a but 'retail' so go ahead and make a few of them and let your girl go on a shopping spree.

Now that you've got storage, you may need some hangers for those beautiful duds. Make some using this tutorial out of paper clips.




Need some clothes for that new closet? How about making a cute Barbie dress one from a sock?


Need to wash all those clothes? How about an adorable DIY washer and dryer made from cardboard snack boxes, spray paint, packing tape, black cardstock, buttons and hot glue. Check out the youtube video linked above.

Don't throw away those empty sample bottles. Instead make a cute Barbie sized tote with half an empty bottle, washi tape or fabric, and some pipe cleaners. The totes in this pic were made from patterned duct tape.




Next is this organizing hack for all the tiny accessories. The OP was storing all of her Calico Critters accessories which we also have a ton of.



Doll hair can get out of control but this hot water/towel/hairbrush post has a quick and dirty (pun intended) solution to tame the wild masses. If you want to try a new hair color on those lovely locks, check out this hair dye blog post using food coloring.

Cute curls are every Barbies best friend ad if your curls have turned straight, set them with these homemade curlers made from bobby pins and tiny straws.

Does your Barbie love water sports? Let your little ones take her on an adventure with this homemade doll boat made from soda bottles and masking tape.


Once Barbie gets out of the water, she may be cold and warming up by the fireplace may be just what she needs. Make a cute fire out of twigs, a flameless tealight, and some wood using this tutorial. If your not handy with power tools, your local craft store will likely have a small table in the unfinished wood section.



Is your friend hungry? Boxed Barbie food can be made from this ingenious hack using foam core board and coupons!


Need eating utensils? This blog is not in English but you probably don't need a translator tool if you simply look at the pictures to see how ridiculously easy these spoons are to make.


How about something to drink. I wondered where people were getting all those adorable bottled drinks. This blogger has a great tutorial for making them out of straws and plastic pen barrels.



Now after all that eating, shopping, and hair dyeing, Barbie is probably exhausted and read for a much needed nap. This blogger made an incredibly cute bed out of a plastic storage box with lid and some fabric. Sewing skills helpful.



Or make a suitcase for her out of a plastic soap bar holder or an Altoids tin and send Barbie on vacation and make an eco and cash friendly tropical oasis for your Barbie and her guy with a fruit crate , a ribbon spool, and some small wood leftovers.



My house is over run with tiny Barbie babies but if you need one, here is a pic using what looks like a wood bead and some fabric.

Wiping that babies bottom will take some TP. Make some toilet paper like this one using paper towels or TP and a match stick. This blog post has some tissue boxes and many other adorable diy items. You will need a translator.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Duluth Summer 2018 with Logan, Dominic, and Hannah

We had a fantastic drive up from the Twin Cities to Duluth today. Logan, Dominic, and Hannah slept over last night. Well 'sleep' is a relative thing. Logan and I went to bed at 3am this morning and then got up at 830 so even though its only 10p, Im exhausted.

We left the house 50 minutes earlier than expected, at 11:10 but after some i-35 construction nightmares, we finally got to Tobies at 1p. After lunch we went to the Riverside cemetery in Superior, WI to visit Kens parents (and grandparents, and great grandparents).

Lunch was great and the cemetery was interesting (in different ways) so all-in-all, the 4.25 hour road trip was good.

Our first adventure was going to Park Point beach. As you can see from the slightly foggy pictures below, despite the rain and the water temp being a reported 55 degrees, the kids still had a great time swimming.



After stopping at the MINIIT MART next to the hotel and getting meat sticks and bottled water, we went off to the hotel pool for a couple houts of more swimming. I feel pickled!


Then at 8 oclock it was McDonalds for dinner and then a quick hot tub bath for the kids. After some  and some much needed wind down time, Ive got all the kids and the husband tucked away for sleepy time. Here are pics of 2 of the 3. Hannah woke up when I took her picture and I couldnt get to Dominic because he is on the other side of grampa. 


Good night people, have a pleasant rest of your weekend. 

REMEMBER;
  1. Our God is an awesome God!
  2. God works for the the good of those who love him






Friday, March 30, 2018

Gods blessing on the one who is willing to sell Proverbs 11:26



There are so many quotable verses on living a Christian life in Proverbs and I generally find something to focus on. Like this verse I'm reading tonight;

People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God's blessings on the one who is willing to sell. Proverbs 11:26.

My take on this verse was that Old Testament farmers would hoard grain which would inevitably raise the price.

The lesson learned for me, at this time, is that I need to continue to purge my scrap and stamp hoard by selling it or (better yet) giving it away. Off to planning.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

2018 Goals

I'm using a combination of 3 methods to work on some personal goals this year.


  1. I'm using the Totally Tiffany Get Organized Challenge to make my studio a bliss station
  2. I'm using David Allens Get Things Done and Alan Henry has an awesome lifehacker post simplifying Davids method. Ive wanted to start the 43 folder organizing system for quite some time.Maybe its time
  3. Marie Kondos Konmari method will hopefully help me organize my life better
So my commitments in my regular composition notebook I use as a journal look like this;

  1. Financial Health
  2. Getting Closer to God
  3. Cleaning and Organizing my Studio
  4. Develop Healthy Habits 
  5. Improving My Professional Skill Set

Totally Tiffany 2018 Organization Challenge

I started the Totally Tiffany 2018 Organization Challenge several weeks ago. I had a false start after not really embracing all of her ideas and after I completely fell off the wagon for 2 weeks, I've decided to get back on board by starting from the beginning.

One of the concepts is to post your progress and since I cant figure out where to post it on her site, Im doing it here so I can check it off my list.

Here's what I've done previously;


    1. Watched TT Week One Get Organized Video
    2. Learn the 4 section system
    3. Prepare to Purge
    4. Bought 12x12 vertical paper storage
    5. Sorted all my cardstock and organized it into the above boxes in ROYGBIV
    6. Sorted 75% of my designer paper and put it into (what I can fit, there is still a lot left) into the above boxes by ROYGBIV
    7. Donated some stuff to the Champlin - Buy Nothing Facebook page (CTMH ink pads, ink pad holders, Stampin Up catalogs, paper crafting magazines)

    Here's what I've done in the last week;

    1. Watched TT Week One Get Organized Video
    2. Created my Get Organized Notebook with all the things I learn
    3. Created my What Did You Do Today notebook
    4. Create my Rewards chart
    5. Create my Themes and Sentiments list
    6. Prepare to Purge (again)
    7. Find a permanent purge box
    8. Find my locations to donate
    Here is what I still need to do to get my reward;
    1. Gather all my stuff from three rooms into my studio
    2. Create an organized only space
    3. Take some more before pictures after I get everything in the room

    My reward for this week will be to buy 2 new outfits