FabFitFun: Summer 2017

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I absolutely LOVED the spring edition of FabFitFun (I should probably finish my review), and was equally impressed with the summer box.  Since I don’t subscribe annually, and I probably should, I never know which designs will be in my set.  Everyone knows I hate pink, with the exception of the Cheshire Cat.  The summer box had pink in three of their items:  bkr bottle, Michael Stars ruana, and travel tag/passport set.  Continue reading →

A Vegan Diet Journey

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My partner (now fiancée) does not eat a bunch of crap, and neither do I.  Now, if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that we do like to try new things that aren’t always the healthiest.  And that is okay.  This topic is for another, more in-depth piece, but I have a real issue with putting huge constraints on food unless you have a legitimate medical issue, and must not have certain things.  Anyway, my fiancée fell ill, and part of the recovery process is really watching what he puts in his body.  While he is very skeptical of adopting a plant-based diet, the doctors recommended it as a way of helping to repair the damage.

Continue reading →

Tips for Your Disney World Vacation

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Did Someone Say, “Walt Disney World”?
My fiancée and I were lucky.  We were able to visit Walt Disney World (WDW) twice in a relatively short amount of time.  Although it will be awhile before we return, we are already putting what we learned into planning for future excursions.  Hopefully some of these tips will help you plan your perfect, magical experience.  I’ll have all of the tips listed at the bottom, in case you don’t want to read the details.    
The first time we were there, hurricane Matthew decided to show us some love.  It was a VERY last-minute plan, and we booked through a AAA travel agent.  In hind-sight, we should have just booked directly through the Disney Travel Agency, as our agent gave us some misinformation.  More on the drama later.  
The Weather and Clothing
We didn’t even think about it being hurricane season, so Tip #1:  Know the seasons.  This leads us into Tip #2:  Know the typical weather for the time of year you’re going.  We went in October, and while we expected humidity, it was far more intense than we could have ever imagined.  It reminded me of Texas in the summer—you could cut the air with a knife.  .  .  figuratively.  Tip #3:  Get some duo-dry
clothes (we bought ours at Target), especially if you’re traveling while it’s humid.  We bought some at Target just before leaving, and they were life-saving!  Duo-dry, by Champion, helps pull sweat away, keeping you cooler than regular clothes.  The downside, especially if you sweat a lot, is that by the end of the day your clothes (shirt especially) will be heavy, and sweat tends to gather mostly towards the bottom.  And of course, you will want shoes you can walk in for miles.  We prefer shoes with foam insoles.  Tip #4:  Bring a couple of pairs of walking shoes.  You can also bring a pair of dressier shoes if you plan on having a fancy meal, but the alternate trainers will give you a fresh pair should the first pair get wet.  What else?  Oh, you may want to pack a hat, headband, or something else that will help keep you cool, particularly if you’re going in warmer months.  The biggest thing is to not be self-conscious.  I know what you’re thinking, but honestly, everyone looks the same in that heat/humidity.  Nobody cares.  My fiancée sweats a lot in the heat, and it was 10x worse with the humidity.  The first few minutes he was self-conscious, but once he saw everyone else, and how people were just concerned with having a good time, he no longer worried about it.  I was also a hot mess, but it really didn’t matter.  Everyone was a hot mess together.        
Hotels
There are several hotels to choose from.  Our AAA agent booked us in the Port Orleans Riverside, which is where we now prefer to stay because of its location.  We have yet to stay at the other hotels, but it would be nice to, to see how the others compare.  There are cheaper (and more expensive) options available to fit most budgets.  I love the various themes.  If you have an open day, I recommend taking the shuttle to the other hotels, getting out, and taking a walk around.  Each one has its own set of activities, restaurants, etc. to experience.  Port Orleans has movies under the stars.  Others have campfires and s’mores, or games, sports.  .  .  you name it!    So, Tip #5:  Pick the hotel that fits your needs; and Tip #6:  Check out the activities for the week.  If you just want to relax, you can do that, too.          
 
Tickets and PhotoPass
You can add tickets if they are not included in your WDW package.  You can click here to see the current ticket prices.  Just pick the number of days and number of people in your party.  I highly recommend adding the park-hopper option.  If one park closes earlier than another, or you want a change of scenery, you can go to any of the four parks with that option.  Depending on the time of year, you may also want to get tickets to the water parks.  For pricing, click here.  If it’s your first time, you may want to take advantage of the Memory Maker, which allows unlimited downloads of all of your PhotoPass pictures, Magic Shots, and more!  There is also an option for a special pickup and drop-off that can be added, but I can’t remember what it is called.  It can be added once you are at the resort.  Tip #7:  Research the ticket and PhotoPass options.            
Dining
We found that the best thing EVER is the Deluxe Dining Plan.  Yes, it is pricey up front, but when you factor in the cost of food, beverages, and snacks, you can get so much value out of the dining plan.  If you’re lucky, you may even get your dining plan for free.  Included in the dining plan is a refillable cup (also available for purchase without the dining plan).  It is only refillable in resort hotels, but still a wonderful thing to have.   

There are three plans to choose from:  Quick-Service, Dining, and Deluxe Dining.  The plans also note which food service locations are included.  You can use all of your credits at one go, or space them out.  There is no time limit between uses, and with the Deluxe plan, you can eat virtually anywhere.  We ate at Narcoosee’s, Rainforest Café, Biergarten, and several other places with amazing meals.  We definitely got our money out of it, as each restaurant meal was three courses (including drinks; no alcohol), and most only used one credit.  On the Deluxe plan you are given three meals per day, quick-service or sit-down, and two snacks.  Some places, especially character dining, will take two credits instead of one, but you will still have plenty of credits.  If you have credits remaining, you can use them to purchase snack items (yes, the meal credits can also be used on snacks).  We ended up bringing snacks back for everyone.  Quick-Service provides you with two quick-service meals and two snacks.  The Dining Plan offers each guest one table-service and one quick-service meal, plus two snacks.  It is important to note that gratuity is not included for most dining locations, so be sure to bring some money.  To learn more about the dining options, I have included the links above.

You can also pick a date and time for one of the character dining or table service locations.  They do sell out fast, and you will need a credit/debit card number to hold the reservation.  If you are a no-show, they will charge you, but I am not sure how much.  Everything can be done on the Disney World app, making the experience a breeze.  Tip #8:  Don’t forget to download the Disney World app!          
FastPass+
With FastPass+, you have the option of choosing up to three (3) attractions, the date and corresponding wait times, as long as they aren’t out.  Since we booked last-minute, there were few options to choose from.  Attractions like Frozen Ever After, Expedition Everest, and the Seven Dwarves Mine Train tend to sell out fast.  Click here for more information on FastPass+ and how to get the most from it.  The second time we went, we chose our FastPass+ based on our arrival time in Orland and which parks we were going to each day.  We always looked at the park closing times and magic hours, and if we chose to park hop, then we “flew by the seat of our pants”.  Tip #9:  Plan your FastPass+ in advance.        
Transportation:  Airport and Hotel
When you book your WDW vacation, your shuttle will be waiting.  Well, you might have a wait, but once you deplane, all you have to do is head to Disney’s Magical Express.  Depending on your hotel, you have boat and/or shuttle access to the various parks and Disney Springs.  If you booked early enough, you won’t have to worry about your luggage.  It will be in your hotel room either before or after you have checked in.  The first time, we didn’t have the Disney luggage tags in time, so we had to wait for our checked bags.  Celebrating something special?  Be sure to let the cast member know at check-in.  You may receive a button to commemorate the event.  I am waiting for the day when Disney has their own fleet, gate, and carousel at airports.  If it were Disney, from start to finish, wouldn’t it make the entire process even more simple?   
Packing
This one seems stupid, but it is vital.  DO NOT OVERPACK!  I know it’s tempting (unless, of course, you are a minimalist).  You sit there, looking at what you mightneed, or could need.  Instead, pack your essentials (i.e.  medications, toiletries, etc.), clothes, and minimal makeup.  The makeup is difficult for me, but remember that what you carry with you will have to come back.  Plus, once you’re there, will you actually use it?  For makeup, I recommend a small neutral palette, a couple of brushes, lip balm, one or two lipsticks, mascara, liner, and small eye primer.  Chances are, you won’t use more than that, and foundation/BB cream, etc. tends to just melt off.  Your carry-on should include an extra change of clothes, any medications you take regularly, your quart-sized liquids bag, sanitizing wipes, and electronic devices/accessories.  I also suggest taking a neck pillow as well, to avoid cramping on the plane.  If you are taking jewelry, also remember to put it in your carry-on.  You may be wondering about the change of clothes.  I will never forget coming home from Paris (this was years ago), and my mom mentioning to do so in case of an unexpected issue.  As it turns out, we had to stay overnight in Texas, and leave the next day.  I was so happy to have a fresh change of clothes to go home in.   
I also highly recommend checking a bag that has a Ziploc with cough medicine, Vitamin C gummies or tablets, DayQuil/NyQuil, mini emergency kit; things like that.  You never know what you might come down with, and should you get sick, it’s best to have medicines that (1) your doctor would allow you to take, and (2) will help get you better, faster.  Nothing is worse than being sick on vacation.      
Once you are packed, it is important to weigh your suitcase.  Tip #10:  Buy a luggage scale.  It may seem like a frivolous purchase, but it will save you, especially after you’ve checked out.  If you aren’t planning on bringing back more than a few keychains, then you’ll be fine.  But if you are like me, and like to get things for yourself and friends/family, you may end up being over the weight limit.  Because of the time of year, our clothes were drenched.  We didn’t want to pay for the cleaning, as having clothes laundered is incredibly overpriced, so we brought home our sweat-filled clothes.  Even hanging them to dry didn’t do much good, and it added a significant amount of weight.  Be sure to know your airline’s luggage/weight policies.  Bring the scale with you so you know how close you are to the weight limit.  You may need another suitcase or face a hefty fine.  Upon checkout, you take your luggage to the flight check-in desk, where each checked suitcase is weighed.  I can’t tell you how many people were over the limit, didn’t realize it, and ended up having to purchase another suitcase.  It will also hold up the line, which makes everything run less smoothly. 
Souvenirs
This tip comes from our friends who had gone a few years prior, and is one of the best tips we received.  Tip #11:  Purchase Disney gift cards, which you can use to buy souvenirs.  Do not link you debit/credit card to your magic band.  When your card is linked, it can be easy to forget how much is being charged.  You may be left wondering why your bill is so high, or why your debit account is so low.  Also, when you have a set amount to spend, you can be sure not to go overboard, and it gives you a limit.  Know how much you can, and are willing, to spend.  Add that to the gift card, and BOOM!  You are all set to go.   
A Few More Tidbits
You will not need your wallet.  It is far less of a hassle to leave your wallet in the safe provided in the room, or locked in your luggage (which isn’t as smart).  You may want to bring your ID, some cash, and a gift card, but you won’t need a whole wallet.  The security staff doesn’t mess around, and will look through every fold.  If you’re like me and have a rather large one, it can take up more time.  I also recommend getting a clear backpack so security can easily see what you are bringing.  Everything else is on your MagicBand, and who doesn’t want their vacation to be as hassle-free as possible?  And speaking of, don
’t forget your MagicBands!  They are the key to your room, the theme parks, dining, and more.     
Helpful Tips:
·    Don’t forget your MagicBand(s). 
·    Download the Disney World app. 
·    Know the seasons. 
·    Know the weather for the time of year you will be traveling. 
·    Research your ticket and PhotoPass options. 
·    Take advantage of the FastPass+ attraction/dining features in advance. 
·    Invest in some duo-dry clothes. 
·    Bring a couple of pairs of walking shoes. 
·    Do not over pack. 
·    Have a mini emergency kit in your checked or carry-on bag. 
·    Get a luggage scale. 
·    Purchase gift cards to use for souvenirs in place of credit/debit cards. 
·    Book through a Disney Travel Agent.  [The agent we worked with for our second trip was amazing.  If you’d like his information, let me know.  We do not get any incentives for recommending him.  He was just that good.]   
·    Bring a clear backpack. 

quip: The Clarisonic of Toothbrushes

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I had seen advertisements for quip everywhere, and after visiting their website, decided to give them a shot.  Normally, I keep using the same toothbrush for ages, which probably affects its efficacy.  I have tried Sonicare, Colgate (my absolute favorite manual toothbrush is the Optic White), REACH, you name it.  Most recently I had been using a bamboo toothbrush, which I bought as part of my Zero Waste challenge.  I loved it… but I love quip just a little bit more.  My only gripe, and this goes for most toothbrushes, is that the brush head is flat.  That makes it a bit more difficult to reach behind and around back teeth.  I wish the top bristles were angled a bit to ensure that every bit of the tooth is covered. 

Quip offers electric and manual versions of their slim toothbrushes.  Each toothbrush is slim and comes with a holder that doubles as a brush head protector when you travel.  You can purchase sets or individual brushes with or without toothpaste; and no, you don’t need to purchase a subscription.  The electric version requires one AAA battery.  According to the site, the AAA battery will last about 3 months (with daily use).  Quip recommends changing the brush head out after 3 months, so you can change out both at the same time.  When you choose the subscription plan, you are sent a brush head every three months.  I also noticed that a battery comes with the brush head.  If you have chosen the option with toothpaste, you will receive that as well.

Sorry!  I know these aren’t the greatest photos.
We chose black and copper for our brush colors.
The back of the brush has
a tongue scraper.
The whole brush. 


So, how does the electronic toothbrush work?  Well, it reminds me of Clarisonic (hence the title).  Not only are the models stylish… some more than others… they are also travel-friendly, and have a built-in timer.  After applying the toothpaste and wetting the brush head, you press the little button at the base of the brush head.  The toothbrush will begin to vibrate, and you start brushing.  Once 30 seconds have passed, there will be a pause.  This helps the user to make sure the front and back sides of teeth are taken care of.  At the end of the brushing cycle, there will be a couple of pauses during the vibration, letting you know that the 2 minutes are up.

I love that quip mentions that their toothbrush can be as effective as the cheaper manual ones as well as the electric toothbrushes on the market.  They are just making it a little bit easier, especially with the subscription option.  How much does quip cost?  Well, that varies.  The brushes start at $10.00 for manual, and $55.00 for the electric version with three extra brush heads.  You can click here for their store site.  Their customer service is great– when I had questions, I received a response within one day.  Here is an important note:  *If you have an existing subscription and opt out or remove your payment information before your subscription time is up, any refills you would have received will not be sent.  So, make sure to remove the payment method or cancel after your last refill is shipped out. 

Whether you purchase a manual or electric version, quip will spruce up your brushing routine.  If you are interested in trying out quip, I have listed the promo link here.  You will get a free brush head cycle (where they send you a brush head after 3 months for free), and I will too!  To learn more about quip, you can read their FAQ.

Stay beautiful!

It’s 2017!

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Where has the time gone?  Hopefully the new year has been treating you well.  I realized that I haven’t posted in ages.  Since I am done traveling at the moment, I now have time to catch up on all of the articles that I haven’t completed.  We are starting off the new year (a month late) with a GIVEAWAY!  I did mean to have this giveaway back in December, but life happened, so the giveaway did not.  There are actually two that I will be doing over the next few months.  The first features Tieman’s Low-Acid Fusion Coffee, and the other will be a mix of deluxe-sized beauty/grooming products.  I may be able to squeeze another in, so we’ll see.  I also have post-CES updates, some travel information, recipes, and reviews coming up.

Stay beautiful!

7-Day Challenge: Minimalism

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This week I have decided to focus on minimalism.  I never really thought about how much “stuff” I was accumulating until I moved some things to storage.  Holy s**t!  I have more than enough items.  Do I think that people should never spend or buy things?  No.  But, I want to see what it’s like to focus on being present and here rather than on what I want to buy.  Plus, my wallet will surely thank me.   This will be a huge challenge because I am a sucker for samples.  If it is something I will use, then I’ll take it, but other than that, I will, “…just say no.”

Monday:  Random Thoughts

Today is the first day of this week-long challenge, and there are so many thoughts running through my head.  Am I over-thinking this?  Are the associations I am making valid?  What is consumerism saying about us as humans and as a society?  Why do I keep things thinking I’ll use them later, but in reality I never do?  Do “things” really make us happy?  Why am I so organized with work and school, but not at home?  Will this help increase my productivity?

I never used to associate possessions with the many facets of health.  They were always separate.  The older I get, the more I realize that “things” may really be affecting my health in more ways than one.  There are times when I look around and think that I will go crazy because of all of the clutter.  Or, I look at what I have and realize how grateful I am for everything.  And then there are times when I wonder why I have so much.  Maybe if I scaled down my inventory, I would be happier overall.  Not just because the space would be less cluttered, but there would be less distractions, and I could really focus on just being.  Not to mention the money saved that could be put towards a trip or something really special.  Do you think I’m taking this a little too seriously? Moving on…

It is the first day.  Today I will focus on de-cluttering my sleeping area.  It’s kind of an odd setup, and there isn’t much space.  That being said, I have managed to cram a ridiculous amount of items in this crazy-small space.  After watching tiny house/small space videos, I’ve gotten a better idea of how I want to go about clearing this area.  First I will take stock on what I have.  Then, I will make piles of what I need to keep, donate, and toss.  Until I return…

An hour later, and I already have a trash bag of things I can donate!  The items consist mostly of clothes, but it’s a start.  I love to buy shirts (pants/bottoms, not so much), and I have some that I completely forgot I had.  Many were given to me during CES, and I realized that I’ve never worn most of them.  Maybe someone else can benefit from the shirts I have decided to donate.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:  Less is More?
I’ve been watching a lot of movies throughout the decades, and even in film, you can see the hike in consumerism just in the props.  I am learning that less really may be more in some cases.  Over the past three days, I went through boxes that ha been stored in the garage.  I found three HUGE storage boxes of items to donate.  While part of me would like to sell off what I can, my heart says to donate.  I will be taking some items down to Skid Row, and the rest will go to Out of the Closet.  Seeing so many items really makes me realize how much I have.  It also forces me to see how much I’ve spent over time.  While the majority of items were given to me, a fair amount are items I’ve purchased.  My next venture will be to go through the shed.
Friday:  Still a Work in Progress
It’s Friday!  The weekend is upon us, and the house is decorated just in time for the holidays.  I am still sifting through everything I have accumulated.  There is a “keep” box, “donate” box, and “trash” pile.  Thus far, the donation box has grown exponentially, and there has been little to toss.  Items I thought I would keep ended up needing a new home, as I no longer use them.  I did find a few appliances I was looking for.  The only thing I’m focused on now is finding a particular collection, and making sure I don’t start the cycle of accumulation again.

Valentia: Night Revive Retinol Serum

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I have been using Valentia‘s Night Revive Retinol Serum for a little over two months.  It is meant to hydrate and rejuvenate skin, while fighting wrinkles, for a youthful, glowing look.  The serum comes with a drop applicator, and has a watery consistency.  The formula absorbs fast, and can be added to your nighttime moisturizer or used alone.  If you choose to apply this during the day, be sure to use an SPF.  You always want to protect your skin.

I’m sorry.  I cut of the top of the bottle,
but you can see the dropper lid in the
photo to the right.
Bottle, dropper cap, and serum.

In the time I have been using the serum, I have noticed a difference in my skin’s texture.  It feels smoother, and my face always feels fresh when I wake.  Since the weather has been all over the place, my skin has been flaky and dry around my hairline as well as at the start of my eyebrows.  This serum doesn’t deliver the amount of moisture my skin currently needs, so I combine two to three drops with No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream in Dry/Very Dry.  It is recommended to apply the serum two to three times per week until your skin adjusts.  Then, you can increase use to every day or every other day.    

This little jar contains all sorts of effective ingredients such as:  Retinal (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, Vitamin E,  Aloe Vera, and Olive Oil Squalene.  Want to know more about the ingredients?  You can read the full ingredient list here.  If you are unsure  about how your skin will react, I suggest doing a patch test on a small area.  Should your skin react negatively, discontinue use.  The serum is currently on sale for $35.00/35mL (normally $59.99).  You can keep in touch with Valentia on Facebook or Instagram for updates, new products, and promotions.

Stay beautiful!

**I received this product in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  Powered by BrandBacker**

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Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure!

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I love Disney, especially during the holidays!

Epcot had the Food & Wine festival, where guests could experience foods from varying cultures.  This holiday season, Disney California Adventure has put on the Festival of Holidays.  Like Food & Wine, guests have the opportunity to try out all sorts of foods, drinks, and entertainment.  This multicultural food fair will last through January 8th.  I can’t wait to try out what they have to offer.  I have heard that it is quite pricey (but it’s Disney, so that’s not a surprise).  Here is a list of all of the offerings, courtesy of disney.go.com:

  • Abuelita’s Kitchen cooks up Feliz Navidad wishes with warm tamales and sopes
  • Brews & Bites clinks flights of beer for yuletide cheer
  • Fiesta en Familia makes merriment with savory dishes like pozole and ceviche
  • Southern Home Holidays spreads southern comfort classics like spicy chicken sausage and sweet potato pie
  • Good Fortune’s Feast adds a little flair to the festivities with pork bao and winter mint milk tea
  • Heritage Cottage serves up tasty goodies with hardy holiday short ribs and rice pudding
  • Making Spirits Bright shows what fun it is to celebrate with wines and seasonal beverages
  • Mistletoe Morsels melts hearts with Swedish meatballs and eggnog
  • Mosaic Delights moffers mouthwatering munchies like roasted lamb and baklava
  • Nosh & Nibbles is horsera-dishing out brisket potato croquettes and sweet spiced noodle kugel
  • Spicy Salutations celebrates with inspired cuisine like curry and mango lassi
  • Treats for Santa twinkles with fruit punch and holiday cookies
  • Winter Sliderland roasts and toasts with succulent sliders and hard cider
  • Yuletide Yummies puts a twist on the traditional, with creations like pumpkin spice hot chocolate and gingerbread Bundt cake

As we try out the various small plates, I will update this post with my thoughts on each dish that is sampled.  Hopefully this list will help you decide what to try on your next visit.  What are you looking forward to the most this (Disney) holiday season?