'Tis the Season

Baby Belle is dressed to match the new season ahead!

Sexy and I Know It

The boys take some time at my recent visit home for a little R&R. In the case of a massive spoon invasion, Dillon has taken it upon himself to take the first watch. And is still learning the necessity of personal boundaries. What a hero.

Faedan, on the other hand, is just happy to take time to preserve the "wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle!"

Miss my little munchkins!

What Not to Wear- Office Edition

It's a groggy gray morning when you trudge wearily to the closet, beckoning something, anything, to call to you. How will you decide what to wear?

• Is it a bloated day? Nix the tucked pant and blouse look.
• Have you once again forgotten to shave your legs in the hasty morning shower? Adios skirts and dresses.
• Are your feet sore and tired? In your dreams, strappy heels and cute flats.
• Better yet, are you picking up extra hours, requiring a company-provided costume? Not to worry about looking attractive, as these swoon-worthy ensembles include flood length pants that double for both camel-toe and a tuck in bra, and, oh yes, contain zero sex appeal. Dreams come true!

So how do you know what to wear and what to leave behind while picking that perfect outfit?

To be simple. I have no idea what will make a good outfit. It can be anything. An accessory alone can make or break an ensemble, not to mention what an adorable top can do. I always wanted one of those closet organizers as seen in Clueless, which matches the perfect pieces together, but alas, that invention is stuck in the realm of fiction.

Though I can't say what makes an outfit a success, I can share some tips on what makes an outfit a flop. Here are the top ten examples of (sad but true) fashion faux pas witnessed in the building. Enjoy!

1. Stirrup pants. With an aviator top. And ascot. A real lfe ascot.
2. Red mini-skirt and black patten leather go-go boots.
3. Matching polka dot print dress with perfectly patterned polka dot shoes.
4. White tights. Not opaque or nude colored. White.
5. It's five o'clock somewhere in a short sateen nightclub dress and knee high boots.
6. Crocs. It does not matter what kind, whether ballet flat, original, or the boot style. They are still, and always will be, ugly shoes.
7. It's not easy being green, especially with a lime green twin set and olive green knit pant combo.
8. Flannel shirts-- great for camping, not for the workplace.
9. Feathered hair. What happened in the eighties needs to stay in the eighties.
10. Striped skirts mixed with dotted and bright shirts.

Save a Horse

*Bonus guest look: Cowboy hat, Ed Hardy tee and boots with real spurs at the Magic Kingdom. On a day that was not at the Halloween Party. My heart breaks at not getting this stud's number*

Hopefully this will help with things to keep in mind your next bleary eyed morning.

What looks have you seen that should be added to an "OH NO!" list of outfits?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

The Christmas Season. The time of year that is called so many names: season of hope, season of miracles, simply THE season, merriest time, Yuletide, etc.

The season, regardless of name, usually begins with the same marked day on the calendar: Black Friday. The day that is circled and crossed out of each calendar. The day that, unless a death wish has been issued, is avoided at all cost.

We get Cast-Only pins!

Here at Disney, however, the Christmas season has already begun. Without pomp and circumstance, without ceremony, without trees lining the streets glittering with crisp snow.

It begins with song.

This Tuesday and Wednesday marked the first Candlelight Processional practices. The large room in the Disney Event Group building was filled with around 150 cast members itching to let loose the vocal pipes. And let me tell you, those pipes were put to use, no matter how rusty they might have been. Just ask the sopranos reaching for the High B.

Young and young at heart both gathered to practice the traditional songs. There were many members that had been part of the cast choir for 15+ years, and then there were those that were new to the experience (and we proudly raised our hands when asked!)

The practice was led by a former Voices of Liberty singer, who is now in charge of the Dapper Dans of Main Street. We worked on songs ranging in styles and languages, all in the name of creating the Christmas feel.

Christmas? In September? You bet!

The Pursuit of Happiness

When all is said and done, it is the little things in life that make me happy. Like this evening's grand discovery at the Target Supercenter with Karen, Kristin, and Naomi.

Koala Yummies.

The cookies of my childhood and dreams of my soul. These small snacks are the best thing in the world, having a cookie crunch mixed with a gooey chocolate center. Obviously, I am obsessed.

I have seen these at Epcot Japan (even seen the family size tub of them, which let me tell you, was tempting) but they were a bit high in the pricerange. At Target's dollar section, however, the price was just right, granted that these seem to be the off-brand of the delicious treat. It is still just as good!

I am on cloud nine. The only thing that could maybe make these cookies better is some chocolate pudding. And of course...more.

Winnie Weekend

Every single one of us, once upon a time, watched Winnie the Pooh. And cherished every moment of it. We loved his antics, his friends, his constant obsession with honey. It was the best toy story before Pixar came along and changed the game.

What's a girl to do when Winnie completes a new installment to the animated collection? Go see it with the 5-year-olds of course!

I have to admit. It was beyond adorable. There was a short film featuring Nessie the Loch Ness Monster that tugged at the heartstrings, and then the audience was taken for a lovely adventure with Christopher Robin and friends. The plot is constant, with Pooh always searching for honey, but showing importance of friendship at the same time. Personally, I think Piglet stole the show (he is so pint-sized and cute!)

Winnie...Professional and Attempted

We had played in Hollywood Studios for the day, and when running into Animation Studios to escape a torrential downpour, discovered that we arrived just in time to take part in the animation class. And who did we draw?

Winnie. Of course.

In this half hour art class, we were taken step by step through completing an animated character from beginning to end. Whoever guessed the character, kept the instructor's drawing.

With Kristin's help, I won a much better drawing than I could ever manage. Let's just say I should never leave my profession to become an artist.

Date Night

Some of us type-A folk over analyze everything. We need everything down to a science, whether it is a schedule of events, a plan for the vacation, or the perfect outfit for a business meeting with the head CEO.

All too often, our expectations fall short.

Epic Winning

Date night outfits constantly cause enormous stress. It always changes depending on the venue, the person, and usually will be completely different in the last 10 minutes due to weather or a wrinkle. It's more stressful than the date itself.

I have now taken it upon myself, and the discount Disney store, to plan the perfect Date Night outfit. Stress...gone. Who wouldn't be drawn to the Mickey boxer shorts or the iconic shoes? It beats 4 inch heels that only result in blisters! Plus, I think the yellow shoes will especially bring out my eyes. This is sure to draw attention my way. Hot, right?

The only thing that could really make this fantastic outfit choice complete is the Disney snuggie, presented by the Lovely Lady Nally. Truly, the combination would be dazzling. Unfortunately for all Orlando men, the snuggie remains tucked away in Chicago, and I am sure due to the heat, that may be the best thing.

Get ready, Prince Charming!

Confessions of a Former Fairy Godmother

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was a magical place, whether the white rabbit was hopping by for a visit, or pirates had once again stolen Cinderella's crown from the display. It was a place full of memories and infectious joy, where smiles were seen on princesses and queens alike.

Over my time as a Fairy Godmother-in-Training, here are a few of the most memorable stories told to princesses:

Who had a crown taken by pirates?

1. Don't ever look in the mirror before your hair is done. Why? Tinkerbell will turn your hair green. She doesn't like peekers!
2. That cold slimy liquid in your hair is not "gel." It's Stitch's spit. And yes, there is a story behind that.
3. As your fairy godmother, we never use regular makeup. Only crushed rosepetals for rosy cheeks, and sugarplums for your lips. Eat your heart out, cosmetic industry.
4. That knocking on the door isn't just anyone trying to get in. It's Prince Charming. But since he has forgotten his house keys once again, he should be renamed Prince Forgetful.
5. Yes, I can name all seven dwarves. And tell you what each one had for breakfast.
6. Where do we fairy godmothers live? Well, you may have seen that nice lovely castle in the center of the Magic Kingdom...We live on the third floor in pink matching bunk beds, of course.
7. There is no such thing as "glitter." There is, and will only be, pixie dust.
8. If a dress or crown is missing in the castle, it's due to curious pirates. Make sure all your jewels and watches are still with you when exiting the boutique!
9. We don't have cars in the Magic Kingdom. We have Magic Carpets.
10. When your fairy godmother says you are beautiful, it is the absolute truth.