There’s nothing quite like stepping onto Main Street, U.S.A. and feeling that first wave of Disney magic wash over you. This past weekend, we spent a dreamy day at Magic Kingdom, and let me tell you, the sunshine was out, the churros were fresh, and the vibes were just perfect.
Our recent visit to EPCOT at Walt Disney World was nothing short of magical, perfectly timed with the commencement of the 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Running from March 5 to June 2, 2025, this festival celebrates its 30th anniversary, transforming the park into a vibrant tapestry of blooms, topiaries, and culinary delights. Our day at EPCOT was filled with laughter, learning, and a deep appreciation for the beauty around us.
If you're planning a magical trip to the Disney parks with your little ones, finding the perfect footwear is essential. Ground Up, a premium footwear manufacturer known for its innovative and fandom-focused designs, has collaborated with Walmart to bring a delightful range of Disney-themed shoes for kids and toddlers. These shoes are not only adorable but also affordable and of high quality, making them an excellent choice for your child's Disney adventure.
These shoes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enchantment to your child's park attire. Imagine your little one exploring the Magic Kingdom in sneakers adorned with their favorite characters, perfectly complementing their Disney-themed outfits. Whether pairing the Disney Princess sneakers with a princess dress or the Stitch lace-ups with a casual ensemble, Ground Up's designs enhance the Disney experience from head to toe.
You can find these charming Disney-themed shoes both in Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com. The convenience of online shopping allows you to browse the full collection and select the perfect pair for your child from the comfort of your home.
Incorporating Ground Up's Disney-themed shoes into your child's wardrobe is a delightful way to bring the magic of Disney to everyday life. With their combination of adorable designs, quality craftsmanship, and affordable pricing, these shoes are a must-have for any young Disney fan gearing up for a park adventure. I can't wait to style these shoes with outfits that I have planned for my daughter. I picked up the Minnie/Daisy pair and also the Stich ones! So cute!
with love,
Katrina
Katrina
This Valentine’s Day, we decided to sprinkle a little extra magic into our celebrations by heading to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It was a day filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories. Plus, the girls were dressed in the most adorable matching outfits from DreamyThreads.com, also found on Instagram @DreamyThreads. Their coordinating dresses added a special touch to our day, making every photo we snapped even more picture-perfect!
If there’s one thing our family loves, it’s a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Thanks to our annual passes, we have the privilege of popping in whenever we want—and this last visit was one for the books! From Buzz Lightyear dresses to intergalactic adventures, Sofia (our little Disney princess) had a day full of magic, and giggles.
Another fantastic evening at Disney Springs! As a Passholder, I get to visit the parks all the time, and I absolutely love how easy it is to swing by Disney Springs after a fun day at the parks. It’s the perfect place to wind down with some shopping, great food, and, of course, a little Disney magic.
Today was a day filled with adventure and excitement as we visited Disney's Animal Kingdom with our daughter Sofia. Despite her initial hesitation about taking photos with Mickey and Minnie, Sofia quickly found herself captivated by the wonders of the park. From thrilling rides to up-close encounters with exotic animals, our trip was nothing short of magical.
Oh, my dear readers, gather ‘round as I regale you with the tale of our recent family trip to the delightful Hunsader Farms! This charming little gem, nestled in the heart of our community, is like stepping into a storybook where every page is filled with laughter, smiles, and a sprinkle of farm magic—especially for our little Sofia!
Hunsader Farms has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s when the Hunsader family first established this beautiful land. Over the years, it has blossomed into a beloved local attraction, known for its commitment to sustainable farming and community engagement. The sprawling fields are filled with vibrant flowers, fresh produce, and, of course, the iconic red barn that welcomes everyone with open arms.
Beneath the golden Florida sun, with a gentle breeze whispering through the palm trees, lies a slice of paradise known as Anna Maria Island. This idyllic haven, nestled along the Gulf Coast, boasts pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that rival even the most picturesque postcards. Recently, we embarked on a journey to this enchanting island for a day of sun, sand, and sea – and what a day it was!
As we stepped onto the soft, powdery sand, we were greeted by the sight of azure waters stretching as far as the eye could see. The color of the water was akin to Blue Frost Gatorade, a refreshing and invigorating hue that beckoned us to dive in. With Sofia, our bundle of energy, in tow, we wasted no time in setting up our little oasis on the beach.
Sofia's excitement was palpable as she darted towards the water, her laughter mingling with the rhythmic sound of the waves. Watching her splash and play, it was clear that Anna Maria Island was not just a beach destination; it was a playground for the soul.
But beyond its stunning natural beauty, Anna Maria Island boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Here are a few fun facts to enhance your appreciation of this hidden gem:
- Quaint Charm: Despite its popularity, Anna Maria Island has managed to retain its small-town charm. With no high-rise buildings or chain restaurants in sight, the island exudes a laid-back, old Florida vibe that is both nostalgic and welcoming
- Historical Significance: Named after Anna Maria Ceravolo, the daughter of one of the island's early homesteaders, Anna Maria Island has a history dating back to the late 19th century. Its roots as a fishing village are still evident today, with fishing piers and seafood shacks dotting the coastline
- Ecological Diversity: Beyond its beaches, Anna Maria Island is home to diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and pristine wetlands. These habitats provide sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, from shorebirds to dolphins and manatees.
- Artistic Enclave: Creativity thrives on Anna Maria Island, with galleries, studios, and public art installations scattered throughout the island. Local artists draw inspiration from the island's natural beauty, capturing its essence in vibrant paintings and sculptures.
- Culinary Delights: From beachfront bistros to hole-in-the-wall eateries, Anna Maria Island offers a culinary adventure for every palate. Fresh seafood takes center stage, with grouper sandwiches, shrimp tacos, and key lime pie among the must-try delicacies.
Our day on Anna Maria Island was nothing short of magical. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, we knew that this was a place we would return to time and time again. For those seeking a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Anna Maria Island beckons with open arms, ready to welcome you to its tranquil shores.
with love, Katrina
We all have that handbag that we lose sleep over, and this was mine. Besides a Vert Fizz Birkin 25 with palladium hardware, this Louis Vuitton vintage Murakami Cherry Blossom pochette is it. Thanks to eBay's authenticity guarantee it's not only mine, but I get to rest assured that I have the real deal and not some knock off. Shopping with eBay's authenticity guarantee was simple, and provided first class service to have my bag authenticated in person by a professional before it was shipped out to me. The whole process of getting the bag authenticated by eBay added no more than 2-3 days to the total shipping process.
The shopping process is no different than any other shopping process with eBay, but rather than your handbag or other designer item getting sent directly to you after your payment is processed, it is instead shipped to a professional for authentication services and then carefully documented, packaged in an eBay dustbag, and then shipped out to you.
This bag is so special to me because its been a bag that I've dreamed about owning since it came out in 2003. 20 years that I've wanted this cherry blossom bag and just didn't pull the trigger over silly reasons. Was it too childish, was I too old to have this bag, but I stopped caring about those reasons and figured, it need to do what makes me happy! I also know that when my Sofia is in her teens she will absolutely love this bag! It's just so iconic! This was a major win and I'm so thankful to eBay for giving me a stress free and reliable way to shop for designer items.
When shopping for designer items on eBay, look for the authenticity guarantee logo. You can even filter your search results to only show you sellers and items that are sold with authenticity guarantee through eBay.
Happy Shopping!
We took sort of a family vacation to Mobile, Alabama. I say sort of because we went to support Sofia's older brother during his tournament. We drove there, so it was a total of 8 hours spent in the car to get to Mobile. We stopped by this really awesome gas station called Buc-ees which is a huge one stop shop to get your gas, snacks, food, clothes, Buc-ees merchandise, and even home decor. We enjoyed Buc-ees so much we even stopped by again on our way home from Mobile, Alabama. I you're on a road trip and happen upon a Buc-ees, I would definitely recommend stopping by, its definitely an experience.
What a magical day we had yesterday at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Sofia was twirling around in her beautiful princess dress and posing for all the photos! We rode on Prince Charming's carousel and went under the sea with the Little Mermaid.
We will always be a Disney family but we have become curious to the other theme parks around Orlando and also by us in the Tampa bay area. We want to go check out Busche Gardens theme park, so I'll keep you posted on that visit when it does happen.
We also want to go back to the Universal parks and check them out again. I loved the Harry Potter areas in the Universal parks. Universal is also expanding and building a Nintendo themed area in their new Universal's Epic Universe that is coming in the next few years.
Our son is now 13 years old and is interested in some of the bigger rides. We are very excited for the new Tron coaster at Magic Kingdom that will be opening on March 7th to the public. I am not a fan of the virtual queue that you need to join on the app, because the window to join is so slim and if you miss it, there is no other way to get on the ride. No standby waiting! We still haven't been able to experience the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride at Epcot because of the virtual queue shenanigans.
Enjoy these photos of Sofia twirling around and smiling in her princess dress! It just melted my heart to see her pose for me when I would take my camera out. My little princess!
Katrina
What a fun filled day we had today visiting St. Pete's Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida. We are still exploring our new home region here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. We are loving the beaches here and the much slower pace of life. The vibes here are definitely "old Florida" which reminds me of when I first moved to Florida back in the early 2000's.
A closet is a collection, like art. I prefer to keep my closet aesthetically pleasing by having everything match. I chose to go with a white color palette for the closet accessories such as hangers and clear/white/grey for the in drawer organizers. In unison the white wood hangers and pants hangers look so streamlined and organized when they are lined up in my closet. It's a great look and one thing I do notice when I am in my closet. I remember the days of using any color and style of hanger, and for this new closet, I knew I was going to go for a uniform hanger look. It does make a difference for the aesthetic of the entire closet. Acrylic display risers were the perfect addition for displaying and organizing my bags and other various goodies in my open display shelves.
With the popularity of the Hello Kitty Cafe in Irvine, California, two treat trucks have been put into circulation to spread the joy nationwide. These two trucks run on a preplanned schedule and hit up major cities selling some prepackaged desserts such as macarons and cookies, as well as merchandise like mugs, plushies, and tote bags.
The Hello Kitty Cafe truck was in my hometown today, and thinking it would be no big deal, and just something quick to do, we headed off to get to the truck by its opening hours, 10am. If that’s your plan when the truck is in your hometown, change your plan. We were stunned by the amount of people that were already in line as we arrived. The line wrapped around the entire parking lot! The wait ended up being close to 5 hours! My advice to you, get there early, and bring foldable chairs!
I admit it, TikTok made me do it! As soon as I saw this Hello Kitty Impressions Vanity LED and Wifi enabled mirror I imagined the perfect spot in my closet to put it. It really completes the room and brings an ambiance of color. My daughter comes in my closet with me and asks me to turn on the RGB LED lights and she watches it flow into a gradual rainbow while she jumps around from joy.
This past weekend I got to have a girls trip with my former co-worker turned friend, Rachel. We planned this trip for a few weeks and were so excited to eat and drink around the world at Disney World's Epcot. We wasted no time getting right to it by marching right to Mexico to grab margaritas and get the day started. I wish I had taken more photos of the things that I got to eat, but then again it wasn't all that much. I did really enjoy the France pavilion and the boulangerie hidden deep in the streets of France. I got myself a ham and cheese sandwich with a French twist, and a strawberry tart from there and I wanted to go back for seconds. The sandwich was perfect, the bread was a dream, and the strawberry tart was just the perfect finisher.
We had so much fun taking photos and using my Annual Pass photo pass to have the professional photographer on site snap pics of us and pose us! With the photo pass option you have hidden gems and surprises like this Iago that can be superimposed on your photo when it loads into your Disney World app account.
Introducing the Tiffany & Co. Holiday Collection 2023 Mini Tote bag in Tiffany Blue. When I found out that Tiffany & Co. was releasing a holiday bag collection I RAN to their website to purchase one for myself immediately. To my shock, the bags were not yet released and the post I had seen on a local Tiffany store's Instagram was just a teaser. I was on a quest to get myself this bag. I knew exactly which one I wanted from the moment I knew it existed and there as no stopping me. I would call the stores, I would send them direct messages, and I put myself on a list with my local store to get the bag as soon as it dropped.
Luckily, the bags are available on the website now, but when I purchased mine it was not yet available to everyone in the US. I had to contact a sales associate to help me purchase the bag as a preorder. I was one of the first people in the US to have this bag and I knew it was going to sell out quickly, so I took no risks. I wanted to share some photos of my beautiful bag with you just in case you were thinking about getting this stunning handbag to add to your collection.
My thoughts on this bag are as follows; the quality and craftsmanship is superior to my other designer bags. The leather is supple and stunning. The color is vibrant and true to tone. Good job to Tiffany & Co. for hitting the nail on the head with this one. The heart shape is stunning and is a reminder of the iconic Return to Tiffany heart. The embossed logo is a nice final touch without going overboard with the branding. There is also a chain link detail that is a nice addition, like jewelry for your bag. The bag comes with a detachable longer strap and is a comfortable length to wear as a crossbody. Overall, this is the perfect Tiffany and Co. handbag!
Here are some specs from the website:
- Tiffany Blue Taurillon Leather
- 7.8 x 11 x 3.9 inches
- Palladium-plated hardware, charms, and chain link
- Detachable leather strap and fixed handles
- Interior zip pocket
- Flap closure with magnet
- Nappa leather lining
- Comes with dust bag
- Made in Italy
- Product number : 72017560
Mini backpacks have been my thing since elementary school. Who remembers those solid colored mini backpacks with the suede brown flap? They were the "high end" cool 5th grade girl backpack. The straps would zip together to make one strap so you can throw the bag over one shoulder. Oh, those were interesting times.
The mini backpack has evolved a lot since then, and now we get characters from our favorite films to come to life in mini backpack glory. Loungefly had teamed up with Disney to give us mini backpack heaven for quite a while now. Im so glad their collaboration has withstood the test of time and now Loungefly is even carried in the parks! These bags have become staple items in every Disney lovers closet. I myself have one bag in my collection but I am constantly looking and shopping in my dreams for more of these beautiful bags to add to my collection. The bag that I choose is a classic Mickey. Black, red, and white glove decal in the zipper mini pocket closure. I know...very safe.
Here is a list of the bags that I can't stop thinking about. Every time we visit the parks I'm in and out of the shops looking for new Loungefly bags. Sometimes I kick myself for missing out on a bag design. Well, Im on the hunt for my next bag now, and despite how hard it is to choose just one, Im going to find one that I just MUST have!
