Tasty (Throwback) Thursday
As you can see from the title, I am taking you back to a series of posts I did over on my blog The Givens Chronicles in September of 2010 in preparation for our visit to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival. It was such a special visit because it was a sister trip. We ate lots of food, ran in the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay, and ate even more food.
I made four recipes from the previous years’ festival cookbook to gear up for the trip. Enjoy!
Lamb Sliders with Tomato Chutney
Live,Love,and Forgive
Photo Credit: EH
I had a wonderful trip with friends last week at Walt Disney World. My trip was placed at risk as you can read here due to being hit in the head by a closet door. Even with a bruise and headache, I was still determined to make this trip. I was even willing to pay someone to pick me up and drive if I was told not to. One friend arrived with what we thought was a broken finger and refused to go to an urgent care because she did not want to miss anything. It turned out she has a sprained finger. The things we will cope with to be at “our Happy Place”.
This trip was special because I would be with four friends, who I talk with on a daily basis. We would be at Walt Disney World together at the same time, which is hard to do with schedules, families, and jobs. There were plenty of laughs, memorable quotes, and talks on a variety of subjects. During the trip, one friend was informed of a death in her Disney family. She was sad and debated on whether to continue with plans she had made. We rallied around her, showed her love, made her laugh, and encouraged her to celebrate the life of her friend. She did just that and provided us with the most laughs at Ohana for dinner. The group dinner at Ohana lasted about three hours after we sat down due to us laughing and talking. Our group entertained other tables so much so guests wanted to join the “party”. Oh and yes we wore shirts that we are becoming famous for.
Photo Credit: EH
Besides laughs and fun, we addressed the importance of forgiveness and love. These are two elements in friendships that are so easily forgotten when drama appears in the form of disagreements or miscommunication. We listened to each other’s views on this and the bottom line was still the same. In order to live, you have to fully forgive and “keep it moving”. I am guilty of not fully forgiving because I do guard my feelings. Life is too short to hold on to regrets, disappointments, negative thoughts, and pain. I also view living as being able to focus on the blessings when there is pain or fear. For me, I have a father in the hospital on his third or fourth knee surgery. Instead of focusing on the pain of him being in the hospital and crying, I flipped it to think about this surgery they will get it right and he will be enjoying himself at Disney World in September for his only grandson’s first trip. When I awoke on Sunday to leave for home, I saw I had a late night text from my sister telling me my 7 month old nephew had to be taken to the ER due to his temperature being high. I was about to go on the war path on why she did not call me. Her response was simple, you would have gotten on the road late to get to him and you needed to rest. Ok, I had no comeback for that. Again, I changed my thought process to he was seen and released to go home because the doctors felt he was fine to take medication at home.
This was another Disney trip that was more than attractions, Mickey ice cream bars, and churros. It was about being with friends who cared enough to discuss difficult topics despite different opinions, rallying together to show a friend who was grieving we are here for you, and just being supportive of each other regardless.
So before I end this post, I challenge you to live, love, and forgive more. Life is too short!!
Photo Credit: EH
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s guest coffee mug belongs to Toni F. (@dopey926). She stated “The reason why I love this mug so much is because The Lion King is one of my favorite movie by Disney. I try to recite “Hakuna Matata, it means no worries” when I’m having a bad day. The mug is also special because my husband bought it for me. He, in turn, accidentally broke it one evening. I couldn’t find it at our local Hallmark stores, but a good friend found a replacement mug for me. I asked her to get two so I always have an extra.”
- Photo Credit: TF
Fabulous Find Friday – Show No Towel
Today’s Fabulous Find is the Show No Towel for Disney Parks. I was made aware of this item by cruising DisneyStore.com and from a friend, Raquel (@DMochaTraveler). The towel can be used as a cover-up or a changing towel. Shelly Ehler, presented her creation on Shark Tank Season 3. For the Disney Parks, the following Show No Towel was created.
Photo Credit: EH
It was sold on DisneyStore.com for a limited time and at Walt Disney World. I was informed by Shelly the towels sold out online and at the parks. At the present time, she does not know when they will be back in stock. When I find out, I will be sure to pass the word of when and where they are available.
I purchased the Mickey Mouse version for my nephew. I knew it would be too big for him, but wanted him to have one. There is also a Minnie Mouse version for girls. The quality is good and I love the face of Mickey Mouse on the front that is also a pocket. My nephew is at the beach as we speak and I will tweet out pictures of him with his Show No towel. So make sure you are following me at @DizThruBrwnEyes.
I had the opportunity to chat with Shelly (more information on her story here ) via email and direct messaging about her product. She was very nice and answered all of my questions. There are several styles at the official website . For more information on Show No Towel, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Concussion or Not I’m Disney World Bound
Well it turned out to be an interesting Monday. I was doing my normal routine of seeing clients. For those that do not know me, I am a Clinical Case Manger in the Mental Health field. I conduct services in-home such as family counseling, individual counseling, parenting, anger management, domestic violence counseling and substance abuse counseling/education.
Ok, so back to the story…
Today was a typical day of going into the field. I was in my client’s home concluding services by reviewing different topics. I notice her mother putting the closet door back on the door frame. Her mother walked away from the door and in a second the door was landing on the left side of my head/face. After the mother apologized several times, I continued the session with a splitting headache. Once concluding the session, I got in my car to assess the damage. I was bleeding from a cut and a bruise was present. I alerted my sister, supervisor, and a couple of friends. They agreed that I should go to the doctor. Of course I did not want to go and was accused of acting stubborn like my father. So without my sister putting me in headlock, I was able to get a doctor’s appointment within a couple of hours. I had begun asking the Disney fairies to not let the outcome be serious enough for me not to go on my Disney World trip this week.
Photo Credit: EH
I informed my doctor I had not passed out, experienced confusion, or vomited. After a couple of tests where I had to follow a light with my eyes and have my ears checked for blood, my doctor stated I did not appear to have a concussion. However, my doctor did not want me to spend the night alone. So I am having a mini sleepover with my sister and her family.
I leave for Walt Disney World on Thursday 6/21. If I had a concussion, I would have been told I could not drive. That would have had me in tears but I would have overlooked that, hired a driver and headed south to Orlando. With the good news that I just have a superficial wound with bruising, headache that may be around for a while and the possibility of a black eye in the morning, I WILL be in Walt Disney World on Thursday. I will make sure I carry alot of pain medication and Band-Aids to hide the bruise if it starts looking too bad.
Photo Credit: EH
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s guest coffee mug belongs to Bob F. (@jiminy1231). He stated “Pinnochio is one of my favorite Disney movies. I love the detail on this mug from Jiminy on the handle, who happens to be my favorite Disney character, to the detail on the back of the mug with Figaro. There is also a special 25th Anniversary stamp inside the mug on the bottom.”
Photo Credit: BF
Photo Credit: BF
Photo Credit: BF
Fabulous Find Friday
Today’s fabulous find item is from DisneyStore.com and Disney Stores. I have been looking at this Neon Pop Mickey Mouse Tote for a while. My excuse to get it was I can use it when I worked at The Disney Store due to it being see through. When I saw it was apart of the Twice A Year Sale, I was sold. The bag retails for $16.50 and currently on sale for $9.99.
Photo Credit: EH
Remember When Project
Once again Shaene (@Shaene_o_mite) with the assistance of Marc (@MarkyMarc70) created a slideshow that shows more of what Disney is about…memories of trips to the Disney Parks with family and friends. So as you watch it and possibly see your picture flash across the screen, think about that trip, the laughs, the attractions, the food, etc.
Tasty Thursday – Berry Cobbler
Welcome back to Tasty Thursday!
It is summertime and that means berries galore! Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, oh my! Since berries are very much in season, I bring you a Berry Cobbler from The Wilderness Lodge.
I made this on a weeknight and it was quick to put together. I decided to make it in one container instead of 4 small ones because that was easiest for me. I also decided to halve the crust ingredients so as to cut down on the breading (and I love cobbler crust so this was hard). I thought there was still plenty of crust (see the source for full recipe). I served it with whipped cream on top.
This would be perfect for upcoming Independence Day cookouts and events. Enjoy!
Berry Cobbler
Adapted from Allears
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 Tbsp. Kosher salt
1 1/4 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (8 Tbsp.) unsalted butter, cold, divided, and cut into small pieces
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups blueberries or other seasonal berries
1/2 cup brown sugar
Whipped cream or ice cream
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 2 1/2 quart baking dish with flour cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar.
3. Cut 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) butter into the flour mixture until it resembles small peas. Add the egg and stir until just u absorbed. Add the heavy cream and mix just enough to incorporate (batter should be lumpy); do not over mix.
4. Place half of the dough in the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Pour the blueberries on top of dough. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and dot with remaining butter.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean and dry and the crust is lightly browned. Cool to room temperature, and serve with a dollop of chilled whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s guest coffee mug belongs to Jackie G. (@jjzmgailey). Jackie stated “this coffee mug is pretty much my favorite! After seeing these vintage-style mugs during our first WDW trip back in 2008, Jerry and I decided we HAD to have the whole set! So we’ve got 2 each of the four different ones, but Minnie is my very favorite!! The coolest thing is that they still sell them there!!”
- Photo Credit: Jackie G.
Disney Traditions
Photo Credit: EH
As for a traditional first park, I really do not have one. I am a go-with-the-flow type of person when it comes to what park to visit first. If I am with my 6 year old godson, he likes to go to Magic Kingdom to ride Dumbo and Splash Mountain. Sara likes to go to Magic Kingdom first as well because she must sing and dance to the parade. I tell her she needs to apply for a role due to her knowing the moves. One of my best friends, Stacie (@scook522), likes to go to Epcot first but will negotiate with her son, my 6 year old godson, to see if he will allow a quick stop to Epcot before Magic Kingdom.
Photo Credit: EH
When addressing traditional park food, I must have a churro and a Mickey ice cream bar. I have noticed it has recently become a tradition to eat breakfast at Whispering Canyon Café at The Wilderness Lodge. My parents stay at Fort Wilderness due to them having a RV. They love to eat at Trail’s End Restaurant.
I am looking forward to my late September 2012 trip with my family and friends. This trip will include my nephew, who will be one in November. I cannot wait to see his face when he meets Mickey Mouse for the first time or try sweets that I will sneak to him when my sister is not looking. Most important, what collection will I start for him – pins, Vinylmation, any suggestions? With him being a new edition to the Disney trips, new traditions will begin.
I would love to hear what some of your Disney traditions are.
Fabulous Find Friday
Today’s item comes from Hallmark. I purchased this Disney desk calendar last year. I like it because it has Mickey on it and the phrase inspires me to make the day a wonderful one. My local Hallmark store still has it in stock. So if interested in adding this to your collection, go to your local Hallmark store. At the time this post was written, it was not available to purchase on Hallmark.com. It retails for $16.95.
Photo Credit: EH
Disney Behind the Scenes – Roscoe Lee Browne
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Roscoe Lee Browne (May 2, 1925-April 11, 2007) was an American Actor and director. He voiced Francis in Oliver & Company and Mr. Arrow in Treasure Planet.
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s mug is brought to you by Shaene (@Shaene_o_mite). He was visiting the World at the end of May and took some pictures of mugs that stood out to him. This is a Donald Duck mug he found in the Emporium at Magic Kingdom. The mug retails for $11.95.
Photo Credit: Shaene C.
Photo Credit: Shaene C.
Fabulous Find Friday
The item I am presenting this Friday is the Disney Classic Boxy made by Harveys The Original Seatbelt Bags. I did a post on the Disney Classic Messenger that I love to carry also. The bag really is made of automotive seatbelts printed with a Mickey Mouse comic strip. Other Disney touches include Mickey Mouse charms, Mickey Mouse ears zipper pull and a Disney lining. The bag can be purchased at Seatbeltbags.com. The retail price is $134.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
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