{ My Disney Story }

Happy Thursday! 
Today I am talking all about how my love and passion for Disney got started, grew, and took me on this amazing journey that has lead me to where/who I am today!

Many people can remember their very first trip to a Disney park, as it is a memory that will last a lifetime. How they felt, what they thought about the castle, how excited they were, etc... I personally do not remember my first trip to Disneyland, or the second, third, fourth, tenth... and that's OK. I have lived in Southern California my whole life and have been visiting Disneyland ever since I was a kid... For me, every time I enter the park it feels so familiar yet so undiscovered. When I step onto Disney property, I feel like I am home, however I know there is so much unexpected magic in store. 

When people find out that I have an annual pass and that I have had one my whole life, they always ask if I ever get tired of it. I have to be careful sometimes that I answer that question without too much sarcasm or attitude 😄. No. I certainly don't ever get tired of going to Disneyland. If I ever do find myself getting tired of Disneyland I know that I need to explore some new things and refresh my perspective. With so much going on at the parks, I have found that there is always something new to do or learn. Now there is an exception. If it is WAY TOO HOT or SUPER CROWDED I will become a little annoyed and want to leave earlier or not visit certain days, but besides that, I know that I am very blessed to visit as often as I do and I take full advantage of that. 

So as a kid, I stuck mostly with what the whole family wanted to do and we would all go to the parks together. Usually we would go at night for a few hours during the school year and then during the summer, pick days (like my birthday!) to go all day. Now that my brother and I have gotten older and have changing schedules, our visits are more random but actually more often. More recently we have loved going to Disneyland and California Adventure just the two of us, splitting up and doing the rides we want, and then meeting back up to eat, hang out, and talk about what we have been up to. 

These past few years we have both been increasingly interested in Disneyland history, news, and facts. Watching youtube videos has become one of my favorite things to do when I am not at the parks and want to keep up with all things Disney. Some of my favorites include Sprinkle Me Disney, Fresh Baked and Stuff, Justin Scarred (Randomland and Live Fast Die Poor), Mr.CheezyPop, Oh Yeah TV, Thingamavlogs, Super Carlin Brothers, Subway Mouse, and Magic Journeys. All of these channels are so incredible and put so much love and hard work into every video! They are all amazing! I can't thank them enough for the knowledge and fun that they have provided to me throughout the past few years. Learning more and becoming more interested in all things Disney has definitely led me to where I am today.

Thanks for sticking around this long (Sorry these was so much info today) but I hope you enjoyed learning about where my Disney journey began and where I am now. I hope to continue writing more about Disney in the future. Have a magical day!

{ Your Opinion & Disney }

Hello and happy Easter weekend!

Lately I have been thinking about ways that I could share more about my disney obsession, tips, tricks, and history, and decided that I would share it all here on the blog! I can't wait to talk to you more about one of my favorite subjects DISNEY! Wahoo! I have plenty of ideas about things that I want to discuss, but I would love to hear your opinion as well! Let me know in the comments below some disney topics, questions, etc. that you would like me to write about. Thanks everyone and be on the lookout for some fun Disney posts coming soon!

{ Girls Weekend }

Hello! I know I have been a little MIA lately but there is just soooo much going on around here! We are currently cleaning out the majority of our house in an effort to install hardwood flooring downstairs! Yea! I am so excited! Due to our massive mirror falling and shattering all over our living room floor awhile back (now the flooring is "designer" concrete- yes, glue swirls and everything!) along side the carpet that has survived seen almost 19 years of my brother and I "growing up"... it was in desperate need of a facelift! So here it comes! If we are ready or not ;) yikes! I am also working on a really exciting creative project! (You'll hopefully see the final result soon) All while enjoying my last few weeks of summer before I start my freshman year of college! Crazy! Besides all of the work I should be doing but instead I am blogging (hehehe) I wanted to share a fun girls getaway that my mom and I had this past weekend...

With all of the commotion going on at home we knew that we needed a day to just get away!

First we went to Downtown LA (we needed a few jewelry supplies-you can never have too many right?). Before hitting the shops we filled up on Valerie's at Grand Central Market. We are obsessed what can I say... FYI- If you go I would highly recommend ordering the french toast plate and the egg/potato/toast/bacon breakfast plate (served with their glorious homemade jam). Delicious! Anyways... Then we grabbed some juices at Press Brothers Juicery and made our way down to the produce section. Guess what?! Have I mentioned we can be a little "extreme" in some cases? We hauled a large cooler all the way up there just so that we could stock up on some yummy produce without it going bad in the summer heat. I say it was a fabulous idea!

After eating and shopping was completed we headed over to another one of our favorites, Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills for a late lunch/dinner. Before heading back we drove around some nearby neighborhoods to check out the beautiful houses. Ending the day happy and with full stomachs, ready to get back to work! (maybe)

Share your favorite plans in the comments section below! Have a wonderful weekend!

{ What's In My Carry On Bag? }

Hey everyone! I am so excited...! Know why? I am going to Tennessee in a few short days! (Which means I have a lot to do!) I know what your thinking... She is crazy. Doesn't she know how hot and humid it is in the summer time?! Yes I sure do! You see, every year my mom, brother, grandma and I all go to Tennessee for a family reunion. We see all sorts of fun (and crazy) relatives... Eat lots of good southern soul food (such as the Cracker Barrel)... Stay up way too late blabbing about everything under the sun... I LOVE it! Family is SUPER important to me and growing up going to these reunions has made such a positive impact in my life. Just taking the time to slow down and listen to the stories that my grandmother and her siblings tell about when they were kids... Catching up with family we only get to see this one time a year... It's great!

So while I am scrambling to get ready for this years trip I decided that I wanted to share some traveling tips + tricks with all of you! Today I will show you what I like to pack in my carry on bag.

I will start by saying that how and with what I fill my carry on bag may not satisfy every one's idea of a "well packed" carry on. That's ok! We are all different and like to bring different goodies along with us. Some may say that mine is "excessive". Maybe it is... That is just how I like it! I call it well prepared. So just take the ideas you like, discard the ones you don't... but hopefully you will pick up few new helpful hints along the way! So here we go!

When choosing a bag be sure it is large enough to fit all of your goodies but not too large that it won't fit under your seat or in the overhead bin. The flight attendants wouldn't like that. Fun Fact: Did you know my momma is a flight attendant? She sure is! Now back to the bag! 

I found this beauty in Downtown LA at a store called Cebu. Besides finding this gorgeous bag I found someone else as well... I met Andrew Coleman, a designer on the show Flipping Out with Jeff Lewis! I was going crazy! I get excited just thinking about it! I almost ran right into him. Luckily I didn't!

Boy do I keep getting off topic...

I like to bring a variety of writing utensils along for the ride. Pens, pencils, gel pens, etc... 

This emerald bag is also from Cebu! (I have another one in white you will see later)

Look at this cool coloring book that I found at Barnes and Noble the other day! Perfect for traveling! It is filled with a ton of gorgeous animals for you to color in with bright, vibrant colors.

Reading material and notebooks for when inspiration strikes.

Carefully pack away all necessary electronics and their chargers!

All chargers wrapped with rubber bands and packed away...

Cosmetics! For this trip I am planning to keep my hair down and straight because I think that will handle the plane and driving the best. I like to bring along my hair brush and a few cosmetics so that I can do a quick freshening up when I feel the need. Bring any medications you may need along in your carry on (just in case your checked bag doesn't make it to your destination). If your like me be sure you don't forget the Claritin for allergies!

*Don't forget to pack away any and all liquids in quart-sized Ziploc bags to make it through security without any issues.*

Last but not least... Don't forget a few of your favorite movies!


*Now it's time to put it all together*

For added convenience I have even thrown in a printable travel checklist to make sure you have everything for your big trip!

Have a great weekend! (I have to get back to packing!)

{ Moving Forward & Looking Back }

Guess what?!

I graduated high school! WOW! How did this happen?! I will be sticking around... Living at home, attending a local community college so no need to worry... My blogging adventures are definitely continuing! It will be nice to save some money, spend time with my family, and really figure out what I want to do with my life.

To think back through the years... I survived preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle and now high school. Through all of the early mornings, blisters from the monkey bars, upgrading to lockers... Life lessons and learning experiences (big and small) have continually influenced my school career. I think about all of the amazing (and some not so amazing) people that I have met along the way. Teaching me who I do and don't want to turn out to be.   :)


"Far from what I once was but not yet what I am going to be."


I have made so many amazing friends along the way and hope to continue those relationships into the future. I also strive to make new connections and explore my surroundings in the coming years. I want to be sure and take every opportunity available to expand my horizons, live a little happier, and enjoy each new day a little more.


"The doors will be opened to those who are bold enough to knock."


Moving forward I hope to discover and explore my passions and interests... Fuel my creativity... and accomplish more than I could ever dream of. I want to be inspired. Inspire others and make my dreams come true. (Even when I am not exactly sure what those may be yet.)

"She believed she could so she did."

I am so excited about this new chapter in my life but I am still going to enjoy looking back at my past, which has shaped me into who I am today!


"I am going to succeed because I am crazy enough to think I can."


Hope everyone has an amazing Friday!  (The summer weather is making its appearance here in California and so staying cool is definitely part of the agenda for us this weekend!)

{ Your Guide: Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills }

You want to know a great place to stop for a delicious bite to eat?

Villa Blanca located in Beverly Hills!

Yum Yum Yum! So many great options. (Even at a reasonable price!)
Yes. Villa Blanca is owned by Lisa Vanderpump from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. You may have even seen the restaurant featured on the show a time or two. If you go, be sure and keep your eyes out! I personally have seen Pandora several times and Scheana was our waitress once.

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I cannot tell you how much my mom and I enjoy coming here! Whenever we are out on the town we HAVE to come to Villa Blanca. The food is beyond amazing and so is the service. The lunch menu feature this lovely pizza, an assortment of pastas and salads, and don't forget THE BEST burger you will ever eat! I am not kidding... You have to try it! Dinner is simply and elegantly accompanied by a gentle candlelight placed on each table... highlighting the beautiful yet comfortable decor of the restaurant. Casual elegance... You gotta love it!

No need to worry too much about a strict dress code. I would say as long as you aren't covered in dirt or something you should be fine. Now I am aware that we do often go at off times, but generally I have to say there is never a wait to be seated. Always a plus in my book!

After reading this anyone else as hungry as I am? I wish I was there as we speak! Hope you are having a great Tuesday!

{ Your Guide: Grand Central Market }

Happy Friday! While reflecting on last week's spring break fun, I wanted to share with you my guide to Southern California. My mom and I went on one of our much needed LA trips on Saturday and had a blast! Now an LA day for us does not just mean LA... It can also include Beverly Hills, Malibu, etc. depending on what we are in the mood for. Whenever I find a fun new hangout I want to be sure and let you know... and I thought this would be the perfect way to do so!

To start off this new series I will begin with Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles.

We actually just discovered this hidden gem on Saturday and can't wait to go back! Definitely a new favorite! Grand Central Market opened in 1917 and has not stopped pleasing the community since. They serve a variety of bakery items, fresh juices, spices, Asian cuisines, cheeses, ice cream, flowers... The list goes on and on! You can also park in the parking structure conveniently located right next door.

When we arrived we did a loop around the whole building to check out our options and decided to stop at Valerie for breakfast and coffee.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, (they have THE BEST french toast and homemade jam), sitting side-by-side at the counter lined with retro red stools, we wanted to go and grab a few juices at Press Brothers Juicery, a stand we had passed when we made our initial walk through.

Holy Smokes! I fell in love the minute I opened mine (Liquid Gold) and smelt it! The perfect sweet scent of mint and pineapple filled my lungs. Delicious! How could this even be real?! I of course then had to proceed to taste my moms and had just the same reaction. So incredibly fresh and natural! After ordering our drinks we realized just how much time we had spent chatting and relaxing, and knew that we must move on to our next destination... The Jewelry District in DTLA which will be explained in the next Your Guide post!

Our day was so much fun! I hope that you will enjoy these new posts, and that they will give you some fun spots to check out. What are your plans for this weekend?

{ A Day At Disney: Part 3 }

Disney after dark!

I always think that Disney is even more magical after dark! I like to save a spot on Main Street and watch the second show of the Soundsational Parade at 6:30pm. After, we can go on a few more rides like Astro Blasters and Pirates of the Caribbean. I have to go off on a quick (hopefully) Astro Blasters tangent... Stay with me. I love this game/ride! Very fun and interactive. Great for crowded days because the line is always less  than 20 minutes. Believe it or not, I am actually GOOD at this game as well! That always helps! I managed to max-out the game with a point total of over 999,999 one time, but have never been able to do so since. How did I manage to do that? I have NO IDEA! Luck honestly... and a very sore hand afterwards! There are however a few secrets that I can share with you that can add some serious points to your score.

First off. Try out your gun on the wall when your cart first starts to move. This way you will be able to get a feel for the position of your laser and adjust accordingly. 

Next, only try and hit diamonds (second highest points) and triangles (highest point value). Don't even waste your time on the circles and squares. Unless you really want to. Remember it's ok to be picky!

Secondly, try and sit on the left side of the cart. The right side will make it much more difficult to get the same amount of points.

Lastly (the best secret of all), Zurg has a hidden target located in the middle of his chest. It is worth 50,000 points! It may be hard to find but it is worth it.

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Now if you can't find the hidden target or the triangles or too hard to reach, that's ok! My tip to you... Just keep shooting! Don't you dare stop! For every 6 shots (without even hitting a target) you will receive 100 free points! Look at that! Everyone can be a winner! Let me know if any of these tips were helpful for improving your score. 

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Now on to dinner options. My family has always loved going to Redd Rockett's Pizza Port located next to Space Mountain. They serve a variety of pizza, pasta and salad. Delicious and good for the whole family! While we love going here (also a fabulous secret place to watch the fireworks show) we recently found another favorite stop for dinner. The Plaza Inn at the end of Main Street, on the corner of Tomorrowland's main hub entrance. They have a wonderful variety of comfort food for everyone to enjoy. Our go-to is the Chicken dinner which comes with 3 large pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and a biscuit. We are a family of four and can split this meal feeling stuffed afterwards. At only $16 it is a great value!

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Thanks for having a Disney day with me!

{ A Day At Disney: Part 2 }

On the last post I discussed delicious breakfast options with you that are sure to start your morning off on the right foot... Guess what today is? Afternoon activities!

California is known for its great weather, but during the afternoon (especially during the summer months) you may need a break from the sunny skies to cool off indoors. So what do you do? Shows are a great activity during the afternoon. Grab some lunch and watch a nearby show. The Enchanted Tiki Room is a fabulous option! Make sure and grab a Dole Whip while your at it!

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You can also watch a show at the Golden Horseshoe. Hilarious and interactive! Sit close to the front and you too may become apart of the show! All sorts of ice cream floats and sundaes available as well.

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If you aren't in the mood for a show or don't mind the weather, you can always grab a treat at one of the many food carts located all across Disneyland. I recently discovered that Toontown also serves some delicious treats such as individual pizzas, frozen yogurt and slushies!

I do have a favorite that hasn't been mentioned yet... 

Village Haus in Fantasyland. My brother and I love to go there and take a quick break from running around the park to enjoy their burgers and fries. Yummm! Hits the spot!

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Next up on the series... Disney after dark!

{ A Day At Disney: Part 1 }

Wahoo! A Disneyland day in review! It gets me excited just thinking about it! Tuesday night my family and I enjoyed a quick trip to Disneyland. It was crowded because of  spring break crowds but we didn't mind. We got a chance to do some different activities, such as going to see the goats (new babies included, so cute!) the train and watching the Soundsational Parade... lots of fun!

So at first I was thinking about posting a list of Disneyland secrets... Then I got to thinking that there are a TON of those available already. What was something a little bit different that I could share with you? Well, I decided to share what a typical day at Disneyland looks like for us. Some of our go-to restaurants and rides, as well as some tips (and maybe even some secrets included as well). I began writing this post and it seemed as though it would never end! So I am going to break up this post across a couple of days in order to make it less daunting for you to read through.

Generally our favorite day of the week to visit Disney is on Sunday. Of course if we know that both my brother and I are available on a Tuesday before my dad's next chemo, that is a great day to go as well. (Weekdays are usually a bit less crowed). So let's say we go on a Sunday... We will either go in the morning from the time they open to about noon, or we will choose to go in the evening, about 5 and stay till 10. 


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For the morning trip I unfortunately can't tell you much about breakfast ideas (since we live so close to Disneyland, we just eat before we leave the house). I can however tell you a few ideas based on recommendations I have heard around the block. Everyone should be plenty familiar with a little company known as Starbucks... (If not, you really need to run and find one... fast!) Yummm! They have two locations to choose from. One on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure (which is a lot bigger and less crowded) and one in on Main Street in Disneyland itself. You could also check out The Carnation Café for a great variety of options. Jolly Holiday Bakery for what else? Delicious bakery items of course! Last but not least the River Belle Terrace, which offers Mickey Mouse Pancakes.

One note about stopping for breakfast that you may want to consider... Early morning is the BEST time to go on rides! If there are a few of the "bigger" or more crowded rides that you are wanting to ride, I would definitely recommend going on those first. You could always go on a few rides and then enjoy a later breakfast when lines become a bit longer.

Hope that helped! Be sure and stay tuned for more Disney to come!

{ BØRNS Concert }

Last night my mom and I went to an amazing concert to see the BØRNS! It was so much fun and we also got to meet up with some family there as well. My cousin Lauren is the keyboard player, so of course when we found out they were in town we had to go and support! It was a great night of good music and family. Be sure to check them out!