How to be a Considerate Theme Park Go-er (or, Be Gone, Selfie Sticks!)

Let's talk about this picture for a second. I was trying to get my nephew to laugh so I though "let's take a selfie, he'll think that's cute." Yeah, he for sure did NOT. His thought bubble is, "Lady, you are NUTS." As I don't have a selfie stick, you'll have to deal with this terrible selfie picture instead. You're welcome, America.

This week, word came down from On High (as in the Disney World powers-that-be) that starting the end of this month, selfie sticks will not be allowed at Walt Disney World. Previously they'd outlawed the sticks on rides, but now they'll be enforcing the "no selfie sticks" rule at the parks in general. RIP, selfie stick. You'll be missed (that was sarcasm, by the way).

We had a nice discussion on the Facebook group a few days ago about this topic. In addition to talking about selfie sticks, other Theme Park Pet Peeves came up and I thought, what a perfect topic to chat about on the blog this week.

So, without further ado: some ways to NOT be "that person" or "that family" at a theme park.

* Your stroller is made to carry your children through the parks, not as a battering ram.

I sympathize with stroller-users; I've pushed them through the parks and I know that sometimes it can be a pain to navigate through a store or down a crowded street after fireworks. However, that's not an excuse to use your stroller as a battering ram. Mistakes happen and if you clip someone's ankles or feet, please say you're sorry.

And in the interest of fairness - non-stroller people, please don't dash or cut in front of those with strollers. Let them into the traffic pattern. Same goes for those in wheelchairs or on scooters. WAY too many times I've seen a stroller or scooter just have to sit there because people wouldn't let them join the traffic flow. Don't be a jerk, 'k?

* If you need to have a conversation, consult the map, etc - move to the side of the pathway.

This is probably my #1 pet peeve when I tour the theme parks (although it happens in other places, as well). Let's say your group is heading towards a ride, and are unclear about its location. Instead of coming to a dead stop in the middle of the street, please move to the side and have your discussion there, not right in the middle of those who are trying to get by.

The step-sister to this pet peeve are those who walk 7 and 8 people across, taking up the whole walkway so everyone has to move at their pace. At most, you should be walking 3 side by side. Any more than that, create some rows, people.

* Your iPad needs to stay in the hotel room.

I love the iPad as much as the next person. At this point, I should give Apple instructions just to charge my credit card anytime something new comes out because there is a 98.7% chance that I will love it. But you know a place your iPad doesn't belong? At the parks, especially on the rides and during shows such as the fireworks.  It's super inconsiderate to those around you when their view is blocked because you want to take video of the fireworks.

* When looking for a parade or fireworks watching spot, don't weasel into someone else's spot at the 11th hour.

These stories are legendary among Disney park go-ers and it happens a LOT. You and your family find your parade spot and you've been sitting or standing there for a while (I've seen people at Disneyland getting their spots ready at 2PM for an 8PM parade. Not me, folks - not me. Phew that's commitment!) Then, 5 minutes before the parade starts, a group comes around to fill in the 1/4" spaces around you and pushes their way to the front.

C'mon, now; that's just craziness. Simple kindness should dictate that unless you've put in the time to get your spot, you don't get to strong arm your way into those spots. If you want a prime viewing location - get their early. (Or in the case of some of the parades at Walt Disney World - get a FastPass+. You have a special viewing area AND don't have to get there hours ahead of time to get your spot. Problem solved.)

* But in relation to the above....please don't send one or two people to save spots for 8-10 people. Not cool.

Saving a spot for 1-2 people? Completely kosher. Expecting someone to hold down the fort for the whole group? Yeah, that's an issue.

I understand that sometimes you save a space for someone because they're on a ride, or getting a snack, or in the restroom, and they'll be back to your spot in minutes. But please don't try and save dozens of spots for people who are going to show up minutes before the parade or show starts.

This should go without saying, but the same applies to rides as well. I saw more than one instance at Disneyland earlier this month where 2-3 people would be in line, and then moments before the boarding started on the attraction five or ten people would show up and have to shimmy their way through the line to get to their group. That's just insanity. Not only is it disruptive to try and get past others as they're waiting to get on, it's also super rude. Either line up with your group, or don't line up at all. Easy peasy.

And don't even get me started on people who leave their towels on pool and deck chairs for hours at a time. I could go on all day....

The takeaway from all this? Please be considerate. If we all thought about how our actions affect other park goers, trust me - things would go a LOT more smoothly.

What are some of your theme park pet peeves? Please share below in the comments and on social media!

Inside Out - The New Pixar Classic?

pixarpost.com

This was the opening weekend for Pixar's newest film, Inside Out, and you know that I was in that theater. I couldn't wait to see it - from the early reviews it looked like another hit for the studio that brought us Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and a myriad of other new classics.

I always have high expectations when I see a Pixar film. In my opinion, they are the kings and queens of Hollywood - a studio where story is paramount. Where it's not just about cheap, two second jokes that become insufferable after the 2nd time you hear them (I can only take so many fart jokes.). It's not about pandering to kids (or adults!) or cranking out another movie because it's been a few years and its time. Storytelling is the steam that drives the Pixar locomotive; it's the "something special" that sets them heads and shoulders above the rest.

So what did I think of Inside Out?

You did it again, Pixar. You did it again.

If you're not familiar with the story line, Inside Out takes us inside the head of an 11 year old girl named Riley, as she navigates young adulthood and moving from Minnesota to San Francisco. We get to see her five emotions - Anger, Fear, Disgust, Sadness and Joy. I would call Joy the second protagonist of the film; she in a sense narrates the story, and her mission is to make sure Riley's life is happy and always filled with joyful moments. But as we learn, Joy isn't the only emotion that Riley feels or should feel. Without giving away the story line, you learn how every emotion is important to Riley.

I cannot say enough good things about this film. I'd read so many glowing reviews in the weeks and months before seeing it, I was honestly a bit nervous. What if it doesn't measure up to my already sky-high expectations for a Pixar film? As it turns out, I had nothing to fear (see what I did there?).

I REALLY want to talk specifics of the film that I have been thinking about over and over again in the last 48 or so hours, but I don't want to spoil any of it for you. What I do want to touch on is the idea of core memories. At the beginning of the film, we learn that every day, every moment, an emotion is experienced. All those emotions are stored in Long Term Memory, but there are 5-6 very special memories. Those are called Core Memories. The memories and moments that happen when you're very young, and shape and color every experience in your life. Your relationship with your family, what makes you laugh, what makes you upset, etc. In the last few days I've really reflected on that concept, and what are my Core Memories. What are yours?

People have asked me if Inside Out is a "kids movie". I struggle with that answer, because while I think kids will really enjoy it, it's not your "typical" animated movie. The best way I can describe it is to think of the movie Up, which Pete Doctor also directed in addition to Inside Out. Both are similar in that they're cerebral films - they get you to think and ask questions but in a beautiful way that's still very entertaining. I had the same reaction to Inside Out as I first did when I saw Up. Do you recall that flashback scene (with ZERO dialogue, by the way) with Carl and Ellie, where Carl is remembering their first meeting as children, their marriage, and her passing? I remember watching that scene and thinking (between my ugly-cry tears), holy crap. I'd never seen anything like it from an animated film.

Pixar has changed the game of animation. No longer it a medium that's just for kids, or even geared towards kids. I saw just as many childless adults in Inside Out as I did families.  I had a very similar experience when I first saw Toy Story 3. At the very end of the film, I was trying to deftly wipe away the crocodile tears going down my cheeks and turned to see that each of the 6 other adult women that I was with were all crying too. (Pixar and Kleenex really should partner up - that seems like a missed opportunity.)

The following quote from Nick Schager of the Daily Beast (from his article here) best sums up why I loved Inside Out. Nick writes, "For the past twenty years, Pixar has reigned supreme in the animated realm, in large part because its movies aren't simply witty, or beautifully crafted, or light years more clever than their competition - they also, at their finest, tap into profound questions about what it means to be a child, and what it means to begin becoming an adult. Pixar is a studio interested in creating stores about the most essential, and universal, of human experiences. And in that respect, Inside Out may be its crowning achievement to date."

Couldn't have said it any better, Nick.

Have you seen Inside Out? What are your thoughts?

Have a magical day!

Who Loves an Alex and Ani bracelet? This girl.

So I know I'm super late to this party but I've fallen in love with these sweet and fashionable bracelets. Those of you who are "in the know" take one glance and know immediately what I'm talking about.

Alex and Ani!

Alex and Ani are not newbies to the jewelry business, but in the last few years have become very familiar to the Disney fan community with their adorable Disney offerings. You can see a few of the many I have, including the adorable "Whistle While You Work" bracelet that was released for the new live-action "Cinderella" movie.

They're fun, easy to wear, and are good not only for casual wear but also add lots of sparkle and fun to your dressiest outfits, too.

I also love them because they very easily adjust to your wrist size. I have a hard time finding bracelets I like because I like one that wears more like a bangle, not something that's super tight. These totally fit the bill.

The Alex and Ani bracelets are also an awesome way for us Disney fans to show our "Disney Side" in a perhaps not-so-obvious way. People admire them but might not realize until closer inspection that they reflect Disney characters, movies, etc. If you're someone who likes to be a bit more subtle about your Disney fan-dom, I would check these out.

And don't be afraid to mix your Disney Alex and Ani bracelets with their non-Disney line (of which there are SO MANY CUTE ONES, you really need to check them out). I often wear my Cinderella and Anna/Elsa bracelets with my birthstone and letter K ones. Oh, and you remember those "rules" about only wearing one metal at a time? Those days are gone, my friend - - feel free to mix your silvers and your golds together! At the same time! Just think of the opportunities.

You can find Alex and Ani online at https://www.alexandani.com/. I'd love to see your A&A arm candy - post a picture on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and tag me so I can share with everyone.

Have a magical day!

Sunday with Friends - Mindy Walbesser

Hi, everyone! After a long hiatus, Sunday with Friends is back! Today we're chatting with one of my friends and Mouse World Travel co-workers, Mindy.

Take it away, Mindy!

* Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Mindy Walbesser.  I live in Northern Virginia with my husband of 29 years and my almost 13 year old daughter Heidi.  I have two grown children, Lily, who lives 2 blocks away, and Max who has moved to Kansas from Central Florida.    I love all things Disney, and have been visiting the Disney Parks in Florida since I was about 8 or 9 years old.  We went shortly after the park opened for the first time, but I'm not sure exactly when that trip was.  I went sporadically over the years, and did not start going regularly until 2007 after we bought into the Disney Vacation Club.    I have been an agent with Mouse World Travel for just over 4 years now.  I have enjoyed helping people plan their Disney vacations, but after much discussion and debate with my family, I've made the decision to step out of this job at the end of the year when my last currently booked client travels.  I plan to stay involved in the Disney community in some way, but I haven't worked out any future plans.  I will most certainly maintain and treasure the friendships that I've made in this job.

* What is your favorite time of year to visit the Disney parks or sail the Disney Cruise Line?

As a DVC member, and I will continue going on plenty of future Disney World vacations.  We own at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and at Bay Lake Towers.  I have yet to be able to stay at Bay Lake Towers.  We got in with a reservation for a studios once, but then my son and his girlfriend decided to join us for that portion of our stay, but when I called to upgrade from the studio to a 1 bedroom, nothing was available except at Old Key West, so back to OKW we went.  I also tried to get into Bay Lake Tower for January 2016 when I will be joining my sister to cheer her on as she runs the full Disney marathon on her 50th birthday.  Even though it was still home resort priority, there was nothing available, so I had to book my other home resort, Saratoga, which is fine, we totally love that resort, but some day, I'd love to stay at my other home resort. 

My favorite time of the year to visit Disney Parks is definitely during the spring Flower & Garden Festival.  Although we had a great time at Food & Wine, and truly love visiting any time of the year, there is just something so refreshing and renewing about visiting EPCOT when its at its most beautiful with all the extra topiaries and displays, after just having gone through a cold and gray winter that just isn't quite over yet here in Virginia.  The weather can be all over the place during spring break, and the Flower & Garden festival, but our last visit March 29 through April 4th had the most perfect weather ever.  It was upper 70's to low 80's with sunny skies and no rain.  It was a little hard to get out to the parks in the morning as I sat on my balcony drinking my coffee enjoying the relaxing pace as I golfers zipped by in their carts. 

We have only had an opportunity to sail on 1 Disney Cruise Line sailing, but it was an amazing experience.  We did the New Year's 5 night Castaway Cay double dip.  There is just something about dancing in a conga line behind Goofy, as he's dressed in top hat & tails on the deck of the ship on New Year's eve that just can't be beat anywhere.

* If you have to pick your favorite attraction at Disney World or Disneyland, what would it be?

If I had to pick just one favorite attraction at Walt Disney World, it would be a hard choice, there are so many that I love, Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress, at EPCOT Soarin' and Test Track are such a close tie.  At Animal Kingdom the Kilimanjaro Safari is wonderful, but I think Kali River Rapids might edge it out on a hot day.  I remember when Animal Kingdom used to have late magic hours, and we'd wait until the end of the evening and we would ride Kali over and over and over until we were soaked.  The cast members wouldn't even make us get off and get back on.  At Hollywood Studios, Toy Story is a lot of fun, but the old back lot tour will probably always be a favorite of experiences past, along with the Stars & Motorcars Parade.  Oh yes, and SpectroMagic… oh how I miss it.  As soon as I heard that tune..it was instant transportation to a very happy state of being.  I have never been much of a rollercoaster fan, so the mild family coasters and great fun for me such as the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  I have never tried Rock n Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror or Expedition Everest.  I did ride Space Mountain once..and that was plenty. 

* Tell us about one of your favorite moments from a Disney vacation.   

One of my favorite memories of a Disney vacation was when we were there with very good friends of ours, and my husband took my friend's son over to ride some big rides, I don't even remember where they went.  It was myself, my friend Yehudit, her daughter Ariella and my daughter Heidi.  We were at the Magic Kingdom, and it was really late..I want to say close to 2am.  I don't even remember if it was extra magic or regular.  I'm thinking that was the regular hours.  We were so exhausted and having such a good time.  We went to the Magic Kingdom Bakery to get a cinnamon roll to share, and as the park was closing soon, the cast member started to scoop all the dripped off sugar glaze from the try onto the few remaining cinnamon rolls.  My friend is NOT a regular sweets eater, and she was just aghast, thinking the roll as it was, was indulgent enough.  We were just laughing ourselves silly because we'd gotten to the point of being slap-happy talking about here we were in the middle of the night at Magic Kingdom eating this sugar covered treat, which is something that we never ever would be doing anywhere else.  Now, before each Disney trip, I tell my friend that I will have a cinnamon roll for her. 

Another of my best memories is when we went down to Disney in 2010 to celebrate my son and his twin best friends all earning their Eagle Scout rank together.  I'd made them all a promise the year before, that if they all earned their Eagle rank, I would take them all to Disney World.  The stipulation was that they HAD to all make the rank.  If one of the three of them didn't, we wouldn't go.  So all three boys earned their Eagle Scout rank so we all went.  We stayed at Saratoga Springs in a 2 bedroom with my friend Ariane, her husband Jeff and their 3 boys, including their twin Eagle Scouts.  We had such fun.  Also at that time, my friend's sister in law and her family and her brother and his daughter were also there, so one time we all went as a big group to Animal Kingdom, and then all out to dinner to T Rex to celebrate her younger son's 14th birthday.  A particularly great memory from that trip was when just us girls, including my daughter, my friend, her sister in law, and her sister in laws daughter, who is the same age as my daughter, went to high tea at the Grand Floridian and then relaxed together at the GF pool afterwards.  It seems my happiest memories at Disney World  involve being there with family or friends. 

* If you had a friend visiting a Disney park or sailing on Disney Cruise Line for the first time, what tips(s) would you give them?

If I had a friend visiting Disney Parks for the first time now, I'd advise them not to stress about not getting that perfect ADR, or about not getting a fastpass+ for something.  It will not ruin the vacation.  That might cause them to miss other special moments that just might make their trip.  I'd tell them to just keep trying to get the dining, and continue to inquire about cancelations even while onsite.  I'd advise them to make the most of every moment and enjoy the experiences as they come.  We've met and talked to some interesting people in line without fastpasses that we wouldn't have had we gone through the fastpass line.  We've found last minute tables at restaurants we never realized would become favorites because we didn't have an ADR.  Happy surprises are around every corner at Disney World. 

Thanks for sharing, Mindy!

If you'd like to be featured on a Sunday with Friends post, please email me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com - I'd love all of our friends to meet you!

Have a magical day!

2016 Walt Disney World vacation packages - Available for booking on June 22nd!

Good morning, friends!

Today, Disney let us know that the 2016 Walt Disney World vacation packages will be ready and available for quoting and booking on Monday, June 22nd.

I have already reached out to those of those who wanted information about 2016, but if you're looking to travel to Walt Disney World next year and we haven't spoken yet, please reach out to me. You can email me at katie@mouseworldtravel.com, and we can start to chat about your trip, resort, dates, etc.

On the 22nd, I will be ready to go bright and early, so if you're interested in a 2016 vacation please reach out, and I'll have you on my list for a no-obligation quote.

Have a great Thursday!

Top 5 Reasons This Walt Disney World Veteran Fell in Love with Disneyland

I've been going to Walt Disney World pretty regularly since the last 90s. After my first trip to the World when I was in high school, I was hooked.

I always knew I wanted to visit Disneyland but I'd never made it a point to go out there. When I was deciding on my next vacation, for whatever reason Walt Disney World always won out, and I'd say to myself, "One day I'll get out to Anaheim."

As you know, that "one day" came last week and can I tell you, I CANNOT BELIEVE that I didn't make it a priority to get out here sooner.

After an incredibly fun and successful first trip to Disneyland, I wanted to do a comparison between the two. Not a "this vs that" type of post, but one that lays out the Top 5 reasons that I, a Walt Disney World veteran with approximately 30 trips under her belt, fell in love with Disneyland.


1. Disneyland was Walt's park. The nostalgia is off the charts, folks.

Disneyland can boast something that Walt Disney World can't. Although Walt was a part of the creation of WDW, he passed away before the park was completed so he was never an actual physical presence in the parks. To be able to walk down Main Street, and think, Walt walked here. To ride it's a small world and know that Walt rode it, too. To watch kids laugh on the carousel and know that he watched his own grandkids on the same one. Ladies and gents, it made my heart soar.

2. The proximity of resorts to both theme parks CAN'T BE BEAT.

I stayed at the Grand Californian and let me tell you, was SO glad I did. At most, I was a 5-10 minute walk (10 minutes if I was very slowly strolling) from my hotel to both parks. Actually, I was much closer to California Adventure because there's an entrance from the Grand Californian into that park.

Having stayed there, The Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier are also on my list. Both are also a short walk from the parks and allow you the same "close to the magic" experience.

It was incredibly nice to be that close to both theme parks. Now, you can have sort of this same experience when, for example, you stay at the Beach Club or Boardwalk resort and their proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. But there's no resort on WDW property where you can walk to all the theme parks, so that was huge.

Staying onsite can be pricier than staying at one of the myriad of hotels in the general area of Disneyland. However, for all my future trips I will plan on staying on-site for the sheer convenience of time and energy. It was amazing to watch the Disneyland Forever fireworks show on Main Street, and then be in my hotel room 10 minutes later. Not on a bus 10 minutes later, not waiting in line 10 minutes later. I was in my room. Amazing.

3. Disneyland is NOT just a two or three day vacation destination.

One opinion that I kept hearing was that Disneyland was, at most, a three day vacation. You needed to go to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Knott's Berry Farm, etc in order to really make the most of a week and make your travel to Anaheim worthwhile. Now, nothing against those destinations at all but after having been at Disneyland, I could have easily stayed another day. I had an awesome time at the parks but didn't have a whole lot of time to explore my resort, or stroll around Downtown Disney. Next time (in November! Eeek!!) I'm planning on being here an entire week.

4. Three Words, people: World of Color.

I might cause a minor Disney fan revolt by saying this, but the fireworks shows and parades aren't usually on my must-do list. (dodges flying objects.) I enjoy them, but I'm not a person who will sit on a curb for two hours to get a viewing spot before a parade. They're fun, but no thanks, man. There are other things I prefer doing instead.

I knew I wanted to see World of Color at California Adventure. I'd read about it and seen clips of the show and from everything I'd heard, people raved about how awesome it was. We decided to do a WoC dining package (more on that in another post!) to get FastPasses for a special viewing area. The appointed time came, we got in our AWESOME location to watch and waited to be dazzled.

And dazzled we were. There aren't words in the English language that can adequately convey the rush of love and emotions I had when watching this show. It's been recently re-done a bit for the 60th Anniversary and it's just AMAZING. I won't tell you every single detail because A) we'd be here all day and B) I want you to experience it for yourself.

And when they played a version of the song "Forever Young? Tears, tears everywhere.

5.  Foodies - you won't be disappointed.

Disneyland is no slouch in the food department, either. On this trip I had my first churro; it was delicious! I wore most of the sugar on my shirt, but it was very yummy. I also enjoyed a Disneyland corn dog; I can only assume they put actual magic in that batter because GOOD LORD it was amazing - and I'm not really a hot dog fan. If you're a soup person, you MUST go to the Pacific Warf Cafe and enjoy their Clam Chowder or Broccoli Cheese soups. TO DIE FOR.

Needless to say, there will be many posts on this here blog solely about the food because y'all, it was stinking good. Many times we had "progressive dinners" and shared food so we could all sample a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Nom nom nom.

So there you have it - some of the many reasons I fell in deep, passionate, abiding love with Disneyland. I'll be back in November and can't wait to experience it all again!

Have a magical day!

It's Giveaway Time!

Happy Monday, everyone! To start off the week with some fun, I'm doing a giveaway on my Instagram account. I'm at @MostDelightfulPlace; the link is also at the top of this page (with my other social media links).

Be sure and follow me on Instagram so you can enter to win this AWESOME Disneyland 60th Anniversary pin! Entries will be taken until 5PM central on Tuesday, June 9th.

(Open to US residents only, entrants must please be 18 years or older.)

I share lots of fun pictures on Instagram of my Disney travels, and would love you have you follow along!

Have a magical day!

My Summer Challenge - 2015

Hello, folks! I'm back from Disneyland and spoiler alert, had an AMAZING time. I can't wait to share it all with you in the coming weeks and months so never fear! Those posts are coming.  Coming VERY soon.

But first things first. Today I was thinking about my upcoming summer, and all the fun (and some not-so-fun but necessary) things I would like to do and accomplish this summer. If you'll remember, around Christmas time I published a list here of ways I was going to stay present in the season as time marched towards December 25th. I feel that similar to the holiday season, summer has a tendency to get away from me and BAM before I know it, it's Labor Day again.

So in that spirit, here's my Summer Challenge 2016 list. I must have a list, because I am Type A and having something I can refer to and cross-off is my jam.

* Read at least two books a month.

I love to read but I don't always seem to make time. Or, when I have a free night I pop in a movie or watch Hulu. But I have a list a MILE long of books I want to read and this is the time to make a serious dent in that list. I read just about everything - mystery, non-fiction, long books, short books, serious books and silly books...I'm an equal opportunity reader.

A good friend and I are going to Vero Beach in July and we've already decided we're going to select a book to read separately before our vacation, so we can discuss it together while we're there.

* Have firepit nights in the backyard.

My backyard is the current bane of my existence (SO MANY PLANTS) but I do have an awesome firepit and patio, constructed by the former owners. I'd like to make a standing "smores and wine night" with my friends once a month, where we talk and laugh and eat chocolate late into the evening hours. And the best part? It'll be dark, so you can totally rock your PJs if you want. Winning!

* Visit at least three of the museums in my state.

The only thing that rivals my love for Disney and travel is my love for history and museums. I've been to lots in other states but very few here in Iowa, and since most are within a few hours drive, I want to see at least 3 such museums by summer's end.

On the list so far are the National Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque (their feature this summer is a Titanic exhibit), and the Hebert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

* Create a (cheap) summer oasis in my backyard.

I've got some nice patio furniture but I really want to create a retreat / summer oasis in my backyard for little money. I'm thinking of a hammock, some tiki torches, those large-bulb string lights everywhere and perhaps a kiddy pool that I can dangle my feet in and pretend I'm in the pool at Beach Club or Wilderness Lodge.

* Get control of the clutter and clean out / get rid of things I don't use.

It couldn't ALL be fun! My house has become a cesspool of crap I never use, so I'm committing to going through a box or a closet once a week and either give items to Goodwill, sell or throw them away. I want an uncluttered house by this fall! (I'll keep you posted on how this goes.)

I've started a new rule in my house - when one thing comes in, another thing goes out (except for consumables like food, toiletries, etc). If I buy a tote or purse - another one goes on eBay or gets donated. I buy a pair of shoes, another pair gets donated or thrown out.

* Create a chore schedule and (try to) stick to it.

Ooh wow, a chore chart! So much fun. (That was sarcasm, by the way.) This sounds like a dopey summer goal but hear me out. I tend to clean ALL AT ONCE until it cannot possibly be put off any longer. I do dishes and wipe down the bathroom sink every day, stuff like that - but vacuuming and dusting and more intense cleaning is left until the very last minute. And then cleaning ends up taking hours when if I just did a little each day, I'd be so much better off.

So I'm going to create a chart and assign certain tasks each day that won't take more than 1/2 hour, at most. Rather than be overwhelmed with a 3-4 hour Saturday cleaning schedule, I'd rather do a little bit each day. If it goes well, hopefully I'll continue with it.

And if I get really crazy and feel adventurous, I might add a more intense task each week like cleaning baseboards or washing the outside of the windows. Adulthood, kids - it's always SUPER fun and exciting.

How will you be spending your summer? What are your goals / tasks / etc?

Have a magical day!