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!

They're heard us - Resort Specific Merchandise is back, baby!!

In recent years, Walt Disney World seemed to be doing away with resort specific merchandise such as tee shirts, key chains, hats, mugs and more. Those of us who LOVED the specific merch were upset - we wanted souvenirs from our vacations about our resorts, not just from the parks.

It seems as though the powers-that-be at Disney have heard our prayers, because - it's coming back, folks!

About a year ago, I noticed a small display at the Old Key West resort. This past December, there was a large display at the Contemporary resort and just about a month ago, I noticed Coronado specific merchandise. Yahoo!

When I was at the Contemporary, I noticed two gentlemen who I assumed were Disney executives. (They had on suits and we were wearing Disney cast member nametags.) I tried not to be obnoxious, but I said very pointedly to my friend Krista that I was SO glad to see more resort specific items.

I am staying at Wilderness Lodge in April and at Port Orleans French Quarter in July so I'm anxious to see the offerings there, as well.

Have a magical day!

Trip Report - August 31, 2014 - Part One

Happy Saturday! And welcome to another installment of the Trip Report. This past weekend I was in the Chicago area, celebrating my niece's 3rd birthday, which was a blast. In fact, today is her actual birthday; so in light of that:

Happy Birthday Faith! Aunt Katie Loves You! :)

Thank you for indulging me that moment. Now onto the Trip Report!

Sunday, August 31st was the first full day at Disney World. I woke up, packed the few items I'd taken out of the suitcase and called Bell Services to transfer my luggage to Coronado Springs. I wasn't meeting my cousins at Splittsville (located at Downtown Disney) until 10:30, so it was a pretty leisurely morning.

Everything Pop, however, was a ZOO! It was pretty crazy in there. This was Sunday of Labor Day weekend and although the crowds were predicted to be light during the week, you could tell it was still holiday crowd time. I attempted a picture of the breakfast rush, just to give you an idea.

After grabbing a quick muffin and Diet Coke, I made my way to the bus stop to catch a Downtown Disney bus.

As I waited at the bus stop, I was reminded why I have not been to Disney World / Orlando in late August / September for quite some time.  It is HOT.  Not like your normal heat, or even summer-level heat at Disney.  It was center of the sun, we're hotter than Mars, HOT and HUMID which just made it worse. Luckily, the bus came in about 5 minutes and I entered into its air-conditioned goodness!

After a quick ride to Downtown Disney, we were dropped off at the Marketplace area, where the shops are located. Most of them open at 10:00AM on Sunday and it was about 9:45 at this point, so I had a little time to kill.

I then witnessed one of my favorite "Aww!" Disney moments. You know those, when you witness something super-cute and sweet between guests, cast members, etc? One of the best parts about Downtown Disney is that they pipe in Disney music, so as you're walking along you're really immersed in the magic. There was a family with two young boys, and as they were walking by, "Kiss The Girl" from Little Mermaid was playing. The husband remarked to his wife, "Well, the song DOES say to kiss the girl", and he leaned over to his wife and gave her a smooch. The looks on the boys faces were PRICELESS, a mixture of disgust and embarrassment. So cute!

I had about 20 minutes to kill before I had to make my way over to Splittsville, so I wandered in and out of the shops. I was on a mission to see TrenD and the newly redesigned Marketplace Co-op area.

WOW! It looks amazing. The Co-op is styled after a series of boutiques, and so you have one area for clothes, another for housewares, one for purses, etc. Very, Very well done.

I knew my big souvenir purchase this trip was going to be a Disney Dooney and Bourke purse. You can buy them online at the DisneyStore.com, but I wanted to see it in person, the placement of the characters on the bag, etc. A very nice cast member helped me look at the bags and inspect each one, and then I made my selection!

I was SO happy; I have been looking at this particular pattern for a few years, and was very happy with my choice.

Giant purse bag in hand, I made my way through the construction are, and to Splittsville. It was a gorgeous day and even though, as mentioned, it was hotter than you-know-where, the sky was very blue and pretty.

I saw my cousins, we greeted each other, and then made our way in for bowling and lunch!

Coming up next - my review of Splittsville, both our bowling and dining experiences.

Have a magical day!

Souvenir Shopping at Walt Disney World

Each time I go to Disney World or on the Disney Cruise Line, I like to bring home some small mementos of the trip.  It might be a magnet, a coffee mug, or a picture to hang in my home.  Sometimes I also find cute shirts, or jewelry items, or items for my office.

I try not to go to crazy because A) I don't want to burst the seams on my luggage! and B) There is only so much stuff my house can hold.  But it's fun to bring a piece of the magic home with me!

Here are a few of the special items that have come home with me over the last few trips - what types of souvenirs do YOU like to purchase?

Shopping at Disney World - World of Disney

A stop that I always make while at Downtown Disney is World of Disney, one of the largest Disney stores in the world.  Simply put, if you can't find it there, they probably don't make it.  There are so many items to choose from, it's a great place to shop for your Disney merchandise and souvenirs.

What is your favorite souvenir to pick up at Disney?

Yay time for shopping!!