Saturday, July 5, 2025

Viva Las Vegas 2025 Part Three - Titanic Exhibitions

Lizzie and I both love the Titanic. It is crazy seeing all the items that have been gathered from the wreckage. The giant piece of the ship we saw was mind blowing.




















An interesting fact about the iceberg piece that we got to touch. This was fresh water and the Atlantic Ocean is salt. Saltwater freezes colder than fresh.







 

Viva Las Vegas 2025 Part Two - Coffee Shops and Fancy Donuts

I feel very lucky to have a best friend who loves coffee too so we were able to explore a few coffee shops.

Babysitter Chiller and Klown Killer from Horror Vibes Coffee


I don't remember what these were, but this is from Dark Moon Coffee Roasters
I know one is matcha. 

My favorite of the coffee shops - Almond & Oat
I ordered a snickerdoodle latte and Lizzie ordered a blueberry cobbler latte...
we ended up switching lol

The fanciest and best donuts from Saint Honore
top left: birthday cake, top right: original glazed
bottom left: triple chocolate, bottom right: candied hazelnut filled with nutella 

 

Viva Las Vegas 2025 Part One - Dinner at Din Tai Fung

 I FINALLY got to visit my bestie in Las Vegas after 7 years of not seeing each other in person! Day one was dinner at Din Tai Fung....I still think about this place and want to go back so bad


Spicy Noodles

Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs

                                                                        Cucumber Salad

Chicken Dumplings

Spicy Chicken Wontons

I still dream about these chocolate buns


Chocolate Xiao Long Boa 



Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Scenes From One of the Best Nights of my Life - The Eras Tour: Miami N2

Saturday, October 19 I had the incredible honor of being able to attend the Eras Tour. I have been a fan of Taylor Swift for a long while, but recently have become even more so. This girl puts on an incredible show and I feel so lucky to have gone. I may have cried once or twice...here's some of my favorites:









 

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Hurricane Milton 2024

Hello friends! I saw this copy and pasted on a Facebook post so I decided to copy and paste it here. This is by no means an attack, if anything it’s to give knowledge to those not from here. I appreciate the endless words of encouragement and prayers. Thank you to everyone who has reached out.

Dear everyone who doesn't live in Florida but loves someone who does, here are some things you need to know about hurricanes:

🏠 They don't come until they come, so if you ask us how we are 72 hours before we expect the winds to start, don't be surprised if we tell you we're fine. Please believe us. We're actively preparing, and we're watching the forecast more closely than you are, but we're truly fine at the moment.

🌀 Hurricanes are unpredictable. No matter how good the models are, hurricanes often demonstrate a mind of their own. We're always hoping and praying for a turn or "wobble" that sends the monster further from civilization. But if you ask us what's going to happen three or four days from now, we honestly don't know for sure (and neither do the meteorologists).

🏝️ An entire state can't evacuate. Everyone packing up, jumping into their cars and heading north may seem like a great idea. However, the truth is that those of us in "safer" inland regions generally need to stay put to reserve the roads, gas, hotel rooms, shelters, plane tickets, etc. for the most vulnerable folks who live on the coast in the storm's path (where evacuation orders exist). Some inland folks may choose to leave, but most of us stay put and follow the instructions of our local governments.

💕 We truly appreciate your love and concern, the offers to stay in your homes, etc. Know that the national media is doing a pretty good job of stirring up your anxiety. Our local weather teams are much calmer and more knowledgeable about how the hurricanes affect our area. They are working nonstop to give us updates and telling us to prepare. We trust them. When the tie comes off, the sleeves are rolled up, and we're told to hunker down, we're ready.

🙏 Of course we're worried, but we're trying to do all the right things to prepare and not freak out. Thanks for offering words of love and encouragement (and not jumping on the freak-out wagon - it just makes it harder on us). Denis Phillips #7

Your Florida loved ones ♥️




Saturday, October 5, 2024

A Night at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

 Last evening, October 4, I had the joy of attending an after hours event at Disneys Magic Kingdom. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. This is a separate ticketed event that does not require additional admission to attend. The party runs from 7pm-midnight and here is a quick run down of the evening. Please keep in mind that although this is an evening event and some of it is during "Autumn", it is still Florida. It will be very hot. Especially if attended in August or September. Remember to stay hydrated and take frequent A/C breaks. 

Although the party begins at 7pm, if you have a ticket such as an annual pass, you can enter the park early. You will want to make sure you go to the designated area to get your party wristband. If I am being honest, I do not know where you go for wristband if you are already in as I received mine upon entry when I arrived around 6:15pm. After entry, there are signs and cast members lined up to direct you where to go and where to pick up your treat bag (more on this bag later)

Entertainment for the evening, should you be interested includes:

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

  • August & September 9:05pm, 10:35pm & 12am 
  • October 7:35pm, 9:05pm, 10:35pm &12am

Not So Spooky Spectacular (fireworks show)

  • 10pm

Boo to You Halloween Parade

  • 8:15pm
  • 11:15pm

 I recommend scoping out seating at least a half hour before start time to insure a good view of the above listed events. Other entertainment options include dance parties for the littles & middles and character greetings.


Now for the fun part...the candy!! Who doesn't love candy!? My recommendation: bring an extra bag to carry your load, I guarantee the bag they give you will not be enough. My loot for reference:


Treat locations (may vary, so just keep a lookout for giant inflatable treat pillars):

Main Street USA
  • Market Street Welcome (open until 8pm)
Fantasyland
  • Fantasyland Train Station
  • Gaston's Tavern
  • Mickey's PhilharMagic (A/C and seating available)
  • Princess Fairytale Hall (A/C available and villain encounter)
Adventureland
  • Tortuga Treasures
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Sunshine Tree Terrace
Frontierland
  • Tom Sawyer Island Dock
  • Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Liberty Square
  • Columbia Harbour House
  • Diamond Horseshoe
Tomorrowland
  • Carousel of Progress
  • Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (A/C and seating available)
  • TRON Lightcycle Run
If needed, there are options for those with specific allergies. Let the cast members know at treat bag pickup. Here you will receive a teal bag, where you will collect teal tokens to be exchanged for allergy friendly treats later in the evening. I do not know what this includes, since I did not take advantage of this. There are also party exclusive sweets and treats to enjoy, so be sure to check them out at many locations.

All and all, I would say this is a fun and enjoyable for humans of all ages. Disney does not discriminate age, I got just as much candy as an adult as my friend's young daughter did. 

Please enjoy the few photos I have (I am an "in the moment" kind of person so sometimes I forget to pull out my phone):

Mickey lightup popcorn bucket 

Hitchhiking Ghosts --My fav 💕

The Evil Queen & Maleficent 

Princess Minnie 




Viva Las Vegas 2025 Part Three - Titanic Exhibitions

Lizzie and I both love the Titanic. It is crazy seeing all the items that have been gathered from the wreckage. The giant piece of the ship ...