Post Holiday Shopping

After all the shopping for Christmas gifts over the past few months, it was nice to utilize some gift cards and take advantage of some post-Christmas sales and treat myself too.

I cashed in my Express gift cards right away, and picked up two graphic tees and some cobalt blue ankle pants which are perfect for work.

Love tee {sold out} | Ankle Pants | Casual Friday Tee

Next up on my Express wish list is this Elastic Stripe Fit and Flare Dress. Perfect for the upcoming warmer temps, enjoying brunch outside or some drinks and a movie.

Next, I took advantage of the VS Semi-Annual Sale where I replaced my nude multi-way bra (sold out), and picked up some cropped yoga pants in Heather Oatmeal for barre and yoga classes, a comfy tunic in Leopard, and casual dress (sold out) for the weekends.

*Paired the new tunic with some VS leggings and Target flats for movie night on Saturday*

What are some of your recent favorite fashion finds?

Express Victorias Secret

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A Magical Year

I don't even know where to begin to recap an amazing magic filled year as a Disney World annual pass holder. All I can say is that if you live in Florida, make sure you take advantage of the FL resident annual pass options (many to choose from). I know that Emily, Kerri, and Amanda have all taken advantage of this wonderful program as well and have enjoyed every second. We went when it was wind-whipping cold and oppressively hot, but I enjoyed every single trip and can't pinpoint which of the 4 parks is my favorite, because they are all amazing in their own way.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the most recognized and visited park, but there are a lot of things you should know before you go.

1. This is definitely the most crowded park. You will be dodging people left and right, and if there's a parade going on in the area you're in good luck trying to move through it.

2. Always always always reserve fast passes ahead of time before arriving at the park. You don't want to wait 2-3 hours for the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or the always popular Space Mountain. Fast passes are always free and available up to 30 days in advance.

3. There is no alcohol served in this park unless you are dining at the Be Our Guest Restaurant in Beast's castle in the new Fantasy Land.

4. Try to avoid sitting in the caboose car on Space Mountain. You don't want to be in the absolute back seat as you'll get jerked around a lot as the train pulls you up and down. The sore neck and back afterwards is not worth it.

5. If it's really hot while you're there, opt for rides where you can escape into the air conditioning such as Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hall of Presidents, Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, the Carousel of Progress, and parts of the People Mover. Even the queue line for Dumbo the Flying Elephant is inside and kept cool.

Animal Kingdom

I love this park because it's the perfect combination of a beautiful zoo with splashes of Disney touches. And you can't beat the Kilimanjaro Safari...

*My favorite drink at the park is the African Margarita available at the Dawa Bar*

Expedition Everest is a must-do

I also love all the hiking trails around The Tree of Life where you can see several different kinds of animals along the way. Dino Land is also pretty cool, and Dinosaur is another must-do attraction along with Kali River Rapids before hitting up The Lion King Show and It's Tough to be a Bug.

Hollywood Studios

I wasn't a big fan of Hollywood Studios at first as it felt like a smaller version of Universal Studios. But once I rode Aerosmith's Rock n' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror I was hooked. Plus they have the most incredible light display around Christmas called The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights which is a must-see if you're there around the holidays.

You can also catch the Indiana Jones show and bring out the kid in you by playing on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play set.

Epcot

Definitely hit up this park the most between the Flower and Garden Festival in the spring and the Food and Wine Festival in the fall and all the different concerts. We got to see Starship, Fuel, 38 Special, Night Ranger, and my favorite... Boyz II Men.

*One of my favorite rides*

Koi pond in "Japan"

*Drinks around the world is a great way to celebrate a friend's b-day*

Boyz II Men

Starship

Fuel

*Tequila shots in "Mexico"*

On our way to see Fuel perform

Illuminations Fireworks show (happens every night)

What happens in "Mexico" stays in "Mexico"

What are your favorite things to do in Disney World?

Disney World

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Bacon Wrapped Mushrooms

One of my favorite ways to relax on a Sunday afternoon is by enjoying yummy snacks while watching football. I pinned this recipe off my best friend last week, and thought it would be perfect for the playoffs this weekend. I recreated it without the shaved butter to try and save on some of the calorie-bomb overload that is this deliciousness.

Ingredients

1 lb. of reduced fat (or reduced sodium) bacon
1 lb. of mushrooms, stems removed
1 bulb of garlic (the recipe called for 2, but 1 was more than enough), diced
8 oz. of monterrey jack cheese, shredded
Olive oil
Pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Peel and dice the garlic (I used a little less than a whole bulb which was more than enough) and saute in a pan on medium heat in olive oil.
Rinse and de-stem the mushrooms and lay out on a greased baking sheet.
Shred the cheese with a cheese grater
Sprinkle the garlic in the mushroom cups, then stuff with the cheese
Wrap the bacon around the stuffed mushrooms and secure with a toothpick
Sprinkle with pepper to taste
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until bacon is cooked to your liking