Discovering Disney as an Adult

I begged them to leave me on Main Street.

Alas, I am no longer in Orlando, but in the bitter cold hands of the community of Cambridge. Far out of the reach of Cotton Candy, musical sound tracks and deliciously fun roller coasters. I am scheming about HOW I can get back to the magical land of The Magic Kingdom.

I had never been to Disney World before this trip. I am twenty-five years old. Let me tell you why it is totally worth doing Disney as an Adult:

1. The discovery is oh so magical.

You don't have to be a child to become totally enchanted by mystical characters, a princess castle and royal flags waving high in the winds. It is such a breathtaking entry. The music is happy. The ticket takers greet you by saying, "Have a magical day!" And you know what? They really mean it. You can tell.

2. You realize what a genius strange-o that Walt Disney truly was.

Let me tell you the truth: Walt Disney was a genius. A bonafide genius. If you knew a man who dreamed of bringing cartoons to life, building a princess castle in America and preserving his undead body in ice (okay that one might just be a widely distributed, but highly scandalous, rumor), you would probably think he were crazy. And Disney was dreaming this big seventy years ago! This guy was a true radical. Talk about wanting to change the world. He actually did it. And his legacy continues to bring hope and joy to millions of people every year. I mean, who does that?

3. You notice the immaculate attention-to-detail and you can appreciate it.

The shrubs are perfectly manicured. There is nary a piece of trash on the ground. Fresh flowers are planted each morning. The air smells like sweetly popped kettle corn. The ride workers are good-hearted people (unlike the scary folks you tend to encounter at carnivals) and they are wearing adorable pin-striped uniforms. Everything is PERFECT. It's like the park aims for something higher than excellence and whatever that standard is called, it is certainly achieved. As an adult, you can really appreciate the level of time, effort and attention to detail that is considered. I've never seen anything like it.

 // Prince Charming Regal Carrosel (I didn't misspell that, it's really "Carrosel!"//

 // Family Time // Bro Time // Walt Disney World Railroad // Reebok action //

// Sisters reunited! Isn't she just lovely? //

// More "Carrosel-ing" // Tomorrowland Speedway //

 // Dumbo the Flying Elephant //

// Doorway to Cinderella's Royal Castle // Gaston's Tavern //

// Aloha Isle Frozen Dole Pineapple Whip, by the graciously strong (and incredibly perfect!) suggestion of  Alyson - Thank you, friend! My favorite treat ever!! //

Experiencing Disney with friends, family, and (of course) my own Prince Charming, made the experience so fun and magical. Prancing through the newly-updated Fantasyland with my sweet 3-year old nephew Ollie was so special and memorable. Although his favorite part of the day was waiting for one of the rides (he got to play on a stationary truck while we wanted in line for Dumbo's flight), he held up for the entire 10-hour day without a nap! He was amazing. Because we all definitely wanted naps. My favorite part? Impossible to tell. I loved the Swiss Family Treehouse, the Pirates of the Carribbean, the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and of course, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I think I need to conduct a bit more market research before coming to such a strong conclusion. Fancy a trip down to Disney, anyone?

Tell me about your Disney experiences!

TASTE: Very Berry-licios Salad

 I have never been a huge fan of salads. I'm a woman, so apparently I should love salad and rightfully gorge myself on it. As if it's some badge of honor. This is one of the huge disappointments I've found with being a member of my gender. Apparently all self-respecting women should just eat lettuce as a meal. This proves you're "taking care of yourself" or something. Ew. I am just not one of those rabbit-like salad eaters. I like protein. I like fruit. I like cheese. And throw in a little wine. So sue me. No don't. But for REAL throw in some bread and I'm a happy girl.

Here's the Deal.

I decided to create a GOOD salad. I'm gonna go ahead and tell you that this is a success story. Read on.

My delicious tasty oh-so-yummy salad consists of:

- A handful of Romaine Lettuce

- Another handful of Spinach

- 1/4 sliced avocado

- 1/4 cup blueberries

- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers

- 1/4 cup sliced kiwi

- A smattering of sunflower seeds

- A sprinkling of sliced almonds

- A light shower of grated Parmesan cheese

- A pinch-ful of fresh Rosemary

- Salt and Pepper to taste

Lets Dress* it up:

- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, quartered

- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

- 1 tbsp. olive oil

- 1 tbsp. agave nectar

- 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

*This dressing has been adapted from the Gluten-Free Goddess recipe for "Berry Dressing"

Method:

1. Combine all the "salad stuff."

2. Combine all the "dressing fixings" into a food processor. Blend until mostly smooth (it will be textured) and then toss delightfully over the delicious yummy salad. Bring on the taste.

// I canned my dressing in ball jars. Just a bit of my Southern roots coming out. And yes, that is my specialty quiche, as well. //

My friends agreed. I may or may not have made this in honor of a ladies lunch and bridge club session. I would normally feel embarrassed of what you think of me for saying that, but for some surprising reason I just don't. I'm learning to play bridge and learning to love salad. And this was a goooooooooood salad. Enjoy your taste buds again, ladies. And eat your heart out. You're welcome.

Spring Break 2013

I know what you're thinking. We are FAR too old for Spring Break. I would have to agree with you. But I don't really care. My husband was granted a week off from school, so we high-tailed our tushies to the Boston-Logan Airport as fast as humanly possible and got the heck out of this icy, overcast haven of darkness.

We went to see my soulmate: My serene, angelic, petite and patient sister Kara. Her Ralph-Lauren model lookalike son Ollie. Her "my-brother-from-anotha-motha" hubby Brad. These are my people. My role models. My happy place. So although it was rainy and overcast for the majority of the trip (kiss that dreamed-of tan goodbye), I had the BEST time with them. We lounged, read Dr. Suess books, went for jogs and bike rides on the beach and talked a ton.

The amazing thing about family is that the relationships are always enriching, growing deeper and more interesting with time. I've known my brother-in-law Brad since he started dating my sis almost 10 years ago. Ten years! It's been really fun to welcome a brother into our all-girls family. I think he has such a great brain. He thinks out of the box. He's not afraid to try new things. He is truly the best and I admire him so much.

Map.

This Spring Break included two days in Orlando (we stayed at Brad's aunt's house) where we visited the Magic Kingdom at Disney World! Then we drove over to St. Augustine and spent two days at Brad and Kara's beach house there. The pictures speak for themselves. It was divine.

Mmm.

We ate fantastically well, especially at Nonna's and Cafe Tu Tu Tango, but my favorite tasty moment of the trip was cooking at the house. The kitchen at Brad's aunt's house is so HUGE and beautiful and stocked with all the dreamy kitchen tools... ah. It was a beautiful moment for me, personally. I love to cook so much and it was a mega treat to have the space and the utensils to make a simple meal. I like to dream that one day I will have a magnificent kitchen to experiment to my heart's foodie desires.

Moment.

There were so many dreamy moments on this trip. Spending time with my precious nephew tops the list. He learned that I love to hear him say, "I love you", so he started saying it to me like ten times a day. It sounded like, "I love you!" and ughhh, my heart just melted. That little charmer. He's going to be such a heart breaker. Did I mention he's 3?

// Downtown St. Augustine //

// Oh so magical Magic Kingdom. Don't worry, I have more pics to share. //

// My view from the hot tub, overlooking the pool. Yes oh yes. // He reads the paper ON VACATION. Such a student. //

// Biking outdoors and berries indoors //

 // Leapin' leprechaun bros

// Blow wind blow // Sleeping on the plane ride home //

This trip was refreshing to my heart. Somehow my family (and the ocean!) always does that. Stevie and I have exactly 8 weeks left here in Cambridge, and this trip was the perfect way to gear up for the end of our time here. Now we are just ready for Spring to be officially sprung here in New England!

Sunday Gratitude

Happy Easter! I hope your holiday weekend was marvelous. I'm a little sad that I wasn't able to be with my amazingly fun family for this holiday, but I am reminding myself of all the reasons why I am grateful to be here in Boston (aside from the fact that JESUS IS ALIVE!) I have a wonderful life up here in New England, but occasionally, I just miss being home and curling up with my mom and eating her signature popcorn. And laughing at my dad's shenanigans. With my pretty sisters. But as I sit here with a lovely glass of wine (and a pile of laundry to fold), I am remembering my week and celebrating how great it was. There is always something to celebrate, even if you are a little homesick.

My Week in Pictures:

// NYC presents in the mail from my favorite engaged friends, Meredith and Warren! // Tea Party and Bridge (yes, I know how "The Help"-esque that sounds) // Goldendoodle puppy I chased down the street. His name is Stanley. Pretty sure his owner thought I was hitting on him. // Google car! I posed. // Acting website is in progress... // Easter bike ride through Beacon Hill //

It's been a great week and I have even more to look forward to this upcoming week. Stay tuned for acting news, my adventures at Disney World and touring Massachusetts castles with my super pregnant BFF :-) Life is sweet.

Euro Trip: Fashion // Daytime Sightseeing

Euro Trip: Daytime Sightseeing by oykristen // 1. Leather belt anthropologie.com // 2. Leather bag anthropologie.com // 3. Tory burch earrings saksfifthavenue.com // 4. MADEWELL Silk Boyshirt In Pansy madewell.com // 5. Sandals anthropologie.com // 6. Sunglasses http://www.synsam.no // 7. Jean Shorts abercrombie.com // 8. Silk Scarf bananarepublic.gap.com // 9. Druzy Bracelet mickeylynn.com// 10. Leather watch anthropologie.com //

Fashion. Statement.

I like to think that this is how I will be dressing when I pra

nce around the Old Country on my beloved Europe trip.

I've seen horror photos of American tourists traipsing around Versailles, the Eiffel Tower and The Colosseum in hideous running shoes and puffy workout shorts. Ew. Don't they know their children will be looking at these momentous photographs for years to come? While I may not be decked out exclusively in the above fashion able brands, I do believe that a little outfit pre-planning will make a world of difference. Call it the hokey actor in me, but I believe that how you look affects how you feel. If you're dressed well, you will feel ready to take on the day's adventures!

Since we plan on backpacking on this trip, I will have to be very creative about packing a few items and making them work various ways. This is going to be a fun(ny) challenge, that's for sure.

So Far...

I've made a few initial wardrobe purchases that are super versatile (and I think will be perfect for LOTS of wear on the trip):

- Free People ONE Golden Age top

- Anthropologie Teryn Crepe Shift dress

- A really adorable red dress from Red Pineapple, a tiny boutique in St. Augustine, FL. (I can't find a link to this dress anywhere, which might be a good thing...?)

Still on the List:

- A pair of supple leather sandals (for walking many miles on cobblestoned streets!)

- A pair of sleek (preferably non-chunky) sneakers. I can't go for a month without running, but my Reeboks might be a little large for my pack.

- A Chambray shirt 

As we get closer to the trip, I will have to start really putting outfits together and practicing my packing strategy. Yes, I will definitely have to post pictures of this, don't you worry.

For all you Euro-trip backpacking veterans, how did you manage to pack clothing for your trip? Tips, resources, advice? I'm all ears.