Happy New Year: 2017

Goodbye 2016! It's bittersweet to say goodbye to the year that turned my life upside down! Even more so to know that this year has taught me so much about myself.

To ring in the new year we are just spending some time all snuggled up.

What I'm wearing: Trouvé Off the Shoulder Tunic, and LEMON 'Frosted Swirl' Over The Knee Socks

My 2017 Inspiration: Word, Phrase, Verse

Last year (this year, 2016) I wanted use a single word for the year. However, I'm not sure if it was maturity, or even the understanding of what a word for the year meant. Radiant, did not come out of me in 2016, and if you say it did, I'm not sure you seen my year. I had moments, but honestly I forgot about my word.

Instead of like last year when I just randomly picked a word I liked and thought I could make it work, I chose to sit down and spend some time deciding on the year for 2017.

2017 Blog Goals

While this is not my most productive year in blogging, it is the year that has taught me the most. While sometimes there are moments I get frustrated and don't want to blog anymore, but that's usually me discouraging myself. So this year I am making goals for the new year for this blog and a few others.

Perhaps you can incorporate some of these goals into your blog plans for the year.

Sticker Shops Used in 2016

The gift that a lot people chose to get me this year? An Etsy gift card. Why? Because.... I BUY ALL THE STICKERS!!!!! Seriously, I have an obsession with planner stickers. I have no self control when buying kits, icons, and decoration stickers. Stickers in your planner? Yes, I'm 26 years old and I adore placing stickers in planner! Proud Sticker Layer!

So what stickers do I use the most? What shops? Who would I purchase from again and who would I not?

My 2017 Planner

With 2017 just around the corner, it's time to let everyone know what planner I'll be using in the new year! Did I go with a Happy Planner, Erin Condren Hourly Colorful, or a Simplified Planner from Emily Ley? It wasn't easy for me...

And the winner to be my planner...

Merry Christmas!

Today has been an interesting Christmas Day! But you know what despite the more darker moments, we are grateful for the Christmas that the Lord gave us. We are truly blessed.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. - Luke 2:14

Advent Christmas Eve: Christ

Merry Christmas Eve! Tomorrow is Christmas! The day of Christ's birth! There are four comings of Christ. The first is His coming in the flesh, His birth, which we will celebrate tomorrow! The Second is His coming into the hearts of all who believe in him. The third is His coming at the hour of death to all who know Him as Lord and Savior and the fourth is His coming at the Final Judgement.

This advent season say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the gift of His son.

My Letter to Santa: 2016

When was the last time you wrote a letter to Santa, Saint Nicholas, or Father Christmas? I write a letter every year with my girls. I've always known how important it is a write a letter to Santa. One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Grown-Up Christmas List."

This is my letter to the big man in red...

Fourth Week of Advent 2016: Joy

Joy to the World the Lord has come! And what a wonderful world it is, even with everything going on in it. It's still beautiful, and there can be peace found on it. It's something to be proud of this time of year.

Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Christmas 2016 Survey

It's less than a week away until Christmas!! Are you excited?! Have you finished your shopping? As the temperature drops, I feel a deep need for warm blankets, hot chocolate, and little naps by the fire. Cozy sweaters and tall boots. Twinkling lights and comfort food. A great level of peace can be felt in this time of year.

If you are not in the Christmas spirit yet what's stopping you? Celebrate in your favorite ways! Keep memories of loved ones alive with how they liked to celebrate! Enjoy the questions below:

Running Recap 2016 & Running Plans 2017

How does the saying go? Find Three Hobbies You Love: One to Make You Money, One to Keep You in Shape, and One to be Creative. I have the middle one and I'm very blessed by it. I run and I love it so much.

You can just run in your neighborhood, or at your gym. I do that, but it's because I'm training for my next runDisney race!

Couple's Christmas Bucket List

Thanks to watching Christmas movies all of my life, I believe that winter is the most romantic time of the year. Not necessarily the Christmas season, because I believe there is a reason that Valentine's Day is in the winter months as well. And I feel like couples should really take stock in the winter season for romantic moments.

Vinny and me  decided to do a couple's bucket list for Christmas. I really like how it turned out.

Third Week of Advent 2016: Love

Love is all around us, but especially God's love. His wonderful plan of salvation was because of His great love us. To receive this gift of salvation, all we have to do is believe and receive.

And from far away the Lord appeared to his people and said, “I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness. - Jeremiah 31:3

Healthy Christmas Snacks

One of the things that really make the holiday season for me is the food. Let's face it; Christmas comes with images of hot chocolate, red cup Starbuck drinks, cookies, and candy. But let's say that you are already contemplating the New Year's resolution of eating healthier. No one says you have to stay away from the yummy treats of the season just watch when you consume it and how much!

Enjoy holiday snacks, but make sure you're also getting three healthy meals a day with a balance of fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy.

Our Disney December Trip Recap: Dec 8 - Dec 11

What happens when you mix two mid twenty years old and one of their fathers and let them loose in Disney World for two and half days? Do they get anything accomplished? And mix in that the two twenty years old are engaged. Oh yes a fun trip.

What all can you possibly get done in two and half days? Well for us? A lot!

My 20 Favorite Things About Christmas

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

While this song has some interesting things as favorites, I have a few of my own favorite Christmas things. There is nothing better than the Christmas season to me. Christmas is just the most beautiful holiday. So here are a few of my favorite things.

So settle in and enjoy the views of what makes up Christmas to me.

Second Week of Advent 2016 : Peace

Freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility; that sounds really nice doesn't? What if I told you that you could possess that? Believing and turning to the Lord will do just that. No, life won't become easier, that's not what peaceful is. Peaceful means finding the tranquility and quietness in the Lord while you have time with Him.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! ” - Luke 2:14

My Favorite Christmas Ornaments

All of the turkey is gone or is in some kind of other dish, let's bust out all of the holiday decor! My trees has actually been up since before Thanksgiving Day. That's right, trees, with a plural on them. I have roughly somewhere between 25-30 trees from 1 foot to 15 feet tall. I have four 15 feet trees that I just love. I have also loved the idea of a Christmas tree in every room as a kid. I kept the promise to myself. I even have one in my laundry room, and one in every single bathroom. But what about the sparkly and pretty things that go on the tree?

There are so many ornaments in my house. Some are from my childhood gifted to me from my parents, and some I make new every year with the kids (kitchen tree with cinnamon ornaments and cookie ornaments.) Regardless of what kind of ornaments here are some that I hold close and dear to my heart.

Winter At Disney World

People are weird about their vacation weather. I am a person who is hot natured so I enjoy a good cold and cloudy day. Or give me a freezing day with sun shine! That's just me. So what about Florida in winter? Will you need a coat? Can you wear shorts?

I fully understand I am the only person that hopes it's cool when I go to Florida. That's alright, I get it that most people (most of them being too young or too old) think that when you go to Florida it should be 70-90 degrees. Not me, which is why I love Florida in the winter! Because they have cold snaps!

November Favorites and Lookback

Goodbye November, Hellllloooo December! Welcome back after a year! I have missed you so! I am one of those people who wish we could keep the Christmas lights up year round for some sparkle and shine in our lives! But we can't, so I'll just keep adding glitter and shining bright myself!

What races did I do this month? How is Vin? Did we go to North Carolina even though the mountains were mostly on fire? Answers to all these and more in this month's favorites!

First Week of Advent 2016 : Hope

Welcome to the season of Advent! Advent comes from the Latin adventus and means "coming." The main event is the coming, or birth, of Jesus our Savior. As the saints of old anticipated the coming of Christ with great expectation, we, too, eagerly await His return. So follow along as my family and I go along on the journey of Advent. If you would like a reminder of what Advent is like here is the last blog post of Advent from last year.

Welcome to the first week of 2016 Advent season. "A single thread of hope is a powerful thing." Hope is to trust in, wait for, look for, or desire something or someone; or to expect something beneficial in the future. So what does hope mean in advent season?

17 Before 2017 + 17 Words for 2017: My Bullet Journal Collection

There are only 20 something days until January 1, 2017! This year has been amazing, but there are a few things that I want to get done before the beginning of the year. Boho Berry inspired me to do this collection in my bullet journal. The collection is called 17 Before 2017. I, then, also decided to do 17 Words for 2017.

And while it is a little late for some people to do. I happen to work best with as little time left because then it pushes me to not procrastinate. So this set up was perfect for me. So yes, I have a few things marked off but that's actually really great for me.

Disney Addict Christmas Gifts

"And a very merry Christmas to you!" Nephew Fred - Donald Duck wishes his uncle who has found the Christmas spirit finally a wonderful Christmas. Disney Addicts are interesting people. People who have grown up don't understand our obsession with animated movies that little children watch. They don't understand our numerous Disney trips. But that's okay. If you have one of those people in your life this list is for you!

So what is the best way to approach what to buy? Where to shop? And what are some popular items? All this is answered in this post!

Mini Currents 11.25.16 - Black Friday

Happy Black Friday! My morning was started off with coffee and Frankie going into work. Today is the day when we go to the movies and do a bunch of random online shopping. Tomorrow is when we will go out and shop Small Business Saturday.

More information about my currents and Mini Currents: Why Currents, Currents
And why I no longer do currents daily: Tea Time with Hunter Volume 5

Thankful Thursdays 2016 - Week 4 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Welcome back to another week of Thankful Thursdays! This is week four and the final Thankful Thursday of 2016! If you don't know what Thankful Thursdays are on my blog, refer to this blog for this year. There are always so many blessings right in front of us; we just have to open our eyes and hearts to receive them. So what am I thankful for this past week?

Psalm 106:1 “Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Thanksgiving 2016 Survey

Thursday, November 24, is Thanksgiving in the U.S. We observe this holiday to be thankful for the harvest and for the survival of this country. This is day is mostly families getting together, and quite honestly, eating. Some families say what they are most thankful for, while some families plan out their Black Friday shopping together.

So here is some interesting facts about me. I hope you enjoy this look into my life!

Disney Transportation Options + My Favorite!

One of the biggest perks to me about staying on property at Disney World? Parking my car and not moving it until the end of our trip! It's nothing like a trip to the beach, or to the mountains where you still have to drive everywhere. Disney has the service for you! Now I know some people still drive their cars to the park, even if they stay on property. I'm not really sure why they would do that. You aren't saving time, and it doesn't have near the excitement and experience as Disney Transportation.

So what are the different Disney transportation options? Where can you use certain ones at?

Christmas 2016 Planning

When the last trick or treater goes to sleep, that's when my Christmas season starts. I'm one of those people. Yes, I love Thanksgiving but I keep that confined to my dining room, kitchen, and nook. Those stay decorated for Thanksgiving until Thanksgiving night and then they are overhauled in tinsel, sprigs, and bells. But I have several things already planned out for this holiday season.

From Flylady to The Container Store, to Etsy, to YouTube, and to Pinterest,this is how I have prepared for the holiday season, including Thanksgiving! How in the world have all of these companies helped me prep for the holidays? I'm breaking it down one by one!

Thankful Thursday 2016 - Week 3

Welcome back to another week of Thankful Thursdays! This is week three! If you don't know what Thankful Thursdays are on my blog, refer to this blog for this year. There are always so many blessings right in front of us; we just have to open our eyes and hearts to receive them. So what am I thankful for this past week?

Psalm 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.”

4 Things Not To Miss At Disney During the Holidays!

My absolute favorite time of year is all around us! Why not experience that Magic of Disney during the holidays?! I promise that you will not regret it! I do recommend making a holiday trip a short one so you do not miss out on the fun going on in your community! But the Christmas celebration at Disney World just can't be beat!

I know others have things that they think can't be missed at Disney during the holidays, but these are mine. These are the ones that give me goosebumps; the ones that I have very fond memories attached to them. We are all different in that respect.

Thankful Thursday 2016 - Week 2

Welcome back to another week of Thankful Thursdays! This is week two! If you don't know what Thankful Thursdays are on my blog, refer to this blog for this year. There are always so many blessings right in front of us; we just have to open our eyes and hearts to receive them. So what am I thankful for this past week?

Psalm 95:2 “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.”

Yolo: You Only Live Once Be Drug Free Homeschool Edition

Week before last was Red Ribbon Week. I remember doing Red Ribbon Week while I was in school. They would give out red ribbon stickers, saying how drug free was the way to be. However, my children are homeschooled. I wanted them to know the same importance of being drug free even though it is our household environment, and that's understood. I do not even allow people to smoke/vape at my house.

The two tutors/nannies were actually the ones to decide to do a Red Ribbon Week during the homeschooling week. They set up to figure out ways so that the kids could have fun and learn at the same time. Especially in today's time with drug use being so high, no child should not find out the dangers and setbacks that drugs can cause. They came up with five awesome days for Red Ribbon Week:

October 2016 Disney Haul

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Mine has been busy here at Disney World. It is the Food & Wine Half Marathon, and this has been the best marathon weekend I've ever had. We took things pretty easy, didn't rush. Granted we were here just last weekend as well for my family's reunion. Which brings me to today's post. This is my Disney Haul from last weekend with my family it is just the stuff I bought for myself.

I will try to add prices and such. I do have receipts and everything. However, I cannot link to the actual product, but I will link to what shop I bought the item at in Disney World. I did not buy a lot for myself this time

October 2016 Favorites & Lookback

Happy November! I am actually kind of sad to see October go away. I always really enjoy October. This year was not any different. It was wonderful month for exploring new things and such. Of course some pivotal moments took place at Disney!

Thankful Thursday 2016 - Week 1

Welcome back to Thankful Thursdays! This is week one! If you don't know what Thankful Thursdays are on my blog, refer to this blog for this year. There are always so many blessings right in front of us; we just have to open our eyes and hearts to receive them. So what am I thankful for this past week?

Psalm 118:28 “You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.”

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!!

Enjoy this survey! Enjoy the witching hour!!

Disney Halloween 2016 Survey

We are home from Disney World and we had a blast! We enjoyed a few days as a huge big family. This was one of our shortest trips ever. But we still packed in a lot of things. I thought to get us ready for tomorrow why not answer some Disney Halloween Questions.

12 Ideas for a Night with Your Best Friend

There is something I look forward to every day and that is talking my talking to my best friend. And spending time with her is amazing! So why not compile a list of things to do with a best friend for a night because having a spa night or Netflix and chill is so over done by now. So here are some ideas that A Pop of Jess and I would be totally down for anytime!

Thankful Thursdays Will Be Back in November!

Only one more week left of October! That's so crazy to me! Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I've decided to bring Thankful Thursday back to my blog this year. Last year it was really amazing to see that I could come up with an entire blog post about what I was thankful for in a week. It made me happy and helped me see so many wonderful things.

Thankful Thursdays include one Bible verse, and six to seven thankful thoughts. I usually try to do one paragraph per thankful thought. Sometimes, the thoughts are small, sometimes they are big. It just depends for me. But this is a big deal for me. Because after this year I am going to and do a daily gratitude list.

Speaking of keeping a daily gratitude list next year, I am going to be keeping my gratitude list in my planner again this year. The one I have been using and will be using again is from DigiScrapsDelight. She has great freebies, however, she no longer has the one I use! She does have one for purchase where you can get the planner stickers.

Disney Instagram Accounts I Follow And You Should Too!

Instagram is a wonderful way of sharing daily pictures of daily life or things that are important to you. Some people do specific accounts for specific hobbies and interests. I mix mine up like my blog here! But like blogs, there are some people that just have Disney accounts.

Following different accounts is a lot of fun for me. It gives me inspiration, and reminds me of things I want to try or do. I am still working on my own Instagram style, but go ahead and follow me! Mine is not strictly Disney, but a nice mixture of things I love!

Welcome to Our Haunted Mansion: ProtectThePumpkins

Do you decorate for Halloween? Do you go all out or do you decorate just a little bit? Or do you only decorate the inside only? How do protect your house?

When do you think the most vandalism insurance claims are filed? If you said, Halloween, you guessed correctly! Which is scary to think about, but I can believe it! So find out some ways to have a safe and happy Halloween for everyone!

Here are few simple tips that I have learned over the years:

Disney Wedding Q & A

There is some changing in my life right now, and you'll find out about them soon. However, right now you'll be seeing a very non- surprising idea that I am actually venturing into with my best friend over at A Pop of Jess. She and I are answering the same questions about Disney Weddings! And I'll post her direct link right HERE.

Period: Things That I Have Found Helpful

Since my last Period Post was so long this one will be very quick and to the point. Because here in the past few month my period has drastically changed. My life was slightly flipped and I had to adjust. These were the products that seriously helped me through a very scary part of my life.

Stripped Down to the Bone: Boudoir Playlist

Tic-toc-tic-toc... Time is flying by for me! It's exciting but it's nerve wrecking as well. And as luck would have it I have been asked to be a photographers boudoir model. I agreed on the idea if I could have long sessions and two different ones with each having to Holiday themes in the middle, and again she agreed. Adore Me is the lingerie brand I am using with these pictures mostly and I'll have links at the bottom of the pieces I bought.

1.Pillowtalk - Zayn 
2.Bottoms Up (feat T.I.) - Brantley Gilbert 
3.Birthday - Katy Perry 
4.The Phantom of the Opera - Lindsey Stirling 
5.Feeling Good - Michael Buble 
6.I Get Off - Halestorm 
7.With All My Heart - Dream Street 
8. All I Want for Christmas Is You - Michael Buble
9.Don't Ever It End - Nickelback
10.Autumn Leaves - Bing Crosby
11.What She Likes - Evan and Jaron
12.Beautiful - Jim Brickman
13.Style - Taylor Swift
14.Sweet Home Alabama - Jewel
15.You're Body Is a Wonderland - John Mayer
16.For You I Will - Teddy Geiger
17.You'll Be In My Heart - Teddy Geiger
18.Witchesbrew/WorstWitch
19.In Your Arms - Stanfour feat Jill
20.Rule the World - Take That

And for the second session here are the other 20 songs;

1.Bombshell Blonde - Owl City
2.Once Upon A Dream - Lana Del Rey
3.America - XYLO
4.Stripped - Shiny Toy Guns
5.Wizard Love - Luke Conard
6.Birthday - Selena Gomez
7.Calls Me Home - Shannon LaBrie
8.Daylight - Maroon 5
9. Merry Christmas Darling - The Carpenters
10.Carousel - Buckcherry
11.Wanted - Hunter Hayes
12.Dirty Water - The Standells
13.Bailamos - Enrique Iglesias
14.The Reason - Hoobastank
15.I'll Try - Jesse McCartney
16.Photobooth - Death Cab for Cutie
17.Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
18.Love Somebody Like You - Keith Urban
19.Marry You - Bruno Mars
20.God Gave Me You - Dave Barnes

And since I did a post a few months back with Adore Me, I bought a lot of the things I'll be wearing for these photo shoots on their website. I'll list a few of my favorites below:

Alayna

Marlie

Wylma Bra

Mahogany

Clora

Josselyn

I'm very glad for this opportunity, because this is something I would NEVER do for a living at all. I like to be the nice, quiet girl that just as a wild side. But since there were no "good" boudoir playlist online I thought it would be interesting to create my own. Mine even have a holiday twist! I hope this will "inspire" you for your boudoir pictures if that's why you are here.

Disney World Meets Hurricane Matthew

"Are you Florida still? Will this affect your upcoming trip? Will the animals at Animal Kingdom be alright?" I was bombarded with questions about Disney World and Hurricane Matthew all last week. While I don't mind answering Disney questions, these seemed to get on my nerve. Let me explain.

Friends and family sometimes get behind on information, that I get, but not knowing where I am at kind of hurts. It's been on my past blog posts that state where I am usually. Facebook and Instagram, as well, stated that I was back home in Alabama. Yes I realize you are trying to make sure I'm safe, but do research before just asking. I'm sure I am not alone in this. Having social media helps not have to tell people where I am, and I'm annoyed when people don't use it to it's full potential. Yes, I sound like a whiny person but that's how I feel on this point.

My family does two "Collins Crash Disney" trips a year. Our trip starts October 26. I can sort of see how someone would ask if this would affect our trip, but at the same time a nerve is twinging. My trip at the time of Hurricane Matthew is a month away. I know how Disney operates. They bounce back quickly as possible. They can't build things that are new fast, but if something is damaged they go out of their way to make it bright and as new as possible. So no, even if damage had been done we would still be trucking it to Disney World.

The next question I know will seem like I'm a great big grumpy person, but this is why I usually only hang out with Disney fanatics. They are aware of things like I am. Animals, at Animal Kingdom, sleep in barns at night, especially the larger animals. They have barns and structures that can withstand winds up to 400 mph. Just like the Tree of Life that stands in the center of Animal Kingdom. Many do not realize it is an oil rig (yep not a real tree), so it can really stand up to hurricane winds.

So what if I had of been at Disney World, in the middle of a trip? Would I have come home? Short answer, no. Disney has so many things put into place for any kind of emergency. It's amazing what they are prepared for, and they have to keep things like hurricanes in mind. Disney made the people happy during the hurricane, except for the ones complaining about the food.

The day after Hurricane Matthew. 10/08/16

Disney had characters come to the hotels, that are usually not there. They had games and activities in the lobbies of the resorts. Plus, the first ones back at Disney Springs after Hurricane Matthew had past? ONLY Disney resorts' guests. Which makes me want to tell people that there is another bonus to staying on property. None of the other hotels made accommodations in the lobbies, but Disney. That's why I stand with Disney on so many things!

Halloween 2016 Costume Options

Halloween is vastly approaching. We are already so a week into October! This year I know of four Halloween parties I will be attending, and so instead of waiting around to decide I compiled a list. I went looking and searching. These were the result below. Please let me know what you think!

Judy Hopps - First on my list is a movie I love!! The theme song from it was a song I drove into the ground. There was not another song for me. It gave me a lot of drive and energy through some crucial points. So this costume is great for me.
Frankie has already agreed to go as Nick Wilde on this one.

Witch - Every year since I was about 3 I have loved being a witch for Halloween. I grew up watching the cute Halloween shows and cartoons and there was always a witch. My favorites being The Halloween That Almost Wasn't, and The Worst Witch. I was a witch a lot as a child, and lately I have just want to give into my inner in my child. 

Elizabeth Swann White Gown - I have always loved the Pirates of the Caribbean, especially Keira Knightley's costumes. The first movie in that series will always be my favorite. And the costumes of hers while she is stuck on the island with Jack Sparrow is my favorite!

Greek Goddess - This is just came up randomly and I wanted to do something like it. Bangles, different hair combs in my hair and gladiator sandals or heels. It just sounds really elegant to me. Something different for a change.

Taylor Swift (or 1, 2) - This has actually been settled that I'm wearing this to the workplace Halloween party. Which works out well since it's every day clothes so this should be fun. I love being Taylor Swift. I have actually ran as Taylor Swift for a marathon costume. 

Haunted Mansion Maid or Bride Constance - My absolute favorite ride at Disney! Why not be something from it? Plus I have some excellent memories from the Haunted Mansion this year! And I know the maid costume is a running costume, but I have little children that I'll be chasing.

Halloween costumes are important to me, because you get one Halloween per year and that marks the memories of that Halloween. Those memories are the best! What kind of costumes do you like the best? What are some of the things you want to be?