Airing My Laundry, One Post At A Time...

Refillable Body Care Without The Garbage

2026-10-26T20:20:55.133-06:00

There's so much wasted plastic these days. I am even guilty of wasting plastic, so I always try to find ways to offset my usage.

It's why I turn to Wild. They sell refillable body care--you buy the case, and then refill it with your favorite fragrance. This way you aren't constantly tossing away empty plastic.

If you are a fan of spooky season as I am, they even have special Halloween packaging. I was sent the skeleton deodorant & lip balm case with the spooky scents.

Did I like the scents though? Yes! I thought the Witches Brew had a sweet scent--it's notes are juicy bloodcurrant, poached plum, and sweet cherry. The Vanilla Voodoo was vanilla, spiced patchouli, and amber. This one was my favorite.

The lip balm helped with my cracked lips. It went on smooth and gave my lips the relief they needed.

Wild also has body washes and gift sets for the upcoming holiday season.

And if skeletons aren't your jam, it's fine. They have SO many different case options.

You can feel good about buying Wild products, because they are aluminum and cruelty-free, vegan, plus made with 94% natural ingredients.

And you can save 20% on your order with the coding AIRINGMYLAUNDRY.

With the holidays approaching, Wild is the best choice for those who are environmentally conscious. They currently have the cutest Paddington case, so hurry over and check them out.

Cora From Music & Lyrics Costume

2026-10-25T18:19:00.705-06:00

My daughter Natalie went to a Halloween party over the weekend.

Homoween, it was called.

It was a party for the queer community, but anyone was welcome. Natalie is a proud pansexual, so they are her people.

She decided to go as Cora from Music & Lyrics.

If you've never seen the movie, it's spectacular. It's a delightful rom com starring Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. Hugh plays a has been member of a boy band from back in the day and writes songs for the current pop stars, but he struggles with finding the right words. Drew is excellent with words, so he hires her to help him write a hit song for Cora, the current It girl.

Behold Cora.

Here she is from the movie. She is played by Haley Bennett.

Obviously Natalie added a wig. Her real hair is short and red.

She found all the pieces on Amazon. The skirt, top, and the wraps for her legs.

She said the party was crazy, with all sorts of creative costumes. Most had no clue who she was. They assumed Britney Spears and she'd be like, "CORA FROM MUSIC & LYRICS!"

She did get overstimulated so she didn't stay for the entire party. She's like me: if there's too many people in a close proximity, I shut down.

She might wear this on actual Halloween. She's having a small get together with friends.

So have you ever seen Music & Lyrics? If not, I believe it's streaming on Netflix.

Villains Boo Buckets At McDonald's

2026-10-21T17:09:55.065-06:00

When I heard McDonald's was releasing villains boo buckets this year, I knew I had to get one. The villains are fabulous with their zingers.

These were the options. Ursula. Cruella, Maleficent. Scar. Jafar. (Personally I think red should have been Mother Gothel..)

You never know which bucket you'll receive. It depends on the store. I kept my fingers crossed for Maleficent. We've always loved her, my daughter especially. She would casually dress up as her on a regular Friday. Just because.

And guess which bucket was handed over?

Maleficent! Hooray!

It's pretty awesome and we do re-use these. I generally fill it with candy.

And you get stickers!

I much prefer the villains buckets to the ones they had in the past:

But NOTHING can beat the ones from the 80s. The quality is so much better. And they have actual LIDS.

Still, these villains boo buckets are pretty cool.

Will you be grabbing a villains bucket?

Hey, It's Okay

2026-10-19T17:59:56.227-06:00

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to be glad Natalie was home for the weekend again. I see her most weekends, since she's not working on a play. She will be busy soon though! I probably won't be seeing her the rest of the month.

......to appreciate the cooler weather we got over the weekend. Texas participated in the fall. Yay! Mind you, it'll be back in the 80s this week, but still. I'll take it when it comes.

.......to currently be reading Someone Else's Husband by Kimberly McCreight. It's about Gretchen, who believes her husband Richard has cheated on her with a young artist named Frankie. Richard and Frankie meet on a climb to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and spark a connection. But weeks later, Frankie's blood is discovered in her apartment and it appears she has been murdered. Richard is arrested but he insists he didn't do it. But did it? Or perhaps it was his wife? If you need a reminder of why you should stay single, read this!

......to love that the Disney Store has Muppet Christmas Carol merch. I need the Bean Bunny plush. I watch the movie every year.

......to be early voting this week. Make sure you get out and cast your vote.

Six Ravens At Disney Springs

2026-10-18T18:12:44.120-06:00

Want to eat a coffyn?

Confused?

Well, you probably think I meant COFFIN and then you picture a corpse.

No.

I mean a COFFYN--which is a hand pie.

You can get them at a neat spot called Six Ravens, located in Disney Springs. It's from the creators of Gideon's Bakehouse, which has the BEST cookies. So I had high hopes.

The inside is small, but there are lots of details to take in. There is no room to eat indoors, so prepare for that.

The name Six Ravens is a nod to the Tower of London, and the coffyn was a popular pastry back in the Tudor era. So you get delicious food AND a history lesson.

They have an impressive variety of coffyns with amusing names. I went for The Moreish Monk, which was basically a grilled cheese. There was vermont white cheddar, Havarti cheese, and house tomato jam wrapped in a Parmesan smothered coffyn. It came with a wolf peach sauce to dip the coffyn in. If you love a grilled cheese & tomato soup, you will get the vibes.

Natalie got The Wizard's Wonder, which is mac & cheese with diced pickled Poblano peppers, BBQ pulled pork, shrouded in a BBQ crumb covered coffyn. This one came with Prince Donut's Smoke & Cherry BBQ sauce.

Yes, there are items beside coffyns, such as their smashed potatoes, a chocolate chip cookie tart, and yup, there is beer! Plus house made root beer.

And look what everything is served in:

And it unfolds. We liked it so much, we took it home.

The history of the place is fascinating, and all the coffyns are under $11, so it's an inexpensive meal. I promise, these are better than Hot Pockets.

Six Ravens is open from 10 AM-11 PM (later on Fridays and Saturdays) and is located around the corner from Gideon's Bakehouse. I am horrible with directions, and I managed to find it, so you can too!

Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake At HuHot

2026-10-14T16:55:57.465-06:00

I love the fall.

The colors. The weather. The sweaters.

All the pumpkin spice.

I know some don't like it. I am not one of those people.

Give me all the pumpkin spice things.

Hu Hot has a Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake available for a limited time. AND there's also ice cream.

It was gooey and warm and all those fall flavors hit perfectly.

And, as always, the stir fry is all you can eat. You grab a bowl and build it how YOU want. Not a worker.

In this economy, all you can eat is a fabulous deal. It's why we're at HuHot often. AND if you go on Tuesdays, you'll get 3X the points to earn free food faster. I'm always thrilled when I've earned a free grill meal.

Oh, and we saw this at our table. You can purchase the hat at the restaurant and get 10% off every time you wear it.

And of course, do not forget the dessert. If pumpkin spice isn't for you, there are other options.

But if pumpkin spice IS your jam: be sure to get the bundt cake and savor the delicious caramel drizzle and all the spectacular fall flavors.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-10-12T18:27:43.109-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

.....to be excited that cooler weather is FINALLY coming to Texas later this week. It's going to dip into the 50s. I can FINALLY wear my sweatshirts.

......to be watching the new Carrie series on Prime Video. It's pretty good. I read the book years ago and watched the movie with Sissy Spacek. This one is set in current times, so you have the aspect of cyber bullying as well.

......to be glad that the majority of people seem to agree that Christopher Columbus discovered nothing. (The Vikings had always landed where he arrived 500 years prior...and hello, indigenous people had been there for centuries.)

......to be eager to read Collin Gosselin's book In The Shadow Of Eight: Surviving The Reality Of My Childhood. I watched Jon and Kate Plus 8, and it seemed obvious that Kate had some issues. In the book, Collin is raw & open about what he experienced--and how his own mother tossed him into an institution.

.....to not care what is in Diet Coke. I drink it daily. And I wear while awesome Diet Coke socks while doing it.

Let's Be Creepy Ladies

2026-10-07T17:47:27.117-06:00

Sometimes girls might want to be a princess for Halloween.

Other times they might want to be Pennywise:

My daughter has been both. Some years she wore beautiful frilly dresses.

And then there was this year:

She says she has the most fun being spooky. There's something powerful about making another human screech:

I've always told my daughter she can wear whatever she wants. She was always surprised when some of her friends' parents refused to let their girls be a deranged clown. I reminded her that everyone is different, but that in OUR house, she was able to be this:

Or this Obsession costume:

Now, do these costumes startle me? Uh, yes. I've never been of fan of clowns and suddenly, here was my kid chasing me in full clown gear.

But I am so happy my daughter feels comfortable being exactly who she is.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

(Even though I might be frightened.)

Hey, It's Okay

2026-10-05T20:32:41.996-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to have put out the inside Halloween decor. I hope to bring the outside stuff out sometime this week.

......to be seeing Natalie this weekend. We have been watching Dawson's Creek, and Pacey just kissed Joey, so Natalie needs to see what happens next. (Obviously I know. I loved the show as a teen.)

......to have finished Love You More by Emily Giffin. It's about Billie, who just engaged. Then her first love calls with devastating news and she has to return to the area where she grew up. Will old feelings stir? Or will Billie realize she's outgrown her former home? I've always liked Emily's novels and this one was a sweet & cozy read.

......to think the world needs more kindness. October is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender History Month. It's always a beautiful thing when people can be their authentic selves and live their truth. It's always heartbreaking when people do not comprehend this.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Costume Ideas

2026-10-04T17:20:25.960-06:00

If you have tickets to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World and are stumped on what to wear, I have ideas.

Now, you do not have to wear a costume to the party. Many don't. I didn't. I wore a fall themed t-shirt:

Here's a close up of the t-shirt. You can get it here. I received so many compliments on it.

Tommy dressed in black in the blazing hot Florida sun.

Why?

He wanted to be Tobey Maguire from Spider-Man 3. You know, when Venom was taking over his body and he wasn't acting quite like himself?

His hair is blond, so we got black hair spray. You can find this in most Halloween aisles for around $5.

Did people know who he was? Er, not really. I think one asked if he was a Priest? But as soon as Tommy explained, they would be like, "Ah, I see it now."

We got the pants and jacket here. The shirt came from Goodwill. We found the Venom clip from a blind bag.

Natalie decided to be the Hatbox Ghost from the Haunted Mansion ride.

She had the dress in her closet from Goodwill and purchased a black cape here. Luckily they party had a Hatbox Ghost popcorn bucket, so it worked out. Natalie did her own makeup and went with a headband instead of a top hat.

Basically, wear whatever you're comfortable in. Some get super creative. Others keep it simple. Wear shoes you can walk around in.

Take advantage of all the photo spots, and have an incredible time.

JK Rowling Is A Twat But Harry Potter Candy Is Cool

2026-09-30T17:04:12.081-06:00

I'll start off by saying I am not a fan of JK Rowling. She has said some pretty disgusting things, and many of the actors in the movies have spoken out against her. But I cannot deny that she wrote some popular books and with that comes amusing merch.

Like, I'm sorry, but these are hilarious:

And I admit, I didn't even read or watch Harry Potter. But I've so many friends who love all things Harry, so I learned about the candies. Plus, I do love the Butterbeer. I popped into the store while at NYC and was a fan even though I am not completely sure of the history behind it.

The display looks cool and I found it in the front of the Halloween candy aisles at Target:

There was exploding candy:

If there's a Harry Potter fan in your life, these would make fantastic holiday gifts. Invited to a white elephant night? Grab these chocolate frogs.

Eager for an edible wand? Purchase this. Cast a spell and then eat the wand.

If you're missing excitement in your life, these exploding candies could help:

I like how it's called candy floss instead of cotton candy.

I did grab these flies. I haven't tried them yet:

If candy doesn't thrill you, there were slime kits and various other toys:

I bet these sugars are tasty. I didn't get any, but if you have one that's delicious, let me know:

You can also put the gifts in this bag or owl:

Everything is affordable. The candy is $5.99. If you're throwing a Halloween party, the chocolate bugs will be a hit. Or if you want to get a smile out of someone, hand over the flies. It's all at Target and seems to be going fast, so if you wanted these, hurry in.

Do you like Harry Potter?

Hey, It's Okay

2026-09-28T17:36:58.683-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to have gone to see Avengers Endgame in theaters with the kids. It was cool to see the extra scenes that will lead into Doomsday. It's still in theaters if you want to catch them--if not, they are floating around on TikTok and YouTube.

.....to need to bring out all the Halloween decor, but it can be a struggle to grab it all from the garage. I'll get it done this week. (With lots of cursing.)

.....to feel sick over the Cornell 7 story and wonder why there's not as much outcry over it as certain people made over Lindsay Clancy.

.....to be glad Tommy had a wonderful time in Paris. He said riding the metro was easy.

.....to love this shirt I found on Amazon because it's so true. (Can't see it? The shirt says "women's rights vary by state. Men's rights don't.") You get pick it up here.

Fall Decor At Disney World

2026-09-27T16:49:48.366-06:00

The fall decor usually goes up in Disney World in August. Some people are all, "Ew, it's too early," but I disagree. I love seeing it. The colors. The pumpkins.

But now it's officially fall, so no one can say anything.

We went to Disney World in August and I marveled at all the decorations sprinkled around. Most of the time we visit in early summer, so I never get to see them.

Magic Kingdom tends to have the best things out.

These pumpkins surrounded by a cluster of colorful leaves are popular. Even better, they light up at night.

Buildings are adorned with wreathes, pumpkins, and leaves as well.

Plus, there are these guys:

Pumpkin friends are scattered around.

The guy in band attire was one of my faves:

She's fun. I like her puffy hair and hourglass dress:

And let's not forget the mayor in his distinguished top hat.

If you're headed to Magic Kingdom this fall, be sure to take time to really take in all the special decor. It'll be out until November 1st--and then the park turns into a winter wonderland. I haven't been able to make it when this happens, but one day I will.

For now though, I'll appreciate the gorgeous pumpkins.

You Let Him Go To France On His Own?

2026-09-23T17:36:57.198-06:00

Someone sent me a message after I posted about Tommy going to France on his own and I wanted to laugh.

Let him?

He's 24.

And then I wondered if it was because he has autism. But here's the thing: I have been telling him ever since he was a little boy with his diagnosis that he can do anything he sets his mind on. Anything.

Life wasn't always easy. I'd get constant phone calls from his school because he was having meltdowns. But still, I always knew he'd be okay. He might do things in a different way, at a different time, but he'd get there.

He has impressed me as he grew. The way his mind works. It's fascinating.

He has an Associate's Degree in Video Cinematography.

He has a Bachelor's in Film & Media.

So yeah. I knew he'd be fine in France.

And he was.

He kept me updated so I had proof of life.

He ended up having a wonderful time. He spoke some French over there. He went to all the popular landmarks.

He ate tons of French pastries.

He rode the metro.

He brought me home some macaroons.

And of course I worried. I'm a parent.

But I remembered what I told him throughout his life: you can do anything.

And he's proven that.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-09-21T18:44:33.890-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

.....to be going to see Avengers Endgame in theaters this weekend with my kids. We need a memory refresh for when we see Doomsday. Apparently there's extra footage that'll lead into the film.

......to hope Tommy makes it home from Paris safely. He's had a wonderful time and has sent me all sorts of food pics, that has made me incredibly jealous.

.....to be going to a Toys & Trinkets event by Kings of Horror. There's going to be all sorts of retro toys available. I am all about the retro toys.

......to think the spicy alfredo sauce available at Olive Garden for their Never-Ending Pasta Bowl is delicious. They need more spicy sauces.

......to have found Fudge Creme Pies at the grocery store and yup, I got them. I'm a fan of Oatmeal Creme Pies, so I'm pretty certain I'll like these.

Why An Investment Account For A New Baby Is Smart

2026-09-20T18:02:43.822-06:00

When a baby is born, there's all sorts of excitement buzzing through the air.

A new life! Hooray! It's a cause for celebration.

Gifts pour in. And true, sometimes they are needed, while others are immediately exchanged or forgotten in a closet, collecting dust.

A gift that will always be a smart idea and will NEVER collect dust, is a UGMA investment account. You might be thinking, what? An investment account? How boring!

But it's truly not.

Starting an investment account for a new baby is the right move, and I have many reasons why.

1. When the baby reaches adulthood, they'll already have money to begin their life. Need college money? It'll be there. Skipping college and going into a trade? Cash is available. Taking a gap year? The trip is funded!

2. The investment accounts don't require a bunch of money to open. You might be thinking, "Who has $100 or more to spare these days?" You're in luck! Many can start with as low as $20.

3. Cash, stocks, and bonds are able to be sent into the account. Kids don't need more toys. They'll always be pleased with money, I promise. Toys wind up broken and all over the house. If you want to keep a clean home, an investment account is the way to go. Family members and friends will be grateful if you're just like, "Donate to this account instead of going to crowded stores to purchase something my toddler might not even LIKE."

4. Money grows each month. The more that is put in, the faster the account expands. It always is a wonderful feeling to see numbers go up. You'll feel a peace of mind knowing your little one will have cash on hand.

5. Yes, you CAN get money out before the children are adults without penalty. Life happens and children are expensive. So long as they money is proven to be for the child, you will not be hit with fees.

So yes. forgo the STUFF after a baby is born and open an investment account. Time flies by and before you know it, that baby will be a fully grown adult. Surprising them with a chunk of money will be welcome and celebrated.

So will you be starting an investment account for your child or one in your life?

Tommy Went To Paris

2026-09-16T18:40:15.697-06:00

"Eat all those pastries and think of me," was one of the last things I said to Tommy before he left for Paris.

France knows how to make a pastry. And a baguette. And...basically everything. Oh, and I was impressed Tommy could fit all he needed in a carry on bag. When my daughter went to Paris, the carry on bag was filled with her shoes. Then she had a whole ass suitcase for the rest.

His trip to Paris went smoothly. And yes, he's doing a solo trip. He went to Canada on his own in May and got bitten by the travel bug.

No delays.

And he landed, and basically hit the ground running.

He's been to many of the famous landmarks:

And of course he got some incredible food. I am so jealous of this baguette sandwich. When Natalie and I went to Paris, I ate so many of these. They're fresh. Delicious. Filling. And generally affordable.

He's there until next week and has a full itinerary. I know he's going to have a memorable time. Paris is a city that has it all: history. Culture.

And food.

Hey, It's Okay

2026-09-14T20:56:28.902-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

....to hope Tommy has an amazing time in France. He's taking a solo trip this week and promises to text so I know he is still alive.

.....to be glad Natalie had a wonderful time at the My Chemical Romance concert. She said it was the coolest concert she's ever been to.

.......to love that all the Halloween decor is out in stores. Everything is so fun to look at.

.....to be glad Natalie is coming home for the weekend. I am making chicken paprikash and we'll probably watch some Dawson's Creek.

.....to think it's cute that the cats do not want Tommy to go. Plops keeps jumping into the suitcase.

My Chemical Romance In San Antonio

2026-09-13T21:21:14.471-06:00

"Just be careful and don't get robbed. Plus, don't die," I told my daughter before she left for the My Chemical Romance concert in San Antonio.

I wasn't going. I know some My Chemical Romance songs, but not enough to want to sit through a concert. Although, Natalie pointed out that Gerard Way is a theater kid, and always puts on a good show, so I probably would have enjoyed myself had I gone.

Natalie assured me would watch her purse and be sure she was not murdered.

This was her concert look:

And yes, this is a normal My Chemical Romance concert vibe. Natalie is always eager to dress to a theme. She did not get that from me. I'm content showing up to events in jeans and a t-shirt. I consider leaving my hair down "dressing up."

Natalie has different views:

She promised she'd keep me posted throughout the night so I had proof of life.

The Alamodome, the venue of the concert, can be a chaotic spot. Not to mentioned overpriced. $60 for parking! Highway robbery!

But.

Natalie's seat was magically upgraded. She had originally purchased a seat way in the back with a limited view. It was all she could afford.

Her new seat was closer to the stage. No obstructions.

She had arrived right when the doors opened, so she had time to walk around and collect goodies fans were passing out.

She took pics to pass the time:

The opening act was Mars Volta, and Natalie said they were fabulous.

And then the main event began.

Natalie said it was the best concert she has ever been to. There were fireworks. Theatrics.

Judging from her social media posts, she had a memorable night.

And fabulous news!

She did not get kidnapped or robbed. The Alamodome can be a maze to leave after a large event, but she figured it all out and arrived safely to her dorm at 1230.

I waited up until she texted me she was safe.

Have you listened to My Chemical Romance?

Get Beaches & Cream Ice Cream Without A Reservation

2026-09-09T21:19:22.951-06:00

Beaches & Cream is a fabulous diner located at the Beach Club resort. We've been there before and loved the food. But we're on a budget, so we couldn't go the last time we went to Disney World. But seriously, if you CAN go, do it, because the vibes are incredible.

However, if you are also watching your coins and still want the fantastic ice cream they serve, you're in luck! There's a limited To Go menu.

We were staying at Art Of Animation so we hopped onto the Skyliner and headed over:

The To Go Window is located beside the restaurant and stays open until 11 PM.

Here's the menu. Now, the minnie kitchen sink is NOT listed, but it is available. Beaches & Cream serves a giant Kitchen Sink, and it serves like SIX. The mini kitchen sink is a perfect size for a party of 3. Possibly 4 if you do not have a boy who inhales his food as we do.

Need booze? They have it here! You can even get spiked ice cream shakes.

You also can get their specialty shakes, which are huge and generally topped with a brownie or slice of cake.

And here it is our sundae. Yes, you can keep that adorable bowl. You get to pick your ice cream flavors and toppings. We got two ice cream scoops, there were brownies, cookies, whipped cream, hot fudge, and a cherry.

It was gone in like 10 minutes. The ice cream was fantastic. The brownies and cookie fresh. It was the best treat for the hot Orlando summer.

And now we have an adorable bowl!

If you can't make it to this area, the sundae is available at other spots as well.

We would certainly order this again.

Where To Find Mickey Churro Waffles At Walt Disney World

2026-09-07T21:04:39.152-06:00

So you used to only be able to get the Mickey Churro waffles if you booked a breakfast reservation at Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. And that's expensive. But man, if I had the extra cash we'd have gotten a table and I'd have slipped a bunch of those Churro delights into a waiting bag. Because yes, they are THAT good.

Disney must've taken pity on the budget folk because they were like, you know, we'll also have Churro waffles at the Caribbean Beach Resort. You're welcome.

So naturally when we were there, we had to stop and grab some. It works out because were were staying at the Art Of Animation, so all we had to do was hop on the Skyliner and get off on the next stop.

And then where to go?

Well, I'll share.

The Churro waffles are across the way from the Skyliner station at a spot called the Spyglass Grill.

You simply take the path. And yes, that's my son way ahead leading the way. I consider myself a fast walker. He's a SUPER fast walker and will leave you behind. Safe to say, he'd have made it out of Hadestown.

See the Skyliner Station?

It was about a 10 minute walk for us. We walk fast though. And it's a peaceful walk.

And then we saw it.

They only serve the waffles until 11, so get there before then. And yes, it can be busy. There was only one cashier when we went, so bring your patience.

Check out the menu. Behold the Churro Mickey Waffles.

And if the walk winded you, there is a soda station where you can fill your mug or water bottle. If you're me, you'll fill your Disney mug with crisp Diet Coke for that extra boost of caffeine.

We naturally ordered the waffles, plus Natalie wanted to try the Guava Lemonade. And it's pretty and pink, so it's a perfect accessory for an outfit. But is it any good? Yes! If you like POG juice, you'll love this one. We'd get it again.

And finally, what we came for. What we dreamed about.

The Churro waffles are incredible. Sugary. Crispy. Cinnamon-y. They are so sweet that you do not even need the syrup they come with. Oh gosh, I hope Disney starts selling a bucket of these. I'd get one and eat the waffles like popcorn.

Oh, and Disney World has been extra nice and made the Churro waffles available at ANOTHER resort. They are at Coronado Springs in the Cafe Rix cafe. They are served as Chicken & Churro Waffles, and I am sure they are tasty in this form as well. (Oh and they are also at Disney cruises. I've never been on one, but tell me, have you swiped a bunch into a bag?)

Anyhow, if you've never had a Churro waffle, go get some and think of me.

Is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Worth It?

2026-09-02T18:00:33.554-06:00

We love a Halloween party. And we love Disney. So when you combine the two it's going to be a fabulous time. Right?

Well, theoretically, yes.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is on select nights from 7-12 until October 31st. The ticket allows you to get into the park as early as 4, so extra time to roam is a deal.

But the cost?

Yeah, in this economy, it's hefty. Luckily we went early, so it was on the lower side.

And our night was sold out.

The decor is neat.

When you enter, follow the signs where you'll get your trick-or-treat bag.

Be sure to stop and check out everything offered. We saw a few characters out, but the line was long, so we just took pics behind stuff like this:

Oh, and Natalie was the hatbox ghost while Tommy was Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 3 when he briefly became emo.

There are photopass people, and we did wait for this one:

I liked all the details going on.

You'll get a full size candy bar to start with. Tommy was impressed.

The crowds are slightly lighter, so if you want castle pics, it's the best time to do them.

There's also special party food that you can only get during the festivities. One of our faves was the pumpkin ravioli. Get these. They are at the Pinocchio Village Haus. They were savory and I wished I had more.

Certain rides are decked out for the party. Space Mountain was pitch black and the teacups had blinking spooky lights.

And yes, you can get as much candy as you want in the trick-or-treat lines. Be sure to go to the one in the Princess Fairytale Hall because we found Maleficent and the Evil Queen.

Also, head to Haunted Mansion. Right before you go inside there are hilarious talking ghosts.

Be sure to watch the Boo To You parade. There are two parades: 815 and 1115. We went to the later one. Was it less crowded? I'm not sure. It still seemed pretty packed, but we were able to see okay.

The Headless Horseman is always a delight but be warned, if it rains a lot, he cannot ride due to wet pavement.

The parade begins about 15 minutes after the Headless Horseman comes out.

And yes, you do see characters you do not normally spot. Like Mother Gothel from Tangled.

And naturally, we had to see the Halloween party fireworks. Yes, they are different from Happily Ever After.

We also caught the Hocus Pocus Spectacular. Not only will you see the famous witches, but other known villains pop out. We watched the midnight show, the final one of the evening. Right after the parade ended we shuffled our way over to the castle. Was it still swarming with people? Yes. I was hoping they'd all go to bed, but no, we were amongst night owls I suppose.

So with everything we got to see and do, is the party worth it? I think at the price point we paid, yes. But as it gets closer to Halloween, tickets rise, and a $229 price tag is too much. Even though the crowds are supposed to be less, ours still seemed rather people-ly. If I had paid over $200, I'd have been more irritated.

Maybe other agree, because the Halloween party has not sold out yet. In the past, it was one of the first to do so, but I think others are realizing that it's too expensive for what you get.

Would we return to a party? Of course! We did have a wonderful time but be warned, you will NOT have time to do everything you want, so be sure to make a priority list.

Have you ever been to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party?

Hey, It's Okay

2026-08-31T20:39:10.201-06:00

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

......to be happy I already got to see Natalie from college. She returned home over the weekend for the Obsession event, and she'll be back this weekend for San Japan, an anime convention.

......to be glad Natalie is enjoying all her classes. She's taking some acting classes, a costume class, composition, plus ballet.

......to just be hanging with family for Labor Day weekend. I always have the best time with them.

.....to be currently reading Famesick by Lena Dunham. It's entertaining so far. She's the creator, director, writer, everything basically of the show Girls, which I think is one of the funniest shows out there.

......to have loved this mural we found at Disney Springs when we were in Orlando. Inspirational and beautiful.

Winning An Obsession Movie Costume Contest

2026-08-30T20:45:20.737-06:00

So, can you really win a contest if you're the only contestant?

It's what happened to Natalie.

We went to an Obsession movie event and was the only one to show up in character.

If you've never seen the movie Obsession, it's basically about a guy who makes a wish that his co-worker will love him more than anyone else in the world. And it all goes terribly wrong.

It made over 500 million at the box office and was made for under 1 million. So yeah, it resonated with many people.

But back to the contest. There was one the day before, Saturday, and many showed up. But Sunday? Natalie was the only one who walked around in fake blood and wounds made with latex. Did she get double takes? Yes. Someone asked if she was okay in a wobbly voice as though she were worried there was a murderer in our midst.

Anyhow, since she took the time to dress up, Kings of Horror, the people behind the event, gave her the 1st place prize.

And one of those prizes included meeting Darin Toonder, who played Harry the shopkeeper in the film.

He was the nicest guy. You can always tell when someone is eager to meet fans, and he certainly was. We watched him interact with so many for long periods of time.

That's Natalie holding the One Wish Willow that caused all the craziness in the film.

And she even filmed something for social media and had a blast doing it. Her theatre classes are coming into play.

She even got an autograph, which she will cherish. He signed it with a line from the movie ("It is too early"), which pertains to her life in college. Her alarm goes off at 7 AM on Monday and Wednesday, and she is NOT a morning person.

And that's not it! She got a bag full of goodies. Kings of Horror is truly the kindest people.

Their next event is Mallrats, where Kevin Smith will be there! Plus other Jay & Silent Bob actors. It's September 5th and 6th!

So have you seen Obsession yet? If not, it's streaming on Peacock!

How To Get A Free Resort Upgrade At Disney World

2026-08-26T21:03:11.694-06:00

I had us booked for The Little Mermaid rooms at the Art of Animation resort at Disney World. They are the cheapest room there, and I am all about cheap. But it's okay, because the theming is fabulous.

So how did we get upgraded to The Lion King suites?

Well.

I think we got lucky. I truly think the way to get an upgrade is pure luck.

Some suggest to be sure to check in to the front desk in person. They'll insist it's the only way to receive an upgrade.

They are incorrect.

I checked in via the app. I did this, and it still showed The Little Mermaid rooms. (There are 4 different areas at the resort: The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars.)

When I received the notice that the room was ready I noticed it changed to The Lion King suites.

I thought it was a glitch.

A suite?

For us?

We have NEVER been upgraded before.

But it was our lucky day.

And it was true. We had a Lion King suite. I thanked the Disney gods, because oh my gosh, more space! The Little Mermaid rooms just have the two Queen bed set up.

But The Lion King suite?

SPACE!

This was the living area. The couch folds out into a bed.

This was the primary room.

And even better, you get your own bathroom. And the Lion King details are wonderful.

There is a kitchenette with an actual fridge. In the standard rooms, all you get is a beverage cooler.

Here is the other bathroom, and this area leads into the shower and toilet. It was nice having another bathroom because Natalie has so much makeup and creams and lotions. She took control of this one while Tommy and I used the other in the mornings.

Another bed pulls down on the table, and yes, it was comfy. Natalie slept here. Tommy slept on the couch bed and said it was comfortable as well.

And be sure to check into details. I loved the song lyrics on these.

And even the carpet in the hall is Lion King themed. Check out the paw prints!

We were so thankful for the upgrade. The extra space was wonderful, and the theming was impressive.

Heck, even the lobby is impressive, so truly, any room at the resort is a win. Even if you don't get the upgrade, you'll still be happy with what you receive.

We will return to Art Of Animation one day. And if we get another upgrade, yay. If not, well, we know we'll still enjoy our time. It is considered a Skyliner resort, so you can reach two parks, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, via the nearby skyliner, which is convenient.