Our First Trip to Walt Disney World!

Entrance to the Beast's Castle---Stunning!

Well, our long-awaited mother/daughter trip to Walt Disney World has come and gone, and I'm brimming with responses to share from our experience! We both agreed that it was even better than we imagined!

We stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, about half way around the lake from it's Town Center (right), where guests go to shop, eat, fill (unlimited refill) Dining Plan cups, or get assistance from the concierge...

Rooms were pleasantly decorated and the bed was very comfortable. We brought food to eat for breakfast--There is a refrigerator but no microwave, so we stuck to things like bagels and cream cheese, juice, yogurt, fruit, etc. I enjoyed an early morning stretch and walk to the Town Center each day and brought back coffee* and hot chocolate in our refillable cups. 

*(While the coffee at the Town Center, though weak, at least tasted like coffee, the coffee supplied in the rooms with the pod-type brewer was completely undrinkable in my coffee snob opinion---Think weak, burnt, and plastic! One of my ONLY criticisms of Disney's service! If you're at all serious about your morning java, BRING YOUR OWN COFFEE & BREWER!!)

The beaches were immaculately maintained, and there were hammocks and chairs for lounging...The water was blocked off , however, by a neatly done stone berm and stout fencing. Swimming could be enjoyed at the several lovely pools around the complex, so the blocked beach water didn't seem like any kind of imposition.

We arrived a day ahead of our resort reservations however, and stayed overnight at Staybridge Suites, Buena Vista. We hoped to do a little exploring the surrounding area, and resting up for the big week in the parks!

I can recommend Staybridge Suites in Buena Vista. The front desk staff was very helpful to us "Disney Greenhorns", and the Wolfgang Puck coffee provided with the drip coffee maker was actually good! (I did make it a bit stronger than directed ; )

Lovely outdoor seating area to eat or relax in the center courtyard...An arcade and laundry were also convenient. There was a full kitchen, including a dishwasher, and one could bring along groceries to make easy meals to stretch the budget or just not have to go out.

While waiting for a room, we ran on over to Disney Springs to have a look-see!...Parking and getting around was easy, and after walking around the shops to the end, we caught the free boat ride back to where we began!

Dragon made of blocks!

At the first Disney gift store, a cast member (as all Disney employees are referred to as " ), gave us a map, some very helpful navigating information, and a Happy Birthday pin for a friend accompanying us! The shops and landscaping were lovely. 

This Mickey pepper mill was my souvenir of choice!

I made these signs to decorate our car windows
for the trip down ; )

Goofy, one of my personal faves, now adorns the dash of my car!

There were plenty of shady places to sit and rest along our way at Disney Springs---One thing that I had been concerned about before the trip, as sometimes my back can get achy with too much standing. I did begin a mild stretch and strengthening routine several weeks before our Disney trip, and boy!, am I glad I did! And yes, there seemed to be plenty of restrooms too. 

An evening view across the lake at Epcot. We happened to be there during the Food and Wine Festival--I'm not so sure I prefer to be there during that though as the international food stands are set up all along the lakeside walk. 

We were very happy with the food choices and serving sizes for the most part. We were able to take advantage of a Free Dining Plan offer secured by our travel agent, Jan Sleeper, with 3D Travel Company. This took much of the food anxiety and planning right out of the equation! [I can highly recommend Jan as your travel concierge. Being very familiar with the destinations and cruise lines, whether you're desiring a Disney, Universal, Orlando destination-or cruise vaca-Jan offers friendly, knowledgeable assistance. She specializes in first-time travelers and those with special needs as well and her quotes are free!]

A view from the sky on Dumbo! You can see the beautiful weather we experienced the week before the hurricane!

While waiting for our table at the Beast's Castle, we enjoyed the gorgeous views...Disney has done a fantastic job with the created landscaping. You feel transported to another place and time!

Had to try some "gray stuff" at the Castle! We loved the atmosphere created by all of the decor and special effects! See a video glimpse here, thanks to BigFatPanda!

We were blown away by the Fall decorations during our trip in September...a surprise to me as I hadn't thought about any special decorations! It's going to be great to be there for the Christmas decorations on our next trip, as we booked what is called a "Bounce Back" stay for next year before we left our resort and secured the Free Dining offer again! (Which I understand is not being offered as often, so we're so excited as it makes your stay much more carefree ; ) The night time shows really were special. Each park has one after dark...They use a lot of projection technology and completely change the view and mood with some extra-special effects thrown in just for fun!

Well that's it for this little visit. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Holiday season! Until next time, remember...

There's BEAUTY FOR LIVING!---Share it!
Lisa " )

Beauty in the Kitchen!

Introducing...Kitchen Beauty!

I'm dedicating this post to showcasing my oldest daughter's Etsy shop...

  The Dapper Chameleon!

Lately, she has discovered the joys of sewing adorable aprons from a variety of fabrics and trims.  Following are some examples, all linked to the item in the shop. Please take a look at them as well as the amazing variety of other items that have been hand created by her " )

Vintage-looking style!(My personal fave!)

"Chocolate and Roses"

"Blooms 'n Bugs"

Thank you for looking! : )  Here are some pics from around my home/garden this summer...

I've been trying to be better about hydrating these days...It's been a fun adventure making up different naturally flavored waters from a variety of juices, fruits, veggies and chia!

Hmmm......

I love to create one-of-a-kind soups and stews " )'

Our blueberry harvest was wonderful this year! It was fun to have enough to freeze and share!

Well, that's it for now...Be looking for my upcoming post about my recent Mother/daughter trip to...Disney World! 

Your Beauty Enthusiast,

Lisa " )

It's "Falling"!

My granddaughter was excited to make this Fall craft
 for Mommy and Daddy!

Getting started cleaning up the back porch...
Nothing like inviting company for a cookout to get you  motivated! This chick brooder was one of the first things to go!(They'll have to find somewhere else to grow up, because this is slated to become my "beach-themed people room", lol!) I'll plan to share pictures as things progress. We are still re-doing my daughter's room. 

Here are updated pictures of the back screenporch--
minus the chick brooder and gardening paraphernalia! Still
a way to go, but certainly a step in the right direction. This is as far as I got before company came over the other night!

This antique sink and cabinet came with the house when we bought it. I plan to restore it. It would be great to get it functioning
again out there, but I'm not sure how feasible that is.
The greenhouse window is in the dining room, and is rather odd. I cover it with drapery, and store books and things in it.
It is an older home that has been added onto over the years, and the rooms have had different assignments.

A "goodie bag" and other surprises for my daughter from our travel agent and good friend, Jan Sleeper, of 3D Travel
 in celebration of our daughter's first trip to Disney World!...Authentic sequined Minnie ears
were inside the bag  " ) Needless to say, she's SO excited!

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Jan has done such a wonderful job of customizing our Disney trip just for US! She is really in the know when it comes to Disney World destination trips, but she also specializes in helping you to plan your cruises, Universal Orlando, Sea World, Beaches, Sandals, and other family or adult get-aways. Contact her for a no-obligation quote today!
Jan Sleeper---3D Travel Specialist
(Tell her Beauty for Living sent you ; )
  

With the hint of Fall in the air, I get a hankerin' for all kinds of fresh-baked goodies!
HAD to make these cinnamon/caramel-frosted biscuits the other morning--YUM!

My husband and son felled some trees in the front recently.
They worked in some terrible heat, but we're all looking
forward to the revitalization that cooler Fall weather brings!

Here's hoping that you and yours have a safe and enjoyable Fall season...Please do share some of the Fall traditions and seasonal  activities that you/your family enjoy---I know there are some from Germany, France, India,  and even Alaska stopping by to visit, among others. I'd love to hear from you all!...
Until then...look for the beauty that is around you, and share it with others " )

Your Very Own Beauty Enthusiast,
Lisa

Where There's Beauty....There's hope!

 A lovely lavender Rose of Sharon blooming next to my grandmother's purple phlox.

Goldfish waiting patiently for "breakfast"

A Perfect day for drying the laundry...Typically, I only hang towels and bedding these days, but for years I hung ALL of the laundry (for 7 people!) to be able to afford to use the air conditioner in the summer!

"Before" pics of our screen porch.  I know what you're thinking..."That woman has no pride!", lol. Well, hopefully we will be renovating it for people use soon : ) It has held a goat, dogs, and baby chicks-so cleaning and fresh paint/decorating are badly needed...I was thinking about making it my "beach" themed room. It aleady got a new roof after we had leaking in the adjacent laundry room during windy rainstorms, so just a light-fan needed there. The dry sink has become a depository for all kinds of garden do dads...

What kind of beautification projects are you hoping to accomplish this year in/around your home? Please comment below and share this post with others---The more, the merrier! 

Have a beauty-filled day " )
#beautyforliving
#beautyspeakstomysoul

Beauty All Around, Unnoticed?-(Nat'l Poetry Month)

I Implore You…

What beauty have you found?

Did you notice her in the round?

Day and night she works her magic-ceaselessly, without compensation.

Not perceiving, many just carry on.

Your load of care she would lighten.

The shadows cast by gray cloud, brighten.

Seek her while she may be found by you-before your senses senseless be to you.

Draw her close! Show her value!

Give her reason to continue

To pursue your

Appreciation.

For there is nary a poorer fellow

Who simply doesn’t see

The beauty that is all around him

To cherish, to promote

To be!

A surprise spring flower on the vacant property next to us...

Until next time, 

 Spread the "beauty-love" !

Please comment and share if you would---I'd love to hear from you!

Lisa

A Peek into Our Past!

Photo Memories

Hope that you enjoy a few pics of our family from a few years ago!

  

I had just gotten my mare, Lady, my first horse!

Youngest son conditioning tack

Preparing to make/can pear dessert filling

My Sweetie getting some tractor goodies...some old, some new

Middle son got married at our home...Country-Style!

It all came together with help, and a good time was had by all " )

Our Farm Market table in town...plants, baked goods, honey, and our own "Honeybee Garden Kits"

As I look back, I see so many ways that we have been blessed! May I encourage you to do the same? Honestly, there have been some pretty tough times too--(We don't usually share those.) We've had heartaches with parenting, loved ones with cancer, uncertainty about jobs, an impossible list of things that need doing to name a few. Just like you, we struggle. BUT that's one of the main reasons why I chose to concentrate on the BEAUTY FOR LIVING that IS there in each of our lives! I want to discipline myself to look for and be appreciative of those things. Please feel free to share the positive and the beautiful in your life with us by commenting below and share this post if you liked it!

Until next time,
Lisa

Hobby Farm Beauty News

Spring is Beginning to Bloom All Around!

And other beautifulness " )

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     Greetings from Uphill Farm---our little corner of rolling southern USA! Today was amazingly beautiful!...The birds were tweeting, the breeze was blowing, the fruit trees were budding and blooming, the honeybees were buzzing, the horses were grazing (tails and manes waving gently), the clouds were sailing overhead, the goat kids were frolicking....Well, you get the idea ; )

     Following are some pics:

Various fruit trees in blossom...

My Sweetie making LOTS of beehive components!

     As this is a blog about beauty of all kinds, I wanted to share some tips that I have regarding how we ladies can pamper ourselves a bit in the area of skincare and fragrance. One idea that occurred to me is to NOT wash or wipe the residue of anti-aging moisturizer (I'm currently using AVON's ANEW Ultimate line) 

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off of your hands when you finish that step of your routine, but rather, add a drop of water to your palm, rub hands together gently to mix, and then apply to the backs of both hands! If you're like me, your hands are very hard working, and could use some beautification...especially as I would like to get solar nails for my birthday, and more attention will be drawn to my hands. I think I will begin to do this daily as well as using the same skincare steps to my neck and upper chest as I do my face--a lesson that I learned years ago! 

     The second tip that I wanted to share is to spritz some of your fave fragrance (mine is currently Imari Seduction by AVON-''A captivating scent of luscious plum and purple orchid and dark rose with tantalizing hints of warm vanilla. ")

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onto a cotton ball and place it into your lingerie drawer! This makes your "pretties" smell so nice. You may refresh the fragrance as needed. 

     Just a few ideas that I had to share. Maybe you've come up with some ways to add a touch of beauty to your life...Please feel free to comment below and share your ideas with the rest of us! 

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Thank you for stopping by! Please share my blog if you enjoyed this post " )