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I tend to find that when I make a wishlist, I babble on about what the things are I want and why I want them. The truth is, I want them because they’re pretty and because they’re Disney. However I’m trying to be really good with money right now and so I’m not buying anything. Some of these items appeared on my last wishlist post and some are new. It’s probably not even everything I’d like. However they are a combination of Beauty and the Beast items (my favourite) and Christmas decorations.
Yes I know, they’re Christmas ornaments and its early to think about Christmas but the Disney Store released their ornaments last week and I just had to make a collection of some of the pieces I’d like! To be truthful I tend to avoid wishlists these days as they only make me want to spend money, but these are the one treat I seem to give myself each year. That said, I missed quite a few I would have liked last year and I hope that won’t be the case this year.
So my top pick on this particular wishlist is Belle (no surprise) and Vanessa. These are two characters I have actually cosplayed as and my top pick when it comes to characters generally. There is a singing Belle ornament too but while I like the fountain scene, I think I prefer the simple Belle version. As for Vanessa, its so unusual to get anything Ursula even, let alone her so I need this!
The other ornaments are definitely all secondary wants. The rose however is probably top of those. Again, Beauty and the Beast themed, I have a love of all things rose themed too. As for the rest, they are to fill gaps in my character themes or just because I like them. We do have Ariel already, but not as a mermaid. We also don’t have anything UP, Chip and Dale, or Jaq and Gus (though we do have Cinderella). Chip and Dale have a special place in my heart right now as they remind me very much of my girls. Finally that leaves Tinker Bell and while I do think we have a Tink decoration already, I love this one especially. I’m pretty sure there is a similar Disney tradition ornament which I would love.
I think a few have disappeared off the Disney Store website already so I may have missed a few I like. In fact, there are a few from last year floating around on Ebay so I may even do a second wishlist with those included too.
On the whole I avoid putting the actual age I am, on my blog. It’s not that it particularly bothers me (turning 30 never did) but I have to admit that inching closer to 40 does somehow make me feel old. However I’m sucking it up this year and trying to embrace it – and I’m going to let you know what a great birthday I had!
For a start, it was a Saturday (May 28th). Amy and Olivia came down to visit for the weekend, Chris was off work and even Amy’s O.H. was coming to spend the day with us! Though technically my birthday had started at midnight where Amy and I were still up and sitting in the dinning room, we soon headed to bed and started again properly in the morning. Chris sadly woke me at 7am when he got up and though I had hoped for a lie-in, it wasn’t to be! I got up and was greeted by many “happy birthday”s and Amy kindly made me a cup of tea! I sat down on the sofa to open cards and gifts from them all, which was really lovely.
The girls got me the Evil Queen from Snow White, in hag form. This is a Disney Tradition that I’ve been after for a while and I’m not sure why as she’s ugly as hell, but I love it regardless! Chris got me Seven Dwarves on a Log – again another Disney Tradition that I have loved for literally as long as I can remember. It was always far too expensive to consider getting but now it’s mine, yay! Finally Amy and Liv got me a box of goodies, including an Ursula decoration, Regina in Pop Funko, an art print of Belle and the Beast and a Tinker Bell scarf (I put it on straight away, so forgot to photograph it). There was also a limited edition print that Amy had found in a charity shop, which is literally amazing!
After this we sat around for a while relaxing, but the kids started to get hungry so I put on some breakfast. We had freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat, along with margarine, nutella and chocolate/peanut butter spread. We actually didn’t even manage it all which was a surprise between six of us.
Everyone went off their separate ways then, to get dressed, to have another cup of tea etc. My mum arrived around lunch time to give me her gift and then Amy’s O.H. arrived too. After a while we headed out to Nottingham with the plan to play mini-golf but it actually turned out that we went shopping and ate at Five Guys. We headed home, got the girls to bed and then my friend Nat and her O.H. came around. We spent the evening chatting, laughing and drinking wine until about 1am.
While it maybe doesn’t sound like the most spectacular of birthdays, the evening was everything and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thankfully its a whole year now until the next one but I’m glad this one turned out pretty great.
I may have forgotten to publish this yesterday (oops!)
So recently I’ve found myself looking at rings. And yes, I guess they could be looked at as engagement rings but they are also just pretty rings right? These are some beauties that I’ve picked out which are really spectacular and some that are much more affordable, since now a days you can even get a Sydney custom diamond engagement ring which is a great option for those looking for this. No surprise that they are Disney themed!
Majority of these really nice rings are from places like Etsy or custom design jewellery websites. However some are from places like Hot Topic, Disney Couture and TruffleShuffle. Can you spot which ring is which character, in the case of Ursula, Maleficent, Ariel, Elsa, Rapunzel and the Evil Queen?
My favourite of them all is definitely the Ursula themed ring (black ones on the bottom line) as these are just so unusual. I love the idea of a black ring instead of something silver/gold. A shop called Lakewood Treasures on Etsy is definitely the place to check out if you have a fair bit of cash and want something really beautiful and unique. Other favourites come from Disney Engagement Ring, Gemvara and Razo’s Ring Shop.
While gold isn’t really my colour, I do love the Belle rose ring too but that’s more because I love anything Beauty and the Beast. I also used to own the Believe ring pictured, but sadly it wore down to the actual metal because I wore it so much!
What would be your dream ring, Disney or otherwise?
You may remember back in May, I made a birthday wishlist. One of the items on my wishlist was a Beauty and the Beast rose necklace, sold by Disney Couture. A few days after my birthday, my brother offered me £20 of Amazon vouchers but instead I asked if I could just have the cash, so I could treat myself to some Disney Couture jewellery. Though there were lots of pieces I would have liked, I went for my original pick – the gold-plated Beauty & the Beast red rose charm and necklace, priced at £29.
Though the full price is £29, Disney Couture’s birthday fell a week after mine and they offered 15% discount. I jumped at this, ordering my necklace while it was cheaper. I placed my order on Friday afternoon, picking the free postage option as I was in no rush. However the following morning, my necklace arrived and it was beautifully presented!
I am completely in love with my new necklace and now I’d like Lumiere and Mrs Potts to go with it. I wore the necklace all day long when it arrived and have worn it several times since. I’m sad that I’ve already had my trip to Florida and didn’t get to wear it when I met Belle in Epcot (or Gaston at his Tavern!) but perhaps I’ll just have to book a trip to Disneyland Paris and wear it there!
If you like beautiful jewellery and you love Disney – definitely have a look at Disney Couture jewellery. You won’t be sorry!
Last week it was my birthday so I decided to make a Wish List of all the things I was hoping for and didn’t get, or things I’ve discovered I’d really like, having thought of what I might get for my birthday. However as I compiled the list of items, 6 out of the 7 things were all Beauty and the Beast related. As such I scrapped the post-birthday wish list and instead just made a Beauty and the Beast Wish List.
As it is late at night, I’m not going to bother linking to each item and where you can buy it – as majority of the items aren’t easily accessible anyway. I’m just going to run through what there is and why I’d like it.
First up is the Mrs Potts (and Chip) Pop Funko. My Pop Funko collection started some time ago, with Belle in her yellow dress and then the Beast. It has now grown to include Lumiere, Cogsworth and Belle in her blue dress. As I’m not interested in the new “hipster” Belle that’s being released, Mrs Potts would complete my collection. I’m hoping to get her for myself during the next week or two.
Next are two Disney Couture necklaces, which if you’d asked me a year or so ago about, I wouldn’t have wanted as they’re gold. However now I’m trying to be open to new things and these two necklaces really appeal. I’m actually genuinely torn between which I like most, but my brother has given me £20 in TruffleShuffle vouchers so I’ll be making a decision soon.
Last on the top line is Mrs Potts and Chip as salt and pepper pots. When we went to WDW one of the main things I was hoping to look out for was a Disney salt and pepper pot. Sadly I didn’t really find anything I like, but these I would love. I would happily leave them on my dining table and give them almost every day use. I think Hot Topic sold some similar not that long ago but I’ve seen these in a few places.
Next up is a Thomas Kinkade painting. I’m not likely to own an original but it would be nice to have a canvas print at least. Thomas Kinkade is releasing a new wave of Disney paintings and this is his Beauty and the Beast 2. I have the first one so I would love to add this to my wall.
Plushies! Cogsworth, Lumiere and Mrs Potts (and Chip). I’d love them all. Only Mrs Potts is easily available and I would definitely be fussy about the other two (I’ve seen some terrible versions) but it would be nice to have all three. I love Plush toys and I have the Beast already, so it would be nice to give him some friends.
Belle E.L.F. make up brushes. I was really surprised not to be able to find these on Ebay – or many Disney E.L.F. products for that matter. These brushes are so simple and not really even necessarily but I would like to have them for the odd times I actually do wear make up. It’s Belle, what better reason is there?
Lumiere. Gosh. I’m so annoyed at myself for not buying him in Florida when I had the chance. He was $50 and all I worried about was whether or not I’d have room for him. He was £50 in the UK so it was already quite a saving and then he actually went up to £60. Now he’s no longer available on the Disney Store web site (though he has gone and been back once before so he might return) and I’m really wondering how I might get a hold of him. A light up Lumiere. All I’d need then would be a working clock Cogsworth. Apparently they made them once too.
Beauty and the Beast Sugar Pot, from the Mrs Potts tea set. Though I haven’t actually got it yet, Amy bought me Mrs Potts and Chip for my birthday. Having looked around since, I’d really love a few more cups to make it a set, but also the sugar pot to match. Believe it or not, the sugar pot is pretty difficult to find by itself though. I’m going to have to keep my eye out and maybe grab it when I have the chance.
Finally the Be Our Guest dinner set. I wouldn’t say I like 100% of it but I do like the majority. Chris is always telling me we have too many mugs so I could probably skip out on them. I’d definitely love the plates and the wine glass – the bowls would be a good additional extra!
I love May. It’s probably my favourite month of the whole year. Why? Well my birthday is in May for a start, but that’s only the initial reason to feel a connection to the month. I also love what happens outdoors – the flowers pushing through and blooming, along with the trees growing blossom. The picture above (Hello May) is actually a photo I took earlier today, of a tree in Saxilby on the way to the girls school.
Since it’s now 26 days till my birthday, I figured I’d share a birthday wishlist as my post for today. In all honesty, I don’t really want for anything (except a lottery win) but I guess if I was given a little money to treat myself with, these are the things I’d like.
So first let’s start with Lumiere. He was one of my “regret not purchasing” purchases, from Disney World. The whole time we were on holiday I was keeping an eye out for things I might like to buy – or things I might like as a birthday present from my mum and my sister. I saw a few things that I would have liked, but actually didn’t end up getting and Lumiere was one of these. Selling for $50 in the park, he is £60 on the Disney Store website. I truly wish I’d brought him home with me, though I just couldn’t justify the spend.
Next comes this beautiful Beauty and the Beast “Rose” necklace. It sells at TruffleShuffle for £25.99. I’ve never been one for gold jewellery so this is the first thing to have truly appealed, I also like the 14k version much more than its expensive counterpart. I love Disney Couture jewellery though and could easily have made a wishlist, solely of that.
This Daryl Dixon Pop Funko figure is really the only non-Disney item on my list. I love Daryl in Walking Dead and nothing is more representative of him than this motorcycle Pop Funko figure. He’s not easy to find in the UK though so places like Amazon.com and Hot Topic are really the only options for purchasing him.
Disney Villains Monopoly is another of my “regret not purchasing” items. I was so close to getting this game on at least 3-4 occasions, but I knew we’d be short of room in the suitcases, so just couldn’t justify it. Buying it online really isn’t an option, as its just so expensive. However I also found a cool version of this called “My Disney Villains Monopoly” which would be way cooler to have (but way more expensive too).
Again from TruffleShuffle comes this awesome Iron Man usb memory stick. I don’t really need any more memory sticks but how could you not want this? I love Iron Man and finally purchased a plush of him in Florida, so this USB would add to my ever growing RDJ shrine (yeah I know, that’s creepy…).
ANOTHER regret not buying item is this book “The Beast Within”. I saw it in a shop near Gaston’s Tavern and was so close to buying it, except that I didn’t really want to carry it around with me. I later saw another one called “Fairest of them All” in Hollywood Studios and would have loved that too. I have however found them on Amazon and they’re only £10 ish. To be honest I’ll probably treat myself to those, as soon as I get a little money free.
This second to last item is my big regret not buying item, but only because I can’t find it for sale anywhere (which makes me feel like I can never buy it, unlike the others which are just all expensive to buy elsewhere). I didn’t know what the design was called, which shop I saw it in, or exactly what it looked like – so even adding it to this wishlist took me a lot of research. The design is by Jerrod Marayama and the shop I saw it in was called D-Street at Downtown Disney. To be absolutely honest I loved so many of his things (a collection called WonderGround), even princess related ones, but this villain print (World of Evil) was by far my favourite. There was both an art print and a notebook that I liked, but I think the notebook would win out. I’ll have to keep my eye out on Ebay I think, though it’s not there at the moment.
Finally my last item is yet again Beauty and the Beast themed (running theme you might notice). I have so many Disney Traditions that are Beauty and the Beast and this is one of the few I don’t have. I do however love loads of Disney Traditions ornaments so I wouldn’t be fussy of which I got. This particular ornament just represents my love of them all, though it would be great to have this one too as its another step closer to owning all the Beauty and the Beast ones!
A complete (and constantly added to) wishlist of all the things I currently love, can be found on My Greedy Book. If you don’t know what “My Greedy Book” is, you should definitely check it out as I genuinely think it’s one of the best wishlist facilities I’ve come across. In fact, you can read all my thoughts on “My Greedy Book“, over at my personal blog.
It’s been a long time since I did an “Outfit of the Day” post, so I figured it was about time. Unlike my best friend Amy, I don’t think I’ll have time to showcase all my Disney dresses, but maybe – who knows. In the meantime, here is one of the dresses I bought to take to Florida, that I actually wore out for Amy’s birthday lunch yesterday.
Dress – Hot Topic
Cardigan – H&M
Tights – New Look (old)
Shoes – New Look (old)
Necklace – Jewellery Ever After
The Hot Topic dress is one of three in that style that I bought – I also have an Ariel one and an Alice one (I’d have loved the Maleficent one but it’s sold out as yet). I thought this particular one would actually be my favourite as I love Beauty and the Beast, but it’s actually not. I do still love it though. For Saturday lunch I coupled my dress with a new cardigan I just bought from H&M, some old tights and my standard black heels that I’ve had for longer than I can remember. I wore one of my own necklaces, that I sell over at Jewellery Ever After.
However, before I actually getting dressed for lunch, I actually tried out my dress with some new trainers, to see if they would look alright. In Florida it won’t be at all practical to wear heals, so I’ll definitely need something more comfy.
Outfit – as before
Trainers – Mastershoe Myshu*
These trainers are from a company called Mastershoe Myshu and I love the colour of them. Luckily the blue goes with all three of my Hot Topic dresses, so these will be a great option for comfy shoes around the park! Obviously, as in the picture, I’ll be ditching the tights and the cardigan too – since hopefully it will be far too warm.
Finally I’m going to leave you with my selfie – mostly because it shows the necklace up close too!
So a week has passed from the time I announced my new feature – T-shirt Tuesday. I have two to share with you today, both the one I’ve been wearing today and also the one I started on as my “project” t-shirt.
First up, is the t-shirt I’m wearing today. I have loads and loads of t-shirts by this artist – Karen Hallion. In fact, she’s pretty much my favourite artist. I’ve actually made it my quest to own all her Disney/Who t-shirts and I’m not far off doing so! This particular design is called “Part of Every World” and is available to buy in a variety of places including TeeFury, RedBubble and Society 6.
Unlike majority of my t-shirt (they’re black), this one is a nice blue colour. It was available in other colours but since its set under the sea, I liked the idea of keeping it blue. Anyway – this is my t-shirt of the day!
Next up, you might remember the t-shirt I decided to take as my first project t-shirt, this time last week.
To be absolutely honest with you, I couldn’t remember where I ordered this from, what the design was called or who the artist was before making this post. However I’ve taken the last fifteen minutes or so to root through my emails and figure it out. The artist is CleverAvian (Kate I think) and they use various platforms such as RedBubble, TeePublic and DeviantArt. This particular design is called “The Last Petal” and it features Belle (from Beauty and the Beast), along with the Beast and a rose.
I started off by cutting off the sleeves, roughly in a shape I wanted. Sadly I cut a little bit too much off the second side and had to level it on the original side. I had a feeling back then that I’d cut too much but I ploughed on as I wanted to finish anyway. Next I cut a skirt out of t-shirt material and stitched the top and bottom together. I sewed all the edges to neaten and then cut the neckline lower as one of my issues with the t-shirt was its high neckline.
I’m wearing it now!!
Keep an eye out for my next T-shirt Tuesday to see what I’m wearing and what I’m working on!