LindaM965

By now many of you are no doubt in that stress-filled haze of pre-Christmas panic - the one that results from too much shopping and too little eggnog. (Because, seriously, EGGNOG FIXES EVERYTHING.)

So listen, I want you to just sit back, relax, and let allll that holiday stress go. Because this, my friends, is your happy place.

See? LOOK HOW HAPPY:

(By Karla's Little Bakery)

Is this not the sweetest, artsiest bit of edible quilling you've ever seen? So perfect! Now I want to try quilling again just to make this pattern into next year's Christmas cards.

 

And speaking of cards, doesn't this remind you of all those vintage-styled pretties - the ones on thick cream paper with embossed lettering?

(By Alliance Bakery)

I think it's all the handpainting; it's just SO perfect it looks printed.

 

And now, ruffly goodness:

(By Inspired by Michelle Cake Designs)

See that pattern on the white? I love that pattern. I want it covered in crystals and made into wrapping paper - which I will then hoard, Smaug-style, along with thousands of rolls of sparkly Christmas ribbon, because I seriously can't stop buying that stuff.

Ahem.

 

You may have heard that the Three Wise Men brought the baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but did you know they also brought something a little more festive?

(By Yuma Couture Cakes)

Because it's not a birthday party 'til there are balloons, dangit.
(That silhouette is too, too cool.)

 

This one makes me hum "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" - and with the right words, even!

(By Chanata sweets 'n Decoration)

That pop of lime green in the middle with the teal is just about the cheeriest thing ever, and I love the dusting of powered sugar snow on the chocolate pinecones. And did you notice this is an anniversary cake? SO SWEET.

 

This next one is as cozy as your favorite Christmas sweater:

(Photography by Simone van Den Berg, cake by Evelien Keijer)

It's also baffling the heck out of me, since I have no idea how the baker did it. She couldn't have individually piped every single "stitch," right? Right?? Please, someone tell me; I may lose sleep over this.

 

Another handpainted beauty with a vintage vibe:

(Found here, anyone know the baker?)

I'm digging the "snow" dripping off those berries and branches.

 

And this one manages to be modern and classic at the same time:

(Artwork by Illustree and cake by Three Little Blackbirds Cakes)

Black, white, and sparkly red glitter will never go out of style, people. NEVER.

 

And don't underestimate the power of a little red accent on a soft gray palette, either:

(By Of Cakes and Cupcake (and Apollo too))

Airbrushing done right makes me all happy inside.

 

You know, I've seen a lot of cakes, and I generally pride myself on being able to spot what's edible and what's not. This next one, though? Completely fooled me:

(By Gateaux Inc.)

I thought those were stacked hat boxes, but nope; it's cake, and everything on it is edible. The bells, the silky gold robe, and of course the sheet music sides. Plus the solid side has this gorgeous shimmer you can really only see up close:

Wowza.

 

And if you thought that was stunning, then hold on to your giant pearly antlers:

(By Cake Heart)

[gasp]

OooooOOOOoooooh.
And just like that, blue is my new favorite color.

Well, I hope you enjoyed, my friends, because your happy place is now closing. So get on out there, and go drink some eggnog. [lifting cup] Cheers!

*****

P.S. For my fellow fans of blue, purple, and gorgeous galaxy prints:

Galaxy Throw Blanket

There are lots of galaxy print blankets out there, but this one has the best reviews I've found. Vibrant, super soft, and not too thick!

******

And from my other blog, Epbot:

We are so excited to announce booking and opening dates for some of your favorite Disney dining locations! Check out all the delicious details below.

It’s clear the Force is strong with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Since its debut last year, this spectacular experience inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has proven to be one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World Resort. 

To better help guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios plan ahead for their day at the park, we’re piloting a new approach to the virtual queue system for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Starting Nov. 3, 2020, here’s how it will work: 

• Guests with a valid ticket or annual pass and a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to access the virtual queue system and check for an available boarding group starting at 7 a.m. on the day of their park reservation. This can be done before you leave your Disney resort hotel, or wherever else nearby you might be at that time. 
• Just as we do today, the virtual queue will reopen daily at 2 p.m. for anyone who wasn’t already able to join a boarding group earlier in the day. Note: Guests must be inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios to access this second virtual queue opportunity, and access to a boarding group is subject to availability and not guaranteed. 

This new approach will make a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios more enjoyable and relaxing, as guests no longer need to be inside the park each morning to request a boarding group for the first virtual queue opportunity. As a reminder, you need to be inside the park to request the 2 p.m. boarding groups. 

To try to maximize the number of boarding groups we’re able to accommodate while adhering to current health and safety guidelines, we recently added a clear barrier between the two rows of seats on each First Order Fleet Transport vehicle inside the attraction. This enables us to invite more guests to board Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance each day. 

The attraction’s virtual queue is only accessible via the My Disney Experience mobile app. To maximize your opportunity to secure a boarding group, here are some tips we recommend you check off your list prior to your day at the park: 

• Register an account in My Disney Experience
• Download the My Disney Experience mobile app on your smart device or ensure you’re using the most updated version of the app before you arrive at the park. 
• Link and assign all park tickets in your party to a My Disney Experience account
• Have a valid Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the day you’re visiting
• Select one member of your party to access the virtual queue for everyone in your group; if multiple people in your party try to join the virtual queue simultaneously, that may complicate your ability to secure a boarding group
• Remember, virtual queue boarding groups are limited and subject to availability 

This new pilot approach to the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance virtual queue is designed to give guests the best possible experience during a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We look forward to seeing you on your next trip to a galaxy far, far away.

Millions of people around the world are at home and looking for ways to spend time together (and apart!) and we have been thrilled to see how fans and families are creating their own “only Disney” moments in their daily lives. We are loving that you’re recreating your favorite attractions, posting photos and family memories, and sharing the fun you’re having.

You’ve even inspired us to bring Disney to you in new ways, from livestreamed Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, to the virtual viewing of the “Magic Happens” parade from the Disneyland Resort, to singing along with the Dapper Dans. There’s even been drawing Olaf with Disney Animation and reading along with Disney talent for storytime!

Now we are thrilled to share an even easier way for kids, families and fans to access #DisneyMagicMoments like these, all in the comfort of your own home. Today Disney is launching www.DisneyMagicMoments.com, a website where you will find fun and engaging Disney content, stories and resources — for free! — from Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, to Walt Disney Animation Studios, National Geographic, Disney Parks and beyond.

And we’ve created a curated set of resources to spark imagination and share magic, all available when you visit this special page on the Disney Parks Blog. Here, you’ll find family-fun activities, online resources and more — LEARN & CREATE, FUN & PLAY and CARE & COMMUNITY.

Officially kicking off these #DisneyMagicMoments, gather around with your family and watch these two all-new videos. 

First up, a virtual ride-through of the timeless classic Disney Parks attraction, “it’s a small world,” a beloved favorite at many of our parks around the globe. 

Then, check out the JAMMitors, everyone’s favorite funky group of janitors-turned-percussionists. Normally this group would be sharing their syncopated sounds at EPCOT using all sorts of different items they find around the park. Today, they are sharing their #VoicesFromHome — using pots and pans, trash cans and even an old tire!

Keep an eye out for even more virtual pixie dust and use #DisneyMagicMoments to show us how you’re bringing the Disney magic to life at home!

We wrapped November on the Disney Parks Blog with a week full of holiday updates, including the exciting announcement that for the first time ever, we’re bringing “Candlelight Processional” to you live at Epcot on December 4, 2018, as part of our #DisneyParksLIVE stream series.

We’ll live stream the park’s 8:15 p.m. show on Tuesday with host actor Neil Patrick Harris. The stream begins just minutes before, at 8:10 p.m. ET, and will include a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring this amazing show to life.

Check out our original #DisneyParksLIVE “Candlelight Processional” story for more details and to learn how you can be part of the show online!

And we followed up a popular post on the expansion at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort with an update that guests can now book their reservations in the new Gran Destino Tower for stays starting July 2019.

When completed, the Gran Destino Tower will be part of the reimagining of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This transformation is inspired by the adventurous spirit of great Spanish explorers and historic innovative Spanish artists, writers and architects.

You can learn more in our original Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort post.

Also, visit the Walt Disney World website or call 407-W-Disney to book your reservation.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

• Holiday Gifting: Favorite Gifts at the Disneyland Resort – This season, give the gift of Disney magic! Whether you’re shopping for a Disney Parks fan or just looking to add a touch of pixie dust into stockings, the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort has you covered. Check out some of this year’s favorite gift ideas!
• Disney Parks in Silhouette: Playing in Toy Story Land – This week, we’re happy to share a new batch of “Disney Parks in Silhouette” pieces from Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• It’s a Holly Jolly Holiday at International Disney Parks – Season’s greetings! No matter where your holiday travels take you this year, something enchanting awaits you at each of our Disney Parks. Now through the New Year, we’re ringing in the most wonderful time of the year with special celebrations and enchanting experiences across the (snow)globe.
• Experience the 2018 Disney Festival of Holidays with a Sip and Savor Pass – Looking for the best way to experience the Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park? Well, we’ve got just the thing! Get the most out of your experience by picking up the awesome Sip and Savor Pass.
• Walt Disney World Resort Helps 6-Year-Old Girl’s Cinderella Story Come True – Last month, 6-year-old Layla Lester was walking through Akron Falls Park in Akron, N.Y., when she spotted a bedazzled bride she took for Cinderella, who was in the park taking wedding photos. When Layla went over to say hello to her favorite princess, the bride played along and became impromptu royalty for Layla for a few minutes.
• Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates 1 Million Mobile Orders in My Disney Experience App – Did you know that you can skip the order line at select quick-service dining locations at Walt Disney World Resort? All you need is your smartphone and the My Disney Experience app, which lets you order, pay for and pick up fresh meals and snacks on demand right from your fingertips.

» Read More

This isn’t a real post.  It’s just a quick note to tell you that I’m going to meet the lovely people from BookPeople tomorrow in a parking lot to sign all of the books you might want personalized for Christmas/Hanukkah/Festivus/Flying … Continue reading →