Studio Ghibli Love!

I love Hayao Miyazaki and fairytales so clearly after some time I realized I should post to you all about it.  When I was in high school (about to age myself here) a friend and I stumbled on My Neighbor Totoro which is probably why I hold this particular anime film so dear to my heart.  It was my first, and we all know you never forget your first. ;) In any case, my BFF and I gave it a try and I really enjoyed it so my next visit to Blockbuster Video involved Spirited Away and then Howl's Moving Castle and slowly I started my fandom.  I tried to catch as many new Miyazaki films as I could and would count him in the ranks of Mr. Disney and Jim Henson as one of my favorite storytellers.  

I was so into Howl's at one point that I tried to read the book- I downloaded the original on my Nook.   To my dismay I had a hard time getting through it and found myself skimming.  I decided to get the disc through Netflix since I had not seen it in years and force myself to finish the book before the movie arrived.  After reading this version of the story I realized that Hayao Miyazaki was what was missing from the original. :) This is one of the only times I would say that the shorter picturebook version of something is worth reading than the original. Just figured it was some food for thought since so many Disney fans have enjoyed Miyazaki's work since Studio Ghibli has come to the states. And since I am a voracious reader and wanted to start sharing more reviews here! I swear, some imagery is more beautiful on screen then even in my own crazy imagination. ;)

Are you a Studio Ghibli fan? If not, I highly recommend Howl as well as Spirited Away and Ponyo! (Ponyo in particular should be a big hit with kids!) I love when storytelling and fantasy can tell stories across the world. :)

Disney OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Collection

After the popularity of the post about Disney's OPI line which coincides with the release of Oz next month I thought I would give you some info on a slightly older OPI and Disney collaboration.  You can still find most of the line on Amazon and Ebay and the colors are fabulous! 

Before I purchased a full bottle (similar to the Oz set) I purchased a set of minis (pictured above and modeled for you with my shorty short nails... lol).  I particularly LOVE Sparrow Me The Drama.  Mermaid Tears (not pictured) is also a great aqua shade.  

Passporter 2013 featuring ME!

I have already professed my love for the Passporter travel guide-- I truly love this guide in any form-- but now that my picture has made it to the most recent edition I could not possibly live them more! Albeit there seems to be a little fuzz in the image that could just have been lost in translation from uploading and downloading etc.  In any case, not only does my pic make it into a guide (AHHHHH!!!! I HAVE A PUBLISHED PICTURE!!!) but it feature my feet with a Mickey pedicure and my fave flip flops of all time! Yayyy!!!

That all being said, I hope you will take my word for it if you haven't yet and pick up a Passporter this year! :) xoMel

OPI & Disney Do it Again! :)

I have mentioned my love of OPI nail polishes many times here on Picturing Disney and our Facebook page but arguable the Oz line is my favorite yet.  I have been looking for nice, sheer, neutral shades for months now and found them in a range of shades in this set of Oz inspired minis from OPI! The image below gives you a small swatch of the color on one of my nails with the name of each polish.  

Glints of Glinda is a true neutral (and my favorite which is featured on my nails in the photo above), while Don't Burst My Bubble has a whiteness to it and I Theodora You a pink hue. The fourth color, What Wizardry is This? is a glitter that seemed a little more of a Fall/Winter color because of the earthy brown sparkle.  This is a great set, and while sometimes the minis don't showcase the best of the line I think this set does.  

I purchased my set of minis on Amazon and even though the price has gone up I think they are worth it.  These colors are still new so keep your eye on local salons and other stores which may carry OPI (and for a possible price drop on Amazon) when they officially release the line in March! 

Win a Walt Disney or Peter Pan Quote Art Printable!! :)

Welcome new and old followers alike!

With some fresh new readers here thanks to the LeSportSac contest I wanted to share another hobby of mine with you all and show you how much I appreciate you coming by and staying for a while! 

Use the rafflecopter below for lots of different ways to enter! And if you win you get to choose between the Walt Disney quote art printable (pictured above) or the Peter Pan quote art printable (pictured below)! Check out my Etsy shop for more pictures, info, and color options!

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Save money for your next trip AND Save Lives with Save1.com!

Recently I discovered Save1 a website set up like many others which compiles lists of coupon codes with links which you can directly click to get you to the deals on the websites.  These sites are great in many ways because they offer you one place to find all of the best deals the web has to offer (from stores we love like The Disney Store, Target, Walmart, Kohl's, and Amazon to name a few).

Another plus is that some offer you incentives for some sort of coupon or cashback.  Arguably, however, Save1 has now narrowed the market completely! Why you ask? Well, because you can earn FREE MEALS FOR THE HUNGRY!!

As you know, I am a firm believer that no one should die of hunger and have felt the need to give back over and over.  I must say that the idea of giving back while shopping without much more than an extra click is so mind-blowing I can't believe these kind of sites have never been established before! It is the perfect, easy, give and get scenario-- you are getting great deals on the things you are buying online and giving a meal to someone in need.

I tried this for the first time on Sunday.  It was super easy to navigate the site:

You can search the site using the search bar, check out the best daily deals, and even meet the lovely family who has established this site.

Once you try it and see that little ticker click forward one more meal provided you will be hooked! (I was so excited to see the meal ticker having moved the day after I placed my order.)  Also, there is a promotion going on now where you can help provide meals simply by sharing!! Head here to like & share on Facebook and to sign up for their newsletter! Additionally, if you aren't sold on the site already, check out the donations page to see all the meals that have been provided thanks to shoppers like YOU over the last few months! 

Now when I paint my nails with the set of Oz inspired polishes from OPI (review and swatches coming soon) I will remember that while I could have gotten my Free Super Saver Shipping at Amazon by going to the site directly or trying another coupon site instead I made the choice of love and sharing and helped provide meals to those in need! I can't imagine an easier way to give back. 

Save1 compensated me for my review/post. 

Which souvenir do you LOVE most?

If you are here you love Disney and they have some of the best merchandise in the stores and parks that any company has produced. Somehow there is magic and fantasy wrapped up in magnets and toys. While I am not overly into the consumerism aspect of the parks some of the souvenirs I have acquired over the years hold special meaning to me. My favorite being a coin keychain that my husband got me on our first trip together and my first trip ever.

My first trip was a celebration of my college graduation in January 2006. My husband ad I had been together for 5 years and even though we had been away together before this it was our first vacation just the two of us and the first time I ever flew on an airplane! After getting back from our first full day in the parks we stopped into the gift shop at our hotel (All Star Movies). I found this coin keychain and my husband bought it for me.

It's small and nicked up and scarred. The original key ring has broken and since the first time the ring broke off I've replaced it twice. I once lost it in a parking lot at grad school and when I came back out from class I found it right there on the ground. It isn't just a keychain to me anymore. It's part of the memory.

Usually I would say my favorite souvenirs of all are photos and memories. My "Happiest Celebration on Earth" keychain is a really close second, though. ;)

Mickey Loves Minnie and I Love Giveaways!

Have you entered the LeSportSac Mickey Loves Minnie Hobo bag contest?  

If not head on over HERE!

Time is running out to enter (and there are lots of ways to enter so make sure you did them all)!!!

LeSportSac bags are awesome and this pattern is so adorable it makes my love loving heart skip a little beat!

Happy Valentine's Day from Picturing Disney!

Are you on Instagram??

Hello there both new and old followers alike!

Are you on Instagram? If so come and follow me! As you know I leave a Disney driven life and post a lot of fun stuff over there (unique to the stuff posted on other Social Networking sites and even here)! Click the screen shot above (or the floating icon on the left of your screen) to head to my Instagram profile directly through the web or to find me on your phone/tablet apps search for me... my username is: picturingdisney

I have a few plans up my sleeve for some IG contests live while I am in Disney so be sure to follow soon! :)

As always, thanks for reading along! 

Free Bullseye From Toy Story Crochet Pattern!

After creating this little fellow for a friend all of his kids started to call him "Bullseye."

Disney LeSportSac Giveaway!!!!

I adore LeSportSac.  

As luck would have it Disney and LeSportSac have now teamed up for this amazing exclusive pattern 'Mickey and Minnie'.  

How to do your own Mickey Mani (or Pedi) at home!!!

Last year when I was heading to the parks for a long weekend trip I realized at the last minute that my toes weren't very flip flop ready! I quickly gave myself a pedi and stumbled upon a super easy way to give yourself a Mouse Ears icon on your nails! 

1.  Start with a fresh pedicure that has at least set- no wet nails!

2.  Grab your tools: black polish and a Q-tip

3.  Remove the cotton from one end of the Q-tip as best you can- mainly you want the tip to be cleared of cotton.

4. (This is the long and hard step.)  

Practice on a piece of paper and carefully dip the cotton end of your Q-tip in black polish.  You should get a feel of how hard to push down to get a decent circle. Do the same with the other end (that you removed the cotton from).  Your cotton end will make a bigger circle and you will use it for the head while the bare end will be used for the ears. 

Variations for nails:  I have never done this as a Mickey mani but have made tiny mickeys before.  You can create smaller circles by simple touching your nail more lightly with the Q-tip ends.

PS- Yes, I know I have Fred Flintstone toes. lol.

New Disney Products being Showcased at NY Toy Fair!

This weekend is the New York Toy Fair and I was lucky enough to get a press invite which also means I was lucky enough to get all the info on upcoming goods coming your way by way of Disney! There are so many great productions coming out this year and the toys coupled with them will sure to be fun for children's of all ages (like those of us who are turning 30 next month and have a shelf full of Legos)!

Monster's University is really taking it to a new level with the awesome collaborations and high tech toys coming out with the release of the film and later this year! The Monster's University toy collection features:

• Action Figures
• Remote ControlVehicles
• Playsets
• Plush
• Preschools

Highlights of the new ling include:

• Scare Off Sulley from Spin Master, a feature plush that utilizes life-like animatronics and sound and light detection technology to change play modes and sense the environment. Combining traditional roleplay with inventive characteristics, the 
• Sulley Monster Mask from Spin Master is powered by children during play, reflecting their movements with its movable mouth and eyebrows.

Also coming out this year are new Lego collaborations! Look out for The Lone Ranger and Jake and the Neverland Pirates (pictured above) in their Lego form this summer!

Mattel, Jakks Pacific, and Fisher Price have also teamed up with Disney for some new toys featuring your favorite characters from:

• Disney Princesses
• Disneytoon's Planes
• Sofia the First
• Oz the Great and Powerful
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• And other fan favorites!

2013 is sure to be the year of the toy if there ever was one! Look out at your local Disney Stores and favorite retailers for all the new and exciting items coming out later this year!

WIN A DISNEYLAND AUTHENTIC ARIEL PIN!

This has been a banner week for me here on Picturing Disney! The life of a blogger isn't always very validating but in the last week I have been invited to a Disney Consumer Products Press Event AND have been invited access to the Disney Parks media news site! I feel so official!!! 

To boot my parents got me an amazing early birthday gift-- I am now a Disney stockholder!!

To celebrate all the good Disney-ness in my life I want to spread some Disney joy!

Enter below for a chance to win this lovely Ariel Disneyland pin features everyone's favorite swimming princess, Sebastian and World of Color! 

To Enter: Comment below and tell me your favorite Disney animated film (hand-drawn feature film) and why its your fave!

I tried to pick one myself but all of the "new classics" tie for me-- Lion King, Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast... I just can't pick! On Friday I will randomly choose a comment and post the winner in comments here and on our Facebook page! Sorry international readers but this contest is open to United States residents only. 

Disney World App Round-up!

Let me start by saying this is my first time blogging from my phone! Yay! Secondly, many of these apps are available across platforms as I had a lot on my Droid before getting a new phone so check the App Store on your phones!

I previously reviewed a bunch of great apps. Start by checking out my reviews of:

• Mouse Vault 
• Hidden Mickeys 
• Disney Daily Did You Know
• Walt Disney World Photos 
• Where in Walt Disney World?
• Buses, Boats, & Monorails!

Moving right along let's start with an app area that probably dominates your search when you type "Disney World" into the app store: Wait Times! I am a firm believer in Touring Plans being superior in this category.  I have used the Touring Plans website (Love me the Crowd Calendar!) and the Wait Times apps for both Disneyland and DisneyWorld and found that they are the most accurate. The app is FREE and available on both Apple and Android phones! Having an account is a big plus, and in my opinion worth the few bucks! For Universal Orlando Wait Times I like the Undercover Tourist app best!

Next up: Countdown apps! My all time favorite has got to be Days to Go WDW! Not only does it feature a little counter on the top right of your app (think of where you would usually see the number of notifications you have) to remind you how many days but when you open it there are various pictures to remind you of your happy place! This app is well worth the $0.99 charged, especially if your trip feels like its still eons away!

Disney also offers a slew of FREE apps for your planning pleasure. While Disney Parks Mobile Magic is now available free for Android and Apple users, I found it a little cumbersome to use when in the parks.  The only time I really utilized it was when I traveled alone and had a little more time to investigate.  I think it would be great for first time travelers and being its free its worth a go!  

What I prefer more than this though, is the My Disney Experience app because it seems to be everything I wanted and expected from the Mobile Magic app! Now it is also flawed since eacg time I have attempted to make a Dining reservation with it after I go through the steps it instructs me to call but it does have a one touch call option so you don't have to type in the number.  It is nice to be able to check out restaurant info like that on the fly, but again thats what makes it seems like an extension of the original.  I like the "more" section where I can access videos from Disney Parks Blog and I got Nala from the Lion King in the character quiz which made me happy. lol. 

Another fun app is Beers & Ears! Here you can use a checklist of all the beers found throughout the Walt Disney World resort.  If you find one you love or want to try you simply click on it to find out where you can grab some! There is also an option for you to switch to a map and see what they offer!

 

And finally what I probably consider the most awesome, amazing, wonderful comprehensive guide to ever hit your mobile phone: Walt Disney World Touring Guide!  It is so beautiful and chock full of great pictures and information ANY Disney fan, old or new, can appreciate it! At $1.99 it may seem steep for an app but its seamless, with information about all parks, attractions, resorts, and even fun facts and hidden mickey info! And its so easy to navigate with the top arrows.  You never need to carry a guide with you again!

And because I feel like I have to fit it in somwhere! Every Disney fan needs to download wither the WDW Radio or Sorcerer Radio app to listen to some magical music anytime, anywhere! 

What's your favorite Disney app??

Get the coveted sign shot!

Photo Tip: Snag the front seat of Magical Express bus and if the windshield is clean enough on the bus you can get perfect shots through the front window as you approach Walt Disney World & your Resort area!

Etsy Shop Review & Giveaway!!

In the spirit of Disney Adventures I have another great giveaway from Chunkee Monkee Bowtique! Last year when I got an amazing Disney/Pixar "Up" inspired bottlecap pin I emailed the amazing shop owner through Etsy and let her know about my blog and how much I adore my new adventurer pin! She was gracious enough to give away both a Grape Soda bottlecap pin (through a fun Facebook trivia contest) and then later on her Wilderness Explorer Badge pin.    As you can probably guess, Terri is a great shop owner and her pieces are of the highest quality.  I have been wearing my Grape Soda pin on my winter fur-lined bubble vest for over a year and it has taken heat, cold, and a few times of me slamming my jacket around and still it looks like it is in brand new form.  The epoxy she uses to seal and the way she runs the pin through the bottlecap is far superior to others I have seen on Etsy.  Plus, her shop is chock full of other fun items! There are bottle caps, bottle cap sheets, hair ties, bows, headbands, and she takes custom orders as well! I can not recommend this shop any more for any of your accessory needs! The customer service is unbeatable and the prices are more than fair!   After talking to Terri last week she has now graciously offered to donate more pins for a giveaway here on Picturing Disney! You can use the rafflecopter form below to enter for your chance to win BOTH a Wilderness Explorer Badge pin and a Grape Soda pin! These are amazing quaility and will be sent to you directly from Chunkee Monkee! There are lots of ways to enter- you can nab a few entries for a bunch of things you probably do already! And as an extra thank you to those who have so generously and graciously donated to our Feeding America fundraiser you get TEN extra entries if you donate (remember $1 can provide 8 meals to those in need)! I can not thank you enough for helping our cause and  for following and reading Picturing Disney!  I hope this fun giveaway reminds me how much you all mean to me! Thanks again to Terri and Chunkee Monkee Bowtique! Remember to complete all required information fields for entries or your entry will NOT be counted!

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