Spooky-Pooky Style Simba!

When I was a kid, I LOVED Lion King and it was one of the first things I obsessed over and began collecting and naking stuff of. I had it all- the shampoo, bath bubbles, toy sets, candy bars, Wonderball toys, Kids/Happy Meal toys, school supplies, Christmas Ornaments, etc. Anything that came out of it, I had to have it. But my most beloved possession of all was my Simba plush. I packed him everywhere and he remained to be my favorite stuffed animal for life and I still leave him on my bed. 

Seeing the film again in theaters was incredible. Every old feeling of love, admiration, excitement, awe-inspired, etc came rushing right back to me. The movie was just as good as it was back then, and it still stands the test of time. It such a brilliant movie in story-telling, animation, art, music- everything. A masterpiece, if you will. And watching it with my husband for our first wedding anniversary made it all the more special.

 I had goosebumps almost the entire time I was watching the movie. 

When we returned home, I wanted to make something Lion King related. I was just so inspired, and I ended up not being able to sleep from it.

And so, I ended up with this:

 He turned out pretty cute, and he just sort of happened. I love it when that takes place. I put him on my bed with old Simba and it was then that I realized just how worn and torn he is. :(

But I just remind myself he is not old and scruffy-

He is loved and cherished! And now I have Baby Simba to remind me of my anniversary, my love for the movie and Simba (animated version and stuffed version), my childhood, and to keep inspiring me! 

A Year of Adventures, and Many More to Come!

Yesterday, the 25th, I celebrated my first year anniversary with my husband. Can you believe a year has gone by already! Holy crow...I had no idea it would go this fast.

Kevin and I, as I have already mentioned MANY TIMES, are going to California for our celebration. But we still wanted to do something special yesterday. We agreed to no gifts for each other, and that we would just go out and eat dinner or do something simple and save all our money for the trip. 

We ended up driving out of town (since Denny's is our nicest restaurant. Not even exaggerating.) and we ate at Olive Garden then saw the Lion King in 3D. It was a pretty relaxed day, but it was wonderful just being able to spend time with Kevin and watch such a beloved movie from my past. 

(The Lion King started my obsessive nature.)

Even though we said no gifts, the night before the big day, I didn't feel right about not having anything to commemorate the event. So I gathered some supplies I had present in my studio, and a little over an hour later I had this. 

It has a little Skeleton couple and a Tea Party scene inside. The Halloween and Wonderland theme is taken directly from the actual wedding theme and is in tribute to our Halloween trip. I put a black cat on top to signify a Halloween inspired Cheshire Cat, and to represent our own Halloween Black kitten we got in October right after the wedding last year. And there is a Mickey Head in the top corner to represent the anniversary trip. Luckily, since I love all these things so much I have lots of supplies on hand! :)

It is nothing too special, but I was glad I had at least something to show for our big day. First anniversary's are a big deal to me, and the day was so special!

Kevin also broke our deal and bought me a couple gifts! Cheater...although I really am not complaining at all. ;)

First, a collection of all the greatest Horror Movies. We are going to set up my old tv in the living room, decorate it with creepy stuff and play these movies all day every day through October. I will take a picture to show you the set-up! 

My parents gave us a gift too- travel pillows for our trip! We wanted these sooooo badly on our trip home from Florida and coveted all the people on the plane who had one. Such a perfect, useful gift!

And Kevin also bought me a pretty awesome Pre-order Special of The Lion King! After discussing the movie all day, watching it again, then talking about it all the way home, I was too inspired too sleep and made the tiny Simba that night. :) (His post is being written at the same time as this.) 

So, overall, it was an excellent day. I love Kevin and this first year was amazing. Thank you to everybody that has been along with me in this crazy ride and to all of you who have supported and encouraged me. You are all so amazing! 

One Tiny Book Swap

I just completed a One Tiny Book Swap on Craftster and though I would share what I made. 

I was going to wait until October, but I should have plenty to post that month!

My partner was the lovely SuzannahAshley, who ROCKS. She has awesome plushes and paintings and we love all the same things, so I was stoked. 

She listed skulls, black cats, fall, silliness, and few other things in her preferred themes so I kinda just ran with it. It turned out NOTHING like I had planned, but she liked it and I was very happy with the end results. 

Any Disney/Traveling Advice for Me, Anybody?

Okay, so like I was saying earlier, my husband and I are really going to California for Halloween!

Words cannot even begin to describe how excited I am. 

I know that is a cliche to say...but it is just so true. It is all I think/talk/dream about. I already have my suitcase out and have been adding and buying a few things here and there for the trip.

Since our Honeymoon to Florida was so recent, I have a MUCH better idea of what to bring. But I was wondering if any of you had any tips or suggestions. Especially those who travel often, and ESPECIALLY anybody in California. 

Right now, my number one priority and what we will be headed over to Boise to find are a good pair of shoes. I am going to actually spend some money and not go for a bargain buy like my normal habits lead me to. I wore converse for our 7 days in Disney World. 

Dumbest. Idea. Ever.

• So a good pair of athletic shoes are at the top of my list.

• Second priority are water bottles, which we already bought. And we will be buying some protein and granola bars and things that will keep us going and our energy up. I can't afford the snacks and Kevin is one of those guys who needs constant feeding. 

• I also made a little pouch with a hairbrush, comb, floss, chap stick, gum, bobby pins and hair-ties, a headband, sunglasses etc. Stuff I always wanted but never seemed to have at Disney World. Or stuff I came with and lost, (hair stuff mostly), so I want to be prepared for this kind of stuff fully. Anything else I should put with that?

• A hat. A couple hats. I didn't bring a hat and I REALLY wanted and needed one in Disney World.

 Any suggestions or tips on what else to bring? Any of you Californians have some words of wisdom for me? I am not sure what kind of clothes to pack. What is the weather like this time of year? Is it still really hot, or cooling down by then?

I will say that I get cold VERY easily. 

My style consists of layers. I ALWAYS wear layers.

My most common look:

Leggings, tank top, slouchy shirt on top, and a scarf. 

If it's cold in the evenings, I add leg warmers and a cardigan.

Then a jacket if necessary.

Would this work for Cali?

I was thinking I could do this and start off with light layers, and keep adding if it gets cooler. 

And I can bring a pair of levis always just in case I get too cold. 

What do you guys think?

Anything else I need? 

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!