Contrary to the title of this post, my first inclination is to tell you all about something I’m SO not loving lately.  Paint.  Remember the redecorating project I’ve got underway?  Yeah, well, it includes a lot of painting and I just so happen to be the resident specialist.  To me, there is only one good thing about painting and that is the finished product.  I needn’t tell you, then, how absurdly frustrating it is to finish one painting project only to find out that the color isn’t my cup of tea.  I spent an entire day last weekend painting the back of the cutouts in our built-in shelving units.  After much consideration, I went with a turquise’ish sea blue color.  I didn’t immediately love it.  And then, by day four, I had decided that I most decidedly disliked it.  And so guess what I did this past weekend?  Yep.  Painted over it with a far more neutral khaki color called “soft suede.”  This one I love.  Pictures coming soon.

Paint aside, there are some things I’m loving lately.  Here they are.  This post does contain affiliate links.

JAMBOX – Both Jeff and I LOVE this thing.  It’s a small wireless portable speaker (about the size of my wallet) that packs a serious punch, soundwise.  It plays music from any Bluetooth source; we use our iPhones for it, but iPods, tablets or computers would work, too.  We take it to the backyard while Jeff is grilling or to the front porch for our mommy & daddy wine sipping.  It’s truly as easy as carrying it with you, plopping it onto a nearby table and hitting play.  I’m not particularly picky about sound quality, but I can tell you that this little baby is clear (not crackly or muffled), even at moderate volume.  We have big plans to take it with us to the beach this summer.

Dark Places – I’ve mentioned before that I’m a fiction lover, much more so than non-fiction.  It’s been a while, though, since I’ve read a novel that I can’t put down.  I’m happy to report, though, that Gillian Flynn has come along and changed all that for me.  Much like the title would indicate, this book isn’t all rainbows and unicorns.  There is some raunchy language and the topic of devil worship does come up.  It’s not by any means glorified, though.  It’s the story of Libby Day, who testified at the age of seven that her brother murdered her family.  In the twenty-five years that have passed since, Libby has led a lonely and angry life, surviving off of the funds donated by strangers when she was younger.  When the money runs out, Libby finds herself tiptoeing into the past to find a way to sustain her future.  What she finds there begins to slowly unravel a web of lies two decades old.  It’s a page turner, for sure.

snipsnapapp

Snip Snap App – This is pure brilliance.  Seriously.  I cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked into a store to make a purchase, only to find that I left my dagnabbed coupon book at home.  Not since having downloaded this app have I had that problem.  To use it, you simply snap a photo of your coupon and submit it.  The app will magically transform that coupon into a barcode that the cashier can scan.  But even if you don’t have a coupon for the particular store you’re shopping, use the search function to see if other couponers have shared a deal.  It’s easy to use, free to download and has saved me around $30 since I started using it a week ago.

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Red Letter Words – In the search for beautiful things to incorporate into my redecorating project, I found Red Letter Words.  Dee’s art prints are both inspirational and gorgeous.  In my big reveal (coming soon!) you’ll see the print I chose for my home, but given the option of a custom piece, there truly is no limit to what Dee can do.  Keep your eye out for a giveaway announced soon.

Foil-baked (or grilled) lemon garlic fish with asparagus – I don’t have a picture for you, but if you click through to the link you’ll see one.  We’ve had this meal twice in the last month and have loved it both times.  We use Mahi mahi and cook it on the grill instead of in the oven.  It’s a great light and healthy meal to add to your spring dinner rotation.

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sammyduvallparasailing6

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there is something for everyone at Walt Disney World.  One of the reasons I choose it as a family vacation destination year after year is because there truly is something there for people big and small, young and young-at-heart.  It should come as no surprise, then, that parasailing is one of the many activities available on site at Walt Disney World.  Recently, I was invited to try a complimentary parasailing excursion with Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre, located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Marina.   They offer a wide array of watersport activities, including: water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and parasailing.  Parasailing guests can opt to go it solo, or fly tandem with a friend or loved one.  It is important to note, though, that either way, the weight of the flyer(s) must be between 130-330 pounds.  Also, the minimum age to experience parasailing with Sammy Duvall’s is six.  Lucky for us, my six-year-old son, Jayce, and I met those requirements.  In March, we had the pleasure of heading to Disney’s Contemporary marina for an exhilarating mid-morning flight.

The day we visited, the weather was maybe a tad chilly for my Arizona blood.  The good news, though, is that Sammy Duvall’s parasailing guests need not get wet.  In fact, I opted to wear jeans and a t-shirt for my experience and I can gladly report that I didn’t get a drop of water on me.  We showed up for our flight about fifteen minutes early, as requested.  The Sammy Duvall Watersports Centre was easy to spot on the marina.

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Upon arrival, we spent five or so minutes filling out some liability release forms.  After that, we grabbed a seat at a nearby table and waited for our turn to get going.  The wait wasn’t long, though.  Dave and his partner for the day introduced themselves and showed Jayce and me (along with another guest who was flying solo that day) to the boat.  Once aboard, we were fitted with life jackets and harnesses.  It was an easy process that took no longer than a couple of minutes per person.

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As the first guest was flying solo, Dave’s partner gave me the option to fly next to Jayce, or behind him.  He said that both options are equally safe, but that some parents prefer the peace of mind that comes with being able to wrap his or her arms around a young child flyer.  He also said that the view for both flyers is better if you fly next to each other.  We opted to do it that way.  When it was our turn to fly, Jayce and I were led to the rear of the boat and directed to sit down with our legs straight out in front of us, and the harness resting on our thighs, above the knee.  Pardon the blurry picture; I thought it might be helpful to see the position in spite of the blur.

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In no time at all, Disney magic was at work and off we went, soaring up, up and away.  Tip: for the best photos, Dave advises waving your arms, giving thumbs up and/or hang ten signs.  Oh, and smiles–big smiles (that part should be easy).

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Once we had reached full height, we were able to see clear across the Walt Disney World Resort.  The best views to be had were of the Magic Kingdom; I was able to point out lots of New Fantasyland landmarks for Jayce.  If you use the trees in the photo below as a reference point, you can get a pretty good idea of how high we were.  In fact, from our vantage point, we were able to make out the icons from each of the four major theme parks.  If you’re wondering if it was windy up there, it wasn’t.  One thing that struck me was just how quiet it was.

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Our flight lasted right around ten minutes.  Jayce and I both agree that the experience itself was a definite highlight of our trip and we hope to do it again sometime in the future.  As for our crew?  They were friendly, engaging and eager to ensure that our flight was easy and unforgettable, from start to finish.  Whether you’ve visited Walt Disney World one time or one hundred times, I can highly recommend parasailing with Sammy Duvall’s as a sure-fire way to add adventure to an already pixie-dusted vacation.

The cost of parasailing with Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre currently ranges from $95 to $195.  Flights last from 8-12 minutes.  For more information, check out the Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre website.

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Meant as a promise

5justwriteAt home, the untamed hills were covered with grasses–golden brown but for the rainy months when the greens were emerald and spring.  If you closed your eyes and imagined you might pick up the hint of salt in the air, blown in from the coast.  In seven minutes flat you could get from one end of town to the other and anywhere in between.  Home was a parade down Spring Street and Friday night football and oaks with roots and branches you can’t untangle from.

We sit on the porch and I tell him again: I really want to move.  We wonder which–if any–spot is meant for us.  We talk about cities of The West.  We pluck high points from each of them and drop them like marbles in our wish jar.  We’re back to a timeline.  Three more years until the next one graduates high school.  Then we can go we tell ourselves.  Meant as a promise but it floats up up and away as hopes often do.

It’s okay sometimes but other times the roots of this dessert weigh like an anchor.  I close my eyes and the sounds should soothe.  Birds that chirp and clocks that tick and breezes that rustle wispy leaves.  Quiet for miles.  I close my eyes and hope to find certain peace there but all I find is sad and lonesome and longing.

There is a difference between restless and longing.  Restless fidgets and buzzes and hums.  Longing aches for something missed.  Something once had but since lost.

Something worth seeking out again.

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This little light

Throughout the course of my life as a mother there have come to pass many moments in which I’ve seen proof of light and innocence in my children.  Within those moments, I’ve wanted nothing more than to tuck my babies quietly away, protecting that quality from the grime and tarnish with which the world would surely defile.

As a young mother, I faced the difficult reality that we wouldn’t be able to afford to send our children to the same private Lutheran school I attended as a child.  Disheartened, I took the situation to my Bible study group and asked for prayer.  To this day, I remember the encouraging words offered by the group leader.  She reminded me of a Sunday School song I knew well.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.  

Torri was able to attend that school for a single year.  While she was there, she won the Fruit of the Spirit award, given to a single student each year in recognition for living out love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control.  The next year–when we had to switch her to public school–I worried that all that goodness would slowly be siphoned out.  The words of my Bible study teacher came back and I leaned heavily on them as I sent her off to school.  Hide it under a bushel–NO!  I’m going to let it shine.

With the luxury of hindsight, I’m able to see that I needn’t have worried.  School–public or not–didn’t snuff Torri’s light.  In fact, I most assuredly believe that indeed the world is a better place because of her.

Here is proof.

ChampionTorri

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bestDisneydrinks

It’s a common misconception that Disney is only magical for the kiddie set.  Take it from this thirty-something: Walt Disney World has something to offer everyone.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve visited and come across mom and dad zombies, traipsing through the parks with stupified, one-too-many-rounds-on-it’s-a-small-world glazed over stares.  It makes me want to stage an intervention.  Or, at the very least, direct them to this blog post in which I am sharing my personal picks for Disney’s top 10 cocktails.  A few sips of one of these babies and those stupified stares–dare I say–magically disappear.

Before we begin, I have to tell you that my adult beverages of choice are wine and margaritas.  You’ll notice, then, that my picks find their roots there.  I have, however, included several tropical favorites and–not to completely exclude the kids–I’ve even featured a mocktail that you won’t want to miss.  Without further ado…cheers!

10.  Jay’Gail Sangria – Raglan Road – $9.50

bestdisneydrinksraglansangrEven the Irish can appreciate a good sangria, apparently.  Theirs is made with Magners Cider and Peach Schnapps, along with some Fruit Liqueurs and squeezes just for kicks.  While I found this beverage to be refreshing and bubbly, it wasn’t terribly strong.  If you’re looking for a bit of a buzz, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest this, but if you’re just acquiring a taste for libations, then the Jay’Gail Sangria might be just right.  It definitely has a hint of sweetness but it wasn’t near as sickeningly so as a Reisling or Moscato.  And because Irish Cider is the base of it–as opposed to white wine–it is more malty than vine-y.

9.  Banana Cabana – widely available – $9.25

bestdisneydrinksbananaIt might seem weird that someone who doesn’t so much care for bananas would feature a drink called Banana Cabana on her top 10 picks for best cocktails, right?  True.  But look at that drink!  Isn’t it gorgeous?  It’s made with a mix of mango and guava rums, as well as Creme de Banana, fruit juices, and a splash of grenadine.  I think the mango and guava rums dilute that banana taste enough that I easily sipped away at this, my husband’s choice.  It’s fun and fruity, though again, not too sweet.

8. Cucumber margarita – La Cava del Tequila – $12.50

bestdisneydrinkscukemargThis southwestern specialty brings together El Mayor premium silver Tequila, orange liqueur, caramelized pineapple juice, fresh basil, cucumber and agave nectar to concoct one fine margarita.  The tastes of cucumber and basil most definitely come through and are very refreshing on the palate.  Perhaps just a touch sweeter than I’d prefer, this margarita was moderately strong and oh so easy going down.

7.  LeFou’s Brew – Gaston’s Tavern (Magic Kingdom) – $9.99
bestdisneydrinksbrewTruthfully, I was not expecting to like this mocktail.  Intended or not, it quite closely resembles beer, but it’s 100% alcohol free and kid friendly.  It’s made from frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam.  I didn’t think I’d like it because I feared the sweetness factor would be out of control.  While it is indeed sweet, it’s absolutely delicious.  The hint of marshmallow is mostly definitely discernable.  I also loved the smoothie-like texture and mango foam topping.  Do treat the kiddos to this if you get the chance (and get one for yourself, while you’re at it).

6.  Red Sangria – Paradiso 37 – $8

bestdisneydrinksparadisosanAvailable frozen or on the rocks, this red sangria is a bit out of the box in that it’s made with guava juice.  That’s a new one to me.  Judging on how much I liked it, though, I might have to try incorporating guava juice into my next homemade sangria batch.  My personal wine preference is typically white, but I wanted to try the red for something different.  It was quite good.  The red wine flavor wasn’t terribly overwhelming, though still present.  Together with the brandy and fruit juices, it made for an interesting change from the typical margarita I’d normally order at a Mexican restaurant.  It did seem light on alcohol content, which may be a plus to some but to me it was a bit of a detractor.

5.  Rum Runner – widely available – $9.25

bestdisneydrinksrumrunnerThe Rum Runner is my second favorite tropical drink.  Made with Myer’s Platinum Rum, Blackberry Brandy, Creme de Banana, and tropical juices, it packs a yummy punch.  But when they float the dark rum on top, all bets are off.  The nice thing about this particular beverage is that it can be made quite weak if you’re just looking for a fruity splash of something fun while you’re lounging poolside.  In that case, the alcohol is hardly discernable.  I, personally, wouldn’t make that choice, but it’s a handy tip for the lightweights among us.

4. Godiva Liqueur Flight – widely available – $9.00

bestdisneydrinksgodivaMy handsome husband and I shared this Godiva Liqueur Flight one night at the Territory Lounge inside the Wilderness Lodge.  It includes three half-ounce pours, including chocolate, white chocolate, and caramel, each topped with a Godiva Liqueur-infused strawberry.  This was our dessert that night.  Isn’t it such a fun presentation?  I would think it might be a bit much for one person, but the two of us enjoyed it thoroughly, down to the last liqueur-infused bite.  I highly recommend it as a fun way to enjoy a little something sweet after dinner.

3. Pineapple Margarita – La Cava del Tequila – $12.50
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Pineapple lovers: behold.  This is the ultimate in pineapple-y deliciousness.  Within this cup, 100% Agave Tequila Reposado, ginger liqueur, caramelized pineapple nectar, fresh lime juice and agave nectar, come together to create one fabulous drink.  It most definitely is on the sweet side, but I can vouch for it’s tastiness and strong pineapple flavor.
2. Avocado Margarita – La Cava del Tequila – $12.50
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I would totally be lying if I didn’t own up to the hesitation with which I ordered this drink.  I watched as the bartender scooped a half an avocado into the blender and totally second-guessed my decision.  One sip of the finished product, however, and I didn’t look back.  Unlike the margaritas I typically order, this one was served frozen.  It’s quite a unique taste sensation because the creaminess of the avocado sort of rivals the tequila.  Oh, but then there’s a sweet kick from the melon liqueur.  Finally, the hibiscus Himalayan salt rim brings it all together.  Only available in Epcot’s Mexico, this beverage poses such a conundrum for me.  I’m a wine girl at heart, and I love to sip my way from Italy to France, but having discovered this little beauty, I’m left torn two ways.  All the more reason for multiple visits, I suppose.
1.  And my number one–must do–Walt Disney World adult beverage is…drum-roll please….the Captain’s Mai Tai.  $9.25 & widely available
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The picture alone makes me thirsty.  For me, this is the ultimate vacation beverage.  Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Amaretto, and tropical juices are topped with a generous float of Myer’s Original Dark Rum.  There is simply nothing to complain about here.  It’s sweet enough to go down smooth and easy, but strong enough to let you know you’re on vacation.  This is my go-to drink when I’m at Typhoon Lagoon or Castaway Cay, my toes in the sand and the sun on my back.  The only bad thing about this drink is that it leaves you wanting another–and we all know how dangerous that can be.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

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I'm Darcie. I was a teen mom long before MTV made it the next big thing. In the 18 years that have passed since, I've gone on to build a life bold and beautiful here in Tucson, Arizona. Along the way, I bagged myself a rocket scientist hottie husband and penned a couple of books. In addition to being a minivan chauffeur, cupcakeaholic and wine sipper, I like to think of myself as a rebel with a lifestyle blog; my posts reflect on the ups and downs of life as a mother to four, including one daughter who rocks three 21st chromosomes (or has Down syndrome, in layman’s terms). My passions include handcrafted food, inspired travel and back-to-basics living. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance.
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