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Oktoberfest: Dress to impress
When visiting Europe in 2026, we were in Munich just as Oktoberfest was wrapping up. As we walked around Marienplatz, I was amazed at the amount of shops that specialized in Oktoberfest gear. Sure, you could purchase a dirndl on Amazon….but if you are going to Munich you need to it right! I did not look at the price tags on these dresses, but I can only imagine. Party goers can spend as little as $65 – $100 on a dirndl, or as much as $300 – $800. As they are often considered a costume, they are sometimes available for rent. A traditional dirndl consists of these key components: bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron. While today these are worn for celebrations such as Oktoberfest, they have been around for centuries.
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Bangle stack: Earth tones
These earth toned bangles from Bourbon and Boweties are stunning. I love pairing the different sized pieces together; such as a larger stone bangle with a medium stone bangle, and even a smaller stone bangle. Creating color combinations is also always fun. The stones on the large and medium piece remind me of sea glass. #banglestack #bourbonandboweties
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Walt & Mickey
Classic. While the original was placed in Disneyland in 1993, the statue was recreated for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and installed in June of 1995. Three other statues would be placed at other Disney parks: Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, and Disneyland Paris.
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Varying grays
This bangle stack features varying shades of gray. The bangle with the large (almost white) stone has exposed wire, which is one of my favorite features of Bourbon and Boweties bangles. I also like pairing large pieces with smaller pieces. I love the druzy on some of the pieces. This provides a wonderful sparkling and crystal effect.
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One day, four parks, Disney style
I have been a WDW annual pass holder for years. Recently, I wanted to check out Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, looking for a specific t-shirt I had seen earlier. Since I was really only there for the shopping, I decided to turn it into a personal challenge. I decided to visit all four parks in one afternoon, riding one ride at each park.
Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain – actual wait 16 minutes, posted wait 10 minutes
Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest – actual wait (single rider) 3 minutes, posted 15 minutes; rode 3 times back to back; 3 minute wait each time
Epcot: Gran Tour Fiesta – walk on, no wait
Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror – actual wait 27 minutes, posted wait 35 minutes
Exhausting but fabulous day…spent most walking to and from car, as I did not want to use Disney Transport (typically used when true “park hopping”). Weather was great, so it was an easy day to do this challenge. It was nice to be able to say that I visited all four parks at the end of the year!
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Stamps of Life: Birthday Card
At one time, I had a subscription to one of the Stamps of Life clubs. At one point I had a subscription to the die hard club, which was a monthly subscription that included a brand new stamp and die set each month. At the same time, I believe that I also had a subscription to the card kit club, which was a monthly subscription that included all sorts of matching items (patterned paper, cardstock, embellishments, etc) to create several cards. One of those months provided me with the bananasplit2stamp’clear stamp set and the bananasplit2stamp die set, and I used those two products to create these birthday cards. Once I completed the cards, I used the leftover supplies to document in my junk journal. I think this is a fun way to look back and remember your creative time. It can also be a great reference, should you like to recreate the card or something similar. #cardmaking #rubberstamping #birthdaycard #papercraft
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European trip #18: Italy & train ride
We crossed into Italy with little fanfare….at a small border town where we barely even realized we had crossed over. After arriving at our hotel, we walked a short way to a restaurant and had some pizza (of course). We did not stay in Venice, but inland, in Mestre. The next day, we took the train to Venice. The train station was packed, not surprisingly. We bought our tickets, which were only a few bucks, and got on the train headed to Venice. Or, we thought we were headed to Venice. Turns out, we had boarded the wrong train, and we were headed in the opposite direction. 😳 We did not even realize this until the conductor came to scan our tickets. As people who don’t ride trains often, we thought it was taking a bit longer than it should, and we were not seeing any water….but we were just happily riding the train. 🤭🙄🤣 We had to get off the current train, purchase another set of tickets (as they time out after about an hour) and then board another (correct) train, and be on our way. Needless to say, after our train adventure, we did finally arrive in Venice!!! #venice #trainride #adultingineurope #europeanvacation
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European trip #17: Leaving Switzerland
As we left Sion, Switzerland, and headed to Italy, we continued through the alps. Such breathtaking beauty, and everything was so green. We got high enough that we even encountered some snow for a few minutes. ❄️ ❄️❄️ We went through lots of tunnels, of which many are open on one side. Not sure of the purpose of this, but I love the views these tunnels offered! This was the landscape I had been longing to see, so I was very happy we decided on driving from destination to destination. #switzerland #mountains #swissalps #drivingeurope
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European trip #16: Descending from Tourbillon
Some random pics as I made my way down the hill from the Tourbillon Castle. The structure you see in a few of the photos is the Valere Basilica or Valere Castle. I do wish I would’ve had time to explore this castle, as well. It is a fortified Roman Catholic Church, meaning it was a church built with defensive features, to serve as a refuge during times of war. The tunnel in the second to last photo is how you access Rue Des Chateau to get to Tourbillon. #castleruins #switzerland #history #sionswitzerland
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Gradient grays
Love this bangle stack from Bourbon and Boweties. I love mixing smaller pieces with bigger pieces. I also love natural stones, and exposed wire. Stunning! #banglestack #banglebabe #bangles #bourbonandboweties
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