Monday, August 9, 2021

Goofin' Off and Cruisin' Through the Jungle (with Project Updates)

Do you like puns?  Mr. Goofin' Off really enjoys a good pun.  He's a really punny guy!

If you've ever been to a Disney theme park and experienced the Jungle Cruise, you'll know what I'm talking about when I say it's a very pun-filled attraction.  For that reason, we were pretty excited to get to go see the Jungle Cruise movie this weekend.  

Jungle Cruise Attraction
Photo Credit:  Disney Destinations

It (and the puns) did not disappoint.  We thoroughly enjoyed it.  It was like a mix between Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean--but with a Jungle Cruise storyline.  It was full of puns--some of which were taken from the attraction while others were new to us.  

In a nutshell, the film's storyline follows the captain of a small riverboat who takes a scientist and her brother through the jungle in search of the Tree of Life.  The scientist wishes to use the petals that on the bloom of the tree to heal the sick of the world...a very noble motive.  But not everyone is quite as noble as her.  

It had some good twists and turns.  And there was definitely a good chemistry with the cast of the movie.  But I'm a huge Emily Blunt fan, so I may be a little biased.  (I thought she was practically perfect in every way as Mary Poppins.)

The film got two thumbs up from the Goofin' Off family.  

Project Updates for Week as of 8/9/2021

Time seems to keep slipping away.  But progress is progress, right?  I got a little bit of sewing time in last Friday.  I was able to take the strip cut pink flamingo units and add strips of 2" pink fabric to finish the units into blocks.  We now have pink, pink flamingo quilting blocks!  Yay!  At this point, I'm just hoping I get the quilt top before the end of summer.  

Pink, Pink Flamingo Quilt Blocks Finished

I also managed to get another approximately 800 stitches in on my Mickey and Pirate Friends full coverage piece.  


And when you pull away to look at the whole picture, you can see how the details and confetti really pull the piece together.  I apologize that something was wrong with the lighting, so it appears darker than it really is.  


Thank you so much for all of you who patiently put up with all my Disney projects and posts.  It continues to be so much fun keeping up with all my fellow blogging friends.  I really appreciate your comments and email messages.  They mean the world to me.  

Have a magical day!  
Andrea

P.S.  If you're a Disney fan, here are the top three posts from my "other" Disney blog from last week!  

Blog Post:  Cheshire Cat Tails Copycat Recipe

Blog Post:  Disney Banana Bread Recipe Copycat from Riviera Resort



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Sunday, August 8, 2021

Stitching Friends Blog Hop 2021

Stitching Friends Blog Hop

I have been slowly returning to my hobby blog of cross stitch and quilting projects the past few months.  It has been great to see so many of my old blogging friends still around...and been making some new blogging friends.  

When I saw Jo at Serendipitous Stitching ask for people to participate in the Stitching Friends Blog Hop, I knew I wanted to participate.  I really enjoy getting to know my fellow bloggers.  

The assignment was to introduce the blogger that I was given.  And then choose a cross stitch design I thought they might enjoy.  

Here are a few fun clues about my blogger:  

  • She is from Germany.  
  • The name of her blog is an indication of things that she enjoys doing which include needlework, books and video games (to name a few).
  • She recently knit a pair of Hufflepuff socks for a friends she met in a Facebook group.  As someone who likes to think of herself as a Hufflepuff herself, I thought these were awesome!  
  • She likes to cross stitch pieces of different sizes, but as someone who enjoys full-coverage stitching, I think my favorites are her full-coverage pieces (especially the Darth Vader piece)
  • She began her blog back in December of 2013 while working on her Master's degree.  
  • In June of this year she finished a piece called "Age is Irrelevant" which I totally fell in love with.  
Here are a few pictures I took from her site:  

Hufflepuff Knit Socks


Age is Irrelevant

The designs that my blogger chooses to cross stitch are quite varied.  That made it difficult to choose just one piece I thought she would enjoy.  I finally chose "The Child" by Tilton Crafts.  It goes along with her Darth Vader stitching...and, of course, it does have a Disney connection.  LOL

Have you guessed yet who my stitching friend is?  You can visit her blog and see all her fun projects over at Needle, Pen & Sword!  

Thanks again to Jo for such a fun blog hop!  

Have a magical day!  
Andrea

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Sunday, July 18, 2021

Goofin' Off with a "Silenzio, Bruno!" and Project Updates

Have you heard me shouting "Silenzio, Bruno?" lately.  I've certainly been guilty of saying it a lot.  

Photo Credit:  Disney Destinations

I just might be guilty of shouting this endlessly ever since I saw Luca.  Mr. Goofin' Off and I recently watched the Disney/Pixar movie Luca on Disney+.  I adored this movie.  It took me right back to our trip to Italy back in 2018.  Maybe one day I'll get to return?  Maybe.  Gotta save up that money first.  

So where does "Silenzio, Bruno" come from and what does it mean?  In a nutshell, it's all about learning to believe in yourself.  

Who is Bruno?  Well, he's that voice in your head that's always telling you things like:  "You can't do that."  "You'll never be able to make it work."  Bruno is annoying, sneaky, and outright rude.  But don't fear!  When you shout "Silzenio, Bruno!", you're chasing away all those doubts and giving yourself permission to just try.  

As a quilter and cross stitcher, I'm constantly having to remind myself that it's okay to try new things and be okay with it whether they work out or not.  Things do NOT have to be perfect.  There is joy in making the effort whether or not it is successful.  

Honestly, many of blogging friends encourage me just this same way.  And for that, I thank you!  

Update:  Flamingo Crossing Quilt

Although progress is much slower than I would like, I continue to make progress on this whimsical quilt.  I was able to complete strip sets for the next set of blocks for my Flamingo Crossing quilt.  


I then sub-cut the strip sets into smaller units.  


Woo hoo!  These aren't quite as "pink" as the last set of units I cut.  Looking forward to finishing the blocks and getting them assembled.  

Update:  Mickey and Pirate Friends Cross Stitch

This past weekend, I finished an additional 800+ stitches on Mickey and Pirate Friends.  I believe we're starting to work on Goofy again.  



I am pretty sure the next update will include a more definitive picture of Goofy popping up...and then maybe...just maybe...we'll see Mickey begin to appear.  In the meantime, here is the piece as a whole.  (Sorry for the wrinkles in the fabric, but I hesitate to press it too often.)


Thank you so much for popping in and visiting.  I always enjoy hearing from you and enjoy making new blogging friends!  

Link Parties I'm Participating In:


Happy stitching and have a magical day!  


Other non-stitching but Disney-related articles I've been up to:  

Over on my "other" Disney blog, I've put together the following articles and resources.  If there is something you're interested in, feel free to check it out.  

Banana Bread Copycat Recipe from Disney's Riviera Resort


How to Choose the Right Exercises for YOU!

What Characters Will Be at Avengers Campus?  

What Walt Disney World Resorts are Reopening Fall 2021?






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Friday, July 2, 2021

Goofin' Off with Heroes and Villains...and a Few Project Updates

Have you ever watched a movie and wished you could see the clothes the actors are wearing up close and personal?  Yep, this girl most definitely has!  And let me tell you, when I got the chance, it did not disappoint!  



Mr. Goofin' Off and I recently got to attend the "Heroes and Villains:  The Art of Disney Costume" exhibit at the MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) in Seattle.  It was absolutely fascinating.  There were so many of the original costumes warn in Disney live-action films, we stayed until we literally had to leave because our time was up.  

The four costumes above were all worn by Cinderella in live-action movies and TV by Disney.  Can you guess where they came from?  

  • Top Left:  Warn by Lily James in the 2017 movie "Cinderella"  The details on this were stunning with hundreds of beautiful little butterflies sewn onto the dress.  
  • Top Right:  Dania Ramirez in the seventh season of the TV Show "Once Upon a Time" 
  • Bottom Left:  Warn by pop singer Brandy in the 1997 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical film "Cinderella" made for ABC.   
  • Bottom Right:  Warn by Anna Kendrick in the 2014 movie "Into the Woods."  
Each interpretation done of Cinderella's ball dress fits perfectly within the production.  I have a whole new appreciation for the designers.  

While my projects are not nearly as stunning as these dresses were, I do have a few updates.  

Flamingo Crossings Quilt

I've decided to name this quilt "Flamingo Crossings" after the Flamingo Crossings Village just outside of Walt Disney World.  (I have to get in that Disney reference somewhere.  LOL)  It's where the Disney College Program students are housed during their tenure working at the most magical place on earth.  

The first thing I did was sew some of these strip sets together.  I love the pretty pinks...and know they are bright.  But it will all be toned down when I add some the black fabric further down the road.  

Next, I sub-cut these strip sets down to get started on the blocks.  Not a whole lot of progress, but it's better than nothing.  

On my cross stitch project of "Mickey and Pirate Friends," I started a new row of pattern pages.  I got through approximately 800 stitches since the last update.  I know some people can do that in a day, but this baby has tons of confetti.  And, quite honestly, finding time to work on projects can be difficult to fit in.  


And this is how the entire piece looks right now.  Hoping to get more stitching done this week.  But Mr. Goofin' Off has a bit of time off, so that often eats into my stitching time.  I'm not complaining, though.  I love to spend time with Mr. Goofin' Off.  He is my personal Goofy!  

Link Parties:  

Have a magical day!


Other Disney Things I've Been Up To

Over on my "other" Disney blog, I've put together the following articles and resources.  If there is something you're interested in, feel free to check it out.  











Tutto Italia Ristorante's (at EPCOT) Rigatoni Bolognese Copycat Recipe





Free Fairy Tale Themed Quilt Planner and Journal


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Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Goofin' Off With a Fairy Tale Blog Hop - June 2021

 What is a fairy tale? 

Photo Credit:  Disney Destinations



According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary the definition of a fairy tale is:  
"A story in which improbable events lead to a happy ending."    

Thanks to Joan at MooseStash Quilting for organizing this Fairy Tale Blog Hop.  I have been inspired by seeing all my quilting friends' fairy tale projects.  

As a special thank you for those who visit, I am offering a free downloadable and printable fairy tales themed quilt planner and journal in PDF format.  It will be available for free all summer long...if you know where to find it.  You can find the link to it here hosted on my other blog about adding Disney magic to everyday life.  This quilt planner and journal was created specially for this blog hop!  

Me, Disney and Fairy Tales

One thing you need to know about me is that I am a huge Disney fan!   If you have followed me for very long, this is not a surprise.  

I am a huge Disney fan because I realize that sometimes we have to go through difficult times before we reach our happy ending.  And Disney inspires me to keep moving forward through the tough times because the reward is coming.  And once I've got that reward, more adventures come along to challenge me...leading to another magical ending.  

Life seems to be one fairy tale after another after another after another.  And I keep moving forward so I can see what's waiting for me at the end of each chapter.  Life is not perfect...and that's okay because there are always good things to balance the difficult.  

Quilting Fairy Tales

I realize that many of my quilting and other projects also mirror the definition of a fairy tale.  So many times am I working on a project and something doesn't go quite right.  I cut some fabric incorrectly and need to rethink the design.  Or maybe the colors I chose don't quite work together, so I need to make some substitutions.  But once the process is finished, the final project is just what was needed for someone at just the right time.  

I've pulled together some pictures of my Disney projects for the Fairy Tale Blog Hop.  

I fell in love with this adorable Tinkerbell fabric.

As with many of my quilts, I wanted to create something quickly.  I used up some scraps of blues, purples, and greens to create this lap quilt for a friend who loves all things Tinkerbell.

My hubby (aka Mr. Goofin' Off) wanted a quilt for his newly remodeled TV room.  Captain America is his favorite Avenger and this is the fabric he picked out.

Here is the lap-sized quilt.  But then he changed his mind and wanted it for our bed.  (Apparently, he was tired of all the "floral" patterns on our bed.) 


So I added borders...and...voila!  A queen-sized quilt perfect for a superhero's (or a goofy man's) bedroom.


When I came across this fun Woody fabric, I knew EXACTLY what I was going to use it for.

My nephew was getting married and had asked Mr. Goofin' Off to perform the ceremony.  It was a Toy Story themed wedding.

They were married "to infinity and beyond."

Believe it or not, I actually do quilt projects that aren't so obviously Disney.  But the reality is, when I pick a focus fabric, it almost always reminds me of something Disney.  It's just the way my brain works.  

I make no apologies for it because it helps me stay sane in the crazy times of life.  It is a constant reminder of the many fairy tales (big and little) that have occurred in my lifetime.  


A Few Other Fairy Tale Projects


My other favorite hobby is counted cross stitch.  I have been especially drawn to full-coverage projects.  And, of course, can I help it if most of the patterns I choose are Disney (and fairy tale) themed?  

One of my favorite stitching projects ever was this Tinkerbell pattern I purchased off of eBay.  I smiled every time I worked on it.

This Snow White piece was stitched for Love Quilts USA.  They make themed quilts with cross stitched blocks for children with life-threatening or life-altering illnesses.

I found this pattern on Etsy.  I loved all the purples and pinks and the picture within the silhouette of good ol' Eeyore.

My current WIP.  This piece is titled "Mickey and Pirate Friends."  I am approximately 25% finished with this one.  It will be about the size of a movie poster when I am finished.  This was a special request by Mr. Goofin' Off and will be framed and hung in our family room.

Fairy Tale Blog Hop Blogs



Below you can find all the other blogs participating in the Fairy Tale Blog Hop this week.  If you're like me, visiting other blogs can be a nice way to settle down at the end of the day...or a way to get the creative juices and be inspired by other people's projects.  

Each blog has been assigned a day of the week to post to spread all the fun out over the week.  So take a few minutes to visit these other great blogs and see what they have to offer:  

Monday (June 21st):  

Thursday (June 24th):

Friday (June 25th):

As I mentioned before, I truly think that this journey of life is like a series of fairy tales.  For each chapter of difficulties and challenge, we often get rewarded by our next happy ending.  Then we are hit again with more challenges and adventures...and then hopefully another happy ending (no matter how brief it may be).  I live for those happy times and fairy tales.  

Each quilt finish, to me, is like a mini fairy tale ending.  I enjoy seeing how fabrics and shapes have come together to create something that will give comfort to someone...and hopefully make them smile each time they use it.  

May life be a never-ending fairy tale to all my quilting and stitching friends!  Thanks for joining me!  

Have a magical day!

P.S.  Don't forget to download the free printable PDF fairy tales themed quilt journal and planner!  Just click on the picture below for more information. 




 

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Thursday, June 10, 2021

I Want to Make Art...and I Want to Make Trouble

Do you think of your projects of making art?  Sometimes, I do.  I love to create new things through my quilts and embroidery work.  Shhh...can I tell you a secret?  I also like to be a little mischievous at times, too.  Do you like to be a little mischievous at times?  


Photo Credit:  Disney Destinations

Last weekend Mr. Goofin' Off and I went to see Cruella at the movie theater.  The theater only had 10 people in it...and it just felt so spacious.  So happy to be back in an actual theater.  And, for the record, we LOVED Cruella.  I had suspected that I would...but was surprised at how much Mr. Goofin' Off enjoyed it.  

One of the things I enjoyed was how much of the emphasis on Cruella's backstory was on how much she enjoyed designing and creating.  She was extremely talented and creative...always keeping her eyes out and mind thinking of her next creative endeavor.  

And while I won't spoil the movie if you haven't seen it, I can say I did relate to this quote from Cruella herself:  

"I want to make art.  And I want to make trouble."  -Cruella

I can totally relate to this.  I love to create and am so glad to be getting back into the game with new and ongoing quilting and cross stitch projects.  But I do always feel like I've got a bit of a mischievous side to me.  I don't let it out very often, but when I do...it's usually followed by a lot of laughter by whomever I'm with.  

But the reality is, you're probably here to check out what I've been working on.  I don't blame you.  It's why I love to participate in link parties and blog hops.  So glad to be back!  

Current Quilt Project

My newest start of a project is inspired by my desire to spend my winters in Florida one day...you know, to be closer to Disney World.  Technically, I love the Pacific Northwest and can't imagine ever leaving here.  But the dark and gray winters really get to me.  So this project embodies my desire to move...

The focus fabric for this one is flamingoes.  I was enamored by the pinks and whimsical flamingoes in the fabric.  The light pink and black fabric make for the perfect accent fabrics.  

Selection of Flamingo Fabrics

I actually got all the initial cutting done this past week.  It is mostly strip piecing, so it went fairly quickly.  I did notice that it was time to replace my blade in my rotary cutter. So after I replaced the blade, things went so much more quickly.  

The flamingo quilt strips are all cut.

My goal for next week is to get all of the strips pieced together.  Fingers crossed I can find a few moments to get my machine out and working!


Current Cross Stitch Project


If you've followed my blog and have a great memory, you may recognize my current cross stitch project.  It's titled Mickey and Pirate Friends.  It makes me smile soooo much every time I work on it.  

Mickey and Pirate Friends - Update as of 6/10/2021

I have completed the first row of pages...five pages in all.  This is a huge project, and I'm pretty sure I'll do some rotating at some point.  But, for now, I'm really enjoying it.  

And because I've been enjoying catching up through link parties, I'm going to posting in a few myself this week.  

Link Parties:


Have a magical day!  


For those who expressed interest in my other non-project blog, I've linked some of my new content from there below.  If you're interested in the read (or freebie) just click on through!

Create Your Summer 2021 Bucket List
Create Your Summer Bucket List (free printable PDF to create yours)
See what's on my bucket list for this summer.

How Do You Define Fitness...as a Disney Fan?


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Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Goofin' Off First Project and News Updates of 2021

It's been a long time since I updated...way too long!  I want to give a very quick personal update...then on to a few projects...and lastly all the upcoming fun for the Goofin' Off family.  

I am happy to report that Mr. Goofin' Off and I are both healthy and strong.  

Mr. Goofin' Off has been working from home since the first of March 2020. At the start of the pandemic, he thought he would be only working from home for a couple of weeks. His company announced that they would having their employees work from home through June of 2021. Thank goodness we quickly figured out we actually enjoy being home together 24/7...and he loves the 5-second commute down the hall every morning.  

We were able to do a lot of travel during the first two months of 2020. We managed a trip to Disneyland and were honored to be a guest of a member of Club 33 (only you real Disney fans will understand what a bucket list item this was).  

Here is a picture of Mr. Goofin' Off ringing the secret doorbell to get into the club.  


And if you look closely at the picture below, you can see this is where I signed the Club 33 guest book.  Other guests that night were Demi Lovato, Andie MacDowell, and Stanley Tucci.  As guests, we were not allowed to take pictures or approach any other guests in the club.  When these books are filled, they are placed in the official Disney Archives. I guess you could say I am going to be a part of Disney history forever...or at least as long as the company is still around.  


We arrived home to a snow storm...and a dreaded phone call the next morning. I received a phone call from my brother that my dad had been taken to the hospital and was in and out of consciousness.  When I arrived at the hospital, they said my dad had a bowel blockage and that my dad had opted not to have surgery. He was missing my mom and was ready to be with her again. The hospital gave him two to five days...but I knew he was not going to make it that long.  

I decided to stay with him at the hospital that night. They moved him to the hospice wing where he was just one floor below the room where my mother had passed away. After everyone else had left for the night, I sat next to him and said my goodbyes and held his hand.  He passed away very peacefully just minutes later.  It was a very beautiful and sorrowful moment for me.  But I am so grateful to have been there with him.  

My Disney travel agent business was thrown into a huge disarray when everything shut down for Covid-19.  I spent weeks on the phone on hold cancelling vacations...knowing that for all the hours I spent on the phone, I wouldn't be paid a penny.  Luckily, business has begun picking up again and I currently have seven groups on the books to travel to Disney in the next few months.  

If you want to know what I did to stay busy while there wasn't travel, you can find it at the bottom of the post.  I am not one to just sit around and do nothing.

Now for the project updates:  

Cross Stitch Projects


In my last update, I was working on this mystery project.  




I have now completed this piece and it's headed to a charity stitching group to be used as a block on a child's quilt.  I'm so happy with the way it turned out.  


In case you hadn't guessed, it's the outline of Eeyore with a picture of Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet inside.  The colors were so cheery to be working with...especially during the beginning of the pandemic when there were so many unknowns.  


The Quilt Finish

Although I've had several quilt finishes, here is a close-up of the most recently finished quilt top.  It's themed with World War II aircraft.  This has been gifted to a charity who makes quilts for those going on into the same hospice program both my parents wound up going into.  Did you know Walt Disney created artwork and films to inspire patriotism during World War II?  Just a fun little side note.  



Link Parties:

Other Updates on Me

When the pandemic hit and my business went quiet, I began to pivot and actually created a new Disney-inspired blog.  I had been sending my Disney clients games and puzzles I had created so that they could still get a little "Disney" in while the parks and theaters were closed.  

It was recommended I begin a blog on adding Disney magic into everyday life...so a new blog was formed!  If you're interested, you can find it at www.livelaughdis.com.  Currently, all content, printables, and downloadables are free.  I hope to keep it that way until I run out of space.  

Here is just one example of some of free puzzle books I offer:  


Feel free to click through and check it out if you enjoy brain puzzles like sudoku.  I need to reorganize the site so the puzzles are easier to find.  

I am hoping to get back into quilts and cross stitch blogging.  My goal is to post here on Goofin' Off Around the Block a couple of times a month.  I've missed you all sooooo much!  

Have a magical day!  

Andrea


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