Picture from Hollywood Studios Walt Disney Museum 

Recently, my dad showed me his old, old Mickey Mouse that his Grandmother had gotten him when Disneyland opened. It was well worn and much loved you could tell, just by looking at it. The paint was off of his nose, his fur was thin in spots but it was Mickey! 

There's something special about a treasured childhood toy that brings back memories, no matter how long ago. I have a few of those myself. Recently, I was invited to write out one of those memories for a new blog called Toys for Memories. I didn't choose a Disney toy, but another old favorite. 

Toys for Memories is needing others to share their stores, why don't you share one of yours there? Click here, or visit the underlined text above to visit. What is one of your favorite old toys? 

While these last few months have been stressful, to be sure, they've also opened up new opportunities for those who wanted to spend more time with their families or those who always wanted to work from home, but never had a chance to dip their toes into the water until now. 

Recently I was pleased to give a few tips in a blog post for a new (and fantastic!) blog called Work From Home Mothers that helps mothers (or anyone, really) find work from home. There's a list of OVER 150 job listings posted right now that have been gathered and for every place imaginable. I even saw Lucasfilm on there! And just as awesome, there are tons of tips from real life women who work from home, including my own. 

Some of the things you will read about are incredibly valuable if working from home is something you are considering or have started doing. Things like time management, the work life balance, setting boundaries, handling distractions, it's all there from been there, done that women. 

Go check it out! And pass it along to anyone who might need to find work. With the crazy fall schedule for children in school, a site like this is so valuable. It's totally legit, no scams. Check it out, and why not apply for something? 

To go there, click any of the underlined links in this article, or just go here. 
​https://workfromhomemothers.com/

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If you've ever wondered why Disney Employees are called Cast Members, it's because everything at Disney is a show. From the obvious, like Beauty and the Beast Live, or the Disney Jr. Dance Party, to the not so obvious, at Sir Mickey's or World of Disney stores, the custodians, chefs and animal caretakers. Walt Disney wanted to make sure that everyone knew that they were important in helping to create the show (I guess like the saying no small parts, only small actors) so everyone was a Cast Member. Additionally, since he preferred to be called Walt, instead of Mr. Disney, all Cast Member name badges are also first names. 

In front of Disney's guests, the term onstage is used. The behind the scenes is called backstage, but onstage or off, everyone helps create amazing memories at what's truly, the happiest places on earth. 

 

When you got your Disney masks in, if they were a little snug for you we've got great news! Disney is making an XL size. Designed for those who the Large didn't quite fit, this might be your chance to wear your favorite designs more comfortably! 

Preorders are happening now, at ShopDisney.   

Not sure what size you need? There's a chart to measure with. We LOVE our masks, you can read about that here, however, the Large didn't fit Mr. Disney, so it will be great he can have these. 

With grocery prices on the rise, this article caught my eye. It states that we throw away 16% of the money we've spend on food, because it doesn't get eaten. Wow. 

Know what, I'm guilty of that, for sure. But, and those are 2016's numbers, not 2020's which are higher, but can you imagine how many hundreds that adds up to? the article says almost $700...and that was four years ago. 

So what would $700 or more, look like in your vacation fund? How many days of a hotel is that? How many park tickets? How many restaurants meals or souvenirs could you buy for that $700?

2020 has been full of insecurity for so many. I know I've lost a gig job, and then substitute teaching, and depending on how school resume, I might not even be able to do that this fall, if the children are learning from home, or on different school/home schedules. It's scary for sure, especially thinking about our budget and how that money was always our vacation and extra expenses money.

So what's the plan? How are we all NOT going to just throw out $700 or more? 

We could: (Click the underlined words to visit blog articles about that topic)

* Re purpose food before we throw it out -- that's how Doritos were made, after all! 
* Make a little less or be more diligent about eating leftovers
* Dine out less, and make copycat restaurant meals from home - there are tons! 
* Use a Disney plan when we go on day trips anywhere and bring our own snacks and drinks 

I bet you've got more ideas too! Hop over to our Facebook page and share them!