Yes, Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth

Hey Everyone!

As many of you know, we went on a family trip to Disneyland last week. To say it was a fun trip would be a total understatement. It was literally the funnest trip Kody and I have ever been on. Ellie made everything so exciting!

Today’s blog post is an overview of our entire Disneyland vacation. I know many of you are planning your  Disney trips, so I hope you can use this blog post as a resource.

The planning of this trip actually started when we were in Florida about six months ago. Kody received an email with an amazing deal on flights to Burbank California. He looked into it, and realized that Burbank was an hour drive to Disneyland. So, we made a spontaneous decision to go to Disneyland the week before Ellie's Birthday. (Best decision ever!)

We booked our hotels in August, the hotels near Disneyland are in high demand. Some were already booked months in advance. We stayed at the Fairfield Inn. Our hotel was very convenient because it was only a block away from the park. If you have little's that need naps, I would recommend staying in a hotel that is walking distance.It worked out very well for us. We would leave first thing in the morning and get to the park 10-20 minutes before it opened, we’d then get to the rides we new we had to go on before the park got extremely busy. Around 2:00 the park would be packed so we would head back to the hotel so Ellie could take a nap. This schedule worked really well for us. We’d hit the park hard in the morning and then hit it hard again in the evening.

Tip: If you buy a 3 day pass, you get a Magical Morning. I HIGHLY recommend using this morning to hit all of the big name rides.

I also booked a Princess Breakfast at Ariel's Grotto. I booked this in September. I definitely recommend booking this in advance, you have to have a reservation and they get booked fast. Also, the sooner you book the better seats you have. Our booth was third in line, so Ellie had the best view of the princesses walking in. I also felt like the princesses took a longer time with the first few tables, they seemed to be burned out by the time they hit the last booth lol. This breakfast was a little pricey but SO worth it! Ellie was literally mesmerized the entire hour. She was able to meet Belle, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Ariel and Tiana. They each came to our table, took pictues, talked to Ellie, and signed her book. This was the highlight of the trip for me. It was so fun to see Ellie get starstruck! It was so funny, Belle was the first princess to greet Ellie, while Belle was talking to her Rapunzel walked out and Ellie's jaw dropped. She wouldn’t even look at Belle all she could do was stare at Rapunzel. Belle was like, “I like Rapunzel too,” haha it was hilarious. When Rapunzel came and greeted Ellie, Ellie didn’t know what to do or how to act. She just stood there star struck, then all the sudden bursts out and gave Rapunzel the biggest hug. It almost made me cry! It was seriously the cutest, most magical moment!

After the breakfast we went and rode some rides at California Adventures Bugs Life. There are a lot of little kid rides with short wait times. Ellie’s favorite was the lady bugs. While we were riding rides, Kody went to the Theater to get in line for the Frozen Show. (This show is a must see, it is literally a Broadway production.) Kody got in line 30 minutes before the show started and was able to get us some really good seats. Ellie sat through the play and loved every second. The characters were phenomenal! This is definitely a must for girls and boys of all ages.

After the play, we went back to the hotel and took a nap. We were all pretty worn out by 2:00 lol. We came back at 4:00 pm and rode all the rides possible. Ellie was obsessed with the tea cups.

The following day was a Friday, we got to the gates at 8:45 (15 minutes before the gates opened) and there were thousands of people waiting to get in. It was the first day of their Holiday decor and holiday parades, so the park was packed. It got to its Maximum Occupancy of 85,000 people by 2:00 in the afternoon! Can you believe that? 85,000 people were at the park on Friday. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was claustrophobic. We hit as many rides, and saw as many characters as we could. We had Ellie’s Papa Jake save us a spot for the Holiday parade, as we stood in line to see Goofy and Minnie (Mini, Mickey, and Goofy are usually in their houses in Toontown). The holiday parade was amazing. Their floats are incredible and it’s a fun time to see all the characters. (Jake went to save a seat 45 minutes early, and the streets were already getting packed, make sure to strategise and have someone save seats at least 45 minutes in advance.)

Saturday we used our Magical Morning. We got to the park at 8:00 and walked right in. We rushed over to, “It’s a Small World.” The lines for that ride were two hours long the day before, but we walked right on. Ellie loved it. We then hit the teacups (again), Alice and Wonderland, and the Merry Go Round. By the end of the hour we felt like we had done all the rides we needed to for the day lol. Saturday was a pretty chill day. There weren’t near as many people, so we were able to hit all of the rides we wanted to. We also were able to meet Moana. She greets kids at Aladdin's Oasis, in AdventureLand. Ellie was so excited to meet her! She had to show Moana her necklace lol.

Tip: download the app that tracks the characters. It tells you where they are and how long the wait is.

Disneyland was nothing short of amazing. We were all pretty exhausted on Sunday, so we slept in and went to the beach. We went to Newport. It was a lot of fun and only 20 minutes from our hotel. They have a pier and had a farmers market going on. Ellie would've stayed at the beach all day. Her and Kody run and run while I pick up shells lol.

This trip was one I will never forget. They were some of my favorite Mom moments that I will cherish forever!

Below is a direct link the Ariel’s Grotto. This was a must if you have a little girl!

Comment below or on today’s Instagram post if you have any other questions.

Thanks for following,

XoXo,

Briana Marie Smith

Ariel's Grotto Restaurant

Happines, State of Life or State of Mind?

Happy Monday Ya'll!

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was really fun. I went on a date night with Kody on Friday, then had a girls day with my good friend on Saturday. We went up to the Pinner's Conference, and had an amazing pedicure! It was a really fun weekend.

Today's blog post is on a topic that I have been pondering on lately. It is on happiness. Is happiness a way of life, or is it a state of mind?

I remember thinking in college, that after I graduated then I'd be happy. The thing is, now I look back and think if only I could relive those college days. What I am getting at is that we can keep wishing to be happy, or we can just choose to be. Some days it is harder to choose to be happy, but in all reality happiness is a state of mind, not a state of life. 

In today's world, fame and fortune seem to make people happy, when in reality it's the small and simple moments that create the feeling of true happiness. 

I hope we can all strive to be a little happier and enjoy the here and now, focus on the positive aspects of life, and not dwell on the negative. 

This is one of my all time favorite quotes. I had it framed on my bedside during college it says, "Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present." Thomas S. Monson

Every day that goes by is a day we can't get back. Why do we waste these valuable days choosing to be sad, or negative? I know if we all choose to be happy the world would be a much better and brighter place. 

Keep smiling!

XoXo,

Briana Marie Smith

Direct Link to my adorable Savana Ruffle Sweater: Jenna.stevierep.com

High Waist Jeans: TopShop (So bugged they currently on sale for $53.00, I bought them last week for regular price)

Thigh High Boots: Steve Madden

Be Wild Be Free

Happy November! 

Is anyone else in shock that it is November?! It's Thanksgiving this month. I can't believe it. 

Today's blog post topic is something I am very passionate about. It is all about letting your kids run wild and free in the outdoors. 

I grew up in a very small town. My neighbors growing up were mine and my sisters best friends. We would play and play. The entire town was our playground. We would make huts on our neighbors land and scooter down every hill. Getting us to go outside was no task. We wanted to be outside getting dirty, and using our imagination. The best part is, our parents allowed it. Yes, we would have to check in every hour but they allowed us to wonder and explore. Our imaginations ran wild, and so did we. 

I am now 24 years old and wow, times have changed. Kids aren't getting outside like they use to and I don't think it's the kids fault. I think it has a lot to do with the parents. I'm as guilty as the next mom, Ipads and TV's are so convenient. Quite frankly, I don't think they are bad. Ellie learns and interacts with her shows and a lot of them teach valuable life lessons. I don't think there is harm in watching a movie, however, there is harm in not breathing in fresh air.

 In a recent article from Besawyer Blog , it said that more and more kids are having issues with their vision. Many kids are becoming near sighted from lack of natural sunlight. Some are saying there is an epidemic happening in Taiwan for Nearsightedness. The article stated that every hour spent outside in natural light, decreases the odds for nearsightedness by two percent!

Not only does playing outside help eyesight, it also aids in coordination, self confidence, problem solving skills, increases imagination and more. There is no question that a little fresh air and exercise will relieve stress and anxiety, not only for kids, but parents as well. 

I am making a challenge to play outside with Ellie for at least one hour a day. No cell phone, no distractions. Just Ellie and I. Do you want to take the challenge too? Comment below with outdoor activities you like to do with your child in Fall and Winter. If we all work together we can achieve this goal, and see the positive impact that getting outside has on everyone!

I can't wait to hear how your challenge is going. I look forward to reading your ideas.

XoXo,

Briana Marie Smith 

Ellie's Bear Tee: BeSawyer

I'm back!

Hey Everyone!

Oh my, I seriously cannot believe it’s been over two months since I posted. Life went from busy to crazy this summer. I’ll give a brief overview of what the last few months have looked like for our family.

So, the Summer is always crazy for Kody. He works construction with his Dad and is literally working from 5:30 am to 7:00 pm (or later) every night. It’s their busiest time of year.

I was busy working from home as the Lead Manager for a software company that I’ve worked for since I graduated College. Our work schedules were crazy and we were also trying to find a place to rent or buy in Millard County. While we were searching for a home, we were living out of a suitcase in between our parents homes. We’d get one family sick of us and head to the next lol;)

Kody and I were actively looking at houses everyday, but were not having any luck. The housing market in Millard County has been out of control this year. Not many houses for sale/rent and are on and off the market within a day.

We found a few houses we were interested in, and would go to put an offer down and find out it just went under contract. (This literally happened 3 times). Kody and I were stressed. We began to wonder if Millard County was where we were supposed to be.

On top of being homeless, I had to let go of my job at the software company I worked for. They wanted my position to be in house (in St. George), but they weren’t offering me enough to move my family back to St. George. So I let go of my posititon I had for over two years. I was then homeless and jobless. Let’s just say it was not the best time in our families lives.

Kody and I were super confused with what path we were supposed to take and kept asking our Heavenly Father for guidance and direction.

The week after I let go of my job, Kody and his dad were “chip sealing” the roads in Oak City. Oak City is a cute little town outside of Delta. Since I didn’t have a job, they asked if I wanted to run their roller for the week. I gladly accepted the offer.

While I was literally ‘rolling’ along the streets of Oak City, I fell in love with the cute, mountainous, quaint town. It was beautiful and everyone was so friendly. I told Kody that I wanted to build a home in Oak City! 

Our sights were now on Oak City. We began the search for a home, the only problem was there weren’t any homes for sale (people who live there never leave;).. We decided to save money for a few months and then build.

A rental finally came on the market in Delta, we snagged it up and moved in the following day. While we were unpacking I looked on Facebook and saw a house that had just come up for sale in… Oak City!! I freaked out and called the owners the second I saw it posted. I made an appointment and walked through it the following day.

When Kody and I pulled in the driveway, I knew it was the home we were supposed to buy! I had such a good feeling and an even better feeling after I met the home owners. They were the sweetest! Kody and I left knowing we needed to make an offer fast. They had already shown it and had 5 other people coming to look at it that same day! No exaggeration.

We went home prayed and called them with our offer. With the negotiation that we couldn’t move in until their home was built, we settled on our offer!

Things are finally working out for us.I know the Lord has his timing and it all worked out for the best. As far as letting go of my job, I am putting my focus on my event planning/rental business. (I decorate weddings, events, birthday parties etc.)  and also my blog! These are my two passions. I’m excited to put my whole heart and soul into them.

Kody and I know everything happened for a reason and are excited for our future.

The last few months have definitely tested and built our families testimony of God’s timing and his plan. I know the Lord knows what’s best for us and had his hand in our families lives, even if we didn’t see it at the time.

Anyways, that gives you an idea of our lives the last few months. Now, we are busy planning weddings and trying to find me a big buck! Haha I have a limited entry deer tag on Kody’s favorite Mountain,, Oak City haha. Hopefully, I get a big one so we will have a warm welcoming when we move into the town;) The hunt starts next week so wish me luck!!

Thanks for following and keeping me inspired to blog. I was shocked at how many of you reached out to me asking when I would post again! Thank you. It means more than you know!

XoXo,

Briana Marie Smith

Direct Link to Neon Hoodie: Honey Blossom Boutique

Mountain Mode

Hello Lovelies! How is everyone's Summer treating them? I can’t believe it’s mid July.

Kody and I are busy as ever. We are still trying to find a home to buy and are having the hardest time. We want to both feel good and excited about the home, and so far we haven’t had any luck. Is anyone else struggling in the housing department? It’s super frustrating. I never knew buying a house could be so hard. We will get it figured out one of these days, well hopefully!;)

With that being said, Kody and I are both super stressed with work and our living arrangements. To escape it all, we’ve been heading to the Mountains. Being in the outdoors is so relaxing for us. So, when I saw this cute Moutain Mode top, I knew I had to have it because we’ve literally been in “Mountain Mode,” these past few months. I was super excited to wear it last night hiking because I never know what to wear in the mountains. The evenings are too cold to wear workout clothing, so I was excited to have this cute long sleeve shirt to wear.

If you are also in “Mountain Mode” use discount code BRIANA to receive 25% off your purchase. Did I mention it is under $25.00!? Happy Shopping Babes!

Mountain Mode Top: Glowing Gold Boutique