Topiary and Hidden Mickeys

Chrissy is in Disney World! And sending texts back home now and then.  I was amused to receive this text earlier. They stopped at Gaston's Tavern and were sharing the "Signature Drink".  Chrissy sent this picture with a note that hidden Mickey's were in their drink!!

Ok.. I can see a couple. But then I see faces in orchids. And I have seen Hidden Mickey's in water while at Disney World. Do they really put them there or does it just happen that lilypads form a Mickey Head. Or.. are we so in awe of Disney that we see Mickey Heads everywhere??  

There is still time for me to talk more about the International Flower and Garden Festival so let's take a little break.  I received a recipe from the Disney Food Blog in my email that I just have to share!! 

Disney Recipe of the Month: Strawberry Twists from Maurice's Treats, Disneyland

The twists at Maurice's Treats are SO good! Bring the taste of Disneyland sweets to your home with these Strawberry Twists!

Makes 6

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 (17.3-ounce) box (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• Powdered sugar, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mash mixture with a potato masher until the berries are softened and sugar is dissolved.
2. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring often to prevent mixture from sticking to pan, until thick, about 5 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
3. Place one sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured, movable, flat surface, such as a lightweight cutting board. Lightly dust surface of pastry with flour and roll to smooth creases.
4. Spread pastry sheet with 1/3 cup of the strawberry mixture. (Refrigerate any remaining strawberry mixture for up to 5 days.)
5. Roll the second sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases; place on top of first sheet and press down gently.
6. Place filled puff pastry in refrigerator for 15 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone mat.
8. Using a ruler as a guide, cut into pastry into 1 1/2-inch strips. Carefully pick up strips and place on baking sheets, twisting 3 times before laying down.
9. Bake 20 to 22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Cool 10 minutes and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Cook's Note: You may substitute 1/3 cup store-bought strawberry jam.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

There are also Chocolate Twists, which I would LOVE the recipe for.  Who doesn't love chocolate?? More photos and reviews can be read on the Disney Food Blog.

Talking about Mickey Heads.... we have another challenge for you this week!!  I made a layout with some of the wonderful topiary from Disney World and then hid 19 Mickey Heads.  Some are pretty hard to find (IMHO), so you only need to find 10 of those Mickey Heads in order to be eligible for the $10 prize one random person will receive. Play along with me and you'll receive $1 coupon just because we love Connie's fans!!

The only hint I can offer is the Mickey Heads are an assortment to be sure!!  They are small and often have an opacity adjustment. Happy Hunting!!

How adorable are those topiaries?  The image I uploaded to the blog is 1200x1200. You are welcome to download this version.  You may want a full size version of 3600x3600 to look for those hidden Mickeys!  Click here for the full size on my DropBox.  If you have any trouble, drop me an email.  I would like for you to circle the Hidden Mickeys and send me that jpg file to coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com. Please make sure to get these to me no later than March 7th at 9:00 PM EST.

The papers are from Hop To It and the Alpha is from Ready For Spring alpha add ons.  As always, your comments are welcomed!!

Sunday - Funday!!

I finally did it!  I created a challenge that no one solved completely.  I feel oddly vindicated.  Everyone that entered did find at least 10 Hidden Mickeys.  Participation coupons have been sent out. As well as the $10 coupon which went to Lisa Sim!  We had a couple new players this week. A big welcome to Pam and Mozz! No one found the Hidden Mickey I placed on my daughter's lanyard. Here is the key for last week's challenge:

February is a month of love.  What better time than to mention a couple truly romantic activities available at DisneyWorld. Yes! Disney is full of romance.  Every Prince and Princess has their own "happily ever after" story.  And every adult can have romantic adventures in DisneyWorld.

You all probably know that Wedding Packages are available at Disney World.  But what about that all important proposal??   A very special event is available at Cinderella's Royal Table - the "Glass Slipper Engagement", a package showcasing signature dining for two. A personalized glass slipper presented on a bed of rose petals. Specialty slipper desserts and a celebratory toast. All captured by one of the Disney Photo Pass Photographers.   For more information on this package, including pricing  and availability, or to place a reservation, please email wdw.crt.special.events@disney.com.

More affordable and still quite romantic is a horse-drawn carriage ride.  You can choose between two scenic routes:  Ride through the lush pines and cypress trees at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.  Travel along the charming pathways of Port Orleans - Riverside and the banks of the Sassogoula River.  Port Orleans is a favorite resort for our family - either Riverside or French Quarter. 

Each carriage rides costs $45 for 25 minutes. While I am thinking a romantic carriage ride, I will point out that each carriage fits up to 4 adults (or 2 adults and 3 small children).   Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.  (Please note that the $64 price is for the special Holiday Sleigh Rides only available in December.)

*sigh*  I was going to make you all a freebie this week.  However, after removing some fonts from my computer, Photoshop Elements refused to start up.  I had to uninstall it.. reinstall it..and now I have to reload some things. It's almost 1:00 AM.  So.....  I'll take care of this.. and add a freebie sometime Sunday.  Sorry about that, folks.    


PSE crisis has been resolved.  Here's the cluster I had in mind for this week.  I think you all can tell I love that Fiolex Girls font!   (I linked that so you can enjoy hearts this month, too!)

Click on the image or here to download

Next week: Another Hidden Mickey challenge!!  Until then....