Sunday - not quite yet Funday. Extracting Autographs challenge

Hi everyone.  Long time no see!  I want you all to know that I have missed you all.  And thank you to those of you who have emailed or dropped me note on Facebook.  It was VERY appreciated.  

I have to go back to South Carolina one more time to close up the house.  I thought about doing a Sunday Funday post then realized I might not be back in time to do the follow up answers and such.  That just wouldn't do one bit!!

There is something I do want to share with you however.  I know I went over this once before, but I Capturing Magic has a really good tutorial on "Extracting Autographs".  I thought I would share that.
Click on "Extracting Autographs" for the tutorial.

So here is my thought.  I would love to have you all practice this.  Not just on Disney layouts, but your everyday layouts!!  Perhaps a layout of your son or daughter.  Another relative.  The possibilities are really varied.

What I want you to do is practice this tutorial.  I'm not particularly picky what subject you use, but I would like to have an extracted autograph included in your layout!!  Once you have done your layout, go ahead and email it to me at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.    When I get back and resume our regularly scheduled fun, I'll highlight a couple in my post.  Everyone who sends me a layout will receive a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  The creators of the two highlighted layouts will each receive a $5 coupon to Connie's store.

For those of you wanting to just play around, I am going to upload one of my signatures for your to practice with!  Just for fun, here is my Piglet autograph!!  Have fun with it.   Just don't forget to send me your layout!

You'll have until Nov 7, 2014 to get your layouts emailed!  I'll be here ready to bring you those Sunday Fundays starting then.   Thanks to everyone for being so patient with me during this time.

Sunday Funday! New Hidden Mickey Layout!

Just the other day we were tearing another page off the calendar. Can you believe it is already August?  This year is just flying by.  One thing I would like to know from our readers - who went to DisneyLand or DisneyWorld this year?  Inquiring minds want to know!  Leave a comment below, please.

As for the jigsaw puzzle last week, you all did great!  Again, new names participated. I am always so happy to see new names and hope you make my little game a regular for your Sunday internet travels.

Here is the kit I put through the jigsaw puzzle maker.  Everyone sent me the correct answer: Project 2014 May: Life of Adventure.  You all rock!  Better be careful or I'll add some pieces to that puzzle maker.  I bet you are wondering who the lucky duck is this week?  Drumroll please....  KendiRN70!
Congratulations.  All coupons were sent out last evening.

It's time for another Hidden Mickey Search.  Still feeling a little guilty over my last hidden puzzle, I promise you I never touched the opacity when placing a Mickey Head!  I went with color and size this time.  I hid 17 assorted Mickey Heads. Some are just outlines.  I would like you to find 13 this week.

Same as always. You can click on the image to get a 3600x3600 version of my layout.  Circle the Mickey Heads. Send your circled version back to me at coyotelady(at)mac(dot)com.  You must have at least 13 out of 17 to be entered into the random drawing.  Everyone that plays along will receive a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  One lucky duck will be randomly drawn to receive the $10 coupon to Connie's store.

As for my layout, I used Connie's "Under the Sea".   The autograph is an extraction from our autograph collection.   It's a really fun kit that every Disney fan should own.

Sunday Funday: A new puzzle for you and last week's winner!

Can you believe it's July 25th already? Where has the month gone?  Back to school supplies are showing up on the store shelves.  That means back to school is around the corner.

Saw a few new faces submitting the Word Search.  Welcome aboard! Hope to see you at more of our Sunday Fundays!!  I'll be sending out the participation coupons shortly.  As well as the $10 coupon for our winner, Gloria R!!  Congratulations , Gloria!!

This week, we will be doing another jigsaw puzzle.  It really seems like you all are enjoying a variety of puzzles.  So we will be continuing on that way.

For those who didn't see our last jigsaw puzzles, I have to caution you that Flash is required and the puzzle won't be able to be played on most mobile devices.  If this is a problem for you, drop me an email at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com and I can give you a direct link to the puzzle.  Everyone else, you can work the puzzle right here on Connie's blog without ever leaving!!  The puzzle is 42 pieces and may take a few moments to fully load. Please be patient!

The only thing you need to send me via email is the name of the puzzle.  If you know it before the puzzle is done, that's fine!  No one is going to be checking your work on the puzzle.  For those who play along and send me a kit name, you all receive a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  Those names are put into the randomizer and one lucky person is randomly selected to win a $10 coupon to Connie's store.

This is probably the simplest of our challenges!!  Again.. send your answer for What Kit is This to coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  For small hint, I grabbed the jpg for the kit from Connie's store at Gotta Pixel!    And seriously.. don't go past page 30. I'm not that mean!!

Online jigsaw puzzles from JigsawSite.com


And for a fun little Disney trivia question...  What does Dumbo hold in his trunk to help him fly?  This is just for fun (no prizes or coupons)  and you can feel free to put your answer in a comment here on the blog.   Wishing you all a great week!!   Oh!! I would also like to know what Princess you all would be interested in having for the next freebie!  I need input!!

It's Sunday - Funday!!

Another week has flown by.  I've already seen Back to School sales in the stores!  Are you all ready for the kids to go back already?

I am so glad you all responded positively to last week's puzzle!!  And I am happy to say that I didn't have to give out one clue!  That is pretty awesome! You should all be congratulated! I know many of you who entered have never been to DisneyWorld.  The correct answer was  THE TREE OF LIFE is located on DISCOVERY ISLAND in ANIMAL KINGDOM!

The Tree of Life is 145 feet tall and 50 feet wide.  Ten artists and three Imagineers worked for 18 months to create the 325 animal carvings on The Tree of Life.   The Tree of Life had to be constructed to withstand hurricane force winds and still look realistic. There are 45 secondary branches that lead to  756 tertiary branches.  There are 7891 end branches with 102, 583 man made leaves, each being over a foot long. There are four shapes and sizes and many shades that actually blow in the wind!  There is also a Hidden Mickey on the tree - somewhere!  Amazingly, each of the branches can bend and sway. Truly a deserving icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom. 

The Tree of Life roots find their way into the several paths surrounding the tree, known as Discovery Island Trails.  A  quiet area of pool, meadows and trees and home to flamingoes, otters, lemurs, axis deer, cranes, storks, tortoises and red kangaroo.

I bet you are all wondering who the lucky winner of the $10 coupon chosen by the randomizer is?  Drum roll please.... congratulations to Carolyn Laporte!!   I sent the coupons out last evening to everyone that participated.  

This week will be the first Word Search puzzle!!  And of course we are looking for Disney related words -  character names to  be exact!   There are 35 characters hidden in the Word Search.  Your job is to complete the Word Search and return it to me by Friday, July 25th at 9:00 PM Eastern.  Play along with me and you'll receive a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  If you have correctly found all of the words, you will be entered into the random drawing for a $10 coupon to Connie's store.  

Click on the image to download your copy of the Word Search!!  

Email your solution to coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com

New Hidden Mickey Puzzle

Sure hope you all had a very safe and  Happy Fourth of July!!  I don't know about where you all live, but it's been fantastic weather here, which made the weekend all the more enjoyable!

The answer to last week's puzzle is "Cozy".   I do love the colors. Congratulations are in order for Karen A. who was chosen by the randomizer for the $10 coupon.  For those of you who do not know, I use the List Randomizer at randomizer.org.

On to the Trivia portion of last week's fun....

(1) Who is the only Disney character to have an "official" middle name? 

Donald Duck

(2) What is the full name of that character, including the middle name? 

Donald Fauntleroy Duck

(3) Who is this characters sister? 

Della "Dumbella" Duck

(4) Lastly, what is the "real" birthday of this character?

March 13, 1914

Bekki - congrats on the Dumbella response!! You were the only one to give that response (which is actually the one I was hoping for!! I did give credit for Della. )

As for the birthday - Bekki and Brenda were the only ones to respond with the correct information. June 9, 1934 was the day Donald debuted in the Silly Symphony carton, "The Wise Little Hen". Logic tells us that he couldn't have been born and debut that same day. Right??   Rather than try to re-write this information, I urge you all to go read this page for the logic behind the actual birthdate!  Click here:

Amazing that Donald Duck celebrated his 100th birthday this year on March 13!!

I hope you all enjoyed this little bit of Disney Trivia and puzzle!

Coupons were sent out Saturday evening. 

With the release of Connie's Super Hero kit, I couldn't resist doing a layout of My. Incredible and my husband arm wrestling.   Of course I threw in some Hidden Mickeys!! Seventeen (17) of them to be truthful.  Your mission - find at least 14 of those Hidden Mickeys.   Download the layout, circle the Hidden Mickeys and email your entry to coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  If you would like the full size version of the JPG, click here.   

Everyone that plays along and submits an entry with the correct answers will received a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  All correct entries will be put into the randomizer and one lucky duck will receive a $10 coupon! Deadline is July 11th at 8 PM.

Happy hunting!! You are all getting to good and I tried to make this one a bit harder!!  

Another Puzzle and Trivia Question. Last week's winner announced.

I was really impressed with all the new folks who participated in last week's puzzle.  Everyone had the correct answer, which was Sailor Duck!!

I ran all of your names through the randomizer and the winner of the $10 coupon is H Corell.  Congratulations! I will sending out all of the participation coupons and the winning coupon as soon as I receive them from Connie.

There was quite a bit of positive feedback on the Jigsaw Puzzle.  And a few requests to go with 49 pieces.  So we are going to give the 49 piece puzzle a whirl this week.

I almost wasn't able to run the puzzle as the server was down.  This meant that the puzzle did not show on the blog.  Remember that the puzzle can take a little to load, but if a white box continues, wait a little and come on back. (In fact, I have next week's puzzle all done waiting for the server to come back!  (Hint: Where in Disney Work were these photos taken.)

Remember to email your answers to coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  Your answer should be sent by July 4th at 9:00 PM EST.  We are looking for the kit name.  Again, if you have any trouble using the puzzle, drop me an email.  Reminder: The puzzle maker uses flash and will not function properly on most mobile devices.  Participation coupons in the amount of $1 will be sent to everyone who participates. Everyone with the correct answer will be run through the randomizer and one lucky duck will receive a $10 coupon to Connie's store!

Trivia Question: (1) Who is the only Disney character to have an "official" middle name? (2) What is the full name of that character, including the middle name? (3) Who is this characters sister? (4) Lastly, what is the "real" birthday of this character?  Mail your answers to me at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com. All portions to your answer must be correct!  If you have all the correct answers, you will be run through the randomizer and  the first five names in the randomizer will receive a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  There is not a participation prize for this Trivia portion.  

Something a little different this week!! Solve the puzzle and name the kit!

Last week's puzzle was rather interesting! I do read your comments and your emails. Though I must admit that I have also spent more time than I care to admit to cruising through all the pages of Connie's store on one site or another. So I can sympathize. I was even nice and chose recently released kits!! My layout was indeed created using Wedding Day. The elements that did not belong were flowers from Social Butterfly. That said... the randomizer indicates that last week's winner is Bekki!! Click here if you would like to refer back to last week's post. 

So this week we are going to try something a little different!!  I picked one of Connie's kits and ran it through this really cool Jigsaw Puzzle creator.  I have been very kind and set it to 25 pieces.  (But I was considering 49!)  I also removed the name of the kit so when you assemble the puzzle, the name won't be there!   All you need to do is email the name of the kit to coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  Your answer should be sent by June 27th at 9:00 PM Eastern.

Caution!  The puzzle uses Flash and will not work on many mobile systems.  
Note: The area where you work the puzzle is actually larger than the puzzle.  If you have any questions about the puzzle, drop me an email.

A little Disney trivia. The renown "Partners" statue  located in the hub is nearly as iconic as Cinderella's Castle.  While Walt was alive, he was very adamant that he never wanted a statue of himself made and certainly not one that would be placed in any theme park. For decades after his death, his wife Lillian continued to honor Walt's wish.

Some 20 years after Walt's death,  fearful that Walt was being forgotten by a new generation that had not seen Walt on TV every week, it was decided that there needed to be a reminder in the park of the man who had started it all.  The Partners statue was unveiled in DisneyWorld in June, 1995. (It was first released in DisneyLand in 1993.)

It is said that at certain times of the day (which changes seasonally), the shadow cast by the Partner's statue creates a  Hidden Mickey.  As for the ring on Walt's right hand - it is an Irish Claddagh ring. He and Lillian bought the claddagh rings for each other on a trip to Ireland and both wore them daily.   It is not a Hidden Mickey.

Snow White Hidden Elements Key. New challenge: What kits did I use??

Can you believe another week has passed already?  Where does the time go??  

I am so glad you all have fun with these Hidden Elements puzzles.  Let's start off with the key for last week and the winner of the $10 coupon!!

The winner of the $10 coupon is Zanthia!!  Congratulations!!  I will be sending out the coupons to everyone shortly!

We haven't done one of these challenges in a long time now.  So let's do something a little different this week!   While Andy and Chrissy did not get married in Disney World, they did take their honeymoon in Disney World!  The wedding ears and hat are just adorable!  

The challenge is two parts today.   (1) What kit did I use to scrap this layout?   (2) There are two elements that don't belong with this kit.  What kit do they belong?  Please  - don't post your answers in the comments!  Send them to me at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  Everyone who plays along will receive a $1 coupon. Those with the correct answers will be put in the randomizer and one lucky person will win a $10 coupon to Connie's store!!

Lastly, I have that Snow White frame ready for you.  Please note that the image of Snow White and her Prince is an extraction from one of my parade photos. The autograph is also an extraction from my collection.  All other elements are from Designs by Connie Prince.  The frame is for personal use only.  Thank you!!

Click on the image or here to start your download. Enjoy!! 

Wishing you all a marvelous week!!

Under The Sea

I really hope you all were able to get Under The Sea when it was the NSD Grab Bag.  Never fear though! It's still available. The image below is linked to the KIT in the store. There are other products that were included in the original grab bag as well.

My Chrissy has loved the Little Mermaid for years and years and years now.  Funny story; a nurse at my doctor's office still loves Ariel as well. She told me that she actually used to carry a "dinglehopper" and whenever they had spaghetti for dinner, she would rub the spaghetti sauce through her hair so she could have red hair like Ariel.  Okay.. Chrissy never went THIS far, but her love was deep.  I had to have everything in her bedroom Little Mermaid.  Chrissy was always saying, "Ariel is my life!".

Chrissy saw Ariel in the new grotto on her last trip to Disney.  Inspired by Connie's kit and Chrissy's love for all things Ariel... my hidden elements layout features Chrissy and Ariel.  The hidden elements are Mickeys again.  There are 15 Hidden Mickeys.  You need to find me at least 10 of those Mickeys,  circle them and send back to me at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  Your deadline is May 23rd at 9 PM Eastern.  Play along with me, you'll get a $1 coupon to Connie's store. I'll place all the entries with at least 10 Mickeys into the randomizer and one lucky duck wins a $10 coupon. You all know this drill, right?

If you click on my layout, you can get the full size 3600x3600 layout.  Ready?  GO!!

Next week, I'll post the key to the challenge and hopefully a surprise gift for you!  It might test my extraction skills, but I will give it the old college try!!  I almost forgot!! There is a very special hidden item this week. It's Sorcerer Mickey. If you find him.. you can quit hunting! Send me his location and you will be in the random drawing for the $10!!  

Happy Hunting!

Tinkerbell Topiary Challenge

I would like to thank those of you who took the time to upload your layouts for last week's challenge. They were all wonderful!!  I have sent the participation coupons out, including the $10 coupon for one lucky duck.... BEKKI!   Thank you again, ladies!

Bending to the public demand.. we'll do hidden elements again this week.  Hope you all are still loving those topiaries! This layout has the Tinkerbell topiary and one of the fairy houses. Blended, of course.

I used "Ever After" for this layout.  There are 19 hidden elements from Ever After in this layout.  There is nothing "hiding in plain sight" as in the word art.  I am challenging you to find at least 14 of those carefully hidden elements.  

Click on the layout for the 3600 x 3600 JPG.  Circle your answers and email that jpg back to me at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  All participants will receive a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  If you correctly found at least 14 items, you will be placed in the random drawing. One lucky duck will receive a $10 coupon to Connie's store.  Since Connie isn't available to transfer the download to her server, it will remain on my dropbox this week.  If you have any trouble due to bandwidth, please let me know immediately by email  and I will come up with a different download site.   All entries must be received by Friday, May 2, 2014.  

Out of curiosity,  do you think that Tinkerbell is a villain??  Leave a comment with your response!

Happy Easter Freebie and Layout Challenge

Hope you all had fun with last week's  Easter Egg hunt.  How many of you prepared Easter Egg hunts for today?  I miss hiding eggs for the kids. We had a tradition.  At least one egg would be hidden in a shoe.  It was always the last one found. The kids would forget from year to year about the shoe trick. What are some of your traditions? Would love to have you comment.

Here is the key to last week's hunt.  No one sent in just the Golden Eggs. But most of you actually found at least one if not both Golden Eggs!  I circled the two Golden Eggs with Green. Both are on Bambi's legs.

Yes, the eggs in the basket counted!  As did the large yellow egg behind the Egg Hunt title.   Sometimes you can hide something in plain sight!  The egg count is as follows: 25 hidden eggs, 5  eggs in the basket element, and 2 golden eggs. Total of 32.   This week's $10 winner is Brenda Powers!  Congratulations! I sent coupons to all participants last night.

Here's a freebie I made for you all in celebration of Easter!

Since this is Easter, I'm sure many of you will be busy with kids and family.  My challenge to you this week - enjoy Easter! Take some photos of the kids and family.  Then create a layout using the Easter Fun freebie and post it here using Linky.  

Linky is easy.  Post your layout to your favorite gallery or photo sharing site.  Then link it up. If you need any help, be sure to let me know.  

Post your layout via Linky and you'll receive $1 for playing along with us.  All of the layouts will be entered in a random drawing and the winner will receive a $10 coupon to Connie's store.

I am looking forward to seeing your layouts! Please have them posted by Friday,  April 25th at 9:00 PM Eastern.  Have a wonderful Easter.

An InLinkz Link-up

We're going on an Egg Hunt!

Can you believe that Easter is almost here??  Boy this month has flown.  Hope you all have filed those income tax returns!! Let's start with the key to last week's challenge!

I don't recall any of the participants finding my little paint splatter on the wall.  That was really just too clever.  It looked like it belonged there!  I did get a few responses for things that were not elements though.  That was interesting.  I don't know about you, but I sure this little challenge.

I mailed out the coupons to those who played. IF you did not get yours, please let me know right away. Someone is using a Spam Filter from Multisymmetric.  I did the thing to prove I am human.. but heck. I have no idea what generated that email... other than the subject line was Lady and the Tramp.  Speaking of coupons -  you all answered the kits correctly and found the minimum number of elements.. so everyone was in the drawing! YAY!!  But only one can win and that is Lisa (no last name for privacy sake).  The two kits I used were Ready for Spring and Project 2014 April: Family Life.

I also included in your emails a download link for a little gift.   You can't download this gift from the blog.   However, if you didn't play last week.. and you really want this.. drop me a note at coyotelady (at) gmail (dot) com.  We'll work something out. Some sort of puzzle.. or layout.  

This week, we are going on an egg hunt!!   Here is your layout with the hidden eggs. Click on the image if you would like to receive a FULL SIZE of the jpg.  I uploaded one to my DropBox.

You have a choice.  You can find me at least 20 of the hidden eggs.  Alternatively, if you find ONE of the two golden eggs I hid..  you're golden - so to speak!!    Those golden eggs aren't easy though.  And after blending and opacity changes, you may not think it is golden.. but they started out that way.. quite lovely actually.  Before going into the layout, they looked like this! Aren't they lovely?

And no geese were harmed in the making of these eggs!    So there you have it!! Find me ONE of the golden eggs.. and you're in the random drawing for the $10 coupon!!  Find me 20 eggs, and you are in the drawing, too!  Play along - you'll get a $1 coupon.  Please submit your entries by Friday, April 18th at 9:00 PM Eastern.   

So.. who is the next Princess for the Princess Frame series?   Leave me a comment!   Until next week.. happy hunting!

Festival of Fantasy Parade and Hidden Mickeys challenge

Presenting the debut of the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Disney World's Magic Kingdom!!

Isn't Maleficent just fantastic looking? She has a real steampunk look.  And you have to love that she breathes fire!  The floats are fantastic!  Several of them are multiple stories in height!  Better than the prototypes I saw on the web.

The first float is The Beast and Belle  (Be still my beating heart!) with a couple rotating sections. Cinderella and Prince Charming follows. The next rotating segment is Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen one one side. Look quick and you'll see Elsa, Anna and Olaf from Frozen on the other half.

I am betting that Elsa and Anna are permanent fixtures down in Disney World since they worked them into the parade.   There has been quite a bit of conjecture about this.  I think this is a case where public support wins!

You have to love the Mime leading Rapunzel's float.  She is even carrying that cast iron frying pan! Ariel's float is awesome! Sebastian is holding the reigns.  And a couple of walking seahorses follow. The new costumes are just ever so special!  Lost Boys lead the way for Peter Pan and Wendy.  The cannons on the pirate ship actually fire! Hook is there and Tink. Smee is walking behind closely followed by the Alligator, at least two stories high!  (No wonder Hook is frightened of that Alligator!)

I could go on but you really should watch the parade for yourself!  There are multiple videos of the parade, many in the entirety. After you watch this one, select another for some different views.  Just know that Disney has done a fantastic job with the new floats, working in the newer characters and still keeping our older favorites.

Last week I promised another Hidden Mickey challenge AND a freebie.   I actually incorporated the freebie into my layout you'll be working with this week.  Please note that I extracted Rapunzel from one of our photos and same with her autograph.  (You may recall that I wrote previously about extracting the signatures from your autographs and placing them on to your layouts.)

I have hidden 19 Mickeys this time.  One of them is a very special one. It is actually a Mickey Head Rice Krispie treat dipped in chocolate.  You can grab these at the treat shoppes in Disney and are they ever tasty!!   It looks like this:

This is a REQUIRED find this time!  I would like for you to find me a total of 10 Hidden Mickeys PLUS this Mickey Treat in order to be eligible for the random drawing.  Connie is graciously providing a $10 coupon to her store for the winner of the drawing, and as usual.. all participants will receive a $1 coupon for playing along with me.  I'm uploading a full size version of the layout.

We recently watched Tangled and I was amazed at how similar Rapunzel's Tower at Disney World resembled the one in the movie!  This is actually a "themed" rest area.  And for those of us who can't live without our various devices! Disney calls it a D-Zone.  There are 6 charging stations with two electrical outlets.  USB outlets are expected to be added in the future.   This all ties in with Disney's increasing emphasis on their "My Disney Experience".  You can read more about the Tangled themed Rest Area here.   Chrissy had grand fun searching for Pascals. Sorry. I was sidetracked.. on with the challenge download!

Feel free to download the file, magnify it and look for those Mickeys!   Send me your entry with the circled Mickeys to coyotelady (at) gmail.com.  Please have your entries emailed to me by March 21st at 8 PM EST.  The lovely young lady in the photo hugging Rapunzel is my Chrissy.  I'm sure most of you have heard me talk about her at some time or another.  She raided my closet for some select Disney shirts before her last trip. She's wearing my beloved Marie shirt here.  Too bad you can't see Marie!  Such an adorable kitty.

Now for the freebie.  I killed two birds with one stone!  You will be receiving the cluster I included on this layout!! Two versions. One with the autograph, one without. I did not apply a shadow on the entire cluster, even in my layout. (I did in the layout I am keeping for Chrissy.)

You'll find all of the kits I used to create this cluster in the zip file!  Click on the image or here to download the file.  Please leave comments on the cluster. Would you like to see more like this for those special photos you may have??  

Happy searching!  Until next week.........

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!!

#Save PUSH and What Kits? Challenge

Back on July 7, 2013, my blog post was "On Disney Sustainability" and Dust Bunnies Beware.  (Linked in case you missed the post.)  The subject of my layout was Push, the Talking Trash Can.  The other day, my daughter read on All Ears that Push was leaving the park.  She was very sad indeed as she leaves on the 28th for DisneyWorld and Push has always been a favorite.

BUT...  Push has a fan club!! According to the Disney Blog update on Feb 5, 2014   (linked) Disney told the Orlando Sentinel (also linked) that Push wasn't going anywhere.   Inside the Magic (linked) also ran an article about Push.

The Disney Blog is asking folks to tweet @WaltDisneyWorld and include #SavePush in your tweet.  They are holding out to see if Push shows up in the park next week before ceasing their efforts to save Push.

Push even has a Save PUSH The Talking Trash Can Page on Facebook!! (Linked!) Stop by and adore all the photos of Push and visitors.  Like the page.  It can only help save Push.

I'll be keeping my eye out to see if Push is in the park this coming week.  Let's hope so. Contract disputes can have such nasty endings.  Let's hope this one is happy!

I created a layout using four different kits from Connie. I used at least two items from each of those kits - which is the only clue you get this week.  Your mission is to tell me which four kits I used. Yes.. all four kits.  You should email your answers to coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  Play along with me and you'll receive a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  If you have the correct four kits, your name will be entered into a random drawing and one winner will receive a $10 coupon.   This week, I will need your answers emailed to me no later than Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Most of you know that Maleficent is one of my absolute favorite characters! (I use Maleficent for my avatar around digi-land.) She truly is quite the "diva".  In the midst of the dancing and singing, she appears to instill fear in Princess Aurora yet another time.

Wishing you all a good week.. and a very Happy Valentine's Day!!

Queen of Hearts - A Hidden Mickey Layout

Taking a little break from Epcot, we're going to have another layout challenge!  I don't know about you, but I am LOVING the new {Hues} Red Hot collection from Connie.  I can't get enough of these {Hues} collections!  Red Hot is just in time for those red hot valentines and valentines' layouts.

I decided to work up a layout around the Queen of Hearts using {Hues} Red Hot.   After I was finished, I went through and placed 14 "Hidden Mickeys" in the layout.  A couple of them are actually stitch work in the shape of Mickey's head. Others are different colored Mickey heads.  These "hidden Mickey's" are not the work of Connie and won't be found in any of her kits.  Finding "Hidden Mickeys" at the parks is a very popular pass time.   That said, you need to find 10 of those "Hidden Mickeys".  Simply download the image and circle the Mickeys. Send it back to me at coyotelady(at)gmail.com.  Everyone that participates will receive a $1 coupon to Connie's store.  Find at least 10 of those "Hidden Mickeys', and you'll go into the randomizer drawing. One lucky person will receive a $10 coupon for Connie's store!   I tried to make this one a bit harder since you are all so good at my games lately!

I used Connie's Blend In Temps Vol 2 (Temp 1) for this layout.  Font is Fiolex Girls. Happy hunting!!

Addendum:  I totally forgot to put a deadline in my original post. This is what happens when my brain writes on painkillers.  I am very sorry about that.  All entries should be received by  Saturday, Feb 1 at 12:00 AM  Eastern.    Thanks, and again, sorry for my oversight.

We're changing things up a bit this week!!

Is everyone getting in the holiday spirit?? I know I am.  I keep watching all the elf antics on Facebook and I've decided.. I NEED an elf!! Or two.

Connie is working on another participation prize for the Mousescrapper Challenge I will be hosting starting on Dec. 18th and running right through the end of December.  Holidays can get a little slower so the challenge will run two weeks. Might want to mark your calendars and then pop on over for some fun.

About layouts..  I do know that not everyone has been to Disney. However.. if you want to participate in a MouseScrapper Challenge or a Layout Challenge here, I am more than happy to share some Disney photos. I actually do have some that don't have my family in them!!  All you need to do is drop me a quick note and I will be happy to upload some for you to pick from. Deal??  Don't let the lack of a photo or two stop you from playing along with us!!

In the spirit of Christmas, I would love to give you all a freebie.   Click on the image and your download should start up right away. This is a png file saved at 300 dpi.  And yes, my file does have a shadow.

*rubs her hands together* So.. you probably all think we're going to play Hidden Elements again. We will. Just not this week.  I thought we would change this up a little.  Connie has so many lovely Christmas holiday kits. So I did a little "mash up".   I used six (6) different kits to create this week's layout.  Your mission..... identify at least four (4) of those kits.  So there is one clue. All of the kits are Christmas holiday kits.  Second clue: All six (6) of the kits I used are currently available in Connie's store at GingerScraps.   Everyone that plays along with me will receive a $1 coupon at Connie's store.  Send me the correct answers and you will be entered into a drawing in the randomizer and one lucky duck will receive a $10 coupon.  Before you ask, I do know how many pages there are in Connie's store at GingerScraps! I went through all 119 of them to find kits for this post.   And put a few more items on my Wish List there!  One being the Year In Review - Monthly Temps which I would love to share with you all today!

I can see this making a lovely keepsake for a year. Or, change it up just a bit and use it for a vacation! Maybe I vacation to Disney. :)  Anyhow... it's $4.89 at GingerScraps.  And it's on my wish list!!   When you email me those answers, I'd love to hear about any other kits you fell in love with.  Just maybe I will see if we can have a little extra drawing for someone's wish kit!  I daresay you'll find at least one looking for the answers.  So... here's the layout. 

Yes. It was rather chilly in Florida that year. So I used one of Connie's little scarf elements to spruce up my Mickey Hoodie.   You may wonder where all the people are!! It's called Magic Hours.  Stay at a Disney Resort and you can take advantage of the Magic Hours.  Some days, one park will open an hour early, some days, one park stays open an extra two hours later.  Magic Hours rotate through the four different parks.  Joe and I are here in Magic Kingdom, walking down Main Street during Magic Hours.  That's the tree at Town Square, just inside the entrance.  If you love Christmas, you'll love Disney at Christmas time.  So many trees and decorations.  The lights!  Even the fireworks and parades are all spruced up for the season.  Take a moment to check out The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios. It is AWESOME!

Just to make things easier for you, you can click on the layout image and a full size 300 dpi image will come your way.  That will make it a little easier to see the different elements and papers.  So, to recap, you need to email me at coyotelady(at)gmail.com at least four (4) of the (6) six kits that I used to create my layout.  One last clue: each is a kit. No add ons were used in the creation of my layout!

Good luck!!  And don't forget to include the name of a kit you fell in love with along your journey.  Please have your answers emailed no later than Friday, Dec. 13th at 8 PM EST.  

Until next week...  

Updated to correct missing link on the layout! Sorry about that. 

UPDATED CLUSTER FILE AND RELOADED IT. 

Christmas Time at Fort Wilderness Campground Decorations and Hidden Element Game!

First order of business is to wrap up the Hidden Elements Game from 11-17-13.  I am very impressed that several of you lovely ladies found all 11 elements!  I thought I was being very sneaky.  Last I knew, Connie hadn't even found them all yet! (Yes.. she plays along for fun!  So does hubby Will now and then.)

I have already sent out all of the $1 participation coupons and the grand prize winner (to be announced in just a few moments here.)  When I sent your participation code out, you probably noticed that I put YES #x by each line you sent me. You can compare those numbers against my layout to see the ones you may have missed.

The least found items were #6, #7 and #8.  #1 and #4 were rather tricky as well.   So there you have the answers to the game!!  Who won??  I entered the list in the order I received your emails. Hit the GO button and here is the results!

 The winner is Withnuts aka Terry in some circles. 

Now if I only could get all of you ladies to play along with me on a layout challenge!  *smiles innocently*  Since you all seem to like my Hidden Elements Games.. we are going to do this again!  (Maybe I can bore you with hidden elements  into hoping for a layout challenge??  LOL)

Here is this week's Hidden Element Game!!  I took this photo at Christmas time in Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. The folks who set up their trailers had decorated for Christmas with some of the most adorable blow up Disney characters! Now I have taken the photo and used it to hide 14 elements!! Your mission is to find at least 7 of those elements!  Your hints are easy this week.   The background paper, bottom paper strip and the Tis The Season word bit are from Feeling Festive. They are not considered hidden and there are no other elements from that kit in this layout!   There are elements from 5 kits which all were released in November!    That said, I am posting a full size version here on the blog and a zipped version is available if you want it by clicking on the image.

Please send your answers to me at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com.  If you would like to send me the image with your answers circled, that is jut fine! Otherwise, please include a description of the element and its location.  Everyone who plays will receive a $1 participation coupon!  Those with at least 6 correct answers will be put through the randomizer and one lucky duck will receive a $10 coupon to Connie's store!   Can you say AWESOME????? Please send your answers to me by Friday, Nov 29th at 8:00 PM Eastern time.

Connie will be announcing the December Buffet next Sunday (Dec 1).  I will start things off with an announcement of the winners and the solution key.

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue is an awesome musical show that has been running at Disney World since it opened!  The food is absolutely fantastic. You are served in metal buckets with metal plates. Simple, picnic style food.  The cornbread is to die for! You can grab the recipe for this cornbread at (click the link)

Disney Recipe: Hoop Dee Doo Revue Cornbread from Disney World

This one is a keeper, folks! If you like cornbread - you will definitely want this recipe. Just click on that big old link above - and ENJOY!  I mentioned this site once before.  If you didn't bookmark it then, you might want to do so now!  And sign up for the newsletter.

Well, that's it for me this week, folks! Enjoy my Hidden Elements this week!  

Merry & Bright Hidden Elements Game

It's already Christmas time at Disney World! I have to tell you that Christmas is simply spectacular. It is really impossible to go to Disney World without feeling that Christmas cheer. If Disney can do Christmas, so can I!  So get ready for lots of Christmas fun!

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is a glimmering extravaganza at Hollywood Studios running from Nov. 8 through Jan 5, 2014.  So many lights. You really have to see it to believe it! Before the Christmas season is through, I'll share some photos with you.

Christmas kits are starting to roll out and Connie just recently released the Merry And Bright Bundle which is available for $9.99. You get BOTH the Be Merry and Be Bright kits.  

We're going to have a little fun with Mickey and Minnie this week!  You guessed it! Hidden Elements time!  Connie is already getting in the Christmas spirit and is offering $1.00 coupons to EVERYONE that plays along with me this week. But wait....  It gets better!  I'll be running the correct entries through the randomizer and ONE lucky person will win a $10.00 coupon to Connie's store!

I didn't make it easy for you though! This week, I have tucked away 11 elements from the Merry & Bright kits!  They ARE NOT in the clusters in the upper right or lower left! That's your hint this week.  Those clusters each include the same elements: 1 flair, 1 coaster, 1 flower, 1 swirl with striped paper, and each has 2 evergreen sprigs. These are NOT considered to be hidden! However, nothing says I didn't use one or more of those same elements and hide it somewhere else.  And on the topic of papers, there are no hidden papers! Two hints! So now that you know what doesn't count as hidden,  let's see this week's layout:

Feel free to download the image to study it. In fact, if you click on the image, you'll get a 3600x3600 at 300 DPI image from my DropBox.  

Because I was really sneaky this week, you only need to find 6 of the hidden elements.  Email me your guesses at coyotelady(at)gmail.com.  Please include a brief description of the element (or you can use the name of the element from the kits) and where you found it.  

You will receive the $1 coupon for emailing me with your answers. In order to be put into the randomizer, your answers do need to be correct!  All answers must be emailed to me no later than Friday, Nov 22nd at 8 PM EST.  I will publish this layout next week with all the hidden elements identified.  

Good luck!!  

I'm "dopey" for not getting the coupons out last week.. so I scrapped Dopey!

I owe a huge apology to the four participants in my last layout challenge. I forgot to send their coupons out. I sent them earlier today when I realized what happened.  I'm not hard to reach at all. And if that ever happens again (oh I hope not!!), don't feel bad about sending me an email and a nudge.

That was a truly awesome job you all did finding those elements!  I thought I was being pretty sneaky hiding that spider!!  Here is the layout with the 8 elements identified:

1. Leaf (Haunting Halloween) placed on the column among decorative leaves 

2. Toe of Frog (Witches Brew) on top of spire

3. Witches Brook (Witches Brew) leaning on tree

4. Spider (Witches Brew)  This one is not part of the paper!!   

5. Eyes (Witches Brew) placed on top of Dory's eyes

6. Black Cat (Witches Brew)  hiding in the dark grass

7. Eyeball (Witches Brew) placed on the balloon

8. Witches Hat (Haunting Halloween) on top of the lady's head

Drum roll please!  The winner of the $3 coupon is: Brenda Powers - come on down.  (I always wanted to say that!  LOL)  Brenda - your coupon has been emailed! If you don't receive it, please let me know. :)

Halloween and DSD are closing in fast!  This will be a week full of parties, trick or treating followed by more fun and games!!  I don't know about you, but I'm excited! You'll want to keep an eye on Connie this week!  You just never know what our Ninja Designer is up to!!  (have you seen her Ninja avatar on Facebook?)

It's time for me to remember my roots and why I was asked to join Connie's CT. Connie was always amazed that I could take any kit and scrap Disney.  So this week, I have scrapped Dopey using kits that might surprise you.  

Dopey is one of the seven dwarfs. He is the youngest of the seven dwarfs, and never says a word. Despite not talking, legendary great Mel Blanc was the voice for Dopey's vocal effects.   Dopey is often the butt of the other dwarf's jokes, and his silly, playful actions often annoy the pompous Doc and the short-tempered Grumpy. Dopey is not dumb by any means. He merely acts like a toddler or dog.  Dopey is the most popular dwarf among audiences, but definitely not among the other dwarfs.  

We're going to change things up again this week.  I created this layout using five (5) different kits from Connie.   I would like for you to identify at least three (3) of those kits.  Email your answers to me at coyotelady(at)gmail(dot)com. All correct entries will be put through the randomizer and one lucky ducky will receive a $3 coupon to Connie's store. 

Some of you really liked the full size download, so I will make that available to you again should you desire it. Click here for the 3600x3600 jpg version.  Feel free to save the layout below for reference.  Good luck!!  

Hint:  The kits are fairly recent ones.  

Feel free to leave comments on what you would like to see for next week's post!! 

Until then.... 

Laramie

Edited: to include that Brenda's coupon has been emailed!

Edited: to correct number of kits used for the layout. No change to the number you should identify!