Disney Collectibles for Me!

RM-Junior-SnugglesRecently, right on schedule, I again celebrated the anniversary of my arrival on Earth.  You’d think after so many years, my birthday would have become less of a thing.  It would be just another day, ho-hum, yeah, yeah, I’m another year older. But NOT in my family!!!  That’s one of the best things about us, we love a good birthday and know how to make each and every one unique and special.

Some things are always a given on your birthday at our house – you’ll be treated like royalty, you’ll receive gifts that are complete surprises, you’ll get at least one serious card that will make you cry a little, and you’ll be celebrated and made to feel loved.  Oh, and you’ll get food.  And cake.  Not so different from other families probably, but this is how we do it.

Disney Collectibles for Me!

So, my birthday rolled around and as usual, the first words I heard upon waking were “Happy Birthday!” from Raymond.  This year, I took the day off so I could enjoy a 3-day weekend and have some relaxing time hanging around with Junior while everyone else was working.  That was my gift to myself.  I ended up cleaning house and giving aforementioned canine companion a much needed haircut and bath.  That probably doesn’t sound very special or relaxing, but I knew I could expect a family gathering and Junior and I were ready, looking our best, when the time came.RM-Junior-New-Haircut

As expected, later that evening, folks showed up with food and presents.  Megan, Grant, Joseph and Raymond put dinner together while I sat on the couch, munching on appetizers and watching TV.  We ate, we laughed, we caught up and then it was time for birthday cheesecake and presents.  Let’s talk about the presents!!!

Raymond’s gift was something I’d wanted for a long time and wouldn’t buy for myself.  He initially didn’t think it would be a good idea to give his wife this item as a present.  He was afraid it would be saying something negative about me and that’s not his style. Ever.  Anyway, since I’d been dragging him to look at Fitbits every time we were in a story that carried them, he knew I really wanted one and he made the potentially risky decision to buy me one.  I was ecstatic!  He was relieved.  RM-FitbitSo far, so good since then – I’ll give it a couple more weeks and then do a full review on how Fitbit changed my life (I hope).  You know I’ve been carrying around a few extra pounds and I’m ready to tell them goodbye.  I also got a couple of pairs of my favorite running socks – THE most wonderful running socks in the world! (Balega Socks)  Good job, Raymond!!!

Megan, Grant, and Joseph went in together on a joint gift – I should say GIFTS! How exciting it was to unwrap each treasure – and treasures they were.  All vintage Disney collectibles!!!  Here they are:Birthday-Vintage-Mugs

Milk Glass Mickey and Donald Mugs!Birthday-Winnie-the-Pooh-BankWinnie the Pooh Bank!Birthday-Vintage-Snow-White-Play-Kitchen Birthday-Vintage-Snow-White-Play-Kitchen-Sink Birthday-Vintage-Snow-White-Play-Kitchen-Stove Birthday-Vintage-Snow-White-Play-Kitchen-FridgeSnow White Play Kitchen – Sink, Stove, and Fridge!Birthday-Vintage-Metal-Walt-Disney-World-TrayWalt Disney World Metal Tray!Birthday-Goofy-DAK-BoatGoofy and one of the original Animal Kingdom Boats!

Softens the blow of turning another year older, let me tell you – Great company, good food, fantastic gifts – all in all, being 51 is fantastic!!!  Best family EVER!

What are your family’s birthday traditions?

Commemorating Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary

Happy Saturday, Disney Friends!  Sometimes when I’m pouring over articles at the Disney Musings Blog, looking for one to share with you, happy memories are triggered – today is one of those times.  This item from Nick’s Disneyana collection (and doesn’t he have the most amazing collection?) reminded me of the first time Raymond and I took our children to Walt Disney World.  It was in 1996!  Megan was five and Joseph just 13 months – it was July.  And we had such a magical time!  In a magical place!  I’m betting you’ll also have some happy memories when you read about this particular treasure, too.  Have a great weekend!

Commemorating Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary

By: Nick

I bought this great ceramic commemorative figure of Genie, Simba, Mickey Mouse, and Goofy back in 1996 during Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary.

A Magical Time in a Magical Place. This figure measures 7 inches tall.

An interesting collection of characters. It works for me though.

It’s time to remember the magic!  Made in Thailand.
Original price: $45.

This is reminiscent of the “group hug” scene in Aladdin, after Al has made his third and final wish, freeing Genie. I love that scene, and actually have a sericel of the “Group Hug” that I’ll share in a future post.

For more Disney awesomeness, be sure to follow Nick, his wife Barbie, and friends:  Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.  You can listen to Nick, our friend Dave and me on The Disney Exchange Podcast where we talk about…well, you can probably guess.

Headed to Walt Disney World in 2016?  The Disney Exchange Podcast will be having a meet-up in February during the Princess Half Marathon Weekend!  Details will be available on The Disney Exchange’s Facebook Page and also on Twitter.  We’d love to see you there!!!

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse

RM-Mickey-Antenna-TopperMickey Mouse turns 87 today.  Like you, I grew up with Mickey – he was of my parents’ generation and they were fans of Walt Disney’s movies, TV shows, and toys.  My parents helped me on my way to being the Mickey Mouse fan I am today.  Raymond and I did our part to pass the love along to our children as well.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse

It’s a great day to take a look at where, when and how Mickey is part of my life everyday – and he is, maybe more for me than most people.RM-Mickey-Plate-Holder

Mickey greets me every morning in the kitchen and often joins me for a cup of coffee.  He rides to work with me on my car antenna and can usually be found as part of my attire.RM-Mickey-Mug

Mickey collectibles are treasured at our house and we’re always on the lookout in antique stores and at flea markets for the next big (or little) find we can’t pass up.IMG_2220RM-Mickey-Pocket-Watch-Open RM-Mickey-Pocket-Watch-Closed

Mickey makes up a large portion of our Disney pin collection and is the main star of our holiday decorating.  No matter the season, if you look closely, you’ll find his iconic shape somewhere at our house!  (For tutorials on making your own Mickey ornaments, see the posts here, here, and here.  For a Christmas door wreath, check here.)RM-Mickey-PinsRM-Mardi-Gras-DoorRM-Halloween-Decorations-WreathGeneral Dis Pics 11.13 061General Dis Pics 11.13 055

Speaking of finding that oh-so-familiar shape, let’s not forget how it’s become automatic for us to try to spot Hidden Mickeys – both in our everyday lives as well as when we’re on a Disney vacation.  Don’t you look for them all the time?  It’s totally normal, right?RM-NecklaceMed Cruise 2013 iphone 002 IMG_2918

Mickey and I almost share a birthday – his being just two days after mine.  Maybe that’s why he has a special place in my heart.  No matter the reason, Mickey’s always around and that makes me happy!

Do you share my love for Mickey Mouse?  Where can he be found in your day?

Disney Treasures! Snow White 65th Anniversary Set

It’s finally Saturday and you know what that means!  It’s time for another installment of Saturday’s With Nick!  Today’s find reminds me that even though we might get a little tired and worn around the edges; even though we may have lost the luster of youth and begin to show our age, we’re still treasures in our own way!  That’s my take and I’m going with it…who’s with me?

Disney Treasures! Snow White 65th Anniversary Set

By Nick

I bought this Snow White set complete at our local flea market this Sunday.

I’d never seen it before, and when I asked what the person selling it wanted, and he said $10, I was somewhat shocked.  I didn’t even look at who made the figures, and didn’t examine each one for any possible flaws.  The gentleman selling them wrapped each figure individually, and handed me the bag.

When I got home, I set out the display it came with.

I placed each figure out on it’s designated spot.

It was then I noticed a couple figures were indeed not perfect, such as Happy, who I assume is supposed to be holding a conductor’s baton, which is clearly broken…

…and Dopey’s drumstick has seen better days.

It seems everyone else is in pretty good condition.

The Dwarfs average 3.25″ in height, while Snow White is 5.5.”

When it came to investigating where these figures came from, I looked on the bottom, and then went to what I consider the best place on the internet to find out information on Snow White, Filmic Light.

This set was sold at CVS in 2002 to celebrate Snow White’s 65th anniversary. The display came with Snow White.

I think $10 was a very fair price, despite the small flaws, and I consider this another excellent Flea Market Find!’

Don’t miss out!  For more Disney awesomeness, be sure to follow Nick, his wife Barbie, and friends:  Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.