July 31 - Live My Life Day

There is something special that happens when one decides that their life is worth living FULLY.  When one decides that their life is more than simply working towards goals or accumulating wealth.  When we decide to truly live, to create lasting memories, to forgive past wrongs, to serve our fellow man, we find joy!

This project has so much more to teach me; YOU all have so much more to teach me.  I have loved all that this project represents.  I still struggle some days to remember what is most important in this life.  I instead let inconsequential things get me down.  But so much less now, than ever before.

So today, celebrate what makes you happy. 

Celebrate your life!  

Celebrate the ones who love you!  

Be content with who you are; quirks and all!

HAPPY LIVE MY LIFE DAY!!!

Love,

Ela

Late July 17 - Disneyland Guest Post

Oh man, I'm so sad to say that this is coming to you late!  However, you will enjoy it despite.  What a great guest post written by David Zumbrennen, one of my friends from high school.  Show is post some love, despite my tardiness in getting it to you!  Thank you David and Happy Anniversary Disneyland!

:)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  ;)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)  :)

"To all who come to this happy place – welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past
and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, dreams
and the hard facts that have created America… with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955

From its simple beginnings to the conglomerate it truly is today, Walt Disney and Disney Worldwide Services Inc.
(as it is officially called) have provided memories, experiences and a world where its hard to imagine not having "Disney" around. Whether its Pixar, ESPN, ABC, Baby Einstein, Marvel Comics, etc... Disney has its magical hands and memory making machines hard at work.

As a cast member for Disney it truly is a magical place and a place that evokes tender moments for visitors and
cast member alike. For all its glory, hype and for some complexity it all was quite simple to Walt and where it all began at Disneyland.

Disneyland was ultimately built as a place where both adults and children could go play together. Having visited
Griffith Park with his two daughters Walt was determined to create a "magical" place in which life's troubles could
be forgotten and families could be together as one, in a safe, fantasy land environment. One of his original ideas was to build a park next to his budding studio in Burbank, California, where tourists could visit. Knowing this space wouldn't be large enough he began the process of buying more land and the idea of a small park grew into the Disneyland area that is cherished and loved today.

The original concept for Walt's "Mickey Mouse Park" was to be an 8-acre park. Quickly realizing this was not large
enough Walt acquired 160 acres of orange and walnut grove trees in Anaheim, California. In order to finance the park, Walt and his brother Roy Disney turned to ABC television network to help cover the costs.

Construction began on July 16, 1954 and cost $17 million to complete. The park opened one year and a day later.

July, 1955: Dedication Day and Opening Day.  For as clockwork as Disney seems to run, the dedication and opening of Disneyland was a disaster.  Opening to the public on July 18, 1955 the park had 20 attractions.  A special invitation only event occurred on Sunday, the 17th of July 1955.

The event was to only have 11,000 guests but over 28,000 showed up. The event was televised nationwide.
Celebrities showed up at once, the temperature was 101 degrees, a plumber's strike left many of the drinking fountains dry.  In fact Walt had to decide between water fountains or flushing toilets. He chose the flushing toilets. This generated negate publicity since Pepsi helped sponsor the parks opening. Vendors ran out of food, cement was still fresh and hot from the temperature, that women's high-heeled shoes sank into it. A gas leak caused certain sections of the park to close early.

Despite the concerns and issues, It was successful and popular and today continues to be a magical and memorable place for all.  Disneyland itself land by land is a concept of ingenuity and precision an opportunity for us all to experience our inner childhood and to create memories that will last a lifetime.  It is a place to forget the present and go to another place as real as the life you have left behind. Most important it is a choice and chance to share, grow, experience and create magical memories as an individual and a family for a lifetime.

May we always realize that we can all pursue our dreams no matter what they may be and that a small dream can
change the world. Happy 56th Birthday Disneyland.

**Pictures borrowed from http://worldinapapercup.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/vintage-disneyland/.

June 14 - Bastille Day

Happy Bastille Day or French National Day!  I learned that the French celebrate the storming of the Bastille (a fortress prison) every year on the 14th of July and have been doing so since 1790.  You can read more about this day by clicking here!

The day is celebrated with parades, horsemen, fireworks and the President's garden party.  Prior to President Sarkozy, it was the one day that the President could pardon criminals for petty crimes.  I bet the criminals are booing Sarkozy.  Haha!

I've heard several times that the French don't like Americans, but I really think they would LOVE me.  I would appreciate their art, their food, their architecture, their language and well...they would love me and my cute French accent!  So I say, to the French, Happy La Fête Nationale!  I will be celebrating with French Bread, French Fries and I may even watch the movie French Kiss!

June 13 - National Dance Day / NOT!!

So...I thought today was National Dance Day!  When I heard Nigel Lithgow say, "National Dance Day is July 30th."  I HEARD, "National Dance Day is July 13th."  Dang British accents!!  Despite my silly flub, we can still prepare for National Dance Day!!  Here are some routines that you can practice for the big day, courtesy of The Dizzy Feet Foundation!

Beginning Routine


Intermediate Routine


Master Class Routine

July 10 - Teddy Bear Picnic Day

Alright, when I first read that July 10th is Teddy Bear Picnic Day, I thought...right!!?!  Sure it's Teddy Bear Picnic Day, what idiot made that up.  Well, as I researched the holiday online I learned that there is in fact some interesting history behind it.

First off, the term "Teddy Bears" comes from the early 1900's when President Theodore Roosevelt was on a hunting expedition in Mississippi.  While on hunt, he came across a small bear and refused to shoot it.  The Washington Post heard about it and made a cartoon out of the event.  Once the cartoon was published, Morris and Rose Michtom (toy store owners), wrote to President Roosevelt and asked for permission to call their stuffed animals "Teddy Bears".

Later on in the 1950's, there was a children's television show called, Teddy Bear's Picnic.  Which took the story of President Roosevelt and made a special day of it.  July 10th ~ National Teddy Bear Picnic Day.

It is suggested that you take your favorite stuffed animal, find a fun picnic spot and enjoy a picnic.  :)  Soooo, there you have it, Teddy Bear Picnic Day is real.  I'm curious to know if any of you celebrated the day!  If so, take pics!

July 9 - National Sugar Cookie Day

In honor of today, YUM, I have searched the internet for some of the GREATEST sugar cookie recipes, ideas and pics.  So enjoy!!

Our Best Bites offers a few different ideas.

Kojo Designs had a great idea for baby invites!

Sugar Derby had a recipe for Candy Filled Sugar Cookies, YUM!

Pioneer Party and Gift had this delicious take on fruit pizzas!

And lastly, but certainly not least...

Wilton had an awesome recipe for Sugar Cookie Bowls.

July 5 - Tennis

1st off, congratulations to Djokovic, this year's Grand Slam Winner.

Secondly, grab your racket and get in some tennis time today, if you can!

Thirdly, what an amazing moment it was to see Roger Federer win his 15th Grand Slam.  Inspiring!

July 4 - Happy 4th

I have another great, guest post here for you all from Megan Weems, writer of fantasticalmegs.blogspot.com!   Megs is an excellent esthetician, talented singer and my creative soulmate.  I hope you enjoy her post and be sure to leave her some comments of appreciation!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

It’s finally here!

Happy 4^th of July!

I know many of you have been looking forward to this day since, well, last Independence Day! I know in my circle, the 4^th represents everything wonderful about the summer:

We make good on our plans to relax with those we love;

We barbecue and play games;

We don our swimsuits and splash around in the water;

Sit curbside at city parades,

& we soak ourselves with bug repellent before stretching out under brilliant

firework displays.

Growing up, July 4^th wasn’t at the top of my list of favorite holidays. Christmas came in first, Santa Claus second, and all things jingle bells third- are you catching a theme? There were many years, however, that I had a blast celebrating our nation’s independence, and one of those was when I was about five years old…

My family and I were in Washington State visiting our extended family, and everyone got together on my uncle’s land for a barbecue and fireworks show. What I didn’t know was fireworks “show” actually meant fireworks WAR.  In the middle of slathering my hotdog with mustard, my uncles (who were full grown men, 30 years +) began running around with lit Roman Candles in-hand, shooting at each other from behind wheelbarrows! I can remember climbing onto my aunt’s lap and giggling when my uncles got hit and yelped like schoolboys. Obviously this is not what the manufacturer intended, nor should you try it at home, but it sure made for a memorable 4th!

*If you’re curious to see what a Roman Candle war looks like, watch this and try not think of wizards: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im_3ROAWqWs&feature=related

Now that I’m an adult, Independence Day has grown to be a favorite holiday of mine. I think about the freedoms I have as an American, let alone as an American woman, and I am humbled. I love how July 4th brings our nation together, our communities celebrating from east to west. I’ve come to associate this day with being grateful; that it’s a day to extend thanks to our service men and women- fellow citizens who have dedicated their lives to protecting what our forefathers established in the Declaration of Independence.

Most of all, the 4^th of July is a reminder of our greatest blessing: freedom. And that, my fellow LiveMLP family, is what I believe is at the foundation of this project: the freedom to go after the experiences that make us feel alive! So let’s take full advantage of it!

Happy Birthday, America!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg&feature=related

July 2 - Zeppelin

On July 2, 1900, a German company flew it's first Zepplin model, the LZ-1.  It flew 5 passengers, 3.7 miles in 17 minutes.

The LZ-1

 This day marked the start of a 36 year period of building, improving and flying Zeppelins.  It ended however with the Hindenburg, which was the first Zeppelin that flew up to 100 passengers from Germany to New Jersey.  The total flight took 60 hours (can you imagine being stuck in an airplane for 60 hours!!!) and the Hindenburg completed a total of 10 successful roundtrips before it caught fire upon it's decent over New Jersey.

The Hindenburg

So now that you know the significance of this day, anyone have a suggestion of how to celebrate it?

* To read more about the Zeppelin, click here.

While you're here, don't forget to enter our giveaway for a $30 Amazon gift card.  Today is the last day.  

July 1 - National Postal Worker Day

Each day in July, we will be celebrating!  There really is something to celebrate each day; whether it be local, national or totally made up by a card company.  Let's get started!

Today is National Postal Worker Day.  In 1775, Benjamin Franklin appointed the first ever Postmaster General by the Continental Congress.  From New York to San Francisco, come rain, hail or snow postal workers throughout this great country work diligently to deliver our mail.  They really should be celebrated!  So leave a kind note in your mailbox for your mail person or write a friend and utilize the wonderful service offered, I'm sure it will be appreciated.

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

Inscription on Main Post Office, New York City, adapted from Herodotus.

* More information on National Postal Worker Day, click here.

*Ways to celebrate this holiday, click here.

Day 19 - Birthday Party

Here we go!!  Some FUN!!  Today is all about celebrating life!  Yep!  Do you know someone with a birthday today, maybe a celebrity, or a country, or a historical figure?  Well, celebrate it!  Cake, candles, presents, noise makers, balloons...you name it!

Here are a few interesting famous birthday's today...

Andre the Giant
Pete Townshend
Nora Ephron
James Fox
Malcom X
Ho Chi Minh

:)  Ha, ha, ha!

*Photo found on flickr; key word birthday.