Dressing for Disney: Working for the Mouse

As some of you may know, I got a job working for the Walt Disney Company just over a month ago.

I am a Secretary for Buena Vista Construction Company, which is WDW's in-house construction company. While I can't go too in depth about some aspects (perks) of the job, I can tell you that in addition to basic clerical duties and office management, I also get to be involved in many of the construction projects happening on property. And I'm sure you know about some of the really big projects in the works. :) It's sweet.

Not much more to this post other than to fill you in on my current work situation. I'm no longer working at Lilly Pulitzer, which is a bummer as I loved all the ladies I worked with and being a part of that fun, punchy brand. 

Speaking of Lilly P, I will tell you how I came about this current position working for BVCC, as it has everything to do with working at Lilly, and timing, and circumstance.

I was working the fitting rooms one Saturday morning when a nice young lady came in to try some stuff on. We got to chatting- I think she had a Disney purse or something- and she told me she worked for Disney. After talking for twenty minutes or so, she wrapped up her try-on session and was starting to leave. As she did, she mentioned her position (she is also a Secretary at BVCC) and how they were looking to hire another person to work side-by-side with her. She encouraged me to send along my resume and references, not promising anything but that she would pass them on to her boss. 

A few weeks later, I received a call to set up a phone interview (which I did in the Convention Center lobby/hallway of the Contemporary after spending the morning in Magic Kingdom). Next was an in-person interview. Then a second face to face interview. 

Fast forward to the D23 Expo. As I was standing in line for Peter Pan at Disneyland, minutes after rope drop, my phone rang. A Disney number. 

It was my recruiter, offering me the position with BVCC! Talk about magical. Getting a job offer working for the Mouse in his original house. Funny thing is, I also got the Lilly job offer while in the Magic Kingdom here in Florida just a few months prior. Crazy, huh? (Not really, it just goes to show I'm in those damn parks way too much.) 

Anyway, this made the whole D23 experience even more memorable. My buddy Keith Gluck drove down to Dland that night, and we celebrated with dinner at Steakhouse 55. More on that in my D23 Expo recap. 

This 'new' job is full time, so my park time has been limited, but that's a-ok. The experiences I'm having, the behind the scenes stuff I see, the things I'm learning and the people I'm meeting more than make up for it. I feel so fortunate to be able to work for the Walt Disney Company, and to be a part of the magic that Uncle Walt created almost 100 years ago.

Life is pretty grand, eh?

Dressing for Disney: Epcotiversary in America (and a bit of Food & Wine Festival)

Welcome to the third installment  of Epcotiversary. Not sure what that is? Click here to read more and catch up on months past.

Speaking of months past, for those of you keeping score, John and I married in May, making this our fourth monthly Epcotiversary. But there's only two previous posts, you say? 

We celebrate our Epcotiversary on the 16th of every month. June was celebrated in Morocco. July in Mexico. August in... well, I was in California for the D23 Expo. So we skipped that month but plan to double up in the future. In fact, we planned to double up for this month, but we decided to add in some Food & Wine booths to our monthly country and figured trying to cram in two countries AND Food & Wine booths would be a bit much. So, long story short, three installments of 'Epcotiversary,' four months of marriage. Ya still with me? Ok...

When John picked 'America' out of the mug, I was a bit bummed. I mean, America is probably the least inspired in regards to food stuffs in the World Showcase. Turkey legs, burgers, a quick service steak, and funnel cakes pretty much sum up the offerings. But, the whole point of Epcotiversary is to hit every country, so carry on we must. (It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.) What did we do/eat/drink? Read on to find out. 

Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top (old print, similar here) // Lilly Pulitzer Callahan Shorts // Disneyland 60th Dooney & Bourke // Fitbit Charge HR 

We parked in the front entrance of Epcot in order to hit up a few of the booths new to Food & Wine this year. (All of which I've been involved with through my new position at Buena Vista Construction Company!)  Our first stop was the Chew Lab booth, which is situated in the area where the Butterfly Garden usually resides during the Flower & Garden Festival.  Here we tried the N.Y. Strip and a glass of cabernet. The steak was cooked perfectly and all the components made it really yummy. I liked the wine, but John didn't care for it. It was served chilled, which turned him off.  Carrying on, we stopped at the Cheese Studio for some cheese fondu and sourdough bread dipper. Do I even have to tell you that this was delicious? It was. 

We had made it all the way back to Japan when the skies opened up and one of those notorious Florida rain showers kicked up. We took shelter under the pagoda next to the entrance to Mitsukoshi for what we thought would be a passing shower. Thirty minutes later, it was still sprinkling, but the park was closing within the hour, so we decided to brave the elements and head on. 

We made it to America and decided to check this one off the list by sampling a food item from the Food & Wine booth in America. Cheating? Maybe. But hell, we made up the rules for Epcotiversary, and we say it's fine. We shared the pimento cheese slider. It was tasty, but not a great value for the price. ($5 or so, two to three bites). 

It was still sprinkling so we ate quickly and continued around the World Showcase lagoon. As we circled back into Future World, Spaceship Earth and the Fountain of Nations were illuminated against a stormy sky and lookin' mighty fine. 

We slid back by the Sustainable Chew booth (right next to the Chew Lab, where we began our journey) and split the zucchini ravioli (a *great* value for the money, at $4 and change it was HUGE and was plenty to split) and the vanilla panna cotta (a *terrible* value, smaller than a shot glass at $4+ and tasted like flavorless jello. Yuck!)

Last but certainly not least was the liquid nitrogen chocolate truffle from the Chew Lab. *This* was tasty and very unique. I'd get it again; it'd be perfect on one of our hot 'autumn' days here in central Florida. 

It wouldn't be an Epcotiversary if we didn't get a couples selfie (an 'us-ie'?); here's a soggy selfie for ya. 

Thanks for reading along! 

Catching Up

Hello, anybody there?

Haven't been around these parts in a while. Figured I'd jump back in to touch base and catch y'all up on what's been shakin' over here. 

Most of this I hope to turn into posts at some point in time, but I'll give the CliffsNotes version here. 

Will turned one. ONE! John and I constantly ask each other if we can believe we have a one year old. Will is so awesome. He's just the neatest kid and it's a joy to watch him grow and learn. I know it's a cliche, but he really does amaze us every day. 

We had the most fun first birthday party for him. It was a fantastic mix of friends and family who we love dearly, and who love Will in return. I can't WAIT to share pictures. 

The next day, John and I went to a festival at a local winery, while my dad stayed with Will. John and I even went for dinner and drinks in Disney Springs! It was such a nice day for all parties. 

Thanks to one of my favorite friends, Annastasia, whom I worked with during my job at Buena Vista Construction Company, we went to the first Mickey's-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of the year. One of our friends refused to go since they're starting is so early, lol. It was hot and humid and rainy as always, but we still had a great time. John and Will went home a few hours before the party ended, so mama had a few hours to trick or treat with the grown ups. You should see the bag of candy we have (and it's one of those big clear plastic shopping bags they give you in the gift shop, too!)

Speaking of Annastasia: on a whim this last Thursday, she asked if I'd like to go to Disneyland with her this coming Labor Day Weekend. The deal was too good to pass up, so here we are planning our hearts out for her first trip out there. Excited is an understatement. Will is spending the weekend at my mom's and John gets a weekend to himself. Win-win-win. 

My friend Laura from Connecticut was down with her husband and two kids, so we got together and went to Gatorland and MNSSHP. She and I taught together for a few years when I lived up there, and we had the most fun. I just love her to death. 

Let's see, what else. I started an eight week workout program with my mommy/baby fitness group, Fit4Mom-Celebration. The program is called BodyBack, and it's challenging but really rewarding. It will finish up right before we take a family trip to NYC in mid-October, so the timing is perfect and the motivation is real. I amassed such a beautiful collection of Lilly over the years and while working there, and it's so sad to just see it hanging in my closet because it doesn't fit well anymore. So, that's my goal, to get back into my duds. Superficial, yes, but also practical so I don't have to buy a new wardrobe (Hi, John. See, doesn't that logic make sense?!)

So with that being said, Will goes to a little in-home childcare/'school' a few days a week for an hour and a half while I go to my workout. It's been so cute to pack his breakfast (instead of lunch, since we go first thing in the morning) and drop him off with a few of his pals, and to pick him up after. He's started a routine of carrying his shoes over to us when he wants to go somewhere, and he eagerly meets me at the door when I arrive. 

Alright, that's a good stopping point, and pretty much gets you up to speed on everything. Ah, yeah, I need to share about my D23 Great Movie Ride walk-through and breakfast. That was a bittersweet day. Anything else...?

Oh, and I want to write a post about what to bring/wear to Disney when it rains, including baby gear. It's actually not terrible to be there in the rain, since it clears out the park and cools it down somewhat. You just have to be prepared is all. 

Ok then. Hope you have a nice weekend. I'll be getting Will's twelve month (one year?!) photo and post up within the next few days. 

Thanks for reading!

XO, Ashley

My Disney Job: Workweek Wear

Five words to sum up my wardrobe this week: Jeans all day, erryday. 

I love jeans. 

Meet my assistant, who is always present when I take these photos before walking out the door for 

work. 

American Rag Jacket (old, similar here) // Anthropologie Top // Jessica Simpson Materinity Jeans // Kendra Scott Necklace // Stella & Dot Necklace // Tieks Flats

Anthropologie Blouse (old) // Mossimo for Target T-Shirt // Citizens of Humanity Jeans 

Azadouhi Jewelry Necklace // Tory Burch Flats (I've had these for almost 10 years!)

Lilly Pulitzer Top (old, but I'm loving this similar style) // Jessica Simpson Maternity Jeans // Stella & Dot Necklace (old) // Tieks Flats

Buena Vista Construction Company Work Shirt // Gap Tank (old, layered under shirt) // Liz Lange for Target Maternity Jeans // runDisney New Balance Sneakers

I was out in the field taking photos for various projects this week, including a certain big project happening at Disney's Animal Kingdom, so I kept it simple and wore my work shirt this day. Of course, it's Disneyfied- check out the cute little Mickey on the sleeve!

Lilly Pulitzer Top (old print, same style here) // Jessica Simpson Maternity Jeans // Lilly Pulitzer Flats (old) // Michael Kors Necklace

Emi Jay Hair Tie // Stella & Dot Bracelet 

Thanks so much for reading. Have a great weekend! 

XO, Ashley

My Disney Job: Workweek Wear

I'm trying out a new series, similar to one I enjoy reading on one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere. I can't even try to match Emily's level of cool-girl L.A. style, but I can adapt it to fit this blog by tying it into my Disney job.

The facet of Disney where I work, Buena Vista Construction Company, is a bit more lax on abiding by the 'Disney look' dress code. Since my role has me in the office and out in the field photographing our current projects, I have the blessing of being able to wear jeans to work most days. This works well for me since jeans are my favorite closet staple. 

Many of the items I wear are pretty old, so I'll try and link to something similar if the exact thing is not available. Also, I tend to have a handful of higher priced items, such as my flats, but as you'll see I wear them almost every day, so the cost per wear goes way down over time. Same with some of my jeans. My Lilly collection spans over 10 years and includes lots of finds from the annual sales and a brief stint working there. 

Gap Popover (old, similar here and on sale) // J.Crew Field Jacket // J.Crew Factory Necklace // Citizens of Humanity Jean (old, similar here -- the only pair of non-maternity jeans I can still fit into) // Tieks Flats

Lilly Pulitzer Marlowe Dress (old print, other options here) // Liverpool Jean Jacket // Tieks Flats

J.Crew Factory Necklace // Lilly Pulitzer 'Spill the Juice' Bangle // Emi Jay Hair Tie

J.Crew Factory Button Up // Stella and Dot Necklace // Jessica Simpson Maternity Jeans // Tieks Flats

Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Top (old print, other options here) // Azadouhi Jewelry Necklace // Jessica Simpson Maternity Jeans // Lilly Pulitzer Flats // Emi Jay Hair Tie

Lilly Pulitzer Michelle V-Neck Tee (yup, wore the same print twice in one week...) // Lilly Pulitzer Cardigan (similar here) // Kendra Scott Necklace // Jessica Simpson Maternity Jeans // Glittery Chuck Taylors

Disney Baby: Baby Suit is 2 Months Old

Hooray! We all survived the first sixty days of Will's existence here on earth! 

This big fella is weighing in at 14.9 pounds and 24 inches long. He easily fits in three month old clothing, and often sports 6-9 month old duds. He's a hefty fella who loves his chow. 

He pretty much sleeps through the night, from around 8pm -5:30am before he starts fussing, and then eats at 6:30 in the morning. We've been using the Moms On Call book to help with a sleeping and eating schedule, and it's been great. 

Let's see, what else? He's got excellent head and neck control. He loves to 'stand' with support. He's happiest just after he eats, and smiles and coos once he's burped. He does the same at diaper changes. He's starting to drool quite a bit and likes to have his right hand in his mouth when a pacifier isn't available. We've found the magic baby soother- our LiliBaby carrier! Puts him to sleep every time he's in it. He doesn't LOVE his swing, so we're in the market for a new one. Any recommendations? 

In his second month of life, Will has visited Epcot (twice!) and Animal Kingdom, rode out Hurricane Matthew, visited my work family at Buena Vista Construction Company, been to Target and Publix umpteen times, and has been the subject of too many Snapchats to count. 

He's such an awesome little man, and we're all falling more and more in love with each other, and learning more and more of how our family works, every day.

Happy two months, little bud.