AS THE SUN SETS ON THE FRONTIER...

Hi everyone! I feel like lately all I've been doing is apologizing for not posting anything, but that ends today because I'm home from Orlando with plenty of time to kill before my friend Brittany flies in on Friday! Yep, that's right, we didn't have to say goodbye (thankfully) because I will be seeing my lovely Disney BFF/roommate in five short days :)

All I've been doing the last few weeks (well, besides working and packing and trying to spend as much time with my friends as possible and squeezing in as much time in the parks as i was humanly able) is reflecting on my time working at Disney World and how it has changed me. Yes, I am definitely aware of how cliche that sounds but it is truly the only way to put it! I know that I am not alone in feeling this way, as I'm sure that my co-workers, friends, and roommates would agree with me.

Now hate is a strong word, but when I first started my journey at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (whew, that's a mouthful! we all just call it Pecos buttttt that's its formal name) I was not the biggest fan of my role...I remember my first day the thought (and smell) of dealing with other people's trash made me gag beyond belief. After those three days of training I felt like I was drowning in information, struggling to find some way to remember everything that had been thrown at me. 

Let's be real here for a second: Pecos Bill is, when it comes down to it, a really well themed McDonald's. And also the third busiest restaurant in the world after Cosmic Ray's (Tomorrowland, also in Magic Kingdom) and a McDonald's in Shanghai, China. So considering these two facts, I think my anxiety was justified. But as the days went on and I spent practically every waking hour at work (one shift i was at work until 2 a.m...i considered quitting after that ordeal but i talked myself out of that one) I became more comfortable with my responsibilities and the people I was surrounded by.

The Disney College Program is unique in the way that is brings together so many different people. People from different states, different countries, different walks of life, different cultures. When I studied abroad in England, I went there to be immersed in a singular culture. Somewhat unknowingly, living in Orlando and working at Disney World not only immersed me in the Disney culture but countless others as well. I made friends from England, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, China, and Japan as well as all over the United States! It didn't take long for me to figure out the difference between Aussies and Kiwis, and the fact that the difference is everything. My Aussie friends introduced me to Tim Tams (the greatest cookie...or should i say biscuit? on the face of the planet) and explained to me how Australia is made up of states just like the U.S. is.

Weirdly enough, I would say Disney culture is arguably more exotic than any of the aforementioned ways of life. The company that Walt started way back in 1923 has become the leading force in the world of media and entertainment and has created a truly unique environment for cast members and guests alike. The mission and morals that are upheld and promoted by the company are in turn instilled in cast members and therefore the image is perpetuated by all of us who make the magic real. Working at Disney on the college program teaches you a whole new language of ER's, ADO's, and ROS's (early release, additional day off, release of shift, respectively) and probably an actual new language due of the sheer amount of people from all over the world who walk through the gates every single day. I like to think that I know a little bit more Spanish now than before...

Working at Magic Kingdom (more specifically Pecos Bill) taught me more than I ever thought possible.

It taught me how to be the ultimate team player, but also the importance of being able to be independent.

It taught me how to put others before myself, whether that be my fellow cast members or the guests we serve.

It taught me that even the smallest triumphs can be celebrated, but it's the big ones that should be announced to the entire restaurant with a chorus of cowbells and a rowdy yeehaw.

It taught me how a smile can say more than words ever could.

It taught me that even when things seem like they can't possibly get any worse, they can. And they will. But that it can get better in a split second.

It taught me how to be a better friend.

It taught me how to let the little things go, and even some big things.

It taught me that sometimes you have to get a little bit dirty, and that's okay.

It taught me how to prep hot cheese, and that I would be happy if I never had to prep it again.

It taught me that a strong work ethic will get you far in life, no matter what anyone says.

And most of all, it taught me to reach for my dreams no matter the price.

That, my friends, is what I plan to do.

until next time,

OOTD: HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS EDITION FEATURING BRITTANY AND JADEN

Hi everyone! Today I'm doing an outfit of the day for you all (this is actually really exciting because at home I hardly ever have anyone to take pictures of me) and my good friends Jaden and Brittany (also my roommate) decided to join in on the OOTD fun! Brittany and I went to Forever 21 today (it was our day off and it was due time we add some pizzazz to our closet) and then we headed over to Hollywood Studios in our new threads.

Funny story about the dress I bought today (and am wearing in this picture): Myself and quite a few of my fellow co-workers are obsessed with Pretty Little Liars (Jaden and I watched the finale together and screamed and laughed and cried together...all of the feelsssss) and our co-worker Justin calls me Spencer because I remind him of her. For me, this is a huge compliment because not only do I love her character and think we are similar in personality, but I love her outfits too! So, when I saw this dress in Forever 21 today I immediately thought of Spencer and I had to buy it! My personal style isn't as collegiate or preppy as Spencer's but I do love wearing quote on quote preppy pieces and grunging them up a bit like I did with this outfit.

excuse the awkward arms...i think i was moving while this was taken lol

I really like the belt with this dress, the cinched waist makes it look more put together.

I paired my "Spencer" dress with my combat boots from Boohoo and these frilly white socks from Boohoo as well.

typical

I adore this outfit that Brittany bought today from Forever 21!

I can't pull off yellow to save my life, but she definitely can! I can't get enough of high-waisted shorts, and this pair is flattering to say the least. I love tucking shirts into high-waisted shorts too, it makes the outfit look so polished!

kimono: abercrombie, jeans: hollister

Kimonos are such a versatile piece in any wardrobe, especially a neutral colored one like Jaden is wearing.

The kimono dresses up the outfit a bit, but the ripped jeans still keeps the look casual.

Jaden's watch is too cute not to show you up close! I think the floral design adds a little pop of color to the outfit.

Fashion is a form of personal expression and therefore a reflection of our true selves. I find examining other people's sense of style and clothing choices inspires me to incorporate new pieces or trends into my own personal wardrobe. I'm happy that Brittany and Jaden agreed to be in this post because I admire both of their styles! <3

Let me know down in the comments which outfit is most like your own personal style! Also, more OOTDs? Yay or nay? More guest appearances? I'd love some feedback from you all.

until next time,

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

Hi everyone! Spring is in full swing here at Disney World (although the sweltering temperatures say otherwise...i'm not complaining though!) and that means Easter is quickly approaching! Hunting for Easter eggs is fun, but of course searching for them at Disney World is even better! My roommate Kayla and I went to EPCOT the other day and took part in the 2015 Eggstravaganza, which is basically a giant Easter egg hunt that spans the World Showcase section of the park. Each country had a hidden egg featuring a beloved Disney character and together we found all 12! At first I wasn't sure how difficult they would be to find, considering the fact that the activity was mostly marketed towards children, but it took Kayla and I quite a while to find some of them. I don't have a picture of two of them because they were hard to get a good picture of but here are the rest of those sneaky eggs ;)

our cute little map!

the white rabbit perched on a windowsill in the uk

minnie looking cute as usual in france

dale chillin in morocco

daisy relaxing near the pond in japan

who else but the boss himself in america?! this one took kayla and i forever...

perry the platypus on a balcony in italy

thumper in the outpost...this one took us literally forever

figment in china! my roommate meghan pointed out that it makes sense because he's a dragon...didn't even realize till she said that lol

chip atop the church in norway, i know it's chip because he has the nose that looks like a chocolate chip ;)

last but certainly not least we have donald in mexico!

Continuing along with the Easter theme, Kayla and I headed over to the Grand Floridian afterwards to check out the eggstremely (see what i did there?) beautiful hand-painted Easter eggs on display there! Can you guess what each egg is supposed to represent?

until next time,

HELLO, GORGEOUS: INTRODUCING THE DAYDREAM COLLECTION BY WARBY PARKER

Hi everyone! It's no secret that I am a sunglasses junkie (this should suffice as evidence) so when Warby Parker got in touch with me about helping launch their brand spankin' new collection I was over the moon!

It's called the Daydream Collection and I think it's appropriately named because the last few days I've found myself daydreaming about owning a pair! Some of the frames are completely new while others are tried and true designs  that have gotten a spring overhaul! After looking through the entire collection, I've picked three of my personal favorites to show you all...

These were definitely the first pair that caught my eye. They are the Topper Crystal sunglasses and to me they scream summer! The clear design of these sunglasses is what attracted my attention because I don't think I've ever seen something like them before, and I've certainly never owned a pair like this. I like the roundness of the frames (it suits my face better) and I could see myself wearing them with my more "grungy" looks.

The Piper Petal Tortoise sunglasses are another favorite of mine! I love the cat-eye shape of the frames, it reminds me a bit of 50's fashion. I've owned a few pairs of tortoise sunglasses in the past however this particular print is quite unique I think. Think poodle skirts meets Audrey Hepburn.

My last pick out of the Daydream Collection is this pair, aka Madison English Oak. The shape of the frame is similar to my Wayfarers, which I like. The grainy, wood look reminds me of an old-school surfboard for some reason and that makes me think of California. Which makes me happy, because I miss California <3

I think the Daydream Collection by Warber Parker has something to offer everyone with a true smorgasbord of designs, frames, and colors. You know that you've found a great pair of sunglasses when you find yourself planning (or wanting to plan) entire outfits around them, and I definitely believe this to be the case with this collection! When it comes down to it, fashion is really about inspiration and when a piece in turn inspires you to be more daring or  more true to yourself that's when you know you're onto something.

Want to know something really exciting? You know you do. As of today you can go to the Warby Parker website and order any of these lovely pairs of sunglasses for yourself! And even better for every pair of glasses purchased, Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to someone who needs them! I don't know anything better than treating yourself to a quality product and helping someone in need at the same time :)

until next time,

AN ASSORTMENT OF SNAPSHOTS

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures from the last week or so :)

the mad hatter took a selfie with me!

Right now at Hollywood Studios (soon to be renamed apparently, boo) they have the carriage from the new Cinderella movie, so I had to take a perfectly princess-like picture with it!

Hollywood Studios is really starting to grow on me...after all it is home to two of my favorite attractions, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster (<3 Aerosmith <3) and this beauty of course!

i'm in the second row on the right if you're wondering lol

I'll leave you with this gem of a ride photo! Rocketing from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a millisecond is only slightly terrifying...but being serenaded in my ear by the sweet, sweet silky voice of Steven Tyler sure does calm me down ;)

until next time,

MY 10 PERSONAL SUCCESSES

Hi everyone! Today's post is going to be a tad bit different because it is actually an assignment for the class I am taking at Disney called Creativity and Innovation. My teacher Ellen (hi ellen!) asked me and the rest of my class to highlight ten successes that we have experienced in our lifetime. Seeing as my blog is my creative outlet, I decided to post my ten successes on here for you all to see!

1. getting accepted into the disney college program

How could I leave this one out?! It has been a life-long dream of mine to work for Disney in some way or another, and getting accepted into this program is what made my dream come true! I worked my butt off to get to this point in my education and I am truly proud of all that I have accomplished.

2. graduating from high school

Woah, talk about a flashback! I never doubted for a second that I would graduate from high school (clearly, i'm a nerd) but it was a big deal considering the fact that I went to school for 13 years before I could do it!

3. getting accepted into college(s)

Psych! I didn't even get into this college (UCLA) but I wish I did...isn't it beautiful? I got accepted into three other colleges though, so not all hope was lost!

4. surviving my move across the united states

I don't have a picture for this one because at the time of the move I had no desire to document it. I didn't even want to acknowledge that it was happening. I had to leave the place that I loved, my long-time friends, my boyfriend at the time and his family. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. The successes that I have experienced as a result of my move by far outweigh the hardships I faced during that difficult time. Like...

5. studying abroad in england

need i say more?

6. being in a successful long distance relationship

We met in a slightly non ideal situation (i was leaving england approximately a month and a half after we met) and we are currently in a non ideal situation (mike lives in england, i live in america) however we make it work! And that in itself is a triumph. Or so I've been told by the dozens of people that have told me that they could never do it!

7. distinguished community service award

In high school I completed over 250 hours of community service in a variety of places! Volunteering at my local SPCA was definitely my favorite :)

8. sticking with french all four years of high school

I loved my French teacher and I feel like that was part of the reason why I stuck with it for so long! I don't think French has been too useful in my life just yet, however I did speak it when I went to France much to the dismay of the Parisians I encountered...

9. changing my major halfway through college

I wish I would have chosen English from the beginning but I guess it took me a while to realize that it was always the right path for me. Ever since I changed my major I have felt more confident in myself and my schoolwork.

10. starting this blog

As I have said before, I started this blog as a way to keep myself busy while Mike and I were apart. Of course, I also started this blog because I have a passion for writing and a love of beauty and fashion among many other things. I would consider Essentially Shannon to be a success and I only hope that it will continue to grow!

What are some of your personal successes? Let me know in the comments down below!

until next time,