Disneystyle

Working Girl Disney Style: Aurora Inspired OOTD

6:50 AM

It is easy to find your Disney Style if you can run around in a mickey tees and ears all day... but what about those of us working in the corporate world?



As a professional young woman working in a corporate office setting, there are certain guidelines to follow when it comes to a company dress code. By no means do I have to wear a pant suit to work every day (though I feel that could be a fun challenge), but over the past 7 years of my career I've definitely honed in on my own certain "work style".

I LOVE dresses. They are so versatile for every season: pair with leggings, boots, and scarves in fall and winter, pair with wedges and a bright lip for spring and summer. You never have to change out your closet because your dresses can be worn year round. Layer for each season with a cardigan, jean jacket, or blazer for an instant seasonal update. I often opt for dresses with fun patterns or bright colors.



You know how you often hear the phrase, "dress for the job you want, not the job you have"? Well, I like to dress for the attitude I want. Even if I wake up on the wrong side of the bed, a colorful outfit can instantly brighten my day (literally)!



I found this great dress at Francesca's (find it here). It may look like a familiar style, and that is because I also have it in this blue flower pattern. The fit was perfect for me, so when I found it in this vibrant pink color I knew it was meant to be.

It gave me a bit of Sleeping Beauty whimsy - make it pink! - so when getting dressed for work I wanted to add a pin for a touch of Disney flair. Many times, this is how I'll add Disney Style to my work style. A simple pin adds just the right amount of magic to a look while still looking like a business professional!

Back in June, I got a the Disney Nesting Dolls Mystery Pin Pack which has been one of my most favorite pin packs to date! I ended up with an Aurora pin in there, so I decided to add it to my trusty jean jacket. My pastel jeweled Candie's sandals (bought at Kohl's quite a few years ago) were the final touch to making this Aurora Inspired Look come to life, and my gold A bar necklace fit the role perfectly as well.  A for Alli & Aurora. Bam.

What do you think? What is your favorite way to add Disney Style into your work attire?









This is 30!

6:00 AM

Today, I am 30 years old. 

Everyone has mixed feelings about birthdays, but whether you are happy about setting off towards another year of life or sad because you know your face will be getting more lines and your hair may be gaining gray strands, I think everyone can agree that everyday you get to take a breathe is a blessing.

"Growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional." This is one of my favorite ways to think about getting older.

As I reflect on my 30 years of life, I think of all the things that make me who I am. The good times, the bad times, memories both happy and sad, they have all shaped me into the person I've become.

I could go on and on about the people who have touched my life and what they have meant to me, the certain things I've been through that make me the resilient woman I've become and flaunt my many accomplishments, travels, and the wonderful things I have going for me.

Instead I'd like to share with you some of the things I've learned in these 30 years.


Life is the Bubbles!
A Lesson from The Little Mermaid
Have fun. Start each day with a smile. Don't take yourself too seriously. Live in the sunshine. And if all else fails... pop a bottle of champagne & sing a song.







It Never Hurts to Keep Looking for Sunshine
A Lesson from Winnie the Pooh

Life isn't all rainbows and sunny skies. There are storms and rain clouds and sometimes you don't know if you'll ever be able to see the light again. But no, it never hurts to keep looking for that sunshine. Find the silver linings, look for the happiness. Soon enough, it will come shining through. 


Ain't No Need to Watch Where I'm Goin', 
Just Need to Know Where I've Been
A Lesson from Cars




Oh, Mater! For such a silly guy you sure do know how to give a good lesson. We can plan for the future as much as we want (and hey! I'm all about having goals and aspirations), but sometimes reflecting what you've been through in your life is the greatest way to prepare for the unknown ahead.

Ladies Don't Start Fights, 
But They Can Finish Them
A Lesson from Aristocats
Always keep a positive outlook and be kind to others, but never be afraid to stand up for yourself!






Love is the Greatest Adventure
A Lesson from Up!


Up is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies and there are just so many lessons to be learned from start to finish. I think of Brian as the Carl to my Ellie and I am so blessed to be on this lifetime of adventure with him. Seriously - we've been together for almost 10 years now, just about a third of my life! Adventure is out there and I love finding it with you, Brian.

We All Go a Little Mad Sometimes. 
Haven't You?
A Lesson from Alice in Wonderland

Always be yourself & don't worry about what other people think about you. You can be serious or silly, straight-laced or wacky. As long as you are being you, who cares what anyone else thinks!





Everyday Can Be The Best Day Ever 
When You've Got a Dream
A Lesson from Tangled
Life is what you make of it, people! You only get one life. Keep pursuing the things that make you happy and get rid of the things that don't. Life is too short to be unhappy. Go, live your dream!



 





Never Grow Up
A Lesson From Peter Pan

So, I guess I AM a grown up. I have been working full-time for seven years. I bought a house and a car. I have a 401K. But guess what? I also know that growing older and wiser is different than growing old and bitter. As long as I stay young at heart and true to myself, I'll never really grow up.





Here's To 30 and Beyond!





Tango's Tale: Fostering Saves Lives

8:07 PM


One of the images posted on the NYC ACC for Oreo


On August 12, 2016, my day started out just like any normal day. With tired eyes, I drank my morning coffee and scrolled through Facebook. I follow many animal welfare pages and organizations that help save dogs from high-kill shelters in the Tri-State Area.

In the U.S., it is estimated that 5,500 dogs are put to sleep in shelters EVERY. DAY.

That is a HUGE number. There are many factors at work here. People do not spay and neuter their pets. Puppy mills and breeders continue to overbreed dogs (that are not well cared for and purely used for profit). People buy or adopt dogs without understanding the commitment it takes to care for a dog properly: time, money, patience, etc. Once they are over it, they bring them to shelters or in some cases where animal welfare education is not prevalent or the people are just straight up evil, they will simply leave the dog somewhere. Locked in an apartment, on the side of the highway, in the woods.

Tango playing in our backyard as a foster dog


Anyway, I'm going through my Facebook and see a page called "Must Love Dogs" has posted their daily pleas for dogs that are set to be euthanized at noon from the NYC ACC. I've seen these lists before and each time is completely heartbreaking. With no room at our house for another dog, I try to "share" as many dogs as I can in hopes someone will see it and decide to open their home as a foster or adopter.

There is no way Brian and I could add another dog into the mix, even has a foster. While he doesn't mind our two cats, Cosmo is not very dog friendly. We also both work quite far away and I travel often for work, so it just didn't make sense. We really had no extra time to give to another dog.

And then I saw him.


The actual post on Must Love Dogs that made me fall in love


The most handsome, happy little face I had ever laid eyes on. I'm not sure what made me decide to do it, but I sent a text to my husband and the conversation went a little something like this:

Alli: *Sends picture of "Oreo"*
Alli: Look at this guy. He is going to be put to sleep today :(
Alli: Look how cute he is. And he is rated Average which means he is really good!
Alli: Only 13 months old. The poor guy. All because they had a baby.
Alli: I wish we could just foster him
Brian: How
Alli: IDK if we kept him downstairs and just put Cosmo in his crate while he is out it says he is fine with cats and other dogs maybe eventually they would be friends
Alli: It says he even likes taking baths and getting his nails trimmed and he is just so cute.
Alli: I bet he would get adopted fast too because he is so young and got a great rating.
Alli: and it says he is house trained and good with kids!
Brian: Ok
(Me thinking this means "OK enough I've told you a million times we can't have any more animals I am over this conversation don't keep pushing it.")
Alli: I'm sorry I know we can't have any other animals he is just so young and it says he is really good and I just thought maybe we  could help him.
Brian: I said ok

At this point I am in pure disbelief. Ok as in..... ok I can grab him? At this point it is around 11AM and I know they start putting the animals to sleep around 12. I must move fast.

Panicked, I email the NYC ACC but I have a feeling that is not the best and quickest way to make this happen. I post on the FB thread with his picture. How do I pull a dog? Someone answers me - message the Must Love Dogs page. I do that and the nicest person helps me out. They send me a few different foster applications to be filled out as pulling through a rescue is the easiest way to get a dog out. It will cost me no money as the rescue will pay the $200 fee, and they have connections and experience talking with the NYC ACC to ensure the dog is marked as SAFE.

I fill out the apps as quickly as possible. I need references, etc., so I let a couple friends know to keep an eye on their phones if they get a call as Oreo's life is up against the clock. One rescue calls me back with bad news - they just had a foster fall through and now have to put a dog they pulled in boarding. They can't take another chance like that so they will approve me and keep me on file for the future, but can't help me pull Oreo. Then I get the call from Rebound Hounds. After a few more steps I am approved.

They pull Oreo for me. He is SAFE.  We talk about transport and I let them know I can drive to Brooklyn the next day to pick him up myself and bring him to his foster home.

And that is the story of how Tango was saved from near death.
In Brooklyn, shortly after I had just met him!


Tango's Freedom Ride from Brooklyn ACC on 8-13-16

The next day I drove out to the Brooklyn ACC to pick him up. It was a sad place. I saw some things I wish I never had to see. Once they verified who I was, I waited out back for them to bring me Oreo. I had no idea what to expect - what if he was actually a mean dog and I had to drive 2 hours back home with him in the car? I'd brought some toys with me to keep him busy... but what if he had toy aggression? I kept calm and then he walked out the side door and I fell so deeply in love with his big, happy smile. He immediately came over to greet me and say hello, like I was an old pal. He was just the happiest dog I'd ever met before. I signed some more papers and then we were on our way. He hopped in the car and gave me a big kiss. At that moment, I felt so overwhelmed.

I have just met you and I love you.

Over the next few days, Oreo had to "decompress". He spent most of his time in the crate but for a few short walks throughout the day. The literature Rebound Hounds gave us said to do this for two weeks, but that is more for dogs who were stressed out and scared from shelter life. Oreo was neither of those things. He was completely content being OUT of the crate - but he hated being in it. He cried all night long. We had to bribe him to go into the crate with slices of Kraft Cheese. I am not kidding you - for a few months we had to buy Kraft Singles and that was the only way to get him into the crate.

Tango and Brian meeting for the first time

Enjoying playing in his very own backyard! Wet from swimming in the pool & loving rolling in the grass!


Though his previous owners said they took him on 3 walks a day, I find that hard to believe. He had terrible leash manners. He also LOVED grass. He would just roll and roll and roll in it during our entire walk. He was also fascinated by birds, bees, and the many bunnies in our neighborhood. Our long walks together were so amazing because it was like he was just seeing the world for the first
time.

Ultimately, we decided to adopt him. He was such a special boy, I felt there was no way we could let him go. And surprisingly, Brian felt the same. I could see when they would play together that they had a very special bond. So in October, he officially became part of the Sharpe Family and Brian picked his new name to signify his new, happier life: TANGO.

Tango's official adoption notice! 


I will post his full eval below if you'd like to read, but let me say this. His ex-owners gave him up because they "had a new baby" and "had no time" for him. He had been a "gift" to them when he was a puppy. When they dropped him at the high-kill Brooklyn ACC at only 13 months old, they gave him a death sentence and never looked back. Right now, he could be in a garbage bag in a landfill decomposing and they wouldn't even care. I wonder if they ever think about him and what happened to him.

But I have to thank them. Tango, in his 13 months with those people, was obviously well taken care of. He was not starved nor was he abused. He is not fearful or aggressive. He has only ever had 2 accidents in the house and they were mostly our fault, not his. This is not the case for so many animals that are abandoned. I know first hand, because I had to work on so many of Cosmo's issues all these years that I've had them. So while they left him to die with no regard, I at least appreciate that they gave him a nice enough life for the short time they had him.

 And now he gets to live the rest of his years with a family who loves him and would never abandon him <3
The feeling when you know you're safe and have a family who loves you

In fall, we learned he LOVES STICKS!

Always following his dad around the yard

Tango is so playful and loves to be outdoors and swimming!

Tango is really great at snuggles

And loves the pool!

He finally got to go on adventures

and see the great outdoors with his mom & dad









Here is his FULL BIO from MUST LOVE DOGS + his BROOKLYN ACC DESCRIPTION:

SAVED – 08/12/2016

He WAS the “baby” of the house till a “new baby” came along and then his human parents decided to cart him off to the shelter. Another case of out with the old and in with the new, despite the fact OREO got along TERRIFIC with kids of ALL ages. He was affectionate, gentle and sweet
with them! In fact, Oreo loves everyone he meets and loves to give jump up hugs and kisses. This poor little boy who is only a year old and starting out his life, who is optimistic and loving and a joy to be around, will die on Friday simply because he caught the dreaded “cold” and the ACC can’t be bothered treating him with a round of antibiotics. Doesn’t matter he is stunningly gorgeous and highly adoptable with his german shepherd lineage, and it doesn’t matter he got ALL Coveted 1’s on his SAFER and an “AVERAGE FAMILY” rating. It doesn’t matter he is the perfect family pet, who never guards his things, who ENJOYS baths and having his nails trimmed. It doesn’t matter he is housetrained, crate trained, knows commands and loves other dogs. None of this matters. He is slated to die on Friday and there will be no quarter given. This baby boy’s only hope is that someone will see him and stand up for him – will foster or adopt him and give him a committed NEW family who will ALWAYS stand by him and keep him safe. So don’t wait another minute – SAVE OREO. He will be the best decision you have made all year!

07/31/2016 PET PROFILE MEMO
07/31/16 21:06 BASIC INFORMATION Oreo is a German shepherd mix with American Pit, he is black and brown and 1 years old. Oreo was a gift from a friend to the family. Since a puppy Oreo has been the family dog. The owner can no longer keep Oreo because there new born in the home and they don’t have time to care for Oreo. Oreo has no known illness. SOCIALIZATION Oreo has lived with children of various ages. He is playful and gently around them. He allows to be petted and watch them play. Around stranger he jumps up in excitement and greets with kisses. Oreo is relaxed around the neighborhood dogs, he sniff and becomes playful. He has never been around cats but he is not bothered by the stray cats in the neighborhood. BEHAVIOR Oreo allows all handling. He isn’t bothered when touching his food bowl while eating, removing toys or objects from his mouth; he enjoys bath time and allow his nails to be trimmed. During fireworks he is nervous. Oreo has a high activity level. He is houses trained and is walked 3 times a day. When the owners are not home he is left in a crate or free to roam the house. He has never had a bit history. FOR NEW FAMILIES TO KNOW Oreo is described as playful, affectionate and excitable. He enjoys fetch, chase and wrestling. He favorite toys are squeaky toys, chew bones and balls. He sleeps in the living room where is doggy bed is located. He knows the command sit & come. He pulls slightly on the leash. But his most favorite activity is running in the park. Oreo is feed a diet of Pedigree a mix of wet and dry. BEHAVIOR DURING INTAKE Oreo during intake was relaxed and friendly. He allowed to be collard, scanned and photographed.

08/03/2016 BEHAVIOR EVALUATION – AVERAGE
Exam Type BEHAVIOR
Oreo previously lived with adults and children of various ages. The owner stated Oreo is playful and gently around strangers, adults and children. The owner mentioned Oreo hasn’t lived with cats but isn’t bothered by the stray cats in the neighborhood. It was reported by the owner Oreo is house trained and has a high activity level. The owner describes Oreo as playful, affectionate and excitable. At intake it was reported Oreo was relaxed and friendly, he allowed all handling. During SAFER Oreo came into the assessment room loose and wiggly, he was friendly and social towards the assessor. He allowed all handling items to be conducted without issue. Oreo joins the game and mouths the leash but in a playful manner during the tag interaction, and during the resources portion of the assessment Oreo was easy to handle when engaged with the item. Oreo appears to be sociable, and did not display any behaviors concerns, so the department feels he can be suitable for an “Average” adopter. Look: 1. Dog’s eyes are averted. His ears are back, his tail is down, and he has a relaxed body posture. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands. Sensitivity: 1. Dog leans into the Assessor, eyes soft, soft and loose body, open mouth. Tag: 1. Dog assumes play position and joins the game. Or dog indicates play with huffing, soft ‘popping’ of the body, etc. Dog jumps on Assessor once play ends. Squeeze 1/2: 1. Dog gently pulls back his paw. Toy 1: 1. Dog settles close, keeps a firm grip and is loose and wiggly. He does not place his body between you and the toy. Dog-dog: When off leash with dogs at the Care Center, Oreo is initially nervous as he greets the other dog. He spends most of his time exploring the pen.

OREO, A1083581, BROOKLYN CC
@1 YR. 1 MOS., 52 LBS.
GERMAN SHEPHERD / PIT MIX, UNALTERED MALE
OWNER SURRENDER REASON: NEW BABY
BEHAVIOR RATING: AVERAGE FAMILY RATED