A few weeks ago I asked y’all to send me some questions for a Q&A blog post. We have my top 5 most frequently asked questions about life, travel, and fashion – so enjoy!
Life
How’s the house?
This is my most FAQ lately, but it’s good! It is coming along slowly but surely. Life outside of the house has also been busy lately, so that hasn’t made things any more productive. But as time goes on it’ll get better and better!
Favorite part of the house so far?
Probably the dining room – but that also might be because it is the closest to being done haha. The main floor as a whole is coming together – the basement has gotten nowhere, and the 2nd floor has also gotten nowhere lol. But I’m curious what my favorite part will be once it’s all finished.
What is the most surprising part about being a new homeowner?
I feel like nothing has been that “surprising” to be honest. I feel like we were pretty well prepared for the worst – so overall things have been pretty smooth.
How’s The Scout Guide Pittsburgh?
It’s good! We’re currently scouting businesses for Vol. 2, so if you’re reading this and you’re from Pittsburgh and know any businesses that may be interested, let me know haha! I’m always learning new things about it and no two days look the same. It can definitely be challenging/stressful but I still wouldn’t trade it for a traditional job.
Tips for balancing work and pleasure?
I’m not sure if I’m the best person to give advice on this – haha! But this is something I am constantly working on. Finding this balance is hard for anyone – but there is definitely an added layer when you own your own business. Additionally, finding a balance between The Scout Guide and my blog continues to be a challenge.
Some things I’ve implemented recently are dedicating certain days to certain things. I work on my blog Monday/Friday and on TSG Tuesday thru Thursday. If there is something urgent with TSG on Monday or Friday I obviously take care of it, but I don’t actively seek work with it those days. Prior to this method, I gave myself zero time for my blog, resulting in a lot of mental grief for myself since it is my first passion. But now that I force myself to dedicate time to it, I’m loving it!
There was a time in my life I had work, school, and was doing my blog full time (and publishing blog posts 3x a week), so I know I have the ability, considering I have complete control over my time at this point in my life. I also don’t work on weekends (unless something is urgent or I have an event), and I don’t reply to The Scout Guide emails/DMs after 5-6pm. I know these methods aren’t possible for everyone, but even implementing one of these items, or your own version of one of these, can be helpful!
Travel
Summer Travel Plans?
This summer we went to Florida for 10 days at the beginning of June – we did Palm Beach and a brief Disney pit stop. In mid-August, we’re doing a 14-day trip to California and Hawaii. We’re doing Disneyland Hotel for a few nights in Anaheim before going to O’ahu and staying at Aulani.
Favorite Disney World hotel in each price tier?
This is such a tough question! And I know this will be a long-winded answer – haha. There are pros/cons to all Disney resorts, and I think there are a lot of factors when considering a resort – if you’re going to the parks every day, budget, whether you’ll have access to a car, etc. But, I definitely have my favorites!
As for value resorts, in my opinion, they’re all extremely comparable. We rarely stay in these resorts – probably once every 5 years or so. That being said, I’m not as well-versed to be honest. I will say, I don’t see Art of Animation as a value despite it being in that category – it’s priced much higher, which in my opinion is the entire point of staying value. I’d say if you want the most affordable option, go with one of the All-Star Resorts, and if you want to spend a little more for the convenience of the Skyliner, go with Pop Century. The All Stars and Pop have all recently been renovated, so the rooms are all about the same.
As for moderate, I really enjoy the Port Orleans Riverside Resort. I know it’s not necessarily the popular opinion, but I like that it is smaller and quieter compared to Coronado and Caribbean Beach.
As for Deluxe – how do I pick just one?! I have a lot of emotional attachment to each resort, so I am a bit biased in that way. I truly think you can’t go wrong with any of Disney’s deluxe resorts, and they all are great in their own ways. But as stereotypical as it is, I think I’d have to say Grand Floridian. I have a lot of good memories there, I like the pools there, the shopping, the access to the monorail, and their new DVC rooms are just fabulous. I also love Saratoga Springs (I know, super unpopular opinion), Wilderness Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club, and Boardwalk. I have yet to stay at Riviera – so hopefully that will happen soon!
Favorite travel destination in the U.S.?
Grant and I have been making an effort to go to at least one new U.S. destination every year. We travel a lot, but we tend to be creatures of habit. Last year we went to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard for the first time, and this year we went to Newport, RI, and Charlottesville, VA for the first time. Plus we’re taking our first trip to Hawaii in August (which I’m sure will become a favorite). But my favorite place we’ve been in the U.S. that we’ve been dying to go back to is Scottsdale, AZ! We went there on our honeymoon in 2021 when we couldn’t leave the country safely, and we’ve been wanting to go back ever since. It also makes us want to explore the western part of the U.S. more as a whole. We also took a day trip to Sedona while we were there, so I think next time we’ll split the time between Scottsdale and Sedona.
Why do you go to Disney so much?
I feel like a lot of my newer readers/followers can get turned off by the fact I’m a Disney adult – haha. I try to round out my content to do a little bit of everything, but sometimes it is what it is with Disney content. When I first created my Instagram page, it was under a different name and 98% Disney – I was part of the first wave of “Disney influencers” if you will. However, I quickly realized that the online community is INSANE and it was way too competitive, nasty, etc. So I took a big step back when we moved back to PA.
But my love for Disney started because of my parents. We’ve been going there 2-4 times a year since I was a kid – and it just kinda stuck! And honestly while experiencing new places is great, I genuinely love going to Disney. We’re never bored, there are endless experiences, there is always something new, and we know exactly what to expect. I’m not saying we haven’t had poor experiences at Disney – trust me, we have – but no one does it like Disney and I stand by that. I don’t judge people who go to 30A, the Outer Banks, or Hilton Head every year – so I hope people don’t judge us for going to Disney every year.
What’s your bucket list vacation?
I truly can’t just say one place I want to go – because we do intend on traveling to so many places in the future! Covid definitely put a halt on our international travel schedule, but hopefully that will change soon. I would say our top five are Greece, a European tour (France, Italy, Germany, etc), the UK, Asia (especially the Asia Disney destinations), and Australia.
Fashion
Favorite item to splurge on?
It depends on what your definition of “splurge” is. But overall with clothing and fashion, I am quality vs. quantity. However, I think the area I splurge the most is shoes. I think for me that’s a psychological thing. I fluctuate in weight often (and have bad body dysmorphia), but one thing that has never changed is my shoe size. So will always be able to wear my shoes, no matter my age or size!
One brand that you don’t think is worth the money? Oooh… There are honestly a few I can think of off the top of my head and one that is sticking out specifically. Honestly, I got a few Sue Sartor dresses on sale a while back and they aren’t that great in my opinion, and I would never purchase full price. I understand the pricing due to it being a small business and the dresses being printed by hand. But the quality of the dress itself does not match the $500 price tag. They’re extremely thin, wrinkle easily, and honestly aren’t very flattering on me specifically. If you love this brand – go for it! I just don’t think it was worth it for me personally, even on sale.
What is your favorite jewelry piece you own?
I actually have a few – obviously, my engagement/wedding rings are my top favorite. They are of course very sentimental, but it is nice because I always get complimented on my ring as well. Who doesn’t like to be complimented? I also love the pearl necklace my husband gave me on our wedding day, though I don’t get to wear it as much as I’d like. Finally, I love my custom TSG Jane Win necklace. I wear it constantly and I’m always getting compliments on it. It makes me want to get another one with a different design!
What’s one thing that you own that you would purchase again?
I honestly feel like I have a lot of things I’d probably repurchase. But the one main thing that comes to mind – and it may be TMI – is Hanky Panky brand underwear (specifically the signature lace). I had seen them for years but never tried them until last year and now I am never going back! Worth every penny.
Your favorite affordable store to shop at?
I know this is probably super predictable, but I always like J.Crew Factory for affordable pieces. So many stores like Target and Walmart have gotten so pricey through the years. And typically you can find better quality items for the same price at J.Crew Factory – but always shop when they’re having a sale! Even check out J.Crew when they have a sale on sale – amazing prices for amazing quality.
//
I hope you enjoyed this post and it allowed you to get to know me a bit better, or just get caught up on my life at the moment! Be sure to subscribe to my email list to be notified the next time I post.
Cheers!
xoxo
Jayme
Leave a Reply