• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Join me on

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Love Always, Joann

Subscribe to Newsletter

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Disney
  • My Story
  • Special Needs Parenting
    • Autism
  • The Little Things
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy

on April 21, 2020 · 4 Comments

Hollywood Studios Day!

After having such a great day celebrating my mother-in-law’s birthday the day before, we were all ready to keep the party going at Hollywood Studios!  We were, once again, out the door early in the morning.  It was another warm day in Orlando, but the sun was hiding behind some gray clouds.  Once we arrived at the park, we took a quick picture of where we parked so we could remember later.  We did this at every park that week, we all had about 100 pictures of parking numbers!  I thought it was so funny, as you looked down the parking aisles, you would see everyone doing the same thing.  Let’s be honest, how many times have we parked at the mall and forgot where the heck we parked our cars?  Sounds familiar, right?  LOL! 

The last time I was at Hollywood Studios, it was still called MGM/Disney Studios.  The Great Movie Ride still existed and so did the Back-Lot Tour.  Talk about a change in scenery!  I was quite impressed with how much the park has changed.  It was all so new and exciting; we were all happy to be there.  It was wonderful to be first in line for our picture on Hollywood Boulevard.  I must admit, the Memory Maker has really turned out to be a favorite option to have while visiting the parks.  I have probably looked at our pictures a thousand times since we returned home.  Each one reminds me of every moment we shared on our vacation together.    

After getting through security, I looked up at the Crossroads of the World and was quite excited to start our day at Hollywood Studios.  We had a few fastpasses and one dining reservation for lunch.  After having our picture taken, we headed down Hollywood Boulevard.  I loved seeing all the shops and was so tempted to start shopping right away.  We ended up right in front of the Hollywood Tower of Terror.  We had no fastpasses for it, but my son, Alex, really wanted to go.  My husband decided to wait in the standby line for over an hour with him. 

As they waited for the Tower of Terror (and my brother-in-law went to ride Rock ‘n Roller coaster), my sister and I chose to go off on our own for a while.  We had a great time, stopping for our Memory Maker pictures, shopping and just enjoying our time together.  I loved that the park was already decorated for Christmas; although, my sister was telling me that even though it was beautiful, she wasn’t ready for it yet.  I had to remind her it was already November!  Only one month until Christmas, so let’s enjoy it all!   

After walking around most of the morning and waiting for the guys to meet up with us, it was time for lunch at the Prime-Time Café.  My mom always loved this place.  She said the décor reminded her of her childhood home and she loved how the cast members stayed in full character.  Although we arrived on time, we had to wait a bit to be seated.  We took full advantage of our time as we waited, taking pictures in the living room.  Once we were seated and met our waiter, all I could think about was how much my mom would have enjoyed being here with us.  Deep down, I am pretty sure she was sitting at the table with us in spirit.  

After lunch, we headed over to Toy Story Land.  We had a fastpass for Toy Storia Mania, but we took our time taking in all the sights.  Once again, as we passed by the Slinky Dog Dash, the boys were all dying to get on it.  We didn’t have a fastpass, but they wanted to wait in line for it anyway.  I must admit, I was really worried about putting my boys on it, especially Michael.  I spent about 15 minutes trying to convince my husband that it wasn’t a good idea.  I said what if he is really scared and he can’t tell us?  What if he gets sick?  When it comes to what Michael can or can’t do, my husband will always push forward in allowing Michael to experience everything.  I can’t argue with that, so I finally gave in.  I spent the next hour in misery, trying to convince myself that both of my boys would be fine.  I just reminded my husband and brother-in-law to please hold onto my babies!  Ugh, I know, it’s just me.   

Well, as we waited anxiously, my sister and I laughed as we watched them go by!  It was obvious, they were really having fun and my husband told me that Michael laughed the entire time.    

Our fastpass for Toy Story Mania was next!  I loved the queue, the bright colors and the attention to detail was amazing!  My boys really loved it.  I wish we had time to get back on again, but we had other fastpasses to get to.  I wanted to ride the Alien Swirling Saucers, but we didn’t get a fast pass and the standby line was just so long that day!  

After Toy Story Land, we made our way to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.  Once again, Disney did not disappoint.  The attention to detail was evident everywhere you turned.  Once you entered, you really felt as though you were entering another galaxy.  Although Alex and Michael haven’t seen any of the Star Wars movies yet, Alex was familiar with most of the characters.  He ran behind the Storm Troopers trying to get their attention and a picture!  It was kind of funny when, in true character, they told him to move out of the way!  

Our next fastpass was in Animation Courtyard for the Voyage of the Little Mermaid.   The Little Mermaid is one of my favorite movies!  We were able to sit in the front row and we were happy about that.  I thought it was perfect in case we needed to escape if Michael wasn’t enjoying it.  As the show started, Michael stared at all the characters.  They had his full attention.   

After that, we headed over to Star Tours.  This was so much fun!  I don’t know why but it looked familiar to me, but it wasn’t here when I last visited.  After finishing our fast passes, we took some time to take pictures with Vamperina.  The show is one of Michael’s all-time favorites on Disney Junior.  I couldn’t wait to see the expression on his face!  Well, although, he didn’t mean it, in his excitement of seeing her, he reached out and poked her in the eye!  She took it in stride though, patting Michael on the head and taking plenty of pictures with all of us.   

We spent the rest of the day, just walking in out of the shops, making sure we didn’t miss anything!  I was on a quest to find a coffee mug from every park and it just so happened that Starbucks had exactly what I was looking for.  So, a nice hot cup of coffee to go was the perfect way to end our fantastic day at Hollywood Studios.    

My biggest take away from our day was learning to let go when it comes to what Michael can and can’t do.  I think I hold him back sometimes based on my own fears.  He proved me so wrong that day.  They both did.  Alex went back on the Tower of Terror later in the day with my brother-in-law.  I’m happy they are adventurous and willing to try new things.  It was a wonderful day at Hollywood Studios.  I left there with a huge smile on my face – we all did.   

What is your favorite thing to do at Hollywood Studios?  I’d love to hear in the comments below.   

Tweet
Pin5
Share
5 Shares

Filed Under: Disney Tagged With: Disney, Disney Planning, Disney vacation, Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Previous Post: « World Autism Day – Autism Sibling Relationships
Next Post: Magic Kingdom Day! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Melanie says

    April 21, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    I know why Star Tours looked familiar! You had ridden it before – not at Disney World but at Disneyland in California! I know that because I rode it with you!! It’s slightly different but was familiar to me too the first time I went to DW.
    I’m missing Disney SOOO much! I can’t help but wonder what the new “normal” will be like there. So many rumors going around about what will change or what they will cut out of the experience. I have a trip planned to DE in January 2021. Just waiting now to see what happens.
    Btw, I LOVE your picture with Mike & Sully!! They’ve never been out when I was there! ☹️

    Reply
    • Joann says

      April 22, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      Well that makes sense! I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why I felt like I was on the ride before. LOL Thanks Mel!

      Reply
  2. Ruth says

    September 10, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    Our last visit to Disney and Hollywood Studios was in 2016 (for my 50th birthday – don’t they make you feel special). We absolutely love this place. It has changed since we were there last. Our favourite things at that time were Toy Story Mania, seeing the Star Wars characters and the Frozen Singalong! I agree Memory Maker is an absolute must have. We will be back.

    Reply
    • Joann says

      September 10, 2020 at 4:52 pm

      Disney changes things so often that you have to visit often! I also turned 50 in 2016, and yes they do make you feel special.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our mailing list

Hi, I’m Joann

Hi, I’m Joann

Hi !

I'm Joann, a wife, a mom of twin boys (one of which is autistic and nonverbal), and welcome to my blog! Please make yourself comfortable, so I can share stories from my life, my mad addiction to beauty products and my love of all things Disney!

WWYF 180x150

Recent Comments

  • Christine Arnone on The Best Makeup Remover Discovery
  • Traveling To Walt Disney World! - Love Always, Joann on Finding Your Disney Vacation Home Rental
  • Christine Arnone on Best Magical Disney Holiday Gift Guide
  • Christine Arnone on The Worst Sunburn EVER!
  • Joann on Hollywood Studios Day!

Recent Posts

  • My Self Care Journey As An Autism Mom
  • What’s happening in 2021!
  • The Best Makeup Remover Discovery
Kendra Scott

Archives

  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018

Categories

  • Autism
  • Beauty
  • Disney
  • My Story
  • Special Needs Parenting
  • Sponsored Posts
  • The Little Things….Monthly Favorites
  • Uncategorized
Disney Store

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

lovealwaysjoann

Lovealways,Joann
Story time - Do you have an embarrassing date sto Story time - 
Do you have an embarrassing date story?  I do and I thought I’d share it with you.  I hope I don’t regret this.  One of the very first dates with with my husband Gabe turned out to be a total disaster.  It had nothing to do with him, this was all on me.  He had asked me if I wanted to go to a jazz club in the city.  I was so excited he asked, so of course I said yes! We decided to sit at the bar for awhile before the music started and have “a” drink.  Now, I am really not much of a drinker, so when the bartender asked, I had no idea what to get.  So, Gabe said how about wine, beer or a Long Island ice tea? Well, all I heard was ice tea, and I immediately said, yes, I’ll have an ice tea.  I was clueless.  I really liked the drink but had no idea the amount of alcohol in it.  After the first two went down so quickly, I was relaxed and having a great time talking to Gabe.  The music was about to start as I had just ordered my third “Ice tea.” After finishing it, I said to Gabe, I’m going to use the restroom before the show.  Well my friends, I have no recollection of anything else that happened after that moment.  But of course, my husband remembers the entire night.  Apparently, the bouncer approached him and said, “Are you with a short little brunette?” He said yes, why?  Your girlfriend passed out and is stuck in between the door and the toilet. 🤣🤣😂😂 - not my proudest moment and thank God my husband was a good guy because not only did he have to help me out of the bathroom,but he had to carry me down a flight of steps! Needless to say, I’ve never had a “Long Island Ice Tea,” ever again! #lightweight #partyanimal #pourmeanother 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
The funny thing about grief is people who have nev The funny thing about grief is people who have never been through or experienced it on this level, often feel it’s something you get through. “You’ll get over it,” a phrase I’ve heard so many times as if grief is a book with many chapters that you will eventually finish.  I can assure you that it’s not.  Even 7 years and 1 month later, grief can spring up on you when you least expect it.  That was me yesterday.  An incredible amount of sadness with a few immeasurable moments of complete go to hell, leave me alone please.  Out of nowhere I realized that I was missing my mom in moments when I could really use a hug or words of encouragement that only she could deliver so eloquently.  Sometimes grieving can take a hold of you for a few days, dragging you down into a pit of despair.  As you are spending every waking moment trying to climb out, life around you goes on as though nothing has happened.  When it finally passes, and it will, you’ll understand it just a part of your life and the endless chapters will be your story to tell.  #grief #griefjourney #griefsupport #imissmymom #storytotell .
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd #boyswithautism 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
First Disney recipe has been chosen! Disney snacks First Disney recipe has been chosen! Disney snacks was the winner of last week’s poll.  Any guesses? Stay tuned, this should be fun! 
#disneyfood #disneyrecipes #disneyfoodies #disneysnacks 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
I think it goes without saying that most autism mo I think it goes without saying that most autism moms often struggle when complimented. "You're doing a great job," "You are awesome," and "He/she is so lucky to have you as a mom." It's not that we don't appreciate it, it's just difficult to see and accept it  On a daily basis, just like most moms, we are trying to survive the day.  Anything can happen in a few seconds, and we are constantly waiting for the shoe to drop.  For me personally, I'm always juggling with the mom guilt.  I feel guilty for not being able to split myself in two to be there for both of my boys.  Of course, I know every mom feels this way.  I just remind myself that I'm doing the best I can.  And while I appreciate the compliments, I'd rather you say, "Michael is doing great!" "Alex is such a great help." "You have a beautiful family." Take the focus off of me and give all that love to my children.  Then I know, when you see and acknowledge how great they are, then,  I'm doing a great job.  #autismmomlife #autismacceptance #autismlove #autismwarrior #autismmama 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
It’s #worldpizzaday!! Would love to be back in I It’s #worldpizzaday!! Would love to be back in Italy right about now! #worldpizzaday #italy #pizzaday #iloveitaly
It’s been awhile since I’ve given an update on It’s been awhile since I’ve given an update on how things are going with Michael.  Back in November we started to see a new Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician, but I’ll share more about that later.  Besides the current challenges of virtual learning, my biggest news is sharing just how well Michael has been doing at home. Michael has not only been requesting to his new toys and games, he’s actually playing with it appropriately.  What I’m most excited about is Michael has also been requesting to put the TV on.  Now this may sound strange and you may ask, what’s so exciting about that?  This is something we have been working on for quite awhile.  Michael had no interest in anything long enough, constantly moving or fidgety if we tried to get him to sit.  He’s not only sitting but actually watching! If I ask him a question about it, he responds.  For example, if we are watching Mickey Mouse, I’ll ask him if he likes Mickey and he will respond saying, “Yes!” Today he brought me to living room, and handed me the Fire stick.  I thought maybe he’s trying to tell me to put Disney+ on, and sure enough he was! I showed him the movie choices and I asked him what he wanted to watch.  I pointed to Moana and he said yes! I can’t express how much this means to me and my family.  The fact that Michael is sitting and engaging in an activity is mind blowing to us. Of course, these things may seem small or if significant, but for us, they are small wins! #celebratingthesmallwins #smallwins 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
There are many in the autism community who do not There are many in the autism community who do not like to use the word “challenging” when it comes to describing parenting their special needs child.  I am not one of them.  I’m not interested in sugar coating the “challenges.” I’m interested in sharing, learning, and educating about the challenges so everyone will have a better understanding of autism.  I’m also aware these can be perceived as bringing attention to the negative aspects of autism, and why not share more of a positive message.  My reason is simple, I want other special needs moms, dads, and caregivers to know they are not alone.  Early in Michael’s diagnosis I felt alone because no one else could relate or understand.  I know I’m not alone, but maybe there’s a mom out there thinking she is.  I don’t want anyone to feel that way.  I also understand, some parents worry about how their child would feel if they should ever hear or read that their autism was challenging.  I’m not insensitive to that viewpoint,  but I also think it’s important for my child to know how hard I tried to understand and how sometimes it was challenging.  I want him to know it wasn’t me complaining, it was me trying to work through this with him side by side.  Challenges make us stronger and help us hopefully grow in new ways.  My son is not challenging but his autism is.  Together we will face those challenges and overcome them.  #challenges #overcome #autismcommunity #learningeveryday .
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #bloom
Good morning Friends! It’s that time of year aga Good morning Friends! It’s that time of year again when we get to start fresh. Whether you set your resolutions, goals or intentions, my hope for you is that all of you have a wonderful new year! I’ve been doing so much thinking about where and what I’d like to do with my blog this year. Looking over last year’s goals, I see there are some that I crushed and some that need more attention. This year, of course, I have new goals and I want to share them with you today.  Direct link in bio.  #blogger #goals #2021 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger
Just because we can all use a beautiful sunset! Ha Just because we can all use a beautiful sunset! Have a nice evening everyone ❤️ #sunset #mondayevening 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger
Just because we can all use a beautiful view this Just because we can all use a beautiful view this morning! Have a great day! #florida #floridabeaches #takemetothebeach #monday #mondaymood
Say yes to adventure! Story time - I’m going to Say yes to adventure! Story time - I’m going to share an embarrassing story with you.  I’m kind of scared of horses.  I know that sounds ridiculous. But it’s the truth. My husband comes from a family who owns and loves horses, him included.  So, maybe it’s not the horse itself, ugh, yes, yes it’s the horse itself.  When I was in my 20’s I visited the Grand Canyon.  One day, we decided to make a reservation for a sunset horseback ride and BBQ. I was nervous about it all day because I had never been on a horse.  But at the same time, I was excited to be there because, well, cowboys! Well, that evening as we made our way to the ranch, I was a wreck.  As they started bringing out the horses, I tried to convince myself I could do this.  I asked our guide to please give me the most gentle horse you have! He smiled and said, “They are all gentle.” Yeah, sure they are. He brings out my horse,and she was beautiful.  I  did my best to avoid looking directly into her eyes as I thought I remembered reading not to. (Later I realized that was a bear, you idiot 😂🤣🤪!) I’m sitting on top of the horse and our guide starts to explain how to use the reins, just general information.  At that point, I could no longer hear a word he said.  He sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher! All I can hear was, “Wah wa wa,” and at the same time, my “Most gentle,” horse decided she wasn’t waiting for anyone’s instructions, she was making her move now!! Keep in mind, my horse was trotting and I couldn’t hear a dam thing!! I had no clue how to make her stop! All I did was scream at the top of my lungs, “Get me off this thing!” Ugh.  Everyone was laughing and rightfully so.  I can laugh about it now but I haven’t been on a horse since then.  However, that’s all about to change this year! 2021 is going to be the year I face my fears and get on a dam horse! My husband asked me over and over last summer and I just kept saying no! I want to be able to enjoy doing things with my family.  No more holding myself back because of fear.  Life is too short and I made a commitment to do it! So... I’m saying “Yes to adventure,” this year!! I just hope I don’t pxx myself! 😜😂 #yestoadventure
Let's talk Disney! It's been awhile, hasn't it? I Let's talk Disney! It's been awhile, hasn't it?  I'm getting ready to post my blog goals next week, but I wanted to share with you how I will keep my love for Disney alive and well! Last year I discovered a new hobby - cooking and baking! Now, I've always loved to do both, but this year when things got crazy during lockdown, finding new recipes was my way of getting through it.  Last year was the year of trying all new recipes at least twice a week.  I have so many recipes printed out that I just ordered a recipe binder.  Just to give you an idea of how much cooking and baking I did last year, I have a total of 60+ new recipes, I’ve made most of them at least twice or more.  Now that’s just the recipes I printed out, I have more saved in a folder! So, what does this have to do with Disney?  I’ve decided to cook or bake my way through Disney cook books and recipes throughout the year and share it with you.  I already have a few lined up and we’ll see how this goes! I’m going to warn you, when I cook or bake it tends to look like the Pioneer Woman gone wild! 😛. I’ll do my best to make it look “Insta” worthy, but I’m not making any promises! First recipe will be revealed in a few weeks.  Until then, please let me know if you have ever tried to make a food or snack recipe from Disney.  #disneyrecipes #disneyfood #disneyfoodies #disneysnacks 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger
Decluttering - Every January, everyone you know is Decluttering - Every January, everyone you know is talking or working on decluttering around their house.  We’re cleaning out closets, garages and purging all the stuff we no longer need.  This had me thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to declutter your mind? All the things that filled your mind all year long and did nothing but weigh you down.  Click a button and release it all! There is no magic button to wipe the slate clean but that shouldn’t stop you from trying to clear out everything that held you back in 2020.  In order for us to move forward in the new year, we need to stop looking back.  This is one thing I will be working on this year.  What about you? Is there anything you want to declutter from last year? #declutter #mindset #movingforward #bloom 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismlife 
#autismacceptance #autismstars 
#specialneeds needs #specialneedsfamily #specialneedsmom #littlestoriesofmylife  #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger
Timing is everything, especially in parenting you Timing is everything, especially in  parenting your child with autism.  It was back to virtual learning today for the boys and for about a good five minutes,  I had forgotten how hard today would be for Michael.  After settling into his break, his schedule was changing again and this morning wasn’t easy.  After experiencing a few attempted bites during virtual learning, I was just as done as he was.  I ended his class rather abruptly and then felt awful about it afterwards.  After a few deep breaths, I decided not to dwell on it.  Surely, I’m not the only one who slams shut a chrome book during virtual learning? Turns out I’m not.  After speaking to my friend Grace (also an autism mom) about what had just happened I felt so much better.  It was perfect timing to be able to talk to another autism mom and be able to share our experiences with each other.  It’s so important to have a sense of community and I hope you all know, no matter what, autism mom or not, I’m here for you.  #timingiseverything #autismcommunity #community #support #autismsupport #autism #autismmom #autismdad #specialneeds #specialneedsparenting #littlestoriesofmylife #autismlife #sensoryprocessingdisorder #specialneedsmom #autismacceptance
Hey everybody! You know I'm all about supporting Hey everybody!  You know I'm all about supporting and helping my friends with their businesses!  My friend Lauren has an amazing whitening toothpaste that has gone viral and is the #1 selling whitening product in the world! I can't wait to start using it!

👉 No bleach or peroxide
👉 No sugar
👉 Gluten Free
👉 No sensitivity
👉 Dentist recommended, 
👉safe for kids 
👉 removes wine, nicotine, coffee stains 
👉safe for caps and veneers!

Who wants to try a tube or 2?  Lauren will hook you up! Contact @noragami510
Good afternoon friends! Surprise! I'm excited to a Good afternoon friends! Surprise! I'm excited to announce my giveaway for reaching 400 followers here on Instagram! I am so grateful for your support and wanted to thank you all. I’m just a small growing blog and I surpassed my goal for 2020! I can’t tell you how many times this year I just wanted to give it up, but I kept going.  I just continued to remind myself the reason I started.  I just know my mom would have said, “Don’t give up, you go this.” My blog has really become such a passion and source of comfort to me as an autism mom.  So, thank you!
For those of you who have been following me for some time, you know of my deep love for the coastal town of Positano, Italy on the Amalfi Coast.  Over the last several months, I've shared in my stories one of my favorite YouTube channels, @Nickipositano and the Instagram account of @Bluestarpositano.  Both of these women have shared their life in Italy during the Covid lockdown.  Not only did they share one of the most beautiful places in the world, they created a digital E-book,  a cook book called, "Our Positano Cookbook." The cookbook features recipes that Nicki and Elisabeth have made throughout the lockdown.  Nicki shares her family's favorite recipes and Elisabeth shows you  how to make pasta from scratch, something she tried with her daughters while on lockdown.  To celebrate, I'm giving away your own digital copy of their amazing cook book, "Our Positano Cookbook."
To enter: 
Follow me here on Instagram 
Like this post 
Share this post for extra entry. That's it! Giveaway will end Saturday at Midnight! Winner will need to provide email address, as the cook book will be sent directly to your email account.  Please be sure to checkout Nicki’s YouTube channel and head over to see Elisabeth @bluestarpositano.  Go give them both a follow and enjoy their daily posts of beautiful Positano! 

A special thank you to @Nickipositano and @Bluestarpositano for allowing me to offer their cook book as a giveaway! 
Thank you again and good luck! 
Giveaway is not sponsored by Instagram #giveaway #positano #autism #autismdad #autismmom #autismlife #specialneeds #mommyblogger #iloveitaly #amalficoast #italy🇮🇹
Lights out 2020! I never make New Year's Eve reso Lights out 2020!  I never make New Year's Eve resolutions, mainly because they never work.  Instead, I create new goals for the new year, it just works better for me. .  Everyone has had a different journey this year.  For many it's been very difficult and some were able to find moments of joy and happiness.  As you enter 2021, leave behind the battles of 2020 if at all possible.  Move forward  with an open heart.  Embrace whatever comes your way.  Learn, grow and most of all love one another always! ❤️ Wishing you all a Very Happy and Healthy New Year! Love always, Joann xoxo 🎉❤️😘🍷🍷#newyearseve #goodbye2020 #lightsout2020 #welcome2021 #lovealwaysjoann 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
Story time- I started dating my husband in October Story time- I started dating my husband in October 1998.  When he asked me about celebrating the new year with him , I was so excited, of course I said yes! We decided to go into NYC.  No, we did not stand for hours in the freezing cold in the middle of Time Square, but instead decided to go to  a party at a night club we both loved.  I was very excited to spend it with him and to be in NYC even better! A few weeks before I suggested we make dinner reservations, but Gabe said, “Don’t worry about it, it’s NYC, we have so many places to choose from, it will be fine.” I didn’t want to be a nag and insist but I wasn’t sure if he was right about that.  When that ball dropped it would be 1999, and since everyone would be out celebrating that one, I knew the city would be crowded.  Well, as we drove into the city, we talked about what kind of food we wanted.  We started out at a few of the places we had been to before.  As we made our way inside, the host asked. “Do you have a reservation?” Ah - no.  Next place, “I’m sorry, you need a reservation.” Next, “Do you blah, blah, blah..” And again, “No we don’t.” After trying every single restaurant in NYC, (lol) he turns to me and says, “I guess you were right.” We ended up having two hot dogs and a large non alcoholic orange drink from @grayspapayanyc , a local hot dog place.  So, was I mad or upset? Absolutely not! We both laugh about that now and we always agree,  it was the best New Year’s Eve dinner we ever had!  I love that we have a story to share about our first time spending NYE together! We had such a great time that night.  That was the night I knew I would marry him.  After all, as the saying goes, the one you kiss at midnight is your one true love.  Maybe not for everyone but it worked for us. 🥰❤️🤪#grayspapayanyc #newyearseve #1999 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
As we get closer to the end of the year, how would As we get closer to the end of the year, how would you reflect on 2020? How has this year changed you? For me personally, I feel that as hard as this year has been, it could have been worse.  In the beginning of March during the first weeks of the  shut down, I was not equipped mentally or physically to handle it.  I remember thinking and evening posting repeatedly, today was hard, today was rough, today was awful. Little by little, month by month, as I let go of so much that was weighing me down, things felt better.  Once I started focusing on my reactions to stressful situations, things felt calmer.  I can look back on it now and see how far I've come.  I can see how this year has helped me in adapting to change and reacting to it in a better way.  I've grown so much as an autism mom and feel more confident in my ability to parent more effectively.  It's made me more aware of the little things, the true importance of family relationships, and learning how not to sweat the small stuff.  I've never been able to accept my son's autism diagnosis.  And although, I may never get to a place where I can comfortably say, "It's okay that Michael has autism," I can say that I'm definitely in a more peaceful place.  The push and pull, the fight and flight aspect of my every day life as an autism mom, has just become something I am better at responding to.  My friend Blair @blairblogs posted her word of the year for 2021.  It really had me thinking and I finally figured out my word of the year.  My word is "Bloom." I have chosen this word because I've grown so much this past year as an autism mom, a wife, in faith and as a blogger.  I want to continue to grow, flourish and BLOOM!! #word #wordoftheyear #bloom 
.
.
.
#autism #autismmom #autismdad #autismfamily #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismstars #specialneeds #specialneedsmom #specialneedsfamily #autismlife 
#littlestoriesofmylife #asd 
#sensoryprocessingdisorder 
#mommyblogger #autismblog
On this day 7 years ago, I watched you take your f On this day 7 years ago, I watched you take your final breath.  Every day since then, I’ve tried to do my best to make you proud.  I’ve done my best to keep your memory alive in sharing stories all about you with my boys.  I’ve done my best to live a life filled with love, faith and honesty just as you did.  I feel so blessed that God gave me a mom as wonderful as you.  I miss you every day and  I wish I could hug you just one more time.  The warmth of memories with you fill my heart with love and glimpses of the joy that lives  in my heart knowing we will meet again.  Until then, I ❤️you mom. #imissmymom #grief #griefjourney #angelinheaven #moments #memories
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Studio Mommy Feminine WordPress Themes

© Joann Salas and LovealwaysJoann.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (including photos and videos) without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Joann Salas and LovealwaysJoann.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Footer

Copyright © 2021 · Love Always, Joann · Design by Studio Mommy