Lauren Conrad is a Reality Tv Star, DIY Queen, Fashion Designer, Blogger, Author, etc. and now she is taking on beauty. Your favorite celebrity comes out with a new makeup line and you want to try it, but wonder is it truly worth it?  After all, everybody is stamping their name on something these days and trying to sell it.  Lucky for you, in this instance, I’ve tried some of the product offerings and have an honest review of the Lauren Conrad makeup products. Many know Conrad from one (or all) of the following- her Laguna Beach or Hills days, her LC Lauren Conrad clothing line, her Lauren Conrad Blog that offers DIY tips and tricks as well as advice, her books (both fiction and non-fiction), her DIY style, or maybe The Little Market which is a fair-trade market she co-founded.

The Insider interviewed Lauren and asked how Lauren Conrad Beauty would stand apart from other brands.  “I wanted to create a line for someone like me.  I don’t have time to do a 45-minute makeup routine.  I have two small kids, a pretty hands-on job, and so I can’t be too precious with my makeup” Conrad answered adding that she wanted products that were made with clean formulas and were easy to apply.

What Is Lauren Conrad Makeup?

The new line of makeup brought to us via Lauren Conrad Beauty states on its website that it is “Clean, Uncomplicated Beauty.”   The makeup is eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free and is as gentle on your skin as it is the planet according to the site.  Clean, uncomplicated, gentle on skin- all things that women (especially moms) can find very helpful.   An added bonus to all of this- it’s not outrageously priced!  It’s completely affordable, which is another big win.  Who doesn’t want make up that is clean, uncomplicated, vegan, cruelty free & affordable?

What exactly is Vegan Makeup?

A vegan product does not contain any animal or animal-derived ingredients.  This includes (but not limited to) honey, beeswax, collagen, gelatin, etc.   It’s important to note that just because a product is marked vegan it doesn’t mean it’s not tested on animals, this is where the phrase “cruelty-free” comes in.

What is Cruelty-free Makeup?

This means that there has been no form of animal testing at any point in the creation of the product.  It’s common for companies to not test the final product on animals but often it will be tested along the way or use ingredients that have been tested on animals by a third party.  There are still big well-known brands that test on animals even today so it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for this.

What is Clean Beauty?

Clean Beauty is used to signal that the products don’t contain certain ingredients (both natural or synthetic) that are considered controversial or unsafe, for example parabens or talc.  As a side note, there is no formal regulation of clean beauty so it’s not as simple as just looking for labels if you are on the search for this type of makeup.   In the instance of Lauren Conrad Beauty, I 100% believe that their statement of clean beauty is accurate based on the Lauren Conrad brand.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

The packaging is made using recyclable, compostable materials and choosing partners that are committed to using less energy and water.  The brand is so committed to being eco-friendly and promoting recycling that they even have instructions on how to recycle the products on the website.

Lauren Conrad Beauty Products

Now to the products themselves.  They checked the boxes of being Clean, Eco Friendly, Vegan, Cruelty-free, but does it work?

The Liquid Highlighter

The Liquid Highlighter says you can get “a youthful glow with this buildable formula’s light to medium coverage and lightweight, luminous finish.”(LaurenConradBeauty.com)

While the Liquid Highlighter may be considered to be one of the pricier items, $26 for .37fl oz, it does give you a nice subtle glow that you can build on.  I love that it doesn’t make it look like you’ve been smacked with a shimmer stick and instead gives you a subtle highlight especially in natural light.  While the size is small, it doesn’t require a lot and so the product does still last.

The Mascara

“A rich color mascara that creates fuller looking lashes.  Gives your lashes definition and length with a natural volume effect. Smudge-proof, flake-free lashes that are soft to the touch” (LaurenConradBeauty.com)

The mascara ($20) is good, but I would say it’s general mascara.  I haven’t had any issue with it flaking or smudging which is a plus but I can’t say that it gives fuller-looking lashes or length so if that’s what you are looking for I wouldn’t recommend it.  However if you are looking for a general good mascara, it’s a good buy.

The Eyebrow Pencil

“A soft, lightweight pencil for buildable, medium coverage with a semi-matte finish that’s smear-resistant.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com

The eyebrow pencil ($22) comes in Dark Brown, Light Brown, Blonde and Light Blonde.  I haven’t used an eyebrow pencil in the past, as most of the time when I see people who have it’s very obvious that they’ve used a product on their brows.  I wasn’t sure about the color to use, my natural hair color is dark brown, but my hair is colored lighter.   Based on the pictures on the website, I went with the light brown which worked perfectly.   It is dark enough to fill in and see but not so dark that it looks fake.  I’m super happy with the results of it and totally recommend checking it out.

The Eyeliner Pencil

“Glides on easily with it’s smooth, creamy texture and leaves you with a matte finish that is rich in color, lightweight, and stays true through wear.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
I use the pencil ($18) for the liner at the bottom of my eye.  It has a rich color, glides on easily, and does have a matte finish that lasts through the day.  Previously I’ve used Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil ($28) and Benefit Eyeliner Pencil ($20), this is equally as good as both and it’s cheaper!

The Liquid Eyeliner

“Line your lashes with rich color that stays true through wear with its lightweight non-smearing formula” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
If there is one product in this line that I expected perfection from it was this one. After all, Lauren Conrad is known for her eyeliner.  The liquid eyeliner ($20) doesn’t disappoint.  It glides on smooth, is easily buildable, dries unbelievably fast and doesn’t smear.  I’ve always found it difficult to find a good liquid eyeliner that had a rich color to it and that dried quickly but the search over.  This is probably my favorite so far of all the products.

I look forward to trying the other products such as the Lip & Cheek Tint ($20).  There’s also an Eyeshadow Palette ($29), Powder Blush ($25), Lipstick ($20), and Lip Gloss ($18) available. Recently added as well as a skincare line- which I cannot wait to try!

The Verdict

The Lauren Conrad Beauty products are all that they claim to be as well as affordable. You won’t find too much in the way of a bold look, as the makeup is made to give you a clean, natural look which works great for everyday wear.  It’s a great solution especially for busy moms who want a quick makeup routine that doesn’t take them all morning.

Have you tried the Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup?  What did you think?

Lauren Conrad is a Reality Tv Star, DIY Queen, Fashion Designer, Blogger, Author, etc. and now she is taking on beauty. Your favorite celebrity comes out with a new makeup line and you want to try it, but wonder is it truly worth it?  After all, everybody is stamping their name on something these days and trying to sell it.  Lucky for you, in this instance, I’ve tried some of the product offerings and have an honest review of the Lauren Conrad makeup products. Many know Conrad from one (or all) of the following- her Laguna Beach or Hills days, her LC Lauren Conrad clothing line, her Lauren Conrad Blog that offers DIY tips and tricks as well as advice, her books (both fiction and non-fiction), her DIY style, or maybe The Little Market which is a fair-trade market she co-founded.

The Insider interviewed Lauren and asked how Lauren Conrad Beauty would stand apart from other brands.  “I wanted to create a line for someone like me.  I don’t have time to do a 45-minute makeup routine.  I have two small kids, a pretty hands-on job, and so I can’t be too precious with my makeup” Conrad answered adding that she wanted products that were made with clean formulas and were easy to apply.

What Is Lauren Conrad Makeup?

The new line of makeup brought to us via Lauren Conrad Beauty states on its website that it is “Clean, Uncomplicated Beauty.”   The makeup is eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free and is as gentle on your skin as it is the planet according to the site.  Clean, uncomplicated, gentle on skin- all things that women (especially moms) can find very helpful.   An added bonus to all of this- it’s not outrageously priced!  It’s completely affordable, which is another big win.  Who doesn’t want make up that is clean, uncomplicated, vegan, cruelty free & affordable?

What exactly is Vegan Makeup?

A vegan product does not contain any animal or animal-derived ingredients.  This includes (but not limited to) honey, beeswax, collagen, gelatin, etc.   It’s important to note that just because a product is marked vegan it doesn’t mean it’s not tested on animals, this is where the phrase “cruelty-free” comes in.

What is Cruelty-free Makeup?

This means that there has been no form of animal testing at any point in the creation of the product.  It’s common for companies to not test the final product on animals but often it will be tested along the way or use ingredients that have been tested on animals by a third party.  There are still big well-known brands that test on animals even today so it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for this.

What is Clean Beauty?

Clean Beauty is used to signal that the products don’t contain certain ingredients (both natural or synthetic) that are considered controversial or unsafe, for example parabens or talc.  As a side note, there is no formal regulation of clean beauty so it’s not as simple as just looking for labels if you are on the search for this type of makeup.   In the instance of Lauren Conrad Beauty, I 100% believe that their statement of clean beauty is accurate based on the Lauren Conrad brand.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

The packaging is made using recyclable, compostable materials and choosing partners that are committed to using less energy and water.  The brand is so committed to being eco-friendly and promoting recycling that they even have instructions on how to recycle the products on the website.

Lauren Conrad Beauty Products

Now to the products themselves.  They checked the boxes of being Clean, Eco Friendly, Vegan, Cruelty-free, but does it work?

The Liquid Highlighter

The Liquid Highlighter says you can get “a youthful glow with this buildable formula’s light to medium coverage and lightweight, luminous finish.”(LaurenConradBeauty.com)

While the Liquid Highlighter may be considered to be one of the pricier items, $26 for .37fl oz, it does give you a nice subtle glow that you can build on.  I love that it doesn’t make it look like you’ve been smacked with a shimmer stick and instead gives you a subtle highlight especially in natural light.  While the size is small, it doesn’t require a lot and so the product does still last.

The Mascara

“A rich color mascara that creates fuller looking lashes.  Gives your lashes definition and length with a natural volume effect. Smudge-proof, flake-free lashes that are soft to the touch” (LaurenConradBeauty.com)

The mascara ($20) is good, but I would say it’s general mascara.  I haven’t had any issue with it flaking or smudging which is a plus but I can’t say that it gives fuller-looking lashes or length so if that’s what you are looking for I wouldn’t recommend it.  However if you are looking for a general good mascara, it’s a good buy.

The Eyebrow Pencil

“A soft, lightweight pencil for buildable, medium coverage with a semi-matte finish that’s smear-resistant.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com

The eyebrow pencil ($22) comes in Dark Brown, Light Brown, Blonde and Light Blonde.  I haven’t used an eyebrow pencil in the past, as most of the time when I see people who have it’s very obvious that they’ve used a product on their brows.  I wasn’t sure about the color to use, my natural hair color is dark brown, but my hair is colored lighter.   Based on the pictures on the website, I went with the light brown which worked perfectly.   It is dark enough to fill in and see but not so dark that it looks fake.  I’m super happy with the results of it and totally recommend checking it out.

The Eyeliner Pencil

“Glides on easily with it’s smooth, creamy texture and leaves you with a matte finish that is rich in color, lightweight, and stays true through wear.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
I use the pencil ($18) for the liner at the bottom of my eye.  It has a rich color, glides on easily, and does have a matte finish that lasts through the day.  Previously I’ve used Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil ($28) and Benefit Eyeliner Pencil ($20), this is equally as good as both and it’s cheaper!

The Liquid Eyeliner

“Line your lashes with rich color that stays true through wear with its lightweight non-smearing formula” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
If there is one product in this line that I expected perfection from it was this one. After all, Lauren Conrad is known for her eyeliner.  The liquid eyeliner ($20) doesn’t disappoint.  It glides on smooth, is easily buildable, dries unbelievably fast and doesn’t smear.  I’ve always found it difficult to find a good liquid eyeliner that had a rich color to it and that dried quickly but the search over.  This is probably my favorite so far of all the products.

I look forward to trying the other products such as the Lip & Cheek Tint ($20).  There’s also an Eyeshadow Palette ($29), Powder Blush ($25), Lipstick ($20), and Lip Gloss ($18) available. Recently added as well as a skincare line- which I cannot wait to try!

The Verdict

The Lauren Conrad Beauty products are all that they claim to be as well as affordable. You won’t find too much in the way of a bold look, as the makeup is made to give you a clean, natural look which works great for everyday wear.  It’s a great solution especially for busy moms who want a quick makeup routine that doesn’t take them all morning.

Have you tried the Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup?  What did you think?

There’s no denying the benefit of reading for kids. Whether reading to your toddler or an older kid reading themselves, the benefits have been shown many times.    It can be fun to sit and read books as a family or as a bedtime routine.

Now that school has started and my youngest is in kindergarten, we’ve been reading a lot more. Below are some great books to read with your kids that are even fun for kids (who can read) to do so out loud, which by the way is also helpful when there are younger siblings. They are a sure way to help increase your child’s love of reading and will entertain you both along the way!

 The Legend Of Rock Paper Scissors

Author: Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex

You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of how it all began . . .

This book is clever and full of sharp wit! It is the story (well an imaginary one) of how the legend of the popular kids game Rock, Paper, Scissors came to battle and who vanquishes whom.  It’s entertaining and includes some silly “trash talk” with others who want to fight each competitor.  The book is filled with fun silly scenarios.  Paper battles a printer, Scissors challenges a tape dispenser and Rock challenges an apricot, just to name a few of the battles you’ll read.

There are sayings like “drop that underwear and battle me, you ridiculous wooden clip man!” (said by Rock to a clothespin) that will have kids rolling with laughter.  It leads up to the point where each (Rock, Paper and Scissors) meet their match.  Each is incredibly happy and grateful to have met a worthy opponent.

The book is best read out loud and don’t worry, the expressive fonts and incredible illustrations will help you get into character to read it.  You may even find yourself putting on a full performance as you read it!  This is definitely one of those books that is fun for kids and adults!

 Mother Bruce

Author: Ryan T. Higgens

Bruce is a grumpy bear that becomes a parent to baby geese.  In life, Bruce gets enjoyment out of cooking eggs.  He’s particularly fond of “free-range organic” eggs.  He spends his time collecting eggs from around the forest and looking up recipes online.   One day however, four of his eggs hatch baby geese and they are convinced that Bruce is their mother.

He tries his best to rid himself of the baby geese but they are not going so he takes on his role as Mother Bruce.  It even follows them from “annoying baby geese” to the struggles Bruce faces with “stubborn teenage geese”  all the way to “boring adult geese” who don’t understand the concept of migration so Bruce finds a solution.   The book is cute and comical, parents will be able to relate to some of the concepts and kids will find them funny as well.

More Reviews of Mother Bruce

Extension Activities with this book

There’s a Monster in Your Book

Author: Tom Fletcher

Some books were made to be read out loud.

A monster has invaded the pages of your book!  You have to try and get him out by following interactive instructions such as tilting, spinning and shaking the book to get the mischievous little monster out.  What do you do once he’s out though?

This bedtime story is fun and is great to read to your child.  The book does a great job of being exciting but also helping your child get ready for bed.  If your child is a new reader this is a great book for them to read out loud for practice. The book’s fun and interactive making reading feel less like work and more like a discovery.  No worries, after the excitement of getting the monster out of the book it does wind down to bring calm to bedtime.

Looking For More? Check Out This Post!

There are some must have items that you should take with your to Disney World. I have found that these items always come in handy.  We’re frequent visitors to the parks and it sucks when you have to spend more money than necessary that you could have done something else with.   These 5 items will save you time and money on your trip.

*This post does include affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase from one of the links I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you

1. In Florida, you never know when that 15-minute storm is going to come down and it sucks to pay $18 for one poncho at Walt Disney World. (Trust me, I’ve had to do it.  Yes, I should have known better) This are one of my top must have items because of that.  It’s also something that I make sure that we have packed in our bags because there have been many times where it was forgotten.

Kids Disney Kids’ Mickey and Minnie Mouse Poncho Set (Pack of 2)

Adult Disney Adult Mickey and Minnie Mouse Poncho Set (Pack of 2)

2. Disney Pins.

If you are interested in collecting and trading Disney Pins, there are some great deals on Amazon like this one Disney Trading Pins-Lot of 25-No Duplicates-LE-HM-Rack-Cast-Free Shipping-1. You can also find some on places like eBay. This is a great way to have some fun and interact with castmembers.

3. Pens

For your autograph book (I know it’s weird, but not all autograph books come with a pen)Disney Mickey and Minnie Gel Pen Set.  I haven’t found cheaper autograph books on Amazon, there are some listed but I haven’t tried them and some of them had weird reviews.  Etsy, however, does have some cute ones.  It can be a lot of fun to get creative with your autograph books.

4. Light up toys

These are always fun when you’re at the park at night Glowsticks, 100 Light up Toys Glow Stick Bracelets Mixed Colors (Tube of 100).   Kids have a blast with glow toys (even away from the parks) but this can be a big money saver and I guarantee they will have just as much fun with these as they would the one $24 item you can purchase in the park (which always has the possibility of getting lost or having to be carried by you for the night).

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Pure Sun Defense Disney Frozen Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Funny fact-  Frozen Sunscreen is a top-rated sunscreen. See this article from the Today Show and Consumer Reports Review.  You may not think you need the sunscreen but trust me, even on overcast days it can often be needed especially if you are fair-skinned.

Other Recommended Items:

These are some bonus items that I like to take with us.  I  pack a small gift that is from one of the characters.  I typically find them at Walmart, Target or on sale at the Disney Store. Anything from a small plush, to pj’s, or small figurines. They kids love it. I’ll get to the room before they go in and put them out. Plan B is to do it when we leave the hotel room the first time.   When we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge I got a Chip and Dale plush and gave one to each of the kids from Chip and Dale.  You wouldn’t believe how excited they are about it and how much it defers them from asking to buy stuff at the park.

World Of Disney located in Disney Springs

World of Disney at Disney Springs has a MUCH bigger selection of souvineers than any of the gift shops at Disney World.  I have no idea why, but they do, I first noticed it with the Ears.  I found the same Mickey Ears in every gift shop but at World Of Disney, they had Captain America Mickey Ears, Chewbacca Mickey Ears, a huge variety of stuff.  Even their plush and clothing had more of a variety.

Is there anything you’ve taken with you that has saved you $?

A Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Overview

Want to give your little one the royal treatment?  Look no further than the Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique experience! This post will help you get a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique overview and be ready for your experience.

While visiting Walt Disney World we made an appointment at Disney Springs Bibbidi Bobbiti Boutique.  A few years ago we did the one at the Magic Kingdom park inside Cinderella’s Castle which was a great experience, although a little crowded.

What is Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Experience?

Remember the Fairy Godmothers three magic words that transformed Cinderella from maid to beautiful princess? This is the Disney real-life version.  At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, your child gets their very own Fairy Godmother-in-training to give them a royal makeover.   The Fairy Godmother doesn’t allow them to use scissors, so no worries there!  Your child will choose a hairstyle, will get makeup, nail color and accessories. There is a location in Cinderella’s castle as well as one in Disney Springs.  The Disney Springs Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is roomier than the Castle location and now that it has it’s own space (previously it was inside World Of Disney) it makes it magical.

Before you see the package prices, I want to mention something very important.   You can do the base package (starts at $64.95) and bring your own princess dress.  That’s what we did and there is absolutely no difference in the experience you receive. You still go to the dressing room and change as you would if you bought the dress.  If this is a once in a lifetime trip you are creating I can understand wanting to do the max package.  It’s a lot to put out though if it’s not a super special trip.  You can even opt not to do a dress at all and just wear regular clothes.  Let’s face it- It’s Florida…hot…and humid, so there’s no judging.

Don’t forget these Must Have Disney Items to take with you!

Packages Offered at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The cost can vary for your visit.  There are various packages offered that you can choose from that fall into every budget.  Below are some of the information on the packages offered at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your Disney Princess

• The Crown Package($64.95 + tax) includes hairstyling, makeup with a face gem, nail polish, princess sash and cinch bag.  Every package includes these items.
• The Courtyard Package($109.95 + tax) adds on a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique T-shirt and tutu.
• The Castle Package(starting at $199.95 + tax) adds on a princess costume of your princess’ choosing and accessories (excluding shoes).
• The Deluxe Castle Package (starting at $229.95 plus tax) includes hairstyling, makeup with a face gem, princess necklace, sash, cinch sack and Deluxe Disney Princess gown of your choice (excluding shoes) … plus a coordinating boxed accessory set!
• The Princess Signature Dress Collection(starting at $450 + tax) features a princess gown made with heirloom-quality fabrics, a crystal tiara and organza garment bag.
• The Minnie Dot Package(starting at $124.95 plus tax) Unique Minnie Mouse hairstyling, Minnie dot dress and matching bow, Face gem, Princess cinch sack, Nail polish
• The Disney Frozen Crown Package(starting at 114.95 plus tax) Anna or Elsa hairstyling with braided hairpiece, sparkling snowflake hair accessories, shimmering makeup, face gem, Princess sash and cinch sash, nail polish, 12 Inch Olaf plush toy
• The Disney Frozen Package(starting at 164.95 plus tax) adds on Anna or Elsa dress to the Frozen Crown Package

For Boys:

• The Knight Package($19.95 + tax) includes hair styling with gel and mighty sword and shield
• The Deluxe Knight Package($79.95 + tax) Knight costume, hair styling with gel and mighty sword and shield

Our Experience at the Disney Springs Boutique

For our visit, I found this dress on Amazon, which worked perfectly for a “Belle” dress as well as the gold sparkly shoes.  It worked out perfectly!!! Plus is was much cheaper than buying a dress there.  I highly recommend a dress like this or bringing your own Disney Princess dress from home.  My son didn’t change clothes, he doesn’t really care for ‘costumes’ so we did the base knight package.  He loved his sword and shield.  At first, he was cranky because he had gotten up super early to drive down but the Fairy Godmother-in-training was an absolute pro and talked him right through it.  “Do you like frogs?” she asked.  He gave a smile and a mumbled “yeah.” She explained, “Well we use frog slime to put in your hair so that the dragon scales stick and then you’ll fool dragons into thinking you are one of them!”  That was it, he was hooked.  She told him it was helpful if he had to fight a dragon or if he wanted to train one.

You actually go into the dressing room regardless if you’ll be changing or not so the Fairy Godmother-in-training can show your child what they’ll do with their hair and then there’s a special visit from the Fairy Godmother herself (via the mirror).

Why You Should Consider The Disney Springs Bibbidi Bobbidi Location

While the Magic Kingdom location is definitely an experience that’s worth having, the Disney Springs location has much more room and since being renovated to have its own building it is equally as special as the Magic Kingdom location.  Plus! You don’t need a theme park ticket.  That means if you want to plan a fun day that is Disney involved you can do it without visiting the parks.  There’s lots of shopping, things to look at, and even a movie theater on site at Disney Springs.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for Boys

I want to point out that Bibbidy Bobbidi Boutique has some adorable packages for boys.  My son thought he was going to hate it and initially tried to refuse doing it.  Once he was in there and they started talking about dragons and dragon snot (hair gel) he was all in.  It was one of his favorite experiences and we’d do it again.  The shield and sword that he received was very sturdy and something that he still plays with.

Things To Know Before You Go

Reserve Early – Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance.  You can make them by phone or online.

Time Required- 30 to 60 minutes depending on the package

Hair- Arrive with clean and brushed hair

Cancellation- A valid accepted credit card is required when booking.  A $10 cancellation fee is applied for no-shows or if the reservation is canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment.

Ages- 3 to 12

Want more Disney Fun?  Check out the post below!

Taking Your Toddler to Disney

For more creative fun check out: Tie-Dye Mickey Shirts at the Grand Floridian

Staying at Walt Disney World? Learn more about The Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World, Florida

Wondering where you can find Princesses at Walt Disney World in Florida?  I’ve got you covered!  Below you’ll find where you can visit your favorite Disney Princess!

Magic Kingdom Park

Princess Fairytale Hall
Meet Rapunzel & Tiana ~or~ Cinderella & Elena in the Magical Fairytale Hall.
You will also find Cinderella’s glass slipper on display here.  You get to pick a line; Rapunzel & Tiana or Cinderella & Elena.  You will have to start over and go back through to meet the other set.  You can get fast passes for this character meet and greet.  If you really want to meet them, I’d recommend the Fast Pass, sometimes the line can be quite long!   Rapunzel is super chatty and adorable and Tiana is a southern princess that will have you convinced that you can just come on over for some gumbo!   Cinderella is classic and very sweet of course, and Elena which is the newest princess is very nice!

Enchanted Tales with Belle
Have a magical time meeting Disney’s Belle and Lumiere.  This is so much fun and interactive also!! Kids (and adults) are able to play “parts” as the Lumiere puts together a re-creation of Belle and the Beast’s story.  You can get a fast pass for this one as well, however, because of the setup, you don’t really need one.

Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Take a ride with Ariel and all her friends and never even get wet!

Ariel’s Grotto
Venture into a seaside grotto, where you’ll find Ariel amongst some of her treasures. She is always happy to make new friends – especially human ones.  You can use a fast pass to meet Ariel, I’ve found though that this line typically moves pretty fast.

Meet Merida at Fairytale Garden
Meet the adventurous Merida, and she might even let you shoot her bow and arrow

Festival of Fantasy Parade
Princesses galore in this spectacular procession at 3pm every day!

BONUS: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Doll up your little princess at this enchanted beauty salon. (Ages 3-12)  You won’t meet a Disney Princess you’ve seen in a movie but your princess can become a princess herself! Check out my review of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique!review of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Animal Kingdom

Pocahontas at Character Landing As the solo princess at this park, Pocahontas will be so excited to hear all your travels!

Make sure to say “Wingapo!” when you greet her!

Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Join Ariel and a few of her friends in this live puppet show extravaganza.  You won’t meet Ariel but it is a fun ride to go on!

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage You will be swept away in the fairytale when you watch as Belle saves the

Beast in this Broadway-style musical

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along
Watch as the story of Anna and Elsa comes to life with this fun sing-along.  This is one of our favorites!! And occasionally it changes, it’s not always the same dialog/jokes.  Everyone loves the songs from Frozen!

Princess Sofia Head to Animation Courtyard to see Disney Junior Pals, and look for

Princess-in-Training Sofia just outside the doors of Stage 5

Fantasmic!
This nighttime spectacular features several Disney princesses!

Epcot

Princesses at the World Showcase Travel around the world and meet several of your favorite princesses! Check daily times on your app or pick up a Daily Times Guide at the park

(Notable: Aladdin/Jasmine in Morocco, Mulan in China, Belle in France, Snow White in Germany, plus other characters in other lands)

Frozen Ever After
Set sail aboard an ancient Norwegian vessel where you will find fun, adventure and Olaf, along with Anna and Elsa

Princess Storybook Dining – Akershus Hall Various princesses mingle around your table during your meal.

(Usually Belle, Aurora, Snow White and Jasmine. Sometimes Ariel and Mulan appear, Cinderella makes rare appearances)

Meet Anna & Elsa at Royal Sommerhus
Anna and Elsa are waiting to meet you at the Norway Pavilion. Make sure you bring warm hugs with you!!

Who’s Your Favorite Disney Princess to See?

Located on Disney’s Boardwalk, right outside the Boardwalk Inn is the Trattoria al Forno restaurant.   Since April 2017 it has become a character breakfast spot hosting the Bon Voyage Character Breakfast.  In my family, it’s better known as the “Rapunzel Breakfast.”

Rapunzel Character Meal

I’ll let you know up front…We’re big Rapunzel fans, in fact, I’d even dare to say she’s our favorite princess.  My 7-year-old daughter thinks she’s cool and artistic, my son has a crush on her, my husband thinks I like her because she doesn’t wear shoes, and he thinks she’s funny because when you used to meet Rapunzel at Fairytale Hall with Cinderella she always took longer because she was chatty.

Needless to say, I had big hopes for this character breakfast.

When you walk in there is a merchandise cart filled with Rapunzel items that you can purchase.  You are then lead to your table where you quickly receive themed pastries served in a black frying pan (what else would Rapunzel use??!) for the table to share as well as individual bowls of fruit.

Most character meals are a buffet, which makes this one a little different.  The Bon Voyage Character Breakfast isn’t all-you-can-eat but the portions are big, and the pastries that are brought to the table are refillable.  Since it’s not a buffet you also don’t have to worry about missing the characters because you were up getting food.  I would even venture to say that the food was better than your regular buffet line up.

We tried King Triton’s Shipwreck al Forno, Tangled Eggs, and the Little Royal Breakfast.

My husband enjoyed King Triton’s Shipwreck al Forno which is like a giant breakfast calzone. I had the Tangled Eggs, which were absolutely amazing!  The Sunday Gravy (marinara sauce) with the basil was just incredible.  I would have never ever thought about marinara or basil with my eggs but it works.   The kids aren’t big breakfast eaters, so it was a big plus that steak was an option.  It does come with an egg shaped like a fish and some fruit but they both just ate the steak.  I tried it and it was seasoned perfectly.

Who You Will See at The Bon Voyage Character Breakfast

The breakfast has Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel and Prince Eric.

All of the characters come around the table and sign autograph books and take pictures.  Sometimes they will also stop on their way to the back of the restaurant (where they begin) and make small talk or a quick conversation.

Rapunzel and Flynn stop for a quick conversation about the princess hat.

The characters make their way around to the tables and are very chatty as they try and make a connection with everyone.  During breakfast, there is also a parade to kick off your own adventure where kids follow behind the characters dancing and clapping.

Rapunzel even signed a hat for us!

Verdict On The Bon Voyage Breakfast Review

We loved it.  The food was great and the characters are a lot of fun.  It will definitely be somewhere that we try again.    It is $34/adult  and $20/child (ages 3-9).  There is a passholder discount available, and they do participate in the Disney Dining Plan.  On this trip, we used the Disney Dining Plan which saved us a lot!   If you’re looking for great food and characters this breakfast is totally worth it!

Traveling to Disney?

Thinking about going to Disney soon?  Don’t forget to check with your friendly travel agents at Fairytale Journeys Travel!!  Did you know there is NO extra cost to  you for using at Fairytale Journeys Travel agent?  Also check out Target  for Disney vacation essentials!

Use Disney® Cartridges from Cricut to make great keepsakes from your Disney trip!

*This post contains affiliate links…meaning if you decide to check them out I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally tried and love

Pete the Cat

If you haven’t met Pete… you are missing out.  Before I share some of my lessons learned from Pete the Cat, let me give you the story of how I found Pete.

My daughter started kindergarten this last year and shortly after she came home singing a song that went with a book they had read. She came home singing  “I was rockin’ in my school shoes, I was rockin’ in my school shoes”  I didn’t know much about it but she would repeat the chorus and bounce around while she played.

A couple days later we get home and she says “Mommy!! You HAVE to listen to this!” and with all the excitement of a 5 year old starts to explain the book they read that day…

“Pete the Cat had four groovy buttons…oh no! one fell off, did Pete cry? (she yells the answer) Goodness No!” she repeats counting down until she gets to zero and then says-“Pete looked down at his shirt and what did he saw? His belly button!  (at which point she totally starts to dance and sing to the tune of Fergi’s “My Humps” ) My buttons my buttons, still  got my belly button” and that leads to her breaking into a burst of hysterical laughter.   This…made me turn to Google to find out what all the entertainment was about.

This cat is a cool, groovy, laid back blue cat that teaches kids helpful lessons in a fun entertaining way.  I was able to download a few of the songs and they were on repeat.  Both my 5 and 3-year-old were obsessed, so much so the songs were stuck in my head.

Lessons I’ve Learned From Pete the Cat-

1. Stuff will come and stuff will go…but do we cry? Goodness No! (Four Groovy Buttons)

Your day will bring many situations. Do we get upset or stressed over it? Goodness no 🙂

2. Give it your all (Pete the Cat Saves Christmas)

No matter what you do or how big the job is, give it your all to get it accomplished.

Some days you just need the right accessory to boost your confidence. You’ll find though you had it inside you  all along ❤️

4. No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song…because it’s all good. (Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes)

Along the way you are bound to step in something you didn’t expect. Don’t let it stop you. Keep moving forward.

5. Do we worry? Goodness No! (Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes)

Like Pete, we often experience uncomfortable new environments that we are required to make it through. Do we worry? Goodness no! We do what we have to do- make that presentation, hold that meeting, whatever the situation calls for- and we rock it!

These books do a great job of helping build kids confidence and grit which is something I absolutely love about them.

Do you love Pete the Cat? What’s your child’s favorite Pete story?

This is our favorite Pete the Cat set! It comes with the songs!

Want more Pete? Here’s a free resource!

Fun Printable Activities!

Lauren Conrad is a Reality Tv Star, DIY Queen, Fashion Designer, Blogger, Author, etc. and now she is taking on beauty. Your favorite celebrity comes out with a new makeup line and you want to try it, but wonder is it truly worth it?  After all, everybody is stamping their name on something these days and trying to sell it.  Lucky for you, in this instance, I’ve tried some of the product offerings and have an honest review of the Lauren Conrad makeup products. Many know Conrad from one (or all) of the following- her Laguna Beach or Hills days, her LC Lauren Conrad clothing line, her Lauren Conrad Blog that offers DIY tips and tricks as well as advice, her books (both fiction and non-fiction), her DIY style, or maybe The Little Market which is a fair-trade market she co-founded.

The Insider interviewed Lauren and asked how Lauren Conrad Beauty would stand apart from other brands.  “I wanted to create a line for someone like me.  I don’t have time to do a 45-minute makeup routine.  I have two small kids, a pretty hands-on job, and so I can’t be too precious with my makeup” Conrad answered adding that she wanted products that were made with clean formulas and were easy to apply.

What Is Lauren Conrad Makeup?

The new line of makeup brought to us via Lauren Conrad Beauty states on its website that it is “Clean, Uncomplicated Beauty.”   The makeup is eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free and is as gentle on your skin as it is the planet according to the site.  Clean, uncomplicated, gentle on skin- all things that women (especially moms) can find very helpful.   An added bonus to all of this- it’s not outrageously priced!  It’s completely affordable, which is another big win.  Who doesn’t want make up that is clean, uncomplicated, vegan, cruelty free & affordable?

What exactly is Vegan Makeup?

A vegan product does not contain any animal or animal-derived ingredients.  This includes (but not limited to) honey, beeswax, collagen, gelatin, etc.   It’s important to note that just because a product is marked vegan it doesn’t mean it’s not tested on animals, this is where the phrase “cruelty-free” comes in.

What is Cruelty-free Makeup?

This means that there has been no form of animal testing at any point in the creation of the product.  It’s common for companies to not test the final product on animals but often it will be tested along the way or use ingredients that have been tested on animals by a third party.  There are still big well-known brands that test on animals even today so it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for this.

What is Clean Beauty?

Clean Beauty is used to signal that the products don’t contain certain ingredients (both natural or synthetic) that are considered controversial or unsafe, for example parabens or talc.  As a side note, there is no formal regulation of clean beauty so it’s not as simple as just looking for labels if you are on the search for this type of makeup.   In the instance of Lauren Conrad Beauty, I 100% believe that their statement of clean beauty is accurate based on the Lauren Conrad brand.

Eco-Friendly Packaging

The packaging is made using recyclable, compostable materials and choosing partners that are committed to using less energy and water.  The brand is so committed to being eco-friendly and promoting recycling that they even have instructions on how to recycle the products on the website.

Lauren Conrad Beauty Products

Now to the products themselves.  They checked the boxes of being Clean, Eco Friendly, Vegan, Cruelty-free, but does it work?

The Liquid Highlighter

The Liquid Highlighter says you can get “a youthful glow with this buildable formula’s light to medium coverage and lightweight, luminous finish.”(LaurenConradBeauty.com)

While the Liquid Highlighter may be considered to be one of the pricier items, $26 for .37fl oz, it does give you a nice subtle glow that you can build on.  I love that it doesn’t make it look like you’ve been smacked with a shimmer stick and instead gives you a subtle highlight especially in natural light.  While the size is small, it doesn’t require a lot and so the product does still last.

The Mascara

“A rich color mascara that creates fuller looking lashes.  Gives your lashes definition and length with a natural volume effect. Smudge-proof, flake-free lashes that are soft to the touch” (LaurenConradBeauty.com)

The mascara ($20) is good, but I would say it’s general mascara.  I haven’t had any issue with it flaking or smudging which is a plus but I can’t say that it gives fuller-looking lashes or length so if that’s what you are looking for I wouldn’t recommend it.  However if you are looking for a general good mascara, it’s a good buy.

The Eyebrow Pencil

“A soft, lightweight pencil for buildable, medium coverage with a semi-matte finish that’s smear-resistant.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com

The eyebrow pencil ($22) comes in Dark Brown, Light Brown, Blonde and Light Blonde.  I haven’t used an eyebrow pencil in the past, as most of the time when I see people who have it’s very obvious that they’ve used a product on their brows.  I wasn’t sure about the color to use, my natural hair color is dark brown, but my hair is colored lighter.   Based on the pictures on the website, I went with the light brown which worked perfectly.   It is dark enough to fill in and see but not so dark that it looks fake.  I’m super happy with the results of it and totally recommend checking it out.

The Eyeliner Pencil

“Glides on easily with it’s smooth, creamy texture and leaves you with a matte finish that is rich in color, lightweight, and stays true through wear.” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
I use the pencil ($18) for the liner at the bottom of my eye.  It has a rich color, glides on easily, and does have a matte finish that lasts through the day.  Previously I’ve used Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil ($28) and Benefit Eyeliner Pencil ($20), this is equally as good as both and it’s cheaper!

The Liquid Eyeliner

“Line your lashes with rich color that stays true through wear with its lightweight non-smearing formula” from Laurenconradbeauty.com
If there is one product in this line that I expected perfection from it was this one. After all, Lauren Conrad is known for her eyeliner.  The liquid eyeliner ($20) doesn’t disappoint.  It glides on smooth, is easily buildable, dries unbelievably fast and doesn’t smear.  I’ve always found it difficult to find a good liquid eyeliner that had a rich color to it and that dried quickly but the search over.  This is probably my favorite so far of all the products.

I look forward to trying the other products such as the Lip & Cheek Tint ($20).  There’s also an Eyeshadow Palette ($29), Powder Blush ($25), Lipstick ($20), and Lip Gloss ($18) available. Recently added as well as a skincare line- which I cannot wait to try!

The Verdict

The Lauren Conrad Beauty products are all that they claim to be as well as affordable. You won’t find too much in the way of a bold look, as the makeup is made to give you a clean, natural look which works great for everyday wear.  It’s a great solution especially for busy moms who want a quick makeup routine that doesn’t take them all morning.

Have you tried the Lauren Conrad Beauty Makeup?  What did you think?

*This post contains affiliate links…meaning if you decide to check them out I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally tried and love

Pete the Cat

If you haven’t met Pete… you are missing out.  Before I share some of my lessons learned from Pete the Cat, let me give you the story of how I found Pete.

My daughter started kindergarten this last year and shortly after she came home singing a song that went with a book they had read. She came home singing  “I was rockin’ in my school shoes, I was rockin’ in my school shoes”  I didn’t know much about it but she would repeat the chorus and bounce around while she played.

A couple days later we get home and she says “Mommy!! You HAVE to listen to this!” and with all the excitement of a 5 year old starts to explain the book they read that day…

“Pete the Cat had four groovy buttons…oh no! one fell off, did Pete cry? (she yells the answer) Goodness No!” she repeats counting down until she gets to zero and then says-“Pete looked down at his shirt and what did he saw? His belly button!  (at which point she totally starts to dance and sing to the tune of Fergi’s “My Humps” ) My buttons my buttons, still  got my belly button” and that leads to her breaking into a burst of hysterical laughter.   This…made me turn to Google to find out what all the entertainment was about.

This cat is a cool, groovy, laid back blue cat that teaches kids helpful lessons in a fun entertaining way.  I was able to download a few of the songs and they were on repeat.  Both my 5 and 3-year-old were obsessed, so much so the songs were stuck in my head.

Lessons I’ve Learned From Pete the Cat-

1. Stuff will come and stuff will go…but do we cry? Goodness No! (Four Groovy Buttons)

Your day will bring many situations. Do we get upset or stressed over it? Goodness no 🙂

2. Give it your all (Pete the Cat Saves Christmas)

No matter what you do or how big the job is, give it your all to get it accomplished.

3. Sometimes all it takes to go from Grumpy to Groovy is the right accessory. (Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses)

Some days you just need the right accessory to boost your confidence. You’ll find though you had it inside you  all along ❤️

4. No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song…because it’s all good. (Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes)

Along the way you are bound to step in something you didn’t expect. Don’t let it stop you. Keep moving forward.

5. Do we worry? Goodness No! (Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes)

Like Pete, we often experience uncomfortable new environments that we are required to make it through. Do we worry? Goodness no! We do what we have to do- make that presentation, hold that meeting, whatever the situation calls for- and we rock it!

These books do a great job of helping build kids confidence and grit which is something I absolutely love about them.

Do you love Pete the Cat? What’s your child’s favorite Pete story?

This is our favorite Pete the Cat set! It comes with the songs!

Want more Pete? Here’s a free resource!

Fun Printable Activities!