Self-Care isn’t about over indulging or being selfish, it’s about deliberately taking care of yourself so that you can be your best to take care of others.   Sometimes it’s the little things that just make you feel better and give you the extra ‘oomph’ you need to get through.

Here are a few of my favorite self-care gift ideas for her that can be a stand alone present, part of a gift basket, or stocking suffer!

1. Lauren Conrad Liquid Eyeliner

Feeling good about how you look makes a difference to your day.  Have some fun, be bold and let your eyes stand out with this incredible (and affordable @ $20!) eyeliner from Lauren Conrad Beauty.  See more of my favorite Lauren Conrad Beauty items.

1. Dermatonics Hard Skin Removing Balm

This stuff is like pure magic.  It takes cracked heals and callused feet and makes them feel incredibly smooth and sets you up to be ready to walk your road more comfortably.  It literally shows a difference in the first 24 hours. I have tried so many products that didn’t work, but this one is worth every penny!  Plus it’s not too greasy and has a light sweet scent.

I love the Kopari brand, and this body milk does an amazing job of moisturizing even the driest of skin while not leaving you feeling greasy.  It has a light scent so it isn’t overwhelming.  Soothes dry, itchy skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth!

1. Stella & Grace Rose Gold Face Roller

This Rose Gold face roller says it helps with lymphatic drainage, firms the look of the skin and reduces puffiness while helping you relax and destress.   I am not a skin expert and can’t speak to the lymphatic drainage but I can tell you it’s incredibly relaxing and does help with puffiness.

This primer from Heir Atelier gives you silky smooth lips and prevents lipstick from feeling dry and cracked.  It can be used alone or with lipstick/lip gloss. Check out my full review in this Favorite Beauty Products post!

Face primers help create a smooth base for makeup, can help foundation last longer, and can give an extra boost of hydration to skin.  Not all face primers are made equally though.   This primer from Heir Atelier is an absolute favorite for myself and as a gift to others- my mom absolutely loves it too and says she sees a notable difference with and without it.

More Beauty Product Suggestions

Valentines Day is right around the corner!  Usually, I’m a little more into it especially with the kids but this year I feel drained with all things Covid.  It is what is is though, and we must press forward, so let’s do it!  Here are some fun Valentines activities with photoshoot and  valentines craft ideas.

These are some fun ideas to help spark some creativity while not spending a ton of money.  It’s always good to enjoy the moment and celebrate the small things because once it’s done, you’ll feel better.  It’s also a great way to make memories with your kids!

Valentines Activities- Picture Ideas

What’s more fun the than a photoshoot?  Now more than ever it’s easier to take great pictures at home and even on just your cellphone.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for photographers and their talent but there are moments when you either don’t have the time to schedule something or  it’s out of your current budget.  Below are some of my favorite valentines picture ideas!

This adorable picture is from The Pregnant Chicken First Valentines Day  Photo Ideas.  Easy and adorable!

from ThePregnantChicken

I LOVE this idea of an adorable outfit (which isn’t Valentines specific and can easily be used on any other day as well!) along with some balloons!  It’s from Take Time For Style.

from TakeTimeForStyle

This picture is super easy as it just requires some heart garland for the background and a larger poster heart.

Here’s another adorable photo that has lots of red, garland and balloons.  Garland and balloons are always a way to dress up pictures that you want to take.  The best part is, you only need a small area, you don’t have to do a whole room.

Spreading love!  This photo would be super easy to create by cutting out some hearts and tape them on the wall and you have an adorable photo!

Valentines Crafts

The possibility with mason jars are endless!  Just like my previous post on mason jar craft ideas, you can decorate them for valentines day to use at home or to give to someone.

This heart table runner is so easy to do and absolutely adorable!

from A Night Owl Blog

This is sure to bring a smile to kids faces as they make themselves into a valentines ladybug!

from The Best Ideas for Kids

I love gifts that help brighten things up, or are useful beyond the day.  These succulent valentines are a great idea!  Not into succulents?  The decorated pot works great too!  They will be useful for a long time!

from A Night Owl Blog

Find some old tree branches in the yard, paint them and cut out some hearts to make this adorable valentines tree!

from The House That Lars Built

These gnome Valentine crafts are cute and fun to create!  They’re easy to make and allow you to get creative with decorations!

from I Heart Crafty things

Another fun option combining pictures and crafting! These Valentine Balloon crafts are these adorable cards using your child’s picture and then making hearts and drawing strings a the balloons.  These make a great memory or gift for loved ones!

from The Best Ideas for Kids

This Valentine Heart Garland is great for decorating or creating your own photo backdrops!!  Some construction paper or decorative card stock is all you need to get started along with some string!

One of my favorite finds, 100 Dollar Store Valentines Day Decor Ideas because there is so much you can put together and make with dollar store finds that in the end would cost you way more to buy than just making it.

It’s still a off year, but especially as moms we do our best to push forward and make memories for our kids that are good ones.  It’s simple Valentines activities such as pictures and crafts that help us to that without losing our sanity attempting it.   Do you have any plans for Valentines day?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Looking for Valentine Gift Ideas?

The Polynesian Village Resort is one of Disney’s most enchanting resorts.  It is one of the original Walt Disney World Resorts and has a rich history.   The resort sits on the Seven Seas Lagoon and is just across from Magic Kingdom however, the resort atmosphere takes you away to what feels like Hawaii. This is my favorite Disney resort for many reasons.  It is very convenient, beautiful, has incredible views and is spacious.

The History at the Polynesian Resort

The resort was opened on October 1, 1971 and had a grand opening ceremony on October 24, 1971. On hand for the grand opening included celebrities such as Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, as well as the Governor of Florida.

The early concept for the resort featured a 12-story tower that might have looked more at home among luxury hotels on Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach, however, the plans changed to give it a more authentic village layout in 1970.  You can read more about the history of the Polynesian on Disney Parks Blog.

The main building, also known as the Great Ceremonial House, is where you will find check-in, as well as shops and restaurants. The guest rooms in the buildings just outside the Great Ceremonial House are named after Polynesian islands and create a village-type feel.  At check-in, you’re greeted with “Aloha” and a flower lei.   The theme runs throughout the resort from the Great Ceremonial House to the Long Houses that hold the guest rooms.  Inside the guest rooms, they have an island getaway feel to them.

The rooms are bigger than moderate rooms so it is ideal for larger families and those with little ones. Rooms on the first floor have a lanai with a small table and two chairs and upper floor rooms have a small balconette.  Similar to other resorts they have different view types that include: standard, lagoon, pool/marina, and theme park.   There’s enough room inside to put your stuff and not feel crowded in the room, which is often an issue we have with two little ones and a stroller.  It’s also nice because our kids go to bed around 9 when we are at Disney (normal bedtime is 8 and if we go too much past that it’s a nightmare the next day) so it’s nice to be able to sit out on the lanai or stand on the balcony and watch fireworks.

The standard rooms are typically ones with views of the parking lot or monorail, there’s a lot of lush landscape on the property to assist in making it prettier.  The theme park view, as well as some of the marina and pool view rooms, are able to see the fireworks.

The resort grounds are lush and beautiful with plants and trees.  As you walk out the back entrance of the Great Ceremonial House, you can see Cinderella’s castle and in the evenings sit on the beach to watch the Electrical Water Pageant and see fireworks.  There are speakers spread out around the property where you can hear the soundtrack that goes along with the fireworks and electrical pageant.

Transportation at the Polynesian Resort

You can use the monorail or boat to get to the Magic Kingdom or you can walk to the ticketing center to catch a monorail to Epcot. This is so much easier than having to get in the car and drive.  Especially when kids and strollers are involved.    If you want to head to Hollywood Studios or the Animal Kingdom there are buses (shared with the Grand Floridian) that can get you there.

Dining at the Polynesian Village Resort

One of the fun things about Disney Resorts is you can find food that is unique to them.  Of course, you will typically always find chicken nuggets and pizza but in the case of dining at the Polynesian, you will also find some flavors of the Polynesian isles.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto- Tiki bar with appetizers and live music.

Barefoot Pool Bar- counter service by the pool that serves drinks and snacks

Oasis Bar and Grill- counter service by the pool that serves drinks and snacks

Captain Cooks- cafeteria-style, quick-service restaurant.  This is a simple quick service restaurant but I’ve never gotten anything that was bad from here and it is a quick, easy place to stop in for a bite of food.

Pineapple Lanai- located right outside the back doors facing the Magic Kingdom this is where you can get a Dole Whip!

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show- a luau dinner show.  I have never tried this as the kids were too small and would not sit through it but it’s definitely on my list of things to do.  Reservations are recommended.

Ohana- for breakfast, this houses the resorts character dining where you can see Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch.

Kona Café- sit down restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Polynesian Pool

Disney resorts offer fantastic pools and the Polynesian pool doesn’t disappoint.  There is the Lava Pool, which has a 142-foot water slide that starts inside a volcano.  It’s a beach entry pool where you can relax and enjoy a view of Cinderella’s castle.  For little ones, there is a water playground area where they can have lots of fun.  It includes some kid size slides as well.  If you want to venture away from the crowd, there is an Oasis pool that is surrounded by abundant landcape and shade.

Have You Stayed At The Polynesian Village Resort?

Check out more post!

Holiday treats are so yummy and bring smiles to faces!  One affordable way to be able to give to people and not break the bank is to make treats to give them.  It’s thoughtful, can be personalized, and they are tasty!   These holiday treats can also be fun to make at home as an activity to do together as a family.

7 Christmas Treat Ideas to Gift (or Keep!)

There’s something about chocolate and peppermint that is so good especially in the cooler months.  This easy peppermint bark makes a great gift idea and is also something tasty to have around the house!

2.Nutterbutter Santa and Elves

Get creative and decorate some cookies that you don’t have to bake!  These NutterButter cookies made into Santa and an Elf would make a cute gift or fun activity to make at home with kids to enjoy.

3. Oreo Truffles

These are amazing.  A-ma-za-zing.  They are also very easy to do!

4. Buckeyes 

Buckeyes are a holiday classic.  These ones adding graham crackers to it take it up a notch!

5. Coconut Balls

Another favorite holiday treat that is easy to do.  These coconut balls are great to give and to have as a dessert!

6.  Kissing Cookies

A classic holiday cookie that is easy to do and that people love to eat!  Another combination of a little peanut butter and some chocolate to make smiles happen.

7. Mickey & Minnie Oreos

No Bake Mickey & Minnie Christmas cookies!   These are adorable and are such a fun idea that will look good on a plate for dessert or to give as a gift, especially to Disney fans!  Don’t forget to check out more Gifts for Disney Fans!

Bonus…

There’s also always the classic sugar cookie that you can shape, decorate with icing and/or sprinkles which always makes for a fun time!!

Holiday treats are so yummy and bring smiles to faces!  One affordable way to be able to give to people and not break the bank is to make treats to give them.  It’s thoughtful, can be personalized, and they are tasty!   These holiday treats can also be fun to make at home as an activity to do together as a family.

7 Christmas Treat Ideas to Gift (or Keep!)

There’s something about chocolate and peppermint that is so good especially in the cooler months.  This easy peppermint bark makes a great gift idea and is also something tasty to have around the house!

2.Nutterbutter Santa and Elves

Get creative and decorate some cookies that you don’t have to bake!  These NutterButter cookies made into Santa and an Elf would make a cute gift or fun activity to make at home with kids to enjoy.

3. Oreo Truffles

These are amazing.  A-ma-za-zing.  They are also very easy to do!

4. Buckeyes 

Buckeyes are a holiday classic.  These ones adding graham crackers to it take it up a notch!

5. Coconut Balls

Another favorite holiday treat that is easy to do.  These coconut balls are great to give and to have as a dessert!

6.  Kissing Cookies

A classic holiday cookie that is easy to do and that people love to eat!  Another combination of a little peanut butter and some chocolate to make smiles happen.

7. Mickey & Minnie Oreos

No Bake Mickey & Minnie Christmas cookies!   These are adorable and are such a fun idea that will look good on a plate for dessert or to give as a gift, especially to Disney fans!  Don’t forget to check out more Gifts for Disney Fans!

Bonus…

There’s also always the classic sugar cookie that you can shape, decorate with icing and/or sprinkles which always makes for a fun time!!

Washi tape is a decorative adhesive tape that is made from traditional Japanese paper (wa meaning ‘Japanese’ and shi meaning ‘paper’) that works great for craft or journaling.  Most papers are made from tree pulp, but washi comes from Japanese shrubs. It’s durable, waterproof, and heatproof….not to mention it is also biodegradable.

Get Creative with Washi Tape

Whether you want to do some crafts for fun, are looking for an inexpensive way to spruce up some decorating, or want to make a gift for someone; washi tape is a fun, creative option! Here are some washi tape craft ideas along with some Amazon options of washi tape available.

Washi Tape Craft  & Gift Ideas

These ideas could be used as a craft to keep at home or the perfect personalized gift for someone special!

Washi Tape DIY Letters

Buy craft letters (similar to this wooden A on Amazon) and decorate it with washi tape.  The creativity options are endless with the various patterns and colors of washi tape.  You could make this for yourself at home or it would also make a great gift.  It could be for:

• Housewarming gift
• Wedding gift
• New Baby Gift
• Baby’s room
• Kids Room
• Teacher Gift
• Christmas Gift

Flower Pot Decorated with Washi Tape

Need a quick gift or an easy way to personalize a flower pot at home?  Use Washi tape to decorate it as shown above it can be as easy as just adding an accent to a clay pot!  This also makes a great gift and is inexpensive to do.  There are endless options on how you could decorate it as well as what type of plant to have inside of it. These make a great housewarming gift, teachers appreciation gift, or Christmas gift.

Dress Up Your Charger Cords

Forget plain, bland charging cords.   Dress yours up! Another fun idea to get creative and brighten things up is to add washi tape to the end of your charging cords.  This can also help you identify who’s charger is whose- unless of course, that is a problem we only face at my house.  The polka dot always brings to mind Kate Spade or Minnie Mouse, both of which I’m a huge fan.  Here are some cute options from Amazon:
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Washi Tape Decorated Vases

These pretty vases could be used to decorate for a party or special event, or could also be used as a gift to someone.  Check out the pretty wide washi tape options below from amazon!

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Washi Tape Butterflies

Whether you’re looking for a way to help keep the kids busy and want to get creative with them, or are looking for party decor these washi tape butterflies are adorable!!  They could also be added to a gift bag as some personailzation!

Hot Air Balloon Art with Washi Tape

Another fun at home craft are these washi tape hot air balloons.  Things like this can also make cute gifts for grandparents!

Washi Tape Pencil & Desk Cup

These are another great option for your own personalization or for a gift.  Get a can or cheap plastic cup and dress it up with your washi tape.  These make a great gift for moms, dads, teachers, or friends!

Washi Tape Bookmarks

Bookmarks are not only super useful but are great gift ideas!  You can personalize them and make each one different while not having to spend a ton of money.  I’ve done these for classroom gifts and teacher gifts, they’re also a great idea for Christmas gifts or to add to a book for a birthday gift!

Craft Stick Bracelets

Never-ending fun and creativity with your very own craft stick bracelet.  It’s a great way to help keep the kids busy and encourage their creative thinking and design skills without having to spend a ton of money or deal with a big mess.

Washi Tape Popsicle Stick Frames

Frames are always useful, and personalized ones just make what it holds even sweeter.  Whether you make a quote frame or print out a favorite picture memory these are great to keep or give as a gift.

Washi Tape Decorated Notebook

This is yet another item that makes a great gift or is a fantastic way to personalize a notebook or planner for yourself (or a child).   It is a great way to let kids have some creative fun to express themselves which also encourages writing and drawing in their notebook.   A washi tape notebook is also a good diy birthday gift idea to do a basket with holding all the supplies.

Lego Duplo & Washi Tape

Want to spruce up the Legos without having to buy brand new ones?  Let the kids decorate them with washi tape and make them feel brand new again!!

Below is a cute idea from Amazon including some Mickey Mouse washi tape!

Decorative Kitchen Spatula

These decorative kitchen spatulas are a great idea to add some color to your kitchen or to use as a gift!  It makes a great Christmas or housewarming gift, and could also be used as an adorable hostess gift.

Whether you are looking for some creative fun or need some thrifty gift ideas, washi tape is a great option that has so many possibilities and will make each item unique and special.

Want More Creative Gift Ideas?  Check out the post below!

Holiday Gifts Kids Can Make

I’m a big fan of convenience.   I love onsite hotels at theme parks such as Disney World where I can not worry about having to get into the car to get to the park.  It honestly makes it so much easier when you have kids, especially younger ones.   The Legoland Florida Resort is literally right next to the park and a very short walk to the front gate.  There’s no bus, no car drive, which is incredible.

There is the Lego Beach Resort which looks like fun and very nice but it’s a little further from the park than the Legoland Florida Resort (just down the road), which means we’d be getting in the car to go and park or waiting on the bus.  I figured the Resort was more geared towards kids and would be more involved for them.  I’m glad that I chose it although the Beach Resort does look fun.

In my review of Legoland Florida theme park, I mentioned the amazing theming that is throughout the park.  The hotel follows suit with that.  The thought that was put into it is just amazing.   The lobby has LEGOS where the kids can play while you are checking in.  There’s an area just past that where they have resort activities as well as where the kids can sit and play while you’re waiting on dinner reservations or just looking for some LEGO fun during your day.

Check-in at the resort is 3pm, early check-in (additional cost) is at 1pm.  This part was a little annoying, both being charged for it and it not being available until at the earliest 1pm.  There’s also a late check out available, again at an additional cost.  However, if you’re going to want a late check out it’s best to book it when you book your room otherwise it’s $50 per hour that you extend the checkout.

As the case with the theme park, the general service at the hotel is where it felt like they fell short.  The front desk mentioned the Master Builders workshop as well as the miniature golf but it sounded as if both were at an extra cost.  Come to find out, the Master Builder workshop is free and your child gets to keep whatever it is they build.   Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do the workshop due to the miscommunication and they were full the next day when I checked.

The Lego Themed Rooms at the Legoland Hotel

There are a few options when selecting your room type at Legoland Florida Resort. They are all Lego Themed Rooms.  There’s the Pirate, Adventure, Lego Movie, Kingdom and Lego Friends.  We stayed in the Adventure room which is on the top (5th) floor.

All rooms include:

• King bed in the adult sleeping area
• Kids’ own sleeping area with a bunk bed, pull out trundle bed and entertainment unit
• Welcome Treasure Hunt with LEGO prize (Not specifically themed.  Lots of fun!!)
• LEGO bricks to build with during your stay
• 2 high-definition flat panel TV’s with complimentary On-Demand content
• Air conditioning
• Mini-fridge and coffee maker
• Vanity/work station
• Wi-fi access. (*For us, the Wi-Fi access sucked)
• Hairdryer
• Complimentary toiletries
• In-room safe
• Bathtub

Parking is free (which while it may seem silly or little, I completely appreciate it.  It annoys me to pay for parking at theme park hotels).   Also, a buffet breakfast is included in your stay which is another nice perk.

Also inside the room are these cute “Monster Free” cards!

The Room

The room was fantastic.  There is a kids’ area (which is small but still cool) where they have bunk beds and a little tv.  The first day there is a treasure hunt with clues so that the lock on the chest can be removed.  Inside is a gift and treat.  The next night, the lego gift was just left on the bed.   Again, I love how well thought out the theme was for the room.  This place seriously has so much potential.

On the TV initially when you turn it on is “security video” where you see Lego Characters running down the hallway, being silly and sneaking around.   It’s cute.  The kids got a kick out of it and looked for Lego people in the halls.  The Lego movies are available on loop at any time during your stay.

In case you saw some decor you liked, there’s a handy sign of charges posted as well in the room…lol

Free Breakfast with Your Stay

The breakfast is legit good.  There is quite the selection of options that I was impressed with.   Also, for Disney World fans, there is Stitch Juice!! Of course, it’s not called Stitch Juice, it is referred to as Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava juice (which is exactly what Stitch Juice is).   It is really good too!  I haven’t seen it anywhere else so I was pleasantly surprised to find it here.  My favorite part was the yogurt, granola, and fruit (strawberries & blueberries).   The kids favorite part was the packs of Nutella.  There were lots to choose from though.  Cereal, fruits, omelets, waffles, pancakes, etc.

POG Juice (AKA Stitch Juice at Disney World)

Birthday Celebration at Bricks

When I booked our stay, I purchased the birthday celebration at Bricks.  I will admit I was nervous, I didn’t know what to expect at all.    We checked in and they gave the birthday boy a pin and hat to wear.  He was quite excited.   The food at the restaurant was.. good.  I was pleasantly surprised at how good.  There was rotisserie chicken breast,  beef, and fish options as meat.  There was also spaghetti with meatballs, salads, chicken nuggets and more available as well as desserts.   My son LOVED the spaghetti and my daughter loved the beef as well as the rotisserie chicken.   They had the best Orange Ginger salad dressing that I’m pretty sure I could have eaten on anything.    The only downside was the Coke FreeStyle fountain machine which I hate because it always tastes like you’ve mixed Sprite or another flavor into any drink you get.   Once we were done with dinner they brought over the birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday.  The cake was very good and tasted similar to Publix (a popular grocery store here), to my surprise I was totally correct.  They brought us a to-go box for the rest of the cake and sure enough, it was Publix.   The birthday dinner also included a present which was some Batman Legos.   He was super surprised and very happy with it.  Overall, I think it was well worth it.

Getting the Birthday Button! Crown, Button and Llama!

Natural Beauty of Florida

The outside of the resort remains true to the natural beauty of Florida with the large trees and boardwalk.  You can play minigolf, have smores at night, and take a relaxing walk around the boardwalk where you can look out over Lake Eloise.

The LEGOS

This is a Lego Resort, so of course, there were LEGOS everywhere!! There is a section in the lobby as well as a lego ship play area that has lots of legos.  In the room, there are also some legos that are meant to be played with (and left) in the room.  There is a room to the side of the SkyLounge that shows lego movies and sometimes you can find Lego Friends hanging out in there.

Thoughts On The Resort Stay

The room was fantastic, the service at Bricks was great.  The consistent theme throughout the resort was absolutely incredible.  I’ve stayed at many hotels (looking at you Disney) and haven’t seen it done this well.  I also loved the outside of the resort and that they kept a portion that reflects the natural beauty of Florida.  The only downside was the front desk wasn’t overly friendly or helpful.   The Skyline Lounge was extremely slow.  We had gotten caught in a rainstorm and ran back to the hotel.  They seemed understaffed or just not prepared for the crown.  It seems odd with it being Florida and rainstorms a frequent occurrence that we waited over 10 minutes for drinks and another hour for our food.  On the positive side, when we first walked into the hotel they were prepared with towels waiting for the guest to use to dry off.  There were Lego Characters that would walk around with a “Model Citizen” (staff member) and a few of them just looked lost.  Like they weren’t sure what to do.  Later in the day some were out and interacted with the guest which went well.  The kids enjoyed seeing them and they didn’t seem ‘lost’ like the ones we first saw.  Overall, it was fun and there is a lot of potential here.

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Interested in other Florida Destinations? Check out this post:

Kennedy Space Center