⋅PERIOD DRAMAS You know I love some traditional interiors, but other then watching them on the small screen I haven’t found a lot of great stuff on the internet that inspires. That is until I stumbled across Curbed’s Period Dramas by Robert Khederian. A mix between sharing properties currently up for sale mini castles to buy to colonials with cooking fireplaces and history and restoration lessons vintage wallpaper, plaster, renovation, and 1800’s Christmas every week I learn and am invigorated.
⋅ MILK COOKIES I need no excuse to eat a cookie or ten. A friend of a friend makes cookies for nursing moms, and I got a chance to try the chocolate chip last week. These freshly made treats pack in tons of great ingredients for energy which I’ve been totally lacking and milk production. They would make a wonderful gift for any nursing mom or if you are a nursing mom, treat yourself! Excuse me while I go eat a few…
⋅PEMBERLEY ROSE While we’re talking babies, I wanted to let you know that Erica from Pemberley Rose is offering you all 30% off anything except dolls through March! Simply use code THEMAKERISTA at check out. I absolutely love her children’s bedding, and the crib sheets are so soft and beautiful. Domino sleeps wonderfully on them.
⋅TRENDING: MODERN RATTAN I keep seeing rattan and caned furniture popping up in light wood with clean lines. It feels really fresh compared to the boho shapes we’ve seen the last few years. This wardrobe from Urban Outfitters is great for clothes in a bedroom, or I can envision it housing plants in a sunroom. This bed and chair are fun too. IKEA just announced new Stockholm pieces being released in April, and the rattan cabinet is beautiful. I love how they placed two side by side in the below image.
⋅MOM JEANS Several years ago my closet was filled with cheap jeans. I’d buy them at Target and Gap Generation, only to not like everything about the fit. One day I tried on some Paige denim and was immediately hooked. They were spendy for me, but I am so glad I invested! These black skinny jeans have become my momiform. I wear them with a t-shirt and flats to the store, boots and a blazer on a Saturday night, or heels and a blouse to sing at church. Not only do they go with anything, they are so comfortable. They keep things hidden when you’re bending over, have stayed black after a few years of washing, and are great at lifting and smoothing all of those less than perky areas. I’ve got several mom friends on the Paige train now too. There is nothing better as a busy mom than having something you know you can put on and feel good in. I recently got a few more pairs and these high rise ones which I never envisioned being great on me work wonders on my post-baby body.
⋅DISNEY WORLD It’s happening. I’ve never been, but in a few months we’ll be making the trip to the “most magical place on earth.” We’re staying off property for eight days and plan to spend two days at Magic Kingdom and two days at Animal Kingdom. Micah and I might try to do Universal one day just for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I have ideas of what I would like it to be, I certainly love fanciful things, but I’ve heard if I’m not into the zoo and the local amusement park then I probably won’t be into it. Ha. I’m hopeful the enjoyment my kids experience will be enough fun for myself, right? So, I need all of your best thoughts. We have tickets for the days but nothing else figured out yet. What are your best ideas with a six month old, a five-year-old girl, and seven and nine-year-old boys?
Kayla says
Paige jeans have been my favorite for the past 10 years! Even before having kids they have fit me best! I love them!! We are doing disneyland this year too and I would welcome all the tips!!!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
They are the best! I’m so glad I found them. Yes, it’s crazy how much there is to know/learn!
janet says
My advice is stay at a Disney property so you can go earlier than the masses. Stay until nap time, Go back to hotel and rest, have a nice meal, take a swim then start over around 5 when people are exhausted and the parks are beginning to clear out. Especially if you plan to stay for the fireworks. Dreadful to be there all day. The nap and swim reset the clock for you and the kids.
themakerista@gmail.com says
We’re really close to the parks, and hoping we can take a break in the afternoons for some R&R. 😉
Leslie says
Re: Disney… You can bring food and drinks in with you, so pack a cooler bag in your stroller full of healthy snacks like sandwiches, carrot sticks, water, apples. There are only a few places on site where you can get those particular things and they’re expensive. With kids, I would say try to balance the rides with other sit down things like taking the train around the park, watching a street parade, taking the trolley, etc. Fast Pass is amazing! Definitely use it when you can, especially with littles because it’ll mean avoiding some of the time standing in line, and you can plan your day a bit, let your kids know when you’ll be able to X ride, and hopefully deal with less “when can we do…” If you go on the Disney websites you can see a schedule ahead of time hour by hour of what will be going on while you’re there so you can decide before you get there what you want to see and do. There are places all over the park selling costumes etc. Rather than dealing with your kids begging you for that stuff (if they’re into it) a lot of people suggest getting costumes/dress up stuff ahead of time, bringing it in the suitcase, then surprising the kids when they get to the hotel and letting them wear it to the park. Much cheaper. Have fun!
themakerista@gmail.com says
So much good stuff, thank you!
Linda Meents says
We’ve been so many times and have always enjoyed the Disney experience. What we’ve discovered is how convenient it is to stay at one of the many resorts Disney has to offer, all price ranges, too. Their transportation system is amazing. You go out front of your hotel and catch a bus, or boat or monorail, etc. it’s great for hotel hopping or shopping their many stores. But what we found that worked the best for us was to go early (they let people that stay at their resorts go in one of their parks before the general public). Then around noon or one we would hop back on their transportation system and go back to our hotel for the kids (and us) to go swimming, eat, and take a nap or just relax. Then around five we’d head back out to the park again or try a new one for the evening. The break in mid day really helped the kids not to get overly tired and it sure didn’t hurt Mommy and Daddy, too. . . Animal Kingdom is my favorite park! Enjoy! And remember they have baby passes for the rides so your husband and you can enjoy the rides without having to wait twice in a long line.
themakerista@gmail.com says
This seems to be the general consensus, thank you for sharing, Linda!
C.B. says
I am in love with the colonial homes with cooking fireplaces!!! How cute are they!! And the rattan furniture is lovely (I would totally love to do the same thing as IKEA did in that picture (put two pieces together). As for Disney I would love to help but I went once……..25 years ago. But I can tell you, I was 5 years old and I still remember a great deal of it. Things have changed (after all, it was 1992) but I remember getting the most beautiful Jasmine (from Aladin) Barbie (she had shiny pants……I probably still have it somewhere in the basement) and I remember this French girl staying at the same hotel as us who was maybe 10 years old taught my how to swim. The whole place was magical and I’m sure your older ones (even the 5 year old one) are gonna love and cherish them memories for years to come 🙂 BTW, my dad was in his 30s then and he had a great time.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Yes, the two together definitely makes it look that much more luxe! I love your story, and am so excited to go and experience it!
Kathryn Ruffer says
My husband and I just went to Disney World and loved it. We also stayed off property and did one day at Magic Kingdom and one day at Universal. Magic Kingdom is always great — it did get really crowded with long lines for rides (and that was on a “value day” – would be a little nervous then about non-value days!). We went to Universal just for Harry Potter world. We bought the park-to-park pass because Diagon Alley is in Universal and Hogsmeade and Hogwarts are in Island of Adventure (you take the “Hogwarts Express” to get between the parks). It’s all magical and amazing…but I was disappointed because I thought everything else outside of Harry Potter world in Universal and Island of Adventure were terrible. I’m not sure if you’re going for rides or just for the atmosphere but Diagon Alley only has 1 ride and Hogsmeade/Hogwarts has 3 (I think?). And they all made me super dizzy!!! I do get motion sick but rides don’t usually bother me. These had 3D screens WITH a rollercoaster. The combination killed me…but the shopping/eating/walking around was still awesome. Have fun!! I found planning a little stressful (fast passes, etc) but it was a really fun weekend for two adults 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
I really just want to experience Diagon Alley..ever since having kids I get so nauseous even just swinging on a swing, ha. So I’m hoping to avoid any crazy rides. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Julia | Chris Loves Julia says
We’ve been to Disney twice in the past 2 years–I have NO idea how that happened. I had never been before and we just happened to be in Florida with the girls and thought, why not!? One day of Magic Kingdom was enough both times, but there are some pretty great things to take advantage of, especially with a baby! (Faye was considered a baby both times) The parks have something called a baby swap so you and Micah can both ride with the kids without waiting in line all over again. Also, if you already have your tickets, sign up for your fast passes asap! Book them first thing in the morning (everyone gets 2), so that when you’re done with those rides you can book more. Doing this, we actually never waited in a normal line.
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s amazing that the kids can ride twice because of the baby, I will definitely keep that in mind! Great to hear the fast passes work so well, thanks for the tips!
Amy says
I hate the zoo and local amusement parks, and never went to disney as a child. We always do the 5 day park hopper (in California) and it feels like it’s never enough time. You just have to surrender to the magic, and it’s SO fun.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I love hearing that, thanks Amy!
Deanna Lowe says
Can’t wait to hear your review of Harry Potter! My husband and his family are huge Harry Potter fans and it has rubbed off on me as well. I have seen some friends pictures and heard some of their experiences and it sounds wonderful! Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I know, I don’t care to do the rides, I just want the experience. In an idea world it would be cloudy and about 50 degrees so I could wear a scarf or something… 😉
Kat says
Disney World is amazing! I can’t even believe that anyone wouldn’t like it. I grew up going to Disney every weekend (practically) and it’s just as wonderful now, as a 37 year old as it was as a 7 year old. Aside from the fun rides, the property is so beautiful and well-maintained. It’s NOT your typical “amusement park.” The only downsides I can think of is that it does get crowded, so if crowds make you anxious, sorry! And the food kinda sucks (at the Magic Kingdom, anyway. I’ve heard Animal Kingdom has good food.) And I second the fast pass encouragement – sign up for rides ahead of time! Peter Pan ALWAYS has a long line, (45 min, at least), and it’s great for little kids. Have fun!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I love hear that, thank you! Yes, I think I will enjoy the property and thanks for the Peter Pan tip!
Angie says
Hi Gwen! I LOVE talking Disney! We’ve been there three times and the most recent was last year when our girls were 4 + 8 months! We love spending the majority of our time at the Magic Kingdom, and Fantasyland seems to be our favorite area! Be Our Guest is our most favorite place to eat.. breakfast, lunch OR dinner. It is such a magical experience. Email me if you have ANY other questions or need more tips! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
We’ve booked Be Our Guest for breakfast (that’s all that was left!) so that’s great! I appreciate your help, Angie!
Meg says
Disney is SO MAGICAL!!! My recommendations are:
•Animal Kingdom’s greatest part is the Bug’s Life movie in the funky theater, it’s so entertaining and so incredibly well done. There’s also a Monster’s Inc. one that’s really great too, but I don’t remember what park that’s in. They’re air conditioned and a great break from all the walking.
•Don’t take a stroller unless you’re okay moving veeeeeerrrry slowly. The trails through the park get so congested that strollers make maneuvering really difficult. A baby carrier would make sticking together during the parades and fireworks easier.
•I know your kids are really young, and they probably have early bedtimes, but pushing back their bedtime for the Magic Kingdom fireworks display is seriously worthwhile. It’s hands down the most magical part of any of the parks..
•It’s not like other theme parks where you have to store your loose items in a box and pick them up after the rides, you can always take your purse with you. They have these amazing velcro pouches on the seat backs in front of you to store your valuables.
•Soarin’ is one of the most incredible rides I have ever been on. There’s always a line for it, but it’s SO COOL!!! Definitely worth the wait!
•The Bibbity Boppity Boutique sells makeovers for little girls at a serious markup. If your daughter is a Disney Princess lover and you don’t want to spend $100+ on a makeover complete with an updo and face glitter (they also sell dresses there), I recommend packing a princess dress from home and spending the 10 minutes it takes to doll her up before you get to the park.
•Last but not least, somebody already said it, but when the baby can’t ride with you, they do give passes for the person with the baby to not have to wait in line. Just ask when you get to the rides and they’ll give you a ticket. It’s amazing.
Aaaaaaaahhhh!!!! I hope you have so much fun!
themakerista@gmail.com says
This is all so great, I can’t thank you enough Meg! Happy weekend!
Susie says
If you are going in the summer or on a holiday weekend, expect crowds and long lines. I suggest the earlier you get there, the better. Go to their website, create an account and pick fasspasses for the most popular rides. The kids are going to love the SnowWhite rollercoaster! The 7 and 9 year-old I are good to go, but the 5-year is a maybe. Not because it is scary, just because of the height requirement.. The all have the height requirements posted outside of the ride and online to help you prepare for your trip. Book a character dining experience. We love breakfast with Mickey at the Polynesian Resort. I heard you can also have dinner at Beauty and the Beast Castle, but you need to book that wayyyy in advance. I believe it’s pricey, but the food is good. Probably the only place with decent food at the park. You will need reservations for the restaurants, but you can also grab a bite at “fast food” places. You can bring your own snacks and water. Don’t forget your sunscreen! Magic Kingdom is huge with lots of rides and long wait times. I would do half the park on one day and then the other half the next day. Make sure you find the parade times and watch the parade by the castle. Can you tell I’m a native Floridian??? Have fun!
themakerista@gmail.com says
She’s tall so hopefully we’ll be good to go. Sunscreen, that’s huge, good thought. We’re planning for two days at Magic, thank you so much for all of the help, Susie!
Catherine says
We went to Disney in 2014 with a 4 year old and a 5 month old and it was amazing!!! Having a good baby carrier along with the stroller was key! Especially for waiting in line… And for the odd times when my oldest was tired of walking and needed a break in the stroller!
I personnaly think one day at Animal Kingdom was enough… You should consider Hollywood Studios… a lot of fun stuff and shows!
Also, look into their photopass option! They have photographers everywhere on the site and you can have your picture taken by them and download later for you to keep.. best investment I made! Didn’t have to carry my big camera all day plus I made it in the family pictures!!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for all of these tips, especially the baby carrier! Am I right in remembering that you can’t take strollers in lines? So you have to hold the baby in them, right?
Anna Gwennap says
You’re right! There are designated stroller parking spots. Add some flair to your stroller because there a lot that look the exact same and cast members monitor the strollers and are notorious for shuffling them around to make more space- meaning your stroller may not be where you left it!
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s smart, thank you!
Valerie Hill says
Disneyworld is exciting (and exhausting). If you have the ability to go back to your hotel/condo mid-day and take a swim and maybe a nap, that is what made our two trips survivable AND enjoyable.
You know the time of day that the kids are getting tired and crabby? As soon as we saw signs of this mood setting in, we would head back to the car, drive back to the hotel and rest, get a snack, and regroup. After we felt rested, we would return to the park and stay as late as the kiddos could keep walking.
I hope you have a fabulous time! It is a great place to make memories!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Sounds so great, thanks for the tip Valerie!
Anna Gwennap says
I am a travel agent, specializing in Disney vacations! I agree with the above- get to the parks early, utilize FastPass+, and never pay for water- you can always get free cups of water at any quick service restaurant in the park ? I’d be happy for you to contact me by email if you have some specific questions on the Disney portion of your trip! (My mom is a blog follower of yours and sent me your way after reading this post!)
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thank you so much, Anna! I appreciate your thoughts and thank your mom for sending you my way!