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Walt Disney World…. The Most Magical Place on Earth!

While I love meeting with characters, going on rides and watching the shows – eating and drinking my way around the Walt Disney World parks is one of my absolute favorite things ever.

Here are 12 photos that will make you want to eat & drink your way around Disney World!

  1. Is there any way to start off this list other than with the infamous Dole Whip? One taste of this delightfully smooth pineapple flavored soft serve and you will be hooked! You can find the Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs and a few of the Disney Resorts. IMG_9956

PC: @ohyeahdisney

2. Another delicious classic that can be found at all the parks has to be the Mickey pretzel!IMG_9715

PC: @stickaforkinme

3. LeFou’s Brew at Gaston’s Tavern is a frozen apple juice with a hint of toasted marshmallow and topped with passion fruit foam… some people think it’s even better than the Dole Whip on those hot Disney days. Head on over to Magic Kingdom to try this one out.IMG_9721

PC: @readerlygeek 

4. Churros need no explanation! With a side of caramel dipping sauce, these are sure to be a family favorite when visiting the Mexican Pavilion in Epcot. IMG_9717

PC: @disneyhungry

5. Calling all Sake lovers! This Violet Sake is not to be missed at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot. It’s the perfect combo of sake, purple pear and lime juice. IMG_9955

PC: @jan_eats210

6. Pulled. Pork. Cheese. Fries. — head on over to Animal Kingdoms Flame Tree BBQ to dig into these!

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PC: @disneyhungry

7. Everyday can be Sunday Brunch with this insane Bloody Mary from Paddlefish at Disney Springs. It features King Crab, Jumbo Shrimp and Candied Bacon! IMG_9722

PC: @disney_foodie_

8. NUTELLA…. do I need to say more? These Nutella Stuffed Beignets are what dreams are made of. Head on over to  France while in Epcot to taste this deliciousness. IMG_9714

PC: @disneyhungry

9. The Night Blossom from Animal Kingdom’s Pongu Pongu is insanely popular…and pretty to look at. It’s a mixture of limeade with apple and desert pear  flavors topped with passion fruit boba balls. IMG_9713

PC: @disneyhungry

10. We all know that when at Disney World, you are constantly on the go. That is why I love that they have quick service locations for many of the restaurants. This honey chicken from Yak and Yeti on the go looks delicious!IMG_9719

PC: @kingdommagic

11. Macarons and a Slushy cocktail always sound good to me but they are even better when they are from the France Pavilion in Epcot. This is the Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette and La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy.IMG_9712

PC: @thesassymom82

12. The Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae! This is sure to be a fan favorite amongst those young and old. This can be found at both the Plaza/Main Street Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and at Beaches and Cream in Disney’s Beach Club Resort. It consist of a scoop each of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry then topped with hot fudge, strawberry, and caramel. Finally it is covered in whipped cream, chocolate and peanut butter chips, and cherries. Mickey-Kitchen-Sink-Sundae-600x618

PC: @disneyfoodblog

Now, I want to hear from YOU! What are your favorite treats from Disney World?

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In the beginning of the year I made a promise to myself that I would find more time for self-care. Sometimes us women get so caught up in work, taking care of our household, kids etc. that we forget that we have to be in a good mental state to keep all those things going. Self-care can be anything from 5 minutes alone to a hot bath or even sitting in a cafe enjoying a cup of coffee while it’s actually still hot. One of my favorite things to do for myself is weekly face masks so I wanted to share a few of my favorite ones with you guys. These 6 products are in my current face mask rotation depending on what I’m trying to achieve for my skin that week. I try to mask twice a week but even just once a week can make a big difference for your skin.

Face Masks

[starting clockwise from top left]

  1. Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask $18 – This is a classic collagen and clay-based mask that is designed for dry, dull complexions in need of a lift. This collagen-enriched formula helps plump and smooth the look of fine lines to reveal firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin. I love the scent of this mask and the way it makes my sensitive skin feel and look after using it. This particular product is marketed towards more mature skin but I really think it’s one that can be used for less aged skin while still seeing results.
  2. Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask $4 – This water-based sheet mask with Hyaluronic Acid, an ingredient naturally found in skin, floods skin with intense, weightless hydration. It is free of mineral oil and petrolatum and with pomegranate extract, provides a soothing burst of hydration and a fresher, softer, more radiant look. There is a half bottle of hydrating serum in 1 mask! After each use my skin feels super hydrated and instantly radiant.
  3. Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask $22 – The Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a luxuriously bouncy, breathable sleeping mask that smoothes and perfects skin, overnight. This pillow-proof formula acts as a radiance-boosting hybrid hydrator, formulated with soothing, amino-acid rich Watermelon Extract, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, and pore refining AHAs that work while you sleep to gently exfoliate and clarify. Besides the scent (which is friggin amazing!!!!) I love that this mask can be used 2 ways. You can use it as a sleeping mask by applying and letting it soak into the skin overnight or as a wash off mask for instant hydration and dewiness by applying for 10 minutes and rinsing off.
  4. Adore Cosmetics Nu Apple Peel Off Mask $135 – This ruby-hued peel off mask looks as juicy as a delicious red apple and immediately works to peel away at surface imperfections. Active antioxidant ingredients work deep into pores, locking onto dirt and debris. Then, the peel off action lifts them up, revealing brighter, better skin and fresher face. A powerful combination of ingredients including apple extract and Fruit Cell Culture work on surface skin cells for long-lasting skin brightening effects. In an instant, pores are deeply cleaned, skin is smoothed and left so so soft. At this price point, this is a higher end product but it’s worth the splurge. I love how clean my pores feel after using this mask and how firm my skin feels.
  5. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Mud Mask $16 – This clarifying mask draws out dirt and congestion while helping absorb excess oil and improve the appearance of troubled skin. A proprietary blend of African Black Soap and Raw Shea Butter helps to clarify, balance and soothe blemish-prone skin. After ever use my skin feels super clean and clear. One of my favorite things about this mask is how it really deep cleans my pores.
  6. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask $58 – This powerful, triple-action manual, chemical and enzymatic exfoliating treatment addresses a dull, aging, and congested complexion in three ways: exfoliates with Pumpkin Enzyme, reveals with Alpha Hydroxy Acid and polishes with Aluminum Oxide Crystals. Helps even the appearance of skin tone, smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles and clarify to reveal skin that looks smoother, younger, radiant and revitalized. I have never met a PTR mask that I wasn’t in love with. This particular one  is different in the sense that it’s basically a exfoliator and mask in one. I have sensitive skin so I only leave on for about 3 minutes but the results are incredible. You will notice a huge difference in your skin after only one use.
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[ This post is in partnership with Spirit Airlines, as always – all opinions are my own.]

Did you check out my Disney Recap?

If so, then you already know that we flew Spirit Airlines last month to get to Orlando.

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While I have flown with international budget airlines before, this was my first time flying with a US based budget airline. Spirit Airlines is the leading Ultra Low Cost Carrier in the United States, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Latin America – serving 39+ destinations!

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Spirit’s total price saves you 30 percent more than other airlines, on average, by unbundling ticket prices.

4 Reasons Why Spirit is Different

  1. Ultra-low fares

Home of the Bare Fare

Their fares are fully unbundled. No “free” bag. No “free” drink. Other airlines bake those options right into their ticket price. They don’t. A ticket with Spirit will get you and a personal item from A to B.

  1. Options

They call it Frill Control

They believe in paying only for what you use, not what you don’t. You get to control your options and never pay for someone else’s “free” bags.

  1. Fresh planes

They have a fit fleet

Spirit has one of the youngest fleets flying. They’re safe and fuel-efficient, and that saves you money.

  1. Cozy seating

They are plane simple

Spirit adds more seats to their planes because when you fly with more people, the cost per person goes down. The seats are simple: they don’t recline, so you don’t wind up with someone’s head in your lap.

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Still want the extras?

Spirit has them! While the Bare Fare doesn’t include extras that certain passengers may not want – you can absolutely still have them. They have a great menu filled with water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, muffins and snacks that can be purchased. Click HERE to check out the menu.

A few other extras that you can purchase prior to your flight if you would like are:

-Travel Insurance

-The Big Front Seat

-Carry On Bag

-Check In Luggage

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Spirit Pro Tips

To help save you time and money while traveling with Spirit:

  • Buy bags early: If you know you’re going to need a checked bag or carry-on, buy it early and online to save major money.
  • Personal item included: One personal item is included in the Bare Fare – something like a purse or small backpack
  • They’re light on legroom: Spirits a cozy airline. They add extra seats to our planes so we can fly with more people.
  • Get the big front seat: For a little extra cash you can secure the Big Front Seat.
  • Print your pass at home: Save yourself some money and print your boarding pass at home. It costs you $10 to print at the airport.
  • Refreshments for purchase: Your Bare Fare doesn’t include refreshments – even water. Beat the system by filling up a water bottle after security.
  • Travel insurance is available: They don’t give refunds if your plans change. Insurance is available to protect you from the unexpected.
  • Join the $9 Fare Club: Looking to save even more? Join the $9 Fare Club for access to exclusive travel deals and special bag prices.

What is the $9 Fare Club?

When you join the $9 Fare Club, you’ll get exclusive access to some of the lowest fares available, as well as discounted prices on bags. Plus, you’ll get special deals that are available only to members of the $9 Fare Club. Joining costs only $59.95.

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I’m a big fan of budget airlines because they take you where you need to go at a super affordable price. My experience flying Spirit was great! The seats were comfy and the plane staff was helpful. Click HERE to head to their site to plan your next getaway!

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Thank you to Cybex for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own.

When you become a parent, there are a million things you will worry about, but the safety of your little one while driving should’t be one. I have partnered with Cybex to break down all of the protection features on their latest car seat – the Sirona M with SensorSafe 2.0.

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The Sirona M with SensorSafe 2.0 was developed to prevent the rising number of hot infant car deaths and even goes a step further to actually monitor the well being of your child while the vehicle is in motion through the smart chest clip. If your child is accidentally left alone or unbuckles themselves, the essential alert will go off through the caregiver’s cellphone (the app is not required to receive alerts so you can focus on safe driving) as well as the receiver that is installed in your vehicles OBD2 port. This state-of-the-art safety technology is designed so there is no need to reinstall each time you drive, just keep the receiver plugged for peace of mind during your daily drives. The app is also super user friendly and provides guidance on installation, how-to videos, FAQ’s and more to help prevent misuse.

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We spend a lot of time in the car between daycare drop offs, visiting family and road trips so safety and comfort will always be my #1 concern when it comes to Victor. Another one of our favorite features of the Cybex Sirona M with SensorSafe 2.0 is the adjustable linear side impact protection system which increases the safety if their is a side impact collision. When used properly, it can reduce side impact forces by up to 25%.DSC_0038

Since making the switch to the Sirona M with SensorSafe 2.0, Victor points out every morning how much he loves his car seat. To hear a 2.5 year old kid be so vocal about something like that is pretty funny but it makes me feel good knowing he’s riding comfortably but also safe!

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Retailing for $329.99, the Cybex Sirona M with SensorSafe 2.0 is the All Star of car seats. It’s priced amazing, it will grow with your child from newborn to 65lbs but best and most of all is reliable and safe. Click HERE to get more information on all the amazing features the Sirona M with SensorSafe 2.0 has.

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I remember the day I received that e-mail, “You Are Invited to the 2018 Disney Social Media Moms Land and Sea Celebration!”, like it was yesterday! It was back in October of last year but I remember getting an instant smile and being like OMG – yessssss! I was invited for the first time the year before but already had a trip to Iceland planned for that exact week, so I had to pass. No one knows how you get selected but a lot of people say it’s just a random draw, so I was very surprised to see I got the invitation for 2018. It took no convincing on my part because my husband was down for the trip the minute I mentioned being invited. I already knew Disney events were magical, but attending DisneySMMC far exceeded my expectations.

The conference was held from February 20-26th. The first 3 nights we would be staying at Coronado Springs Resorts and the last 3 nights aboard the Disney Magic!

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Thank to Spirit Airlines (who I partnered with) & our Wu-Tang apparel, we were flying in comfort and style to Orlando. This was my first time flying Spirit and my family & I were were impressed. The seats were comfy, the plane was on time and the attendants were super nice! We had a great flight so our trip was off to a perfect start.

February 20 – The conference began with a brief attendee only reception where our week and all the activities were broken down for us. It was great to be able to meet and mingle in person with so many people that I follow through social media. The Family Welcome Dinner followed and was sponsored by Mini Babybel. The theme for the evening was PIXAR! The food was delicious and having the characters there to take pictures with was a great bonus. 
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February 21 – This was one of my favorite days of the entire conference! We had a super early wake up call but it was all worth it because Disney had the most magical morning for us. We were going to Animal Kingdom to have breakfast and VIP time at Pandora before the parks opened! A.K.A. ride Flight of Passage as many times as you can and for me, that was 3 times! Experiencing Pandora while it is dark, is a world of its own – breathtaking and spectacular are a few words I can use to describe it. We also got to go on the Na’vi River and Victor was mesmerized. We then had some free time, so we did a few things at Animal Kingdom then headed back to the hotel, where we enjoyed the pool before heading to Hollywood Studios. At Hollywood Studios, we got to chat with a Walt Disney Imagineer who answered all of our questions about Toy Story Land, which is opening June 30th. We then had a delicious dinner sponsored by GoGo squeeZ at PizzeRizzo. Our final event was a VIP viewing of  Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular which unfortunately ended up being cancelled but we still had a great time inside the park.

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February 22 – This morning started off with a delicious breakfast sponsored by Alamo which was all about Disney Jr. Afterwards our 1st general session began. All of the speakers were amazing and I learned about so many really awesome things that will be coming to the parks. We also got some extended sneak peeks at some great movies that were coming out, including A Wrinkle in Time and Christopher Robin. I think who I really connected with most during the session was John Breckow, who is the Director of Corporate Citizenship for WDW. He gave us a glimpse of all the wishes Disney grants (10K per year globally!) and just hearing and seeing how much good they do behind the scenes makes me love them even more. After the first session we got to experience an exclusive showcase where we got to engage with all the sponsors.

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 February 23 – The morning started off with an awesome family breakfast that was Star Wars themed! After checking out it was time to head on over the port to board the Disney Magic! I was REALLY excited about this portion of the conference because I am a big fan of cruising but never sailed with Disney before – this was also Victor’s first cruise. Check in was smooth and we had some time to roam around the ship before the welcome aboard reception, sail away party and dinner at Enchanted Garden.

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February 24 – We started the day with our 2nd (& final) general session. This session was filled with great speakers, great information and lots of up and coming news. Heads up for all you Disney Cruiseline fans – Disney will be coming out with 3 new ships by 2021! We also learned a bunch of new information about Adventures by Disney. As a travel enthusiast, I was in awe listening to all the new destinations and itineraries. In 2019, they will be adding a Japan vacation with bookings starting this Spring. Booking a Adventure by Disney trip has officially been added to my bucket list. After the session, you could either disembark to explore beautiful Nassau or take part of the Family Junkets. Our evening consisted of Pirate Night, dinner at Royal Palace and a viewing of a Broadway style Beauty & the Beast.

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February 25 – Castaway Cay time!!!! My family & I were SO excited to spend our whole day relaxing at Disney’s private island. I plan to do a dedicated post about Castaway Cay so I won’t go into much detail here but it was absolutely beautiful and the BBQ lunch they offer on the island was delicious. This was our last night on the Disney Magic and we spent it having dinner at the Animator’s Palette, which is my favorite restaurant onboard.

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 Overall, no amount of words can describe the magic that is #DisneySMMC. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. I left the conference feeling refreshed, motivated and excited for what is next for my brand, ready to put into action the new tips I learned and just thankful that I got to experience it all with my family.

[PC: Disney, Photographer: Alex Mirabal and Shareen from Pearls & Paris]

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