A Very Merry (Actual) Birthday Toooooooooooo Yoooooooouuuuu!

I decided to run away to Disney for my birthday this year. It was going to be a quick day trip with me and two friends who have passes, but a week before it turned into an overnight with just me and my cousin. We left Saturday afternoon and camped at Fort Wilderness. Saturday evening we spent time at Magic Kingdom. Sunday we spent the day at Hollywood Studios. My one big must do was the Tower of Terror. My poor cousin was terrified, but she did it for me. We had a blast! I was thrilled to be able to take as many pictures and bathroom breaks as I wanted. It was an amazing birthday! There was no place I'd rather have been. I was home Sunday evening to have some quality time with my kids who were amazingly cool about Mommy's Birthday Adventure.

Saturday Night

I was rocking an Alice Disneybound. Nedi did Cinderella. We both had belts the color of the character's shoes which I thought was fun since we didn't plan it. A cast member even noticed my bound this time, Hurray! It was an awesome night.

Sunday

I did my long awaited princess Tiana Disney bound and Nedi did Snow White. The cast member at Sorcerer Mickey recognized us both and announced to Mickey that princesses Snow White and Tiana had arrived. It was the best birthday I had in a long time. Here's to a year of many adventures Disney or otherwise.

Bounding Through Life!

I'm sure I've mentioned how much I love all things Disney a few times. I take inspiration where I find it: Shakespeare, Disney Movies, Ancient Greek Mythology, my old journals, 90's sitcom reruns...where ever. I am not a clothes person. If it's comfortable, clean and I can move in it, I'm good. At least most of the time, I do enjoy feeling girly and getting dressed up. Still with me? To sum up: I love Disney and clothes have always been low priority for me. Good, it will all make sense shortly.

Last spring I took Roo to Epcot, you can read about it here: Epcot on Wheels. In an incredible stroke of luck we were first through the door at the character spot that morning and we ended up in a group shot! Here's that picture:

That picture was when I realized I needed to take better care of myself. I had carefully selected Roo's clothes, accessories and shoes. I'd brushed and braided her hair (and re-brushed and braided through the day). I had braided my own wet hair and slept on it. I never glanced in a mirror. I didn't even think about sitting up straight because I was worried about whether the girls were looking at the camera. It was only 9am, it's really unacceptable.

So, Disney photos were my wake up call. Now what? I wasn't suddenly going to be a fashionista or wake up early to put on make up every morning. I'd been reading about other people's trips to Disney and I discovered Disneybounding! It's outfits inspired by Disney characters. That was my speed for sure. Here is the blog that started it all: Disney Bound.

I had a trip to Magic Kingdom planned for later in the month so I decided to give it a shot. I dressed Roo as Rapunzel. She wore her Rapunzel shirt with a purple shirt. We did two braids and a sunshine barrette. Everyone got it. I went as Aurora. I wore a pink top and khaki shorts. I put my hair in a curled ponytail with a sparkly gold hair tie. I even painted my nails like Aurora's dress.

Hair & Nails

Nobody got my Aurora bound, but that wasn't the point. I gave myself some thought and time. I felt pretty all day and loved all the pictures. As far as Disneybounding it was only my first try if I wore it again I would do white on the bottom and a spinning wheel necklace.

Later that summer I did an Anna bound for a local bookstore's Frozen event and loved it! It was very simple dark blue tank top (the color of her skirt), pink beads (color of her cape) with jeans and boots. I even braided my hair. I felt so good about myself that night. Lots of kids called me Anna that night, so fun!.

My next opportunity was in the fall when I took Riley to Disney for her birthday. I decided to do Rapunzel this time. I wore a purple tank top with a lacy back with jean shorts. My friend french braided my hair and I borrowed some flower barrettes from Riley. I even used my Rapunzel bag. No one got it again, but I was happy.

Now that I was getting the hang of it I was out of Disney trips! As it turned out my wonderful husband got me an annual pass for my birthday! Yay! I joined a Disneybounding group and started planning my birthday Disney trip outfit. I settled on Tiana, but the group and blog gave me so many ideas I ended up Disneybounding the whole week!

Monday: Russell from Up

Tuesday: Bolt

Wednesday: Emperor Kuzco from Emperor's New Groove

Thursday: Ray from Princess and the Frog

Friday: Briar Rose

Color Week

Presented not in the order of the visible light spectrum, but in the order her teacher requested they be worn. I know Riley had a lot of fun with color week and the pictures make me happy so I thought I'd share.

Color
BY CHRISTINA ROSSETTI
What is pink? a rose is pink
By a fountain's brink.
What is red? a poppy's red
In its barley bed.
What is blue? the sky is blue
Where the clouds float thro'.
What is white? a swan is white
Sailing in the light.
What is yellow? pears are yellow,
Rich and ripe and mellow.
What is green? the grass is green,
With small flowers between.
What is violet? clouds are violet
In the summer twilight.
What is orange? Why, an orange,
Just an orange!

Photo Monday: Fashion

So, she's not as "creative" as she used to be, but she sure has a style all her own.

Oh, to be 2.5yrs old. She can rock a side pony tail, glittery leopard print, a tiara or printed leggings and look absolutely adorable. I think if I attempted any or especially all three together it would be a train wreck. I'd look like I got lost on my way to Walmart at best or on my way to the asylum at worst.

School Days: Fashion Edition

On days she's home all day there's less...style. If she wants to wear dress-up clothes or run around with food on her face for a bit, ah well. School days are different. Friday's ensemble consisted of her Star Wars shirt, a blue ruffle skirt and strappy brown sandals. If I went out the door even half as put together as she does I'd be doing well for myself. It's really important to her that things match and look feminine. She likes to think of anything with ruffles As a tu-tu. She's so concerned about clothes I have to get her settled with her breakfast (aka distracted) go into her room and pick out two choices of outfit and then let her choose from those. Otherwise, she changes her mind 10 times, there's fits and everyone's late. No good.

For hair I usually offer two choices within my hair abilities and go from there. Generally it's pony tail or braids or some variant of those. I call this look the "lazy Leia buns." I experiment when she's good and distracted, thank you Jake and the Neverland Pirates. She approved of it and I knew when they came loose she'd still have cute pigtails. Plus, note the hair bands and barrette match her outfit and each other.

As for today's look, see for yourself.

Ready for school! Even cute from the back. Rocking a regular high pony tail and a little pink bow.

Modeling on my mat. A little 70's in pattern, but very modern with a girlie ruffle. Colorful Dora sandals complete the look.

Sometimes accessories don't cooperate...

That's more like it! Have your people call my people.

High fashion is effortless for some people.

Ok, seriously mom let's roll!