Tag: favorite things

7 Hair Products I Use and Love

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I have a lot of hair. It’s long and I color it and I straighten it and I curl it and I really do my best to see if it will just give up on me and fall out. Haha. Ok, I’ve also tried a lot of different products to off-set the terrible things I put my hair through. And while I was brushing my hair the other day, I thought, “I should make a blog post about my favorite hair products! I’ve spent a lot of time and energy figuring these things out and other people should not spend so much time (and tears) finding these gems!” So here’s a list of 7 Hair Products I Use and Love!

1. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner

This is hands down my FAVORITE shampoo and conditioner. It smells amazing and I love how it makes my scalp tingle. My hair loves it because it’s paraben free. My hair is so soft when I use this mighty duo. It’s definitely pricier than what I’ve been using while being budget friendly here in the Disney College Program. But you better believe that the minute I don’t have to scrimp and save every penny as an intern, I will be ordering this ASAP. Buy the shampoo and conditioner on Amazon.

2. Garnier Fructis Hair Smoothing 1-minute Mask

Because you can’t always afford hair luxuries, this is one of my favorite budget-friendly hair products. It has seriously saved my hair. I spend a lot of time in the sun and this mask revitalizes my hair every time I use it. I put it on after I shampoo, while I’m shaving or using my body scrub. And then I rinse and BAM- silky, smooth hair! It comes in 2 different sizes and even the bigger size is under $5!!! Get it here

3. Argan oil of Morocco

When I lived in Utah, I had really hard water and it was drying my hair out like crazy! This Argan Oil of Morocco was a life saver! It helped to moisturize and soften my very dry and brittle hair. I definitely would recommend this to anyone wanting healthy and shiny hair like you see in the commercials! Add this item to your amazon order here.

4. It’s a 10 Leave in Conditioner

I have naturally curly hair and often that means my hair gets really tangled when it’s wet, even using conditioner when I wash. A few sprays of this and it’s easy to comb through my hair post-shower. Plus, it has all kinds of other benefits! As per the back of the bottle…

  • Repairs dry damaged hair. Stops hair breakage.
  • Adds shine, smoothes & controls frizz.
  • Creates silkiness
  • Seals & protects hair color .
  • Enhances natural body
  • Detangles, prevents split ends
  • Flat iron and thermal protector

Order yours on Amazon here!
5. Aussie Mousse

I’ve used A LOT of curl products in my life. Like…A LOT!!! And this one is still my favorite. It has a leave-in conditioner, so it leaves my hair feeling soft and even when I wash it, I don’t feel like my hair is coated in crap I’ll never be able to remove. And the best part is that I buy it from Wal-mart for like $3.

6. Hair Protector Spray

Again, I’ve tried a lot of different heat protector Sprays, but TRESemme’s is just the best. My hair always feel smooth and protected after I use it. And I regularly blow dry, flat iron or curl my hair with a curling iron. I’ve been using this one for YEARS. Join the fan club! Pick it up at Target or Wal-Mart.

7. My Hairbrushes

I actually use 2 different hairbrushes. I use the Wet Brush (like this one) when my hair is wet and then I use a Boar Bristle Hairbrush (get it here) when it’s dry. I feel like using these both keep my hair healthy and I have less breakage across the board. I love them both and highly recommend them!

Now I want to know what your favorites are! Leave a comment below with your must-have hair products!

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An Afternoon in Epcot

Epcot is one of our favorite places. And we’re not just talking in terms of Disney Parks. I mean Epcot is one of our favorite places ANYWHERE! We love World Showcase and all of the cultural and eatery offerings. We love how educational so much of Epcot is. And we love that it has a more chill environment than, say, Magic Kingdom. 
We spent the afternoon in the park and went to SOME of our favorite places. Really we only visited a small handful. We love so many things in this park. Watch the video to see what we love!

Featured locations include:
MouseEars
Test Track
Three Caballeros
Living with the Land
Via Napoli
Journey Into Imagination

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Sun Survival Tips for Work or for Play

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With my new job, I spend a lot of time outside. Like A LOT. Especially since right now I’m only trained to work in the daytime. And while I come from the desert climate of Utah and am well adjusted to heat, Orlando heat and humidity for a 6 or 8 hour shift can be rough.

As an added “bonus” I discovered I have some weird skin conditions that rear their grotesque heads after intense exposure to the sun and heat. When I’ve traveled to Disney or other theme parks, I spend time outside, but I also go inside frequently for attractions, shows and eating. My job has me outside all the time for now. So I didn’t realize until the last couple of weeks how intense these issues were.

But, because of that, I’ve got some really useful tips and product suggestions for surviving work or fun in the sun!

#1- WEAR SUNSCREEN!!!

Whether you are going to be outside playing in the sun or working in the sun, the first thing you want to make sure you have is Sunscreen. SPF 30+ is recommended. Personally, I try to find SPF 50+. And I make sure I have some on me so I can reapply throughout the day. Honestly, the reapplication part is my biggest struggle. I’m going to give you a couple of suggestions for SPF and you can choose what works best for you.
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 Spray Sunscreen- $8.97 on Amazon
The spray-on option is nice because it makes application pretty easy. Although, you should rub in the sunscreen after you spray it on. For the most part, I really like how this goes on. My only problem is that I developed a weird allergy and needed to switch sunscreens. Which leads me to recommendation #2…
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 60+- $9.97 on Amazon
If you have skin that is sensitive or prone to eczema, this is a great option! It’s a cream sunscreen. But it helps to lock in the moisture and it’s specially formulated to not cause break outs or rashes. This is my new best friend. I simultaneously discovered that I have a weird stress-triggered eczema AND I am very sensitive to prolonged heat/sun exposure. This product solved my issues. Now I can prevent sunburn and keep my skin sensitivities at bay.

#2- STAY HYDRATED!!!

This is another vital step! When I work, I keep a water bottle clipped to my belt and we are encouraged to drink a bottle of water per hour. Because I am often busy helping guests, I don’t usually get a bottle per hour, but when I go on my breaks I try to make up for it. Also, remember to pre-hydrate before you get to you sunny activities. If you start out as a grape, it will take longer to get to the raisin point. If you’re already mostly raisin, you’re gonna have problems. Drink water on your way to work/fun time. Here are a couple of products that I really like and help me with my hydration needs.
Bai- $17.99 for 12 pack on Amazon
This is my beverage of choice for my lunch break. It tastes great, has only 5 calories per serving and contains natural caffeine for a little extra boost. On my long shifts, it really helps to have the caffeine boost. But I don’t like soda. And frankly, you need to be careful about soda and coffee anyway. They will dehydrate you more quickly. Water is always a first choice, but sometimes you need to switch it up.
nuun electrolyte tablets- $18.04 for 40 tablets on Amazon
My friend introduced these to me and I’m excited to give them a try! They plop right into your water bottle and dissolve to give you subtle flavor and as well as electrolytes. Try them out on your next vacation or even when you’re doing your workouts!

#3- PROTECT YOUR FACE

Your face can definitely take a roasting in the sunshine. And you can’t just use any regular sunscreen on it because they could cause breakouts. So here are some options for your face protection-
Neutrogena UltraSheer Face and Body Stick SPF 70- $8.16 on Amazon
I’ve tried this one and I really like it. It’s like a stick of deodorant that you rub on your face. SPF 70 is fantastic protection too! It glides on easily over or under your make up (or use without make up). 
ELF Beauty Shield SPF 50- $12 at Target
This has kept my face completely protected. I can tell it’s working because if I miss a spot or don’t get close enough to my hairline, I get a little spot of sunburn. It goes on smoothly and SPF 50 on my face without break outs!!!! It’s the dream!
Neutrogena Revitalizing lip Balm SPF 20- $6.29 on Amazon
Don’t forget to protect your lips! Blisters and cold sores on your lips are not fun! This lip balm has several great color options and is so moisturizing AND has SPF 20! I love it. I have one that I keep at home and one that I carry with me while I work so I can reapply! 

#4- ACCESSORIZE!!!

Hats are in! Just ask the Queen of England! But really, if you’re going to spend a lot of time outside, do yourself and favor and get a hat. For work, I’m provided with a wide-brimmed hat. I wear it…sometimes. Honestly, sometimes it kind of feels like it gets in the way. But it does keep my ears from getting sunburned and protects my face and neck as well. I also have a baseball cap that I wear when I know I’m going to spend a day in the sun. And of course, if you’re super sensitive to the sun, consider wearing long sleeved Sun Protection Shirts.
UV/Sun Protection Shirts- $21.99 at Amazon
I am not currently using one of these because I’m afraid I’ll sweat even more and end up dehydrated, but I’ve definitely considered it and if you’re SUPER sun sensitive, please consider it.

#5- AFTER SUN PRODUCTS

Even if you do everything right, you still need to take care of yourself AFTER you’ve spent significant time in the sun. This is something I’ve been spending some time honing these last few weeks. Just like pre-hydration, I need to come home and post-hydrate as well. I usually come home and down a Powerade. My skin also needs some extra TLC after.
BananaBoat After Sun Gel- $13.99 for 2 pack on Amazon
Find a good after sun gel. This isn’t the one I use. I actually use the MaryKay after-sun replenishing gel. It’s a limited edition item and not always available, so I gave you link to a similar product available on Amazon. Even if you only get a little sun, use the gel! If you get sunburned, DEFINITELY use the gel! It keeps things cool and moisturizes your sunburn. It’s saved my life. I’ve definitely been getting sun, but because I’ve been using my after sun gel, I haven’t been peeling!
OZNaturals Vitamin C Mask- $13.49 on Amazon
Vitamin C is vital to sun exposure recovery. This mask has all of the important ingredients to help you skin recover. It’s also mild enough that it can be used daily. It helps my skin rebound after a day in the sun. I definitely see and feel the difference.
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb sheet mask- $14.19 for a 6 pack on Amazon
It’s all about the hydration after sun exposure. Moisturizing sheet masks are great to add a little extra moisture to your face. My face definitely feels softer and happier after I use a moisturizing sheet mask.

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A Disney Springs Mini-Tour

We had a little down time after our first couple of days of training so we drove over to Disney Springs to spend a little time showing you some of the fun things that await you there! Disney Springs is really quite large, so this video doesn’t even show you the tip of the iceberg! 
It does however, show you Sprinkles frosting shots. Let me tell you that these are a new favorite of mine. They’re only $1.50 and they are a little cup of frosting. JUST FROSTING!!!! You can choose any of the Sprinkles frosting flavors. It was a fantastic little treat and sugar boost.

We also explored the brand new Disney Style store that just opened in Disney Springs. It was a very cool store and I will be returning and spending what I’m sure will be a significant amount of money. Watch the video to see some of the fun products we found there!

Also, we show you a brief look at The World of Disney retail store. Adam learned that this store was the largest Disney retail store…until Shanghai opened. But never fear, The World of Disney is undergoing renovation and, upon completion, will take back that title.

Stay tuned for more Disney Springs adventures!

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Disney Fashion Series: What to Wear to the Parks

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Disney Fashion is definitely a thing now. From character merchandise to Disney Bounding to what a person should wear in the theme parks, the category of Disney Fashion is full of fun!

In this, our first post in our Disney Fashion Series, we’re going to start with the basics…What should you wear in the parks?!
If you’ve been to a theme park, you’ve undoubtedly seen the whole spectrum of apparel. I see women in high heels and I simultaneously feel awe and pain. So how do you balance your fashion persona and your desire to not have your feet fall off?
Lucky for you, I’m here with some suggestions!
I get that tennis shoes are not for everyone. But hear me out for a minute (and I’ll give you alternatives too). Walking a theme park is no easy task. If you’re park hopping, you’re going to walk MULTIPLE theme parks! On average, we log about 20,000 steps when we visit for a full day. I don’t even want to think about doing that in heels. Or in any shoe that has not been “broken in”.
I love Sketchers! That new memory foam insole is a dream when you’re Disney-ing. Their shoes are light so you don’t feel like you’re dragging cement blocks around on your feet. I have a couple of different pair that I use for Disney as well as for regular campus hiking, walking around Costco, dance auditions and just general meandering. They wear well and the honestly last for quite some time. If you’re interested, here’s a link to a pair very similar to what I routinely wear.
Alright, for those of you who don’t want to feel like Disney is an athletic event, I’ve got another option for you. I recently purchased a pair of Oka-B ballet flats. I had been looking for some stylish flats that were also happy walking shoes. I had been looking for this very reason. When I’m in training at Disney, we have to be in business casual, but there’s a decent chance we’ll be walking around the parks from time to time. I had a friend suggest Oka-B.

So I bought a pair. And let me tell you…These shoes feel like a second pair of skin. They don’t slide on my heel. They have arch support, which is really unusual for ballet flats. And they’re comfortable to walk in. I hiked around campus in them for an entire day. No blisters. My feet got the normal amount of tired from extensive walking, but they didn’t hurt. I used them for my day of Disney orientation when we went into the parks. They were pretty comfortable. I think they’re best for days when it’s going to rain because then you don’t have to worry about wet socks etc. As it starts to get a bit hotter, your feet expand and sometimes feel a little squished. But I still love them. I have 2 other pair on the way and I can’t wait! They’re made in America and sold out of Georgia. And you can buy them on Amazon or through the Oka-B website! Worth every penny, guys! (I really want the Dorothy flats that are glittered)
So now that we’ve got your feet taken care of….Let’s talk about pants.
Disney has security screening outside each of their parks. If you have a bag, you have to have it searched. If you don’t have a bag, you can expedite the process and go through the “No Bag” screening line. You typically still have to go through a metal detector, but that takes less time than having every item in every bag searched and then going through the detector.
What I’m saying is that if you can go bagless, DO IT! Even if the majority of your party can go bagless and just one person can stand in the bag line, your life will be less stressful. So on that note…
POCKETS ARE YOUR FRIENDS!
“But Wendi! Pants with pockets tend to be hot and uncomfortable. And we’re talking about Florida or California here!”
Guys. Do not doubt me. I got you.
Leggings with Pockets. They are a thing and they are magical. They come in a variety of lengths. All you need is your phone and maybe your ID and a credit card. Get one of these phone cases with a card slot and you’re set. My phone slides right in the side pocket on these babies at this link. They’re cost effective and they’re breathable and perfect for Theme Park weather. Follow my link here to the ones that I’ve really loved!
What if you need or want a bag? Well, I’ve got some an option for you there too. Now that we live in Florida, sometimes it’s nice to be able to take a bag. We just pop in for a couple of hours so we take snacks or even lunch. That way we’re not spending all of our Disney College Program monies in the parks. A bag like this is a great option.


You’re never fully dressed without sunglasses. Well, at least that’s the case in the Sunshine State! Obviously everyone has their own sunglass preference. I’m just telling you that you’ll definitely want a pair. Maybe a less expensive pair, just in case they get lost or scratched. Like these.
I’m going to do another post about character apparel so I’m just going to tell you this about tops: find something light and airy. And don’t wear multiple shirts if you don’t have too. The more the layers, the more you’re going to sweat. You want to wear something that is breathable! Trust me.

These are just a few thoughts about your Disney Park apparel! Everyone has their own style so you should choose what works best for you. But these are tried-and-true tips! Do you have any tips of your own to add? Comment below! 

And stay tuned for more Disney Fashion Series posts!
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The Best Ballet Flats I’ve Ever Worn

*This post contains affiliate links. I may receive commission if you purchase using these links.


I’ve tried a lot of shoes in my day. I mean A LOT! I’ve finally found that Sketchers are the right kind of tennis shoes for my feet. I sure do like my Nike memory foam flip flops. And I like Steve Madden heels.

I have small feet. Size 6, so not child-sized, but small for my 5’6″ height. And my feet really like to be comfortable when at all possible. I have a tendency to find shoes that I really like the look of, but they are a little too wide for my heel and then they slip and I get blisters. Or they’re too wide at the front and my foot feels like it’s swimming.

When I found out I was accepted to the Disney College Program, I set out reading as much information as I possibly could. I found out that there would be times in training and in classes where I would need to be dressed in business casual apparel, but there might be extensive walking, like around parks. I don’t like walking distances in heels. Sorry, I’m just not one of those people. So I set out looking for some comfortable flats that were stylish and wouldn’t give me blisters (you’d think that would go with “comfortable” but you’d be surprised at what I have put up with in the past).

I put it out in the Facebook world to see what others thought. I also didn’t want to spend a ton because 1) I just graduated, I’m not rolling in the dough yet and 2) if I liked them, I’d want to buy more than one pair. My friend Amy, from whom I get all my best ideas, told me about Oka-B shoes.

I managed to find some online at DSW that were on sale. So I bought them to give them a try. My feet have rarely been happier (in shoes).

These shoes make me feel like I’m wearing a grown up version of jelly shoes from my youth. But they have actual support like my spoiled adult self has come to hope for. These are the Taylor style Oka-B flat. There are sandals and flip flops and flats with decorations.

Do you see that beautiful arch support in there? Oh my goodness! I typically get pain in the tops of my feet and my shins when I wear other flats. But not these! I’ve given them a pretty good work out too! I’ve worn them multiple days on campus, hiking (literally because my campus is on a mountain side) and I’ve worn them substitute teaching elementary school and walking around while running many errands. I’m excited to try them out in the Disney parks!

They hug my feel in such a happy way. They don’t feel tight, but they don’t move around on my heel. I seriously can not recommend these enough! And they’re quite affordable! On Amazon, you can find them consistently around the high $30 to low $40 range. And sometimes you can find them even cheaper!

The one potential downside is that they do not come in 1/2 sizes. So if you’re in between sizes, you might want to try a couple to see. Fortunately, Amazon has Free Returns! (Man, I love Amazon.) I’m usually between a 5.5 and a 6.5 when I buy shoes. The size 6 is great for me.

I only have the one pair right now, but I plan on getting another pair or two soon. I have my eye on the Dorothy style. They have sparkles! Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a pair of these shoes! I want them all!

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