On Cinco de Mayo we headed to Epcot to spend the day eating around the world during Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival! Each country had an outdoor kitchen where they had a tasting menu full of delicious treats! My friend Kristen and I tried quite a few, I'll post them all below my outfit!

Since it was the flower and garden festival I decided to go for a more fashion than Disney look and wore my Who What Wear for Target floral dress. I still wore my Mickey bag though, he goes with everything! One of the most fun things in Epcot are the character topiaries. There are so many throughout the park. I took photos with a few of my favorites.

Dress: Who What Wear x Target floral shirt dress, Necklace: Wall-E (World of Disney @ Disney Sprints), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' (bought in Greece), Bag: Disney x Coach 'Patricia' with Mickey ears, Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika', Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)

Flower and Garden Festival

I love visiting Epcot during their festivals that involve outdoor kitchens. They're such a great way to try different foods from around the world. Rather than eating meals, we sampled different cuisine and spent about the same doing that as we would have on a couple meals. The Flower & Garden Festival continues until May 28th so you still have plenty of time to go try some tasty treats! (If you're close enough, that is...)

Fleur de Lys

Of course I started with dessert in France. I tried the Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette ($4.95) and my friend had the Tarte à la Tomate Provençale: Provencal Tomato Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky Pastry Crust ($5.50) Macarons are my favorite fancy dessert so I HAD to have this. It was DELICIOUS. I almost got another the second day we went to Epcot but decided to get my favorite chocolate ice cream from L'Artisan des Glaces in France instead (also photographed below)

Taste of Marrakesh

In Marrakesh I tried the Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad ($6) and Walnut Honey Baklava ($4). Both of these were super tasty. I could have eaten the whole thing of baklava but Kristen and I decided to share one so we could try more foods. Normally the chicken dish wouldn't be something I would try, but thanks to Blue Apron I knew I liked harissa.

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

In Germany we each had our own treats. I had the Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce ($4.25) and Kristen had the Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries ($4.25.) The potato pancakes were really tasty. I liked the apple sauce because it was chunky, unlike regular apple sauce that is smoother. The apples used were a little more tart than I like but they were great paired with the potato pancake.

Lotus House

I can always find something to eat in China. My usual lunch spot is Nine Dragons where I get a side of fried rice along with the pot stickers appetizer. Super delicious! At Lotus House I tried the Fried Chicken Dumplings with Peanut Sauce ($6.25) and Vegetable Spring Rolls ($4.50.) On our first day of Epcot they were out of the dumplings when we went by the booth so on the second day I got the dumplings AND spring rolls because they were that good.

Jardin de Fiestas

It was Cinco de Mayo so we had to stop in Mexico! The lines for margaritas were insane (I don't like them anyway) but luckily for us we didn't have to wait long at the outdoor kitchen! Kristen and I split a Pork Taco ($6.25) It's made with slow-braised Pork Taco served with Apple Relish, Goat Cheese and Chile de Árbol Sauce. I don't like goat cheese and Kristen didn't want the apple relish so we each took what we wanted. It was super good, I really enjoyed the relish so I was happy to have all of it.

The Berry Basket

My last stop was The Berry Basket where I got the Field Greens ($5). This salad is made up of fresh strawberries, crisp quinoa, strawberry vinaigrette and spiced pecans. It also came with tofu, which wasn't specified on the menu. I had to ask for a new one without it when Kristen found out it wasn't cheese (I don't like cheese either so she was going to eat it off for me.) I have two photos below, one with and one without tofu. Once the tofu was removed this was DELICIOUS, and it made me feel better because I was eating something healthy.

Hanami

In Japan Kristen had the Frushi ($5.95) It's Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream with Raspberry Sauce on the side. She had been to Epcot a few weeks ago and had this then and liked it so much that she wanted it again. So I feel very confident in recommending it!

Other

And some things I wanted to sample but didn't have time (or room in my tummy for) were:

• La Isla Fresca: Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro($6.25)
• La Isla Fresca: Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce ($6.75)
• The Honey Bee-stro: Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, charred vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream and Micro Watercress ($5.25)
• Pineapple Promenade: Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips ($7.50)
• Lotus House: Spicy Meatballs with Crispy Tofu ($5)
• The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews: Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw ($6.75)
• Hanami: Ginger Beef Yaki Udon: Thin-sliced Beef, Onions and Noodles tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger (6.50)
• Florida Fresh: Watermelon Cucumber Slushy ($4.25)

Meeting Characters

 

Mulan

Both my friend and I had never had a photo with Mulan so we decided to rectify that and wait in the half hour line for a photo with her. She asked us if we had any spicy food recommendations for Mushu, haha!

Donald

Since it was Cinco de Mayo we had to take a photo with Three Caballeros Donald! I'm actually not a Donald fan, but for some reason I just love him at the parks, he's so cute and lovable.

Rides

You can't go to Epcot and not ride some rides, so here are my don't miss rides:

• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
• Spaceship Earth
• Living with the Land
• Frozen Ever After
• Even if you aren't a fan of the movie this ride is super fun! It's a little over 5 minutes long and takes you through different scenes. The line for this is always SUPER long, so try to get a Fast Pass. I never wait in line for this, if I can't get a fast pass, I skip it. I'll have more on this ride in a later post since it was part of an extra event we did.

Happy Monday!! I'm back and settled in from my trip to Florida for a friend's birthday! This time along with my outfit posts I'm going to be doing small reviews on what I did. This way it acts as a bit of a diary and travel guide for people thinking of doing a Disney vacation!

For Star Wars day (May the 4th) I wore a tee I scored in the men's section for $4 along with an R2D2 necklace from my Star Wars photoshoot from Kohl's.  To keep it fully Disney themed I wore my Coach Mickey Ears purse the whole trip. A nice subtle, cute way to show my Disney love.

Star Wars Day at Hollywood Studios was pretty fun! They had a bunch of merchandise that was available for only that day. I restrained myself and just bought the Millennium Falcon pin.  There were also a few extra Star Wars themed shows throughout the day to celebrate.

Star Wars Blueprint Tee: Kohls, Shorts: Rag & Bone c/o Marshalls, Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Alethea' (bought in Greece), Necklace: R2D2 Pendant c/o Kohl's, Bag: Disney x Coach 'Patricia' with Mickey ears, Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika', Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)

 

Meeting Characters

 

Star Wars Launch Bay

One of the fun things we did to celebrate Star Wars Day at Hollywood Studios was to visit all three characters at Star Wars Launch Bay. We caught up with BB-8, Kylo Ren and everyone's favorite wookie, Chewbacca.

BB-8 thought I was on the dark side because of my shirt, but we assured him I was merely a spy for the rebels. Kylo tried to turn my friend and I to the dark side with his charm, but we resisted. Chewy was charming as ever and gave us big bear hugs.

The lines weren't as horrible as we were expecting and, since it was hot outside, it was a great way to escape the heat for a couple hours.

Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams

We went back to Hollywood Studios on our last full day and decided to wait for photos with Sorcerer Mickey, my favorite!! You also get a photo with Minnie since she is part of the same line, but I'm not a Minnie fan (shame on me, I know.) Mickey was spellbound (HAH!) by our Mickey jewelry (we both have rings and earrings featuring Mickey.)

Food

Backlot Express

I always make a stop at the Backlot Express at Hollywood Studios for their Dark Side Chicken and Waffles. You get a few chicken nuggets and a darth vader waffle. I buy the kids size to save a few bucks, plus it's still plenty of food! My friend and I also decided to try out the Kylo Ren dark chocolate cupcake with peanut butter buttercream. It was pretty tasty!

Fairfax Fare

Normally when I go to Hollywood Studios it's just for half a day so I don't usually stray from my chicken and waffles. Since we were visiting all day on May 4th we tried somewhere new for dinner. Sadly their kid's menu lacked anything I liked so I had to fork over $12 for this meal rather than my usual $8. I got the 7-Layer Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken. It's grilled chicken served over cilantro rice, black beans, fire-roasted corn medley, pico de gallo and sour cream topped with cheddar. I skipped out on the sour cream and cheddar and it was delicious!

Also, for the month of May, several different quick service restaurants (Fairfax Fare included) have special Solo themed cupcakes to celebrate the film coming out on May 25th. This cupcake comes complete with delicious candy rocks on top of a chocolate cupcake with cookies & cream frosting. MMMM! They're not on the menu so be sure to ask about it! We had to go to a couple places to find any still in stock.

Entertainment & Shows

 

March of the First Order

The First Order takes on new recruits a few times a day in this fun parade-like show. We happened to catch this twice at just the right time for 2 great views of Captain Phasma training Storm Troopers.

Disney Movie Magic

This is a projection show that is shown on the Chinese Theater at Hollywood Studios. It is a tribute to the lasting legacy of Disney films and shows all the way from Snow White & The Seven Dwarves to Indiana Jones all the way to their newest films. I love this because it includes short clips from some of my favorite lesser known films, like Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

This Star Wars themed fireworks show is so much fun. The final show of the evening, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, is one of my favorites. It brings you all the characters from the films and highlights some of the best scenes in the franchise all ending in a spectacular burst of fireworks.

There is much more to do at Disney World's Hollywood Studios but this is basically a Star Wars highlight. Toy Story Land opens this June and I can't wait to see it later this year on my next trip! We also have Star Wars Galaxy's Edge opening in 2019. Some other quick highlights I always like to hit at Hollywood Studios:

• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Toy Story Mania
• Star Tours

My will power was strong this month. No clothing purchases! I've been doing pretty good with not spending money outside necessities this past month. However, this Thursday I'm going to Disney for my best friend's birthday and we're pulling out all the stops (Keys to the Kingdom Tour, Frozen Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party and dinner at Cinderella's Castle!) Luckily I have all the money I need for that trip saved. Yay for vacation funds so I don't have to feel bad! But when I get back it's back to being very frugal.



THE (modified) RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases 
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:

1. J. Crew 'Harlow' cardigan sweater in star print ($15, $90 retail, used gift card)
2. Robert Rodriguez tonal paisley chiffon dress via Roundabout ($16.80, $348 retail)

Basics:

1. nothing yet

Shoes:

1. Franco Sarto 'Dolly' mule in navy via DSW ($20, $80 retail)

Bags:

1. nothing yet

 
Accessories:

1. nothing yet

Gifted from Brands:

1. Azaggi Jewelry Round Crescent Moon necklace w/ CZs
2. Azaggi Jewelry Tiny Owl necklace

Total spent in April: $0

Total spent in 2018:  $36.80

Last weekend I attended an event at Conspiracy in Middletown, Connecticut. More on the restaurant after the outfit photos! I was at a loss for what to wear since it's been so cold lately and Lydia suggested I wear my Jason Wu dress since I posted it on Instagram on April 21st last year and the event was on the 22nd of April! Good enough reason for me, haha! Shoes were the next problem, I was thinking it would be chilly so I wore boots and am not sure I like how it looks. But I tried something different, so that's good.

Dress: Jason Wu Okal animal-print chiffon dress (Roundabout), Jacket: LAUREN Ralph Lauren (similar),  Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay), Boots: vintage (eBay), Sunglasses: Gucci, Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon), Earrings: Mejuri 'Loop', Necklace: Pearls & Plaid (from Lydia), Rings: Lumo 'Violet', Mejuri 'Stellar', Moon Magic 'Eclipse', Moon Magic 'Petite Double'


Shop the look:

Conspiracy was opened 6 months ago by a husband and wife who are pediatricians by day, hidden gem bar owners at night. At the event we sampled some of their appetizers and drinks. I had the Rio Mule and, as a non-drinker, it was delicious. I actually drank almost all of it, which is a rarity for me since I prefer to slowly sip on drinks and rarely finish them.

Conspiracy is hard to find unless you know it's there. It's a small glass door that leads to a staircase up to the bar. The location is actually an old movie theater, so of course they have some fancy popcorn on the menu. The bar feels like an exclusive club where you need to know a password to get in. They also serve their drinks and food with mismatched serveware, which I found so fun and clever! You never know which cup or plate you'll get.