Wordless Wednesday: Food, Wine and Music

This week's theme: Food, Wine and Music

We've yet to visit for the Food & Wine festival, so this week we went with a tribute to the Food, Wine, and Music of the Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Photos of the great food we ate at both Boma and Sanaa (along with a shot of lisa's glass of wine) and some pics of our kids enjoying the musical parade through the lobby.

Special Thanks to Deb at "Focused on the Magic" for hosting the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.  If you've hopped here, please feel free to look around, Like us, Follow us, Email us, or Subscribe to us.  Then be sure to use the link above to return to the blog hop and check out the other great blogs participating.  Thanks!

The Magic of a Disney Haircut

One of the things we love about Walt Disney World is that the most commonplace, everyday things can become magical... even a haircut.



Most of us put getting a haircut on our list of things to do before we leave on vacation.  (You want to look good in all those vacation pics, or you think a little less hair will help keep you cool in that hot weather.)  But perhaps it's worth putting off the haircut until after you arrive.

The Harmony Barber Shop

On Main Street, USA in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Theme Park is a real, live, working barber shop.  The Harmony Barber Shop is open every day, offering haircuts to both children and adults.  A child's haircut will run you $15, compared to $19 for an adult.  Colored hair gel is offered for $5, and a special "First Haircut" package is offered for $18, which includes a certificate and "My First Haircut" ear hat.  (prices do not include gratuity)

In the summer of 2012, we paid our first visit to the Harmony Barber Shop to get Jackson's haircut.  It just so happens that this was his actual first haircut.  We had been meaning to get his hair cut at home prior to the vacation, but things kept getting in the way.  Just over a week before we left, we decided he could wait a little longer, and we called Disney to make the reservation for the first haircut package.

We arrived bright and early to the park, catching the Welcome Show for the first time ever.  The barber shop did not open until 9am, (normal operating hours are 9am-5pm, 7 days per week) and our reservation was for shortly after, so we had time to kill beforehand.  We did so by getting a few pics, which I'll share here as evidence of the pre-haircut Jackson.

As you can see, Jackson had quite the head of curls...

When it was time for Jackson's big moment, we made our way over to the barber shop, nestled in the corner of the town square next to the Emporium and across from the firehouse.  (I can remember when the barbershop was located further up Main Street before the expanded the Emporium)

I won't say that the interior transports you back in time when you enter, because the whole of Main Street USA already does that.  The Harmony Barber Shop simply continues that theming. It's very cozy, with a podium for checking in and only a few barber stations.  It's for this reason you should probably make a reservation as opposed to simply walking in.

I'll admit I was a little thrown to find that on our visit all the stylists were women. (there are male stylists too, but it just happened that at the time of our reservation, it was all women)  Part of me expected the Dapper Dans to be in here cutting hair in between performances out on the street.  
*All Harmony Barber Shop stylists are state-licensed cosmetologists.

Jackson's Cast Member was Norma, and I'm happy to say she was extremely pleasant and very patient with our first-timer.  That certainly made up for her lack of mustache and her reluctance to sing.

Jackson was seated right away.  We first attempted to have him sit by himself.

But that did not go over so well...

So I ended up sitting in the chair, wearing the candy-striped barbershop smock, and holding Jackson on my lap.

That seemed to calm him down enough to get his mop trimmed down.  We didn't want it cut too short.  We wanted to keep his curls for a while longer.

Having some light up toys to play with didn't hurt either.  The staff has plenty of items to keep the little ones entertained (or distracted).  We tried several different toys before Jackson settled on R2D2.

When it was all done, Jackson was presented with his ear hat, his certificate, and a little bag containing a lock of his hair to keep.

"... For Bravely and Cheerfully submitting to our Clippers and Shears..."

And the haircut?  Here's some shots afterwards.

Despite the fact that Jackson cried most of the time and I ended up with his hair all over me, I'm glad we procrastinated at home and ended up getting his first haircut at Walt Disney World.  It's a memory that I'll never forget, and though Jackson will not remember, he'll always have his little mementos, and our pictures to remind him.

Since that first haircut, I've taken Jackson for a few more at a place near home that specializes in kids' haircuts.  I have to say that while an $15 haircut for a kid is slightly more than I pay for myself at a local barber, it's much cheaper than this kids' place near us that charges $25.  On top of that the quality of the haircut itself wasn't much different.  Add the extra $3 for the certificate, and ear hat and I'd say that's not a bad deal at all.

It's also an interesting alternative to the more expensive makeover experiences of Pirates League and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  You don't even need to get your hair cut to add some colored hair gel and "pixie dust" for a more magical look on your day in the park! 

I definitely recommend getting your child's first haircut at Walt Disney World.  And don't let it stop you just because it may not be their actual first haircut... it can always be their first Disney haircut!  

Now, as for adults, I have no personal experience to go by... yet.  But I'm thinking of giving it a try one of these trips.  If I time it right, maybe I can be entertained by the Dapper Dans while getting trimmed.  I hear they do that sometimes!

From Disney's official site, some things to know before you go:

• Water may be sprayed on hair if needed during styling, but no shampooing will be provided. With that in mind, please arrive with clean, dry hair.

• Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (18 years of age or older).

• A $10 charge will apply for no-shows or cancellations within one day of your reservation. Though reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529, walk-ins are welcome.

Have you ever gotten a haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop?  If so, let us know what your experience was like!

Disney Magic at Home Pinterest Fan Board - Fan Challenge Week 1

As you know, 'Home is Where the Mouse is' is all about keeping the Disney magic alive whether you are at home or away on vacation. Our family loves doing things together at home that help keep us exciting for our next trip. We know that there are other people and families just like us out there. That is why we created a special board on Pinterest just for our fans!

We'd like to know what ideas YOU have for keeping the Disney magic going between trips! On our board you can post pictures of or links to your traditions, recipes, party, holiday and craft ideas on our board. You can also pin tips on how YOU get ready to travel to the happiest place on earth.We'd love for YOU to share! 

To make this even easier, we are going to begin having weekly challenges starting today! Every Monday we will post the theme for the week on our Facebook page. All you have to do is pin to the board and show off what YOU do!

To begin participating in our board and challenges, just follow these simple steps.
1. Follow us on Pinterest. http://www.pinterest.com/hiwtmi
2. Request either on our Facebook page or via email to join our board. You need to join the board, not just follow the board in order to participate in the challenges. 
3. Find the challenge of the week on our Facebook page and start pinning!
4. You do not need to have a blog to participate. You can upload your own pins!

You can also pin non-challenge relate things just as long as they fit with the theme of the board.

We may even use some of your pins in our upcoming posts!!

Pinterest Fan Challenge - Week of October 7th

It's October and we have Halloween on the brain! In our October collage we show you some of our favorite Disney pumpkins.

 In honor of the season, we'd like YOU to show US your...Disney-Inspired Pumpkins!

Post your pics  to our fan board all week.  We look forward to seeing how YOU keep the Disney magic alive at home. 

Silent Sunday in the Park

Wordless Wednesday - October Calendar Shot

This week's theme: October Calendar Shot

We've never been to Disney in October, so we usually bring Disney to us for Halloween!  

Special Thanks to Deb at "Focused on the Magic" for hosting the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.  If you've hopped here, please feel free to look around, Like us, Follow us, Email us, or Subscribe to us.  Then be sure to use the link above to return to the blog hop and check out the other great blogs participating.  Thanks!

Pixie Dust Savings 1st Birthday Celebration!

Pixie Dust Savings has turned 1!!

Home is Where the Mouse is would like to invite you to help Pixie Dust Savings celebrate turning 1! Pixiedustsavings.com was "born" September 29th! What is a party without cake and some punch? Check out her Golden Punch recipe HERE! Lately, I have been loving cupcakes more than full cakes. These cupcakes were donated by Banners by Aimee. Aren't her toppers the cutest. You should check out her facebook page to see all her cute party designs!

 

A note from April the owner of Pixie Dust Savings!

Pixie Dust Savings has grown so much in its' first year. I would like to take the time to thank some important people who have made a difference in my first year of blogging. First and foremost, I would like to thank God. He is my Savior and without him, I would be nothing. Second, I want to thank all my readers. I would not be doing this if it wasn't for all your support. I just have to say Pixie Dust Savers are the best!! Your comments, readership and support mean so much to me. Without you, Pixie Dust Savings wouldn't exist. I hope you are saving money on everyday things so you can enjoy Disney and other adventures more often! Third, I would like to thank my husband. He has stood by me from the very beginning supporting me emotionally and financially as I have ventured into this journey. We have had many sleepless nights sitting in front of the screen, especially when designing. I love ya babe! I would like to thank my cousin, Bonny, who encouraged me to blog in the first place. She blogs over at Coupon Friendly. I would like to thank Joanna as my helper and encourager. I look forward to our coffee meetings and I love your enthusiasm. Your show and tells, fitness challenges, and other posts really add a lot to Pixie Dust Savings! Thanks for saying yes when I asked you to join me. Finally, I would like to thank the many bloggers who have offered assistance, answered my many questions, shared deals with me, and helped me navigate the blogging world. I look forward to growing our friendships and eventually meeting in real life. Now, for some exciting news! Pixie Dust Savings is growing!! I would like to introduce you to Dawn, Lisa, and Marietta. They are joining Joanna and I in bringing you frugal ideas, reviews, Disney magic, and so much more! Dawn is working on her first review now and is going to be posting some great Disney content. Marietta is going to be sharing her couponing tips as a young college student, so if you know any college students invite them to like Pixie Dust Savings to see how shes saves. Find out more about them HERE.

It is Pixie Dust Savings party, but you get the presents!! There will be 8 winners!!

Sophia the First Royal Curtsy Doll from Reality to Dreams 

Disney themed Goats Milk Soap Gift Basket from Dixieland Mom Product & Travel Reviews

Jewelry Item from Bonny's Jewelry Page 

$25 Disney Gift Card from Home is Where the Mouse Is 

Medium Custom Hair bow from Pixie Dust Hair Accessories & More

Necklace from Infused Reviews

3 Sets of Jamberry Nail Wraps from Lori's Jamberry Nails

Origami Owl Charm Necklace from Joann's Origami Owl Living Lockets

I have reviewed Jamberry Nails and love them. They last forever! Click on the link to check them out. If you win the Jamberry Nails prize you will get to pick out 3 sets of your choice!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our Favorite Disney Soups

Fall is here and for me the best part about Fall is the food. When I think about my favorite autumnal foods, I can't help but think about soup. There's nothing better on a cool day than a big bowl a soup to warm you up.  Even though we usually visit Walt Disney World in the heat of the summer, I can't help but indulge in a bowl of soup from time to time. These are some of my favorites.

1. Potato Leek Soup - Be Our Guest

I tried this soup for the first time this summer and I'm hooked.  The soup has a velvety texture, but is not 100% smooth. The small bits of potato were a nice surprise, especially for someone like me who likes a chunkier soup. You can also taste the oniony leeks. They are not overwhelming, but rather subtly there in the background.  This soup is very satisfying, while not making you too full.

2. Canadian Cheddar Soup - Le Cellier

One of our first Tasty Tuesday posts was our at home twist on Le Cellier's Cheddar Cheese soup and pretzel bread. To put it simply, we love this soup. With it's sharp cheddar taste and undertones of beer and bacon, this the perfect October soup.With Oktoberfest upon us, why not warm up with a large bowl of this delicious soup to celebrate. 

Our at home version of Cheddar Cheese Soup and Pretzel Bread

3. Carrot Ginger Soup - Boma

If you have ever dined at Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, then you know how amazing their soup selection is. On any night you have your choice of three different soups. Here are some of the possibilities:

Butternut Squash Soup
Zanzibar Crab Soup
Carrot Ginger soup
Mulligatawny
Harira Soup
Lentils and Sausage Soup
Chicken Corn Chowder
Coconut Chicken Curry Soup
Curried Coconut Seafood Stew
Mushroom Soup 
Curry Cauliflower Soup
Seafood Gumbo

Of these my favorite is the Carrot Ginger Soup. I was very disappointed on our last visit as it was not a choice the night we ate at Boma. The reason why I love this soup is because it is sweet and spicy all at the same time. 

4. Broccoli Cheddar Soup - The Earl of Sandwich

Obviously, The Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney Marketplace is known for their one of a kind sandwiches. But did you know they also make soup? Artisan soup selections vary by day and can include:

• Tomato
• Chicken Tortilla
• Potato Bacon
• Chicken Noodle
• Hearty Vegetable
• Wisconsin Cheddar 
• and my favorite...

...Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This soup can be it's own meal! Chock full of big chunks of broccoli, this soup will leave you satisfied. Pair it with an Earl's Grey Iced Tea and you have one of my favorite meals.

Photo from DineDelish.com

5. Strawberry Soup - 1900 Park Fare

Ok, so this soup won't warm you, but it's a whole lot of fun. The cold Strawberry Soup from the buffet at 1900 Park Fare is a sweet treat that will end your dinner (or breakfast) happily ever after.

Photo from DisneyFoodBlog.com  They also have a recipe for the Strawberry Soup!

James' contribution: 

Tomato and Paneer Cheese Soup - Sanaa

I'm not a big fan of soup usually.  If it's included in a meal, I'll try it but I don't want to fill up on it.  I have only one soup to add to this list, and that's the Tomato and Paneer Cheese Soup at Sanaa.  Very light, and very tasty.  Lisa remarked that it tasted like a mozzarella stick.  Well, I love mozzarella sticks dipped in tomato sauce, so that's probably why I liked this soup so much! You'll want to cut up the cheese pieces so you get some cheese in every spoonful!

Have you ever been warmed by a bowl of Disney soup? Which is your favorite? Leave us a comment and let us know.