Kennedy's Teen Girl Room | Preppy Girl Decor | Preppy Room Ideas

I can't believe it but, Kennedy will be turning 13 this fall. As she & her sister have gotten older they have voiced wanting their own rooms again seeking some privacy & their own style. We kinda had a feeling this day would come but weren't sure as they begged & begged for their own rooms for years. We held out til Bo was born. However, the time has come for them to get their own rooms, again!

 First, was deciding who got what room. I wasn't taking down the wallpaper in their shared room because it was just too pricey. Luckily for me, Kensley is obsessed with the wallpaper & loves their shared room so she didn't want to change her room {we still are going to do a few things to refresh her room later on}. So, Kennedy got the office to turn into her new "teen" room!

Kennedy told me she wanted her new room to be a complete surprise! I was nervous because that is a tall order & I really want it to be her style & personality. Luckily, she had been making some "dream room" collages on her computer & we sat down together to look through Pinterest to get a vibe of the style & colors she would like & I went from there.

Her vibe was for sure the trendy preppy vibe with a hint of Dolly. So a preppy room it would be. I went with a pink, orange & blue color palette. Since I was starting from scratch I bought a little here & there for months til I was ready to put everything together!

Here is the final results, here room isn't overly spacious but I feel like I did a good job giving her storage & everything she wanted with the square footage I had to work with! Her reaction was the absolute best!

\/ ALL PRODUCTS ARE LINKED AT THE END OF THE POST \/

@mrsmumaw For birthday she wanted to be a surprised with a new room! I was too nervous to take that on. So we went thru pintrest together and i looked at her “dream room” collages to get an idea of what she wanted. I really wanted to get this right. For months and month i bought stuff and hid it away for the big reveal day when we could put it all together! Needless to say, she said i killed it ans was so happy and grateful!! #preppyroom #roomreveal #teenroomdecor #preppyaesthetic #rollerrabbit ♬ original sound - mrsmumaw

 

@mrsmumaw The reveal!! 🩷🧡🩵 i may end up hanging out with her in here more than she would like me too! Its such a happy space!! #preppyroom #roomreveal #teenroomdecor #preppyaesthetic #roommakeover #rollerrabbit ♬ original sound - 🤍🎧

PAINT COLOR: "BALLERINA" PHG FROM HOME DEPOT

VANITY & CORNER TALL BOOKCASE: IKEA {VANITY IS ALEX SYSTEM, BOOKCASE IS LACK"}

SPUTNIK HANGING LIGHT: AMAZON

BED: WAYFAIR

BEDDING: ANNIE SELKE

SHEETS: PB TEEN

THROW: AMAZON

CUSTOM NEON SIGN: AMAZON

MINI FRIDGE: AMAZON

PINK LAMP: HOME DEPOT

TIC TAC TOE GAME: SUNNYLIFE

PERSONALIZED LUMBAR PILLOW: ETSY

VANITY MIRROR: AMAZON

ACYRLIC LAP DESK: AMAZON 

PEACE SIGN CANDLE: AMAZON 

CLOSET WALLPAPER: OTTO STUDIO {no longer for sale}

CLOSET SYSTEM: HOME DEPOT

ROLLING CHAIR: WALMART

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6 Things that Make Back-to-School Smooth + Back to School checklist  

As a seasoned Mom of a 5th and 7th grader, well as much as I can be, I feel like I really have a feel on what works & doesn't work through the past several years, to prepare for the back-to-school chaos & make it, maybe, a little less chaos-y. 

Here are some of my tips & suggestions that make every day go smoother throughout the school year & to get ready for the year ahead. Keep reading for a helpful printable check list!

Sigh, look at the young cuties. ;(

1. Have a "Drop Zone"

 This will look different for everyone's home. In my home we don't have a lot of storage so I have to get creative. This is the spot your children will "drop" everything as they get home. My girls are seasoned to this now & its second nature. But, it takes repetition. Having a drop zone keeps everything in one place so book bags, folders & papers don't go missing. Think of homework folders, planners that need to be signed ect.

 This will be their home.

Our zone is also our  "family command center"-- the side of the fridge & the coat closet right next to it. On the inside of the door, I have heavy-duty, XL 3m hooks for backpacks. Next, on the fridge, I have our calendar for quick glance dates, baskets that house the majority of their papers, with a small corkboard above for important papers & a place to display papers they are proud of. The basket gives me a place to go thru papers every night {when they were younger} & a couple times throughout the week as they are older, normally Wednesday & Friday.

I also keep a clipboard for homework & their chore checklists.

2. Have Clear Expectations After School

Whether it is for sports, chores, activities or none of the above having a routine after school. It's crucial you SHOW your kiddos how you want after school to go. Reminders will be needed for a while, so don't get discouraged. Sit down & talk about how you want homework to go. Will you have a snack before? After? During? What is your screen time rules for the school week? Do they have chores? Them knowing what to do & having a routine helps everyone with the rush from after school, dinner & bedtimes when everyone is tired after long days.

As an example, our schedule after school is: immediately go to drop zone, empty backpack, lunch boxes straight to sink & put away. I made these notepads myself to help with independence after school. Having a checklist has proven to be successful for us. At the end of the week, they can hand them in for allowance.

I made it on Canva & printed it on vista print as a notepad.

If you would like this as an editable printable, let me know!

3. What's for lunch?

If your kiddos are going to be packers, whether you are going to be doing the packing or themselves, having a home for everything will make the morning so much easier.

 Again, for every home this will look "different. It could be a drawer, cabinet etc. For us, it's a rolling cart just off the kitchen in the "laundry room". The cart houses pretty much everything we may need. The lunch containers, water bottles, lunch accessories & the lunch bags themselves. 

Looking for more lunch box inspo? Click HERE for a lunchbox planner & breakdown of popular lunch container brands.

4. Hair Caddy/ Station

Getting hair done in the morning can be chaos. With boys or girls. Where's that dang brush? 

I do less hair these days as my girls are experimenting doing their own hair. However, keeping hair supplies downstairs was THE hack for less chaos. 

I know for some that maybe sound crazy to keep it in the kitchen or somewhere downstairs, but I promise I makes it so much easier as you are trying to get out the door. 

Another tip I have is to have 2 of everything. The brush in your caddy for school STAYS there, then you have a separate brush for upstairs or elsewhere. That way your hair supply kit for school is always stays complete, nothing is missing because it was taken after bath time one night & now you can't find it!

I stock mine with a brush, comb, "smooth brush", gel, elastic hair ties, normal hair ties, elastic hair tie cutter & bobby pins.

5. Emergency Pouch

If you are a parent of young girl in 4th grade or higher, this one is for you. Assuming you have already had the talk on the in's and out's of whats to come. Make sure they are prepared. A little pouch for everything they need. I pack a extra pair of underwear, pads & hygeiene wipes.

6. Stay Organized with a Family Calendar

Find a calendar app you like for the whole family to use. We just use google calendar, which is the default calendar on iPhone. EVER.SINGLE.THING is put into the calendar then each family member is invited to that "event". Now that my oldest has a phone even she can input & get them synced to her calendar. Google makes it almost, too easy to keep track of all the activities. You can make a sport or likewise reoccur every week, certain days of the week, once a month, whatever is needed. It also syncs with our Alexa shows.

Other helpful things for Kinder students or new school students:

Do a trial run of car line is you are utilizing your schools instead of bus. Practice getting off their seat belts & exiting the car quickly. For kinder students, the weeks or weeks leading up to school practice lunch if packing. Pack a lunch and have them get used to opening their lunch boxes, opening their drinks etc. 

@mrsmumaw Back to school tips for starting off the year strong! 🍎 #backtoschool #organizedhome #organization #girlmom #momhack ♬ original sound - mrsmumaw

Back to School checklist

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Disney Pin Trading: Beginners Guide

One our favorite thing about vacations to Walt Disney World is that we pin trade! We started pin trading when my girls were just 4 & 5, it has been come a fun family hobby ever since. The best part is, after the initial investment, pin trading can be a free activity at the parks. It costs no money to trade & you can just keep trading & trading. Though, if you are anything like us you will end up buying more pins as your love for pins carries on. {those mystery packs get us every time}

We aren't experts but if you looking to get started in pin trading or headed to the Disney Parks for the first time, this guide will help you walk through to get started! 

What is Pin Trading?

Disney pin trading is a fun experience with guests & cast members. & even guests with other guests! If cast members has pins or at the designated pin trading locations through out Disney property, you the guest can approach them to trade pins with you. Cast members are actually required to say yes to trading with you. You simply choose a pin you are okay parting with and trade for a more desired pin by you from a cast member. You make the exchange and that's it!

How to Start Pin Trading?

This can seem a bit intimating at first. But you can start with as little as 1 pin if you wanted.

First, purchase any amount of pins to begin trading. I always suggest the starter packs that come with a lanyard. They are the most bang for your buck & it gives you everything you need to get started! If you are wanting to grab your starter pack or pins before your first park day at Disney Springs they a whole store dedicated to pin trading that is full of options. But they also have pins as World of Disney & at most resort gift shops.

Next, you bring your pins to the park. When you see a cast member wearing a pin lanyard or a pin board {these look like cork boards, some are in fun shapes or decorated. But there are also mystery pin boards which have little box drawers to choose from & there are even more unique "boards"  like at Hollywood Studios they have a pinboard traffic cone!} you approach them and ask them to trade with you. Show them what pin you want & give them one of your pins in return. But, if they already have the same pin you are trying to give them, you do have to choose something different to trade. They are not allowed to have more than one of the same pins on their board. & that's it! It's that easy!

You may even come acorss other guests that are pin traders, as well! We have been approached by other pin traders asking to trade & we have done the same. We have meet some really neat people & cast members while trading.

Where can I trade?

You can trade with any cast member wearing a lanyard or designated Pin Trading locations. Grab a park map & looking for the Pin Trading symbol for the locations if you are trying to plan ahead of time. Most resorts have a pinboard as well, more times than not it is at the gift shop. But you can always ask a cast member if there is any pinboard around.

Why Pintrade?

Pin trading is a lot of fun for so many different reasons for different people. They make great souvenirs. It brings one more fun thing to do in the parks. It can be a fun family hobby that gets the whole family together. There may be one certain movie, character, or attraction you love that you can hunt those specific pins for, which makes it fun & exciting. Finding new pins, looking at new releases, or finding older pins or ones you have never seen before while trading makes this a hobby that never gets old.

Okay, I have pins now what do I do with them?

There are so many options to display & store your pins while at the parks or at home. The most popular is a lanyard. If you bought the starter pack I mentioned above you are good to go. There are lanyards of all kinds all around shops on Disney property. I have made my girls their own lanyards. & more recently gotten them bags to display & hold their pins & lanyards.

At home, you can just hang up your lanyard for Disney or packed it away for your next trip. A lot of avid pin traders like to display their pins. The most common is corkboards or banners, as well as pinfolios that are binders to keep your pins in.

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Disney's Polynesian Resort

 Our stay at Disney's Polynesian Resort was an absolute dream. We knew this trip was going to be a special trip for our family celebrating the birth of Bo but Walt Disney World was also celebrating 50 years! We wanted to go all out & stay deluxe and make sure it was a deluxe resort on the monorail as that would be easiest with a one-year-old to take breaks during the day & short travel to our favorite frequented parks. (more on this later) Disney's Polynesian Resort did NOT disappoint. This resort has always been a favorite of ours on any trip we have gone on. We always stop at least once if not twice to dine in the resort so we were thrilled to be staying there for this trip. Our trip came right at the heels of the new renovation of the rooms being updated to be Moana themed which was just a cherry on top.

From the second you set onto the property you are greeted with an "Aloha" & leis! The scent of the lobby, the decor & amazing cast members are sure to start your stay off on an amazing foot.

Disney's Polynesian Resort Location & Transportation 

As mentioned above the Poly is located on the monorail giving it one of the many appeals to the property. The Polynesian is considered a Magic Kingdom resort making it only one from the Magic Kindom. Since it is on the monorail it makes it just a ride over to Epcot, as well. You have options to get to Epcot you can take the monorail back to the TTC, stopping at Disney's Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom then the Contemporary then switch over to the Epcot monorail at the TTC {trasportation & ticket center} or take a very short walk {about 5 minutes} from the Poly to the TTC & get on the Epcot monorail from there. We did both options more than once & with either, you can't go wrong. If you are in a crunch for time walking to the TTC is the best option. If you have time & could the monorail as a ride like we do, taking the ride & making the switch is a great option as well. 

The monorail isn't the option to get Magic Kindom from the resort. Disney's Polynesian Resort has a number of traspotation options. A short walk to the dock & you are able to take boat transportation across the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can also walk the new walkway from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom. And of course the complimentary bus transportation to the Magic Kindom, all other parks & Disney Springs.

Because Disney's Polynesian Resort is a Magic Kingdom resort you get the perks of being able to see the castle on property. This means you are able to watch nightly fireworks from the beach. They batch in the music so you are able to hear & watch right from the beach. Magic Kindom resort always get the nightly treat of the Electrical Water Pageant. A little not well-known fact is that the water pageant was actually the first function attraction at Walt Disney World. They used it get people excited about the opening & showing what they could do entertainment-wise. It is one of our families' favorite things, every trip. It was a treat to be able to walk out our door, take a few steps to the beach & watch it there.

Disney World Electrical Water Pageant from the Polynesian Resort Beach

Disney's Polynesian Resorts Rooms

In 2021, the rooms at the Polynesian got renovated to include Moana-themed rooms! We are huge Moana fans so this theming made us very excited. The theming is very subtle & there are little hints of the movie through our room that you may even miss! Deluxe resorts boast bigger rooms than those in value resorts & some moderate. Though the monorail deluxe resorts aren't known for their room sizes but proximity & ease of location & monorail use. We found our room for our family 5 just perfect.

The couch pulls out & makes another bed, if needed.

Moana framed are on wall in room.

Moana & other character on Lampshade

Hei-Hei makes an appearance at the coffee bar.

The rooms are very updated with herringbone tiles for flooring. Double sinks & a roomy shower/tub {depending on your room. The bathroom features a separate toilet room with its own door which we are grateful for staying in a room with the whole family! The amount of storage in this room was amazing, as well. Lots of drawers & two large closets with more shelving. Under the beds are lifted to store your suitcases.

There are 3 of these closets in total. One to left is not pictured. 2 are full closets the third is full of shelves.

Disney's Polynesian Resorts Pools

It doesn't matter that we are at Disney World, my kids love a pool. Somedays they will ask at the parks to go back to pool because they are just so fun at the resort. Disney's Polynesian Resort is no exception. They have two amazing pools. 

The first being the Lava Pool was my girl's favorite. The Lava Pool has a huge volcano, a waterfall & fun 142-foot-long water slide. It also has a zero-depth entry which makes it very easy to enter & exit while making a fun spot to splay for toddlers like Bo! Food is just steps away which makes it easy to grab lunch or snacks & a enjoy a drink by the pool. There is also a little splash pad right next to the pool.

Kiki Tikis Splash Pad at Disney's Polynesian Resort

If you are looking for more of a relaxing spot to swim or get some sun, the Oasis Pool is another great option. It's sort of hidden with lush gardens all around, it has more of a tranquil atmosphere. We rented a "cabana here" for a home base. It was amazing & I highly recommend it. There is a small bar for drinks at this pool & a hot tub that we utilized at the end of the day to soak our feet. 

Polynesian Resort Restaurants & Dining Options

The Polynesian resort is one of our favorite resorts for dining options. In fact, the first time I ever went to the Polynesian was for dinner at Ohana. Thus began the love affair. 

While unfortunately, Spirit of Aloha Dinner show is no longer taking place. There are still lots of great options.

Pineapple Lanai: located right outside the lobby in the small courtyard where they do resort activities you can get a dole whip! Yup, that's right you don't have to be in the parks to get your beloved Dole Whip. This makes a great stop to grab a dole whip before the fireworks & Electrail Water Pagent to eat at the beach.

Captain Cook's: located on the first floor of the main lobby/ Great Ceremonial house. This is actually probably my favorite quick service location on property. Some of my favorite foods come from this quick service. The pork nachos & thai meatballs are divine. If you are a huge fan of Tonga Toast they also have this for breakfast while they do not have the strawberry compote, which is my favorite park, it still is a great option if you are unable to get a reservation at Kona or in a rush. They have all other normal quick service options as well, even Mickey Waffles!

Kona Cafe: located upstairs of the main lobby this is the Polynesians more casual restaurant. As mentioned above it is known for its amazing Tonga Toast & Macadamia Nut Pancakes. 

'Ohana: is also located upstairs right next to Kona Cafe. This is one of the most popular dining restaurants on Disney property. For breakfast, Lilo & Stitch host the character breakfast. There is even Stitch waffles that come with your Mickey waffles. At dinner, meals are prepared in a huge open-pit (it smells delightful) & served family style. 

For more info on the character dining you can click on my resort character dining guide HERE.

Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace: is also located on the main lobby floor next to caption cooks, or you are able to get drinks at the outdoor lounge. The inside bar is "hidden" & can boast up to 2+ hour wait. Kids are welcome til 8 when it is adult only.

Is the Polynesian Resort Worth the Cost?

For most families, staying at Disney's Polynesian Resort is going to be a splurge. The most common question I got during our stay is, is it worth it? As a Disney World deluxe resort, you are paying top dollar for it's location & amenities... but do we think it is worth the price tag? We do! 

When you consider all they have to offer & just the monorail alone we find it completely worth it the splurge. Especially when having young kiddos. Getting back to your room is a breeze & a short trip making naps, leaving at the end of the day & those chaotic mornings getting to the park at a breeze. The deluxe resort's extended park hours also make staying at Disney's Polynesian Resort worth it for our family.

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