I’ve really been into creating fun-themed road trips lately. There’s a unicorn-themed road trip, as well as a dinosaur-themed road trip that was recently posted on the blog. So, while I’m at it, I decided to capture the moments of our Enchanted Fairies road trip. While this trip wasn’t initially meant to be a themed road trip, I did take the opportunity to create some charm with it.
Before I begin with the details, let me just lay out a bit of background on the trip and how it came about.
Enchanted Fairies Photo Shoot – Part 1
Several months ago, I booked an Enchanted Fairies photo shoot in Aurora, Illinois. It was a heavily promoted promotion that had been on Instagram time and time again. With me finally having my daughter, I quickly booked us a session. At the time, my daughter was about six weeks old.
My mom, my daughter, my youngest son, and I headed out on a day trip to have the photos done. Once we arrived, we simply did not have the best experience. No need for details here. Afterward, the follow-up session for choosing our photos was cut short, rushed, and split into two sessions. And, then when we received the long-awaited photo, it was terribly dark and very disappointing.
After contacting Customer Service, we were provided a VIP session for later in the future – which brings us to this Enchanted Fairies road trip.
Knowing that the previous day trip was a bit exhausting, I decided to make it an overnight trip and include some fun stops that we have been wanting to do anyway which included The Cosmetics Store and a cute little tea room, Calla Lily Victorian Tea Room & Gifts in Aurora. And, it all happened to happen on St. Patrick’s Day weekend – which allowed me to get a bit more creative in terms of adding a little razzle-dazzle to the road trip.
So, now, here we are.
The Preparation and What to Pack
We all know that going on a road trip can be an exciting and unforgettable experience, but it also takes a bit of preparation and planning to make sure you have everything you need to make the journey successful. So, if you are heading out on a similar road trip, I’m sharing some tips, as well as a bit of our adventure.
Begin by making a checklist of all the necessary items. Make sure you have enough clothes for everyone and also some extra just in case. Although we were only gone two days and one night, the weather quickly turned and it was very cold. Thankfully, I packed an extra coat and warm clothes – just in case. With this in mind, be sure to pack enough comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as swimsuits and towels for the hotel swimming pool, along with a few snacks.
Include your favorite music and some themed toys for the children to keep everyone entertained on the drive. Finally, don’t forget the most important item of all: a camera! Taking pictures along the way will help you capture beautiful memories to look back on long after your trip is over.
A Charmed Drive on St. Patrick’s Day
Now for the fun!
Our drive to Aurora, Illinois already started out as a magical one full of luck and charm because it was on St. Patrick’s Day. With it being this fun little holiday, I decided to take the opportunity to use it as a way to add some extra charm to our road trip.
To add some additional charm, I made us coffee in disposable lucky clover coffee cups, brought along snacks, and also dressed Brielle in a cute little shamrock dress. Had I had more time, I probably would have added a little green tutu to one of Brielle’s dolls, so that she would have a themed toy to play with along the way.
That part didn’t happen. In fact, she played with the dinosaur that was left in the car from our Jurassic Quest road trip a few weekends ago.
And, to be honest, I know that she won’t remember this trip, but that’s okay. My mom and I know that it happened and she will have photos that captured the moments.
Aside from that, the drive wasn’t exactly filled with interesting sights, however, it gave my mom and I the opportunity to have some enjoyable conversations and quality time. After a few hours of driving, we finally arrived in Aurora and were ready to begin our adventures!
The Cosmetics Company Store
Our first stop on the trip was the Cosmetics Company Store at Chicago Premium Outlet Mall. This store is an incredible place to find the perfect beauty products for a fraction of the cost. From makeup to skincare, the store had an amazing selection of brands and products. We were able to pick up some great deals on items such as lipsticks, lip glosses, and foundations. Not to mention, we received a handful of samples.
The staff was also extremely friendly and helpful. They greeted us warmly as we entered the store and again were friendly as we left.
If you ask, they will give you advice on which products would work best for your skin type and coloring. They are also able to provide great tips on how to apply and care for the products.
With the weather being pretty cold and windy in Chicago, we left the store feeling inspired by our purchases, but also very ready to check into the hotel to relax.
The Hotel – Super 8 by Wyndham, Aurora, IL
When planning our trip, many of the hotels were already booked with this being a time for many spring-breakers. With this in mind, we opted for the Super 8 by Wyndham in Aurora. It was not an over-the-top hotel by any means, however, it offered us a nice blend of comfort and convenience at an affordable price.
If you are ever in the area, I don’t mind recommending them, especially if you are on a budget.
The Super 8 by Wyndham Aurora/Naperville Area offers a variety of features that are sure to make your stay comfortable. I must say though, that they were currently under renovation – which was a little underwhelming. But, our room was new and nice. So, I have no complaints.
Lastly, the hotel also provides a free continental breakfast which is always a plus but we brought our own breakfast treats and instant coffee along with us.
Enchanted Fairies Photo Shoot – Part 2
After having a relaxed morning in, all I can say is that I am so grateful for such a wonderful experience. Brielle and I were able to get some nice photos together, along with her by herself. I think that the most beautiful part of it was that she could sit up and smile and end up with some wonderful images.
In our first photo session, I wore a purple gown and she wore a coral-colored gown. This time, we opted for wearing matching blue gowns. I was also able to get some beautiful behind-the-scenes footage this time, whereas, on our first go-around, we were able to get a handful of rushed photos. With this in mind, it’s important to know that you can take photos behind the scenes, you just cannot take any of the set. You also sign a waiver about this prior to the shoot.
Afternoon Tea at Calla Lily Victorian Tea Room & Gifts
Having afternoon tea in Chicago or Indianapolis has been on my 100 Life Goals list for about a year, and I am so grateful that with our weekend trip, we were able to have that experience and cross it off my list.
With this being said, having afternoon tea at Calla Lily Victorian Tea Room & Gifts was a delightful experience for both my mom and I. We wore dresses and thoroughly enjoyed choosing our own tea blend from the tea selection, as well as the delicious sandwiches, scones, and pastries that were freshly prepared and presented beautifully. The clotted cream and the orange marmalade jam were such a delightful combination.
Aside from menu items, there are so many other little joys available for purchase such as a variety of dip mixes that my mom fell in love with. They were so cute and came with mini whisks attached to the boxes.
Finally, I want to note that the staff was attentive and friendly adding to the overall experience and making us feel welcome and cared for throughout our visit.
Final Thoughts
After waiting for months for this experience, it finally happened and I am in no way disappointed. I’m so grateful that my mother, daughter, and I were able to share this experience together. While we only spent two short days and a night in Aurora, this could have easily been a three- and day two-night trip with other experiences added to the itinerary, as well. Perhaps, there will be a next time when we try it and see.
If you have ever been to Aurora, what would you recommend to visitors?
