Mulan premiered in 1998 as Disney’s eighth princess and third multi-cultural princess, and once again: addresses the issues of gender in a way that kids can comprehend! Based on the ballad of Hua Mulan, it is said to be set sometime in the late BCE/early CE (is that still a thing? or have we gone back to calling it BC/AD?). Anyhoo, we sort of ignored how long ago the tale is set because we really wanted to whip up some Szechuan Chinese dishes and those didn’t come to China until the discovery of “the new world” (aka around Pocahontas’ time period)– hellooo peppers! While it too is sadly lacking any real attraction at the parks, Mulan did have a sequel that holds up pretty nicely, even if it s the most predictable thing. Mulan stood out as a common girl from a nice family who rose through the ranks and achieved notoriety not for royal blood, but for becoming a war hero. While not a princess by birth or by marriage, she was inducted into Disney’s Princess Hall and therefore is a princess.(Don’t get me started on this, I’ve had way too many rants with my girlfriends about what makes a ‘princess’.)

Sometimes I Quarantine: With Princesses! This series within a series really started as a way for me to keep my spirits lifted while completely socially distancing. Watching the movies gave us something to do during that afternoon slump, trying to think of an activity to match gave us another (we don’t always have a matching activity, but we’re trying!), taking the movie in to account while deciding what to eat that day helps us think of fun and new ideas for food options, and doing a daily DisneyBound encouraged me to wear more than just PJs while working from home! I highly encourage the last one, it’s been super fun- if you want to see any other DisneyBound outfits that I’ve done, you can find them here!

Day 12: Mulan (1998)

Mulan Quarantivity – Lend an Ear!

I worked with some other amazing creators because social distancing is super hard, but if you open up, lend an ear, and reach out to people virtually, it can make it a lot easier! Featured in this video, in order: Angela (@buenavistamagic), Geoffrey (@themeparkmillennial), Renee (@shopellieandmae), Cammy (@magicthreadsco), Me! (@sometimesivacay), Tenley (@travelingwithtenley), Crystal (@preciousgemcrystal), Tara (@marvelousdarlingdesigns), Mel (@bfdisney), Abby (@itsabbysworldafterall).

P.s. yes, I’m on TikTok, handle @sometimesivacay!! But you can see the video on Instagram here.

Mulan Delicious Bites-

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MAKE IT AT HOME

We are definitely big fans of Kenji and used his recipe for Mapo Tofu and for Bang Bang Chicken on Serious Eats to make this tasty Szechuan dinner!

Mulan Outfits

Mulan In-Park Look

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GET THE LOOK

The Mulan Ears from Kitty So Krafty• “A Drink Worth Fighting For” Mulan T-Shirt from The Midnight Comet 

Instagram Post for Mulan Ears from Kitty So Krafty.

Ping-Inspired Workout Outfit

GET THE PING LOOK

Pink Clover Penton Two Pocket Cardigan in Black from StitchFix  (similar) • V-neck Pocket T-Shirt in Light Green from J. Crew • Olive Sports Bra from Lululemon (similar) •Women’s High-Waisted 7/8 Lace-Up Leggings by Lab Joy from Target • Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Amped Waterproof Hiking boots in Light Lichen/ Canvas Tan from Columbia

“Honor to us All” Mulan DisneyBound

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“HONOR TO US ALL” MULAN BOUND BREAKDOWN

“Red” ColorIntense Lipstick from Beauty Counter (similar) • Le Lis Melodie Textured Knit Blazer in Pink from StitchFix (similar) • Blue Tank Top from Lilly Pulitzer (similar) • Kut from the Kloth Theresa Zipper Detail Cargo Skinny Pant in Maroon from StitchFix (similar) • Kickstart x Rifle Paper Co. Printed Canvas Sneaker by Keds from StitchFix (exact)

Day 15: Mulan 2 (2004)

Mulan 2 Delicious Bites- Wonton Soup & Kung Pao Chicken

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Until his full notes come, you can use these Kenji Lopez-Alt recipes for: Kung Pao and Wonton Soup on Serious Eats. (if we ever don’t link a recipe, you can probably find it on Serious Eats, it’s our go-to for recipes! Specifically, J. Kenji Lopez-Alt for meals and Stella Parks for baking)

Mulan 2 Outfits-

Mushu DisneyBound

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MUSHU BOUND BREAKDOWN

SugarFix Earrings by BaubleBar from Target (blue pair | yellow pair-similar) • MIX by 41 Hawthorn Alison Knit T-shirt Dress in Red from StitchFix (similar)• Mustard Yellow Skater Skirt from Amazon  • Madison 12-Hour Pump from Banana Republic (same style similar color) • OPI Red and Gold Nail Polishes from Amazon (red | gold)

For the story behind what I’m doing here and to see more, check this out! Sometimes I Quarantine: with Classic Princesses!

Disney’s first Adventure Princess premiered three short years before Mulan, Sometimes I Quarantine: with Pocahontas!

It took over a decade for Disney to return to creating new princesses, but when they came back to the big screen, they did it in a big, American way! Sometimes I Quarantine: with Princess and the Frog coming soon!

If you’re struggling to find ways to get moving during your quarantine, check this out: Sometimes I Quarantine: 3 Ways to Stay Active.

Still bored, I’ve compiled a list of more than 20 things you can do: Sometimes I Quarantine: Quarantivities.