Ready or not, it’s back to school time again! I admit that I have mixed feelings about school starting every year and this year is no exception. On one hand, I love the structure school provides for our schedule, but on the other hand I always feel like another month or two of summer would … Read more
If I were designing the perfect childhood toy, it would have two major components. First, it would inspire imaginations to encourage make believe and storytelling. Second, it would be open-ended so it could be played with in numerous ways, which means it would be played with often and be a beloved toy for years.
Take the Painting Teepee from Pacific Play Tents for example. This clearly isn’t just a high quality teepee, it’s a childhood haven. As you can see, it's the kiddos fort. 
I remember when I used to cry during love stories, carried away with whatever misunderstanding brought the lovers apart and on the edge of my seat to see if they would eventually get back together. Now, I cry during kid’s movies – specifically ones that I can see my own children in. These days, the … Read more
When we finally moved my son to his own room, it was a big blank beige box and I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do to really make it his. Ideally, it would be something fun that really reflects who he is, but also something more mature that he can grow into so … Read more
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was insistent that we finish the nursery before she arrived. I spent hours moving around furniture, planning the décor, and finally, painting a mural in her room with my sister. Unfortunately, my daughter arrived over 3 weeks early and we barely had time to get the mural … Read more
I think it’s good for kids to get messy. I wholeheartedly encourage my kids to dig in the dirt, cover their hands with paint, and generally make messes. But, while there is a time and a place for getting dirty {for instance, when a bath is in the near future}, there are many times that … Read more