March 2013 - Rave & Review

Rainy day fun with imagine i CAN Knitting Beginnings from Manhattan Toy

My daughter is constantly picking up crocheted and knit items she finds and asking me if I could possibly “yarn this” for her myself. As much as I agree that whatever knit scarf/hat/owl/monkey that she holds up is cute, what she doesn’t understand is that I have never created anything out of yarn that I … Read more

Coordinating sibling clothes for everyday from Gymboree

I constantly have my camera out, so I love my kids to wear coordinating outfits most days so they don’t clash with each. For this reason, I’m a huge fan of Gymboree’s mix and match collections that come out each season. I love visiting one of the many Gymboree stores near me and grabbing a few things … Read more

#SeattleBaby Blogger Event at Northgate Mall

Were you following along on Twitter and Facebook a few weeks ago as I hosted the #SeattleBaby shower for new and expecting mom bloggers in the Seattle area? I was so grateful so many local bloggers turned out at the event to welcome all the new little babies and thrilled that so many of you … Read more

The perfect light and easy Easter meal with Ecce Panis Gourmet Artisan Breads {Coupon Code}

I honestly thought all bread was pretty much the same until I went to Europe the first time. One bite into those preservative-free made-fresh-daily baguettes and I realized I was very, very wrong about bread. It turns out good bread can make a gourmet meal faster than just about anything else in the pantry. Whenever … Read more

Must Have Gear for Kiddos: First Ascent MicroTherm Down Jacket from Eddie Bauer

I’m a big believer in getting kids good, quality outdoor gear. Whether it’s for hiking and biking or quick jaunts around town, quality outdoor gear just makes sense on many different levels. For one, I want kids that enjoy being outdoors, and I know that being comfortable is a big part of what will foster … Read more

Explore, Rescue, and Protect with the Octonauts Television Series

Growing up, I hated cartoons. Before you go checking for a pulse or wondering if I’m actually a robot disguised as a girl, I should clarify that I liked TV and I loved movies, but I just didn’t like kid’s cartoons. Unfortunately for my kids, this dislike has continued into adulthood, and I just can’t stomach most shows geared towards kids.

What can I say? I like history, learning shows, and anything I can take away something from. All of this and more is why I love the new British Octonauts series for preschoolers age 2-6 on Disney Junior that is fun, engaging, and has my kids fascinated by all things under the sea.

DIY Easter Terrarium with ProFlowers

I got hooked on terrariums when I was given a small present from Twig at BlogHer in 2011. Since then I have been dying to learn how to make one on my own but didn’t even know where to start. It turns out I didn’t have to look far, because ProFlowers has their own DIY … Read more

Oz The Great And Powerful – in theaters today {Review}

Earlier this week, I took a trip to the Emerald City {AKA Seattle} to see a prescreening of Disney’s Oz The Great And Powerful in 3D. After years of anticipation followed by months of checking out every trailer, poster, and interactive feature for the new Wizard of Oz film, I was a bit worried it would be somewhat of a let-down after all the hype.

But, as it turns out, the power of Oz to enchant knows no bounds. I think every single person in the packed theater that night was equally transfixed as we were transported back to the land of Oz in a time before Dorothy and her cohorts, before houses flew through the air, and even before the Wizard himself made Oz his home.

Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph is in stores now!

Enter the world of video games where every character has a specific job that they do and good guys and bad guys are pre-scripted. This is the world of Ralph, who has begrudgingly played the bad guy in his popular video game, Wreck-It Ralph, for decades.

But, when he isn’t invited to the game’s anniversary party where Fix-it Felix Jr. is being honored as the star of the game, Ralph sets off on a mission to show everyone that he’s simply misunderstood. His journey takes him into the taboo world of arcade game-hopping where he tries his best to prove himself to be a true hero at heart while learning the ropes of each new game.

Shenanigans and hijinx ensue when Ralph leaves his pre-scripted life for one of adventure and unknowns. Along the way he meets new friends and new predicaments that teach him that his role in his game is vital, and that even “bad guys” can have a big heart.

VINCI Tab III M 5” Learning Tablet {Review – Part I}

I love teaching my daughter new things and watching her eyes light up with each newfound piece of knowledge. Nothing can beat the feeling of watching her process something complex or advanced for her age and seeing the puzzle pieces slowly come together as she gets the concept fully. Unfortunately for us, I am vastly … Read more