Back to basics with Quercetti Toys

Quercetti Daisy Maxi 6

With a 6+ year age gap, it’s a very rare toy that gets the stamp of approval from all three kids. But, we’ve recently found a common ground in Quercetti Toys this fall. No matter what age kids we’ve been entertaining, the consensus is that Quercetti Toys are amazingly fun. All the toys we’ve tried … Read more

Spooky swizzle sticks and chicken sliders for Halloween

Halloween spider swizzle sticks and spooky sliders

I love Halloween so much. There’s something really fun about not having any set “rules” to follow or expectations that makes it really fun to host parties and entertain guests. Here’s two super quick snacks you can make that will disappear quickly at your next Halloween get together: the spider swizzle stick and the spooky … Read more

Closing the digital divide with Comcast

Comcast bloggers with Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux

Have you heard of the digital divide? We sat down with Comcast to discuss their Internet Essentials program that provides low-cost high-speed Internet service to families in need in order to close that divide. Olympic gold medalist Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux were there to tell us all about what’s to come with their partnership with Comcast as well as their hockey aspirations.

Create your own PLAYMOBIL playscape to enhance playtime

Playmobil boat with boy

Just like with PLAYMOBIL playtime, there’s no wrong way to set up your PLAYMOBIL playscape. As long as it encourages creative play, helps with family bonding, and keeps the kiddos imagining, it is the perfect playscape for fun. Create your own DIY PLAYMOBIL playscape using these steps and see how it enhances playtime in your house. 

Then and now: a look ahead into the teen years

Mama and kiddo

New in my “teen years survival toolbox” is this article from Dr. Ken Ginsburg, the director at the Center for Parent and Teen Communication. I’m sharing some of the highs and lows of parenting my tween and how I’m preparing for the future by doing all the research.

Ultimate fall festival survival guide {with 13 must-haves}

Fall Festival Survival Guide

Throughout the years, I’ve been to dozens and dozens of outdoor festivals and concerts. I’ve written in the past about all the amazing concerts Seattle has to offer. But, of all the seasons, fall festivals are my absolute favorite. Summer festivals are fun because everyone is out of school and you are pretty much guaranteed … Read more

Matching girls: Old Navy in fall

Mama and tween

My oldest came home from school camp this week, and I swear she aged a decade. She left a tween and now look at her. Of course, the fact that she’s experimenting with makeup doesn’t help things any. The day she came home, she wanted to plan a girls day with mani/pedis and some shopping … Read more

2 hour entryway transformation with mywoodwall

Entryway wall finished with mywoodwall

Transform your space with super easy peel and stick wood paneling from mywoodwall that can make your space amazing in an hour or two. See how we redid our entryway in the span of a naptime, without any special tools or help from a professional.

Berry shortcake with self rising flour recipe

Strawberry and blueberry shortcake

This shortcake recipe with self rising flour is the perfect complement to summertime berries. I prefer it in “drop biscuit” form where you don’t roll it out and use cookie cutters, but instead just scoop up dollops of batter and drop it onto the cookie sheet. It’s delicious any way you decide to do it.