PR & Partnerships

Rave & Review® is an award-winning Seattle-based site featuring new and established products, the best destinations, and tips and tricks for parents. Known for our in-depth articles with quality writing and beautiful photographs, we engage our readers and give them a real feel for the products we test and the places we visit. We have … Read more

What we’re playing with: The Microsoft Surface 3 from AT&T

I’ve wanted a Microsoft Surface tablet before I even knew its name. Ever since I heard rumors about this newfangled tablet that could potentially replace your laptop, I wanted it. I don’t know about you, but my laptop is starting to feel more and more like a dinosaur – something we’re going to laugh at … Read more

Support the Cruz Family Memorial Fund

Our blogging community has seen more than our share of tragedies in the past few years, but none have hit me as hard as hearing that my friend Tiffany’s husband, Sean, passed away unexpectedly this past weekend after complications from a liver biopsy. He underwent two emergency surgeries and I was clinging to my phone … Read more

Donating to Beautiful Lengths

Mornings are not my favorite. They start with my “alarm” going off, which is still currently sleeping in the crib beside my bed, and they usually end with us all running across the field because, as usual, we are running late for school. With three kids to get moving, get dressed, and get fed and … Read more

Game day party recipe: RITZ® Crackers sliders with Coca-Cola pulled pork and coleslaw

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BowlTimeSnacks #CollectiveBias Game Day Fuel 3Around here, football isn’t just a sport. From late summer until the last game is played, Seattle becomes a different place as we all unite for our team. Anyone wearing team colors is greeted with a cheer and usually a discussion on how the season is going. This is especially true for game day when we all come together to celebrate, so it’s best to plan for a crowd if you are home watching the game.

This past weekend was my turn hosting and I knew I wanted to do something a little different. I was looking for something you could eat throughout the day instead of a formal meal, and ideally it would be as hands-off as possible so I could get a chance to watch the game, too.

I headed to the store to see what inspiration struck and within minutes I hit on the perfect game time menu: RITZ® Crackers sliders with Coca-Cola pulled pork and homemade coleslaw. It looks delicious, right? Ritz pulled pork sliders

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Enjoy the moment while capturing memories with the LUMIX G7

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I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Influence Central for Panasonic. I received product samples as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Every year after CES the emails and messages start rolling in asking me the same question. That question: what kind of camera should I buy? Most years, I will go back and forth with the person asking whether they want a large DSLR or a compact purse camera and then ticking off features and benefits of both. Typically, it is 10-15 messages or so before I give my recommendation based on their answers.

But, this year, it’s really easy on me because the camera I recommend whether you are looking for a small, compact camera or you want a DSLR is the same camera, the Panasonic LUMIX G7. It’s just that versatile. Lumix fall picture

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Staying healthy and eating well on-the-go with protein at Walmart

Acorn DisclosureWe all want to be healthy and have energy for the things we love, but sometimes that can seem really difficult with our busy lifestyles where we are always on the go. I eat really healthy when I’m at home, but all it takes is ending up on the go all day and I struggle with what to eat. Do you cave and go through a drive thru or do you just go without until you can sit down and eat healthier?

I’m learning that a little planning ahead can eliminate this struggle by giving you great tasting food that fits within your health goals. One quick stop at Walmart and you can walk out with the tools you need: Purely Inspired® protein powder and Mission1™ bars that provide you with organic, clean, protein. Protein snacksEating clean and organic has never been easier, and now I won’t have to cave and eat junk on the road for convenience sake. Keeping these bars or protein powder on hand allows me to stay on track and eat well while we’re staying active. So now for those times when the doctor’s appointment runs through lunch or horrendous traffic means I will be late for dinner, I can have a delicious protein bar or shake. Eating well on the go

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Experience the drive with the Kia Optima

Sponsored postBy Tyler, editor and reviewer

Any sedan fans out there? I love a good sedan for cruising around town, parking in the city, and for their amazing gas mileage that can’t be beat. And, one of my favorite sedans has to be the new 2016 Kia Optima. I absolutely loved the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid we reviewed years ago, and my love only grew with the newest Optima.

This time, we didn’t go for a Hybrid, but we traded that for some crazy good cornering and a whole lotta power in the new Optima SX Turbo. Surprisingly, even with 245 horsepower on tap it wasn’t a huge bill at the pump and it was a car I could see myself and my family in.

Every time I get in a newer Kia I’m blown away by how impressive their interior quality is and how much technology they pack in as well. In the Optima I felt like I was in a car that should cost much more than it does, and that is definitely something to look for in a new car. Kia Optima front endHere’s what we loved about our week in a race car:

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12+ things to do in Blaine, Washington

Things to do in Blaine, WA

We share the best tips, tricks, and insider info for all the many activities in Blaine, Washington. There’s something for everyone all year long, from water fun to hitting the trails or shopping in town.