Leanne, Author at Rave & Review

SchoolKidz by Staples makes back to school easy

Oh back to school, how I dread you! More than just having to give up my sweet kiddos for hours every day, I also dread the whole back to school process of each new school year. This next year is going to be even harder for me as I will officially be without my firstborn all.day.long. The thought is enough to bring me to tears, so I have no idea how on earth I’m going to cope once Kindergarten is a distant memory and serious school starts. But, while I can’t do anything to ease my growing separation anxiety, I know where I’m going to turn to make our transition as easy as possible: SchoolKidz by Staples. Designed to make back to school easier than ever for busy parents, SchoolKidz handles all the supplies and school lists, including all the tissues I’m going to be needing come September.

It may seem really early to be talking back to school because the kids are still in school for a few more months, but some things are worth planning ahead for. By setting your account up now and encouraging your child’s school to get involved, you can make back to school not only easier for yourself, but also for the entire school by making shopping for school and classroom supplies as easy as a few clicks.

ROCK a mini Jambox from AT&T this Spring

Unlike most households that keep the TV on during family time, our family bonds over music. And, our dance parties have been pretty epic these past few months thanks to this little bad boy.

AT&T sent us the MINI JAMBOX from Jawbone for Valentine's Day and since then it has gotten a ton of use all throughout our house, and even on the road with us. At a mere 6.61in x 1.65in x 5.43in and just over 9oz, the aluminum body Mini Jambox is small enough to fit in your pocket, purse or briefcase, but powerful enough that it can create full and beautiful sound wherever you go.

With spring break vacations happening for many of you this week, I bet you'd love to have one of these little speakers to make anywhere a dance party, right?

What we’re playing with: PlanToys drum set

Mark my words: someday this kid is going to be in a rock band. And, I hope he's still rocking a "My Heart Beats for Mom" tee when he does.

We’ve gone Tinker Bell crazy thanks to Disney’s The Pirate Fairy

I love Peter Pan. So much so that I have a spot in my house that pays homage to the classic Disney film. This is the children’s play space, affectionately dubbed the “Scrog Pit” and it has a mural of a ship on the water with Never Land off in the distance.

Like I said, big Peter Pan fans around here. Maybe it’s because I never really grew up myself, but I never really grew out of Tinker Bell. I was hoping my daughter would have the same love of Tink and her fairy friends, and I can definitely say I’ve gotten my wish.

The Secret Garden emerges in Seattle

Here in Seattle, spring has officially sprung. Sunshiny days spent at parks and beaches, late sunsets, and sprouts popping up flower beds everywhere tell me that warmer weather is quickly approaching. And I, for one, am thrilled.

However, my wardrobe still thinks it is winter. When I open my closet I’m greeted by greys, blacks, dark patterns, and sweaters… so many sweaters. Obviously, a spring wardrobe update is in order.

When I heard that Macy’s in downtown Seattle was being transformed into The Secret Garden as part of the Macy’s Flower Show, I knew I needed to stop in.

Seattle getaway: Tacoma, WA with kids

Any guesses where these Volkswagen-loving kids were?

I'll give you another hint:

Our new Easter tradition: HoneyBaked Ham

I love Easter. I love all the spring colors, I love pulling out my mismatched “fancy” dishes, and I love having family and friends over to celebrate with tea and snacks and then a full dinner.

But, there’s one Easter tradition I just can’t get behind. You see, I just do not like ham. I do not like it, Sam I am. I do not like it here or there, I do not like it anywhere.

Knowing this, you wouldn’t think I would be excited to write about a company like HoneyBaked Ham, but you’d be wrong. I will admit that when I was presented with a menu, the first thing I searched for was ham alternatives. Once I saw they had turkey {both smoked and roasted}, as well as a ton of sides, entrees, and desserts, I was in.

Find the perfect Mother’s Day present at ReCollected Pieces

What does every mom want for Mother’s Day? The answer is something personal and from the heart.

This is easy if you happen to have crafty kids or love macaroni necklaces, but what about for the rest of us? We can turn to Re:Collected Pieces, a Portland-based company that makes custom jewelry and more that any mother would love.

We’re not talking silver jewelry with personalized messages like anyone with a hand stamping set can make – what Tabitha at Re:Collected Pieces does is even more personal than that. Photo pendants, repurposed items, and artwork all become statement pieces to be adored and each custom work can be personalized in many levels. After checking out the ReCollected Pieces Etsy shop, I was smitten and knew I just had to have a custom piece. Starting the process was easy, I merely sent over pictures {one of my littles and one of hubby and I} to Tabitha with the instructions that she should have fun with them and show all that she can do.

You might wonder why I didn’t give specifics on what shapes I would like, sizes I would prefer, and baubles to add, but after looking at the Re:Collected Etsy shop, I knew it wasn’t necessary. There wasn’t a pendant or design I wouldn’t love to wear in the collection, and I trusted that Tabitha would make me something awesome.

And, I was blown away by what she sent back. Just look at how amazing these pendants look.

Rant: who’s hoarding all the Frozen stuff?

It’s been brought to my attention that I don’t do nearly enough rants here these days, so I’m going to fix that with a lengthy rant about Disney’s Frozen. No, not the movie itself, which we love, I’m talking Frozen STUFF.

You see, I have two Frozen fanatics in my house. These kids would love to own an official Anna and Elsa dress or two. In fact that’s all my 5 year old asked for this past Christmas, but all that was available locally was toddler-sized. We bought her the cheapie toddler dress from Target because Santa doesn’t let kids down like that, but it’s just too short for her and it’s apparently “very scratchy”.

It's this one, if you're wondering:

What we’re playing with: Radio Flyer Pro-Glider scooter… indoors

Yes, I let the kids have a scooter… indoors. You may think I'm crazy, but I really wanted them to get the feel for riding in a relatively safe place before I let them loose in the neighborhood.