What to expect during the August 21 2017 total solar eclipse

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My first time really hearing about a solar eclipse was while reading A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court with my third grade class. The solar eclipse is a fairly big plot point in the story, so we spent a day or so going over what happens during a solar eclipse.

My teacher had experienced the last time the Pacific Northwest had a total solar eclipse, back on Feb. 26, 1979. No one in the class other than him was alive during the eclipse and I remember we all had a ton of questions for him. Hearing him talk about seeing the sky darken like that seemed like a life changing experience. Ever since then, I've wanted to see one for myself, and I'm super excited that the August 21 solar eclipse will be partially visible in Seattle. The first in my lifetime, and it just might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Want to know what to expect during the total solar eclipse that will cross the United States on August 21? Here's a quick primer:

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Fit frozen desserts from Arctic Zero

Wouldn’t you love to have dessert any time you like without sabotaging your healthy diet? It’s actually possible with Arctic Zero frozen desserts. Now you can enjoy all the flavor and sweetness you love without all the fat and calories – yes, really. Handcrafted from premium ingredients, including organic cane sugar, low-calorie monk fruit concentrate … Read more

Changes to the new 2017 Britax B-Ready Stroller

2017-b-ready-black-fr-300rgbSponsored postBy now, you know how much we adore the Britax B-Ready stroller. But, maybe you have a question about the older B-Ready as compared to the new 2017 B-Ready we shared last month? If so, this post is for you. As B-Ready owners for nearly 7 years, I can't even tell you how many people I have spoken with about the stroller and our immense love for it, but it is definitely in the hundreds. Britax 2017 B-Ready at ZooI can also tell you that I have been personally responsible for dozens of people buying their own B-Ready throughout the years. You just can't beat all the different configurations or the fact that it grows with your family. Start with the infant car seat{s} and then graduate to the in-line double seater as you need it. Since we walk everywhere with our three kiddos, we have put hundreds and hundreds {and hundreds} of miles on our beloved B-Ready stroller throughout the years, over three countries and countless cities and towns.

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Fresh from the PNW: Wild Roots

Wild RootsIt's no secret that I love farmer's markets. I love finding local brands that I love and can support, and I love meeting the people whose products I swear by. Such was the case when I visited a Oregon farmer's market while visiting family and I happened upon a Wild Roots booth. Vodka samples? Count me in, right?

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Interview with Sydney Paulsen from @5HensandaCockatiel at American Girl {plus our Z Yang photo shoot}

Z Yang riding bikeSponsored postLast month, American Girl released their newest contemporary doll, a Korean American doll named Z Yang. "Z" {short for Suzie} hails from Seattle, which of course makes us very, very happy. To celebrate her release, we took Z around our city and took pictures of her in some of our favorite places, including the Fremont Sunday Market {our favorite farmer's and craft market}, a Seattle food truck event, the Woodland Park Zoo and even on a Seattle bike ride. Z Yang at Farmer's Market

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Z Yang events this Saturday at American Girl stores in NYC, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, and DC

American Girl Z in the air Sponsored postHave you heard the news? American Girl just released their newest contemporary doll, Z Yang last week. “Z” {short for Suzie} is Korean American and hails from Seattle {every girl in the PNW, including my two littles, is squealing right now}. American Girl Z with cameraNot only do I adore that she’s from Seattle, I love that Z is a stop-motion vlogger, which is my oldest’s dream job. Fans have come to know and love Z as the star of the American Girl’s immensely popular web series, Z’s Crew. In the web series, Z loves staying connected with friends and sharing a good story through her stop motion videos.

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Cleaning made easy with the Shark Rocket Complete with DuoClean Technology

Shark Rocket CompleteSponsored postThere’s a rule I hear thrown around a lot about shopping for women, and every time I hear it, it makes me cringe. Marketing companies for years have been spreading the rumor that women don’t like practical gifts. And, while this might be true at some points in a woman’s life, like when she’s going through tough times or has had a life changing event happen, it absolutely is not a written-in-stone “rule”.Shark Rocket I, for one, love a good practical gift. Really, the more practical, the better. My favorite gifts in recent years have been 1) camera equipment that I needed for work, 2) a bread box, and 3) a new pair of boots. Honestly, the absolute best present ever is one that I really, really need – and maybe one a little nicer than I would be fine with. So, if there’s a deluxe version of a super practical, needed item, go with that.

That’s exactly what the new Shark® Rocket® Complete with DuoClean™ Technology is. 

 

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Cirque Du Soleil returns to Seattle with LUZIA: A Waking Dream of Mexico

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6a0105362badb1970b01b8d26a17bd970c-800wiLast night was my introduction to Cirque Du Soleil. After years of watching the Big Top rise and fall in Redmond, I finally made it to a show. And, it was simply amazing.

If you’re in Seattle, you may have heard all the commercials for LUZIA: A WAKING DREAM OF MEXICO, but if you haven’t, here is what you need to know:

LUZIA opened last night and runs through May 21, 2017. Just like other Cirque Du Soleil shows, LUZIA is an acrobatic show that combines music, dancing, amazing costumes, and some of the most mind blowing stunts and acts you’ve ever seen. DSC_8656This newest production takes you on a tour through Mexico, showing you glimpses into the country’s vibrant culture, and stage design inspired by the beauty and diversity of its landscapes. LUZIA is a combination of “luz” {light in Spanish} and “lluvia” {rain}, two core elements of the show that carry you from opening act to final bows.

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Cute and comfortable customized footwear from ABEO

ABEO shoes side 6a0105362badb1970b01b8d26a17bd970c-800wiYou guys, I have seen the future of footwear. And, that future is amazing.

Imagine a world where you take a few minutes to stand on a sensor and a computer magically tells you not only your size, but also your specific fit needs. This world exists, and it’s just as amazing as it sounds. The high-tech computer system gives information about your arch height, walking style, and the balance of your step, which the ABEO program then uses to customize your footwear experience in a whole new way.

Yes, I said customize. ABEO shoes on side

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