News & Reviews Archives - Page 14 of 32

Playing and learning with American Girl: Melody’s microphone and piano playsets

After spending so much time this year learning about the new BeForever character, Melody Ellison, I wanted to get the kids something special this year to celebrate. With so many awesome choices in the Melody collection, I debated for a bit whether I wanted to go with one of her playsets or an outfit or two.In the end, I decided that adding to our Melody collection with a toy they could play with was the way to go. I chose Melody’s Microphone Set paired with Melody’s Electric Piano because the kids were specifically drawn to them at the Seattle American Girl store after they realized that they actually really work.

The perfect personalized presents from Bunnies by the Bay

The first time I heard about Bunnies by the Bay was when I was pregnant with my first child. The grandparents brought her over some maryjanes made by Bunnies by the Bay that happened to be named the same first and middle name we had chosen. They had found them in their travels to Anacortes, WA and knew we just had to have them.

Since then, they have surprised all of my kids with gifts from Bunnies by the Bay for birthdays, holidays, and just because. So, when we decided bunnies were going to be our third child’s theme, it was just a given that Bunnies by the Bay would be how we filled her toy box and her special shelf in her room. Her Bunnies by the Bay obsession has only grown as she has gotten older, and now almost all of her cherished friends are from their extensive line of adorable plush toys. They really do carry some of the absolute cutest stuffed toys, lovies, blankets, accessories, clothing, and baby gifts for newborn on up. Every time she gets a box that looks like this, it's cause for celebration.

The Rockboard RBX scooter is a rocking good time

During the spring, summer, and fall, we’re on our bikes and scooters just about every day. Whether it’s a park date, just a way to get some energy out, or we’re on our way to friends or out to eat, bike and scooter is just the way we roll.

Since we’re on scooters so often, we’re always excited about trying new models. And, with so many options these days to choose from, this is a fun time to be a kid – or a kid-at-heart. Our latest obsession is the Rockboard RBX scooter that is unlike anything else we’ve ever tried. Instead of a traditional flat, kick scooter, the Rockboard has a rocking base. We’re not talking a slight rocking motion, this scooter base moves by inches, which is why it’s rated for ages 8 and up.

Take relaxing outside to a whole new level with the Tentsile T-Mini double hammock

I will never forget when I saw camping hammocks for the very first time and realized that it might be possible to go camping without all the things I hate about camping. No cold and bumpy ground, no worrying about strange bugs and pests crawling in, and no tossing and turning all night trying to get comfortable.

Tentsile makes lust-worthy hammock tents that combine the comfort and versatility of a hammock with the multi-person-occupancy of a tent, but they also make non-tent hammocks as well. Their idea is to create living space while suspended between the trees using three anchor points, and their hammock is just another way to enjoy the elevation while relaxing in comfort. We got to check out the Tentsile T-Mini Double Hammock this month, and it was perfect for hanging out outside even though the ground was damp from all the rain we get this time of year.

Disney’s Moana is now playing in theaters everywhere

My daughter has been trying to get me to take her to see Disney's Moana ever since she saw the Moana toys hit stores this summer. She was 100% positive that the movie had to be out if the toys were, and she tried her best to persuade me to take her. So, when the Seattle pre-release rolled around, I knew I had to make it work even with our busy holiday schedules.

In my mind I thought I was doing her a favor, but it was only minutes into the film when I realized that I was really glad I didn’t miss it. It had all the heart I’ve come to know with Disney films, all the laughter, and all the beautiful animation.

In short: you should definitely see it.

The movie is set in the Pacific Islands and the animation of the lush islands surrounded by turquoise water and coral reefs were simply gorgeous. Seeing the beautiful island scenery immediately took me back to the Cook Islands where my husband and I spent our honeymoon, and it was my first real introduction to the Polynesian culture and its mythology.

RAYCOP Purifiers give you peace of mind this holiday season

Do you ever wonder what’s really on your upholstered furniture and your mattresses? Do yourself a favor and don’t look into it. Just trust the EPA findings that a single mattress may be home to as many as 10 million dust mites and a multitude of bacteria and viruses.

Clearly, that is not the clean surface you want to be laying your head on. So, what’s a girl to do if she wants to sleep in peace, knowing she’s not sharing her bed with parasites and germs? She should get a new RAYCOP unit that cleans and sanitizes those surfaces and sleep soundly. Is your interest piqued? The new RAYCOP purifiers, available for the first time in the U.S, extract more than 99% of bacteria and pollen from fabric surfaces throughout the home including bed linens, upholstery, drapes, decorative pillows, and even clothing, etc. It has three settings: delicate, normal, and heavy, which can accommodate just about any type of fabric.

Little House on the Prairie Laura Ingalls doll and accessories from The Queen’s Treasures

If you know my children, you understand their love of dolls. But love doesn’t even come close to describing how they feel about the new Little House on the Prairie® line from The Queen’s Treasures. I can’t even get over how adorable this set is, and how much I would have adored it as a … Read more

Two new apps let you enjoy the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade whenever you want

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Macy’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.Thanksgiving was always a busy holiday for us growing up with so much family to see and so far to drive, so I never got to experience a lazy Thanksgiving morning as a child. It wasn’t until I was a teen that my husband {then my boyfriend} insisted that I sit and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with him. I was expecting something like the local parades with a few marching bands, some done up parade floats, and lots of parade waving from people I had no idea who they were.

But, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade just blew me away. With tons of giant character balloons, elaborate floats, the nation’s best marching bands and performance groups, celebrities and favorite television personalities, and, of course, the official entrance of the one-and-only Santa Claus.

From that year on, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade became our annual tradition and we would watch it every year – sometimes live and other times after we got home from running around to see our families.

I’m happy that now the tradition continues with my kids. They look forward to the parade as soon as anyone even casually mentions Thanksgiving and they ask about it daily until Turkey Day finally arrives. The day of, our family tradition always starts with snuggles in our bed as we watch the first part of the parade, and by the middle we’re dancing like the Rockettes in the middle of the living room.

Global Girl dolls introduce girls to the wider world around them

I like to think that I’m raising global kids; ones who are excited to learn about different cultures and visit as many places as they can in their lifetimes. Sometimes instilling that love of different cultures is as easy as my daughter seeing a movie or reading a book and deciding she wants to visit France or Japan or Brazil all on her own, but other times it means introducing her to a new culture in a fun and exciting way that really resonates with her. The best way to do that is through play. This is why I love the new Global Girl Dolls that celebrate the differences of girls all over the world while sharing the stories of 6 fictional characters.

Schedule your holiday family photo sitting now at Portrait Innovations

It’s that time of year again! Photo Christmas cards are coming, and they aren’t going to plan themselves. I know you still think you have time, but it’s really time to think about it now.

Otherwise you know you’re going to wait until the last minute and search through the pictures you’ve snapped all year only to find that every single picture that includes the whole family has someone either 1) looking away, 2) crying, 3) making goofy faces, or 3) all of the above. So, then you’ll find the nearest photo studio and book a last minute appointment that ends in disaster.

Or, you can go the easy route and just schedule yourself a family portrait sitting at Portrait Innovations now, while you still have time.