Idahoan® Mashed Potatoes are real potatoes, real easy

Idahoan Mashed Potatoes Plate

We love Idahoan Buttery Homestyle Mashed Potatoes and they go well with just about any meal. Full of buttery flavor and just the right texture, just like you would find at a restaurant, only better, because I can make it at home even on the busiest night. It’s comfort food made easy, and it’s the perfect thing to pair with a nice big salad or fresh baked bread for a complete meal that is on the table in minutes.

Seattle Snowmageddon Captain’s Log

Kicksledding girls

Yes, it’s true. We’re buried in snow here in Seattle. Remember when I said we were getting a spring preview just a few weeks ago? Well, mother nature had a good laugh and then dumped all winter on us in the span of a little over a week. Never in my lifetime have I seen … Read more

Matching Girls Monday: Gymboree sale shopping

Three kids in Gymboree 2

Oh, Gymboree… you did it again. I went in to buy next year’s matching PJs on clearance {please tell me everyone else does that, too}, and instead walked out with a huge bag full of clothing that I just couldn’t resist during their annual sale. One look at these adorable metallic deer skirts {Black Deer Jaquard … Read more

Faber-Castell art sets for the holidays

Faber Castell gelatos

Have kids, tweens or teens you’re buying for this holiday season? Stop stressing and get the art supplies. Craft supplies are always safe, and they are always appreciated whether your recipient is an amateur or well-versed in the arts.

Gift guide for fans of the Six Minutes podcast

Six Minutes Podcast gift guide

I’ve heard it said that an expert level of any skill requires 5,000 hours of purposeful engagement in a particular area. If this is true, that means that my husband is an *expert* podcast listener. He recently got the kids hooked, and their favorite is the Six Minutes podcast from Gen-Z Media. We’ve created a curated gift guide based on our love of the show just for fans.

Matching Girls Monday: Beaches girls in Turks and Caicos

Beaches Mama and Daughters

This last week, we were living it up in Turks & Caicos. It was three years since our last visit, and it was so good to be back. My little one was just a few months old for our last trip, which seems crazy now. My matching girls were living their best life in their … Read more

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