I go to Albertsons more often than I’d like to admit. Because it is walking distance from my daughter’s preschool and has a Starbucks conveniently located inside, there are many days that my son and I walk there just for something to do. And, I figure there are certainly worse ways to kill two hours … Read more
Do you ever find yourself feeling lost in your local toy store? Maybe it’s the fact that there are too many options or maybe it’s because half of the toys are plastic junk, but I feel like I’m in the same position every time I’m shopping for birthday presents for my kids’ friends. I certainly … Read more
If you’re in the Seattle area, chances are you probably have heard chatter about a new Nordstrom Rack opening at Westlake in downtown Seattle. No, not the old Rack, the one that has sat a few blocks west of the main shopping downtown for over two decades, remodeled – this is an entirely new store. … Read more
Recently, I‘ve been spending quite a bit of time in Lynnwood, WA. Specifically, I’ve been spending crazy amounts of time at Babies R Us. In all of my trips to help my sister register for baby, shop for the nursery, and finally, finish her baby to-do list, I’ve been watching the progress of the new … Read more
Open ended and imaginative play is paramount in our house. When shopping for toys we search out toys that inspire creativity and learning, and that search always leads us to Magic Cabin. I’ve talked before about my love affair with Magic Cabin’s wide assortment of toys that grow with your kids, and once again I’m … Read more
I kind of feel like a celebrity when I’m visiting my local toy stores. Not only do most of the clerks know my name, they also know my kids’ names, their birthdays, and what our favorite brands are. They will let me know when they get something in they know I will love, and they … Read more
Remember the magic of your local toy store growing up – where kids were encouraged to play and picking out the perfect toy was as special as the toy itself? The folks at American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) do and they are inviting you to relive the magic on November 12, 2011 as toy … Read more
Holiday Gift Guide – Day 2 In my busy days taking care of kids there’s really no excuse to not wear comfortable shoes. I already know I’m going to be chasing toddlers, carting bags and strollers, and walking a good deal, so there’s really not much room in the schedule for uncomfortable footwear. This is … Read more
Calico Critters Margaret and Halley's Shop Play Set Review My daughter simply adores Calico Critters. She first came upon them at a friend’s house and ever since then they have been a major topic of conversation, especially once she picked up the Calico Critters catalog. For instance: “I’m going to ask Santa for this super … Read more
‘Tis {almost} the season of giving! Are you like me and have a half a dozen people on your list and no idea what to buy for them? Do yourself a favor and check out Glow Gift, a new site that allows you to create your own specially crafted present with their unique collection of … Read more