Have 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}. 
Not 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.
Seattle
10 tips for planning a simply perfect bicycle picnic
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #AquafinaSparkling #CollectiveBias One of hubby’s and my very first dates was a picnic almost 20 years ago. Since that day, we have picnicked our way through 9 countries and countless cities, and we’ve made it a point to … Read more
Matching Girls Monday: Cherry Blossoms at University of Washington in Seattle
I'm sharing my favorite matching girls outfit of the week, taken at one of my favorite places. We visited the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington last week to take our annual pictures. It was pretty crowded {it always is}, but we were able to find a break in the crowds to snap some shots.
As a special bonus, my son and I are both joining in on the fun this week. My girls are wearing the Peek Feather Top with yellow sweaters from Hanna Andersson. My dress is from Target, my leggings/tights are from Yummie Tummie, and my boots are Born Shoes. My son is wearing an OshKosh flannel.
Why you should visit Great Wolf Lodge during the off-season
It’s officially been raining *forever* in the Pacific Northwest. Honestly, this is only a slight exaggeration. This year, we had the rainiest winter in decades, and it’s unfortunately leading right into one of the rainiest springs I can remember. I think at this point we’re all very over the grey and drizzle, and I, for one, cannot wait for summer weather to emerge. But sadly, we’re still waiting and the drizzle shows no signs of stopping.
So, while we were waiting, we escaped the rain for a bit for a little warm water fun. We didn’t need to fly south or utilize our passports, we just needed to drive a few towns over to visit the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA {in between Portland and Seattle}. These kids didn't know where we were headed until we pulled into the lot at Great Wolf Lodge, and there was a whole lot of screaming once they put together where we were staying.
Cirque Du Soleil returns to Seattle with LUZIA: A Waking Dream of Mexico
Last 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. 
This 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.
Gear up for an active year with the Brooks Cascadia 11 GTX trail-running shoes
Are you a runner? I really have never been a runner – unless you count running after kids, which I do a lot of. But, when my kids recently got interested in hiking and running, I knew I had to join them. I mean, it’s free, it gets us outside to enjoy nature, and it’s something we can all do together. 
Seattle Premium Outlets last-minute gift guide
Are you worried there isn't enough time left to pick up thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list? Never fear, Seattle Premium Outlets is here to help and no one will ever have to know that you shopped last minute!
I'm sharing with you our gift guide for every age on your list. Every item was found at Seattle Premium Outlets this past week and is perfect for gifting this holiday season. 
Flannel: Eddie Bauer, Boot Cuffs and Socks: Timberland, Bracelet and Bag: Coach Outlet
Flannel: (r) Eddie Bauer (l) Timberland, Socks: Timberland
Pajama Pants for Women: Hanna, Pajamas for Baby: Hanna
Star Wars Shirt and Bow: Hot Topic
Festive and fun last-minute shopping for everyone on your list at Seattle Premium Outlets
Can you believe Christmas is less than a week away? It seemed like I had things under control and then late last week I checked I still had a dozen of presents left to buy and the days were flying by. Instead of stressing out, I decided to take an afternoon off and head up to Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip, WA for a day of shopping, meeting up with friends, and ultimately, crossing off my list once and for all. 
Baby and I set off on an epic shopping trip that started with meeting up for coffee with a long-lost friend, and then ended with her falling asleep clutching an empty Coach shopping bag, a Tigger bracelet, a handful of stickers, and a notebook – all of which were given to her on our shopping trip for being such a delight. 
We stopped by guest services where we were greeted with beautiful holiday decorations on the fireplaces flanking the food court. This is where you can pick up mall gift cards as well as shop their huge selection of restaurant, store, and experience gift cards at the gift card kiosk.
What I wish I knew going into Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated, first-ever standalone Star Wars adventure, ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is in theaters today! So, I bet you’re wondering what the probability is that you will like Rogue One? It’s high. Very high.
In an effort to be surprised by the film and not have it ruined by spoilers or fan theories, I have stayed away from social media for the past few days after the LA premiere. Waiting until I got a chance to see it this week at a prescreening in Seattle was torture, but I’m happy to say that I went in knowing absolutely nothing about the film other than the character’s names {which I couldn’t shield myself from since they are fully saturating the toy department and have been for weeks}. 
That being said, I do wish there were a couple of things I did know going into watching Rogue One, and they are as follows:
What’s new at Northgate Mall for the holidays
Last month, I joined some of my favorite local bloggers to tour Northgate Mall to show off all the newest happenings just in time for the holidays. We started our party at Mama Stortini's, where we dined on delicious appetizers and enjoyed a glass of wine. From there, we took a mini tour around the mall to see some of my favorite stores and places as well as some of the newer additions to the mall that I hadn't had a chance to enjoy. 