Sick Just Got Real: How do you handle summer germs?

This post has been sponsored by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have kids, which means it’s a constant struggle to balance the sometimes not-so-clean activities of young kids without becoming the anti-bacterial gel wielding mom. This year has been especially bad and while I’m tempted to sanitize every surface they … Read more

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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The 12 best ways to enjoy food on a stick

Does anything say "summer" more than eating food on sticks? Think about it: the family camp out, the backyard BBQ, the playdate cool-down, they all have one thing in common… food enjoyed right off the skewer or stick! Thank you to Kraft this sponsored post to share these awesome food on a stick recipes I can't wait to try.

FACT: Food tastes better on a stick. No, we can’t explain it. But like love or um, magnets, sometimes the best things can’t be explained with logic. On that note, allow me to introduce the 12 best “stick with it!” foods to eat this summer.

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Summer baking trend: frosting-free cakes for all your summer events

 

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Super easy chicken fajitas with Foster Farms Simply Raised

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Super Easy Chicken FajitasI don’t know about you, but there’s a direct correlation between the amount of summer sun and the amount of time I don’t want to spend cooking. Basically, my goal each weeknight is to get everyone fed and happy so we can get outside and play as soon as possible to enjoy time as a family after work. So, when Foster Farms contacted me about trying out some of their Simply Raised antibiotic free chicken to create an easy weeknight recipe post, I jumped at the chance.

Why Foster Farms chicken?

Because there are no antibiotics administered, they are produced with no added sodium, given 100% vegetarian feed, American Humane Certified, and 100%  natural {minimally processed, no additives or preservatives, steroids or hormones} and they are locally grown throughout CA, OR, and WA. Oh, and the kids love the commercials with the talking chickens.

My summertime meal criteria includes the following: 1) no oven use because it turns the downstairs into a sauna 2) as few pots and pans as I can manage 3) cook extra whenever possible to enjoy leftovers for multiple nights 4) quick and easy meals are preferred and 5) healthy is a must

One of my favorite easy weeknight meals that satisfies all of these criteria is chicken fajitas because they are full of veggies and goodness, can be cooked in one pan, and they are super quick to make and enjoy for multiple nights.

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Tadpool life vest from Exxel Outdoors keeps kids safe while learning to swim

Sponsored post basic disclosureMy daughter is a water baby. Ever since she was really little, I had to be very careful with her around the water because if I looked away for a half a second, she would be up to her neck in water – and that’s when we’re talking the cold Puget Sound water. Tadpool after swimmingFor this reason, we always make sure she’s always with us and in a lifejacket whenever she’s around the water, you just can’t be too careful. But, now that she’s learning to swim, we needed to find a solution that let her move freely while still keeping her safe.

The solution is Tadpool, a new PTPA Seal of Approval winner, that allows kids to learn how to swim in a way that feels natural while still keeping their heads above water. I was so thrilled when the package carrying our princess Tadpool PFD arrived at our door just in time for our family vacation full of water play.

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Birthdays, holidays and more: growing up a Gymboree kid



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Grow with me Gymboree

You know how sometimes you just look at your kids and they seem so grownup all of a sudden?  Never is that more true that during the summer months when I dig out all their warmer weather clothing from the previous year only to find that everything is a few inches too short and we’re due for yet another clothing run.

With so many birthday parties for friends and family this time of year, I find I’m constantly searching for something nice for the kids to wear that still looks festive and fun.  And, with events ranging from pool parties to pony ride parties, my daughter thinks there’s always a good reason to get dolled up.

In my search for kid-approved clothing that can go from event to event, I always turn to Gymboree as their clothing tends to be the kids’ favorite in terms of fit, style, and flair.  This year was no exception, and I found so many awesome styles that are the first clothing pieces that the kids grab each day.

Items like the Glitter Star Cowgirl boots, which my daughter would wear every single day if she could {and she pretty much does, even in record high temperatures or when we’re going to the beach}. 


Mother Daughter pics

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Magic Cabin Fairy Doll from Kathe Kruse

A few years ago, my daughter fell in love with fairies thanks to the Magic Cabin Tree Trunk Fairy Home.  Since then, we have done a fairy garden for her in our backyard with Plow & Hearth accessories, created a fairy cove in her bedroom, and decorated her wall mural with display shelves for her … Read more

CountryOutfitter Vintage Corral Boots in the City

When I first found CountryOutfitter through my friend Farrah over at The Three Under, the first thing I did was look for cowboy boots for the kiddos.  Even though they both already have cowboy boots, I was mostly looking for the next size up and loving all the various styles for kids that you just … Read more

JumpSport Elite Trampoline {Review}

Trampoline picture - mama  Lily  Jonathan and Ali
Fun fact: just like blowing bubbles or skipping through a park, I firmly believe it is impossible to jump and bounce on a trampoline without smiling. While I don’t have any scientific proof this is true, I remain 100% convinced this is a fact and could show you hundreds of pictures of us bouncing on our JumpSport Trampoline over the last few weeks as “evidence”. Just the thought of someone frowning and grumpy on a trampoline makes me laugh.

As for me, I think I have a genetic disposition that causes me to giggle uncontrollably as soon as I set foot on our JumpSport trampoline. I say this is genetic, because every single person with a blood relation to me has the same trait, including my siblings, cousins, and my two adorable kiddos. Maybe this is why they beg to bounce daily and why we’ve spent most of our summer thus far on our trampoline. 

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