Each year we put our tree up on the day after Thanksgiving, in the evening, together as a family. I countdown those days in November. I love decorating the Christmas tree and listening to Christmas music together as a family. I decided to decorate our mantel this year but wanted to stick with a "merry and bright" theme. Best place to find great priced Christmas decor? Oriental Trading, hands down! I love how Oriental Trading has a blog -- there are so many great ideas there. Honestly, I was … [Read more...]
GeoSmart’s Magnetic Construction Kit: Lunar Rover
Kids as young as 5 years old will be enjoying a STEM lesson without even realizing it. Little engineers will be drawn to the brightly colored pieces that transform triangles and squares into a moving Lunar Rover ($49.99). Magnetism is a force that pulls or pushes. Youngsters are naturally attracted (pardon the pun) to magnetic construction sets for the simple pleasure of problem solving. Does this end fasten to this piece? The benefits of this delightful play are unlimited: creative … [Read more...]
Nintendo Tour: Our Fun Family Day at Nintendo of America!
When you get an invite from Nintendo to come to Redmond, WA for a family day, you just don't say no. I mean, we live an hour from Redmond, the city the Nintendo of America can be found, and getting a tour is not something that happens often. Really, it's almost unheard of. Plus, I have a long love affair with Nintendo. I still remember getting that first console back in 5th grade for Christmas... I was nervous about how Nathanael would do all day at Nintendo. But do you know what? Not only … [Read more...]
Easily Save on the Perfect Photo Gift with Groupon Coupons!
This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine. Did you know that Groupon offers coupons? We are already big Groupon fans, but now that I know that they have coupons, I'll be checking Groupon Coupons often when I am shopping online. {How have I missed these coupons, all this time?!} As a mom to two kids, it's just easier to shop online. So to save when shopping online? That's a big win for me. When it's a name like Groupon, I know that I can trust it. This holiday season, I am very … [Read more...]
Tween Holiday Gift Idea: American Girl WellieWishers Doll
Isabella loves American Girl. She now two dolls - Melody and Kaya, and she adoringly looks at the American Girl magazine, wishing for more. A recent issue of the magazine featured the WellieWishers line of dolls. In fact, Amazon now has a WellieWishers animated show that my daughter loves. If you're a Prime Member you can stream season 1 for free! These five cute dolls are 14.5 inches and just as cute as the larger 18 inch dolls. What Isabella doesn't know, is this holiday season, she is … [Read more...]
Buy Wooden Toys from MiO, You’ll LOVE Them!
There's just something awesome about wooden toys. We honestly love them in our family. These wood toy sets from MiO area thing of beauty, friends. They really are. Well-made, bright colors, and the ability to just play -- no plugs, batteries, or complicated instructions required. [Tweet "MiO wood toys: no plugs, batteries, or complicated instructions required!"] MiO Car The MiO Car + 2 People set features a brightly colored wood car that fits two MiO people or animal characters. … [Read more...]
Tween Holiday Gift Guide: Shopping for Your Tween Made Easy!
I have a Tween daughter who loves all things Christmas. This Fall, she asked us the dreaded question, "Is Santa Claus real?" We didn't want this day to come. But we felt that at almost nine, a tween now, she had the right to learn the truth from us and not kids at school. But, we taught her about the magic of Christmas. And we also told her she was going to be able to help us with her brother's Elf on the Shelf and wrapping his gifts from Santa Claus. She felt better and we know she won't … [Read more...]
