“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever” – Walt Disney
I love this quote because I believe it in every way. Children are so incredible because they have a way of making things fun, no matter where they are or what they are doing! My goal as a mom is to find new, fun, and interesting toys for my kids to help their imaginations soar (and keep them away from the TV)!
I found a toy that can hold my toddlers attention and it gets their imagination going! It’s a Magnetic Dollhouse by Build and Imagine – and it is amazing! Gabriel and Sofia love it so much! We took it out of the box and they immediately started playing with it. The magnetic pieces are easy to put together in a number of configurations.
My kids are playing with the Creativity Castle which is one of 7 building sets (there is also a great carrying case with additional characters). I chose the castle for the kids because I knew my 4 year old son would love the knight and my 2 year old daughter would love the princess (though they play with all the characters). You can see the concentration on their little faces as they build their castle and decide where to put the magnetic dolls.
I should point out that this toy is listed as being for children ages 4 – 8 due to the small pieces. I was sitting with them to ensure Sofia was being safe with any of the small pieces/accessories (although she doesn’t put things in her mouth anymore).
One of the best features, in my opinion, is the fact that it doesn’t need to be a castle. No matter what set you get, the kids can build anything they want. At one point, Gabe decided he wanted to build a rocket ship for the princess and knight to fly to the moon. He let his imagination run wild and made a really great rocket ship! The possibilities are endless – they can literally create something new each time they play!
The way Gabe showed his little sister how to build with the larger pieces, and how to dress up the magnetic dolls, was absolutely precious! The only thing better than watching these two play together is how long they actually played with this set! I’m so sick of toys that hold their attention for 5 minutes and take up a ton of space! This building set comes apart (big win) and they can’t get enough of it!
They play hard all day, running from toy to toy making a big mess along the way. My rule about putting a toy away before taking another out doesn’t always work…anyone else in the same boat? 😉 This toy was the only thing Gabe wanted to play with for an entire afternoon. That is a long time for a 4 year old boy! When he was done, it was a snap to take it apart and put away. It’s not a huge castle taking up space in my living room! Yay for me! Haha!
Build & Imagine has found a way to mash up building blocks, a dollhouse and dress-up dolls. Each set includes adventurous characters and rich illustrated details that inspire all children to build and imagine.
Watching my kiddos combine shapes to form three dimensional structures is helpful in so many ways! It’s fun but it also helps them develop foundation skills for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Skills like spatial reasoning, problem solving, creativity, and design. They don’t look at it as a learning tool because it really is a toy!
Being a mom of a little girl, it was exciting to see Sofia making the princess into a hero! I want her to know that she can do incredible things, and that princesses can save the day! Truthfully, I want both of my kids to know that they can do great things, help others, and save the day.
Watching them play and use their imaginations, while also creating scenarios where they help people, makes me really happy. The princess can save the knight. The knight can cook in the kitchen. The kids can get creative and see how each character has many roles, not just the traditional ones that are in so many storybooks.
Build & Imagine is women-owned and mom-invented. Laurie Peterson is the mastermind behind this toy and she knocked it out of the park! She came up with a building toy that is fun for girls and boys, inspires imagination, helps kids to gain new skills, and is fun! Did I mention the over 25 awards these playsets have already gotten?
This is the perfect gift for the holidays, a birthday, or just because. As mentioned above, I’m always on the hunt for toys that are good for my kids minds, are fun, and can keep their attention. This is it and I can’t wait to get another set so we can build larger and even more interesting structures and worlds!
You can buy Build & Imagine right now on Amazon!
And don’t forget to check them out on Instagram and Facebook! As a mom – I can honestly say I this toy is worth it! I hope your little ones enjoy building, learning and using their imaginations as much as my kids! Happy Holidays! xo
It is crazy cold out right now! As a Minnesota gal in Northern California, I’m not as tough as I used to be! haha! To deal with the cold I’m snuggled up in sweaters and boots these days. Scroll down to shop this look. You’ll see some cozy cream sweaters below that will match everything and get lots of use this season.
Sweaters
Sweaters
My FAVE part of this outfit is my lace top extender. It gives some length to my sweater and works under pretty much any top. I’ve linked to some of my favorites below (which I DO own and use regularly). They change the look of tops and sweaters, extending them to give you that comfortable look while also giving a little extra comfort that your tush is covered. 😉
Top Extenders
Top Extenders
Most of the scarves linked below have something in common…they are infinity scarves. I love all scarves, but infinity scarves are the easiest in my opinion. You throw it on, loop it, and you look polished! They are my go to in the Fall and Winter.
Scarves
Scarves
I’ve linked to my exact burgundy bag below. It is an amazing designer dupe Chloe bag that is not only Vegan leather (big win and super humane), but the quality is wonderful! It’s also only $40 right now – and comes with a strap! My exact boots are also linked below. They have the perfect chunky heel that is the right height for walking all day long or chasing kiddos! 😉 They are under $55 right now and so worth it!
Bags & Boots
Bags & Boots
Below you’ll find a couple of sparkly beanies that are fun, warm and inexpensive. I like a deal and sparkles are always a win! The jeans linked below are the same brand as the ones I have on in the photo above. They are comfy and fit pretty TTS. I think this brand tends to stretch a little bit as you wear them, so you can get away with your normal size or size down. Super comfy and great jeans to wear with boots.
Beanies & Jeans
Beanies & Jeans
It’s time to get your Burgundy on! Stay warm and Happy Holidays!
Quality time with those you love is so important! Life gets busy – we need to slow down and take the time to do the simple things like snuggle, do puzzles, or BAKE! This banana bread is simple and fun to make. My 4 year old is an excellent baking helper. Scroll down for this holiday banana bread recipe – and click HERE to shop out PJs! Muah!
Ingredients
- 3 Ripe bananas
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 Cup Coconut oil (vegetable oil will work as well)
- 1/3 – 1/2 Cup honey or light agave (depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1/4 Cup water
- 1 3/4 Cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 Cup dried cranberries (I like using the juice sweetened ones)
- Butter to put on top of your warm delicious banana bread!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. I usually use baking spray that has flour in it, which can be found in most grocery stores (especially during the holidays).
- In a bowl, mash all 3 bananas with a fork and set aside.
- In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the oil and honey.
- Add the eggs to the oil and honey mixture and whisk well.
- Add the mashed bananas and water. Use the whisk to mix thoroughly.
- Whisk in the baking soda, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in the flour with a large mixing spoon or baking spatula until it is just combined (you will have lumps).
- Fold in your dried cranberries using the spoon or spatula.
- Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan.
- Bake for roughly 55 to 60 minutes. It may take longer so be sure to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf to see if it comes out clean. If not, bake for another couple of minutes and check again until the toothpick does come out clean.
- Once the loaf is ready, take it out of the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before taking it out (you don’t want it to fall apart).
- Let the bread cool on a cutting board or wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy with or without butter! Yum!!!
Make time to do something special each week. Baking is fun for little ones because they can dump and stir ingredients while you give them simple instructions. If you don’t have time to bake from scratch, consider a great boxed mix. Scroll down to see my fave boxed mix and some fun holiday baking accessories! Have fun, eat up and Happy Holidays!
Who doesn’t love a good pajama party? This momma is all about it! Whether you want PJs for yourself, your BFFs, something to match your family or fur baby – I’ve got you covered!
This holiday gift guide is filled with my fave PJs and other cozy accessories. To find a gift for everyone on your list, scroll down. Now…back to our pajama party! Yay!
Pajamas
Accessories For Her
Accessories For Him
Accessories & Treats For Kiddos
Accessories & Treats For Fur Babies
Not sure how you feel about it, but red lips make me feel beautiful! Especially during the holidays, when red in all its glory is accepted as part of the festivities. This little roundup is of my fave red lip colors. The red lip color I’m wearing in the photo above (which I’ve gotten lots of questions about) is by Sephora and is linked below. Hope this helps! Happy Holidays! Muah!
Hey you! Busy beautiful lady! Yup…I’m talking to you! This is something you want to know. If you haven’t discovered it yet, there is a new read in town that is just for you #girlboss. Perfect over your morning cup of joe, or even on your morning commute (while avoiding unwanted eye contact with the weirdo across from you).
I was chosen to be an ambassador for TheNewsette.com and I could not be more excited! The Newsette is a weekday email newsletter that is chock full of the latest news, beauty, fashion, career articles, and more! You can see one of the latest reads in the image above – How to be a badass blogger with The Skinny Confidential herself (click image to read more)! I’m a big fan and aspire to be as badass as this lady! Even if you aren’t a blogger, reading about someone as killer as this lady is a great way to get inspired and maybe even get some tips and tricks on how she does it all! I wanna know how to do it all and still look like her! Ha!
You’ll also get great wellness tips to help you hack your crazy busy life and all the things you actually need to do but have no time for. For example – grocery shopping and staying healthy! I’m a Trader Joe’s fan so this new post with a short list of what to buy is right up my alley. Also, what top nutritionists want you to eat is great to know, especially during the holidays as we’re all overindulging a bit…Ha! Life is busy – I’ll take the wellness help to keep me on my game!
The fashion posts have lots of great tips, like how to look more French in Very American situations. The looks are fun and practical, but my favorite part is the fact that they make it easy to shop the post. Big fan of being able to easily get my hands on items that I love or have been coveting. Anyone else in the same boat?
One of my favorite sections is – “From Sites We Love.” If you are like me, and always on the lookout for the latest and greatest, this section is for you. They pull together tidbits from other great sites, which not only gives you a taste of what is out there, but helps you find new great sites to follow. I don’t have time to look for myself, so this is a nice roundup!
Click on the image above to read a Letter from the Editor – and don’t forget to Subscribe! Being busy is normal, and it’s our job as badass women to help one another to stay on top of things. Have fun, happy reading – now go take on the world!
These are quick, easy, fun, NO BAKE, holiday cookies! Aren’t these honestly the cutest!?! Anyhoo…I made these with my kiddos tonight and they were a big hit. If my 2 year old and 4 year old can do it, I feel like they have to be pretty fail proof! 😉 To learn how to make these cute cookies, scroll down to watch our video how to’s! Keep scrolling down for a list of ingredients. Enjoy!
- Chocolate covered biscuit cookies for the chimney – We used TimTams and they were $2.99 at the grocery store and Target
- Milk Duds for the shoes
- White and Red frosting – I purchased the ready made frosting from the grocery store so I could keep it easy and store what wasn’t used for later. You can easily make your own as well. Use the white frosting to put together chimney and shoes. Use red frosting to hold the legs and act as the bottom of Santa’s jacket.
- Red licorice for the legs – Twizzlers pull and peels can be cut to size and are the right thickness. The brand is not important. They just need to be thick enough around to hold the milk duds on top.
- Shredded coconut for the snow
Happy No Baking! Haha! 🙂
Sofia is 2 and all about being a ballerina. She literally woke up and said to me, “Mommy! Let’s be ballerinas today!” So I went with it! We dressed up in pink, did ballet in our living room, and then went grocery shopping as ballerinas. Haha! She is definitely going to love the Nutcracker ballet this year!
I’ve linked to some of my fave pink items bellow in case you want to get your ballerina on. Scroll down to shop our looks. xo
Shop My Look
This pink sweatshirt has the cutest white laces on the sleeves and is very soft. If you want a more relaxed look, size up! I am usually an XS and I ordered a M. View photos of me for fit.
The white tank is lightweight and perfect for extending almost any top. It runs true to size and is very soft. It also washes really well (lay flat to dry). The Spanx faux leather pants are a staple in my wardrobe and also fit true to size. I am sporting them in an XS and absolutely love them! Comfortable and contained – not to mention sassy!
My black Uggs are something I use in and out of the house. Definitely worth every penny since I use them constantly, they are crazy comfy and perfect to throw on for almost anything
Shop Sofia's Look
Sofia is only 2 years old but is tall for her age, so I always size up. Take a look at the size charts to find the best fit for your little one. As for the accessories, the shoes are easy to slip on and off and a deal at under $10.
Her BFF Bitsy is the cutest little ballerina bunny you will ever see. She is perfect for any little girl who loves pink, bunnies, dancing, and bows. You can see her in pretty much every photo I post of Sofia on my blog and IG. Hope this helps your little one dance happy all holiday long! xoxo
Red is a classic color during the holidays. It’s festive, fun, and can add some much needed sass to any outfit! This is a roundup of fun red tops that are perfect for all of your holiday get togethers. They are flirty yet holiday appropriate, which is the perfect balance when looking for an outfit for a work or family function this season.
Keep scrolling down to shop my look and view some saucy skirts that will pair perfectly with your red top of choice.
Tops
Bottoms
My fave OTK boots (designer dupe) are linked below. I have worn these a lot and gotten tons of questions about where to get them. They are very comfortable and flattering. Snag ’em before they are gone!
My faux fur scarf, designer dupe bag (under $30), and sunglasses (under $7) will class up any outfit. These black items will go with anything, and can be used with outfits all your round. Great value and perfect new items to add to your closet. Scroll down to take a look!
Accessories
Time to add some festive pops of red to your wardrobe. Happy shopping! XO
