Perhaps it is because I grew up with my grandparents, who lived through famine and poverty in World War II torn Russia, that frugality is so instilled in me. I was taught that wastefulness was wrong and reminded daily how lucky we were to have what we did. Back then I did not realize the value of those lessons, but now I deeply appreciate them as an adult and mother.
As Christmas season is upon us, with consumerism at its peak, I increasingly think about how to pass on those lessons of moderation and frugality to my own children.
It is a good idea to start with the toys they play with and the clothes they wear. Instead of buying things that are used only once, I try to make a conscious decision to purchase items with an extended life expectancy. For toys that means open ended games and items that can be played with over and over. When it comes to clothes, it can be difficult to find kids’ clothing brands that offer adorable styles, but also great quality at an affordable price.
Ironically, the holiday season is the prime example of wastefulness. We all have purchased “Christmas” outfits that kids can wear exactly one time before they are given or thrown away. Wouldn’t it be much better, if we chose outfits that our kiddos can not only wear to Holiday events, but also for their everyday activities?
Beet World offers exactly that! It succeeds in creating clothing that is beautiful in style while being appropriate for both everyday wear and special moments. And the best part is that Beet World combines the durability of quality material with comfort and style, while keeping prices under $50!
I chose the Adelaide Dress in Mulberry Gingham for Christmas photos and various other Holiday events. Charlie is obsessed with this dress and insists on wearing it all the time! She enjoys the soft material, which is 100% cotton double voile, and the comfortable, but twirly, fit. I, on the other hand, love that the dress holds up to so many washes and looks simply darling on my little.
The Hadley top is another favorite of mine. From the darling wild flower print to the ruffled collar and rose colored velvet trim, it is as beautiful as it is easy to wear every day.
Charlie, as most two year olds, does not tolerate uncomfortable or restricting clothes, no matter what holiday or occasion it might be. Her dresses and tops have to be comfy and durable to withstand the multitude of stains that inevitably happen. Speaking from first hand experience, Beet World outfits do not shrink in the washing machine and look and feel exactly the same as on the first day.
Quality over Fast Fashion
The durability of the clothing allows for repeated wear and playtime fun and that is what I am looking for in kids clothes.
I am grateful for companies, such as Beet World, that believe in sustainable production practices by minimizing the use of artificial fibers and materials in our clothing and packaging. All garments are sourced from a single, family-owned factory in India that has been manufacturing and exporting cotton garments for over 40 years. The owner, local business woman Ashima Singhal, also gives back 1% of net sales to organizations dedicated to promote education and literacy among children and women.
This Holiday season, and every day, let us slowly steer away from purchasing “disposable” clothing for our littles and start value and quality shopping, one outfit at a time! Read more
Kick off holiday season in style with the WINTER ILLUMINATION LIGHTING PARTY!
Create a new holiday tradition and experience the Bravern’s brand new LED, energy-efficient holiday light installation, which was custom made in Italy.
Families will enjoy the following:
High-energy performance by the Sea Gals
Santa’s appearance to spread holiday cheer to guests of all ages, making his much-anticipated arrival to The Bravern in a luxury Rolls-Royce
Lighting ceremony of the new elegant light installations
Holiday beverages provided
The Winter Illumination event at The Bravern is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended – Sign up here
Complimentary 6-hour parking validation at any merchants without spending requirement!
Santa at The Bravern (located in Microsoft Tower 2 lobby) Hours:
November 24 – 6:30 pm – 8 pm
November 25 to December 23 Monday to Friday: 12 pm – 8 pm Saturday: 10a m – 8 pm Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
December 24: 10 am – 4 pm
Where?
The Shops at the Bravern
11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA 98004
BONUS:
The Bravern is also hosting a special VIP experience prior to the public lighting ceremony from 4:30-6:00 p.m featuring a private performance by the Sea Gals, complimentary photos with Santa, a ginger bread cookie decorating experience with FrogLegs Culinary Academy, a holiday card writing station with personalized calligraphy, plus holiday themed hors d’oeuvres and beverages.
Don’t miss the “World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze” at ENCHANTSeattle this holiday season!
After overwhelming Christmas cheer in Vancouver, CA and Arlington, TX, Enchant is making its debut in Seattle! This holiday experience is like nothing we have seen before with an immersive holiday light display that will transport visitors to a world with Christmas trees up to 80 feet tall, larger-than-life ornaments, twinkling snowflakes and, of course, Santa in a glittering sleigh. Another bonus: the entire event is indoors!
The highlights include:
The Christmas Light Maze – Enchant’s spectacular light maze takes guests through a twinkling wonderland in search of Santa’s missing reindeer.
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – Santa will take photos in his workshop with children and he’s bringing Mrs. Claus who will be leading story time.
Enchant Christmas Artisans’ Market – Shop for holiday gifts from dozens of local vendors showcasing home decor, jewelry, gourmet foods, and more.
Food and Beverage – Enjoy holiday-themed food and drinks that are sure to please everyone.
Ice-Skating Trail – Enchant features a magical Ice-Skating Trail adorned with spectacular light displays. Rent a pair of skates at the event and take a glide with your
loved ones.
Main Stage – Guests can enjoy nightly live music from a variety of local talent.
Celebrate the holidays with the beloved tradition of SNOWFLAKE LANE!
This is Snowflake Lane’ 14th year of spreading joy and it remains unlike any other holiday celebration in the country as it transforms the city into a magical winter wonderland. From falling snow, colorful lights and vibrant floats to festive sing-a-long music, performances by toy drummers, jingle belle dancers, snow princesses, and the arrival of Santa every night, Snowflake Lane is a must-do activity the whole family will love this holiday season!
Dressed in lavish costumes, the Snowflake Lane cast, featuring nearly 250 of the area’s most talented performers, intermingle with holiday revelers treating them to professionally choreographed song-and-dance numbers, take photos with families and hand out candy to the delight of those who line the sidewalks each night.
When?
Daily from November 23, 2018 – December 24, 2018.
The 20-minute outdoor show, starts at 7 p.m. and is free to the public. ( As this magical event is drawing thousands of spectators each night, make sure to arrive early!)
Where?
Between NE 4th Street and NE 8th Street in downtown Bellevue, which are the streets between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square of The Bellevue Collection.
Take your family for a fun spin on the ICE RINK in Downtown Bellevue!
Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the ice while introducing the littles to something new and exciting! May it rain, shine or snow, make sure to stop on by to the all-weather covered festive rink this holiday season! Check out the many special events, like Free Skate Mondays and Stroller Skate Thursdays here!
The magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ comes to life in Elbe, Washington, on-board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Join in on the magic and fun of the Christmas season as you and your family depart for a trip to the North Pole.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, like the movie, is a 90-minute round trip immersive theatrical experience. Passengers will be entertained by Chefs, enjoy Hot Chocolate and Cookies, and listen to a reading of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and give each child the first gift of Christmas (a silver bell). This event will surely become an annual tradition for the whole family. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas for the ride to make it even more authentic!
The train departs from the depot in Elbe, WA which is located conveniently on Hwy 7 near the entrance to Mt Rainier National Park and makes the trip up to Mineral, WA.
The can’t miss event of every holiday season – the hotel suite is magically transformed into a teddy bear wonderland for kids and parents to enjoy!The hotel also erects a Life-Sized Gingerbread House to delight the imagination of big and small.
When?
Open: Daily
November 23 through December 26
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Free, but donations are appreciated to benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Seattle Children’s Autism Center.
Parents everywhere know the daily struggle: Your kid is bouncing off the wall or is bored to death, but you don’t want to put him in front of a screen, again. In my despair, I have been researching ways to entertain my kids without reverting to electronic devices. My requirements for the “perfect” toy are simple: wearing the kids out inside our home, while supporting their mental and physical development, oh, and be extremely fun, all at the same time! Seems too much to ask for, right?
Well, I used to think so, until I came across BrainRich Kids Indoor Jungle Gyms! I’m happy to say that their play gyms are THE best entertainment solution for kids (and their tired parents).
The local Bellevue company is bringing the fun of outdoor climbing and swinging to our homes, thanks to their fully adjustable tension- or wall-mounted activity centers for children.
My kids have been lucky enough to test the deluxe model “Spider” and have been loving it from day one! The positive changes I have been observing in my own kids are so aplenty that I want to share the benefits of the BrainRich Kids play gym with you.
Here are the Top 10 reasons why BrainRich Kids gyms are a must for every kid’s home!
EXERCISE – BrainRich play gyms are exactly that: indoor gyms for our littles. Our highly sedentary lifestyle affects kids just as much as adults, and should be counteracted with safe and effective physical activities. By providing plenty of ways to climb, swing, and grapple on the gym, kids develop strength and coordination, while having a blast. My friend lovingly refers to it as a “baby CrossFit gym”- without the pretentiousness, of course. Simply put, it has all of the benefits of a workout and exercise routine, plus a whole lot of play and fun.
CONFIDENCE – My kids have been playing on the “Spider” model for a few months now, and one of the biggest changes I have been seeing, is their increased confidence, on the playground and beyond. It is incredible to watch my 18 month old easily climb up ladders that most 3 year olds don’t dare to try. This confidence boost also spreads into social interactions, such as being braver at making new friends and during new situations, in general. Being able to master the gym at home, kids feel more accomplished and confident to take on new challenges outside of the house.
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT – Scientific studies have proven a positive connection between physical play and brain development in kids. BrainRich Kids links mental enrichment so seamlessly with playful exercise that one tends to forget they are connected. Thus the name, becoming truly “BrainRich” through play is an amazing way parents can support their children’s brain development by working out their bodies at the same time. You can find more information on the relationship between physical activity and cognitive functions in children here , and here.
INDOOR FUN – Raining 9 months out of the year, the Pacific Northwest is not the most convenient for outside play. Although we don’t mind the rain, the wet weather makes us appreciate playing inside even more. Having the jungle gym in your own house makes for easy rainy day pastimes. Previously only limited to “nice” days outside, kids can exercise no matter what the weather looks like. By the way, the same applies to scorching hot weather, when the slides and other playground equipment are simply too hot to play on. Another benefit: No need for sunscreen inside!
ACCOMPLISHMENT – The BrainRich Kids gym helps kids find their boundaries, while also allowing to stretch them, at the same time. It takes a great deal of coordination and planning in order to get from point A to point B on the gym. Learning to assess their own skills and abilities is a great advancement for kids of any age. My favorite, however, is seeing your kids surprising themselves by being able to master something they were not able to do the other day. The proud look on their faces is priceless!
NO AGE LIMITS – One of the most important things for me was the fact that both of my children can play on the jungle gym together. A lot of times, the 7 year age gap deters them from enjoying the same toys. This is not the case with our jungle gym: It is just as fun for my 18 months old toddler as it is for my 8 year old son, thanks to the adjustable accessories of the BrainRich Kids gym. For instance, we keep the swing at a low height, so Charlie (our toddler) can use it. But when Alex is ready to use the swing, he easily wraps it around the solid metal frame to allow for higher swinging. The BrainRich jungle gyms are suitable for kids ages 18 months to 12+ years, but truly any age. As the metal frame holds up to 220+ lbs., parents can get in on the fun and work out together with their kids in the comfort of their own home.
SMALL FOOTPRINT – During my research I found that other “indoor play” solutions required an extensive space, which I frankly do not want to give up in my home. The small footprint of the BrainRich Kids gym and its colorful design integrates perfectly into our play room, without being in the way of other toys or furniture. Additionally, there are smaller sized models available that barely take up any space at all.
QUALITY – The most frequent comment I hear from parents who see our BrainRich Kids jungle gym is “Wow! It’s so sturdy!” And it truly is – simply touching the metal frame, you can feel the exceptional quality and workmanship. Naturally, my kids’ safety when exercising is of the utmost importance to me. I am glad to say that our BrainRich Kids jungle gym has exceeded all of my expectations regarding safety standards. Being jumped and hung from for months now, it has not budged or moved even a millimeter. As the kids grow and develop their climbing skills, I am certain that our play gym will be part of their workout and play routine for many years to come. The 12 months warranty is an added benefit to ease one’s mind. Also, I highly recommend getting the safety mats for your indoor gym, just in case a little one tumbles down.
CONVENIENCE – Sure, there are public indoor playgrounds and bouncy houses available to get the wiggles out of the littles. But I know I am not alone saying this: Nothing beats the comfort of your own home versus getting the kids ready, braving traffic, only to deal with long lines and overpriced entrance fees. In the long run, a BrainRich jungle gym is more cost effective and a true investment into your children’s health. Also, parents eager to avoid Flu season are going to love not having to share the gym with dozens of sniffy noses.
PLAY DATE READY – When my sister-in-law was visiting with her 2 daughters, our jungle gym housed 4 kids at any given moment. The ages ranged from 8 to 12 years old and my toddler, of course. Since the BrainRich Kids gym comfortably accommodates multiple children, we are always ready to host play dates now. Any time Alex and Charlie have friends over, everyone gathers around the gym. Becoming the play center of our home, we are looking forward to more climbing, rappelling and swinging fun!
My toy hero and screen time slasher, BrainRich Kids gyms are providing play and exercise, while supporting healthy minds and bodies in our children. I can truly say that this universal children’s entertainment solution is one of the best things parents can do for their kids’ physical and mental development. Fun is a welcome side effect.
If you have any questions about the gyms, prices, installation, etc. please reach out to the wonderful people from BrainRich Kids. They are a joy to work with and always ready to help!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored, but the opinions here are 100% my own. Thank you to BrainRich Kids for providing your Indoor Play Gym!
Since 1950, nothing has been more synonymous with Seattle summer than Seafair! The annual Seattle festival entertains more than 2 million people with Hydroplane racing on the water, Blue Angels performing in the sky, world class wakeboarding tricks off shore and music and entertainment on stage! And for the littles, the Kids Zone with inflatables and games is sure to get all wiggles out!
When?
Date: August 03 – August 05, 2018
Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where?
Genesee Park, Seattle
Find schedules, tickets, parking info and download the Seafair app right here
#SEAFAIRISSUMMER
What?
LEGO® Americana Roadshow
Famous American landmarks will be brought to life in a free, hands-on LEGO exhibit! You and your kiddos are going to see five large-scale replicas of iconic American buildings, including The White House, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Supreme Court and Lincoln Memorial.
Additional activities include a LEGO Play Area where people of all ages can build whatever their heart desires and a LEGO activity map!
Keep an eye out for retailers designing and displaying their own installments throughout the mall, including Nordstrom, McDonald’s and Kate Spade!
When?
Date: August 4. – 19. during shopping center hours
LEGO Make & Take events on August 11 and 12 from 12 – 4 p.m where guests can create their own version of the Statue of Liberty and take their build home
P.S.: Win a $250 Bellevue Collection gift card just by snapping a picture at their favorite LEGOAmericana Roadshow display! To enter, visitors must upload a photo on Instagram, tag and follow @bellevuecollection and include hashtag #tbcLEGO by Aug. 19 at 11:59 p.m
What?
Kids Obstacle Challenge
This is the ultimate family adventure and the only obstacle course designed for kids ages 5-16, where both kids and parents get to run together! The adventure course is 1.5-2 miles long with mud, water, and 13-15 fun and challenging obstacles. The best part is – parents/legal guardians participate for FREE!
When?
Date: Saturday, August 18th and Sunday, August 19th
The Pants & More Party , held each year as children return to school, is part collection drive, part family-fun carnival!
Simply put: family fun with a serious purpose – help kids be ready for school and ready for school success.
Please bring new or lightly used pants (or shirts, shoes & other school clothes) or new school supplies for local children in need this back to school season
In return, everyone is invited to stay for entertainment provided by The Bubble Man and Captain Awesome Sauce. Pet animals from the Animal Encounters Petting Zoo and jumping on 10+ Springfree trampolines! Also, get ready for food, games, giveaways, pony rides, and much more! All activities are FREE!
When?
Date: Sunday, August 19th
Time: 12 pm to 4 pm
Where?
At Springfree Trampoline in Issaquah
Address: 1875 Northwest Poplar Way, Issaquah, WA 98027
Join Alex and me for a parent/child yoga class like no other. You’ll learn a variety of fun games to do with your little one, as well as several partner yoga poses that you can practice regularly.
Your kiddo will be thrilled to see that the postures you create will require participation from both of you, and you’ll love to discover a way to practice yoga that includes your child!
This is a series of parent/child yoga classes taught by the amazing yoga teacher and photographer Danielle Sack.
Each event will have a special theme so you can expect a fun and creative class that kids will be excited about! Happy flying!!!
Catching your seven year old humming a song while brushing his teeth – now that must be an ear worm! And Jack Forman’s newest album has plenty of them!
My kids and I have been listening to the fun songs since we received the early release album “Songs from the Monkey House”. We love the songs so much, they are on repeat in the car and the house.
Some of our favorites include “Yodeling Yoda” and the catchy “Watermelon” song that sticks in my head every time and I don’t mind it a bit! And of course, all the cheese songs are just as hilarious as they are perfect to dance and rock out to.
If you are not familiar with Jack Forman, or the local Recess Monkeys, it is time you get to know them!
Jack Forman, well known to thousands of kids around the country as host of the daily “Live from the Monkey House” call-in show on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and as lead singer of the GRAMMY nominated Seattle band Recess Monkey, released his first solo album, Songs from the Monkey House, exclusively to stream on Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music, as well as for physical and digital purchase on Amazon Music.
Jack likes to say that he is “at least 75 percent coffee,” and his high-energy hijinks are on display with these 12 new original songs. From “Watermelon” to “Yodeling Yoda,” “Candy Tour” to “Sportball Anthem,” the songs reflect Jack’s offbeat humor and eclectic musical tastes. These are not just songs for babies; families with older kids ages five and up will find worlds of fun and memorable melodies with Songs from the Monkey House.
Indeed, all of these self-produced songs are directly inspired by strange conversations with real kids.You’ll get a sense of Jack’s lyrical genius and unusual sensibilities in songs like “A Little Cheese,” “I Lost My Lunch,” and even the relentlessly bouncy track, “No Name.”
Jack played every instrument, wrote and sang every word, and drank a whole lot of coffee in the months it took to turn kids’ ideas into a reality.
A longtime elementary school teacher, Jack is trained in the art of listening to kid-driven ideas. On his radio show and in concert, Jack is just as likely to set youngsters up for the punch line as to take one of his own. Either way, there’s a pretty high likelihood of someone squirting milk out of their nose.
Jack shines in the firmament of family music makers today. He has produced 13 albums with his acclaimed band, Recess Monkey (including the GRAMMY nominated Amazon Original album, Novelties); played at least 1,000 highly-caffeinated shows for kids and their handlers; and has hosted his own nationally broadcast live daily call-in show on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live for the past five years.
Share some fun music made in Seattle with your family today and order Jack Forman’s album here (included in your Amazon prime membership)
Something great is happening on Main Street in Bellevue, Washington and I have been impatiently waiting for the reveal. Since the “Jujubeet Coming Soon” sign went up a few months back, I have been stalking the empty store front because I simply could not wait for a juice bar across from my local yoga studio. My prayers – and namaste’s – have been answered, but the newly opened Jujubeet Cafe is so much more than I could have ever dreamed of!
Jujubeet’s mission is to provide whole, unprocessed foods in a quick, and convenient way. The lack thereof in the Seattle area is exactly why Bianca founded her first Jujubeet Juice bar three years ago. She believes that food should be simple, delicious, and yet nutrient-rich. The customers loved the concept of a healthy alternative to grab-n-go foods and soon Jujubeet expanded to 4 locations.
Responding to the many customers’ requests for a larger dining area, Bellevue’s new Jujubeet cafe was created with ample space for larger groups and families to enjoy a healthy meal. The newly renovated cafe was entirely designed by H2 Design + Build and invites you to sit down and enjoy the airy and bright space.
The menu underwent some major changes as well. Warm meals were added that are exclusive to the Bellevue location and are always freshly prepared in the cafe. The in-house dietitian and the Jujubeet team created these dishes together to offer guests meals that are equally healthy and delicious. Jujubeet now also offers a healthy kids’ menu featuring delicious foods like a vegan and gluten-free nut butter and banana crepe, which I know my son will go gaga for. And to top it all off, there is now an espresso bar with artisan, locally roasted coffee from Caffe Umbria and a delicious raw vegan dessert menu (think chickpea truffles and chocolate banana bites)! I can confidently say that Jujubeet checked off every single item on my list for a perfect Cafe!
I was lucky enough to interview co-founder Bianca Szyperski during the soft opening phase last week and sample some of the delicious new items on Jujubeet’s menu. The pecan Mushroom Pate Sandwich was absolutely delicious and, best of all, filled me up. This would be a great dish to share with some girlfriends after a work out! The Cinnamon Oat Waffle was as beautiful as it was yummy, and being vegan and gluten-free definitely did not take away from the glorious taste! I also tasted some of the house-made coconut yogurt and will definitely be back for more.
It would not be a Jujubeet without its famous juices, of which I sampled the “Happy Greens” and “Liver Purifier”. I can see why “Happy Greens” is a crowd favorite – it is refreshing and includes all the essential greens (spinach, kale, cucumber, celery) with a fun twist that is fennel. My favorite juice might have been the “Liver Purifier”, however. Don’t be intimidated by the beets in the juice and give it a try – I highly recommend its delicious earthiness! And of course, Jujubeet also offers juice cleanses, which are great for resetting your system and kick start healthier food habits.
Jujubeet is throwing a grand opening celebration which is scheduled for Thursday, April 14 from 3-8 pm! To celebrate the new Bellevue location, Jujubeet is offering a special 15% off all menu items during the party – and also 15% off cleanses by phone orders on Thursday, April 14! Here is the phone number to take advantage of that awesome offer: (425) 454-0747
I know that I will be at Jujubeet eating to my heart’s content and I would love seeing you there doing the same 🙂
xoxo,
Olga
Cinnamon Oat Waffle
Pecan Mushroom Pate Sandwich
Sweet Cardamom Chickpea Flour Crepe
Happy Greens Juice with fennel
The delicious leftovers with Happy Greens and Liver Purifier Juice
If you are a mom like me, you are always on the hunt for fun weekend activities that the kids will enjoy, but won’t break the bank. Luckily, I recently discovered Free Crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning and want to share this gem with you!
Every Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm all Lakeshore Learning locations offer fun and creative crafts for kids ages 3 and up. All materials are free of charge and instructions are always offered by one of the nice sales people in store.
I showed my son the different crafts our Bellevue store offered beforehand, and he chose the Cheerful Chick Basket, just in time for Easter. So, last Saturday, we headed to our local Lakeshore Learning store to put our crafting skills to good use.
I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was for my 5 year old to create this cute little basket with only minimal assistance from me. And he was delighted at how nice his craft turned out.
My son and I had such a great experience, we will definitely be back for future Free Crafts Saturdays. The next craft projects are going to be a fun pencil pal, a cute sheep puppet and many more craft ideas.
Even though this Cheerful Chick basket is Easter themed, I can see using the template for a Thanksgiving themed turkey. And there is always next Easter, so pin and save the instructions to the Chick basket for your kids to enjoy!
By the way, Lakeshore Learning has a fantastic blog with educational tips, craft ideas and lesson plans that is a wealth of information for all parents.
See you at the Lakeshore Learning store and craft on!
