product review

babywearing basics (plus, my favorite/least favorite carriers)

If you were to see me in real life – at church or running errands or at the park – this is what you would probably see: A curly-haired woman with green-hazel-blue-gray-always-changing-colors eyes – holding a preschooler’s hand and carrying a toddler on her hip or in a carrier. Smiling at you (I smile a [...]

Summer Fashion: The End

Big Secret: Tim has been gone in Ukraine for the past 2 weeks – and he’s coming home tonight (TONIGHT!)! I didn’t mention anything on my blog because I didn’t really want to advertise his absence, but oh-how-I’ve-missed-him. In fact, this is the longest we’ve been apart from each other since I was 17. My [...]

Summer Fashion: Petunia Pickle Bottom

Raise your hand if you want a Winnie-the-Pooh diaper bag. No? How about a bag with soccer balls and baseball bats on it? Elmo? Dora? Bright pink daisies? No? Me neither. Couture moms-to-be want a bag that doesn’t scream “dirty diapers inside here.” They want a bag that is upscale, chic, elegant…a bag like the [...]

Summer Fashion: Bravado! Designs

Recently overheard on Facebook: “I still haven’t found a nursing bra that I really like.” Of course, I chimed in and said, “Have you tried Bravado?“ Bravado! Designs was started by two moms in 1992…and they definitely “get” what nursing moms want – simplicity, comfort, support, and style. I’ve had the Lifestyle Microfiber Bra ($39; [...]

Father’s Day Gift Guide: ZÜCA Pro

Every since this bag arrived, I can’t help but say, “ZÜCA, ZÜCA, ZÜCA” all around the house. Try it. It’s a fun word to say. Even more fun? Traveling ’round the country or the globe with this innovative, ingenious carry-on. Here are my top 3 reasons why the ZÜCA Pro rocks (in no particular order): [...]

Father’s Day Gift Guide: Skillet by Lodge Cast Iron Cookware

Our Dinner Tonight: NY Steak. Corn on the Cob. Potatoes, Mushrooms, & Green Beans in the Skillet. French Bread with Butter. Oh, and A&W Root Beer. After dinner, we went on a walk and came home to homemade peach crisp with vanilla bean ice cream. Now the girls are tucked in bed and we *may* [...]

Father’s Day Gift Guide: Mizuno running shoes or Teva hiking boots

A good pair of shoes is a good gift for anyone (for almost any occasion). Father’s Day is no exception. Unlike a tie or a Dad-themed t-shirt, he’ll wear a new pair of shoes…often and gladly. New shoes – especially fitness shoes – are a great investment for his wardrobe…and his health. For the Runner: [...]

Father’s Day Gift Guide: 191 Unlimited

Tim’s typical “uniform” is jeans and a dress shirt – for most anywhere we go. I like his “signature style” a lot (he’d never call it that, by the way…but it is what it is). He looks put-together, professional, and down-to-earth – all at the same time. One of his favorites shirts is the Newport [...]

Father’s Day Gift Guide: Outdoor Gear from REI

If you’re shopping for a dad who likes camping, fishing, hiking, rock-climbing, cycling, canoeing, or skiing…think REI for Father’s Day. The hardest part about your shopping experience will be deciding what to get out of a gazillion available options! Here are 3 ideas for your consideration… REI Halo +25 Sleeping Bag ($259) This royal blue bag [...]

4 Road Trip Tips

It took us 6 hours flat to get from our house to Albuquerque, New Mexico. We only stopped once, a quick bathroom break alongside the road. Everyone was happy the entire time. In fact, it was the easiest road trip we’ve ever taken. Here are 4 things that kept us smiling on the way… 1. [...]

1st Bday: BestView Handheld Color Video Monitor

When we were pregnant with our first baby, we registered for and received an audio baby monitor. It served us well for the short time we had it, enabling us to hear our baby’s squeaks and squirms and cries from the adjacent room (***we co-slept for the majority of the first year, but our baby [...]

Something Colorful: Luv That Tray

April 2008 (1.5 years old): February 2010 (3 years old): 5 Things About Spaghetti that you should know: It tastes better when you use organic ground beef. If you make it right, spaghetti leftovers are top-notch. Spaghetti is Very.Very.Messy. Messy spaghetti = fun photos. Messy spaghetti = lots of cleaning too. Ug. If you want [...]