Rave and Review

Dead Poets Society Comes to Blu-ray {Review & Giveaway}

2012-01-24T15:05:00-08:00

“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” a very simple sentiment, but something that you just can’t hear often enough. While the phrase “carpe diem” might be what Dead Poets Society is known for, and quite frankly, the only thing I remembered about the movie from when we watched it in High School, the latter phrase now resonates with me more. In High School, the movie was an assignment. Required viewing about a man whose untraditional teaching techniques make his students excited to learn. But, watching the movie 10 years later as a parent, the movie takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of a teacher who inspires students to learn, it’s now obvious that it’s about a teacher opening his students’ eyes, bringing out their...

Tegu Blocks Asks "How Do You Roll" {Review & Giveaway}

2012-01-23T00:39:40-08:00

If you’ve come to my house to play in the past few months, chances are you were immediately asked if you wanted to play with Tegu Blocks. If so, you probably had the same reaction everyone else does when asked if you want to play: a shrug and an “I guess”. But, once the felted Tegu tote is pulled out that houses our beloved Tegu Blocks, immediately everyone is excited. “Whoa, are these magnetic blocks?!?” Why yes, yes they are. I vividly remember the first time I saw them at a store; I probably played with them for a good 20 minutes, blown away by their simple design that makes them so incredibly awesome and fun to play with. They may look like a beautiful...

Seattle Readers: Win a Photo Sitting with Alecia Smith Photography! {$325 Value}

2012-01-22T23:24:22-08:00

I resolve to: Finally get a good family picture No one ever says “I wish I didn’t have so many pictures of my family”. Because, really, that would be just plain crazy. Who out there doesn’t want beautiful images of their family showcasing their personalities and the love you have for each other? So, why not make a change this year and finally schedule that family photo sitting you’ve been putting off? This past Fall we were lucky enough to win a family portrait session from Alecia Smith Photography at the Pacific Northwest Blogger Meetup organized by the lovely Mandy {Harper’s Happenings} and beautiful Chelsea {The Paper Mama} and I was incredibly excited to get some professional pictures taken of all of us. As in,...

LaDainian Tomlinson & Kellogg Help Football Fans Throw a Pro-Style Party {Giveaway}

2012-01-16T17:02:00-08:00

It wouldn’t be farfetched to call Super Bowl Sunday a national holiday. Instead of a holiday focused on baking, distant family and presents, February 5th is all about football, spending time with friends, snacking, and fabulous commercials. And, if you’re a football fan, it’s the day you wait all year for. We plan ahead for weeks on what we are going to do for the big day – what party we will attend, who we will bring with us, and what kind of beer to buy. But, the one thing we never plan for is what food to bring, because you will most likely find us stressing at the deli counter the day of, trying to find something everyone will love. That was last year,...

Build Your Own Robot with PlanToys

2012-01-11T00:10:20-08:00

Every kid needs a robot, right? PlanToys thinks they do, which is why they have released the new PlanToys Build-A-Robot. This isn’t your typical one size fits all robot, this is a special friend that kids can build to their specifications, and with their own distinct personality. Like everything PlanToys, the wooden Build-A-Robot is quality made and simply adorable. Using eco-friendly and sustainable products, the Build-A-Robot is heirloom quality and ready for hours of play. Made with interchangeable heads that kids can alternate between, removable legs, and removable and positionable arms, the Build-A-Robot allows kids to create their own special ‘bot quickly and easily. Our little builders couldn’t have been more excited about building their own robot. They each had a ton of fun changing...

Entertain Beautifully with Wendell August Waterfall Chip & Dip Set {Giveaway $60 ARV}

2012-01-06T02:28:17-08:00

Why does it seem that food tastes better when it’s displayed on beautiful serving pieces? It can’t just be me that has noticed that the most gorgeous serving pieces are usually empty first or that the manner in which you serve food has a lot to do with how that food is perceived. I’ve experimented with this firsthand these past few weeks and have confirmed that food is 100% more appealing when served on a Wendell August canvas. While I was queen of plastic and paper serving pieces in the past, Wendell August has made a believer out of me, and I don’t think I could ever go back to disposable pieces ever again. In fact, I love Wendell August so much that their amazing...

Relax with a Cup of Tea Forte

2012-01-05T12:09:00-08:00

I like coffee, but I just adore tea. There’s something so relaxing about sitting back with a nice full mug of tea and chatting with a friend, so in our house we drink a lot of tea. In fact, we have a whole cupboard that is dedicated to our tea obsession. In that cupboard is black tea, white tea, green tea, herbal medleys and more, with a collection of bagged varieties and loose leaves, some of which are for iced brewing that we drink year-round and some for hot tea during the colder months. But, until recently, we didn’t have any truly gourmet tea brands in that cupboard, just the standard grocery store faire. So, I’m sure you can imagine the cheering that took place...

Free Sheet Battery Offer with Sony VAIO S Series Laptop {$150 ARV ends 12/31}

2011-12-29T01:23:00-08:00

Are you in the market for a new laptop? Check out this awesome deal that includes one of the most raved about laptops of the year and the amazing sheet battery, which gives you power all day! Whether you travel a lot and need your laptop for long stretches of time or you simply like to go cord-free at home, the Sony sheet battery will soon become your new laptop must-have. Unlike other extended life batteries, the Sony sheet battery is so slim and lightweight that it's barely perceptible when it's attached to the laptop over the internal battery. Since the Sony VAIO S Series is one of the lightest in its class and the sheet battery adds a negliable weight, you will be as...

Squinkies Introduces Cars, Comics and Characters for Boys {Review & Giveaway}

2011-12-28T14:14:00-08:00

I've talked before about how much my daughter loves Squinkies. But, with all their pink packaging and princess-themed collections, what I didn't expect was how much all of her male friends would like them as well. It's true - they didn't mind a bit that they were originally marketed towards girls, they just liked the toys and wanted to play with them as well. And, can you blame them? I've gone on record stating that if I was 20 years younger I know I would own the entire Squinkies Surprize Inside collection and that has become even more true as the collection of Squinkies available has grown to include just about every character I loved growing up. Perhaps you don't have a young child who...

Zubels Organic Hand-Knit Toys

2011-12-28T06:08:00-08:00

Are you constantly searching for organic toys for your kids? Have you noticed that when searching for organic toys, many of the selections that pop up are for babies? It’s extremely rare that you can find organic toys that can grow with your child and go from rattle to playmate, but that’s exactly what Zubels do. Their organic cotton, hand knit toys are made with eco-friendly dyes and are squeezably soft and ready for snuggling, but they are also ready for play time for years to come. Zubel's newest line is especially play-ready with the addition of the fall and winter characters that includes football players, cheerleaders, and more to get your child imagining and playing. Find the colors closest to your team's colors and...