I am no toy or parenting expert, but what I can share is the toys my kids keep coming back to over and over again. The toys tend the be the classics, from art sets to sandboxes these are the items that will last.  I am sharing 8 classic gifts that you can't go wrong buying.

Home from a very fun 8 day California vacation. We had planned to do this vacation 15 months ago, but as you know a lot of plans have been ruined in the last 2 years. Once Disneyland reopened, I immediately started planning the trip. I was so eager to get Leo there before the "magic" wears off. Originally, when we planned the trip he was really into the movie Cars. I was a little sad that he wasn't as mesmerized by Cars land as I wanted him to be. But Avengers land put that magic and sparkle in his eye. I am so glad we were able to take him before he got too old. I am sharing a few tips and tricks for traveling to Disneyland and what I would recommend.

Let's see if I remember doing this. This summer has been so much fun and honestly taking photos and blogging just really haven't been my thing. Obviously, I am more active on instagram and I actually thought about just being done blogging. But then I realize it is kind of a journal of my life the past 8 or so years. So although I might hardly post I am still not ready to be done with it. The only thing I have to share right now is my peach fritter donuts. This recipes is so easy surprisingly and you can easily sub out the peaches for apples in the fall. Something I totally plan on doing... with another round of 105+ degree temps I actually am looking forward to fall. I never thought I'd say that, but enough is enough with this insane weather. Ok now to the peach recipe. 

It is no secret if you follow me on social media that we live by the pool from mid April - early October. I haven't really shared on here much lately because I haven't had as many creative juices flowing and we quite simply have been busy resuming all the fun life things. Oh how we have missed traveling, going out with friends, taking the kids to parks and playdates, heck we have missed all the things. But nonetheless I finally felt like I had some fun summer items to share all from AMAZON.

For Leo's 5th birthday we gathered our closest family and friends and had a mad scientist birthday party. This was a drop off birthday and in true form of Leo having a February 7th birthday there was an big snow storm. It dropped a foot of snow on us the night of his party. Thankfully all his little friends were able to come and we had one heck of a science party. I have planned quite a few parties in my day but this BY FAR was the best party yet! Check it out.

Unplug from social media! Something that sounds so good in theory, but something I have never done. Social media carries a lot of weight and is the cause of many mental health issues. Fact is studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, harm, and suicidal thoughts. Social media should be a place that makes you feel happier, healthier, and more positive. I also find that it is a big ole waste of time. In fact, not using social media for a week my phone usage was down 38%. During my week off I read a book, listened to an audio book, was more productive and the biggest thing is my husband and my kids noticed I wasn't tied to my phone. I'm sharing some of my other thoughts and tips for a good social media detox. I will be doing another break from social media in May and  I invite everyone to join with me!

Time to embrace that the skinny jeans aren't cool, j/k! I'm NOT ok with that, but I still want to be kind of cool so I ordered 15 pair of straight leg jeans to give a whirl.  I spent entirely too much time on Nordstrom finding what I think are the perfect straight leg jeans. So here is a quick round of up my favorite straight leg jeans that will have a similar feel as our beloved skinny jeans.

The "FUN MOM", something I have always strive to be as a Mom. The one that wasn't afraid to get their hair wet in the pool, let their kids paint, or make a mess. I think because I grew up with a fun mom it was just ingrained in me. I often get messages or comments about, wow it's great you let your kids get messy and have so much fun". Or "how do you handle the mess when you do all the activities?" Well I am here to tell you being the "fun mom" doesn't mean your kids and your house are going to be dirty 24/7. Being the fun mom is more of a state of mind. Am I the fun mom every day? Probably not, but I try my hardest to enjoy these years with my kids, and if that means that we get dirty or I get my hair wet in the pool I am here for it. Here are some tips on being more of a "fun mom".

I want to start by saying your early 30's are HARD and in a few short days I turn 35. I mean it isn't as big of a milestone as 30 or 40 but it seems like a big number. Jay and I often reflect on how great, but also how challenging your 30's can be. It is a time you are getting into the swing with your career or for Jay he didn't start his career until he was 31. You are buying homes, starting families, struggling to find a  balance between, work, marriage, kids, family, and friends. For some of us, our interests fall to the wayside because weekends are no longer about skiing with your buddies, they are now about taking down Christmas lights and spending time with your family. For a lot of females especially stay at home Moms in your 30's you can kind of lose your identity. Needless to say, I have a lot of feelings about the 30s but I also have some things I ABSOLUTELY love about it.

I am addicted to soaps in the winter, make them for dinner one night and eat them for the next 3 days for lunch. I am a creature of habit when it comes to lunches. I can eat the same lunch 7 days a week. These two soaps have been a fan favorite in my house. The stuffed pepper soap is my take on beanless chili. Jay doesn't like chili and so this is a perfect way to get the same favors without the beans.