The Epic Battles of Pirates… and Parents

Jake and the Neverland piratesLegosMy son Gordon loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates, he also loves Lego® Duplos so when Disney Junior asked us to help promote their new special event, Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Battle for the Book, and their LEGO sponsored Epic Battle Build Facebook Sweepstakes, we said Yo, ho, ho, where do we sign up?

While we keep a good balance of screen time vs creative & outdoor play time, it’s always a bit of our own “epic battle” to get more playing and less viewing. I was excited to pull out the legos and spend some quality time building, inspired by one of his favorite characters, Jake.

We combed hair and put on a clean t-shirt.

We photographed an adorable father-son Lego building moment. Funny how it’s ok to be late for work when there are legos involved, isn’t it? Hmmmm.

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I braved being shot by a cannon.

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We painted scenery.

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Gordon even let his sisters play with his new Lego set.

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And then I left him to build something beyond the instructions, something magical and imaginative. A pirate scene that would rival all other entries in the Epic Battle Build Facebook Sweepstakes and confirm my suspicion that he is the most clever and creative boy in the land. You’ll never guess what happened… (more…)

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Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Spice Skewers

Sweet and Savory Skewers
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In collaboration with Teavana we created this scrumptious and yet deceptively simple appetizer for your Fall entertaining, or even just a fun family dinner. Tortellini, sausage, apples and cheese happen to be four of my kids favorite foods so I knew this combo would be a hit. The fact that they adore food on a stick pushed it over the edge to a major culinary victory!

Read on for the recipe and a quick DIY on our handmade frilly toothpicks. (more…)

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Spiced Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail Recipe

Spiced Apple Champagne Cocktail

In collaboration with Teavana, we’ve created this amazing Spiced Apple Cider Champagne Cocktail for your next Autumn get-together. It’s so tasty that I’ve been craving one ever since we mixed them up! There’s something about a champagne cocktail that makes a party more festive, and well, bubbly. Cheers!

Fall spicy apple cocktail

Read on for the recipe & $10 off your next $30 purchase at Teavana.com. (more…)

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The Season of Cozy: Cozy Stuff to Make for the Home

Season of Cozy _1
Fill your fall season with sewing tutorials for this year’s Season of Cozy…
Nap Mat/Bed Roll | Beginner’s Baby Blanket | Snuggly Baby Blanket | Duvet Cover | How to Sew a Zipper Pillow | How to Sew Zipper Pillows with Piping

Season of Cozy - 2
How to Sew a Sham Pillow with Zipper Closure | Crochet Hot Water Bottle Cozy | DIY Cozy Embroidered Clock | DIY Felt Raccoon Coffee Cozy (with Pattern) | DIY Wood Stump Coasters (Free Template) | Never Grow Up: 10 Musts for the Perfect Family Hideout

Season of Cozy - 3
How to Tie a Perfect Bow | Furoshiki: How to Simply Wrap Gifts with Fabric | Felt Fringe Christmas Tree Skirt | How to Make a God’s Eye | Scrappy Pumpkin Tutorial | Beginner’s Baby Blanket #3

Season of Cozy - 4
New & Improved DIY Swaddle Blanket | Crochet Wreath Part 2 | DIY: Granny Square Stocking

season of cozy - 5
Crochet Vase | Beautiful Bolster Pillow Tutorial | Bias Tape Table Runner

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25 Must-Packs for a Tropical Girls’ Getaway

Do you dread packing for a trip or do you consider it part of the fun? While I am not naturally a planner or nearly as organized as I should be in most areas of my life, when it comes to packing for travel, I turn into a 5-star general, and I love it! There are schedules, strategy, and even scales involved. It’s the one time that my level of planning rivals that of my sister Amanda. So with the two of us about to hit the high seas on a girls’ trip Carnival cruise adventure our daily text-a-thons have turned to the subject of packing. We are so – completely – excited to share our “essentials” list for a proper getaway to a warmer climate this Winter. Join us, will you?

1. A proper hat. Jacinda says: A packable straw hat not only blocks the sun but keeps fly-about hair under control and adds a bit of 1920’s seaside style to your cruise wardrobe.

2. Your favorite sunglasses. Jacinda says: They don’t have to be fancy, they just have to be comfortable, unscratched, and fabulous. I recently splurged on aviators in my prescription and I don’t know how I lived without them.

3. Bohemian maxi dress. Amanda Says: You can take a maxi dress from day to night with a chic bohemian flare.

4. Some nautical flair. Jacinda says: Where better to get your preppy nautical fix than out to sea? This boat neck T works with everything from a swimsuit to dressy evening pants.

5. Jorts of sorts. Jacinda says: My love of jorts, or jean shorts, has become a bit legendary among my family and friends. Perhaps I abuse this casual standby but they are my go-to when I don’t want to think too hard about what to wear with almost any top. And I definitely don’t want to think too hard on this trip.

Read on for all of our packing picks for a tropical getaway… (more…)

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Traveling in Style: Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Scotland, because of it’s stunning beauty and history. Towering peaks, vibrant emerald moors, and crystal clear fairy pools define the landscape of this ancient island. It is no wonder that this fall we have been completely inspired to add the Isle of Skye to our top destinations, style, and even our breakfast menu…

Visiting the Isle of Skye (from the collage above):
– This viral video of cyclist Danny MacAskill riding the stunning Cullin Ridge was just released, and makes you want to buy a ticket immediately.

– Watch the majestic Mealt Waterfall cascade down Kilt Rock (photo by Fabien Bravin).

– Quidam Cress perfectly captures the town of Portree on the island.

– Get a closer look at the ruins of Cill Chriosd (aka Christ’s Church) on Meanderings About

– Ian Cowe photographs the Neist Point Lighthouse and cliff edges of the island.

– Visit Scotland is packed with details and must-see destinations on the island, like Dunvegan Castle.

– The Isle of Skye makes the most perfect destination for a wedding (photo by Dylan Kitchener), or a Secret Elopement spotted on Green Wedding Shoes.

– On your visit, don’t forget to keep your eye out for red deer, whales, and these seals photographed by Paolo Verseci.

What to Wear:

Plaid Cape from Zara | The Billie Boot and Double Ribbon Fedora from Madewell | Poppy Red Top from Ace & Jig | Blue Dress from Lost & Found | Leather Gloves from H&M | Brooklyn Leather Satchel from Ona Bags

For kiddos: Blazer and Flowy Dress with Piping from Zara

Be inspired to recreate this Flower Crown Hairstyle from Irrelephant.

What to Eat:

Start your morning with Roasted Pear & Cranberry Chocolate Chunk Scones from Local Milk.

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The Sweetest Sweet Tea Ice Pop Recipe

Sweet Tea Popsicle Recipe
I may be from Los Angeles, but I’ve got Southern love, as y’all know. You can’t get a decent sweet tea out here, so you have to make it yourself.

You can use our sweet tea recipe for boring-old drinking, but seeing as we are experiencing a crazy fall heat wave in LA, I say make some pops and cool off. Winter will be here soon enough.
Sweet Tea Popsicle Recipe

If you love pops as much as I do, also try these:
Peaches & Cream Pop Recipe
Jaime’s Famous Strawberry Basil Balsamic Pop Recipe
Mango Sriracha Popsicles
Cucumber Mint Pops

Get our Sweetest Sweet Tea Popsicle Recipe after the jump… (more…)

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My Verdict on All Inclusive

Club Med Cancun Room Views

I just got back from a lovely 4 day retreat to Cancun (poor me!). I love the Yucatan peninsula, beyond the beaches of Cancun to Chichén Itzá, Coba, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel… I’ve done it all and would go back a thousand times more. If you visit our Prudent Travel section, I think we’ve been to Mexico about 8 times the past two years?

Point being, I never say no to a trip to Mexico. But this particular trip I was invited by Club Med to check out their new Aguamarina family suites and soak up the all-inclusive experience at Club Med Cancún Yucatán.
Club Med Jade

Let me tell you all about it after the jump… (more…)

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