2015

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidayMoments #CollectiveBias There is no holiday tradition more observed across my extended family than holiday baking!  What I seemed to block from memory is the massive clean-up that follows.  But don’t let the stress…

Have you been following our Nutcracker holiday mini-series? This marks the final post in our Plan the Perfect Nutcracker Party series with activities, decor, and favor ideas, paired with festive food contributions from Eats Amazing.  Today’s Jingle Bell Ribbon Sticks will have your tiny dancer party-goers dancing along like Sugar Plum…

I come from a long, line of bakers.  My great grandmother invented the gum paste flower technique now used to adorn wedding cakes with candy clay flowers around the country.  And Christmas is prime baking season.  My personal favorite family recipe is for Gingerbread Cookies! And since after baking cookies for over…

What Nutcracker party is complete without tutus and dancing?!? Motivate your tiny dancer party-goers to dance with these festive DIY Party Favors… today, we are sharing the how-to for snowflake wands to go with the Waltz of the Snowflake. Wednesday I’ll be back with the how-to for the jingle bell…

Our Nutcracker party planning continues… and no party is complete without themed decor.  This week we created a simple burlap holiday banner featuring Nutcracker silhouettes for less than $10, with great Pottery Barn-esque effect! DIY Nutcracker Silhouette Holiday Banner For Day 3 of our Nutcracker series, I created this simple holiday…

This project took some bravery on my part.  You may have noticed most of our activity posts feature Big M, with Lil’ M along for the ride.  Big M (age 4) is my rule stickler, takes direction well, and since birth, has possessed an incredible attention span.  Lil’ M (age…

The Nutcracker is more than just ballerinas and tutus!  The battle scene features the Nutcracker and his army of toy soldiers versus the Rat King and his minions.  Today, I’ve recreated this battle with a fun Nutcracker game on a cinnamon stick tic tac toe board! The Nutcracker Series Welcome…

I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for WaterWipes. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #WaterWipes #IC  I am a self-confessed Type A mom who thrives on routine, organization, and being on time. The…

People thought I was crazy when I took Big M, then age 3, to see The Nutcracker last holiday season.  She was captivated from the opening curtain to the final curtsies.  She still watches it almost daily, narrates the scenes, requests to listen to the soundtrack in the car, and re-enacts…

Over the past few Fridays, I have been sharing ways to save money this season, while the rest of the world breaks the bank!  Today’s Financially Savvy holiday savings tip? Bake It, Don’t Buy It.  For many people on your holiday list, baked goods make an excellent Christmas gift.  And…

Andy Warhol was a leading figure in the Pop Art movement.  His artistic exploration of pop culture produced mixed media series featuring icons of the day, from Marilyn Monroe to Campbell’s Soup cans.  For our latest project in the Art History for Preschool series, the girls (ages 4 and 2) were easily…

Along with the cheer of the holiday season comes the drear of colder and wetter weather, making for long dark days stuck indoors.  We cheered things up with some holiday games, including this fun Christmas twist on the traditional cup-and-ball favorite, Cup and Jingle Bell! Cup & Jingle Bell, A…

Everyone knows about Black Friday.  And Small Business Saturday has gained a huge following driving consumers to Shop Local.  But how about as moms we support fellow moms?  To make it easy to do just that, I’ve put together a list of great Gifts for Mom that you can purchase…

Growing up, I always looked forward to December 1st, and my Mom’s reveal of our annual Advent Calendar.  On a recent trip through Target, I saw an adorable 3D Christmas tree version… for $30.  And it still needed gifts to go inside.  I knew I could create my own version…

After giving thanks and stuffing yourself with turkey on Thursday, it officially becomes Santa Sighting season!  Check out our list of places to see Santa this year, in and around Milford, CT. 10+ Places to See Santa this Season From local tree lightings to breakfasts and your traditional mall Santas, here’s…

A year ago today, I published the first post on Playground Parkbench.  What began as an idea born out of a sleepless night of pregnancy insomnia was finally brought to fruition. As a celebration of our first birthday, I want to pause to reflect and thank all those who have supported, encouraged…

Black Friday pandemonium looms just one week away.  I, personally, have never been one to join in the shopping at midnight insanity.  I prefer to stay home, enjoy my family and let my turkey digest.  I am, however, all in favor of getting a jump start on preparing for Christmas.…

It was not that long ago that artistic techniques were as prescribed as scientific processes or mathematical equations.  Critics and instructors frowned upon artists who looked to create outside the confinements of traditional methods. Kandinsky was one such artist, and fortunately for all of us, ignored his critics.  He wanted art to…

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SnackPackMixins #CollectiveBias The best part about being a parent is sharing all the things you loved about your own childhood with your children.  I love all things Christmas, and one of my favorite holiday traditions…