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Simplify Meal Planning with Dinner Menu Cards

September 25, 2019      Sarah Van Wagenen

Calendar, dinner menu clipboard, and bucket list clipboard

Meal planning can be so time-consuming, which is why I wanted to work on this project. To simplify meal planning each week, I designed these basic, dinner menu cards. You can download the PDF and edit it, by adding your own meals to the card. In addition to simplifying meal planning, I also wanted something to display in our home so everyone would know the plan. To make these a little heavier duty, I'll be printing them out on card stock, and then posting on a clipboard, to hang in our ...

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Family Trip to the State Fair

September 20, 2019      Sarah Van Wagenen

Despite temperatures of 100 degrees, and less than ideal fairgrounds, we made the most of our family trip to the state fair. We had never been to the fair, as a family, but had decided to add it to our fall bucket list (check it out here). Overall, we're so glad we went, it was a great adventure for our little family! The Magic of the State Fair At first, Kurt and I were a little bit disappointed. The fairgrounds were pretty small, and everything seemed dirty, but it didn't take us long to ...

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Fall Bucket List for the Family

September 20, 2019      Sarah Van Wagenen

Our family just finished making our fall bucket list, and we are so excited for this new season! So far it's still 100 degrees here, but we are embracing the heat and pretending like swimming in fall is what you do. We have already started checking off a few of the activities on our fall bucket list, and are so looking forward to all the fun memories we ahead of us. Fall Bucket List (Downloadable/Editable FREE PDF) After discussing with the kids what plans we wanted to make, I designed an ...

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Shop the Look: Beach

August 31, 2019      Sarah Van Wagenen

Casual flowy, short sleeve midi dress in sky blueWomen's belt buckle fedora hat in camelRattan woven, cross body round purseOpen Toe Ankle Strap Platform Low Wedge sandalsTiny initial, 14k gold filled necklace, custom chain length, 15 inch; use code BLOSSOMANDBECOME for 15% off ...

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Must-Have Family Beach Products (+ 10 Healthy Snack Ideas)

August 31, 2019      Sarah Van Wagenen

We've definitely learned a lot about beach trips with kids, so I wanted to share some of our must-have family beach products including games, activities, and snacks for beach days. We love going to the beach as a family, it is where we have made some of our best memories. We lived at the beach for 4 years while Kurt was in medical school, and take at least a few beach trips every year. To say that we love the beach may be an understatement. Below I'm sharing our must-have family beach ...

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Top 5 Must-See Chattanooga, Tennessee Spots + Best Restaurant Recommendations

August 3, 2019      Sarah Van Wagenen

We had never visited Chattanooga, Tennessee before, but after going once we were so charmed we planned another trip right away. Even though we've been twice, we're planning to go again soon! There is a lot more to do and see there than we expected. Here are our recommendations for your own visit. 5 Must See Chattanooga, TN Spots 1. Rock City We loved the beautiful walking trails of Rock City. The trails, caves, and lush gardens wind around giant rock formations, ending at Lover's Leap. ...

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hi, I’m Sarah!

My husband, Kurt, and I live in Birmingham, AL with our three little ones {4}, {2}, & {1}. My husband is currently completing a medical residency. Prior to living here we lived in Texas and Utah for schooling.

This is where I'll be sharing recent reads, favorite recipes and products, everyday style, details about our travels, etc. I'll also be sharing freebies I've designed, so don't miss out! I'm so happy to have you here!

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It’s easy to think we have to create unforgettab It’s easy to think we have to create unforgettable moments with expensive trips and packed schedules. I’m as guilty of that as the next person. 

But some of childhood’s greatest memories are made in the backyard—with a fire, a few marshmallows, and time together.

What’s one simple summer tradition your kids love? ⬇️

#simplechildhood #90ssummer #makingmemories #summerwithkids #familytraditions
90’s Summer Bucket List Stop 2 “America’s Pa 90’s Summer Bucket List Stop 2 “America’s Pastime”, there’s nothing like a local baseball game. Going to a Trash Pandas baseball game with the kids on a summer night is forever a favorite for us! 

The atmosphere, the food, cheering the players on, ALL the freebies (the kids came home loaded down), time with friends, getting on the Jumbotron (multiple times), players signing stuff afterwards. The best way to spend a summer evening! Such a fun night we’ll always remember. 

Go Trash Pandas! @trashpandasbaseball @trashpandafans 

#90ssummer #summerbucketlist #alabamawithkids #madisonal #northalabama
90’s Summer Bucket List Part 1 📍Hartselle Aq 90’s Summer Bucket List Part 1

📍Hartselle Aquatic Center, Alabama

We’re down to the last few weeks of summer so I’m starting a series to share some of our favorite bucket list items we checked off this year! 

Everyone’s been talking about a 90’s summer and maybe we’ve just always done summer different, but less screens and more memories is what it’s all about!

First stop, The Hartselle Aquatic Center, just 20 minutes from Madison, Alabama, and my top pick for fun places to take the kids this summer. Here’s why. 

- Affordable, $15 for 12 and older, $10 for 4-11, 3 and under free 
- Small enough to keep an eye on everyone
- Big enough to keep everyone entertained for 4-6 hours (more if I let them) 
- Easy to see where everyone is and what they’re doing, but the big kids also love the independence 
- Multiple slides
- Lazy river
- High diving board
- Low diving board
- Shallow, zero entry and water features 

Pro tip: I learned this from a fellow mom, get there as soon as it opens to get a good spot with umbrellas and a good view of the whole facility. We set up back by the bathrooms, which was great! The tables and umbrellas in the middle of the pools fills up fastest, so obviously a great spot if you’re there early enough to get it. #90ssummer #summerbucketlist #alabamawithkids #northalabama #madisonal
A Christmas tradition that never gets old ✨ Tak A Christmas tradition that never gets old ✨

Taking our kids to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall this Christmas felt extra special as we celebrated their 100th anniversary 🎄👯‍♀️. The precision, the costumes, the music—every detail was so creative, magical, and completely engaging for kids and adults alike.

My favorite part of the show was the full Nativity dramatization; so beautifully done! If you’re looking for a timeless Christmas experience in NYC, this is it.

✨ Here’s to 100 years of high kicks, holiday wonder, and unforgettable moments.

#festivefun #RadioCityMusicHall #ChristmasInNYC #RockettesChristmasSpectacular #NYCWithKids
Comment “NYC Christmas” for a printable guide Comment “NYC Christmas” for a printable guide of this charming holiday stroll down Fifth Avenue. 

If there’s one place that truly feels like Christmas in NYC, it’s Fifth Avenue. Glittering lights, iconic windows, and pure holiday magic at every turn. 

🎄 Don’t miss these must-see stops:
📍 Saks Fifth Avenue – The legendary holiday light show + enchanting windows (every 10 minutes after dark!)
📍 Rockefeller Center Tree – Just across the street and absolutely iconic 🌟
📍 Cartier – Wrapped like a giant present for the ultimate holiday photo op 🎁
📍 Dior – Artistic, over-the-top winter magic
📍 FAO Schwarz- perfectly engaging for kids (and parents alike)

If you get the chance to visit NYC at Christmas *SAVE* this for your itinerary and bundle up! ❤️

#FifthAvenue #NYCChristmas #HolidayInNYC #ChristmasInNewYork #nycmagic
Grant has said since he was 3 that he wanted to be Grant has said since he was 3 that he wanted to be in Slytherin and tonight got to meet the @t22felton and talk to “Draco” about his house of choice! We had the most magical night getting to meet the cast members of @cursedchildus and most importantly getting to see their incredible talent in person! What an amazing night we will both always remember! #harrypotterfan #harrypotterfans #harrypotterfandom #harrypotterandthecursedchild #slytherin
Halloween 2024 will forever be a favorite family c Halloween 2024 will forever be a favorite family costume! We had so, so much fun planning this one and dancing together! The kids got introduced to Phineas & Ferb by one of their babysitters and we’ve had the best time watching the show together. I don’t know if there is anything cuter than Carter as Perry the Platypus. He LOVED his costume! What a fun crew!! We got home from our London/Paris trip about 24 hours before Halloween so it was an exhausting stretch, but we survived! #halloweenfamilycostume #halloween2024 #boycostumeideas #phineasandferb #familylife #perrytheplatypus #familycostumesarethebest #familycostume #familyof7 #familiesthattravel
Sneak peek of our family costume this year!! The c Sneak peek of our family costume this year!! The cutest Perry the Platypus. He loved his costume and was so excited to be Perry! #familycostume #familycostumesarethebest #halloween2024 #familylife  #perrytheplatypus #phineasandferb #boycostumeideas
Grateful today and every day for F A M I L Y! I wa Grateful today and every day for F A M I L Y! I watch this video from summer on repeat. We had a blast doing this @cost_n_mayor inspired dance together, which has moves much more difficult than they make it look 🤣Our crew gets bigger every year and we already have one more babe since our summer get together. There are 16 grandkids and when we’re all together there are 29 of us! I’m so grateful for my people and the amazing families that Kurt and I have been blessed with. I can’t wait for our next family dance together! 
#familiesthatdancetogetheraremorefun #grateful #blessed #familiesareforever #familydanceparty #familyreunion #familyreunion #danceparty #familyhumoratitsfinest #familyhumor

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Latest Pins

It’s easy to think we have to create unforgettab It’s easy to think we have to create unforgettable moments with expensive trips and packed schedules. I’m as guilty of that as the next person. 

But some of childhood’s greatest memories are made in the backyard—with a fire, a few marshmallows, and time together.

What’s one simple summer tradition your kids love? ⬇️

#simplechildhood #90ssummer #makingmemories #summerwithkids #familytraditions
90’s Summer Bucket List Stop 2 “America’s Pa 90’s Summer Bucket List Stop 2 “America’s Pastime”, there’s nothing like a local baseball game. Going to a Trash Pandas baseball game with the kids on a summer night is forever a favorite for us! 

The atmosphere, the food, cheering the players on, ALL the freebies (the kids came home loaded down), time with friends, getting on the Jumbotron (multiple times), players signing stuff afterwards. The best way to spend a summer evening! Such a fun night we’ll always remember. 

Go Trash Pandas! @trashpandasbaseball @trashpandafans 

#90ssummer #summerbucketlist #alabamawithkids #madisonal #northalabama
90’s Summer Bucket List Part 1 📍Hartselle Aq 90’s Summer Bucket List Part 1

📍Hartselle Aquatic Center, Alabama

We’re down to the last few weeks of summer so I’m starting a series to share some of our favorite bucket list items we checked off this year! 

Everyone’s been talking about a 90’s summer and maybe we’ve just always done summer different, but less screens and more memories is what it’s all about!

First stop, The Hartselle Aquatic Center, just 20 minutes from Madison, Alabama, and my top pick for fun places to take the kids this summer. Here’s why. 

- Affordable, $15 for 12 and older, $10 for 4-11, 3 and under free 
- Small enough to keep an eye on everyone
- Big enough to keep everyone entertained for 4-6 hours (more if I let them) 
- Easy to see where everyone is and what they’re doing, but the big kids also love the independence 
- Multiple slides
- Lazy river
- High diving board
- Low diving board
- Shallow, zero entry and water features 

Pro tip: I learned this from a fellow mom, get there as soon as it opens to get a good spot with umbrellas and a good view of the whole facility. We set up back by the bathrooms, which was great! The tables and umbrellas in the middle of the pools fills up fastest, so obviously a great spot if you’re there early enough to get it. #90ssummer #summerbucketlist #alabamawithkids #northalabama #madisonal
A Christmas tradition that never gets old ✨ Tak A Christmas tradition that never gets old ✨

Taking our kids to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall this Christmas felt extra special as we celebrated their 100th anniversary 🎄👯‍♀️. The precision, the costumes, the music—every detail was so creative, magical, and completely engaging for kids and adults alike.

My favorite part of the show was the full Nativity dramatization; so beautifully done! If you’re looking for a timeless Christmas experience in NYC, this is it.

✨ Here’s to 100 years of high kicks, holiday wonder, and unforgettable moments.

#festivefun #RadioCityMusicHall #ChristmasInNYC #RockettesChristmasSpectacular #NYCWithKids
Comment “NYC Christmas” for a printable guide Comment “NYC Christmas” for a printable guide of this charming holiday stroll down Fifth Avenue. 

If there’s one place that truly feels like Christmas in NYC, it’s Fifth Avenue. Glittering lights, iconic windows, and pure holiday magic at every turn. 

🎄 Don’t miss these must-see stops:
📍 Saks Fifth Avenue – The legendary holiday light show + enchanting windows (every 10 minutes after dark!)
📍 Rockefeller Center Tree – Just across the street and absolutely iconic 🌟
📍 Cartier – Wrapped like a giant present for the ultimate holiday photo op 🎁
📍 Dior – Artistic, over-the-top winter magic
📍 FAO Schwarz- perfectly engaging for kids (and parents alike)

If you get the chance to visit NYC at Christmas *SAVE* this for your itinerary and bundle up! ❤️

#FifthAvenue #NYCChristmas #HolidayInNYC #ChristmasInNewYork #nycmagic
Grant has said since he was 3 that he wanted to be Grant has said since he was 3 that he wanted to be in Slytherin and tonight got to meet the @t22felton and talk to “Draco” about his house of choice! We had the most magical night getting to meet the cast members of @cursedchildus and most importantly getting to see their incredible talent in person! What an amazing night we will both always remember! #harrypotterfan #harrypotterfans #harrypotterfandom #harrypotterandthecursedchild #slytherin
Halloween 2024 will forever be a favorite family c Halloween 2024 will forever be a favorite family costume! We had so, so much fun planning this one and dancing together! The kids got introduced to Phineas & Ferb by one of their babysitters and we’ve had the best time watching the show together. I don’t know if there is anything cuter than Carter as Perry the Platypus. He LOVED his costume! What a fun crew!! We got home from our London/Paris trip about 24 hours before Halloween so it was an exhausting stretch, but we survived! #halloweenfamilycostume #halloween2024 #boycostumeideas #phineasandferb #familylife #perrytheplatypus #familycostumesarethebest #familycostume #familyof7 #familiesthattravel
Sneak peek of our family costume this year!! The c Sneak peek of our family costume this year!! The cutest Perry the Platypus. He loved his costume and was so excited to be Perry! #familycostume #familycostumesarethebest #halloween2024 #familylife  #perrytheplatypus #phineasandferb #boycostumeideas
Grateful today and every day for F A M I L Y! I wa Grateful today and every day for F A M I L Y! I watch this video from summer on repeat. We had a blast doing this @cost_n_mayor inspired dance together, which has moves much more difficult than they make it look 🤣Our crew gets bigger every year and we already have one more babe since our summer get together. There are 16 grandkids and when we’re all together there are 29 of us! I’m so grateful for my people and the amazing families that Kurt and I have been blessed with. I can’t wait for our next family dance together! 
#familiesthatdancetogetheraremorefun #grateful #blessed #familiesareforever #familydanceparty #familyreunion #familyreunion #danceparty #familyhumoratitsfinest #familyhumor
Happy Halloween from Hogwarts! #harrypotter #famil Happy Halloween from Hogwarts! #harrypotter #familyhalloweencostumes #halloweencostumeideas #halloweencostume #harrypotterworld #harrypotterfan

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