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Blossom & Become

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17 STEAM Activities Kids will Love

March 14, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

With so many kids required to stay home from school over the next little bit, I thought I would put together a post with some fun STEAM activities to do at home. I made a list of some of our favorite STEAM activities and kits from Amazon below. I also included a few other resources and ideas. STEAM Activities Kids will Love Shop Amazon for these fun STEAM Activities Large doodle floor mat for artFlower growing kitCounting sticks for math equationsLip balm making kitPicasso magnetic ...

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5 Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Kids

March 12, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

St. Patrick's Day has the potential to be a really fun holiday, especially with kids. There are endless possibilities for how to make St. Patrick's day a fun and exciting day. We've tried to make the most out of St. Patrick's day this year by doing some of the following activities. 5 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 1. Decorate for St. Patrick's Day Everything is more highly anticipated when there are decorations on display announcing an upcoming holiday. We found so many treasures ...

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12 Tips for Hosting a Fun & Memorable Girls’ Night In

February 24, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

I love the chance to go out with girlfriends, and chat for a little bit without the constant interruptions we have during play dates. Every now and then it's fun to have a night in together too. We had a Galentine's party together this year, and honestly, it was so much fun! I thought I would share some tips and ideas for how to host a memorable girls' night in. Food Ideas for Girls' Night Of course, one of the most important parts of a memorable night includes great food and drinks. ...

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Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Protein Balls

January 16, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

Protein Balls

Our family loves to eat and we love good food. These quick and easy protein cookie dough balls are an absolute favorite in our home. I try to make these on a regular basis. They're healthy, filling, easy for on-the-go snacking, and they taste so good! Over the years, I've tried several different versions of the basic protein ball. I finally landed on a combination of ingredients that's perfect! My biggest secret is to ground up the oats into a coarse oat flour. Almost all protein ball recipes ...

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Whitening Sensitive Teeth at Home

January 16, 2020      Sarah Van Wagenen

Prior to being approached about reviewing an at-home teeth whitening kit, I thought my teeth seemed pretty white. I had certainly tried a variety of other products including whitening toothpaste, whitening gel, whitening strips, etc. However, my results were either underwhelming, too expensive to maintain, or generally too hard to do on a regular basis. Another issue I've struggled with is having sensitive teeth that hurt when I try to whiten them. When Smile Brilliant approached me about ...

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10 Interactive and Unique Gift Ideas for Kids

December 13, 2019      Sarah Van Wagenen

Toys accumulate so quickly, and since becoming a parent, I've felt overwhelmed with how many toys I find around our house. I really enjoy picking out toys and presents for my kids and I love seeing them open the gifts we picked out; however, with three little ones, I'm starting to be a lot pickier about what gifts we buy. I put together this simple gift guide of 10 interactive and unique gifts for kids, to share some favorite things we gifted our kids this year. One rule I try to stick to is ...

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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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Seeing the Sphere in Vegas is one thing… experienc Seeing the Sphere in Vegas is one thing… experiencing it during a Backstreet Boys concert is another! ✨

The visuals are INSANE, the sound is incredible, and the entire place feels completely immersive. Add the Backstreet Boys (live and in person) to it; total dream come true! 🥹🪩

#BackstreetBoys #BSB #SphereVegas #LasVegas #BSBArmy
“Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a “Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh.” 🦋

There’s something about this footage of Dolly waving to the people lining the streets of Dollywood that feels especially beautiful to me now. Warm. Nostalgic. Joyful. So very Dolly.

I’ve been going to Dollywood since I was 4 years old. Some of my earliest and sweetest memories are wrapped up in that place.

Now that I’m grown, I’ve had the joy of taking my own children to Dollywood countless times. But last year was the first time I ever got to see Dolly herself riding in the Opening Day Parade.

Dolly was an exceptional woman.

She made the most of the life God gave her, and perhaps even more beautifully, she brought people up with her. She used her success to open doors, give hope, create opportunities, and make people feel seen and loved.

There was something extraordinary about the way Dolly loved people. She didn’t just shine—she made everything around her a little brighter.

The world will not be the same without her. But what a gift it was to live in a world with Dolly Parton in it.🤍🦋

#DollyParton #Dollywood #DollysLegacy #DollyPartonFans #Tennessee
📍 Saint Honoré, Las Vegas @ilovesainthonore Save 📍 Saint Honoré, Las Vegas

@ilovesainthonore

Save this for your next trip to Vegas!!
 
The dreamy crème brûlée Saint-Honoré donut—golden, crackly caramel on top, filled with silky vanilla cream, and impossibly decadent. 🍩✨

I can’t say what I liked more: the satisfying crunch of biting through the crystallized sugar? Or that it was the perfect amount of sweet but not TOO sweet? Or the vanilla cream in the middle? Just try it, you won’t regret it! So worth the hype and next time I’m definitely trying the beignets, that are highly recommended and also look delicious.

#donutsofinstagram #sainthonoré #lasvegasfoodie
📍Din Thai Fung, Aria, Las Vegas Only 16 of these 📍Din Thai Fung, Aria, Las Vegas

Only 16 of these restaurants in the country, but it’s well-worth the plane flight to get to eat here! Sharing some of our favorite dishes from this most recent trip. I’ve been twice now and ordered even better the second time. 

Tips: Order the Noodles with Spicy Sauce and use the “spicy sauce” to flavor as many other options as you choose. 

DO NOT leave without trying Mango Shaved Ice + Chocolate + Mochi XLB Bao Buns with a side of Sea Salt Cream. 

#vegasfood #lasvegasfood #foodiesofinstagram #foodietips
Millenium 2.0. Backstreet’s Back Alright!!! #bsb # Millenium 2.0. Backstreet’s Back Alright!!! #bsb #backstreetboys #backstreetboysvegas #y2k #spherevegas
If you’re visiting London with kids, DO NOT skip t If you’re visiting London with kids, DO NOT skip this playground. 🏴‍☠️🧚‍♀️

The Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde Park is basically Peter Pan’s Neverland brought to life—complete with a massive pirate ship, hidden pathways, teepees, sensory areas, water play, and plenty of places for kids to let their imaginations take over.

And the best part? It’s completely free. 🙌

It’s one of those places where the kids can run, explore and play while you get a little break from sightseeing. 😉

📍 Princess Diana Memorial Playground | Hyde Park, London

Save this for your next London trip with kids!

#LondonWithKids #LondonFamilyTravel #FamilyTravel #ThingsToDoInLondon #princessdianamemorialplayground
I’ll never regret using the world as our classroom I’ll never regret using the world as our classroom. 🌎

Because some of the lessons you remember forever can’t be found in a textbook.

They happen while standing in awe of a waterfall, exploring a national park, getting lost in a new city, trying unfamiliar foods, meeting new people, and seeing firsthand just how big and beautiful this world is.

Travel has taught our kids curiosity, confidence, resilience, history, geography, gratitude—and so much more.

The world is our classroom, and I’m so grateful we get to learn together. ❤️

#FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #Worldschooling #FamilyAdventures #LearningThroughTravel
Only have a few days in Yellowstone? 🦬🌋 Save this Only have a few days in Yellowstone? 🦬🌋 Save this itinerary! Want the full Yellowstone Day 1 itinerary with stops, hikes, timing, and tips?

👇 Comment YELLOWSTONE and I’ll send it to you!

We packed some of Yellowstone’s most incredible sights into two unforgettable days - colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots to waterfalls, wildlife, and the iconic Old Faithful. 

 #travelfam #travelfamilies #yellowstonenationalpark #nationalparkfam #outdoorfamilies
Five audiobooks that can make a family road trip S Five audiobooks that can make a family road trip SO much better! The last one will surprise you, but it was incredibly enjoyable to listen to as a family! Our kids now refer to @natebargatze as “our friend”. 😁👏🏼

If you’re looking for a way to keep the whole family entertained on your next long drive, these are some of our favorite family audiobooks. They’re engaging enough for older kids but still fun for the whole family!

✨ Harry Potter — Magical, funny, adventurous, and absolutely captivating.
🦁 The Chronicles of Narnia — Classic adventures that spark great conversations along the way.
🐉 How to Train Your Dragon — Hilarious, fast-paced, and so entertaining as an audiobook.
🧁 Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle — Short, silly stories that are perfect for younger kids.
👀 Big Dumb Eyes — Funny, relatable, and a great lighter listen for the whole family.

Save this list for your next family road trip! 

What audiobook would you add to the list? 👇

#FamilyTravel #RoadTripWithKids #FamilyAudiobooks #KidsBooks #BookRecommendations

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Latest Pins

Seeing the Sphere in Vegas is one thing… experienc Seeing the Sphere in Vegas is one thing… experiencing it during a Backstreet Boys concert is another! ✨

The visuals are INSANE, the sound is incredible, and the entire place feels completely immersive. Add the Backstreet Boys (live and in person) to it; total dream come true! 🥹🪩

#BackstreetBoys #BSB #SphereVegas #LasVegas #BSBArmy
“Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a “Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh.” 🦋

There’s something about this footage of Dolly waving to the people lining the streets of Dollywood that feels especially beautiful to me now. Warm. Nostalgic. Joyful. So very Dolly.

I’ve been going to Dollywood since I was 4 years old. Some of my earliest and sweetest memories are wrapped up in that place.

Now that I’m grown, I’ve had the joy of taking my own children to Dollywood countless times. But last year was the first time I ever got to see Dolly herself riding in the Opening Day Parade.

Dolly was an exceptional woman.

She made the most of the life God gave her, and perhaps even more beautifully, she brought people up with her. She used her success to open doors, give hope, create opportunities, and make people feel seen and loved.

There was something extraordinary about the way Dolly loved people. She didn’t just shine—she made everything around her a little brighter.

The world will not be the same without her. But what a gift it was to live in a world with Dolly Parton in it.🤍🦋

#DollyParton #Dollywood #DollysLegacy #DollyPartonFans #Tennessee
📍 Saint Honoré, Las Vegas @ilovesainthonore Save 📍 Saint Honoré, Las Vegas

@ilovesainthonore

Save this for your next trip to Vegas!!
 
The dreamy crème brûlée Saint-Honoré donut—golden, crackly caramel on top, filled with silky vanilla cream, and impossibly decadent. 🍩✨

I can’t say what I liked more: the satisfying crunch of biting through the crystallized sugar? Or that it was the perfect amount of sweet but not TOO sweet? Or the vanilla cream in the middle? Just try it, you won’t regret it! So worth the hype and next time I’m definitely trying the beignets, that are highly recommended and also look delicious.

#donutsofinstagram #sainthonoré #lasvegasfoodie
📍Din Thai Fung, Aria, Las Vegas Only 16 of these 📍Din Thai Fung, Aria, Las Vegas

Only 16 of these restaurants in the country, but it’s well-worth the plane flight to get to eat here! Sharing some of our favorite dishes from this most recent trip. I’ve been twice now and ordered even better the second time. 

Tips: Order the Noodles with Spicy Sauce and use the “spicy sauce” to flavor as many other options as you choose. 

DO NOT leave without trying Mango Shaved Ice + Chocolate + Mochi XLB Bao Buns with a side of Sea Salt Cream. 

#vegasfood #lasvegasfood #foodiesofinstagram #foodietips
Millenium 2.0. Backstreet’s Back Alright!!! #bsb # Millenium 2.0. Backstreet’s Back Alright!!! #bsb #backstreetboys #backstreetboysvegas #y2k #spherevegas
If you’re visiting London with kids, DO NOT skip t If you’re visiting London with kids, DO NOT skip this playground. 🏴‍☠️🧚‍♀️

The Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde Park is basically Peter Pan’s Neverland brought to life—complete with a massive pirate ship, hidden pathways, teepees, sensory areas, water play, and plenty of places for kids to let their imaginations take over.

And the best part? It’s completely free. 🙌

It’s one of those places where the kids can run, explore and play while you get a little break from sightseeing. 😉

📍 Princess Diana Memorial Playground | Hyde Park, London

Save this for your next London trip with kids!

#LondonWithKids #LondonFamilyTravel #FamilyTravel #ThingsToDoInLondon #princessdianamemorialplayground
I’ll never regret using the world as our classroom I’ll never regret using the world as our classroom. 🌎

Because some of the lessons you remember forever can’t be found in a textbook.

They happen while standing in awe of a waterfall, exploring a national park, getting lost in a new city, trying unfamiliar foods, meeting new people, and seeing firsthand just how big and beautiful this world is.

Travel has taught our kids curiosity, confidence, resilience, history, geography, gratitude—and so much more.

The world is our classroom, and I’m so grateful we get to learn together. ❤️

#FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #Worldschooling #FamilyAdventures #LearningThroughTravel
Only have a few days in Yellowstone? 🦬🌋 Save this Only have a few days in Yellowstone? 🦬🌋 Save this itinerary! Want the full Yellowstone Day 1 itinerary with stops, hikes, timing, and tips?

👇 Comment YELLOWSTONE and I’ll send it to you!

We packed some of Yellowstone’s most incredible sights into two unforgettable days - colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots to waterfalls, wildlife, and the iconic Old Faithful. 

 #travelfam #travelfamilies #yellowstonenationalpark #nationalparkfam #outdoorfamilies
Five audiobooks that can make a family road trip S Five audiobooks that can make a family road trip SO much better! The last one will surprise you, but it was incredibly enjoyable to listen to as a family! Our kids now refer to @natebargatze as “our friend”. 😁👏🏼

If you’re looking for a way to keep the whole family entertained on your next long drive, these are some of our favorite family audiobooks. They’re engaging enough for older kids but still fun for the whole family!

✨ Harry Potter — Magical, funny, adventurous, and absolutely captivating.
🦁 The Chronicles of Narnia — Classic adventures that spark great conversations along the way.
🐉 How to Train Your Dragon — Hilarious, fast-paced, and so entertaining as an audiobook.
🧁 Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle — Short, silly stories that are perfect for younger kids.
👀 Big Dumb Eyes — Funny, relatable, and a great lighter listen for the whole family.

Save this list for your next family road trip! 

What audiobook would you add to the list? 👇

#FamilyTravel #RoadTripWithKids #FamilyAudiobooks #KidsBooks #BookRecommendations
📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park Save th 📍 Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park

Save this stop for your Yellowstone trip! You cannot leave Yellowstone without walking the short (paved) 0.2 miles round trip for this stunning view. 

They called it Artist Point for a reason. 🎨

One look at this view and you’ll understand why artists have been inspired by the “Grand Canyon of Yellowstone” for generations.

This famous, scenic overlook offers a classic, postcard view of the Yellowstone River, towering canyon walls, and Lower Falls. The stunning landscape comes together to create one of the most breathtaking views in the park.

And yes… it’s even more beautiful in person. I didn’t want to ever leave! 

#familytravel #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstonewithkids #nationalparkfamily #travelwithkids

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