• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Contact
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Blossom & Become

A Lifestyle Blog

  • Books
  • Freebies
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Desserts
  • Travel
  • Gift Guides

Kids’ Books about Snow

February 18, 2022      Sarah Van Wagenen

kids' books about snow

Since it's been a little chilly here, we've been reading some kids' book about snow. I wanted to share some of our favorites, and which activities the kids have enjoyed the most. Each of these books is a unique and fun narrative about different experiences in the snow. Kids' Books about Snow No Two Alike, by Keith Baker. A story about two birds exploring a winter landscape together. Ten Ways to Hear Snow, by Cathy Camper. The main character hears snow in so many different ways on ...

Read More

14 Favorite Valentine’s Day Children’s Books

February 14, 2022      Sarah Van Wagenen

We love some good Valentine's Day children's books, all about love. Some are specifically about Valentine's Day, but some are just about good friendship and relationships. 14 Favorite Valentine's Day Children's Books Lola Dutch I Love You So Much, by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright. All the Lola Dutch books are darling. She and her friends are so sweet, and of course the illustrations are swoon-worthy. This one is all about how we can show the important people in our lives how much we ...

Read More

Activities to Help Little Kids Sit Still

January 24, 2022      Sarah Van Wagenen

activities for kids

With four little kids, we are a busy bunch. It takes a concerted effort to keep it together at church or traveling. Kids love to run and jump and play. Sitting still is never they're favorite. Here are some tried and true activities that help little kids sit still. Whether you're traveling or need some fresh ideas for helping little ones sit still at church, here are a few things that work for us. Favorite Activities to Help Little Kids Sit Still One of my kids' very favorite ...

Read More

25 Christmas Books for Kids (a Christmas Advent with Books)

December 30, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

Christmas books for kids

One of our favorite traditions the last few years, is doing a Christmas advent with kids' books each night in December. We wrap 25 Christmas books for kids, and each night we open and read one. It's such a fun way to count down to Christmas and the kids have loved getting to open a book every night. Here is a list of 25 Christmas books for kids to do your own Christmas advent. 25 Christmas Books for Kids Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale. This will always be one of our ...

Read More

10 Gift Ideas for Men

December 21, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

gift ideas for men

I don't know if anyone else can relate, but buying for the men in my life is the most difficult. I only want to gift items that people will use, which for some reason, is harder to find for men. Here are 10 gift ideas for men, in case you need any last minute ideas. Leather Toiletry Bag- A beautiful, highly functional toiletry bag will get years of use. The aesthetics of this particular bag are amazing. It looks so nice and is a water-resistant leather bag, with lots of pockets for ...

Read More

10 Gift Ideas for Women

December 20, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

I wanted to share some gift ideas for women, in case you're still needing some last minute gift ideas for Christmas. One reason I love making and pouring over gift guides is because it gives me ideas I wouldn't otherwise think about. On this list, there's a range of classics like jewelry and spa products, as well as some functional every day use gifts. 10 Gift Ideas for Women Heatless Curl Headband-If you have someone on your list who enjoys beauty trends, these headbands are a great ...

Read More

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

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!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Shop My Instagram

Follow On Instagram

Halloween 2026. Pokémon! This will forever be one Halloween 2026. Pokémon! This will forever be one of my favorites! #halloweencostume #halloweenfamily #pokémon #pokémongo #gottacatchthemall
If there was ever a place to live out your Disney If there was ever a place to live out your Disney princess dreams, it’s Vermont in the fall. 🍂✨

Hiking through the incredible fall colors of Smugglers’ Notch on our way to Elephant’s Head Cliff felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. The golden leaves, vibrant mountains, and breathtaking views made it impossible not to stop and have my own little Colors of the Wind moment. 🍁

I would be remiss if I didn’t give Kurt full credit for the vision behind this piece.

📍 Elephant’s Head Cliff | Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

🥾 Distance: Approximately 4.4 miles round trip via Sterling Pond Trail and the Long Trail.

🍁 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with steep, rocky sections and absolutely incredible views.

If Vermont isn’t on your fall travel bucket list yet, this is your sign!

SAVE this reel for your next Vermont adventure and follow along for more beautiful hikes and travel itineraries! 🤎

#VermontFallFoliage #SmugglersNotch #VermontHikes #NewEnglandFall #FallTravel
FIRST TIME IN BOSTON? Save this itinerary! 📍 Bost FIRST TIME IN BOSTON? Save this itinerary!

📍 Boston Common – Start at America’s oldest public park, established in 1634!

📍Walk the Freedom Trail – Follow the famous 2.5-mile red-brick path and don’t miss:

📍Granary Burying Ground – Graves of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock & Boston Massacre victims.

📍Paul Revere House – Visit the patriot’s actual home, built around 1680!

📍Paul Revere Statue & Old North Church – Iconic photo spot! Two lanterns were displayed in the white steeple to signal British troops arriving by water.

📍Mike’s Pastry – Stop for the famous pistachio cannoli! A MUST in the North End!

📍Bunker Hill Monument – Climb 294 steps for amazing city views and Revolutionary War history.

📍Giacomo’s Ristorante – End the Freedom Trail with an unforgettable Italian dinner in Boston’s North End!

📍Boston Symphony Orchestra – Catch a performance at beautiful, historic Symphony Hall!

✨ Boston has it ALL — history, charm, incredible food & unforgettable experiences!

📌 SAVE this for your Boston trip & SHARE with your travel buddy!

#BostonTravel #VisitBoston #FreedomTrail #BostonItinerary #newenglandtravel
Celebrating 16 years of being married. 🍂🤎 Charmin Celebrating 16 years of being married. 🍂🤎

Charming little towns, covered bridges, winding roads lined with brilliant fall colors, and crisp autumn air that makes you feel happy and alive.

Some of our favorite places in New England.

📍 Waitsfield Covered Bridge, Vermont
📍 Von Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont
📍 Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
📍 Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Vermont

Save this for your future romantic fall getaway! 🍁

#NewEnglandFall #FallInNewEngland #RomanticGetaway #FallTravel #NewEnglandRoadTrip
🍁 Planning a trip to Vermont? These are 5 places y 🍁 Planning a trip to Vermont? These are 5 places you absolutely don’t want to miss!

After exploring Vermont during peak fall foliage, these were some of our favorite stops—from charming covered bridges to incredible hikes and mountain views!

🍂 1. Quechee Gorge & Covered Bridge
Two beautiful, quick roadside stops! Walk across the Quechee Gorge Bridge for views into Vermont’s deepest gorge, then visit the historic Quechee Covered Bridge for that quintessential New England charm.

🏔️ 2. Trapp Family Lodge | Stowe
One of our favorite experiences in Vermont! Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking mountain views, adorable Highland cows, and incredible food. The entire property feels like something out of a storybook, especially in the fall.

💦 3. Bingham Falls | Stowe
A short but surprisingly challenging hike to a gorgeous waterfall tucked into the forest. It’s only half a mile round trip. The trail is steep, rocky, and absolutely worth it!

🍁 4. Smugglers’ Notch | Stowe
One of the most stunning scenic drives in Vermont! The winding road through the mountains is incredible, but make time to get out and hike. We took the Sterling Pond Trail and added on Elephant’s Head Cliff viewpoint via the Long Trail, which brings the hike to approximately 4.4 miles round trip. There are endless beautiful spots for photos, especially during peak foliage!

⛪ 5. Stowe Community Church
One of the most iconic fall scenes in Vermont! The church’s beautiful white steeple stands out against the vibrant red, orange, and golden mountainside. Such a picturesque stop in downtown Stowe.

📌 SAVE this for your future Vermont trip, and follow along for more travel itineraries, beautiful destinations, and adventures worth taking!

#VermontFallFoliage #VisitVermont #StoweVermont #NewEnglandTravel #falltravel
🍁 Would you believe this view is less than 5 minut 🍁 Would you believe this view is less than 5 minutes from the parking lot?!

Start up the Sterling Pond Trail in Smugglers’ Notch (just outside Stowe), and almost immediately you’re rewarded with sweeping mountain views covered in brilliant fall color. 

We ended up hiking about 5 miles here, including Sterling Pond and Elephant’s Head, but you definitely don’t have to do the full hike to experience some of the magic. This beautiful vista is just a short way up the Sterling Pond Trail and is absolutely worth the stop—even if you only have a few minutes!

Save this one for your next fall trip to Vermont. 🍁

#SmugglersNotch #SterlingPond #VermontFall #VermontHiking #fallfoliage
✨28 hours in Vegas ✨And somehow we packed SO much ✨28 hours in Vegas ✨And somehow we packed SO much into one day!

Good food, a little shopping, pool time, and Backstreet Boys nostalgia made this quick trip one for the books.

Here’s everything we squeezed in:

📍 Aria Patisserie — starting the day with something sweet
📍 Din Tai Fung — because the right order here makes ALL the difference 🥟
🛍️ A last-minute Ross run for Backstreet Boys concert accessories (think sparkly silver, butterfly clutch)
💗 Made friendship bracelets together (one of my favorite parts of the trip)
🌐 Saw The Sphere in all its Vegas glory
🎶 Backstreet Boys: Into the Millennium — the main event and SO much nostalgia
🎤 The Backstreet Boys Experience at The Venetian
🥐 Brunch at La Fontaine
🍩 A stop at Saint Honoré for donuts
☀️ Pool time at Fontainebleau with virgin drinks poolside

Vegas doesn’t require a week-long vacation. Give us 28 hours, a concert, great food, and a packed itinerary and we’re happy. 😂✨

#VegasGirlsTrip #vegastravel #LasVegasItinerary #BackstreetBoys #VegasFoodie
Hiking with little kids…they’re either half a mile Hiking with little kids…they’re either half a mile ahead or half a mile behind. I definitely prefer one over the other, but within sight please!

📍Artists’ Paintpot, Yellowstone National Park

#yellowstonewithkids #yellowstonenationalpark #hikingwithkids #familyadventures #outdoorfamily
Yellowstone with kids? Save this itinerary! From Yellowstone with kids? Save this itinerary!

From waterfalls and colorful thermal basins to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, bubbling mudpots, and wildlife in Hayden Valley—these are some of our favorite stops for a family day in the park.

I included how long to spend at each stop + how much walking to expect so you can actually plan your day without guessing.

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip and send it to the person planning your family vacation!

Follow @blossomandbecome for kid-friendly itineraries, family travel tips & adventures. 🤍

#yellowstonewithkids #yellowstonenationalpark #familytravel #travelwithkids #kidfriendlytravel

Latest Posts

Fountain Paint Pot pool

Yellowstone: Unforgettable Family Memories and the Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary

NYC Magic of a Holiday Stroll Down 5th Avenue

Preschool Lesson about Feelings

Latest Pins

Halloween 2026. Pokémon! This will forever be one Halloween 2026. Pokémon! This will forever be one of my favorites! #halloweencostume #halloweenfamily #pokémon #pokémongo #gottacatchthemall
If there was ever a place to live out your Disney If there was ever a place to live out your Disney princess dreams, it’s Vermont in the fall. 🍂✨

Hiking through the incredible fall colors of Smugglers’ Notch on our way to Elephant’s Head Cliff felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. The golden leaves, vibrant mountains, and breathtaking views made it impossible not to stop and have my own little Colors of the Wind moment. 🍁

I would be remiss if I didn’t give Kurt full credit for the vision behind this piece.

📍 Elephant’s Head Cliff | Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

🥾 Distance: Approximately 4.4 miles round trip via Sterling Pond Trail and the Long Trail.

🍁 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, with steep, rocky sections and absolutely incredible views.

If Vermont isn’t on your fall travel bucket list yet, this is your sign!

SAVE this reel for your next Vermont adventure and follow along for more beautiful hikes and travel itineraries! 🤎

#VermontFallFoliage #SmugglersNotch #VermontHikes #NewEnglandFall #FallTravel
FIRST TIME IN BOSTON? Save this itinerary! 📍 Bost FIRST TIME IN BOSTON? Save this itinerary!

📍 Boston Common – Start at America’s oldest public park, established in 1634!

📍Walk the Freedom Trail – Follow the famous 2.5-mile red-brick path and don’t miss:

📍Granary Burying Ground – Graves of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock & Boston Massacre victims.

📍Paul Revere House – Visit the patriot’s actual home, built around 1680!

📍Paul Revere Statue & Old North Church – Iconic photo spot! Two lanterns were displayed in the white steeple to signal British troops arriving by water.

📍Mike’s Pastry – Stop for the famous pistachio cannoli! A MUST in the North End!

📍Bunker Hill Monument – Climb 294 steps for amazing city views and Revolutionary War history.

📍Giacomo’s Ristorante – End the Freedom Trail with an unforgettable Italian dinner in Boston’s North End!

📍Boston Symphony Orchestra – Catch a performance at beautiful, historic Symphony Hall!

✨ Boston has it ALL — history, charm, incredible food & unforgettable experiences!

📌 SAVE this for your Boston trip & SHARE with your travel buddy!

#BostonTravel #VisitBoston #FreedomTrail #BostonItinerary #newenglandtravel
Celebrating 16 years of being married. 🍂🤎 Charmin Celebrating 16 years of being married. 🍂🤎

Charming little towns, covered bridges, winding roads lined with brilliant fall colors, and crisp autumn air that makes you feel happy and alive.

Some of our favorite places in New England.

📍 Waitsfield Covered Bridge, Vermont
📍 Von Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont
📍 Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
📍 Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Vermont

Save this for your future romantic fall getaway! 🍁

#NewEnglandFall #FallInNewEngland #RomanticGetaway #FallTravel #NewEnglandRoadTrip
🍁 Planning a trip to Vermont? These are 5 places y 🍁 Planning a trip to Vermont? These are 5 places you absolutely don’t want to miss!

After exploring Vermont during peak fall foliage, these were some of our favorite stops—from charming covered bridges to incredible hikes and mountain views!

🍂 1. Quechee Gorge & Covered Bridge
Two beautiful, quick roadside stops! Walk across the Quechee Gorge Bridge for views into Vermont’s deepest gorge, then visit the historic Quechee Covered Bridge for that quintessential New England charm.

🏔️ 2. Trapp Family Lodge | Stowe
One of our favorite experiences in Vermont! Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking mountain views, adorable Highland cows, and incredible food. The entire property feels like something out of a storybook, especially in the fall.

💦 3. Bingham Falls | Stowe
A short but surprisingly challenging hike to a gorgeous waterfall tucked into the forest. It’s only half a mile round trip. The trail is steep, rocky, and absolutely worth it!

🍁 4. Smugglers’ Notch | Stowe
One of the most stunning scenic drives in Vermont! The winding road through the mountains is incredible, but make time to get out and hike. We took the Sterling Pond Trail and added on Elephant’s Head Cliff viewpoint via the Long Trail, which brings the hike to approximately 4.4 miles round trip. There are endless beautiful spots for photos, especially during peak foliage!

⛪ 5. Stowe Community Church
One of the most iconic fall scenes in Vermont! The church’s beautiful white steeple stands out against the vibrant red, orange, and golden mountainside. Such a picturesque stop in downtown Stowe.

📌 SAVE this for your future Vermont trip, and follow along for more travel itineraries, beautiful destinations, and adventures worth taking!

#VermontFallFoliage #VisitVermont #StoweVermont #NewEnglandTravel #falltravel
🍁 Would you believe this view is less than 5 minut 🍁 Would you believe this view is less than 5 minutes from the parking lot?!

Start up the Sterling Pond Trail in Smugglers’ Notch (just outside Stowe), and almost immediately you’re rewarded with sweeping mountain views covered in brilliant fall color. 

We ended up hiking about 5 miles here, including Sterling Pond and Elephant’s Head, but you definitely don’t have to do the full hike to experience some of the magic. This beautiful vista is just a short way up the Sterling Pond Trail and is absolutely worth the stop—even if you only have a few minutes!

Save this one for your next fall trip to Vermont. 🍁

#SmugglersNotch #SterlingPond #VermontFall #VermontHiking #fallfoliage
✨28 hours in Vegas ✨And somehow we packed SO much ✨28 hours in Vegas ✨And somehow we packed SO much into one day!

Good food, a little shopping, pool time, and Backstreet Boys nostalgia made this quick trip one for the books.

Here’s everything we squeezed in:

📍 Aria Patisserie — starting the day with something sweet
📍 Din Tai Fung — because the right order here makes ALL the difference 🥟
🛍️ A last-minute Ross run for Backstreet Boys concert accessories (think sparkly silver, butterfly clutch)
💗 Made friendship bracelets together (one of my favorite parts of the trip)
🌐 Saw The Sphere in all its Vegas glory
🎶 Backstreet Boys: Into the Millennium — the main event and SO much nostalgia
🎤 The Backstreet Boys Experience at The Venetian
🥐 Brunch at La Fontaine
🍩 A stop at Saint Honoré for donuts
☀️ Pool time at Fontainebleau with virgin drinks poolside

Vegas doesn’t require a week-long vacation. Give us 28 hours, a concert, great food, and a packed itinerary and we’re happy. 😂✨

#VegasGirlsTrip #vegastravel #LasVegasItinerary #BackstreetBoys #VegasFoodie
Hiking with little kids…they’re either half a mile Hiking with little kids…they’re either half a mile ahead or half a mile behind. I definitely prefer one over the other, but within sight please!

📍Artists’ Paintpot, Yellowstone National Park

#yellowstonewithkids #yellowstonenationalpark #hikingwithkids #familyadventures #outdoorfamily
Yellowstone with kids? Save this itinerary! From Yellowstone with kids? Save this itinerary!

From waterfalls and colorful thermal basins to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, bubbling mudpots, and wildlife in Hayden Valley—these are some of our favorite stops for a family day in the park.

I included how long to spend at each stop + how much walking to expect so you can actually plan your day without guessing.

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip and send it to the person planning your family vacation!

Follow @blossomandbecome for kid-friendly itineraries, family travel tips & adventures. 🤍

#yellowstonewithkids #yellowstonenationalpark #familytravel #travelwithkids #kidfriendlytravel
Sometimes knowing what to order at a restaurant co Sometimes knowing what to order at a restaurant completely changes your experience. 

Here are my top recommendations for food to try in Vegas. 

📍Aria Patisserie 

The Raspberry Rose macaron, a crisp, chewy shell, luscious raspberry filling, and a subtle floral rose finish. Sweet, tart, and perfectly elegant. 🌹🍓

📍Din Thai Fung

Order the Noodles with Spicy Sauce and use the “spicy sauce” to flavor as many other options as you choose. I highly recommend it with the Spicy Chicken Wontons and Pork Bao buns.

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

📍La Fontaine (for brunch) 

Soufflé Pancakes: Ultra-fluffy, cloud-like pancakes topped with bright lemon curd, fresh berries, and airy thyme whipped cream. 

Le Traditionnel Eggs Benedict, smoked ham, potato bread, and truffled hollandaise. Amazing, so well done!

📍 Saint Honore 

Most famous for their creme Brulee donut and their beignets. We also tried the Passionfruit donut. All of them were standout donuts and not overly sweet, but so fresh and  absolutely worth the stop. 

📍Bellagio Patisserie 

Coolest patisserie design, famous for the mesmerizing chocolate fountain, a multi-tiered cascade of silky, rich chocolate. 

I recommend either a sweet or savory crepe + the Key Lime Tart. 

📍Guy Fieri’s Las Vegas Kitchen & Bar 

“Koreatown” Tacos are a fun Korean-Mexican fusion dish: marinated thin-cut ribeye, creamy avocado-lime mash, tangy kimchi, pico de gallo, spicy mayo, and corn tortillas. Best taco I’ve ever had!

📍Buddy V’s Ristorante 

Grandma’s Meatballs — tender beef, veal, and pork meatballs simmered in rich marinara and finished with Parmesan. A perfect family recipe! 

📍Salt & Straw 

I was encouraged to try Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper 🍓🍦—one of Salt & Straw’s signature flavors. It’s creamy strawberry ice cream with balsamic and a touch of citrusy black pepper that makes the strawberry flavor really pop. Delicious!!!

Pro tip: take your ice cream outside and try to time it with watching a Bellagio fountain show. 

#LasVegasEats #LasVegasFood #VegasEats #

Copyright © 2026 · Blossom & Become · Wordpress Theme by TinselPop