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Blossom & Become

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Children’s Halloween Books

October 27, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

Our family loves holiday books, and there are so many awesome children's Halloween books. It's hard to even limit it to these few, but these are our favorites! Hopefully, you and your families can enjoy some of these books during the Halloween season this year. Favorite Halloween Children Books Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson. A total classic, we love the sweet message of friendship in this one. Here are some fun activities you can do along with it too. Too Many Pumpkins by ...

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Travel to Alys Beach on 30A

September 13, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

Travel to Alys Beach

Travel to Alys Beach on 30A is a must if you're ever in the area. We parked on a side street near the restaurant Raw & Juicy on 147 West La Garza Lane and got out to walk for a little bit. The cobblestone roads and big sidewalks are popular for biking or walking down. We just chose a few streets to walk around so we could see these mansion beach homes. Everything is so picturesque. I felt like we stepped right out of Florida and right into Greece or a beautiful place in the Mediterranean. I ...

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Family Beach Trip to Panama City, Florida

September 13, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

family at the beach

We loved every day of this short family beach trip to Panama City, Florida. It was everything we needed. A chance to recharge, play outside all day, and just talk as a family. We played at the beach, ate yummy food, swam at the pool, went mini golfing, and rested. One of my favorite parts of this trip was being on our own families' timing. We got to get up when we wanted to, eat when we wanted to, play hard when we wanted to, and just follow a schedule that worked for us. We also got to ...

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Easy Moon Over Breakfast Recipe

September 2, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

This Moon Over breakfast was introduced to me by Kurt and his family. It was one of his favorites growing up. I learned how to make them, as a special breakfast for his birthday our first year of marriage. We've made them many, many times since then. Our kids love these too! They don't require any unique ingredients, you probably have everything you need in your kitchen already. If you're looking for great breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner recipe, this is a great option. We keep ...

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Summer Reads: Easy to Read Romantic Books

August 10, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

Who doesn't love carefree romantic books to pull out at the beach, while poolside, or when travelling? I love reading light romances during the summer because you can still enjoy time with family and friends but you also have something to read during down time. Here is a list of some of my favorite romantic books I read this summer. Easy to Read Romantic Books American Royals by Katharine McGee. When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. ...

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Sleep Swaddles for Helping Babies Sleep

July 13, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

As a mom of 4 little ones, I am constantly figuring out how to help babies and kids sleep well. I will never pretend to be a sleep expert, but there are a few things I've learned, that have made a big difference. This post strictly covers my experience with sleep swaddles for babies. My youngest is currently 3 months old, and we are in the swaddling stage. I know sometimes he wakes up in the night from hunger or because he's starting to reach some developmental milestones, but recently, keeping ...

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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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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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