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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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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

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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 #

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