• 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

Clean Romance Book List

February 19, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

Romance book Love & Olives

Leading up to Valentine's Day I decided to read some love stories to get all the "falling in love" feels. It was so hard to find clean romance book lists, so I thought I would make my own. These are some of my favorite love stories! Every single one of these books I want to read again. Regency Romance Books For Jane Austen fans, I made this category of regency romance books. For people who don't like that genre, I'll separate them, so you know what to expect. Persuasion, by Jane ...

Read More

Why We Sleep: Book Summary & Review

February 18, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

Kurt and I read the book Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, by Matthew Walker, at the beginning of this year. It was an amazing book and we've been working on establishing healthier sleep-related habits, as a result. I wanted to remember everything that we read, so I decided to put together this summary and share the recommended tips for better sleep. Summary of Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Throughout the entire Why We Sleep book, Matthew Walker shares research ...

Read More

Easy Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids

February 9, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

valentine's day crafts for kids

My kids really enjoy arts and crafts, so I've had to step up my game and learn how to accommodate. Pinterest saves me! We also have a deep love of reading, so I like to combine a Valentine's Day craft for kids with books that we're reading. If you're looking for cute Valentine's Day books for kids, I've got a whole list of our favorites here. Here are some simple ideas of books to read, and crafts to go along with them. All you need is construction paper, glue, paint, and paper plates. ...

Read More

14 Favorite Valentine’s Day Books for Kids

February 9, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

Valentine's Day books for kids

This week we're celebrating Valentine's Day! Since becoming a mom, I've come to enjoy it even more. My kids love holidays so much, and their enthusiasm is contagious! Reading holiday-themed books is a favorite way of ours to get into the spirit of the season. Here are some of our very favorite Valentine's Day books for kids. If you need some easy and fun ideas for Valentine's Day crafts, check out this post. Cutest Valentine's Day Books for Kids I'll Love you Till the Cows Come Home ...

Read More

Little Women: Book & Films Review

February 3, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

Little Women hardback book

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, is an absolute classic and one of my very favorite books, of all time! I have 3 sisters, so growing up my Dad would call us "his little women"; this book, and the film, had very special meaning to all of us. I also have two brothers, so built-in Laurie, times two. I hadn't read this book for many, many years, so I loved the chance to read it and experience the beauty of this novel again. The last time I read this I was a young teenager. Many of the ...

Read More

Letter O Books & Preschool Resources for Kids’ Safety

January 28, 2021      Sarah Van Wagenen

letter o books for kids

For the last 3 years, I've done preschool as part of a co-op with other moms. We trade off teaching, and I usually teach about once every 5-6 weeks, depending on how many kids are in the class. There are so many amazing preschool resources, and I've wanted to write blog posts for the lessons I've done so I'm finally getting to it. Here are resources that I used to teach the kids about the Letter O and about kids' safety. I've also included Letter O books and great books that help kids understand ...

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

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

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

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

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