Thursday, March 29, 2018

Tinkergarten Classes are now in Arlington!

My Facebook feed has been flooded with Tinkergarten posts for months now.

Friends signing up to be instructors. Friends attending Tinkergarten classes. Sponsored posts inquiring whether or not I'm interested in becoming a Tinkergarten leader.



To be totally honest, though, I didn't really know what Tinkergarten was. But I'm always looking for awesome things to do in the area. So when a friend announced on Facebook she would be starting up classes in the Arlington area, I was thrilled! More local activities for wee ones. Score!

Tinkergarten's mission, from its Facebook page: Teach parents how to share authentic, outdoor learning experiences with their children, so those children may develop into curious, capable and well-balanced people.

Tinkergarten is held in an outdoor classroom, which I love! The class that tiniest one and I tried on Monday morning was held at Bicentennial Park in Pantego. And class is held outside in all weather conditions, barring extreme weather (think lightning, ice, etc.). I love this! I love this because I grew up in the Midwest, where I was encouraged to go outside in Fall (put on a jacket!), in Winter (put on your snowpants, a hat and gloves!), in Spring (put on your rain coat!) and in Summer (take a bottle of water!). Encouraging kids to enjoy being outdoors in all weather conditions is important to me! One of my favorite quotes on the Tinkergarten Facebook page is "there is no bad weather, just bad clothes." This is so true! I love that Tinkergarten encourages kids to get outside and be kids in spite of the weather. Put on those rain boots. Button up that coat. Get out those gloves. And go enjoy the weather, whatever it may be!



My second-favorite thing about Tinkergarten was that my littlest one was encouraged to explore nature. Play in the dirt? Sure! Pick up ALL the sticks? Yes, please! Get messy? Absolutely! Tinkergarten encouraged my kiddo to be, well, a kiddo during class! And her being a kid didn't disrupt anything. If she wandered off, it was no big deal! If she lost focus for a bit, nobody minded. She was scolded never or in trouble for not participating in every activity. She was simply encouraged to play and explore her surroundings. I love that for her!



At this first Tinkergarten class here in Arlington, kids made magic "potions" with water and elements found in nature. They got to totally create their own magic. And then, they all took turns "sniffing" each others' potions and turning into a creature of the potion-maker's choosing (my littlest one said anyone who sniffed her potion became a kangaroo.) This was so fun because each of the kids had a chance to speak in front of his or her peers, and all kids got to flex their creative muscles to transform into the chosen animal. Creativity definitely flowed freely!



The class was so free-flowing and fun, but I did wonder how my kiddo (who is 4; the class is recommended for kiddos from birth until age 5 or 6) was actually learning from all this creative play. Tinkergarten classes incorporate schema into their lessons. What are schema, you ask? (Because, I'll be honest, I had to ask, too!) Schemas are patterns of repetitive behavior that you notice during early childhood play. You can learn more here: https://tinkergarten.com/skills/behavioral-schema

The 1 hour and 15 minute class also included a snack time, as well as circle time at the beginning and end of class where kiddos sang hello and good bye to one another. The first session begins April 9th. More info can be found here: https://tinkergarten.com/classes/40093

Tinkergarten is a great way to meet new friends- both for you and your little one! It's also a great way to support a local mama who is interested in helping your kiddo learn and grow. Highly, highly recommend! Go. Support local. Learn. Spend time with your kid. Enjoy!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Adventures in Arlington: Urban Air Adventure Park Arlington has Arrived!

My girls are fearless. They are roller coaster-riding, ropes course-conquering, nothing scares us kinda girls.

I, too, was once a daredevil. However, my courage left me years ago along with my 20s... But that's a story for another day.

We've traveled all over the Metroplex, my girls and I, in search of fun of all sorts. We've been to painting classes in Plano and dance classes in Mesquite. We've checked out play areas in west Fort Worth and cooking classes in Keller. We've been to Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags and Hawaiian Falls and Epic Waterpark and Reunion Tower and the Dallas Zoo and the Fort Worth Zoo and all the open play areas in between. Y'all... We get around.

But what I love even more than driving all over creation in search of a good time is staying right here in Arlington and having a blast. And now I can do that! Because Urban Air Adventure Park opened right here in Arlington on March 10.



The end to Spring Break Boredom has arrived.

Urban Air is an adventure park for kids of all ages. Literally everyone in my family is entertained here, from my 30-something husband to my 4 year old daughter. And with good reason! You can bounce, climb, race, battle, shoot and balance at this new hot spot at Collins and I30.

My girls and I popped in on opening day with the intent to stay an hour (I knew better!). Three hours later, I had to drag them out to protests of "That's not fair!" and "Five more minutes!" because the fun to be had here is perpetually endless.


After you walk in and get your wristbands (and socks- no bringing your own here, so you'll need to purchase on your first visit), you can hit the ground running. To your right are six different climbing walls, all requiring appropriate climbing gear and tethers for safety. My girls spent hours (and lots of energy!) climbing up and coasting down. Two of the climbing structures are even double-sided, meaning adventure seekers can race their friends to the top!



Beyond that is a climbing structure with an area of mini slides and obstacle courses perfect for tots. But climb to the top and you can check out the ropes course, an area where you can strap on your safety tethers and check your balance 12 or so feet off the ground. Daredevils need to be 48 inches to check this out- or have an adult chaperone. (Y'all- my youngest begged me to go with her on this. I'll admit- from the ground, it doesn't look intimidating. It's not that high off the ground, and I'm no baby! But man oh man... I made her turn back halfway through because Mom was toast. She likes to brag to everyone how much of a Scaredy Cat I was. It's funny... Now. It was not funny when I was on that course!)




Beyond the ropes course is plenty of seating and birthday party rooms along with bathrooms and a concession stand. There is even a TV, presumably so Dad can catch the game while junior catches some fun at Urban Air!

In the back left corner of the park is a large area of trampolines for bouncing, playing dodgeball and so on. My girls love racing me down the trampolines. This is way more my speed than the ropes course, let me tell you!



In the center of the park you'll find one of the main attractions- the obstacle course! Four different courses, each with a combination of climbing, swinging or hanging apparatuses challenge ninja warrior-style competitors to test their skills solo or against others. If you don't have the strength to continue your quest, you will drop a few feet in to a ball pit filled with clear balls. These courses aren't nearly as easy as they look! (I mean, that's what my 8 year old says or whatever, not like I've tried them and failed more than, say, a dozen times or anything...)




My five-year-old loved battled me over the foam pit American Gladiator style. Pick up your battle bar, make your way to the center of the beam, and try to knock your competitor off! I swear I didn't let her win...



In the back left corer is an area with several trampolines and a large airbag for trying out a few flips and being able to land softly.

My girls- ages 4, 5 and 8- all had a fantastic time and loads to keep them busy for hours. I was able to sit for a bit at the tables and catch up with emails or go and challenge them to races and duels or simply cheer them on. The convenient location in north Arlington means we can stop off for Chick Fil A, Wendy's, or ice cream at Cool Berry after some high-flying fun.



Definitely check this place out- both during Spring Break week and beyond! I dare you to tell me your kiddos are bored after this!

Find out prices, hours and more at their Website:
www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com/arlington-tx/

Disclaimer: I was compensated for my review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

DFW for Kids on the Cheap!

It's no secret that I'm a girl about town.

From Mansfield to Frisco and White Settlement to Mesquite, I will drag my kids all over the Metroplex in search of fun, exciting experiences that will make their childhoods memorable!

But it isn't always cheap. All these awesome activities can definitely put a dent in our monthly budget.

But there are ways to experience some of the awesomeness that DFW has to offer without totally breaking the bank! Read on to find out how I do it!



1. Look for half price or discount days.
    Did you know that every Wednesday is half price day at the Fort Worth Zoo? And in January and February, you can go to the Dallas Zoo for only $7 per person! This gives our family of five tremendous savings! Legoland and Sealife Aquarium at Grapevine Mills both offer a similar program- Toddler Tuesdays. Every Tuesday through the end of February you can get yourself plus up to two kiddos ages 4 and under in for only $15!

2. Ask for discounts at the ticket counter.
     You'd be surprised how many places offer discounts. Traveling with a grandparents or other adult who is older than 65? Ask for the senior discount! Are you an educator? Ask for a discount! (Seaquest Aquarium at Ridgmar Mall offers free admission for teachers and educators!). First responder or military? Ask for the discount! I've found many places don't advertise these discounts well- but they are there if you search!


3. Phone a friend!
     We became Legoland members this year and have had Six Flags season passes for multiple years. Legoland gives each pass holder a finite number of free passes for friends and family. This is a great way for my girls to have playdates with friends- we bring them with us for free! Likewise, we are going to the Perot Museum with friends tomorrow. Our friends were gifted a membership for Christmas that also came with free friend passes- so our friends are letting us use them! Six Flags also has loads of "bring a friend free" days so buddy up with a passholder (and return the favor if you have passes elsewhere!).

4. Utilize school program discounts
     My girls bring home a reading log each January that allows them a free day pass to Six Flags if they read a certain number of hours. Don't let this freebie go to waste! Likewise, our school does a night at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. We get to go one evening for free- and they always provide us with family passes to come back! We go at least twice a year this way.



5. Check with nationwide free programs
     Bank of America is currently running a free program that allows active B of A card holders admission to museums and parks all over the country for free on certain days! Check their Website for details. Likewise, check with any programs you may be a part of. Groups such at AAA, AARP and more offer discounts on a variety entertainment venues.

6. Sign up for Rewards Programs
     So many businesses are realizing the power of repeat customers. Many of the kids play areas popping up all over the Metroplex offer punch cards if you are frequent users. Ask if the facility you are using has a loyalty program. Inneractive Playground in Fort Worth/Keller gives you a stamp for each admission you pay and after 10 stamps your next play time is free. That may not seem like much- but I bring at least three kids each time I go- so after three visits I get a free kiddo the next time I go!

7. Enter local blogger contests
     Search Facebook and Instagram for local social media influencers and follow their pages. When they run contests, enter them! Somebody has to win! In 2017, I won Fort Worth and Dallas Zoo passes as well as Six Flags Holiday in the Park passes- all from Facebook contests run by local mamas! It took seconds to enter each contest- and I won! Talk about a fun surprise in the mail! Somebody has to win the prizes these blogs give away- might as well be you!

8. Check discount sites and programs
     We all know that Groupon is a fantastic resource not only to learn about new places in the area, but also to grab a discount on your first (or second or so on) visit. Have you checked out Living Social? If you are in the Dallas area a lot, you can buy a CityPass, which allows you deep discounts on many of the area offerings. POGO pass is another pass to check out for your kiddos- for one low price you get admission to lots of fabulous places all over DFW. And don't get me started on Pearachute (www.pearachutekids.com), where you can get your first 4 credits free and redeem those credits for Legoland tickets, or Sealife tickets, or jump time at Flight Deck or a trip up Reunion Tower and so much more!



What are YOUR favorite ways to see the best of the Metroplex without going broke in the process?



Sunday, December 3, 2017

Arlington TX for the Holidays

When you think of Arlington, what comes to mind?
The Rangers? Six Flags? The Cowboys? UTA?
When someone asks you where she/he should go to celebrate the holidays in North Texas, what do you say?
Grapevine? Dallas? Frisco?
What about Arlington?
Y'all.
Arlington is an AWESOME destination for the 2017 holiday season.
Let me tell you why...



Decorator's Warehouse

How many times a week do you drive by Decorator's Warehouse, at the intersection of Park Springs and Pioneer Parkway/303? I drive by Texas' Number One Christmas Store at least three times per week. But to go in...





Well, Decorator's Warehouse is a Christmas Wonderland. Anything holiday-related you could possibly want, from rustic holiday signs to gorgeous, sparkly ornaments and spunky holiday tees to jolly snowmen of all sizes, DW has it all. I dare you to spend some time wandering these halls and just try to not end up as giddy as Will Ferrell in Elf about the upcoming holidays! Not only is DW a fantastic spot to take your kiddos all dressed in holiday garb for a glitzy photo or two, DW is an awesome place to meet your girlfriends or mom/aunt for a delicious bite to eat at the onsite Tea Room. Soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts will revive you after an exhausting holiday haul in the larger-than-life Christmas store. (I can't recommend the asparagus soup enough. Yum. Yum. YUM.)






Downtown Arlington




After collecting all the items you could possibly need to deck your halls for the holidays, why not head to downtown Arlington? The downtown landscape is changing quickly, which is so exciting for locals and out-of-towners alike! Legal Draft Beer Co., a brewery and tap room on Division St., is a great place to meet friends for a cold beer, well, basically any time you crave a cold beer (or any time they are open, which may be a bit less frequently than the former). Open seating, friendly staff and cold beer await. There are board games on hand, indoor and outdoor seating and a beer for every kind of drinking (including a nonalcoholic Moot Beer for those who don't want to imbibe). I highly recommend the Cranberry Radler for something a bit fruity and festive.





Why not satisfy your sweet tooth after getting your drink on? Sugar Bee Sweets, located just a few doors down from Legal Draft, will curb your cravings in no time. From decadent cake balls to delicious cupcakes, Sugar Bee Sweets is, in a word, delightful. Spend some time admiring their wall of cakes showcasing the incredible talent of the staff before diving into a sweet treat. Have a fun event coming up? Birthday party? Holiday party? Just because party? Let Sugar Bee Sweets design your one-of-a-kind cake sure to wow your guests!




Urban Alchemy will soon be joining the list of awesome businesses revitalizing downtown
Arlington, and this place really speaks to my soul. It's like they get me. Coffee and wine. I mean, be still my heart! My inner Lorelai Gilmore is giddy over the coffee. And then wine! I mean... Wine! Take all my money please! Located just across Division from Legal Draft and Sugar Bee Sweets, Urban Alchemy is opening next month with the goal of becoming Arlington's living room... A place where you are always welcome and there is always something great to drink!





Six Flags Over Texas




After I visited Six Flags on Friday to try out the snow sledding hill (so fun, by the way!), I texted my sister-in-law to ask her if she wanted to go to Holiday in the Park with my girls and me. Her response? "I'm not really a roller coaster person, so I'm not sure what I would do there."



For real, y'all, how many of you have had that same thought? How many of you have stayed home when friends have gone because coasters aren't your thing? I hate to be the bearer of bad news here... But you are seriously, seriously missing out! Holiday in the Park is an experience onto itself. Even if you aren't huge on amusement park rides (I'll admit- I don't love them now in my mid-thirties as much as I did in my mid-twenties), Holiday in the Park will bring out your inner child and have you believing in the magic of Christmas again! From the snow hill to the hot chocolate and Santa Claus to thousands of twinkling lights, Six Flags Over Texas offers a gorgeous holiday experience that can be enjoyed by thrill seekers and non thrill seekers alike! Six Flags even offers a fantastic Santa experience where kiddos can sit and rest after strolling through the park and write letters to Santa (and even stick them in the mailbox) and then go see the jolly man himself! Treat yourself to s'mores throughout the park and bottomless hot chocolate in the refillable mugs to really feel like a kid again. And don't forget the sledding hill! Coast down a slope of snow in a sled build for one or two- see how fun I just made that sound! Spotters will catch you at the bottom. Don't skip Six Flags this season- holiday magic awaits!



Enchant Christmas



Enchant Christmas had me captivated from the absolute moment I stepped into the line to get in. Thousands of lights and flurries of snow immediately transported my girls and me from a parking lot at Globe Life Park to a Winter Wonderland Bing Crosby would certainly have sang about. I can't help but think even the grumpiest of Scrooges would have a hard time not feeling merry in the wonderful world of Enchant Christmas. Stroll through the shops and find gorgeous goods (and edible ones, too!) to take home. Don't skip the Christkindl Market row, which brings back many of the vendors we all grew to love when this event was separate from Enchant. Grab a Gluhwein, a traditional German mulled wine enjoyed at markets such as these, and take a stroll through Kathe Wohlfahrt to admire all the gorgeous German ornaments and trinkets for sale. Then grab a bite from the onsite food trucks (oh, the choices!) and enjoy musical entertainment up on the stage. Not really a save-the-best-for-last type person? Then proceed directly to the maze and get lost in the lights and wonderment. This maze will NOT disappoint. My girls and I spent more than an hour in the maze, trying to find all nine of Santa's reindeer. We paused often to snap a photo and simply admire the lights. It's such a gorgeous way to
spend an evening! And don't forget to bring $5 (or your own skates) to try out your balancing skills on the large ice rink that sits in the middle of the Enchant experience. There are benches surrounding the rink for bystanders to admire the skaters and a large rink for everyone to test his/her ice-dancing skills. Enchant will entertain your family for an entire evening and leave you feeling like a kid at Christmastime once again.

When your friends ask what to do this holiday season, make sure you tell them to meet you in Arlington and you'll make sure their holiday experience is second to none!



Disclaimer: These businesses all provided me with free entry or products in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Shop Local: An Arlington-area Shopping Guide for the Holidays

Every year about this time, I vow to support local a bit more and order from Amazon a bit less..

And then every year, about two weeks from now, I start to get a bit overwhelmed by the idea of "shopping locally" and don't know where to start. So I revisit a little Website called Amazon and cheat on all my favorite local spots that make this community awesome.

So this year, I'm making it easy on all of us. I'm making a gift guide for all the people on your list- and I'm telling you exactly where or how to find these awesome items that anyone would be thrilled to get under the Christmas tree! (Every. Single. Item. is from a local shop or direct seller or small business owner in the Arlington & Mansfield area so your dollars support local. Awesome, right?)

Read on for the Ultimate Arlington Holiday Shopping Guide!

For the Woman in your Life: (Mom, Aunt, Sister, Wife, Girlfriend)

Makeup Junkie Bags, starting at $25


These lay-flat makeup bags and clutches are made by a Houston-area Mommy and sold by an awesome Mom here in Arlington. They come in a variety of sizes and patterns, and are perfect for everyday use. They make adorable clutches for date night or diapers and wipes holders for the car or diaper bag. A definite hit with all the women in your life!
Find them here:
Makeup Junkie Bags

Fun, Quirky Earrings from Front Porch Boutique, starting at $15



Kitschy earrings are a staple in any woman's wardrobe, and Front Porch Boutique, run by a local Arlington Mama, has some of the cutest styles currently available! I mean, honestly here, how many women wouldn't go gaga for margarita earrings? Or coffee earrings? They are a great price and so cute you may not want to give them away!
Find them here:
Fun Earrings

Funky, Gorgeous Bangles from Frills & Trimmings, $17.99


I'm always in search of accessories to add some sparkle to outfits I already own. And leopard print is my go-to neutral. Match these bangles to almost anything you already own to add a bit of spice to your wardrobe!
Find them here:
Animal Print Bangles

Drapey, soft, amazing Piko tunics from Jazzy Jems, starting at $19.99


Piko tunics are as important in my life as wine. So... There's that. But seriously! Piko tunics come in loads of gorgeous colors, fit so well and feel so so soft. They are great over jeans or leggings, or even a killer skirt. They come in sizes small-large and are a great match with any of the above accessories (or all of them for the ultimate gift for your gal!).
Find them here:
Jazzy Jems Info

For the New Mama You Know

Adorable Swaddle Blankets from The Crunchy Boutique, starting at $29.99


Large, lightweight blankets were a diaper bag staple for me when my kids were little. I could use them for everything from a nursing cover to a changing pad and everything in between. We still keep my favorite prints around for my girls to cuddle up to at night or use on their dolls. And the prints from these Little Muffincakes Blankets would definitely qualify these puppies as keepers!
Find the here:
Swaddle Blankets

A Fit4Mom Membership, starting at $40


One of the hardest parts about becoming a mom for me was accepting the changes to my body that each of my kiddos brought with her. Four pregnancies on, I don't think I'll ever be back to my pre-pregnancy weight, and I've finally made peace with that. But I found support from the Fit4Mom village back when my oldest was an infant (8 years ago now!), and those women really helped me appreciate all that my body is capable of. This is a gift for the body and the soul!
Find it here:
Fit4Mom Facebook Page


For the Man in your Life (Husband, Boyfriend, Uncle, Guy Friend)

Dad Bod On Point shirt from Southern Taterbug, starting at $18


My husband is, surprisingly, pretty open to wearing any of the shirts I put in his closet, even if they are a bit self-deprecating. This shirt from a local Mansfield Mama would make us both laugh. He's still as hot to me now as he was the day I met him in college, and he would definitely find the humor in a shirt like this! (Someday I'll have my college waistline back. We all will...)
Find it here:
Southern Taterbug

Stealth Flasks from Rocket Fizz, $19.99



Admittedly, my husband and I don't drink like we used to, but I do have a brother and a brother-in-law who would still put these guys to great use. I found these hysterical when I bumped into them at Rocket Fizz- hand lotion containers for, well, not hand lotion! What better way to pretend you are 18 again than with a flask your 18-year-old self would be envious of?
Find them here:
Rocket Fizz Arlington

Signed Sports Memorabilia from Gracie Lane, from $9.99



Got a guy who loves sports? Check out all that Gracie Lane has to offer in its Man Cave! Signed jerseys, photographs and so on from some of his favorite athletes. Pricing varies greatly here. Even if your main man isn't crazy about sports, chances are you'll be able to find something he will like at Gracie Lane!
Find more info here:
Gracie Lane info

Goodr Sunglasses from The Runner, $25


I've been a runner for years, and I don't think I've been this excited about a running item in a long time! These sunglasses are lightweight, don't slip when you get sweaty or bounce around as you move. Plus, they are polarized and come in lots of cool colors. Even if your man isn't a runner, these glasses are seriously cool for keeping that Texas sun out of your eyes!
Find them here:
The Runner Info

For the Kiddies

Pearachute Kids Membership for Classes and Activities, starting at $39 per month


My kids have everything. Literally all the things. And while I have a few presents to wrap and stick under the tree, I've enjoyed, more than anything, giving my kids the gift of creating memories. Pearachute Kids is a drop in class pass system for kids and caregivers to attend classes, events and activities all over the Metroplex. Try out soccer, or channel your inner Picasso at art class, or check out a movie on the big screen. Pearachute has activities for kiddos seven days a week, from morning until night, from west Fort Worth to Mesquite and everywhere in between. Instead of things, give your kids the gift of memories!
Find it here:
Pearachute Kids

Adorable Plush Toys from Chelsea's Tea Room, starting at $24.99



Kids gaga for all things soft and cuddly? Mine too. I could go on a nice vacation for all the money I've spent on TY through the years. I was hooked on Beanie Babies as a kid (fine- as a teenager, I'll admit it!), and now my girls are nuts for the Beanie Boos. We own more than I care to admit. And they are always on the hunt for the next animal to join the zoo that lives in our playroom. Chelsea's has a few more victims, I mean sweet plush things, to add to our collection. (Although I secretly have my eye on the big unicorn... Santa would do well to leave her under our tree!)
Find them here:
Chelsea's Tea Room Facebook Page

Tegu Blocks from Sockmonkey Junction. starting at $19.99


These magnetic wooden blocks are pure joy for young builders. The familiar warmth of wooden toys mixed with the magic of magnets will help your child's imagination soar. If blocks aren't the right gift for your kiddo, Sockmonkey Junction will absolutely be able to help you find something to please your kiddo!
Find more info here:
Sockmonkey Junction Facebook Page

Learning Wrap Ups from Usborne Books, starting at $8.99



My favorite toys are ones that are both fun and educational. My girls love math (my husband has his fingers and toes crossed that they will all be engineers one day!), and these learning wrap ups from Usborne books are a perfect educational tool to help them work on their addition and subtraction in a fun, tactile way. Even better- you can buy learning wrap ups for more than just math, and they come at a fantastic price, making them a great gift for all the kids on your list!
Find them here:
Usborne Books Learning Wrap Ups

Animal Herbal Warmers from Hank & Ellie, $23.95



Again with the "can't go wrong with all things cute and plush here," these huggable animals from Hank & Ellie in Pantego make a cute gift for a kiddo to snuggle up to all winter long. These herbal warmers will be great for the wintertime, keeping kiddos warm at night or on the inevitable sick days that January and February will bring. Plus, they come in a variety of adorable creatures. I've got my eye on that unicorn, too!
Find them here:
Hank and Ellie Facebook Page

For you Tween

The Charming Bracelet, a book by local author Sherry Hall, $18
I love to read. Anything girly and light is right up my alley. I can't wait until my girls are old enough to start reading some of my all-time favorites such as The Babysitters Club or Harry Potter. This book is definitely something I'll be purchasing to put in the vault for them to read in a few years. And a signed addition that supports a local mama? Awesome!
Find it here:
The Charming Bracelet

Easy Teacher Gifts

Gorgeous plush throws from Twisted Southern Root, $34


Teacher gifts are so easy and yet, so hard. I want to think outside the box, but with all the gift giving and activities and general mayhem that is the holiday season, I'm generally scrambling the night before winter break begins, wondering what in the heck I'm going to give my girls' teachers. So when I stumbled upon these beauties at a local Mansfield shop, I knew I'd hit on something fabulous. These bright, vibrant blankets are perfect for cold winter nights, and their uplifting sayings can brighten anyone's day. Plus these are something outside the ordinary- no one else will be gifting something quite so special!
Find them here:
Cozy Blankets

Silly Socks from Hello Be-YOU-tiful Boutique, $14


Nothing says winter break like snuggly socks to pad around the house in when you know your chances of getting dressed that day are pretty close to zero. These socks, with cheeky sayings such as "If you can read this, it's time to wine down," are a great, funny gift to tell your kids' teacher to have a great break! Plus they come from a couple of Mansfield Mamas who run a great online boutique!
Find them here:
Silly Socks

For the Grandparents

Photo Ornaments from MAK Designs, starting at $12.75


My parents and in laws love nothing more than glossy photos of my sweet girls (fine, and my husband and me, although I avoid the camera like it's going out of style!) more than anything else I could possibly put under the Christmas tree. Photo anything is always a hit at our Christmas celebrations! These sweet ornaments come from a local Mansfield Mama and are sure to make any grandma or grandpa swoon with pride!
Find them here:
Photo Ornaments