Tag Archives: activities

Apr30

Best Girls Girl Time

Posted on April 30, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Hello!! My nieces, Valerie and Raya, are two of the best things that have ever happened to me. They have been my little besties since day one and I love watching them grow, even though I’d prefer for them to stay little forever! Last Tuesday, I finally got to spend some quality time at my sister’s house for the ultimate girl’s night in. We play, play, played, danced, and ran around the house like crazy people! The best part, though, was playing dress up with my Val Gal:

Valerie is so much like me and it never fails to warm my cold, bitter heart. She is so funny, sassy, and kind and I love her creativity. Val has taken to her dance classes like a fish to water and is eager for her TT to teach her how to ice skate. Like her ol’ T, she also has a passion for fashion. Val selects her own outfits every day and I am always excited to see what she comes up with. Future OOTD blogger in the making? I think YES!

On Tuesday, Val wanted to get fancy and I was so there for it. She proudly showed me her jewelry box filled with her Disney Princess nail polish, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, and random artifacts and TT got to work. First, we played nail salon and Val selected her favorite colors of polish and the pattern she wanted for her nails and toes. Like me, she insisted on nail touch ups if they smudged while drying. I was so proud. ❤

Once her nails were to her liking, she let me do her hair and I was thrilled about that because she never lets me put her hair up. I have wanted to do space buns for her for forever and they turned out as adorable as I pictured them! After her nails and hair were on fleek, it was time to accessorize and, in this case, more was more. Val put on every single bracelet she owns and I helped her clasp all of her necklaces. The look was completed with a butterfly clip and a bow in her hair and my girl was ready to work it!

I like to think of this day as when Val learned the power of the confidence boost you can get when you are wearing something that makes you happy. By the time her OOTD was done, she was not merely walking but strutting! We worked on our runway walks and poses and my heart melted when she summoned her parents to check out our handiwork by saying “Mommy, daddy! Look at me! I’m so fancy!” Haha, that’s my girl. 😀

While Val and I played dress up, my mind went into a montage of us shopping, getting our nails done, and having girl time. It made me so happy and proud and these are seriously the moments that I live for. Val is most excited for our next slumber party because we plan on playing dress up again in TT and Uncle Johnny’s closet. I think she is going to lose her mind seeing all of our scarves, hats, and jewelry at her disposal! I can’t wait. ❤

What was your favorite thing to play when you were little? What makes you feel “so fancy”? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr29

Summertime Activity Goals

Posted on April 29, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! The weather in the good ol’ AK-Rowdy has been friggen abysmal and my life is in shambles lol and, for once, I find myself wishing for an extra dose of Vitamin D. Shocking, I know, since we all know that Johnny and I all but melt in the sun! Although the days are gloomy, it helps perk me up to think of activities that I would love to do this summer. I might not get to do everything I have in mind, but I know I can easily do at least a few of the following:

Hit the pool:

One of the best things about living in Timber Top, despite numerous fiascos this past year, is the outdoor pool! We actually have a really nice pool with a deep area, a children’s area, waterfall, and upper deck mini pool that I genuinely don’t understand why it’s not a hot tub! I always say that once the pool opens, I will go spend an hour or two swimming or lounging after work and I’m usually too tired by the time I get home to commit. This is not going to slide this summer, however, because this is one of the easiest things on my list; the pool is only a two minute drive away! If you don’t have a local swimming pool, then consider adding one to your property. They’re easier to maintain than you might think, especially if you use a pool cleaning service. There’s nothing like taking a summertime dip in your own yard.

Botanical gardens:

I would absolutely love to go to the botanical gardens in Cleveland or Mansfield with Johnny as a date day. I have never been to the one in Cleveland, but I adored a family trip to the Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield with my family a few years ago. It was so much fun to explore the grounds and bask in the glory of the flowers and landscaping. And, we all know that botanical gardens make a perfect backdrop for OOTDs! This summer, I think the one in Cleveland will be the move and maybe Johnny and I could have dinner at Pepper’s, my favorite restaurant afterwards. 🙂

Play, play, play:

My sweet niece, Val Gal, is a constantly on the move four year old and she keeps me young! I cannot wait for warm days spent in my parents’ beautiful backyard running around with Val, blowing bubbles, drawing with chalk, and searching for bunnies. Speaking of bunnies, I very much would like to get a playpen with a cover on top so Melvin and Penelope can experience being on the grass. I know Val would get a huge kick out of that and it would be a great learning experience for her. This past week, she proudly showed me a book about caring for bunnies that she got from the library because she desperately wants one of her own. My angel! ❤

Outdoor events:

There are always so many awesome events happening in my general vicinity that I always say that I want to go to, check “interested in” on Facebook, and never attend. This summer, I would like to go to at least one or two, whether it be a farmer’s market, food truck festival, or outdoor concerts and classes. Johnny and I have already been talking about going to a few baseball games for Akron’s minor league team, the RubberDucks (dumb name, I know!), and I can practically taste the Dippin’ Dots as I type this! 😀

Watercolor painting:

It has been a while since I painted watercolor due to lack of time and I miss it terribly! Like going to the pool, this is also a no excuse activity that I know I can accomplish. I would like to set up my supplies in my parents’ backyard and paint the many gorgeous flowers my dad tends to. I can picture sitting on the deck right now, painting, and sipping iced tea with my mom and it would, truly, be the best afternoon ever. ❤

Weekend trip:

A weekend trip might be a bit difficult due to the current craziness in my life, but it needs to be added to this list anyway because it’s something Johnny and I want to do so badly! I would really like to get a cabin in Hocking Hills for a long weekend to hike, relax, and soak in a hot tub. It would be so nice to have a little getaway together, as we haven’t even been on our honeymoon! Although Hocking Hills isn’t Europe, it’s still as good a place as any to start our travels together.

I have grand plans for this summer, and I hope to accomplish at least a few of the activities on this list. It will take a bit of motivation on my part to shake off my general exhaustion, but I know that having fun is sometimes the best medicine of all!

What are your summertime activity goals? What is your favorite warm weather activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr19

Belated Easter Egg Hunt

Posted on April 19, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! With the craziness going on in Lil Red’s world, my family didn’t do anything for Easter and Johnny and I enjoyed a much needed day of rest. I still had grand plans for an Easter egg hunt for my sweet niece, Val Gal, and this past Thursday we spent the afternoon outside together in the summertime temps. Prior to the arrival of my sister, Raya, and Val, I filled up the eggs with prizes and placed them throughout the backyard to be found. I would say that it was a raging success; Val loved it!

This was Val’s very first Easter egg hunt and my girl came to WIN! She was finding eggs left and right and it was so fun to watch her scurrying around the yard and filling up her bag. Almost every single egg was found without a hitch and the only one she needed help finding was one directly in front of her lol. Once the hunt was over, we went back inside to evaluate the spoils which included money, chocolate, and Sweet Tarts. Some of the chocolate did melt so it was lucky we had backup supplies and Val was so sweet to offer the first Hershey Kiss in one of her eggs to me. Angel! ❤

After the eggs were all opened, we just had to go back outside and soak up the sunshine. My dad, Kristen, Val, Raya in the stroller, and Archie the dog went for a nice, long walk around the neighborhood. We taught Val about the different flowers that were blooming and, although every yellow flower was a sunflower, I think she learned a thing or two haha. To end our day, Val and I stayed outside and played with our favorites; Chalk and bubbles! We colored rainbows and the flowers we saw on our walk and, I hate to brag, but we popped a very impressive amount of bubbles. 😀

When my sister arrived back home with the kiddos, she sent me a picture of Val fast asleep in the car after our activity filled afternoon. The sure sign of the best Easter egg hunt ever and Val is already eager to do another one again soon!

What was your favorite thing to play outside with when you were little? Did you or your kids attend an Easter egg hunt this year? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr10

Bunnies On The Town

Posted on April 10, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past week has been very difficult for Lil Red and Johnny has definitely made things so much easier/better for me. He worked hard while I was gone to spring clean our apartment, make minor repairs, and transform our bunny proofed area the way I always envisioned it! When we first brought Melvin and Penelope home, we put them in a play pen for their recreation time for about two days before we realized it was not the move. Then, Johnny bunny proofed and they were able to free roam while their play pen turned into the corral for all of their supplies.

This week, Johnny took it upon himself to make the changes I wanted but simply didn’t have the time or energy for. He bought storage bins for all of the bunny supplies, moved them to the closet, and used parts of the play pen to create a protective barrier around the couch which they so love to hide underneath. This was all well and good but we agree that the best improvement was the fact that the bunnies could finally play on their safety town rug… and Johnny too:

Johnny invested in this nostalgic safety town rug when he was buying bunny proofing gear at Menard’s. It had been sitting sentinel in the play pen for so long underneath all of the bunny supplies that I almost forgot about it! Now, it is cleared off and ready for the bunnies to take over the town. Of course, Johnny had to have the first go at playing on it and took his pinewood derby cars for a spin. It was so cute and the test drive was very well deserved. ❤

After Johnny had his turn at safety town, it was time for Mel and P to explore their new digs and guys… They freaking love it. As soon as we opened the door to their hutch, they both ran right towards the rug and all of the free space that they didn’t have before. While Pen took a leisurely stroll around town, Mel just went insane lol. He was showing off with huge hops, running around in speedy circles, and destroying everything in his path on the rug! The Chewy boxes are cool and all and Penelope still remains very partial to them but I think we found Melvin’s new favorite activity. 😀

Having Johnny put my grand plans for our bunny proofed area into effect was such an amazing surprise for me and our little gremlins. And Johnny got to enjoy the fruits of his own labor too so it was a win/win/win. Chez nous is turning into the ultimate hangout for bunnies and humans alike!

Did you ever go to safety town? What is something nostalgic to you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar31

Four Tips For A Healthier Family

Posted on March 31, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Our health is the most important thing we have. How can you guarantee your family’s health and make your children aware of its significance? Let’s take a look at some of the ways to focus your energy:

Show Them How Important Nutrition Is:

Making water the go-to beverage in your household should be a top priority. While it’s tempting to give in to a child’s desire for juice or pop, it’s better to offer them water first. Try stressing the significance of staying hydrated and modeling good water-drinking habits for children. Also, consider what you now feed your loved ones. When you prepare meals for your family, give thought to serving a variety of nutritious foods. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nutritious grains, nuts, and seeds. Indulge in takeaway or dining at restaurants occasionally, but don’t make it a regular habit. If your family enjoys dining out frequently, it’s important to instill solid decision-making skills in your children. Instead of letting young children get everything they want, provide them with a limited selection of options from which to choose.

Be An Active Family:

You should spend time together exploring the outdoors, learning about each other’s interests, and visiting new locations. Get your kids moving and teach them the value of fitness. Make plans for the weekend, even if it’s only to go to the park and play some soccer. Children are more likely to follow their parent’s example and lead an active lifestyle if they see it modeled at home. Take them on outdoor hikes and keep an eye out for animals and animal footprints if they have an interest in wildlife. Talking to youngsters and seeing what they’re interested in trying is a great way to get them excited about outdoor activities.

Go To Regular Check-Ups:

As an adult, you are aware of the importance of routine visits to the doctor, dentist, and eye doctor. It’s important to start sharing what you learn about health with your kids when you see the doctor, whether it’s for a problem or a routine exam. Children often express anxiety about medical visits due to their lack of knowledge and experience. If they see you visiting these places when they aren’t there, they may feel more comfortable and confident in going to such experts. Including the kids as soon as possible is the greatest option.

Even if you’re anxious, taking a proactive stance and reassuring them that they have nothing to worry about might help them develop a heightened awareness and, perhaps, a reduced level of fear. Show your kids where you’re going to appointments instead of just saying you have them. This is especially helpful for younger children who are venturing into the unknown for the first time. One poor encounter is all it takes to put them off coming again so make sure that you involve them in anything you may be having done such as same day teeth treatments.

Be A Good Example:

No one is flawless, therefore there’s no pressure to be. Nonetheless, parents can better influence their children’s behavior by leading through example rather than lecturing them. Be mindful of your words and actions. Many unhealthy parents raise unhealthy children, which in turn increases the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles. It has the potential to become a vicious cycle. It’s important to set an example for others by talking about your efforts to eat well, exercise regularly, spend time with your family, and maintain a positive mental and physical state. Provide unambiguous, truthful responses wherever possible.

Focus your energy on these four steps for a healthier family and lifestyle!

Featured Image By: Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

Mar31

Fun & Games: Atari Flashback Gold Mini Console

Posted on March 31, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Fun & Games: Atari Flashback Gold Mini Console

Hello!! This past weekend massively sucked and to make matters worse, we didn’t have power for roughly twenty-four hours. This was highly disappointing because Johnny and I were very much looking forward to playing the final demo before the release of Diablo IV this June. Luckily, we were able to play it for a bit on Sunday once our power was restored and it was AMAZING!! In stark contrast from playing a game that hasn’t even been released yet, we went old school this Wednesday by playing on our new Atari Flashback Gold mini console. This was released for Atari’s 50th anniversary and came preloaded with one hundred and thirty games! Check it out:

Johnny and I are avid gamers and during the power outage, he told me about how much he loved the old Atari games. Other than a few games that I have played at arcade bars, I am pretty unfamiliar with the Atari in general. So, Johnny decided to do some investigating on getting us an Atari to add to our console collection (GameCube, Wii, Nintendo Switch, and PS4). Rather than buying an old Atari and finding games to purchase, Johnny ordered the 50th anniversary mini console with everything we needed in one package.

On Wednesday, Johnny hooked the adorable tiny Atari up and we had the video game evening that we should have had over the weekend. For literal hours, we were engrossed in Stampede, Space Invaders, Pong, Burger Time, and a game where we had to protect teeth from burgers and hot dogs lol. The entire time, I felt like I was at our favorite arcade bar, Quarter Up, instead of our living room. The games were addicting and we didn’t even need rolls on rolls of quarters to play to our heart’s content.

Going from the insane graphics of the Diablo IV demo to the simplicity of Atari games took a minute to get used to, then all bets were off. Every single time a game got the best of me and Johnny, “one more time” went from a question to an absolute necessity. I dare someone to play just one round of any of these games! We were both especially partial to Stampede and Space Invaders and have so many more games to try out. This is the perfect addition to our gaming collection and I cannot wait to play more this weekend!

If you are interested in adding an Atari to your collection, then I cannot recommend the Flashback Gold console enough. It is worth every penny and Johnny and I both agree that we got our money’s worth in just one evening!

What is your favorite Atari game? How about your favorite console? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar22

The Power Of Focusing On Family Health

Posted on March 22, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Health is something that affects every family. Despite the numerous advantages of consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and other lifestyle behaviors, many families find it challenging to work these habits into their daily schedules. However, by emphasizing the value of family wellness, parents can foster a culture in which their kids can start developing healthy habits at an early age, preparing them for success as adults:

The Power of Healthy Habits:

Developing healthy habits from an early age is essential for promoting a lifetime of good health. Studies have shown that children learn best through example, so it’s important for parents to lead by example and demonstrate healthy behaviors throughout the day. This includes eating nutritious meals, staying active, and getting enough sleep each night. Parents can also set aside time for family activities like going for walks or playing sports together – activities which encourage physical activity as well as quality bonding time.

Creating a Healthy Environment in the Home:

Parents should work to establish a healthy environment in the home in addition to focusing on their own habits. This includes providing wholesome meals and snacks for the family as well as making sure that there are always healthy choices accessible. Parents can also set limits on screen time and encourage activities like reading or playing board games instead. Having a regular bedtime routine, including winding down before bed, is also important for helping children get enough quality sleep each night.

Benefits of Raising a Health-Conscious Family:

Raising a health-conscious family has numerous benefits for both parents and children. Start by setting clear expectations about healthy habits, such as regular physical activity, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep each night. It will be simpler to remain motivated and incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine when everyone in the family is on the same page. Regularly discussing the importance of health with your children can also help them understand why these choices are beneficial in the long run.

Keeping Up With Medical Check-Ups and Exams:

It’s also important for parents to ensure that their children are up-to-date with all necessary medical check-ups and exams, such as hearing tests. Hearing loss can be a common issue in children, so it’s important to catch any hearing problems as early as possible. If hearing aids are needed, getting them fitted promptly is essential for reducing the risk of developing speech or language delays due to hearing loss. Having hearing aids fitted when recommended will ensure that your child can hear properly and participate fully in school and other activities.

By making family health and wellness a priority in the home, parents can help create an environment of healthy habits that will last well into adulthood. From leading by example to incorporating preventive care into your routine, there are many ways parents can promote overall well-being in their household. By taking these steps now, families have the opportunity to create a lifetime of good health for themselves.

Featured Image By: Terje Sollie

Feb13

The Importance Of Taking Interest In Your Child’s Hobbies

Posted on February 13, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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The Importance Of Taking Interest In Your Child’s Hobbies

In a world where children are constantly glued to their electronic devices, it’s more important than ever for parents to take an interest in their children’s hobbies. Doing so can help foster a love of learning and exploration that will stay with them throughout their lives. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to take an interest in the subjects that are special to your child:

It shows them you care:

Taking an interest in what your children are passionate about demonstrates that you value their interests, hobbies, and opinions. This reinforces the bond between parent and child and lets them know they have the freedom to explore and pursue whatever interests them. In addition, it reminds them that you are always there to support them in their endeavors.

It encourages exploration and creativity:

By taking an interest in your children’s interests, you can encourage exploration and creativity by suggesting ideas or activities related to their hobbies. You can also provide resources for further research or offer assistance as needed. This allows for a better understanding of the hobby and provides an outlet for creative expression and problem-solving skills.

It keep communication open:

When parents take an active interest in their children’s interests, it encourages conversation and dialogue between the two parties. It is important for the parents to stay connected with each other and for children to feel comfortable communicating any issues or concerns they may have.

It helps them develop their skills:

As the adult, you can help foster the development of their specific skills related to their interests and hobbies. This could involve providing additional training or instruction, offering advice or guidance, or providing a space for them to practice and hone their talents.

It builds confidence:

When parents take an active interest in their children, it often helps to build a sense of self-worth and confidence. This is especially important during adolescence, where identity formation is critical; showing your children that you believe in them and their passions makes them more likely to engage positively with their activities, boosting their overall confidence level.

It helps them stay focused:

When children are passionate about something like collecting Kevin Burge Sports Cards, painting, or a sport, it’s much easier for them to stay focused and engaged in the task at hand. This is because they’re more likely to be motivated by their own interests rather than outside influences or pressures. Taking an interest in your children’s hobbies can help keep them motivated and on track with their goals.

Taking an interest in your children’s hobbies will show that you care while also helping them develop confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and a passion for learning. It also provides opportunities for parents and children to bond over shared experiences and memories. Take some time out of your day today to talk with your children about what they’re passionate about and get involved in their hobbies. You’ll be glad you did!

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Jan30

How To Keep Your Aging Loved One Happy & Healthy

Posted on January 30, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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How To Keep Your Aging Loved One Happy & Healthy

When it comes to aging loved ones, they tend to be the ones that face the most loneliness. It’s quite sad, but there is something that you can do about it. More specifically, there are ways that you can keep your aging loved one happy and healthy throughout the rest of their life. It’s not nearly as challenging as you may think so here is everything you need to know:

Encourage physical activities:

If your aging loved one is not getting adequate exercise, you should encourage them to be more active. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, improves balance, and helps reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also promotes healthy aging. Many seniors are afraid of exercising, but they need to stay active to protect their health, as any cardiac surgeon will tell you. Encourage your senior loved one to keep up with their physical activity by showing them the benefits of doing so.

While physical wellness is often associated with exercise it also includes what’s happening inside your body too. There are a wealth of anti aging products to help restore your body’s natural function. Those offered by https://www.rebelpeptides.com/ are a great place to start. Just be sure to consult your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.

Set boundaries around your caregiving relationship:

It can be challenging having to take care of your aging loved ones and it is important to set boundaries. This can sometimes be easier said than done! Some people find it difficult to say no to their parents. They may feel guilty and want to say yes to everything. The most important thing to remember when setting boundaries is to be clear. You do not want to be perceived as being a doormat or rude. Instead, be thoughtful and respectful. If you want to ensure your aging loved ones are happy and doing well, then you need to know it starts with you and how you feel. Boundaries will help keep both parties happy.

Encourage meaningful conversations:

Having those heart-to-heart conversations means a lot. Seniors’ minds are often a source of wisdom and experience. Sharing memories can be a fun and uplifting way to connect with them. You can ask them how they’re feeling or even try to take a trip down memory lane with them. Overall, it’s just so important to engage in these sorts of conversations; they’re very powerful and can help combat loneliness.

Make them feel safe:

Using the latest upgrades to home safety, such as personal medical alarm technology and sensors to detect falls, can give seniors the peace of mind they deserve. Other less obvious solutions include installing an intelligent alarm system, putting a lock on the front door, and removing items in the home that could be considered hazardous. If they’re living in a nursing home, you’re going to want to ensure that they’re staying safe there too. In cases like this, inform them of a nearby Nursing Home Abuse Center for additional help.

Remember that there’s no top-end age limit for when they should go into a residential community with more connections to their peers, so looking through 55 and older communities could be the best way to help them feel more satisfied in their comfortable living arrangements. This might feel like a step backwards for your loved one and their independence but it can really be a wonderful thing. These communities are just that – a community that can nurture new friendships, passions, and mental and physical wellness. When you research quality home like options, you will find all kinds of amenities like gyms, hobby classes, beauty salons, and so much more to create a meaningful and comfortable experience.

Find a hobby or activity that they may enjoy:

Some common hobbies for seniors include bird watching, art, music, or even genealogy. These activities can provide a relaxing way for your senior to connect with the outdoors and enjoy nature. You can also consider joining a book club. The books in a book club can range from serious to light-hearted, but the club’s goal is to bring people together to discuss a topic. Another idea for a new hobby for your senior is to look online. Many online gaming communities and websites exist to offer people a wide variety of games and activities. There are also a number of apps available to help you get started.

Form a care team:

A family member like yourself may need extra help taking care of an aging parent or loved one. You shouldn’t do it all alone, which is why you need to have a care team. The best way to find a good fit is to talk to your family. You want to know what your aging parent’s wants and needs are. Your own goals are also important. This includes keeping your loved one safe and comfortable and providing emotional support. If you have the means, you can even hire a financial planner to protect your loved one’s assets, as this tends to be needed too.

If the next step in your loved one’s care is moving to an assisted living facility or having staff come to the home, another excellent resource is enlisting the help of Senior Living Experts. They will be able to help narrow down options according to the best fit for your loved one so all that is left to do is make a decision. This can be especially beneficial if you are struggling to keep your head above water or feeling overwhelmed with choices. Overall, a care team and a large support system will definitely help out your aging loved one.

Help keep your loved one safe and happy with the tips above and continue to nurture your relationship every day!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov25

Gift Ideas For The Littles On Your List

Posted on November 25, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! Johnny and I are the proud aunt and uncle of a toddler aged boy and girl and a newborn little girl. They are each so precious and we love to spoil them rotten every chance we get! Prior to them being born, we both had little to no experience with children. Now, we can make mom and dad jokes with the best of them every treat day and the novelty never wears off. Being an aunt and uncle is an absolute hoot and every gift giving occasion makes us want to buy out the entire toy aisle! If you have some littles on your holiday shopping list, here are some ideas to get you started:

LEGO DUPLO:

Johnny and I are both avid lovers of building LEGO and we are about to give our nephew a head start on the fun with his own DUPLO set. DUPLO are LEGO bricks made specifically for little ones that are bigger and have simpler builds. Our nephew is a fan of anything and everything related to vehicles – especially fire trucks. I was so excited to find a DUPLO fire truck set and just know he’ll have a blast putting it together with his mom and dad!

Book Nook:

Our oldest niece has a staggering collection of books and being read to is one of her favorite things. Among other gifts for her, I purchased a purple (Her favorite color) book nook. It is basically a bookshelf with cushions built in so she has a comfortable space to flip through the pages of her go to pop up books. The book nook is going to be so perfect in her playroom and I hope it continues to harvest her love of reading since her TT is a big reader too. ❤

Mothman Baby:

Our youngest niece is a newborn girl and this will be her first Christmas. Her big sister has grown fond of all things spooky thanks to me and Johnny so there is no better time than the present to get started with the youngest member of our niece and nephew crew. Aside from a “My First Christmas” gift for our little, we also got Mothman, Nessie, and Yeti Baby pop up books for her. They are absolutely DARLING (I read through them online before making the purchase) and are an awesome introduction to cryptids. These books show all of the baby cryptids on adventures that typically end with them being safely tucked in for a good night’s sleep. Too cute!

Activity/Sticker Books:

My oldest niece and nephew are obsessed with stickers and Water Wow books and these are such great stocking stuffers on the cheap. Coloring books, connect the dots, and picture finds are also wonderful ways to go too. They are sure to give your littles entertainment for at least five minutes – long enough to get some sips of coffee before it gets cold! 😀

Treat Day Tickets:

Taking our niece and nephew crew on treat days is such a joy for me and Johnny and can also make an awesome gift. Outings like a trip to the zoo or a child friendly amusement park will have to wait for warm weather but that will give them an adventure to look forward to! If you aren’t keen on waiting until summertime, indoor activity centers, children’s museums, a trip to the movie theater, or lunch at their favorite restaurant are all solid options.

Take A Class:

My niece and nephew are both three and that is a perfect age to get started on extracurricular activities. Our niece is currently taking dance classes and our nephew is taking tumbling. Funding a current class or signing them up for one would be such an amazing gift. Some ideas include classes for swimming, crafts, sports, singing, or baking. Bonus points if you take them to some of their lessons!

The holiday season is always a special time but it just hits different when you see little ones experiencing it. I cannot wait for another Christmas with my favorite lil besties! ❤

What is one of the best gifts you received as a child? What is something that one of your littles want for the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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