[JessFinds] Traveling with Wild Animals

Car travel with kids can be daunting, especially when your children start whining within moments of hitting the asphalt. Mine yell things like: "I feel like I am gonna barf." It is their charming variation on "Are we there yet."

I am building up an arsenal of go-to travel toys for when we depart for our cross country adventure. I plan on keeping these toys hidden until we are actually on the road.

Here are some of the newest additions to my bag of tricks:

The Victorian Wonder Ball has been a time eating joy for parents since the 1800's. Each of my girls will get a ball to unwind, gather the trinkets, play with and then attempt to strangle each other with the yarn. I picked this up from ThinkFastToys.

These little card sized games were picked up for under $2 each. Also at ThinkFastToys. I love the little Magnetic Mini Dozer - you use the magnet to push the dirt in to piles. Catch a Mermaid has you flipping the little plastic mermaids in to the net.

A certain Uncle and Auntie are sending the classic Etch-a-Sketch and a Crayola Glow Board. A certain grandmother has tended to their comfort w/ soft car blankies and fleece coats.

Now all I need is that tranquilzer dart gun... (it is a joke people)

(MarieFinds) Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's all about food, friends and family. There are no presents or other issues clouding the issue. This is a day to be grateful for everything and everyone in your life. And a day to eat and drink like crazy.

This year I am hosting Thanksgiving. I never get to do this. The Lawyer's sister and her family are coming out, so I bullied my mom into letting us host the combined family. Menu is as follows ...

Appetizers
- Marcona almonds / olives
- Crudite platter
- Spicy crab dip
- Deviled eggs
- chevre with chutney
- pate

Dinner
- Herb roasted turkey with sage stuffing
- Pumpernickel / cabbage dressing
- green beans with pancetta
- brussel sprouts
- roasted carrots and parsnips
- cider mashed yams
- mashed potatoes
- corn
- cranberry sauce
- cranberry relish

Desert
- Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Pumpkin Pie
- Sugar Free Apple
- chocolate cake (it is also Baby Boy's second birthday party)

[JessFinds] Holiday Gift Guides

Each autumn, I put together a Crave List for each of my children. It is both a wish-list and a gift guide. Admittedly, we do have family that go off the list for Christmas ideas. But more importantly, the feedback I have received over the years from bloggy parents and grandparents has been great. I am no expert, but I do love curating fun finds. Our Crave Lists (Marie has Lust Lists) are some of the highest repeat traffic areas of our blog.

There are very practical items along with crazy $$$ out-of-this-world ones (check out the pirate bed or cottage bed for this curated round!) I think of it as inspiration boards and ideas.

Note: If you are family and actually interested in the girl's stats... Miss Crab is a girls size 6 but has an itty bitty waist so we look for pants that are adjustable. Shoe size is 11.5 toddler.  Miss Gonzo is a size 4T and wears a size 9.5 toddler shoe. Parker loves all things purple and green. Paige goes nuts for pink.

I am trying something new this year and hosting the gift guide off-site via Kaboodle. You can just click the link to go directly or wait for the slide show below.

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What do you get a six and a half year old tomboy for Christmas?
6 (1/2) YEAR OLD GIRL - Crave List 2010

  

    

    

                      Six Year Old Gift Guide   jessfinds             

    

  

  

                          

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What do you get a 4 year old force of energy for Christmas?

4 YEAR OLD GIRL - Crave List 2010

  

    

    

                      4 Year Old Gift Guide   jessfinds          

    

  

  

                          

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What do you get for a really long cross country road trip with two kids?

ROAD TRIP - Crave List 2010/2011

  

    

    

                      Road Trip Gear                          jessfinds             

    

  

  

                       

[JessFinds] Scenes of Halloween (2010)

Pixie, Kobold, elf and sprite
All are on their rounds to-night-
In the wan moon's sliver ray
Thrives their helter-skelter play.

Fond of cellar, barn,or stack, 

True unto the almanac, 

They present to credulous eyes 

Strange hobgoblin mysteries.

Cabbage-stomps-straws wet with dew- 

Apple-skins, and chestnuts too,

And a mirror for some lass, 

Show what wonders come to pass.

 Doors they move, and gates they hide, 

Mischiefs that on moon-beams ride 

Are their deeds, and, by their spells,

Love records its oracles.

Don't we all, of long ago, 

By the ruddy fireplace glow,

In the kitchen and the hall, 

Those queer, coofllke pranks recall?

Eery shadows were they then-
But to-night they come again;
Were we once more but sixteen,
Precious would be Halloween

-- Halloween by Joel Benton

(MarieFinds) The Lust List 2010

Jess has a Crave List. I do my Lust List. Lust is a little less practical I think. Fall is in full swing here in the fabulous Pacific Northwest. Today is downright chilly. But beautiful October chilly - cool, clear, blue, gold and green.

Things I want under the tree this year:

A classic / retro apron. (I actually asked for this this year ... though I won't have it in time for Thanksgiving, unfortunately.) For Portlanders, they sell some fab ones at SweetWares (http://www.bakerandspicebakery.com/sweetwares/).

These boots from Ugg. I have a pair of classic Uggs that I never would have bought for myself. I love them. They are perfect fall /winter boots. Perfect slippers. The most comfortable shoes in the world. And I only feel a little weird about the Paris Hilton thing. These are a little dressier, and hopefully just as comfortable.The most beautiful coat in the world ... but I will never buy it for $700. God, I love Kate Spade.

Another item I am actually hoping to acquire this year ... a new crock pot. My good one crapped out, and I need a replacement. I love that this one goes stove top to insert, but I have heard there are some issues with the finish peeling. On the market for a good one, if anyone knows of one off hand.

[JessFinds] Crave List for 3 Year Olds

 Each year I publish a list of things I think are great for the upcoming holidays. Who would have thought these lists would become so popular? I have received emails asking when my next list will come out! Mom's everywhere from Arkansas to the UK are visiting our little blog for inspiration. This is the 3 year old crave list ... the 5.5 year old list is up too!

Gonzo is very excited about Christmas this year - she is all about Santa breaking in to her house and leaving her "stuff." She has already asked for a puppy, a goat and a variety of farm animals.

Gonzo wears a size 3T with most of her clothing now. Her shoe size is a 6.5 to 7 toddler.

These are so cute. I could probably learn how to make them, but for $8 I figure it is worth it to let someone else do it! Crayon Rocks from Magic Cabin.

Gonzo is crazy for the Three Little Pigs. These interactive stories are a great way to keep her entertained and allow her to tell the story.

Another Gonzo obsession is Hansel & Gretel. Seriously. It freaks me out that my daughter has latched on to this dark tale of abandonment and cannibalism, but ... ok!! She would love the finger puppets and acting out the story. The only place I could locate this was Amazon.com.

And more in the Hansel & Gretel department! This is from one of my favorite booksellers, Powells.com. The illustrations look amazing.

This cardboard playhouse is begging to be decorated. Target has this fun "indoor" crappy weather activity available for $20 with free shipping right now. I would jump on this for any 3 year old.  They also have the castle available for $24.

My baby has outgrown her crib and it is time (really, it is) for her to transition to a big-girl bed. The Matrix Kid System looks like so much fun. 

Automoblox! This set of three wooden interchangeable cars (they lock together like a lego) are so cool In these great colors too! I think I want a set for myself. And while we are at it, I think I should make a case for Crab getting a set too.


iMac compatible keyboard for kids. Do you realize how many PC compatible learning programs and keyboards there are? Mac needs to jump on this bandwagon. I converted to iMac a few years ago and I would love it if my kids could use it too! I just found out that someone grabbed this for Gonzo - I love it when family shops off the blog! Woo!


I have long-admired the Calico Critters line of toys. Doll house play but with little woodland creatures! Squirrels! Bunnies! Kitties! We bought Gonzo the carrying case (pictured above) and the little squirrel family for Christmas. I think what I like best about this line is the ability to add on to it as inexpensively or as expensively as you choose. Big sister Crab thinks these are cool too and will also be getting a carrying case and family (cats, hello). Both girls will want this kitchen set for their little carrying cases.


I would love to learn how to put together these felt play food sets that are found all over Etsy. In the meantime, I nod to the experts! I love that this set comes complete with little play teabags.


Tutus! Hello. Shameless self promotion here. I think that all 3 year olds should be outfitted with a tutu from Chi Chi Tutu.

Playsilks are a big deal in the Waldorf education model, but I think that any open-ended toy is good stuff. These can be capes, dresses, blankets or wings! A set of 2 or 3 would provide endless entertainment for a 3 year old.

No - I am not insane. Plan Toys makes great musical instruments for kiddos! If it was a whistle, or a trumpet ... we would need to discuss my mental state.

Not too long ago I purchased the Tag Jr. system for Gonzo. Her sister has (and loves) the Tag system. I think the following books would make a great addition to the Tag Jr set:
Ni Hao, Kai-Lan Share Book
Pooh Loves To ... Book
Panda Bear Panda Bear What Do You See? Book

(MarieFinds) Christmas Lights

We are very proud of ourselves this year... we have actually managed to get the outdoor lights up, and the indoor decorations are done. We will get our tree and put it up next weekend I think. I still do a real tree, and so I like to wait a bit so it doesn't get too dry.



The Squirrel is SOOO excited for Christmas this year. She is way into it. I bought a nativity set last year after Christmas and all she wants to do is kiss the Baby Jesus. It is just about the cutest thing ever. The Lawyer put the outdoor lights up, and seeing her Daddy on the roof absolutely delighted her. She still totally cracks up when she talks about it.



We started what I really hope is a new holiday tradition for us on Tuesday night. We went to the Zoo Lights Festival, which was just a blast. It is so fun having the kids around this year. Baby Boy slept through that for the most part, but Squirrel was over the moon about all the lights and the elephants.

(MarieFinds) Holiday Recap ... A week late

The deep freeze that socked in the Greater Pacific Northwest over the holidays is gone, replaced by torrential rains, flooding and landslides. Good times.

Hmmm... Christmas Eve at my Mom and Dad's house. We came home with our Outback completely jammed with gifts. How hysterical. Everyone went way overboard. My brother didn't make it this year ... he fell and broke his leg in a couple of places on the ice. Ooops.

And the Lawyer lost his glasses on Christmas Eve. Oops again.

Christmas day was extremely chill. Just us and the kiddos. I stole Jess' plan for fondue dinner, and we played in the snow a little bit.

Disturbingly, I think the biggest hit may have been the Elmo slippers my mom got the Squirrel. They are big and red, and she wouldn't take them off for a week.

New Years was nice. Braised lamb shanks and a couple of bottles of wine. We celebrated on East Coast time and I was asleep by 9:30. Mmmm... bringing in the new year like rock stars.

The Squirrel LOVED the noise makers. Is still getting a big laugh out of them.