Author: Terumi
Why we have mad love for Marriott Rewards and how it makes us feel truly VIP
March 20, 2018**In September 2018 the Marriott Rewards program changed it’s Gold Elite Member Status rewards. We sadly no longer receive lounge privileges or breakfast at Marriott hotels. Hilton Honors Gold that we receive with our American Express Platinum card however includes continental breakfast with its booking so this is something we now take into consideration when […]
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The time I had Shakespeare’s House all to myself and how you (maybe) can too
March 16, 2018A long time ago when I was a headstrong college student I decided that I would become an English major and that was that. Shakespeare in Love had come out around that time as well as the first of the Harry Potter novels and being able to read and write and get credit for doing almost […]
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Planning a trip with kids to Kauai in February from Seattle
March 9, 2018Years ago when we would travel with our family to one of the Hawaiian islands, it was just a matter of getting airfare, booking the hotel and off we would go. If we booked a hotel near the beach, we didn’t need to plan much because there was sure to be almost guaranteed sunshine and […]
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Salted Caramel Milk and Road trips with kids for a special occasion
March 5, 2018This post is written in collaboration with Darigold for its new Salted Caramel Milk and as always the opinions and stories in this piece are written by me. We drink milk on a regular basis but salted caramel milk reminds me of a milestone birthday or special occasion. The salty sweet and creamy taste is […]
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Iphone Photography tips for Instagram
March 2, 2018How much do you love the Instagram App? I remember when I first saw the app I was so skeptical-I asked my bestie who gets me into all things social media-people really just want to see pics? Isn’t it just Twitter in picture version? But yes. WE WANT ALL THE PICTURES! And suddenly Instagram is […]
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Enter all the contests and go on all the trips: parenting advice for my kids after winning our trip to Kauai
February 28, 2018Of course I’m going to tell my kids to study hard and do your best and try to be a good person wherever you can: they totally need a baseline. But more than telling them to go to college, or plan out now who they are going to be when they grow up, or even […]
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When a clothing brand reminds you to be mindful of packaging
February 25, 2018I was really excited to try a few pieces from PrAna’s spring 2018 line-a cute black sweater and capri yoga pants-on our recent trip to Kauai. Have you heard of this clothing brand? I love so much about it-PrAna is stylish, comfortable, great for travel and easy to wear and I’ve partnered with them before […]
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E-bike sharing in Seattle and where to get a foldable helmet
February 21, 2018Try and not find the yellow, green and orange bikes popping up on every corner in Seattle. I often see them parked near the kids’ school and at community centers on sunny days. Maybe you’ve also seen them being pedaled around South Lake Union and Green Lake too. We have become a biking family-my husband […]
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Kiehls Apothecary Preparations and finding youthful skin in real life
February 17, 2018The other day I was asked if I was expecting (I’m not) and I got I.D.’d (thankfully in a different place than where they thought I was pregnant) and although one event made me happier than the other, I’m just going to put it out there that maybe, just maybe this might have a little […]
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When you worry that styrofoam is taking over the world, stop by the Pacific Science Center in Seattle
February 14, 2018There are many reasons to visit the Pacific Science Center in Seattle. Maybe you have kids who like science or you have kids you want to get interested in science (or STEM which seems to be all the buzz word in education right now unless you believe the world is flat and want to remain […]
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A new Tesla electric car charger in Lynnwood and pondering going completely gas-free
February 13, 2018A couple years ago when we first got our Tesla we were a little apprehensive about buying an electric car for a family car. We had one option for charging on the way between Seattle and Vancouver and with all the long-driving we do to see relatives between here and there we didn’t know if […]
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A Valentine’s Gift List because I met Jojo Moyes
February 8, 2018”Be kind” Jojo Moyes says when someone asks her what the one thing the breadth of ALL her work tells us at an author reading the other night at Third Place Books in Bothell. “Kindness is an underrated virtue. Be strong, be courageous and if you’re strong within, the world will be a better place.” […]
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Deciding where to California adventure on a trip to Mom 2.0
February 7, 2018I’m headed to Mom 2.0 in May and a dear friend of mine has promised to meet me in California after the conference in Pasadena so we can have an adventure like we used to in college pre-kids. For us from the Pacific Northwest, California means shopping, palm trees, beaches and yummy food. So now […]
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A driving solo adventure in Orange County I want to repeat with family and friends
February 2, 2018In my dreams I’m a fearless traveler, stylish carry on in hand, passport in the other and I’m ready to take on any adventure life whispers to my heart. In reality though, I’ve got a bag-load of responsibilities, schedules to coordinate and I’m still a little choosy about which way the wind blows me; sometimes […]
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Learning how to be an auction winner with Goodwill and what kind of used snowshoes you should buy if you’re in Seattle
January 30, 2018This is a sponsored post for Goodwill and as always the opinions in this piece are mine. I visited with Goodwill in Tacoma to learn about their mission and learn about their online auction site: www.shopgoodwill.com Let me preface this tale with a little bit of back history. As a mom of energetic twin boys […]
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How far would you travel for the most perfect playground and a family-friendly meal?
January 25, 2018There are many reasons to travel to New Zealand’s North Island. The scenery shouts “take photos of me” every where you turn, the food is delightful and the people are absolutely charming and friendly. There are bubbling geysers, mountain adventures and sheep dotting the lush green hills. And there is Hobbiton. (I’m sorry we didn’t […]
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Low tech and high tech toys that are faves in my house right now
January 22, 2018The holidays are over, the decorations are packed away and we’re about a month into all the fun toys that have arrived at our house. (I can’t take credit for the decorations being down…that’s definitely the hubby’s doing. I would have them up all year round but not because I’m festive….) And of course […]
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A restaurant that’s been cooking here a little longer than all the poke, and it’s not just for tourists in Seattle
January 13, 2018Do you know which Seattle restaurant I might be talking about? Although Seattle seems smitten with poke these days and new trendy restaurants are popping up daily, I love a Seattle restaurant that’s been cooking awhile. And we’ve eaten so many great meals at Ivar’s Salmon House in South Lake Union that I thought this […]
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Tanaka Farms in Irvine California is a great place to take kids to learn where food comes from
January 8, 2018Do you love knowing where your food comes from? I recently did a poll on my Instagram Stories and I was so excited to see that an overwhelming majority of people care about the story of their food. I feel the same way. I love hanging out on factory tours and finding locally made things. I […]
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Whistler Canada with kids and a fun place to see bald eagles and eat along the way
January 4, 2018When I was a kid, I grew up in a small Vancouver suburb and we used to be able to drive to Whistler and back for a day trip. We had our favorite places to eat, like Ingrid’s which is still in Whistler, and we would always stop at the McDonald’s in Squamish along the […]
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