Welcome to Winter Happy Monday! Most of the country has been affected by major winter storms this past weekend, announcing that winter is here and in full swing. It can be challenging to come up with ways to stay active when all you want to do is stay warm and cozy, so this week, we'll take a look at things to help you do both. Let's go...

A good part of the country is covered in snow right now. Kids are thrilled to wake up to a blanket of white, and it's a great time to go sledding, make a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow angels and snow sculptures. Bundle everyone up and get outside for some exercise and fun in the snow! After some time outside, warm tummies with a delicious mug of hot cocoa and a snack. For some down time inside, building a blanket fort for stories, games and/or puzzles is a cozy fu

A Perfect Drink for a Snowy Day After getting out in the snow, little ones love to come in to a toasty treat to warm up. Hot cocoa is always a welcome addition to a snowy play day. Feel free to make and serve or to set up a hot cocoa bar, with toppings kids will love! Some options include marshmallows, sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, cinnamon sticks, crumbled oreos...the list goes on and on. We've been fans of The Preppy Kitchen for several years. Find their recipe

https://strangerinthewoods.com/product/stranger-in-the-woods-10th-anniversary-edition/ I purchased this book years ago, when my youngest kids were small, and they always enjoyed the story and the photographs. This timeless book has been saved in our library for the next generation, still relevant, still enjoyable. A Stranger in the Woods, by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick, solves the mystery of a stranger(s) in the woods, snacking undetected on a snowman's carrot nose. The 1

Pretty in pink and ready for snow days - cozy winter layers with a playful pink twist. This week’s outfit is made for magical winter days and rosy-cheek adventures. A soft puffer jacket layered over cozy snow overalls keeps little ones warm and comfortable, while fluffy earmuffs and matching gloves add a playful pop of pink. Finished with iconic Moon Boots, this look is perfect for snowy strolls, ski weekends, and cold-weather fun - where style meets warmth in the sweetest wa

Cold-weather layers and bold winter gear - made for snow days and outdoor adventures. This week’s outfit is built for chilly days and snowy fun. A lightweight down jacket layered over warm snow bibs keeps little ones cozy without feeling bulky, while a striped knit hat and matching gloves add a playful pop of color. Finished with durable Moon Boots, this look is perfect for winter outings, outdoor play, and frosty afternoons - combining warmth, comfort, and adventure-ready st

Let It Snow...Please! 🤞❄️ Happy Monday, and Happy Martin Luther King Day! January is moving along, and here in the mountains we are still waiting for winter. Our days have been sunny and chilly, with some snow on the ground, but there's no new snow in the foreseeable forecast. This is not good news for the ski resorts. This month, we traveled to Sun Valley, ID, another beautiful winter destination where they're also wondering 'where's winter?' This week we'll feature some p

We made a quick trip to Sun Valley Idaho this month and discovered a small, charming ski town right out of a picture. Sun Valley's downtown area is adorable, with a variety of art galleries, shops and restaurants. Idaho is a dream location any time of the year, and it's name, the Gem State, fits! If you're traveling with little ones, there's a few things we added to the list for visiting with kids. In cold months, like January, kids will enjoy sledding on numerous hills aroun

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening In this beautifully illustrated picture book of Robert Frost's poem, a traveler pauses to appreciate the tranquil beauty in the snowy woods, even though he still has a long way to complete his journey. A lovely book for all ages.

Cooking Classy | White Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Oranges Citrus fruits are in season this time of year, so we've decided to make a snack featuring juicy mandarines. And chocolate. While delicious on their own, especially when in season, dipping peeled citrus in melted chocolate is a tasty snack when you want something a little more indulgent. For an easy, tasty treat, see the recipe below from Cooking Classy....for an adult version, we added pistachios, for kids, sprinkles. S

Cozy nights and teddy bear dreams - soft knits made for snuggles and sweet sleep. This week’s outfit is all about comfort and cuddly bedtime vibes. A soft Fair Isle sweater and matching knit pants create the perfect pajama set for winding down, while plush slippers keep little feet warm during storytime and early mornings. Paired with a classic Jellycat teddy bear, this look is made for cozy nights, calm routines, and the sweetest dreams ahead. Shop the look below: Fair Isle

Soft pinks and cozy knits - sweet everyday essentials made for cuddles, play, and first adventures. This week’s outfit is all about bedtime comfort and cozy moments. A soft knit sweater and matching jogger-style pants create the perfect pajama set for snuggling, sleeping, and slow mornings at home. Paired with a gentle waffle bow wrap and plush slip-on shoes, this look blends comfort and sweetness - ideal for nighttime routines, weekend lounging, and everything in between. Sh

Birdie's Heron Loafer On my radar this weeks are a pair of the most comfortable shoes for wearing around on chilly days. Birdies brand of footwear is know for their comfort, and this pair is great for running errands/keeping up with little ones. They're fluffy and velvet. What's not to love? Like wearing slippers out and about, but in a stylish loafer. Birdies ❤️

Here We Go... 2026 has arrived! While I'm not one for making a set resolution, January is a good month to pause and think about goals and plans for the year ahead. From travel to ways to enhance personal wellness and growth, we can use this bit of down time to reassess what's important to us. Here's to a great year ahead!

In keeping with our chill January theme, yoga fits right in. Kids enjoy trying the poses, plus it's an exercise that sets the tone for calming the mind and building balance and can be done anywhere. Give it a try. Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat Lakeshore Peaceful Kids Yoga Kit

What a Small Cat Needs In What a Small Cat Needs, we meet a kitten who discovers what it needs in it's life: eyes, ears, food, sun, but most of all, unconditional love found in human companionship. A simple, emotionally resonant story for young readers, written and illustrated by Natalia Shaloshvili.

Pastina Soup Recipe Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. This week we're featuring Pastina, a homemade version of Chicken and Stars soup. Easy to toss together, and good for you, this Italian favorite will be a go to all winter long. Our recipe is from the New York Times and is featured below. Enjoy!

Sweet beginnings in the softest layers - Luna & Luca essentials made for coming home and cozy cuddles. This week’s outfit from Luna & Luca  is the perfect blend of comfort and timeless style for those very first days. The Bring Me Home Ruffle Bundle  features beautifully soft knit layers with delicate ruffle details, designed to keep baby cozy from naps to snuggles. Finished with coordinating accessories in a soothing light plum hue, this set makes a thoughtful gift or a cher

Soft layers for sweet beginnings - Luna & Luca essentials in the coziest shade of blue. This week’s outfit from Luna & Luca   is designed with comfort and simplicity in mind. The Baby Rib Henley Bundle features ultra-soft knit layers in a calming powder blue, perfect for everyday wear, naps, and snuggles. With thoughtful details and coordinating pieces, this set makes an ideal coming-home outfit or a go-to favorite for those early days. Shop the look below: Baby Rib Henley B

For a relaxing hobby that lets you get creative, try embroidering. it's always fun to choose a pattern and work and your own pace. I find its meditative stitching calms the mind, and when you've finished, you have a little work of art. There are many good options on Etsy and have included a few I'll be trying this winter. SnugStep Studio Embroidery Doodles- Embroidery for Kids