Teeny Ramblers

A Blog celebrating the Teeny Ramblers of the world & and all the things that make it work

Christmas 2017 Recap

Christmas is over!! Why does it always go by SO fast.  This year was the most magical that I can remember.  We had a WHITE CHRISTMAS!!  This is so so rare for Seattle (in fact it's only the 3rd white Christmas in the last 100 years!!!--what are the odds!?)

Holiday Home Tour 2017

The weather is about to turn cold here in Seattle, the kids are getting out of school/daycare soon and excitement for the holiday season is in the air!  Here's a peak inside our Holiday decor this year:

A little thing I like to call, being adventurous with kids

We decided to take a day trip the Leavenworth, WA on Saturday---sort of a spur of the moment decision but something I've been wanting to do for a while!  It's a sweet little Bavarian town tucked away in the Cascade mountains.  The 2 1/2 hour car ride was JUST bearable enough to make it worth it!  We packed our sleds and snow gear JUST in case there was enough snow to go sledding--we ended up with cold weather but not much snow!

Sometimes I feel like as a parent, some things are worth doing and some things are more work than they are worth!  I'd like to raise my kids to be somewhat adaptable though so despite the fact that we forgot the stroller (doh!) we made the best of our Christmas adventure.

The town was SO cute.  It was super busy but all decked out for the holidays.  They had carolers singing, a live band playing Christmas hits, yummy German food, Rudolph, the Grinch (which Jordan thought was cool until he came up and tried to high five her---wish I got that one on camera) & Elf to boot!





Her first hot cocoa was a major win





We had a bunch of fun things planned (like a sleigh ride) but the lack of real snow made us come up with a new plan!  All in all it was just fun walking around the town and doing something out of the norm.  The highlight was trying to get Jordan to use the bathroom in a porter potty---she FREAKED out once she saw all of the grossness that goes along with, well, porter potty's...haha.  We also missed the big town lighting ceremony but when you have kids in the cold, you have to just wing it! (better luck next year).

Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL week prepping for the best day of the year!!





Xoxo
Jaimee Lynne


Christmas Traditions Around the World

So this Christmas season, I thought I would do something different with Jordan and Luke.  As Christmas grows closer, it has me fiercely missing my grandparents and memories are coming back of how they liked to celebrate this most festive season!

Disney World Part Two

Annnnd we're back! We stayed a legit week at Disney so I felt that it needed a two part post.  Even with the temperatures being in the 80's it was still the most magical time.  The second half of the week we made our way into the Hollywood Studios park as well as Epcot.  Jordan was so amped to see the new Frozen show and it did NOT disappoint.  She requested to wear the new Elsa dress we got her as an early Christmas present for the show--she looked so sweet.  Luke literally feel asleep during the show but I considered it a win win for all.  Epcot was less of a crowd pleaser for the kids so my sister took Jordan back to swim and play at the hotel while little Lucas stayed (slept) while we proceeded to eat and drink our way though the park (the stuff dreams are made of).





Meltdown mode...haha





The last two days we went to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom again.  You literally have to spend a few days at these parks because there is so much to see and enjoy!  Jordan found her way as part of the Lion King show, girl has NO fear when it comes to performing (uh oh), she also thoroughly enjoyed playing Chip in the Beauty and the Beast show.  We even snuck in a visit with Santa!  Like I said, magical.  In Animal Kingdom the new Pandora land was so cool!  The new ride they have (the Flight of Passage) was unreal---by far the best ride I've ever been on, highly recommend getting the fast pass for this one, the line was at least a mile long. 

All in all we ate too much delicious food, stayed up waaay past our adult bedtimes and just enjoyed the HELL out of being with one another.  When you live so far away from family, it's these memories that really stick.  So grateful for my mom and her love of adventures and bringing her family along!

Xoxo
Jaimee Lynne













Disney World Part One

Phew!  We jut got home from a week in Orlando, FL visiting Disney World!  It was exhausting but SO.MUCH.FUN!!  We stayed at the Old Key West Resort in a two bedroom villa which was really nice.  Transportation to and from the park was super easy and it was nice to have added space for the kiddos to come back to take naps.

I was worried about their ages (3 1/2 and 14 months) but it worked out nicely!  We went with my mom and step dad, my sister, and my two nieces.  With so many hands to help we were able to do quite a few "adult" rides with the kids along with fast passes and baby swap.  Thank goodness for my mom's excellent planning skills because the fast passes literally saved us!  The first few days we went to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.  The new addition of Pandora in Animal Kingdom was unreal.  We had some much fun eating our way through the parks as well.  The Dole Whip was high on the priority list and it did NOT disappoint.


Thanksgiving Weekend And The Kickoff To Christmas!

We had a WONDERFUL holiday weekend full of food, family, and too much candy cane tootsie pops!!  Thanksgiving day was amazing and the weather cooperated enough so that we were able to sneak outside for a bit to burn off some energy!  When the kids woke up that morning (4:00 & 5:00 respectively...woof), I was so excited to knock out our pumpkin pie with Jordan and watch the Macy's day parade in front of the fire.  How come the vision in your head of the holidays always seem to not jive with the reality?

**I've linked some items at the bottom of each picture**

Gift Guide for Her



Hi Friends!  I hope this post finds you well and enjoying your Thursday!  Today I've compiled a small gift list for the women in your life.  Some of the things I already own and can completely vouch for (like those DSW Sperry boots & the Levi high waisted jeans!).  I CONSTANTLY get asked about my sunglasses so I've posted a few here as well.  They are all from the brand Quay (pronounced 'key') an Australian brand that won't break the bank---I promise you will LOVE.  I hope this gives you inspiration for the upcoming Black Friday sales!!!  What is on your Christmas list!?

Black Friday Traditions

Who can believe that Thanksgiving is already next week!  With the holiday season in full swing I thought I would post about a few of the Black Friday traditions that we share in our household.  I think that Thanksgiving is such a good kickoff to start some fun and festive traditions with your family.  Here are a few things that we looking forward to this year!

One on one time with your kids & Festive Friday 4.0

Happy Friday!  So, I know that people have different views on this but it makes me SO happy to spend one on one time with my kiddos.  Also, age and interest wise it's hard to fit in an activity that satisfies both.  Jordan and I had a "mama and J" day today and it was seriously the best.  I find it really hard to divide my attention sometimes between both.  Luke is at the "I want mommy" phase 24/7 and will literally cling to my leg as I make dinner most nights which leaves very little focus on Jordan (cue the mom guilt).  Although Luke went to daycare today, I know that he has a total blast and that leaves me free to plan a whole day dedicated to my girl.




What a day we had!  We hit up the nail salon, checked out a local Christmas store, and scored some Hearth & Hand goodies from Target.  These are things I know that Jordan loves doing with me but become challenging when you add another kid into the mix.  Likewise, I love taking my little man on solo days as well.  The things we do are equally fun and I know that each of my children enjoy having mom all to themselves.  

Most days we just all spend together as a family, which I think is also important as it fosters a sense of cohesiveness and makes me feel like my kids are going to grow up close (oh please oh please!).  So, you mamas out there who juggle a lot and who have multiple kiddos to look after....consider taking some time out and spending one on one time.  Much planning goes into these days but you know what? that's ok, it's necessary to give priority to solo time with your kids.  

And now for some fun finds!

  • I purchased two of these wreaths.  The bells are so traditional and it makes me long for New York Christmases and binge watching Little Women.  I'm hoping they will look good hung on our front windows beside the Christmas tree---(Christmas house tour to come..)
  • I also LOVE this wood nutcracker.  Although I love the kind my grandparents used to have all over their house, this wood one is festive but minimal at the same time.
  • Since I'm a red and green kind of Christmas lover-I'm truly feeling the plaid and velvet craze that's going down.  I've had my eye on this poof for in front of the Christmas tree (if nothing else it can serve as a resting place for Santa's cookies and the reindeer's carrots!)
  • How in the world do I keep my Christmas greens looking....green..instead of them drying out!  I found this helpful article that I'm dying to try!
  • I posted on my insta stories (@jaimrichards) but Anthropologie is having 20% off all full-price home decor.  That includes this adorable mug.
  • Finally, I'm on a sherpa kick lately because (comfort) but I found a jacket similar to the one below.  If you don't own a sherpa coat in winter---you haven't lived.




Have a GREAT and festive Friday !

Xoxo,
Jaimee Lynne





Style Guide: For the Disney Enthusiast


Where are all my Disney people at!?  We are headed to the sunshine state in a little over 3 weeks and I cannot WAIT!  We are taking a family vacation to Disney World and I just have a feeling it's going to be the best vacation of Jordan's tiny little life (fo sho).  My sister and cousins could chime in with memories of this but I distinctly recall having to wear shirts that my grandmother MADE for us (all matching of course) with Mickey on the front (oh if instagram was a thing back then....)  


10 Helpful Tips When Traveling Alone With Kids



Happy first Monday in November!!  This post is all about traveling with kiddos.  I do a fair amount of air travel (alone) with both kids since my family is all based on the east coast.  I know some people get discouraged flying with small ones but if you want to travel and/or see family and you don't have help--don't let that stop you!!

Festive Fridays 3.0 + No Sugar November!

It's been quite a week over here, but with Halloween being over I thought I'd turn over a new leaf and that starts with ditching sugar.  I started hearing about "no sugar November" on social media and I thought to myself, "self, you need to rid your body of sugar."  I'm imagining this to go how my non dairy days went when Luke was a newborn....horrible.

That's a Wrap on Halloween 2017

We had a WONDERFUL Halloween night.  Since I found out that Jordan was a girl, I've wanted to do a Wizard of Oz themed costume.  When your great grandmother is Judy Garland and you have a daughter, it's kind of a given that she will end up being Dorothy at some point. 

Halloween Weekend Haps


What a fun Halloween weekend!  Per usual we tried to cram in as much as we possibly could.  Friday kicked off with our movie night.  We finally let Jordan watch the Wizard of Oz.  Not sure if she understands that 'Dorothy' is her great grandmother but...it was interesting trying to explain it to her!

Festive Fridays 2.0

Happy Friday people!  This Friday couldn't come soon enough.  Let's kick off this festive day with a few favorites I've been loving:

What It's Like Raising Kids Away From Family

I've wanted to write about this topic for a long time now.  In this season of my life, I'm doing a lot of self reflection and it's a topic I think not that many people get to talk about.  I've lived away from home (New York) now for nine years.  That's nine years of missed holidays, birthdays, games and school functions for my nieces.  It's a strange thing as you begin to carve out your own life separate from your family.  There were times when I was living in Los Angeles where I was so homesick I could barely stand it.  With time, this got better and it was a tremendous learning experience for me.







Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice



Surprise!  My blog got a little face lift!  Super happy to be posting again and having such a great looking (and creative) place to do so.  If anyone has recommendations on what content they'd like to see, just drop a me a comment.  Now...on to the fun stuff.


image via pinterest



Twas' a GREAT weekend full of all things Fall! This time of year has me craving to visit new places.  If only we could all live in a quaint little New England town this time of year.  Since I'm an adventurer at heart, I thought I would pull together a small bucket list of places I'd love to visit someday during the Fall.

A Laundry Room Refresh and Mood Board

Over two years into owning our home and we are just now turning our attention towards the laundry room.  When we moved in, the laundry room more or less looked like this:
Do you see those beige walls!? If I had a true before picture it would reveal white wire MDF shelving (with the barcode stickers still on).  We replaced the heinous fluorescent light fixture with this small (but impactful) flush mount from CB2.  For only $60.00 we were sold.  The floors (not pictured) are a lovely linoleum most likely original to when the house was built (1990).  Woof.  There is a small window that wasn't framed in and looked well...lonely.  

All things Fall.





Still cracks me up! Luke was only 3 weeks old!

Fall, it's my most FAVORITE time of year.  When the leaves change color and the cozy sweaters come out of storage.  Growing up in New York there was always something magical about this time of year.  Now that we live in Seattle, there will only be a few more weeks of good weather before the rain sets in so we are bound and determined to make the most of the sunshine!  Here are a few ways we are enjoying the Fall season.


Luke Turns O N E !!!!

My little Lukie bear is officially ONE! How did this happen!?  Just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital.  What a year of learning this has been.  Two kids was a complete game changer for us.  I'm happy to report that we've settled into a very manageable routine now and Jordan is (mostly) happy she has a brother and not the sister that she apparently wanted.

The 3 Meals that my child ALWAYS eats

image via pinterest


So this is mainly a post for all your mothers out there with picky eaters.  Jordan is (and continues to be) one of the smallest girls in her class.  At a whopping 27 pounds at 3 years old it's a constant struggle to get her to eat enough.  That being said, there are three meals that we have in our rotation that I can ALWAYS count on her to eat.


How to Keep a Toddler busy

This post is geared for all you mama's out there who are looking for everything and anything to keep your toddler busy throughout the day.  I've comprised a short list of games and activities that work wonders for me when I'm pulling double duty looking after a now three year old and an almost 11 month old.  


This is an amazing game for toddlers.  Once your child knows his/her colors this is a game that should entertain them at least for you to finish your coffee!  Jordan plays this by hiding all the colored mouse ears around the house.  When she's finished, she flips over each card in the deck until she gets to a mouse.  If the mouse is pink (let's say) she's off to find that color.  

2.  Playing I SPY.  This literally never gets old in our house and always starts off with "I spy with my teeny little eyes..." hahaha, I love finding the things that she's looking for.  This especially works during long trips to daycare in the mornings.

3.  Arts and Crafts.  I'm big on coloring and painting with Jordan.  It amazed me the other day when I asked her to draw a person, she was actually able to do it!  We practice making letters and usually break out the stickers when the mood strikes. 

4.  Using those little "window gel clings".  This idea is ESPECIALLY useful on plane rides!  You can find these in the dollar bins at Target and they literally entertain my kid for at least 30 minutes and if they are destroyed it's not the biggest deal.

5.  Making necklaces.  Not only does this help with fine motor skills but Jordan LOVES stringing the beads on and wearing her creation after she's done.  We are fond of this Melissa & Doug Bead set.  

6.  Baking.  We bust this out most times when Lukie is sleeping.  I would love to make cupcakes all day but most times we end up making these delicious (kid-approved) muffins by Kristin over at the TRIBE Magazine.  





7.  Friday movie nights.  We don't always do this but when we do it's a BIG hit.  Most times Jordan prefers to watch a show or two and then play but movie night is always special.  We pop some popcorn and indulge in some chocolate (she is totally MY kid ;) and pick a movie on our 'much watch' list.  This is also popular since Luke is so young and is in bed by this time.  It feels special to her that she gets to be up having fun with just mom and dad.

Disclaimer:  Most days it's a total shit show at my house and I'm usually coming home from a long and tiring day of work. These ideas are what I reach for when I need some peace or when I need some bonding time with my babe.  What are your go to ideas!?

xoxo,
Jaimee Lynne

Jordan Turns 3!

It's official, my baby is three years old!!  Time is most definitely a thief, I can literally remember the day she was born like it was yesterday.  Despite tiring days i'm loving being home with my babies for the summer.  For her third birthday, Jordan requested a Cinderella theme and I was happy to plan some fun surprises! 











How sweet are these little girls??  She had a spectacular day that was all about her and for sure the highlight was Cinderella herself showing up at the front door.  We love you little June B. Jones!!!