Clean Eating. Natural Beauty. Gift Guides
As we await the February 5th DVD in-store release of Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost let’s have a little fun!
This printout activity is courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Simply print out the link below and cut out where it guides you to make a Scooby Doo Shadow Play set.
One of our favorite weekend getaways is a drive to the Oregon coast from western Washington. Seaside is always our destination because it is the perfect family and pet-friendly spot to stay. When I say pet-friendly, I mean that many shops have no problem with your dog wandering inside on a leash. There is plenty of places to stay and eat all within walking distance. in the small, yet plentiful town.
We have found that when we go, there are things we never miss doing or seeing and I will share them with you.
Every time we have stayed, we ask for the room with a view and this can be anywhere from $0-$30 extra a night. The extra will be worth it! There are a few hotels off the water strip, but plenty along it. This past trip we stayed at the Hi Tide Oceanfront Inn. It was a great price because it is an older Inn, but very clean and kept up very well.
We had the dogs and were given a ground level room with a balcony looking out to the ocean. It is winter and it was stormy so the views were spectacular of the high waves. The only obstacle between the room and the ocean was a walking trail. The boys swam their hearts out and it was great they keep there pool open until 11pm. From 6-8 they had fresh cookies in the lobby and the free breakfast was very plentiful. I will definitely stay here again.
Why? Because everyone does. Seaside is a dog’s paradise. The beach is full of furry friends, the walking trail has more leashed friends and plenty of poop bag stations and trash cans. Broadway St. is the main shopping avenue and the stores will have dog invite signs if they are allowed in. Most allow them except food and ice cream shops and the odd tiny store where space is a factor.
Once the kids see this gigantic space, they won’t let you pass it up. Funland is almost a block long and connected to Fultano’s Pizza which is delicious, this arcade is packed almost any time of the year.
If you happen to spend New Years or other special weekends in Seaside, Funland will close and offer a cover charge admission (usually $15 a kid) and they get a DJ, raffles and contests as they play all night. Playing at the arcade then dinner a hotel swim and you will have a quiet evening enjoying the view as the kids crash!
We always make a stop at Dundees Bar and Restaurant. This family-friendly restaurant has great beers on tap (and you are walking back to your room so no big deal). The food is fantastic and great portions. They offer a small salad bar too to add to dinner. If you are unsure what to order, their pizzas and fantastic. The crust is thin and crunchy and so delicious!
As minor as it sounds, my son (and other children around) gravitate to the swings placed down the beach in 2-3 spots. There was a set on the sand in front of our hotel and another set in front of Broadway in the sand and I believe there is a third set further down.
Stop at the candy store when they get tired of walking and take a break on the swings because you have been so busy you almost forgot to do nothing but look at the waves.
All the beaches along the Washington and Oregon coast are gorgeous in the summer. They are always packed and the water is still not always warm enough to really swim in anyhow. We love the winter visits!
In the winter, wind is common especially late December and January. This makes the beach gorgeous with large waves. Bring an umbrella, it rains often enough but never bothers us-less loose sand in the shoes (bring boots). Also, you typically get prime hotel prices and plenty of rooms with views available. The staff is relaxed and more attentive and the shop owners really want your business and deal well and offer specials.
If you want a relaxing beach with no crowds, with large waves, shopping and dining without needing your car all weekend and tired kids, visit Seaside, Oregon in the winter!
The moment my son walks through the door the shoes come off. If I have an outdoor task for him it ends with me upset again he ran outside without shoes on ruining his socks. The kid loves shorts everyday including winter and bare feet! The PRIMUS Junior Mesh Barefoot shoe from VIVOBAREFOOT is the perfect shoe for him!
VIVOBAREFOOT Has many ‘barefoot’ shoe styles for men, women and kids, but for this post I am featuring the Junior Mesh Barefoot shoe.
This shoe is made with breathable mesh with their PRO5 puncture resistant layer. 5x more puncture resistant than a standard sole of the same thickness. The Junior Mesh Barefoot junior shoe is a recycled PET and produced using animal free products and processes. How fantastic is that?!
Anthony did an immediate “ooh-aah” when he put these shoes on. He did examine them first with a look of concern about pulling a shoe on. He has some swim shoes with this pull-on style that are so hard to wiggle his feet into and I know he was thinking these would be the same struggle, but they weren’t! He slid them on with ease. Like any shoe, once worn in they will pull on and off with even more ease.
Do you have a ‘barefoot kid” like Anthony? Valentine’s Day is coming and they just got plenty of candy and toys for the holidays, so how about the gift of barefoot shoes? Anthony gives them a thumbs up!
The topic of sleep with kids is not discussed often enough. Anthony is going on 11 years old and I find that I get the best response from him when I don’t use a ‘because I said so’ tone and instead educate and really explain my reasonings. Sleep is as important as diet and exercise so a child needs to just feel for themselves how much better they are after healthy sleep.
In the book, Devin & Evan Play Fortnite ‘Til 11, the twins quickly get too attached to their game. It begins to effect their sleep and they are so tired the next day. With some rules and understanding of the importance of sleep, the brothers realize how much better they feel when they have healthy amounts of play time and stop early in the day to get ready for evening.
In the book, Devin & Evan Slep from 8-7, learn why sleep is so important for their physical health, emotional well being, behavior, and success at school.
Get your copy of these books. They make great gifts! Available on Amazon.
Comment: I was sent product so that my feature can be authentic and my own original thoughts for you. I am an Amazon Associate and I may be compensated for your purchase through my Amazon links.
