Category Archives: Children

Children, Events, Family, Home & Garden, Houston, Uncategorized

Silhouette Artist Cindi Rose | Houston Tour

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Cindi Rose Silhouette Artist
Silhouette Artist Cindi Rose | Photo: Cindi Rose

Oh how I adore the simple sophistication of a classic black and white silhouette. World renowned silhouette artist Cindi Rose travels the globe hand-cutting silhouettes on french paper at weddings, parties, showers, events and her favorite stores to capture the curves of a profile. Profiling famous faces like George Bush and Ashley Jud, Cindi Rose is the modern day master silhouette artist. She will captivate the attention of those around as she cuts the iconic silhouette. Heirloom art indeed.

Silhouette Christmas Tree | Photo: Holly Mathis Interiors

Silhouette Christmas Tree | Photo: Holly Mathis Interiors

Houston Silhouette Tour | Cindi Rose

December 20 (Thursday) | Learning Express Town & Country Houston, Texas 

(713) 465-8697

December 21  (Friday) | Learning Express Town & Country Houston, Texas 

(713) 465-8697

December 22 (Saturday) | Katy Educational Toys Katy, Texas 

(281) 574-6997

Shop Local. Shop Small. Pickup last minute gifts.

Of course you must make an appointment - Cindi’s sought after silhouettes are hard to come by. Prices start at $35. 

xo Emily Arnim

{Cindi Rose on The Suburban Diary} {My Silhouette Collection on Pinterest}

Children, DIY, Events, Family, Fashion, Houston, Uncategorized

{Event} Splendid Highland Village with Crafting Community

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So excited Houston will now boast it’s own fabulous Splendid store in Highland Village. Join LA Based Splendid and Crafting Community for an exclusive grand opening event in true creative style. This Splendid and Crafting Community event will include crafts, activities, sips, snacks and goodies for you and the family… Oh so Lovely!

LA-based lifestyle brand Splendid® announces a new store opening at Highland Village in October 2012. The 1,500 square foot space offers all of the line’s colorful, comfortable collections for women, men, kids and babies – Splendid, Splendid Mills, Splendid Girls and Splendid Littles – in an innovative, light-filled environment as happy as the brand itself. The store’s design stays true Splendid’s Southern California beachy roots with natural wood fixtures and a daybed for daydreaming; plus a wall of live plants brings an outdoor element to the space.

To celebrate the family-friendly brand’s introduction to the neighborhood, Splendid® partners with Crafting Community to host an event providing an oasis of crafting, creativity, and imagination for kids, parents and people of all ages. Created by Los Angeles based artist Karen Kimmel and Kid Concierge, Crafting Community events feature fun, interactive workshops focused on reusing and repurposing natural materials. Specially tailored for Splendid®, many of the workshops incorporate the essence of the Splendid® brand; all natural, ultra-soft, ultra-luxurious fabric.

Activities will include fun with fabrics, a fabric and beading workshop where participants create one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and key fobs by braiding, twisting and knotting Splendid® fabric with colorful beads, as well as custom button making.  Guests will depart with all sorts of goodies and tasty treats!

The celebration is Saturday, October 6th from 11:00-1:30. Don’t miss out on the creative family fun in the fresh new atmosphere of the Splendid Highland Village Store at 4055 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77027. Get on the list and rsvp to houston@splendid.com 

XO Creatives! Emily Arnim, The Suburban Diary

{Connect}

Splendid | Splendid on Facebook

Crafting Community

Children, Events, Family, Houston, Texas, Uncategorized

For the Love of Discovery: Fort Bend Children’s Museum

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Blane at Lego Day July 2012 | Children’s Museum of Houston | Photo: The Suburban Diary

I love awe, wonder, excitement, unexpected turns and living openly in the moment. There is something to be said about how fascinating a museum is for the mind. The experience is ever-changing and evolving if you allow. Grow with the museum, imagine with the museum, learn with the museum. A museum sparks so many amazing wonders and discoveries in the eyes and minds of the young. The intrigued are taken beyond with sheer excitement, experiencing through the endless interactive learning opportunities and engaging programs.

Dane with his tower of Legos | Children’s Museum of Houston | Photo: The Suburban Diary

I absolutely love the Children’s Museum of Houston and am so thrilled that Fort Bend County is well on its way to having our own museum in the Historic Imperial Sugar Land Development. With neighboring Sugar Land Skeeters Baseball Stadium, Constellation Field, and rumors of an In-Out Burger, this historic part of Sugar Land is on the cusp of vibrant growth.

Imperial Sugar Development in Fort Bend County, Texas | Photo: The Suburban Diary

The Historic Imperial Sugar Plant | Photo: The Suburban Diary

For those of us fortunate enough, we are able to take our children and share this learning experience. However for the children on the opposite side of the spectrum, the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center may be the only extended learning opportunity for less advantaged youth in the Fort Bend County area… Catering to eager learners will be a focus and a promise to the community through the Outreach Programs of the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center operated by the Children’s Museum of Houston.

Blane checking out at the “Store” | Children’s Museum of Houston | Photo: The Suburban Diary

Dane exploring | Children’s Museum of Houston | Photo: The Suburban Diary

The time has come when our voices, time, and gifts are needed to make this happen. I hope you believe in this worthwhile cause like I do and will rise to the occasion however you are able. This is an amazing opportunity for the young minds of our flourishing community and the areas surrounding.

Empower, imagine, grow, learn… For the Love of Discovery. 

{ Connect }

Children’s Museum of Houston

Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center on Facebook

Children’s Museum of Houston on Facebook

{Read} Buzzing About: Fort Bend County Children’s Museum

Children, Family

Haute for Tots: Look Mom… No Training Wheels

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Boot Scoot Bicycles on Sale Now at Gilt $59

Oh my goodness, these Boot Scoot Bikes are the most insane bikes ever… How adorable are they? These bikes are awesome in action, teach your children priceless balance, and the all-important coordination! I have officially been given two recommendations for these Boot Scootin’ Bikes and now they are on sale at Gilt Groupe – a sign indeed of a solid entertainment investment for my boys. The kids eventually turn this into a little trickster bike once they have mastered the skill!

Boot Scoot Bikes with No Training Wheels $59 at Gilt Groupe Now Regular $90

Boot Scoot Bikes with No Pedals or Training Wheels

From Gilt Groupe: “Get your child ready for big kid bikes with balance bikes from Boot Scoot Bikes. Made for kids ages 2-6, these pedal-less bikes help teach kids how to balance (you won’t have to mess with training wheels). Kids will love cruising around on this sweet ride!”

From Boot Scoot Bikes: “Developed for children ages 2-6, the Boot Scoot has no pedals. Instead, children use their own Boots to Scoot themselves along, learning balance as they go. With fun and colorful designs, children can’t wait to ride their Boot Scoot. Say goodbye to the false confidence of training wheels! Say goodbye to the ache in your back from running beside your child while they scream “Don’t let go!!” With a Boot Scoot, your child will easily and independently discover the balance, agility, and confidence necessary for riding a traditional bicycle. Now you and your young child can go for a bike ride together. Instead of just sitting in a stroller on your morning jog, your child can exercise right alongside you.”

Boot Scoot Bicycles without Pedals and Training Wheels on Sale Now at Gilt for $67 Regular $100

Haute for Tots indeed… Cannot wait until ours come in!

{ Visit Gilt Groupe through Friday, May 25th for sale pricing }

{ Visit Boot Scoot Bikes }

XO,

Emily Arnim

{ More Childs Play Here }

Business, Children, Events, Family, Mind, Uncategorized

Buzzing About: Fort Bend County’s Own Children’s Museum

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Children’s Museum of Houston Photo From: TexasTripper.com

I was recently invited to attend a coffee to discuss the development of a Children’s Museum in Fort Bend County. The coffee was hosted at the lovely home of Charlene Pate in Sugar Land and orchestrated by volunteers and patrons of the Children’s Museum of Houston. The room was filled with Fort Bend County women ready to hear what the buzz was about. I was invited by the always delightful, Debbie Fash. Does Fort Bend County have what it takes to support it’s very own Children’s Museum and what would be needed from the community to make it come alive? The Children’s Museum of Houston Executive Director, Tammie Kahn, was prepared to reveal the proposal, rouse support and address concerns from the women she would depend on to pioneer the idea into fruition.

Imperial Sugar Plant Sugar Land, Texas Photo By: The Suburban Diary

The Children’s Museum of Houston envisions a historic, innovative Museum in the heart of the Imperial Sugar Land Development. Boasting beautiful, charming and nostalgic scenery, this historical site is a place I can imagine visiting time and again. Imperial Sugar Land is home to the new Minor League Baseball Team, the Sugar Land Skeeters, and their magnificent stadium.  Imperial Sugar Land has a weekend Farmers Market and, according to their website, has plans to create a master planned community. The development will be a balanced, sustainable, mixed-use environment with a variety of retail spaces, offices, entertainment, civic buildings, residential, and open spaces.

Imperial Farmers Market Sugar Land, Texas Photo By: The Suburban Diary

It took less than 20 minutes for me to get to Sugar Land from Katy, and I experienced no traffic- BONUS! This area is at the crossroads of West Houston, Sugar Land and Katy, providing convenient access to all of the area’s residents. Although I love visiting Houston and enjoy the Children’s Museum of Houston, I think Sugar Land will be a unique experience for museum goers.  Not only will you go to visit the Museum, but also to visit the shops, restaurants and other venues within walking distance. You get a pleasant old town feel in a seemingly busy world!

Historic Imperial Sugar Plant in Sugar Land, Texas Photo By: The Suburban Diary

Over Spring Break I visited the Children’s Museum of Houston with three girlfriends and our brood of children. I thought to myself, why did I choose Spring Break?!? Despite the droves of people and celebrations of Spring, the Museum seemed to have a handle on crowd control and the line to purchase tickets was speedy and almost non-existent. Our group was able to experience most of the Museum without waiting in any lines. Despite the crowds, our adventure turned out well and the kids had an absolute blast!

Musician Greeting Visitors and Entertaining in the Courtyard at Children’s Museum of Houston Photo By: The Suburban Diary

When listening to the Museum proposal, I remember thinking to myself, how many times will we be able to visit the Museum before we experience a burn out?!? Will the novelty wear off? After our adventure over Spring Break, I realized, of course not! Experiments and discovery are different every visit. Each time you explore the museum you experience it differently, acquire a thirst for more answers and knowledge , and have new questions. I am hoping that in addition to some of the wonderful exhibits and areas they have at the Houston location, the Children’s Museum of Fort Bend County will incorporate some history and nature, creating a more organic style of learning as well. I think this will not only create a unique experience for Fort Bend County residents,  but a different adventure for the Houston residents who want to visit the suburbs and escape the big city for the day! I am hoping for some wonderful special programs to appeal to individual interests, this will help drive more visitors to the museum. Creating a comfortable area for parents to sit while they observe their children in exploration will play a vital role in attracting visitors as well! Many children with inquisitive minds love to explore independently; they want their freedom, and that is fine by me, as long as I have a comfortable place to perch!

Dane Discovering at the Children’s Museum of Houston Photo By: The Suburban Diary

So what do you think? Would you support the Children’s Museum of Fort Bend County? Will you be a Regular Visitor or Founding Member? I absolutely am on board to help do what it takes to get a Children’s Museum in Fort Bend County- I love adventure as much as my children do!

May the Adventure Continue,

Emily Arnim

Read More on the Lovely Little Ones Here…

Children, Uncategorized

Style and Play: Dane’s Outfit Today

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Dane in Monogrammed Tee and Gingham Cargos from The Polka Dot Monkeys

My precious Dane’s outfit today is a Monogrammed Turtle T-Shirt and Gingham Cargo Shorts with an Elastic Waist from The Polka Dot Monkeys. You know Southern Gals like to rock the Monograms, and so do our babies. It is so hard to dress boys, and I am all over this stylish and comfortable look!! Dane will wear these Lightweight Gingham Shorts all Spring and Summer long. The set retails for $45. Discount Code: SPRING for 10% OFF

XO,

Emily Arnim

Read More on Children Here!

Business, Children, Fashion, Gift Guide, Uncategorized

Southern Hippie Plants Her Free Spirit and Baby Hippie Sprouts

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Elizabeth Lockhart, Queen Hippie at Southern Hippie

I am beyond over the moon for Elizabeth Lockhart of Southern Hippie! She has planted her free spirit in a quaint shop on the outskirts of Austin, Texas in Georgetown. Her charming cottage radiates with her hippie chic style and sets the mood for a care-free shopping experience. I wanted to sit down her lovely couch, talk for hours, have a glass of wine, listen to music, shop and try on… Unfortunately I was on my way out of Austin, so I will have to save that for my next visit! I was able to do PLENTY of shopping during my short visit though, any longer would have been grounds for a lengthy explanation!

Rory Beca Shorts and Naven Skirt sold by Southern Hippie

Beso Beso Jewels sold by Southern Hippie

Hippie Chic Silks and Prints sold by Southern Hippie

A Soulful Display at Southern Hippie

Not only has Elizabeth planted roots for  Southern Hippie, but now boasts a new obsession for us, Baby Hippie! I picked up a Pink Chicken Dress for a dear little girl I love, and it is absolutely precious! I am OBSESSED with Southern Hippie’s designers- MuMu, Rory Beca, Wildfox, Beso Beso, Lovers+Friends, Georgie and so many of her other lines to channel my inner Hippie Chic! I am lucky I haven’t landed my Amex on the injured list yet!!

Pink Chicken Caftans and Tunics for Girls- Oh My! sold by Southern Hippie

Lil Nest "Tweet" Onesies with Pom Pom Sleeves sold by Southern Hippie

Southern Hippie and Baby Hippie have officially given us no excuse not to shop with her for fabulous finds. Shop in her Chic Cottage, schedule a Private Southern Hippie Party, connect socially through Facebook or Twitter, telephone her, and coming soon… A Vintage Airstream customized to setup pop-up shopping wherever she travels- Sneak peak below!

Southern Hippie's Vintage Airstream Boutique with Elizabeth Lockhart

Love me some Southern Hippie! A Texas Girl to the bottom of her soul, with a Chic California Hippie Twist- LOVE HER! Shop Southern Hippie and support a local Texas Girl!

Her Chic Cottage is located at: 4230 Williams Drive #2 . Georgetwon, Texas . 214.673.4449

XO,

Emily Arnim

Obsessed with Fashion? Must Reads Here…

Children, Expert Advice, Family, Garden, Health & Fitness, Home & Garden, Uncategorized

Meat Tenderizer is My New Sting Treatment

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Our New Farm

We were at the Farm over the weekend and our neighbor told me I must get Meat Tenderizer to keep on hand for bite and sting emergencies! Yes, you are hearing that right… Meat Tenderizer is used to treat symptoms of insect bites and stings when mixed with water to make a paste. The proper ratio is 4 parts water to 1 part Meat Tenderizer and then rub for 15-20 minutes- but I will not hesitate to dust the bite and then rub with paper towel with water! Experts recommend to wash with soap and water first, but you know how that goes with little ones. I am no medical professional, just a Mom looking for tips to soothe the situation when we’re in a pinch! Consult with your Pediatrician if you would like more advice!

Want to know what plants Naturally Repel Insects? Read Here…

Truly yours,

Emily Arnim

Did you miss the post about my Dream Barn?? Check it out here… A girl can dream right?!?

Martha Stewart's Barn Stable Interior

Children, Expert Advice, Family, Mind, Uncategorized

Children and The Benefit of Puzzles: Advice from My Early Childhood Genius

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I just picked this one up from B&N... Spell it Out Puzzle- Forming First Words

Of course we all want to find ways to stimulate our children’s minds, but as busy Parents we don’t always have the time and answers. My sister, Ericka Petersen, is an early childhood genius in my eyes, and I’ve been dying to post some of her knowledge for all of you. She always has a plethora of knowledge, advice and suggestions as I raise my three children. I need all the help and advice I can get to help my children fulfill their dreams. Who knew a puzzle contributed so much to our children’s minds?!?

Puzzling Places (for ages 3-4) from The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Met Kids

Benefits of Puzzles

1. Visual Discrimination – Finding similarities and differences

2. Pre Literacy Skills – Physical Characteristics of letters (via the lines and curves), Orientation (learning up and down then associating to letters), Directionality (reading left right top to bottom).

3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

How To: The Puzzle Process

First Flip the Pieces Over

Second Sort “Outside” and “Inside” Pieces

Third Start from the Outside In

*Ericka Petersen teaches Pre-Kindergarten at a Title One School in Houston Independent School District and graduated from Texas A & M University. Currently Ericka’s students are working 30-50 piece puzzles, they will be putting together 75 piece puzzles by the end of the year.*

Parenting is Puzzling, Hope this Helps!

Emily Arnim

Read more about Children Here…

Children, Family, Mind, Uncategorized

A Letter to My Daughter on Her 12th Birthday

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As I dropped my daughter off today at school, I thought about her twelfth birthday being tomorrow! Cannot believe my little girl is twelve, I was just twelve. These words just poured right out of me…

My Dearest Ashlyn,

12 years ago while the rest of my friends were filling out college applications, I was signing your birth certificate. I knew as I heard your heartbeat for the first time, felt your first kick inside of me, held you in my arms, heard your cry and looked into your eyes that God had chosen me for you. It was not always easy but you gave me the strength that I live with today. I walked down valleys, climbed up mountains and held you in my heart through it all. You brightened my world in the hard times, kept me working hard when it would have been easier to give up, and challenged me to become a better Mother and Woman, as you still do everyday!

Now I have you entering those years I remember so vividly. I remember the fun times, the care free spirit I carried, trying to find my “style”, the struggles with mean girls, the countless crushes, the know it all mindset, the adventures, the let downs, the put downs, the amazing times, and guess what?!? I lived through it all with memories and lessons I will carry with me forever, and so will you. We never stop learning baby- ever!

X
My Dear Ashlyn, you have a future in front of you that no one can take away. The world is yours baby, and boy is it a big one with paths leading everywhere. You follow your dreams, always do what makes you feel good in your heart, remember people are not perfect, including your mother, and work hard because you are the only captain on your ship! Discover, create, be yourself, remember “this too shall pass”, love, and don’t let other people decide your fate! The choice is yours, and you will learn to make the choices that are right for you and make you feel good inside!
O
I love you Ashlyn and no matter where you go and what you do, you’ve got me and the rest of our crazy family- sorry you can’t get rid of us- lol! Hugs and kisses forever, even when they embarrass you. Always remember love isn’t embarrassing, it is special! Love yourself and Love others! No one can ever take love from you, it lives deep inside of you!
X
Happy Birthday my Special Girl- Wow 12 years!!! So much life behind you, in you and ahead of you- you will be amazing!
O
I love you,
Mom
Children, Entertaining, Etiquette, Family, Mind, Uncategorized

Dinner Time: What Are We Teaching Our Children?

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If you are a Parent, I am sure at some point you have said, “Stop talking and start eating.” It never fails, my Husband and I are the last ones to sit down at the table, and the first ones to get up. But are we teaching our kids the right thing, or the most convenient thing for our  busy lives? To eat and then escape the table? The more I think about it, of course not! I was not raised to rush from the table, and I have to remember the simple things that will go a long way in my children’s lives! The older your children get, the easier it is to practice simple dinner time traditions- but it is never to early to start trying…

I love this picture of my Grandparents, Mother, Aunt and Uncle in 1968, Mexico City- A sweet reminder to slow down and enjoy the memories! They pass by so fast…

“A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.” -Aesop

Here are my thoughts:

#1 The dinner table should be a place to reflect, discuss and be in one collective place together.

#2 We should appreciate the time together and enjoy the conversations, not fuel the rush of life.

#3 We should sit at the table until everyone is finished (set a time limit if necessary), and have relevant topics to discuss. Some of the worlds greatest ideas were imagined, and biggest problems solved, over a meal… Why should our family dinners be any different?

#4 Everyone should get their time on stage, take turns, learn not interrupt and learn to have civilized discussions.

#5 Everyone should ask as many questions as give answers.

In addition to the social skills and bonding we are teaching our kids- we are keeping them from scarfing down their food which is terrible for your health! What do you think? I think it will take a conscious effort to slow down, take more time, instill confidence and build social skills in your children that will last them a lifetime! Decide what is important to your family and establish dinner time traditions. After I wrote this post- I came across this article: The Benefits of Eating Together.

Enjoy the Moments, it isn’t like this Forever and it is never too late to start!

Truly yours – Emily

Read More Posts about “Family” Here…

Beauty, Children, DIY, Fashion, Uncategorized

Look What My Daughter Just Posted on Facebook… Pictures in a Hippie Headband

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Ironic, Coincidence, Fate, Alignment, Intuition, call it what you will… But right after I posted my DIY Headband Post on Facebook, I scrolled down my newsfeed to see my daughter Ashlyn had posted these pictures!!!

My Beautiful Ashlyn in a Hippie Headband
Ashlyn and Danielle- Taking Pictures
Danielle with Hippie Headband
My Beautiful Ash in a Hippie Headband

Check out the DIY for the Hippie Headband Here…

Instyle DIY Hippie Headband

I love you Ashlyn, you are absolutely beautiful… Danielle, you are quite the little beauty too!!

Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary

More Beauty Here  More Fashion Here  More DIY Here

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Beauty, Children, DIY, Fashion, Uncategorized

Not Your Mother’s Headband… Or Maybe it Was?!?

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Instyle Magazine- DIY Lace Headband

Hippie Chics this DIY Headband is for you. Go to your local craft store, find 24″ of the lace trim of your choice, then take your hot glue gun out… This one is easy!! This Hippie Chic DIY Lace Headband is precious and if you’ve got the style and confidence to wear it- You Will Rock It!! Girls like Nicole Richie, Mischa Barton, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Taylor Swift, and Rachel Bilson pull off these Hippie Headbands like Indian Princesses!!

Instyle- DIY Lace Headband How To

I’ve had this out for my daughter Ashlyn to do, but she said it wasn’t her style.. Maybe she will reconsider?!? Click on either picture to be directed to the Instructions from  InStyle for the DIY Headband! I think I’m going to get the supplies and make them with Ashlyn… Possibly add some embellishments of our own!

Would you Rock it??

Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary

More Beauty Here  More Fashion Here  More DIY Here

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Children, Christmas, Home & Garden, Uncategorized

The Legend of the Pickle: Our New Christmas Tradition

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Pickle Ornament Christmas Tradition

A new Christmas Tradition in our family this year… The Legend of the Pickle. My Mom bought it for us and I am so excited to begin this new tradition for the family! It is said to be an old German Legend. We are going to let the one who finds it either open their present first or get a special present- haven’t made up my mind yet- what do you think?

Pickle Ornament Christmas Tradition

German Christmas Pickle Ornament

I am so excited to start this tradition, the kids will be hunting for the “Pickle” Ornament that I will hide on the tree the night before Christmas- LOVE!! Would love to know if any of you practice this Tradition already.

Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary

Read More of My Christmas Posts Here…

 

 

Children, Christmas, Expert Advice, Gift Guide, Health & Fitness, Uncategorized

Kourtney Kardashian: Wooden Toys Healthier for Kids

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Kourtney Kardashian with Son Mason

So my best friend, Ashley, told me she heard on Kourtney & Kim Take New York that wooden toys are cleaner than plastic toys. So, I had to do a little research myself and I found out this is absolutely true- Wood possesses natural antibacterial properties! (Read the specifics here for yourself).  Does not surprise me that Kourtney would know this. I have actually been going through all of the Kids’ toys to make room for new ones… I am trying to keep “Smart Toys” and “Heirloom Toys”. Toys that teach and can be passed down are the best ones! Of course you have to throw some fun ones in there too, but quality over quantity!! Learning Express, Katy Educational Toys, Barnes and Nobles, Land of Nod, Met Kids all have a great selection of Smart and Heirloom Toys- think about wooden toys when shopping!

Bajo Wooden Scale Toy from Land of Nod

Truly Yours, Emily Arnim


Children, Christmas, Mind, TSD, Uncategorized

Fun with the Loves: Walking Christmas Light Tour

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It is the simple things in life sometimes… Bundled Dane up tonight and went on a tour of lights down a couple of streets, since Daddy has Sister and Brother at the deer lease. It is absolutely enchanting to see the bewilderment in a child’s eyes when they see those magical lights. Don’t you remember what it was like to look at lights? Bundle up and take a refreshing walk through a park, your neighborhood, and city areas… Great for you and your family!

Enjoy the Magic!

Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary

Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home and read away or search a topic!

Children, Gift Guide, Reviews

Land of Nod Sold Out: Try Metropolitan Museum of Art Store (for kids)

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Fabulous Pop Up Aesop’s Fable Met Kids Museum Store

It has been a hectic shopping season for me this year and I am just now getting to the fun part!! Land of Nod is sold out on some of the gifts on my list. Metropolitan Museum of Art Store’s Met Kids, on the other hand, is stocked with my hard-to-finds! Great selection of intelligent toys for your family, with a thought and purpose behind every toy! A Unique Collection of , Musical Instruments, Puzzles, Solid Toys!

Chimes from the Met Kids Store

For instance… I wanted chimes from Land of Nod- Sold Out. Went to The Met Store and Voila- Magic!! Land of Nod and Met Kids are both fabulous places to find meaningful toys that are Forever! I highly recommend you checking both of them out if you haven’t already!

(PS… Sorry for the centering of the Magic Set, I cannot get it to format correctly!)

Are you finished shopping yet? I am really just getting started! Terrible.. I know.

Truly Yours, 

Emily Arnim- The Suburban Diary

More for the Beloved Children…


Children, DIY, TSD

Bright Idea: DIY Melting Crayon Art

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Well my fabulously sweet babysitter Morgan made this with the kids this week!!! Wanted to pass on for those of you with kids who love to craft! This melting crayon art was a hit!! Check out this great You Tube Video- you can get really creative with your design… Here is another on You Tube canvas!

Love DIY!!

Truly Yours, Emily- The Suburban Diary

For more DIY Visit my  DIY Posts!

Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home!

Always Pardon My Errors and Please let me know if you find any!

Children, Christmas, DIY, TSD

The Elf on a Shelf : Has Arrived

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The Elf on a Shelf is a MUST for every family! Our Elf Andy has FINALLY arrived, he began visiting our house in 2009 :) Read more at The Elf on a Shelf . com  if you don’t already have a family Elf!

Do You Elf on a Shelf? Please “Like” this post or share his Name! “Liking” helps me grow!!

Truly Yours,

Emily, The Suburban Diary

Check out The Elf on a Shelf on Facebook.

Want More? Visit The Suburban Diary Home!

Always Here, Children, Home & Garden, TSD

Childhood Pastimes- Keep it Simple

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How fun this blog is going to be!! As my mind ponders the many thoughts I have to share… Where to begin?  If you have children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews then- Great!  Let the fun begin!

set of two vintage atlas & ball glass top mason jars .. handmade solar lights : pint size decoupage - blue green and purple polka dots

Here is a short list with some of my favorite childhood pastimes! I’m going to use this as my own list of things to accomplish with the family.  How easy it is for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, modern technology takes our minds off the simple, and before you know it, these pastimes will not exist in our children’s lives!  This list a reminder to keep it simple and have fun!  I’ll print this list and stick it on my refrigerator.

#1 Croquet… I’m obsessing over buying a croquet set.  I’ve been 2 places with no luck, I’m on a mission to find the perfect one.  Somehow no matter how young we were, we were able to set up the game on our own and keep the game in play!  I think Blane (4) and Ashlyn (11) will love playing!  A great game to play when the sun is going down this summer, or as the first bit of crisp fall air comes in!  A nice one I found online LL Bean Croquet Set for $129.00 has a 4.5 star Amazon.com review.  This is definitely worth the family investment, you will keep it forever!  I sure wish I had our old set!

#2 Hide &  Go Seek… Free, easy and totally fun! I actually played it yesterday inside- SO MUCH FUN!  I would make small sounds so Blane could find me and of course and he finally did!!  Freeze tag with the 3 of us was a blast too, but I was exhausted afterwards! Take 10-20 minutes at the end of your day to play (I actually cheated and picked up the house as I was heading to find Blane- I was productive with my children and my house). Blane had the best time and talked about it the rest of the day!

#3 Picking Vegetables from a Garden… Our family friends across the street would take care of us while my parents were working.  I remember feeling so small and scouring the rows and filling buckets with sheer excitement!  What a simple thing that I really enjoyed… A treasure hunt for the young mind!  I was so confident in my gardening abilities that I climbed my Pop’s fig tree and pulled all of the “green balls” out of his tree, and I mean every one when I was no more than 4 years old (correct me if I’m wrong)! I was so proud, Pop on the other hand- not so happy! Now where to find a garden to take the kids?!?

#4 Catching Lightning Bugs… I was never harmful to them, just catch, keep for a short while and release was good for me!  I’m going to break out the jars and a hunting we will go.  We are going to New Braunfels in a couple of weeks for a family trip, so I will pack glass jars and let the kids enjoy the adventure!  I LOVE the Atlas Mason Jars I have pictured above from Etsy.com.

The simple things in life are what makes it truly memorable- we tend to overcomplicate things!  Turn off the tv, set down your phone and have some simple fun that the entire family will enjoy. I know that I will enjoy all of these things myself, it will be very nostalgic for me!

Create Memories with your Family Suburban Diary Friends!

PS… How awesome are these Mason Jar Solar Lights to put around your backyard when entertaining!?!  LOVE THEM!

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