You know that saying, “Stop and smell the roses”? Well, in Seattle it’s more like, “Stop and see the tulips.” Because Seattle is crazy about spring. We are outdoors people, and being cooped up inside for four months is quite enough, thank you very much. That’s why in April, we blissfully exit our rain caves to … More Free Seattle: Tulip Festival
I recently came across an idea-packed article on creativity rituals, which included everything from naps to bar brainstorming to frequent vacations (yes yes and yes!). They also mentioned something called an “interesting people fund,” the idea of which was taken from an interview with entrepreneur and author Ben Casnocha: By pre-committing time and money to meeting interesting … More Interesting Person Fund
No, really. Here’s a full list of affordable, wow-worthy ideas for everyone on your list. It’s my gift to you, so you can put that research and shopping time toward a warm bath and good book. Don’t believe me? This should about cover it, right? Kids 3-8 Kids 9-12 Teenagers Collegiates and Twenty-Somethings Moms Dads Grandparents … More Ideas for Everyone on Your List
It’s the holiday equivalent to the car chorus, “Are we there yet?” Is it [insert special occasion] yet? Let’s face it. Kids have a different sense of time than us, and understandably so. Think about how long one month is as a percentage of their entire existence, compared to ours as adults. Now perhaps you … More Countdown
As a thank you for your support and readership over the past three years, I’ve rounded up a feast of holiday ideas—crafts, dinner party fun, and hostess gifts—in one handy post. You have plenty to take care of. Let me help check something off of your list. Then, take that extra time to really be … More A Feast of Holiday Ideas
I’ll never forget the first time I realized my toddler has actually drawn a… thing. Since then, I’ve been tracking down fun ways to help her get creative and practice her hand-eye coordination. It’s never too early to prep her for epic video game nights, right? Here are a few of our favorites drawing games. … More Drawing Games
No, not the ear-splitting, orange-flashing, rage-inducing kind of road construction. Roads made out of construction paper, silly. This kids’ activity is quick, cheap, and fun … plus you cover a bunch of great early learning basics. (See “The 4 Pillars of Play” for more info.)
Stuck inside? Missing summer already? Head under your table. That’s right. Spread out a blanket under your table, and have an indoor picnic!
Let’s face it. Seattle has a very limited number of hot, summer days. Take advantage of them while you can with a trip to one of the city’s many splash parks. My favorite, location-wise, is the Ballard Splash Park. Here’s why …
When I worked at Cranium, I learned a lot about Dr. Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory. It stressed that there are multiple ways to be “smart,” beyond standardized tests for verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematic skills. Gardner demonstrated that humans actually have eight intelligences:
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