​Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining - Spring has sprung in Seattle. It’s time to step outside and shake off those winter blues. To help sprout some inspiration, I’ve rounded up a few ideas for family outings. From farms to forests, fairs to florals, check out our list of fun, spring activities below. 

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veils Falls is a spectacular hike with an awe-inspiring waterfall that will leave your little hikers mystified. Crashing down a 100-foot rock face is pristine, cool water from Lake Serene above. The hike to the falls is kid-friendly, and if you feel like an extra workout, you can keep scaling all the way to the lake if you’re up for a 4 mile out and back hike. It’s worth it if you’re up for the trek – and some thigh-burning switchbacks.

The falls are located about 1.5 miles into the hike.

This hike is not a hidden gem. It gets very busy on the weekends, so expect a packed parking lot. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

Twin Falls

Twins Falls is another one of our family’s favorite waterfall hikes. The hike is about 2.5 miles round-trip. It’s an out and back hike with a waterfall payoff. Pack a picnic and enjoy treats while you take in the cascading, cool water.

We love hikes that include water views, at Twin Falls has two splendid waterfalls to enjoy.

Located only about 30 miles from Seattle, it’s a short trip from the bustling city. A Discover Pass is required for parking.

Visit a Farm
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Kelsey Creek Farm Park is a great place to visit with kids on a sunny, spring day. The 150-acre park features a barnyard playground, meandering trails through fields and meadows and an actual farm with animals. Admission to the farm is free. You can view the animals from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily. The adorable farm is home to pigs, cows, chickens, goats, horses, rabbits and sheep.
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Location: 410 130th Pl SE Bellevue, WA

Check out the Best Nursery in Seattle

Seattle and the Eastside offer an abundance of gardens to explore.

Technically, Swanson’s Nursery isn’t a garden, but our family loves to meander through the nursery looking for hidden garden gems. Who knew a gardening store could be so fun? Swanson’s Nursery is a beloved Seattle garden store that has been around since 1924.

From the giant dinosaur that greets you as you walk into the spacious nursery to the adorable purple playhouse, Swanson’s is inviting and family-friendly. Our favorite place to hang out is the quaint café where you can say hello to the Koi fish while enjoying a scoop of gelato. The café and pond are located in one of the many giant greenhouses.

Roam through the giant indoor and outdoor spaces to find the perfect plant or treasure. They offer a huge selection of pots, planters and garden accessories. And in the spring, they have chicks!

They also have a kids club, which is super fun for little ones who are interested in crafts. You can sign up for their newsletter to learn more.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 9701 15th Ave NW Seattle, WA
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Website: Seattle's Favorite Garden Store Since 1924 - Swansons Nursery

You can also visit Bellevue Botanical Garden, Washington Park Arboretum, Kruckeberg Botanical Garden, Kubota Garden and more. You can read a list I created for TinyBeans here: ​Seattle Gardens to Visit Now (tinybeans.com)

Head to the Fair

The Spring Fair is back in town, and it’s the place to go if you’re looking for family fun, games, rides, mouthwatering fair food, music, animals and the list goes on. For my dinosaur-loving kiddos, they can’t wait to check out the animatronic dinosaur exhibit. Tickets for Exhibition: Dinosaur are $8.

The Spring Fair runs from April 11-14 and 18-21.

Purchase tickets online before you go and save. General tickets are $13; children 6 to 12 are $11; kids 5 and under are free. Weekend tickets are slightly more expensive. General tickets are $15; children 6 to 12 are $12; kids 5 and under are free. If you can visit the fair on a Thursday, children under 18 are free.

Parking on Thursdays is free. General parking on the weekends is $15.
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Location: Washington State Fair Events Center
110 9th Ave SW
Puyallup, WA

Website: Washington State Fair Events Center - Puyallup, WA (thefair.com)

Walk Through Fields of Tulips
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The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the largest in the United States, and it is a sight you have to see at least once. Be warned, it draws crowds, but if you can handle the lines, rows upon rows of dazzling tulips are your reward. Sprawling fields of bright tulips delight visitors with a colorful spectacle of beauty.

Located a little over an hour north of Seattle, the festival showcases four different tulip gardens. Our favorite is Roozengaarde. It’s the largest of the four vast fields, covering 50 acres and offering more than 200 different tulip and daffodil varieties to marvel.  
Purchase tickets online in advance to save a few dollars. Weekday tickets are $15 and weekend tickets are $17. If you purchase tickets at the door, you’ll pay $17 for weekday tickets and $18 for weekend tickets.

Roozengaarde has picturesque views, an array of food offerings, playhouses for kids, photo backdrops and more.

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Insider tip: If you can sneak away during the weekend, you won’t have to fuss with the gawking spectators; it tends to be less crowded.

The festival runs from April 1 to April 30.
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Website: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: Washington's Largest Tulip Gardens

Do you ever wake up in the morning, walk into your closet and feel like you can't find anything to wear? I am right there with you. Most days, I stare absentmindedly at the clothes hanging haphazardly from their hangers trying to will an outfit idea to pop into my mind. That usually doesn't happen. What does is a pile of clothes strewn about my bedroom floor, much to my husband's chagrin.

To save our marriage (joking of course) and give myself more peace of mind, I've decided to endeavor on a mission to create a capsule wardrobe. I've been doing a lot of research, mostly scrolling aimlessly on Pinterest, and I've started curating a few key pieces. Where did I begin? Trousers! 

As a mom of three, I need clothes that can transition from work to play. They need to be comfy, and it's a huge bonus if they are also cute. That's one of the biggest reasons I love trousers. They are comfy, easy to dress up, look stylish, but they can also be dressed down with a pair of sneakers. 

So, what is a capsule wardrobe? It's a collection of items that can be mixed, matched and intermingled to create many different outfits from a few, carefully selected pieces. Rather than suffering from decision fatigue, capsule wardrobes help decrease the clutter in your closet, make styling outfits easier, and reduces waste. Theoretically, it can also save you money since you don't need as many trend pieces, but that remains to be seen given my spending habits recently.

Here are a few items I've picked up to start my wardrobe collection. Happy curating!

Navy button down vest: https://amzn.to/3J4Zf4C
Navy blazer: https://amzn.to/4aC0fZH
Amazon trouser dupe: https://amzn.to/3U1qH9G
White short sleeved sweater: https://amzn.to/3xjzdbf
Ribbed white tank: https://amzn.to/43LO7Da
Black matching vest and trouser set: ​https://amzn.to/43Hxg4E 
White and blue stripped shirt: https://amzn.to/3J1LYtG
Brown, black and neutral belts: ​https://amzn.to/49rQJr3

I love exploring the great outdoors with my kiddos. Seeing their faces light up with excitement when we hit the trails is one of my favorite things in the world. As a kid, I loved being outside, but Ohio didn't offer the towering mountain views, sweeping coastlines, vast old-growth forests and pristine alpine lakes the Pacific Northwest does. It's been such a joy meandering trails with my kids. It feels like I'm giving them an invaluable gift by fostering their imagination and allowing their adventurous spirits to blossom. Does that mean it's easy to get outside? Certainly not! But it's worth it. 

If trekking through the wilderness with your little ones in tow feels intimidating, that's okay. It was for me too. Planning a trip, packing all the gear, driving to the trailhead and then trouncing through the woods isn't always an easy feat. There is good news though. It's doable, and the more you do it, the easier it gets.

So, where do you begin? Here are a few tips and tricks.

1. Always start with a plan

Before you head out for a trailhead, read trail and trips reports, know how to get there, take a screenshot of directions in case you lose service and obtain all the appropriate passes. Many trails require passes which can be purchased online or at the trailhead. Just know before you go. 

2. Pack for your trip - and more

Have you ever heard of the 10 essentials? Any time you head out for a hike, especially if you'll be going into the backcountry, it's a good habit to put into practice to pack the 10 essentials. The essentials include: 

• food
• water
• layers
• light source - I love a good headlamp
• navigation - this could be a map of the area or GPS. I always like to take a screen shot of the area before I head out on a trail and directions from sites like WTA.org. 
• fire - this just means you have something on hand that could help create a heat source, like a lighter. 
• first aid kit - I include a whistle as well
• shelter - this could include items like a space blanket
• sun protection - hat, sunscreen and sunglasses 
• knife or multi-use tool 

I like to over-pack when my family goes out on adventures. Not because I enjoy carrying heavy loads on my back, but because I like being prepared. 

With that being said, I do not follow this rule to perfection in one area. My kiddos are still pretty young, and although proper clothing is very important, I am not a stickler. When we hike, you'll often see my daughter wearing a frilly dress. She says it makes her feel confident, and so this is one rule I'm letting go of - for now. Don't worry, I pack extra clothes just in case. 

3. Choose memories over miles

It's taken me longer than I'd like to admit to embrace this tip, but I think it's an important one. I strongly believe memories are worth more than miles. When I moved to Seattle, I wanted to hike every trail and scale every peak. It's one of the things that brought me and my husband together. When we had kids, we naively thought we'd be able to do the same trails and hike the same miles. For some, that may be the case. For us, we have a pretty simple rule of thumb. We don't usually pick trails more miles than our oldest child. That means the most miles we will do is around six miles. The reason for this is because I want to ignite their wanderlust with igniting frustration - and tantrums happen when feet get tired, bellies get empty, and naps get skipped. 

4. Pack a peak prize

When we head out on a long hike, I always pack a peak prize. What's a peak prize you ask? Good question. It's a prize my kiddos get to open when we've reached the peak, or the payoff of a trail. Whether it's a waterfall or a lake or just a rest stop with a beautiful view, the peak prize is a reward for accomplishing something difficult - and it gives them a little boost to finish the hike.

We often pack Kinder Joy Chocolates. 

5. Payoff hikes are a hit

Speaking of payoffs, we like to pick trails that have distinct destinations. I love loops with the payoff in the middle, but those can be challenging to find. Out and back hikes are great, but I often find that my kiddos don't enjoy having to retrace their steps. On those hikes, I'll often hear, "This is boring." So, if you've heard that line before, you're not alone. 

Our favorite hikes will always be trails that lead to alpine lakes and waterfalls. There is something magical about getting to dip your toes in cold, crystal-clear water.

6. Play games on the trail

My kiddos love trail story time. We often make up stories while we hike. My daughter loves to sing, which is great because making noise in the backcountry is never a bad idea. Other games you can play include, seek and find, treasure hunt and color match. Here's a fun nature-themed seek and find Canva template I created. 

7. Trail snacks are very important

Good snacks make all the difference, especially to mitigate meltdowns. It's okay to stop often for water and snacks. I like to pack an assortment of foods, and I also empower my kiddos to pack their own snacks. When they pack their own treats, I think they are more likely to eat them.

​Things we like to bring include, granola bars, fruit snacks, Uncrustables and dried fruit. Salty snacks will make your kiddos thirsty, so think about packing treats they can suck on and will hydrate their mouths instead of drying them out. Also, on hot days, remember things like chocolate bars will melt. 

Happy hiking with your little ones! What tips would you add?

Below I've included some of my favorite hiking products. One thing I would definitely recommend splurging on is a good hiking backpack and carrier. When your kids are little, you'll thank me for buying a top-notch carrier. I can promise you'll be carrying your kid on the trail, so don't go cheap on this item. 

Hiking backpack: https://amzn.to/3TRKCYQ

First aid kit: https://amzn.to/49rgQid

Carrier: https://amzn.to/3PBY5l4

Tuffo coveralls for kids: https://amzn.to/4aqsACg

​Women's hiking pants: https://amzn.to/3IVzZ0N 

Hiking boots: ​https://amzn.to/3IUGFvW

Unicorn headlamp: ​https://amzn.to/3Tyoy47

Affiliate links are provided in this post. 

I'm not going to lie; I have a love-hate relationship with Amazon. I love the convenience, ease of ordering, speedy shipping and the vast array of products only a click away, but there are also downsides. What do I hate? Impulse shopping! It's a serious problem.

If you're like me, you have spent hundreds of dollars adding products to your cart in hopes they will solve a problem - or you heard an influencer say it was the perfect dress and you opted in. Don't worry, we've all been there. 

Do I need another ceramic vase, faux tree or basic white tee? No. Will I buy them on Amazon if they are on sale? The likelihood is pretty high. What comes with buying a copious number of products all to be strewn about on my front porch much to my husband's chagrin? I'll give you a hint: it's not frugality. It's a keener eye for good products.  

Currently, Amazon's big spring sale is on, which means you can find hundreds of steals and deals a two-day shipment away. That's why I put together this post. Let's talk about which products I can't live without. If any of these things are currently in your cart - hit buy now!

These add-to-cart impulses are worthy of a splurge. 
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Don't let the title fool you; I care very, very much. I don't mean you should not care about anything. In fact, I would argue that you should care deeply - but you should choose those things with thoughtfulness. I care deeply about my family. I care deeply about my career. I care deeply about myself and fostering a relationship with the person I am, and who I want to become.

What I mean by care less, is that you can't care about all the things, for everyone, all the time. That Sisyphean task is pointless. It's exhausting and impossible, and it has taken me a long time to learn that lesson. I used to care about EVERYTHING. I cared what random people in the grocery store thought about me. I used to replay benign conversations over and over in my mind. I used to go out of my way to say yes to everything and every task. I used to apologize for things even when I wasn't at fault. I used to be afraid to try new things because I didn't want to fail or look like a novice.

I used to limit myself because of all the things I cared about. Eventually, I didn't want to care at all, and that didn't serve me or anyone else well. 

Today, I care, but I'm purposeful about the things I care about.

Should it matter if someone looks sidelong at me in the grocery store. No. I have no idea the struggles they are facing, and I can't control them. What I have control over is how I treat others. 

To worry about everyone and everything. That goal: to please everyone. It is unattainable. That woman, she is fictious. But most importantly, that woman shouldn't be the standard for what makes a woman good. 

I am trying to be unapologetically myself. I am setting more boundaries. I am speaking up when I feel uncomfortable. I am trying new things and immersing myself in activities that used to feel scary. 

I want to be someone my daughter wants to grow up to be. 

I want her to feel comfortable being herself. I want her to be goofy. I want her to be brave. I want her to face challenges with determination. I want her to stand up for herself. I want her to be proud of who she is. 

I want a million things for my daughter. And, I want those things for me too. 

Before becoming a mom, I read so many parenting books - libraries full of mommy-to-be, preparing for baby, what to expect books. My eyes crossed and my mind swam trying to consume the endless pages of tips and tricks. I envisioned the person I wanted to be for my child. I thought about all the attributes I wanted to embrace - kindness, empathy, strength, playfulness, creativity. I was anxious and excited to welcome our bundle of joy into our family. I prepared as much as I could. Then one day, I was holding my baby in my arms, and I thought to myself, "what am I doing?" All of the sudden, you're thrust into motherhood. Time stands still as a dream becomes reality and everything around you seems to fade away. I remember in that first moment, I felt as if the world had shifted on its axis. Granted, it was probably partially due to the pain medication, but it was like I had changed - and I wanted so badly to be the perfect mom for him. 

My whole life, I have wanted to be perfect. Not surprisingly, I have yet to achieve that lofty goal. I was never the prettiest; never the smartest; never the funniest; never the most athletic. I constantly felt like a failure. I'm still trying to figure out where and when that strong, overwhelming desire sparked into my existence, but it's very old in me, and it's caused a lot of pain along the way. 

As a new mom, that feeling reared its ugly head like a wrecking ball to my gut. I wanted everything to come naturally. Instead of realizing it was normal to not feel things immediately click into place, I again felt that familiar pang of failure. I felt like I wasn't meant to be a mom - and that was soul-crushing. I felt like I wasn't enough, and so, like I had done so often throughout my life, I folded into myself. I believed in my heart I wasn't good enough. I believed I was a failure.

It has taken me almost 40 years (and three beautiful children later) to understand that perfection isn't attainable, and that is okay. 

Today, I have a new goal - a new vision for myself. I am speaking up when I have a need. I am setting boundaries. I am listening to myself. I am finding joy in little things. I am giving myself space to be reflective. I am learning to let go. I am moving my body more. I am trying (and sometimes failing) to drink more water.

Being a mom is an incredible gift. It is love embodied. It is fulfilling. It is joyful. Being a mom is a million amazing, wonderful things. 

Being a mom is also hard. It challenges you in ways you never expected. It tests your patience. It feels impossible some days.  

Being a mom is perfectly, imperfect. 

I wish I knew all those feelings could simultaneously be true. You can love being a mom and not feel like a good mom. You can feel like you're failing and be exceeding expectations. You can be happy in this stage of life and also feel hopeless and depressed. 

Especially as I came out of the haze of diapers and sleep regressions, I had a hard time reconciling who I was, who I was becoming, and who society wanted me to be. I got a little lost. 

Motherhood is like being thrown out of a soaring airplane and having to invent a parachute as you plumet toward the ground with only a paper clip, sleep sack and shoestring. My point is, you sort of make it up along the way and pray it works out. 

Did my parachute work? Of course. But did I land smoothly? Most assuredly not. Is that okay? Yes!

So, that's what I am trying to do now. I am finding myself. I have found so much contentment learning about myself through journaling, introspection and (as corny as it may sound) healing. This blog is going to be a fun way to channel all the creativity that has bubbled up in me again, and hopefully a place where I can share my journey. 

I don't need to be perfect. I need to be happy being me - and that starts by listening to my heart and learning from its wisdom.