Our Most Read Books of 2020

1. Groundhog Day – A fun take on Groundhog day, friends, and seasonal changes. We’ve been reading this book weekly for at least a year.
2. Remember to Smile [c/o]- 2020 has been a year to remember and Remember to Smile takes a lighthearted approach to wearing masks. It’s colorful and reads like a song! This is likely why Emerson has picked out this book every night for the last month!
3. What to do with an Idea? – This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult.
4. We are the Gardeners – From their failed endeavors, obstacles to overcome, and all of the knowledge they gain along the way, this book shows kids how they can learn to grow and be successful at whatever they put their minds to.
5. Santa in a Snow Globe [c/o]- Not sure where to start when it comes to 2020 & kids? Santa in a Snow Globe shares how even though some things will be different this year, Christmas magic remains the same.
6. Strictly No Elephants – The perfect book about inclusion. Imaginative and lyrical, this sweet story captures the magic of friendship and the joy of having a pet. Emerson loves to read, “All are welcomed” at the end. Also a very fitting book for 2020.
7. Are we there Yeti? – A simple read and better for younger children, but also great for kids just learning how to read. The best part is talking about what we see on each page.
8. Doll-E 1.0 – It’s the kind of book you can’t help but pull off the shelf to take a look. The story really lives up to the visual! The brilliant synthesis of good old-fashioned play with high-tech play is told so well. It teaches kids not to forget their imagination but also that technology can be constructive and useful if not overdone.
9. Ada Twist, Scientist – Great read for kids with a curious mind. In fact, we love the books from this series. They are setting the foundation that girls can do anything they put their minds to.
10. Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse – A cute story about a girl who really wants a horse, but gets a bike instead. She’s as happy as can be.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through our favorite kids’ books of 2020! Whether you’re looking for bedtime classics, new adventures, or simply stories that bring joy, we hope this list inspires more magical reading moments with your family. Happy reading, and here’s to many more unforgettable stories in the years to come!

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Those of you who know me know I’m a practical gift giver. I recently shared an article on my FB page titled, Please Don’t Buy My Kids More Toys. Try This Instead. This article is everything.
Experiences, books or contributing to a college fund is better than a million toys [IMO]. What’s your take?

With that said, we do like to have one or two things for Emerson to open on Christmas day. This year I’m focusing on toys I know will expand her mind.

Books – Children can never have too many books. This year I’m planning on wrapping 24 books so she can open one a night from December 1-24. I think A Thousand Billion Things (And Some Sheep) is a super cute book to give as a gift to any little boy or girl.

Tea Set – Emerson LOVES her play kitchen, as well as helping mom in the kitchen. Adding pieces to her kitchen will help keep this tiny foodie’s imagination fueled.

Toy Kitchen Mixer – Emerson recently discovered the art of making cookies. She always wants to make chocolate chip cookies or muffins with mom. So I’m pretty sure she would be excited to have her own mixer.

Best Friends Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls Set – Emerson loves dolls and this is a simple way for her to play dress up. Remember she’s only 3. It also seems like it would make for a great road trip toy.

My Little Town Sticker Activity Set – Stickers are also a big hit and this sticker book is perfect.

Magformers – We bought Emerson Magaformers last year and they were a big hit. She uses her imagination to “build houses.”

Blue Orange USA Games Pengoloo Memory Game – I feel like Emerson is at the age where we can start to introduce simple games. I think this would be a fun one to start with.

Clothes – Our girl is set on clothes however come spring she’ll need a pair of rain boots. Emerson loves rain boots with loops so she can pull them on herself. Every year we buy her a puffy and while she already has one for this winter how cute is this PATAGONIA Down Sweater Jacket!?

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC., The Coca-Cola Company, and Conagra Brands all opinions are mine alone. #PowerfullySmart #CollectiveBias

The hills are alive with the sound of music….but seriously it’s gorgeous in Lake Tahoe right now. Perfect temps make it easy to get outside and enjoy everything the Sierra Mountains have to offer. We’ve been doing just that the last few weekends. When you know snow is just around the corner you soak up as much sunshine as you can.

If you’re like us then you’re probably on the hunt for family (aka toddler) friendly activities. I rounded up our favorite Lake Tahoe activities you can do any weekend whether or not you have the kiddos.

Four ways to get outside this Fall


Leaf Peeping
You know it’s fall when the leaves start to turn and honestly it’s something I never really experienced growing up in southern California. Hence why I love to drive out to Hope Valley and soak in all the beautiful fall colors. It’s a peaceful excursion and the photos don’t do it justice.

(Def.) Leaf peeping is an informal term in the United States for the activity in which people travel to view and photograph the fall foliage in areas where leaves change colors in autumn.

Apple Hill is located about an hour west of Lake Tahoe making an easy before or after stop for those driving from the Sacramento/SF area. We make a trip every fall to pick apples and pumpkins. This year was especially fun for Emerson. As she was excited to pull the wagon around and collect all the pumpkins. This has turned into a family tradition. See more HERE.

Hiking
Fall hikes are perfect for a few reasons the trails aren’t as busy and the weather is usually perfect. Don’t forget sunscreen or water! Lately I’ve found it easier to grab a big bottle of smartwater for hikes rather than packing two water bottles for easy sharing.

With it’s distinctive pure taste wrapped in iconic packaging, it delivers the authentic style + substance that never-settlers crave. While other premium waters might add gimmicky claims, smartwater looks forward… a smarter water, purposefully designed: vapor-distilled for purity, inspired by the clouds, with just the right amount of electrolytes for a uniquely clean taste. 

Watch the Kokanee Run
This is a must. Each autumn, from late September through mid-October, mature kokanee salmon, transform from silver-blue color to a fiery vermilion, and run up Taylor Creek, near South Lake Tahoe.

From Memorial Day weekend through October, the Stream Profile Chamber at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center is an opportunity to see the trout and Kokanee salmon of Lake Tahoe up close. It is located on Highway 89 about a 1 mile west of Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

While I love to cook typically after a busy day it’s the last thing I want to do. I pretty much just want something tasty and fast. Enter my secret weapon Healthy Choice® Power Bowls! Yup, I like to keep a few on hand just in case I need something quick.

They’re hearty and won’t blow my macros either #winning. Every Power Bowl is made with an intentional balance of vegetables, proteins and whole grains to fuel your lifestyle. For example my favorite bowl, Adobo Chicken Bowl, only has 8 f/ 38 c/ 26 p! Knowing every Power Bowl is made with an combination of bold flavors and simple ingredients makes me happy.

As a mom on-the-go my goal is to keep our fridge and freeze stocked. How do I do that? Simple I keep a running list of items I need on the fridge so when I go to the store I won’t forget anything thing. Like I mentioned above, it’s imperative to have meals and water you can just grab and go. Hence why I keep Healthy Choice® Power Bowls and smartwater items on hand. They make my life easier one bowl at a time

DEAL ALERT: Earn .75 cash back when you purchase Healthy Choice® Power Bowls at Walmart (any variety – any size) via Ibotta.

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