Author: rtmeredith

Meredith Mortensen is a Seattle based lifestyle and parenting writer. Her work has appeared in print and online magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Redbook and Good Housekeeping. Currently, she's hard at work on a children's book inspired by her daughter.

7 New & Totally Awesome Coloring Books for Kids

By rtmeredith
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Your kid’s crayons deserve more than the average coloring book. Which is why we’ve rounded up seven new and cool books that are just waiting for creative tykes and their army of art supplies. From personalized tomes to out-of-this-world fun, flip through the slideshow below to see them all.

A Colorful History

<span style="font-weight:400;">This new coloring book features female scientists from the 18th and 19th century. There are 30 beautiful, double-page spreads, each one dedicated to women who pursued their passion and talent in the fields of science, tech, engineering, and math. Look for famous folks such as Alice Ball, Marie Curie, Wang Zhenyi and more. </span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Ages: 7 &amp; up.</span> <span style="font-weight:400;">Available at </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/Historical-Heroines-Coloring-Book-Pioneering/dp/0997909870/ref=sr_1_15?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1507049068&amp;sr=1-15&amp;refinements=p_n_feature_eight_browse-bin%3A14487160011%2Cp_n_publication_date%3A1250227011&quot; target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight:400;">amazon.com</span></a><span style="font-weight:400;">, $13.46.</span>fuck

Which book is your favorite? Share with us in a Comment below.

— Gabby Cullen & Meredith Mortensen

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5 Cool Podcasts to Try on Your Next Road Trip

By rtmeredith
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With a spark of fun and a whole lot of inspiration, these new kid-friendly podcasts will keep your crew quiet and entertained when you hit the road—whether it’s for a weekend or maybe just a trip to the grocery store. Keep reading to discover what you should be downloading for your kids.

boy and headphones photo: Jonathan McPherskesen via Flickr

1. The Candlewick Podcast
Have you ever wondered how a children’s book author comes up with all those creative ideas? Well, so did Candlewick Press. Their new podcast series pulls the curtain back and offers us an up-close and personal look at authors and illustrators. In an easy to listen to interview format, authors and illustrators share personal stories about their creative process, how they landed in the world of children’s publishing, and how they come up with unique concepts. This engaging podcast will capture your kiddos attention, and it might have you hooked too!

Hear it: candlewickpodcast.com on iTunes and Stitcher

2. Wow In The World
If you’re constantly listening to NPR, be prepared to jump up and down because NPR recently launched a podcast for kids. Wow In The World is chocked full of interesting topics like technology, human origins, and the answers to some pressing questions (like how astronauts poop in space). Not only is the show exciting and engaging for families, but it’s designed to get kids and grown-ups talking long after the podcast has ended. Now, that’s an idea that will make you say “Wow!”

Hear it: npr.org/podcasts/510321/wow-in-the-world on iTunes and Stitcher

photo: Tim Samoff via Flickr

3. Stories Podcast
Hit download on this magical storytelling podcast and hear all the classics like Snow White and The Boy Who Cried Wolf, as well as unique stories from the author Daniel Hinds, about mermaids, dragons and more. With new episodes to play each week and dare we say, addicting series to return for, your kids will be totally hooked, We’re not making any promises here, but you may find yourself with some free time to sit back and relax or tackle your to-dos. And if you become obsessed like we did, be sure to check out the eBooks available for purchase on Stories Podcast’s website, and your kids can be happily following along with the story as it is read.

Hear it: storiespodcast.com on iTunes and Stitcher

twins and headphonesphoto: Eric Peacock via Flickr

4. Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child
Whether you’ve already got indie music-loving minis in your crew or if you’re desperately searching for kiddie tunes that won’t drive you totally nuts, Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child is a solid choice for listening ears of all ages. This family music show is produced and hosted by Bill Childs along with his own two kids, using studio quality sound played in weekly, hour-long sets. Your gang will love rockin’ to the best kindie bands around, like Dan Zanes, Caspar Babypants, and Recess Monkeys. They’ve even got some of our favorites including Ziggy Marley, The Replacements, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

Hear it: sparetherock.com on iTunes and Stitcher

5. Sparkle Stories
Sparkle up! If you’re striving for a peaceful and relaxing road trip, calming tales from Sparkle Stories is a must. Storyteller and author David Sewell McCann tells original fables with moral twists (think realistic kids handling everyday issues like sibling rivalry) hidden deep enough in the narrative your little listeners won’t even know they’re learning. A handful of episodes can be heard from your favorite podcast app or purchase a $15 per month subscription from Sparkle Stories website and gain access to a library of over 900 titles (psst...they’ve even got their own app for Apple devices to make it easier for you to listen).

Hear it: sparklestories.com on iTunes and Stitcher 

Do you and your kids have a favorite road trip podcast? Tell us which one in the Comments below.

— Meredith Mortensen,  Rachael Brandon, Shahrzad Warkentin

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The BEST New Kid Shows to Watch This Fall

By rtmeredith
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In case you needed another reason to love fall, we’ve got you covered. Not only can you look forward to new shows for yourself, but there’s an all-star line-up of kid entertainment too. From a Duck Tales revitalization to a cautious safety egg, there’s plenty of good stuff on TV (or tablet) this season. Flip through to see our picks for fall’s best new shows for kids.

Duck Tales (Disney)

If you’re at all nostalgic for Disney’s original <i>Duck Tales</i> from the late '80s, you’re going to want to snuggle up with your littles and catch the new, reimagined series. The globetrotting adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his feisty grandnephews have been revived to take place in a contemporary setting, in exciting countries like Egypt and Brazil. You can expect a dose of learning and culture with a huge side of family values. Ages: 6+ Online: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.disney.com/">Disney</a>fuck

Which new show are you excited to share with your kids? Share with us in the comments below.

— Meredith Mortensen

All images courtesy of media companies.

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Slice of Heaven: The Best Places for Pizza Night

By rtmeredith
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Whether it’s a Friday night tradition or an extra special treat, pizza is one of the few foods everyone seems to agree on. But forget Pizza Hut—today’s kids are asking for deep-dish, gluten-free and even wood-fired. And lucky for us, the Emerald City keeps serving up more great spots to get our fill. We’ve broken down some of our area’s finest pizzerias, so you can spend less time browsing Yelp reviews and more time digging in. Flip through the gallery for our picks.

Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria

With multiple locations around Seattle, Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria is always just a stone's throw away. And not only does their pizza taste like a slice of Italian heaven, but Tutta Bella is just as kid-friendly as it is delicious. From the Wikki Stix that are passed out to keep hangry kiddos busy to their open kitchens that allow kids to watch as their pizzas are being made, Tutta Bella is an easy restaurant to dine at with kids in tow. <strong>Good to Know</strong>: Ask for their seasonal specials; they're seriously impressive. If you're in the mood for a hand-crafted cocktail, they have an incredible selection to choose from. We recommend the Sofia. And if your sidekick has a sweet tooth, (and what kid doesn't?) be sure to try their gelato. Locations: Columbia City, South Lake Union, Wallingford, Bellevue and Issaquah Online: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tuttabella.com/&quot; target="_blank">tuttabella.com</a> <p style="text-align:right;"><em>photo: Justin Wells</em></p> fuck

Did we miss your family’s favorite pizza joint? Dish in the Comments below! 

— Meredith Mortensen, Sara Billups & Katie Kavulla

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8 Reasons You Need to Visit A la Mode Pies’ New West Seattle Shop

By rtmeredith
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Whether you’ve got a hankering for a classic French apple pie or a craving for a savory quiche, A la Mode Pies’ newest location in West Seattle is chock-full of sumptuous surprises and decadent details. And that’s not all. Along with the new digs comes new sweet and savory offerings including pie-inspired boozy milkshakes, pies made with Jack’s BBQ meats and gluten-free whole pies. Read on for eight reasons you need to visit this newest slice of heaven.

1. Signature A la Mode Pies. We love how A la Mode Pies has always offered a unique menu. From their Blue Hawaiian pie with crushed pineapple and a touch of coconut to their heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse pie, A la Mode’s inspiring pies win us over every time. And the new West Seattle location includes all of our favorites that are seriously to die er pie for.

Signature A la Mode Pies

photo: A la Mode Pies via Yelp

2. Savory Pies. In addition to a full menu of yummy fruit and cream pies, the West Seattle location offers an array of savory pies that are oh-so delicious. Savory half pies and full slices come in flavors like Slow Braised Beef and Potato, Spinach and Feta and Chicken Pot Pie and are made with Jack’s BBQ meats. Psst… we recommend the Mexican-inspired pie called Hey, Hey Ole. It’s a creative spin on an old family favorite recipe.

savory-pies-a-la-mode

photo: A la Mode Pies

3. Boozy Milkshakes. What do you get when you mix your favorite pie flavor with whiskey, hard cider or tequila? A boozy milkshake, of course! A la Mode Pies’ West Seattle location offers rich, creamy, boozy milkshakes that are inspired by the pies themselves and made with scoops of Husky Deli ice cream. Named after West Seattle locations, these milkshakes are not only delish, but clever too. Psst… we recommend trying the Admiral Apple or Lincoln Park Lime.

img_4764

photo: A la Mode Pies

4. Pie Fries. It’s hard to resist french fries, but pie fries—made from real flaky pie crust—are completely irresistible. Your little sugar addicts will go bananas over the tried and true cinnamon and sugar pie fries and everyone in your crew will love the parmesan and herbs combo. Looking for a sophisticated taste? Try the cinnamon hazelnut.

Pie Fries

photo: A la Mode Pies

5. PiesCream. I scream. You Scream. We all scream for PiesCream, which makes a specialty pie from A la Mode even better. Following in the footsteps of their beloved, signature pies, A la Mode’s handpicked ice cream pretty much makes us giddy. We recommend the Bourbon Butterscotch or the kid-approved Blue Hawaiian.

6. Gluten-Free Pies. We wouldn’t want our gluten-free friends to miss out on the A la Mode experience. And now, they don’t have to! A la Mode Pies’ West Seattle location now offers take and bake gluten-free whole pies in all of your favorite flavors including strawberry rhubarb.

gluten-free

photo: A la Mode Pies

7. Delectable Details. From the hand-framed art on the wall and the eye-catching chandelier to the tiny, carefully selected pie-wedges on the outside of the doors, every detail in this new location has been artfully considered. And it shows! There’s also plenty of tongue-in-cheek merchandise to choose from: mugs that ask “Pie Curious?” and shirts that tout “That Pie, Dough.” You’ll want to stop in just to see the stunning new space and the clever merchandise.

8. Specialty Goods. In addition to A la Mode’s sweet and savory offerings, you’re going to love all of the specialty items available at the West Seattle shop. There’s the adorable pie babies; mini pies that come in packs of three; and the lolliepies, mini pies shaped like lollipops. You can even take a pie making class from the man behind it all! Psst… rumor has it, this new location will soon offer a happy hour that starts promptly at you guessed it? 3:14, as a nod to the mathematical Pi. It just keeps getting better!

pie-babies

photo: Jonie L. via Yelp

A la Mode Pies 
4225 W. Alaska St.
Seattle, Wa 98116
Online: alamodeseattle.com

Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 8 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Fri-Sat., 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

Have you visited A la Mode Pies’ new location in West Seattle? What was your favorite item on the menu? Dish in the Comments below!

— Meredith Mortensen

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Imagine the Possibilities: 10 Unbelievable Places to Take Your Kidventor

By rtmeredith
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Whether she’s dreaming up an umbrella for your pet cat or a car wash for toys, a kidventor’s thirst for innovation needs to be quenched. There are plenty of places where it’s easy for creative juices to flow and we’ve rounded up 10 of the best. From building robots to experiments with wind tables, our favorite spots are fit for LEGO lovers and explorative thinkers alike. Flip through the gallery and let your imagination take it from there.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry – Portland, Or

<p style="text-align:left;">Remember when you were a kid and you couldn't wait for field trip day? And when you found out it was a super-cool destination the anticipation of it all kept you awake at night? That's basically how we feel about OMSI. It's just as much fun for parents as it is for kids. We're not kidding. But don't take our word for it. Pack up the kids and explore the day away at OMSI. The Innovation Station is major. Step inside the inventors ball room and let your budding inventor build crazy contraptions that whizz, zoom and bounce.</p> <em>Good to know:</em> Don't miss the new, mind-blowing suspension bridge. Step on up and take in views of all the exhibits as you stroll across. <b>Online:</b> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.omsi.edu/">omsi.edu</a&gt; <p style="text-align:right;"><em>photo: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/oregon-museum-of-science-and-industry-portland">Oregon Museum of Science and Industry</a> via Yelp </em></p>fuck

Where do you take your budding inventor? Share with us in a comment below.

—Meredith Mortensen

 

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Sink Your Teeth Into These Five Tacoma Eateries

By rtmeredith
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Tacoma often gets a bad rap. It’s smelly. And traffic can make it feel like a world away. But if you’ve ever taken the time to explore Tacoma, you’ve probably discovered that it’s a pretty hip city with its own fun personality and bustling restaurant scene. Click through the gallery for five must-try eateries that are poised to make you and your gang Tacoma converts once and for all.

Rock the Boat – Boathouse 19

Any place that offers two happy hours in one day is high on our list, but if it’s also kid-friendly, we’re sold. Boathouse 19 on the Narrows Marina has a reputation for being great for a lot of things, including doing burgers right. Try the California Burger topped with avocado, chipotle mayo and pico de gallo. If you have a picky eater, the All American Burger is a super, simple option even the choosiest of kids will approve of. Psst... be sure to ask for their delicious boathouse sauce and save room for dessert. We recommend their rich and creamy shakes or their irresistible brownie sundae. 9001 S. 19th St. Tacoma, Wa 98466 253-565-1919 Online: <a target="_blank" href="https://boathouse19restaurant.com/&quot; target="_blank">boathouse19restaurant.com</a> Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m; Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m; Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. <p style="text-align:right;"><em>photo: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=WwLNEU19f9yKwZHvY6vCGg">Colby H.</a> via Yelp</em></p>fuck

Does your family have a favorite restaurant in Tacoma? Dish in the Comments below!

— Meredith Mortensen

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6 Laurelhurst Eateries to Try Now

By rtmeredith
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Set on the shores of Lake Washington, and offering stunning views of Mt. Rainier, Seattle’s Laurelhurst neighborhood is dripping with charm. Riddled with kids, lemonade stands and steps away from primo shopping (hello, University Village!), this covetable neighborhood is also home to some delicious eateries. Click through the gallery to discover six hidden gems you and your kid crew are going to love.

Best Lunch Spot – Marlai Thai Cuisine

Got a craving for pad Thai? Marlai Thai Cuisine has got you and your crew covered. This traditional Thai restaurant offers all of the classics like crave-worthy curry and scrumptious spring rolls, but also keeps it fresh with surprising specials ranging from avocado curry to lemongrass chicken. 3719 N.E. 45th St. Seattle, Wa 98105 206-523-2606 Online: <a target="_blank" href="http://marlaithai.com/&quot; target="_blank">marlaithai.com</a> Hours: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. <p style="text-align:right;"><em>photo: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=FDhTVmQWUyDWoPIBGgScAA&quot; target="_blank">Maria B.</a> Yelp</em></p>fuck

 

Where is your family’s favorite place to eat in Laurelhurst? Dish in the Comments below! 

— Meredith Mortensen

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