michigan blogger

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I started thinking about coming up with the usual big list of monthly favorites to share with you, but I realized pretty quickly that I have two standout favorites for November: my blanket scarf & going to Starbucks.

I * just * got this scarf from Target, but I am already completely in love! They have so many cute ones, some gorgeous plaids and one that is Michigan State colors that I of course adore. Check now for Cyber Monday deals. I need to teach my mom about the CartWheel App, too ; )

I am pretty sure I’m the last person I know under 40 to get this, but I FINALLY got a Starbucks account. I love coffee, and throw in the adorable Christmas goodies, pretty mugs, and rewards stars? I am in. I’ve been enjoying getting myself lattes all month and it’s a small splurge to some but it has been huge for me! That little red cup makes me so happy : ) If you don’t have a Starbucks account, I definitely suggest downloading the app! It’s so easy to add money with a card or via PayPal, and you just let the barista scan your phone to pay. You get discounts, and various promotions as you collect stars (stars=points).

What have you been loving this month? What is your go-to Starbucks order? I love comments ; )

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I can’t believe I’m about to type this, but Christmas shopping is right around the corner! So, today I want to share the Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train with you because we have been enjoying it SO much in our house. Hailey is 4, Connor is 2, and Logan is 7 months old and all of them have been able to use it.

*Note: I was contacted by VTech and asked if I would like to review a few of their toys. I recieved four toys for consideration for honest reviews and was not paid to review any of them. Links are NOT affiliate links and are provided solely for your conveinence! A.K.A I do not get any money if you purchase ; ) Also, I apologize for the poor picture quality, but these are action shots!

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

-10 Activities that help teach letters, numbers, and colors

-Helps with fine motor skills with the storybook, clock, gears, and 13 double-sided letters that can snap into the side of the train to learn letters.

-The “caboose” converts into a wagon that can be filled up with toys and used as a pull toy

-Helps with gross motor skills when using as a ride on toy, push walker, or pull toy

-Target age is 12-36 months

$49.99

HOW MY KIDS USE IT:

Hailey, age 4, likes to use the letter blocks to work on letter sounds, and word formation. She also is interested in the clock and now wants to learn how to tell time!

Connor, age 2, LOVES to ride his train! He immediately claimed this as his (he is the only one of my kids who fits into the targeted age right now) and uses it all day long! I love that he practices his fine motor skills while not even knowing it, because he is a go-go-go little guy who usually gets bored pretty fast.

Logan, 7 months, likes to sit by the train and work on cause-and-effect as the lights and sounds go at the touch of a button. I know soon he will be walking behind it and riding on it!

PROS:

-Appeals to all 3 of my kids!

-So many toys in one! This is such a multi-purpose toy

-Easy to assemble and very sturdy

CONS:

-This is a large toy, so consider storage (I rotate our toys so the kids never get bored and my house isn’t overtaken!)

-It’s a somewhat pricy toy

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I really do love this toy! We already have the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (which I purchased long before I was blogging with my own money!), so I hadn’t planned on purchasing a new one for Logan, but I am THRILLED we recieved this! Connor especially absolutely adores this thing! Each one of the kids uses this daily and I love that it engages them all together! That isn’t an easy task! And like I said it *is* a little bulky, but how cute would it look as the “big gift” for a birthday or under ther tree? I think VTech does a great job because the kids seem to really love the toys, and because of that use them enough to learn with them.

Please let me know some of your favorite gifts for kids or what you have on your holiday shopping lists! If you found this helpful please feel free to share! Thank you all for your support!

Blanket Scarves & Coffee

VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train Toy Review