Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Things In My Cart

I didn’t go to the sale, I didn’t have any ambassador access and I did not try anything on. How’s that for credibility? But I do shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale the way most people do, which is sitting on my computer in my yoga pants with a greasy bun on my head. I also realize that many of these things will go back on sale again in the fall so I’m knickers are not a knot about anything

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Santa Barbara: 7 Kid-Friendly Things To Do

Santa Barbara is easily one of the most beautiful cities in California. My parents live there and we are fortunate enough to visit often. It’s home to killer foodie spots, world class spas, golf courses and entertainment venues. All things that kids SUCK at doing. Visiting there with kids is a different trip. Fear not, I have three of them myself and we still have lots of fun, every time.

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Be In the Know: 12 Questions To Ask About Your Own Financial Planning

For many, thinking about finances can be a BUZZ kill. Talking about finances with a spouse can be even more difficult. ‘Divide and conquer’ seems to be a popular mantra these days in many marriages. When it comes to long-term financial planning, it’s okay if one person takes the logistical lead, but both parties need be involved in the decision making and both parties definitely need to be in the know.

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Sunscreen: Winner and Losers

Is my kid going to grow a horn out of their forehead because I chose the wrong sunscreen? That’s what it feels like when you hear all people talking about sunscreen these days. Are they being wildly paranoid or is there something to it? And, if there is something to it, is there a sunscreen that doesn’t cost $152 per ounce? Or one that doesn’t make my child look like a ghost with legs?

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"Bulk-Worthy" Birthday Gifts for Ages 4 and Under

Having boy-girl twins, we hit the birthday scene HARD. It felt like we had one, even TWO parties, every weekend. With twins, its double everything so if there is a shortcut or something that can be done more efficiently, I did it. I quickly learned that I needed to start buying birthday gifts in bulk. If you have a three old boy, chances are you are going to SEVERAL three old boy birthday parties. DUH.

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KidsKim HoggattComment
Outdoor Living

After we found out we were preggers with baby number three, we decided to add on to our house. Hot tip: being pregnant and living through a remodel is not recommended. Like ALL renovations, the project grew and grew, along with my belly. One thing led to another

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Kim Hoggatt
9 Father's Day Gift Ideas

I thought we were still kinda riding the high from all the mother’s day celebrations…. no? Father’s Day is coming up fast. I guess we have to move on. Here is a quick and dirty list of FOR-SURE-WINNERS for the father(s) in your life. Products listed from low to high for your reading convenience.

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LifestyleKim Hoggatt
Bunk Beds: Problems and Solutions

Bunk beds are great. Kind of. They solve a lot problems but also create some. We have small bedrooms so they allow us to have multiple beds in a small space. Duh. Our kids sleep situation is a bit of a revolving door. One week they want all want sleep together and the next they wouldn’t dream of it. They also present some logistical issues such as where to put

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Yes to Express

I hadn’t step foot into an Express until a couple years ago. I don’t know why, it just fell off my radar. And let me tell you, WE ARE BACK. I wanted to share a couple of my favorite finds recently…. most are from Express which means they are ALL 40% off this weekend- so get ‘em while the gettin’s good.

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My 9 Laundry Room Must Haves

Laundry is a necessary evil on this planet.  With a family of five, it’s NEVER ending.   Stains, dirty clothes, clean clothes, gym bags, school bags, cleaning supplies, utility items, you name it, the laundry room is a hard working room.  Here a couple weapons that help me in battle. 

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Can My Baby Learn To Swim?

Our twins, should have rivaled Michael Phelps with amount of time and money we spent on swim lessons. Yet, somehow, they looked like they could barely float half the time despite having several years of lessons. Heaven forbid they had any adversity in the mix…

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Toddler Sleep Solution...For Now

Our 8 year-old twins NEVER climbed out of their cribs, or even attempted to.   When we converted their cribs to beds, they never got out of their beds without calling for us first.  Ohhhhh how cute, what perfect little angels she had. Nope, it was just awesome parenting. For real tho,  I don’t know if it was just their nature or if it was because they shared a room until they were almost 5 years old and there was no need to find the party when they were the party.

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My Latest Target Haul

While I do like a cute outfit as much as the next girl, I am not a fashion designer, stylist or even that passionate about fashion in general. But what does put wind in my sails, is a good deal (or something that provides a unique function). Target really speaks my love language when it comes to an affordable price point. So I thought I’d put a few of my latest purchases in one spot for you:

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Let There Be Light

I’ve lived through two major home renovations (on the same house) so you’d think I’d have all the light fixtures I need. Well I don’t. After you’ve spent a load on an electrical, the last thing you want to do is spend even more money than it would have cost to do it right the first time. Not bitter, I promise. Even without a reno- electrical is just not a sexy bill to pay. You don’t look any cuter or have any new shoes. But we all need light. And sometimes we need light in tough spots. Today I’m sharing my lighting solutions for tough spots that do not require electrical or dry wall work. AKA- super cheap. And cheap is my sexy.

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HomeKim HoggattComment
Long Term Disability: Are You Covered?

You know how to kill a conversation at cocktail party? Start talking long term disability Insurance. It’s not exciting. In fact it’s a buzz kill. But it’s a way bigger buzz kill if you need it and don’t have it. And the chances of you or your spouse needing it, are, unfortunately much higher than you’d think.

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