Explore Together | Apple Picking

The holidays are nearly here, and whenever September comes to a close, it makes my inner 5-year-old giddy again. Autumn has always been my favorite season. It's a reminder that nothing else matters but family and friendship. There are endless activities to do together that is in celebration of the holidays from Halloween to the New Year. Apple picking is first on the list.

Our friends The Sebastians took us on their trip to the Wilken's Fruit and Fir Farm in New York. They picked some apples, munched on them, and found the prettiest pumpkin to take home.

Is apple picking part of your family's autumn tradition too? If not, what is it? Share in the comments! 

Location Favorites:
At this farm, we love walking through the orchards to pick our favorite apples and also pumpkins too. It's a fun place to run around and explore. There's also a hay wagon, which the kids would absolutely love (and parents too). 

Address:
Wilken's Fruit and Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Business Hours:
Pick-Your-Own: 10 AM-4:30 PM
Markets: 10 AM-5 PM
Christmas Trees: 10 AM-4 PM
*The farm is open daily starting late August through mid-December. 

Photography by Nicki Sebastian

Cami's Dress: Tea Collection (and it's on sale!)

Crafts | Venice Shadow Puppets

I remember as a child, I always asked for a bedtime story, no matter whether it was from a book, from my parents' childhood memories, or completely made-up. 

As I look back, I wish I had sets of shadow puppets to create even more stories with my family. So combining my love for great art and for creative learning, I asked my talented friend Cristina Martinez to make a set of Venice Beach-themed shadow puppets. Since Los Angeles has been so hot lately, I thought Venice would be appropriate (I mean, who doesn't crave a day by the water?).

What kinds of stories do you think your kids will want to make up with these? 

To print out these puppets, click the image below. It comes with: a boy, girl, sailboat, scooter, and water waves. Just cut them out, stick them on skewers or popsicle sticks, and turn off the lights and use a flashlight to cast these puppets' shadows on the wall! 

Explore Together | Lavender & Honey

Our next adventure with the Vuong family takes us to Pasadena's "Lavender & Honey." A flavorful café that offers quick bites for both parents and kids. We stopped by this sweet shop to enjoy delicious toasts, a glass of milk for the kids, and iced coffee for the parents. It's a perfect refreshment for these hot summer days (the temperature was in the triple digits today in Los Angeles!). 

Menu Favorites: The kids loved the birthday toast, but Lavender & Honey has a lot of other things to offer too! Some favorites off the kids' menu are:

• Milk & Cookies
• Birthday Toast (Frosting w/ Sprinkles)
• Nutella & Banana toast
• Petit Parisian Sandwich (Ham & Cheese)
• Little Italiano Sandwich (Salami & Cheese)
• Hot Chocolates
• Frozen Hot Chocolates
• Lavender & Honey Milk Steamer
• The Cream'wich from Manhattan Beach Creamery

What's Neat:

Lavender & Honey has a quaint/boutique feel, so it's the perfect stop for a quick snack and drink. It's light and airy, and the space itself has beautiful rustic decor. There is a convenient indoor and outdoor seating, free wifi, and a dog-friendly patio. And most of all, it's in a perfect neighborhood!

Address: 

1383 E. Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104

Parking:

There is a large parking lot next to the shop and also plentiful street parking with little-to-no restrictions.

Store hours: 

Mon - Sat: 7 AM TO 5 PM 
Sun: 8 AM to 4 PM

Best hours to visit with kids:

Early lunch: 10 AM to 12 PM
Afternoon snack: 2 PM to  4 PM

Photography by Lucia Tran

Assisted by Crystal Rivera