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Red Kia Sportage with grassy fields behind it

Kia Sportage SX: My New Favorite Crossover SUV

July 18, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have made no effort to hide how much I love the Kia vehicles I have driven. I finally had the chance to drive the 2015 Kia Sportage SX. It did not …

Kia Sportage SX: My New Favorite Crossover SUVRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Zoë climbing on the rainbow bars at the park

Stride Rite Made 2 Play Shoes are Perfect for Active Kids

July 11, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Stride Rite that was originally published on Happy Mothering. Zoë loved modeling for photos when …

Stride Rite Made 2 Play Shoes are Perfect for Active KidsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: zoe

Gray Hyundai Accent GLS in front of water reservoir

Hyundai Accent: Best Subcompact Car I’ve Driven So Far

July 11, 2015 //  by Brian Johnson

The 2015 Hyundai Accent GLS is one of the best subcompact cars I’ve driven. Usually when I think of a “subcompact” car I’m picturing a super small, …

Hyundai Accent: Best Subcompact Car I’ve Driven So FarRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Kaylee sitting inside a hollow log at the Natural History Museum in San Diego, CA

Family Friendly Museums in San Diego

June 14, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Thank you to the San Diego Tourism Authority for providing us with 2 Media Passes for some of these San Diego attractions and museums. Can you …

Family Friendly Museums in San DiegoRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: san diego, travel

Zoë and Kaylee in a cave at the San Diego Natural History Museum

Appreciating My Family for Its Unique Qualities + Quirks

May 17, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

All families have their own unique qualities and quirks that define who they are. My family is no different. I grew up in a family where there was …

Appreciating My Family for Its Unique Qualities + QuirksRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Front of the Mazda5 on a mountain road

2015 Mazda5 Review: An Affordable Minivan for Families

May 16, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Do you know how long it's been since Brian and I had the opportunity to spend a weekend away from home without the girls? Well, I think it was …

2015 Mazda5 Review: An Affordable Minivan for FamiliesRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: car reviews

Front angle of teh Hyundai Sonata Limited

San Diego Road Trip in the Hyundai Sonata Limited

April 25, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Over Spring Break, the girls and I decided to go spend a week in San Diego. We did lots of fun stuff, spent lots of time with family and I got to …

San Diego Road Trip in the Hyundai Sonata LimitedRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews, san diego

Baby Zoë with sour cream all over her face

Appreciating the Beautiful Mess of Parenting

March 12, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Parenting is the greatest thing I've ever done in my life, but that doesn't mean it's not a mess... a very beautiful mess.  We all have our ups …

Appreciating the Beautiful Mess of ParentingRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids

Zoë and Kaylee playing on the spiderweb at the Discovery Center

Get in Touch with Nature at Your Local Park

December 5, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Today, we're all very connected - electronically. Technology seems to have taken over our lives. Instead of meeting for lunch, we chat on Facebook. …

Get in Touch with Nature at Your Local ParkRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: life with kids, mountain life

Kaylee modeling her dress in front of a tree

Kaylee Models Her Janelle Funari Handmade Christmas Dress

November 3, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My two daughters are very different in how they like dress. Zoë is very much more casual in her style like I am. Kaylee, on the other hand, is a girly …

Kaylee Models Her Janelle Funari Handmade Christmas DressRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee

Zoë and Kaylee jumping in their bouncy house for the first time

Zoë and Kaylee’s Bouncy House

October 21, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It never fails. Every time we drive by a place with a bouncy house, the girls freak out. "Mommy, look a bouncy house! Can we go, can we go? Please, …

Zoë and Kaylee’s Bouncy HouseRead More

Category: Cool ThingsTag: kaylee, zoe

Kaylee holding first day of pre-school sign

Kaylee’s First Day of Pre-School

October 18, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have gone back and forth on whether to send Kaylee to pre-school for a while. After we sent Zoë to Kindergarten last year, Kaylee started …

Kaylee’s First Day of Pre-SchoolRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee

Zoë and Kaylee trying on princess costumes

5 Tips for Acting Like a Real Life Princess

October 14, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This is a sponsored post we did for Disney on Happy Mothering several years ago. The girls were so cute in it, I just couldn't part with it, so I …

5 Tips for Acting Like a Real Life PrincessRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: halloween, kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Red Hyundai Santa Fe in a rocky driveway

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a Great Family Vehicle

September 2, 2014 //  by Brian Johnson

So we got a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited to review. It's a pretty rad SUV. The power in the Santa Fe surprised me. It has a lot more get up and go …

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a Great Family VehicleRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Hyundai Elantra GT grill with trees in the background

On the Road in the Hyundai Elantra GT

August 26, 2014 //  by Brian Johnson

I got to test drive a 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT and boy was it a fun car to drive. I like performance along with bells and whistles. The Elantra GT …

On the Road in the Hyundai Elantra GTRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Chrystal and Zoë at the Kindergarten Mother's Day Tea

My Beautiful Girl Graduated Kindergarten!

June 25, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This time last year, we were debating whether we should homeschool, or send Zoë to the small, private school in town for Kindergarten. After a lot of …

My Beautiful Girl Graduated Kindergarten!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: homeschool, zoe

Kia Cadenza parked under a tree by the park

Drive in Luxury & Style in the 2014 Kia Cadenza

June 20, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

When we took our recent trip to San Diego, we had the opportunity to take a 2014 Kia Cadenza along with us on the trip. I was really excited about it …

Drive in Luxury & Style in the 2014 Kia CadenzaRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Zoë and Kaylee holding star fish at Birch Aquarium La Jolla

4 Fun Family Activities in San Diego

May 20, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Sometimes you just need to get away for a long weekend. Even though we live in a mountain resort town, it's nice to change it up every once in a …

4 Fun Family Activities in San DiegoRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: san diego, travel

View of Snow Summit from the shoreline of Big Bear Lake

8 Reasons Big Bear is the Best Place to Live in Southern California

May 18, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I grew up in San Diego, and I've lived all around the county over the years. It's a beautiful place and a lot of people love living there. However, …

8 Reasons Big Bear is the Best Place to Live in Southern CaliforniaRead More

Category: Adventures

Happy 6th Birthday Zoë!

May 9, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It's hard to believe this sweet baby... Is now a beautiful little girl... I love you Zoë! Happy Birthday! …

Happy 6th Birthday Zoë!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, zoe

Curious George with Zoe's Cataraca invention

Zoë’s Invention Convention

March 22, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It's Science Fair at schools across the country. Since Zoë is in Kindergarten this year, I wasn't expecting her to have to create a Science Fair …

Zoë’s Invention ConventionRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: zoe

Kaylee blowing out her candles on her 4th birthday

Kaylee’s 4th Birthday Party

February 24, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My baby turned 4 on Valentine's Day - I can hardly believe it! There has been a lot of illness going around town, so we had a small party with a few …

Kaylee’s 4th Birthday PartyRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Chrystal holding Kaylee the day she was born

Happy 4th Birthday to My Sweet Kaylee Monkey!

February 14, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Four years ago today, I was in the hospital in Uruguay, holding my brand new sweet girl Kaylee, and missing my little Zoë who was staying with some of …

Happy 4th Birthday to My Sweet Kaylee Monkey!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Front of a blue Mazda6 Grand Touring that we test drove

Mazda6: A Great Family Car That’s Fun to Drive

December 11, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I drove the Mazda3 a few months ago and really liked it, so I was excited to have the opportunity to drive a Mazda6 a few weeks ago. Brian, the girls …

Mazda6: A Great Family Car That’s Fun to DriveRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Zoë posing with Charlie's Angels at the Hollywood Wax Museum

Family Fun at the Hollywood Wax Museum

December 9, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Back when we did a lot of family travel on Happy Mothering, we had the opportunity to visit the Hollywood Wax Museum as part of a sponsored post we …

Family Fun at the Hollywood Wax MuseumRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: los angeles, travel

Zoë and Kaylee sitting on the brown couch making goofy faces for the camera

My Life Could Be a Show About Kids and Bathroom Adventures

November 16, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I never knew what comedy was before having kids. Seriously, every day in our home is full of laughs and giggles. Not only because we have fun …

My Life Could Be a Show About Kids and Bathroom AdventuresRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Blue Kia Fore in rock covered driveway

Kia Forte EX is Fast & Fun to Drive

October 28, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

A few weeks ago, I got to drive my third Kia (I previously drove the Kia Sorento and the Kia Optima Hybrid). This time I got to drive the Kia Forte EX …

Kia Forte EX is Fast & Fun to DriveRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Images from Hearst Castle tour

A Fun-Filled Trip to Paso Robles with Girlfriends

October 20, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Disclosure: The costs of the events and activities for Fitcation were defrayed by sponsors, and the attendees were contractually obligated to write a …

A Fun-Filled Trip to Paso Robles with GirlfriendsRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: travel

The California Coast

Cruising the California Coast in the Ford C-Max Hybrid

October 9, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Thank you to Ford for sponsoring this post.  Last weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to fly to San Francisco and drive a Ford C-MAX …

Cruising the California Coast in the Ford C-Max HybridRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: chrystal, travel

Kia Optima Hybrid parked by the ocean in Santa Barbara, CA

Kia Optima Hybrid Teaches You How to Drive Efficiently

September 24, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have always been curious about driving a hybrid car, but never had the chance until recently when I had the opportunity to review a Kia Optima …

Kia Optima Hybrid Teaches You How to Drive EfficientlyRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Architecture in New Orleans, LA

A Weekend of Food, Wine & Culture New Orleans

August 2, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hilton HHonors. If you’ve ever wondered how much food, wine and culture you can indulge in …

A Weekend of Food, Wine & Culture New OrleansRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: chrystal, travel

Hilton New Orleans Sign

Luxury & Culture at the Hilton New Orleans / St. Charles Avenue

July 30, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hilton HHonors. If you’ve been following me on Twitter and Instagram, then you know I spent a …

Luxury & Culture at the Hilton New Orleans / St. Charles AvenueRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: chrystal, travel

Kaylee sleeping on my chest

Why Co-Sleeping was the Best Sleep Training Method for Us

July 15, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I sit here, late at night after the girls are sound asleep, writing this post. After 5+ years of co-sleeping, I believe that phase of our lives has …

Why Co-Sleeping was the Best Sleep Training Method for UsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Americana chicken Missy at 5.5 weeks old

Time Flies: Our Chickens Are Already 6 Weeks Old!

May 29, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

If you feel like your kids grow too fast, you have no idea until you get baby chicks! They start off as these cute little fuzz balls and quickly turn …

Time Flies: Our Chickens Are Already 6 Weeks Old!Read More

Category: Cool ThingsTag: chickens, gardening

Zoë sleeping on Chrystal's chest

And Then There Were Three…

May 20, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

See that sweet baby sleeping on my chest? That's Zoë as a newborn. My sweet little 10 lb. 1 oz. baby girl. I can't believe that picture was taken 5 …

And Then There Were Three…Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, zoe

Chrystal holding baby Zoe in hospital bed

Happy 5th Birthday Zoë!

May 9, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I can't believe my baby is 5 today! Seriously, where does the time go? I can't believe it was 5 years ago today that she came into our lives and …

Happy 5th Birthday Zoë!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, zoe

Chick standing on the feeder

Our Baby Chicks are Growing Fast!

May 2, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I last posted pics of our baby chicks when they were just a few days old. They have grown so much! Here's what they looks like now: Here's …

Our Baby Chicks are Growing Fast!Read More

Category: Cool ThingsTag: chickens, gardening

Brian and Chrystal before kids

Reflecting on Life Before I Met My Husband

April 22, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Yesterday, I shared a bit about my life before kids. It’s amazing how much children change your life, but meeting your spouse does the exact same …

Reflecting on Life Before I Met My HusbandRead More

Category: Real TalkTag: chrystal, marriage

Baby chicks eating and drinking

We Got Baby Chicks!

April 18, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have been dreaming of having chickens for quite some time now. We had them when I was a kid and it was great. Now that Spring is here, we decided to …

We Got Baby Chicks!Read More

Category: Cool ThingsTag: chickens, gardening

Sun smiling with sunglasses

100 Things That Make Me Smile

April 18, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This is one of the things that was on my Day Zero list that I just kept putting it off, and I thought it would be fun to do with other bloggers. So …

100 Things That Make Me SmileRead More

Category: Real Talk

Zoë and Kaylee snuggling on the couch

20 Wishes For My Daughters

April 3, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My wishes, hopes and dreams for Zoë and Kaylee are simple – or at least I think they are simple. I know simple and easy aren’t the same thing… …

20 Wishes For My DaughtersRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Brian and Chrystal in their twenties

Looking Back on Life Before Kids

April 1, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Today’s writing prompt is about what life was like before kids. That seems like an entirely different lifetime since my girls are such a part of …

Looking Back on Life Before KidsRead More

Category: Real TalkTag: chrystal, life with kids

Chrystal holding Kaylee the day she was born

Happy 3rd Birthday Kaylee!

February 14, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It is hard to believe that my sweet girl Kaylee was born exactly 3 years ago today! Valentine's Day took on a whole new meaning when it became her …

Happy 3rd Birthday Kaylee!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Zoe holding Brian in an arm bar with Kaylee playing along

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy’s Tough Girls

January 9, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy’s Tough GirlsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, self defense, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee with their cousins visiting Santa

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I want to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year! It has been a wonderful year, and I'm so grateful each and …

Merry Christmas!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: christmas, kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee bundled up for the snow in 2012

First Real Snow of 2012

December 14, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Yesterday we had our first real snow of 2012. There was only a light dusting on the ground when I woke up, but it started snowing heavily very shortly …

First Real Snow of 2012Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, zoe

Zoe and Kaylee on Halloween

Halloween Pictures

November 10, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This year, we had the best Halloween we've had as a family so far. The girls had 3 opportunities to dress up and they loved every one! Even though …

Halloween PicturesRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: halloween, kaylee, zoe

Hydroponic spinach and kale

Watch our Hydroponic Garden Grow!

October 17, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Sprouts are Coming Up September 12, 2012 3 weeks later - the growth exploded! October 17, 2012 …

Watch our Hydroponic Garden Grow!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: gardening

Zoe, Kaylee and Mimi throwing paper airplanes

Wordless Wednesday: Paper Airplane Fun

August 15, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Paper Airplane FunRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, mimi, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee snuggling on the couch

Implementing a Quiet Time Routine

August 6, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have never been one for scheduling nap time. I have worked very hard to teach the girls to listen to their bodies and develop a natural rhythm. It …

Implementing a Quiet Time RoutineRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Zoe with Kaylee and her first pigtails

Wordless Wednesday: Kaylee’s First Piggy Tails

July 18, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Kaylee’s First Piggy TailsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, zoe

Zoe and Kaylee with a giant dandelion

Wordless Wednesday: Discovering Giant Dandelions

July 4, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Discovering Giant DandelionsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, nature, zoe

Chrystal's target at Green Zone shooting range

I Learned To Shoot a Gun at a Totally Green Training Center in Los Angeles!

June 17, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Thank you to The Green Zone for providing me with a complimentary tour of their facility. While I received the training mentioned in this post at no …

I Learned To Shoot a Gun at a Totally Green Training Center in Los Angeles!Read More

Category: AdventuresTag: los angeles

The girls working on their milk carton bird house

Having a Blast with LeapFrog Summer Camp

June 12, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I wasn’t really sure what to expect with the LeapFrog Summer Camp, but most of the daily activities have been well-suited to Zoë’s interests. There …

Having a Blast with LeapFrog Summer CampRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: crafts, kaylee, summer, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee sleeping on the couch after a nap

Today Has Been One of THOSE Days!

May 22, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I love being a Mom. I love my girls like I've never loved anything before, but today has really been one of those days. You know, the days where you …

Today Has Been One of THOSE Days!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Chrystal holding baby Zoe in hospital bed

Wordless Wednesday: Happy 4th Birthday Zoë!

May 9, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Happy 4th Birthday Zoë!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee sleeping on the couch after a nap

Rub-A-Dub-Dub, Three Girls In The Tub

April 10, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Since becoming a mom, there is nothing I miss more than taking a long, hot shower – by myself. Or even a warm, relaxing bath to soak in some relaxing …

Rub-A-Dub-Dub, Three Girls In The TubRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Chrystal and Zoë with roses

Happy Mother’s Day to My Beautiful Wife Chrystal Johnson

March 13, 2012 //  by Brian Johnson

Good Morning Everyone and Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful mothers out there... to the not so wonderful mothers, well, you're probably not …

Happy Mother’s Day to My Beautiful Wife Chrystal JohnsonRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, mother's day

Chrystal holding Kaylee the day she was born

Happy 2nd Birthday Kaylee!

February 14, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I can't believe that Kaylee is 2-years old today! She is my perfect little Valentine's Day gift. It's hard to believe that 2 years ago, we were in …

Happy 2nd Birthday Kaylee!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Chrystal with the girls, Santa and Mrs. Claus

Zoë and Kaylee Meet Santa for the First Time

December 19, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I know there is a huge debate in the natural parenting community about Santa. Most natural parenting families don't "do" Santa. It was something Brian …

Zoë and Kaylee Meet Santa for the First TimeRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: christmas, kaylee, video, zoe

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