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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

Our Christmas tree decorated only on the top half

You Might Have a Toddler In Your House If…

December 15, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Your Christmas Tree is only decorated on the top half! …

You Might Have a Toddler In Your House If…Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: christmas, life with kids

Zoë and Kaylee playing in pop up hamper

Laser Pointers Aren’t Just for Pets!

October 25, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

A few weeks ago, I bought Brian a laser pointer, and the other night he was playing with Kaylee and pulled it out of his pocket. I had no idea how …

Laser Pointers Aren’t Just for Pets!Read More

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

Kaylee smiling at Tinkerbell on the computer screen

Kaylee Discovers Tinkerbell on Video

October 3, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This video Brian took of him playing with Kaylee last night was just too cute not to share. At 19.5 months, her vocabulary is exploding. She says so …

Kaylee Discovers Tinkerbell on VideoRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, video

Raccoons under the porch

We Have Raccoons!

September 15, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

One of the things I love about living in the mountains is being surrounded by wildlife. I love that my girls get to grow up so close to the earth. We …

We Have Raccoons!Read More

Category: Family Life

Chrystal with short hair

I’m Finally Donating My Hair

June 14, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have been trying to grow my hair out to donate to Locks of Love for a couple of years now. It felt like it was taking forever to get long enough, …

I’m Finally Donating My HairRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal

Enjoying the Dumbo Ride

Sometimes I Just Have to Bite My Lip

June 8, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Some days I wonder what this world is coming to, and how some people ever thought they were fit to raise a child. I know that sounds judgmental, and I …

Sometimes I Just Have to Bite My LipRead More

Category: Real TalkTag: disneyland

Zoë wearing her doll in her tshirt like she's babywearing

3-Year Olds Can Babywear Too!

June 7, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

How do I know that my girls love being worn? Because when I say we're going for a walk, Zoë grabs her baby and nicely tucks her into her shirt so she …

3-Year Olds Can Babywear Too!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, zoe

The Precious Memories We Keep

May 23, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

As parents, we try and capture each and every precious memory so we can hold onto them forever. I feel like every day is full of memories, and I feel …

The Precious Memories We KeepRead More

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

Enjoying the Dumbo Ride

Zoë’s Birthday Trip to Disneyland

May 12, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Last week, we took Zoë to Disneyland as a surprise for her birthday. We told her that she was going to work with Mommy and Daddy, and that's why we …

Zoë’s Birthday Trip to DisneylandRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: birthdays, disneyland, zoe

White leather couch colored by watermelon

Another Lesson in Natural Pigmentation

May 3, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I shared how we dyed our Easter Eggs with natural foods this year, and why it was such a great lesson in natural pigmentation. My girls really took …

Another Lesson in Natural PigmentationRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids

Kaylee wearing her jeans

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

April 22, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

When I'm done working for the day, I love how excited my girls are to see me when I come downstairs. The other day, I was working and Brian was …

What’s Wrong With This Picture?Read More

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

Zoë doing her map activity

A Ghost in the Playroom

March 21, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

The last few weeks we’ve been struggling to get the girls to go into the playroom. Zoë insists that there’s a ghost in her playroom that scares her …

A Ghost in the PlayroomRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, zoe

Kaylee Enjoying the Batter from Her Birthday Carrot Cake

No More Babies in This House

March 4, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It has been a couple months since Kaylee took her first steps. She was very cautious with learning to walk—different from Zoë who was all over the …

No More Babies in This HouseRead More

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

Kaylee Playing at the Park

Happy First Birthday to My Sweet Baby Girl Kaylee!

February 14, 2011 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I can’t believe that one year ago today, I was sitting in a hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay holding my tiny 8 lb. 10 oz. little girl. (When I say …

Happy First Birthday to My Sweet Baby Girl Kaylee!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Chrystal holding Kaylee after breastfeeding

Mastitis and Moving

December 16, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

The last few weeks have been draining. We found out a few weeks ago that our landlord had not been paying his mortgage (even though we pay our rent on …

Mastitis and MovingRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: breastfeeeding, health updates

Zoë and Kaylee playing in the laundry basket

Laundry Time!

December 7, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Zoë has been my big helper for some time now, but recently Kaylee has also started wanting to help me out. Whether it's unloading the dishwasher or …

Laundry Time!Read More

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

Zoë and Kaylee playing in pop up hamper

Funny Video: Zoë Goes Boom

November 18, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Funny Video: Zoë Goes BoomRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: video, zoe

Brian and Chrystal at the American Food and Wine Festival 2010

Date Night at the American Wine & Food Festival

November 15, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

The American Wine & Food Festival was held on September 25, 2010 at the Universal Studios Backlot in Los Angeles, and Brian and I were lucky …

Date Night at the American Wine & Food FestivalRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: events, los angeles

Snow blowing at Snow Summit

Preparing for My First Winter in the Mountains

November 11, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It seems like over the last several weeks, preparing for winter has consumed our lives. It’s actually pretty exciting for me. It will be my first …

Preparing for My First Winter in the MountainsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: mountain life

Zoë throwing a temper tantrum

A Whopping Dose of Mommy Guilt

November 3, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

If I thought I had mommy guilt in the past, I was crazy. This last week has been “H” “E” “double hockey sticks” in our house … well, ever since the …

A Whopping Dose of Mommy GuiltRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, working from home, zoe

Zoë Showing Off the Pumpkin She Helped Daddy Carve

Our Halloween at Home

November 1, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

We had a big day planned for Halloween. First the zoo, then off to the village for more festivities and then some trick or treating around our …

Our Halloween at HomeRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: halloween, kaylee, zoe

Zoë playing with Kaylee in her Bumbo seat

The Toilet Incident

October 21, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

We have some interesting moments parenting two young children. Some are funny. Some are frustrating. Some are a combination of both. Last week we had …

The Toilet IncidentRead More

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

Baby Kaylee with the chicken pox

Kaylee and the Chicken Pox

October 18, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Kaylee came down with the chicken pox last Friday (10 days ago). It was a bit of a surprise because we weren’t aware she had been exposed. But, in a …

Kaylee and the Chicken PoxRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: health updates, kaylee

Zoë and Kaylee snuggling on the floor with a big pillow and blankie

Complete Exhaustion and Total Joy

October 1, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Having two young girls that are only 21 months apart has me completely exhausted. I can’t tell you the last time got 8 straight hours of sleep (even 4 …

Complete Exhaustion and Total JoyRead More

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

Zoë reading a book in the closet

In the Closet

September 22, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Everyone needs some personal space (I know I do) and that’s no different for toddlers. Zoë and Kaylee share a room, so neither of them has much …

In the ClosetRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, zoe

Backyard view in Big Bear

Adjusting to Life at 7,000 Feet

September 14, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

We’ve been living up in the mountains for two months now—I wasn’t prepared for how different some things are when you live at an altitude of 7,000 …

Adjusting to Life at 7,000 FeetRead More

Category: Real TalkTag: mountain life

Chrystal, Zoë and Kaylee on the couch with Zoë sleeping

Our Ever-Changing Co-Sleeping Arrangements

August 25, 2010 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Before Kaylee was born, I wrote about my thoughts and feelings on co-sleeping, and how I wondered what it would be like to co-sleep with two little …

Our Ever-Changing Co-Sleeping ArrangementsRead More

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

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