Mom Life in the PNW

How to Create the Perfect Spa Gift Basket for Father’s Day!

How to Create the Perfect Spa Gift Basket for Father’s Day!

 This post is in partnership with The Dollar Shave Club. I received the products pictured free of charge. All opinions are 100% my own and were not influenced in any way.

I don’t know about you, but I love practical gifts that I’ll actually use. It saves me money that I can otherwise use on things I actually want, you know, like, expensive clothes that no one else is going to buy me. 😉

But gifting personal hygiene products doesn’t have to mean you’re insinuating they smell and to use stronger soap. Gifting premium products mean you actually care about the most important organ of their body, the skin. We get many layers of skin, but the surface is what counts, so we may as well pamper it like we’re supposed to with The Dollar Shave Clubs Dr. Carver and Wanderer body product line.

I was interested in the Dr. Carver and Wanderer line because they developed it on their own using top-shelf ingredients and botanicals, and didn’t incorporate harmful ingredients like sulfates or parabens. They also don’t test on animals, just their interns.

I am trying to steer clear of sulfates since I think they are contributing to my really bad dandruff problem and eczema issues.

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Local Eats: The Heavy Metal Brewing Pizza Co & Taproom

Local Eats: The Heavy Metal Brewing Pizza Co & Taproom

I had heard about this place on facebook from some friends through my news feed, and then I got a Groupon email featuring this local spot, so I figured I would snag it and take a visit.

We arrived on a Friday evening and it was kind of busy, busy enough that most of the tables were being used. There isn’t a sign or anything saying to seat yourself, but that’s basically what you do.

They don’t have too many tables in here since it’s not a super big place, but we did end up getting a seat at one of the long wood picnic tables.

The place from what I recall used to be a convenience store. They still have some of the old coolers in place and they’ve filled it with craft beer and other non-alcohol beverages for the underage crowd. Yes, this place allows minors, which is one reason why I liked it and will most likely return.

You do have to go up to the counter to order your beer, cider, and food, but that’s pretty normal.

We ended up ordering the “a little ain’t enough” pizza, the spiced cider and then the beer flight that was from the Groupon deal. They pick out 4 beers of their choice to put on the flight and then the last 2 you get to choose. My husband said the whiskey beer was his fave, but I am not sure of the name since they didn’t have a list out on the tables, besides the one at the counter. I liked the red looking beer. It wasn’t so bitter and is perfect for those who aren’t big on beer, especially hoppy beer like myself.

The pizza was pretty good too! My 2-year-old daughter has been picky about her pizza lately (we usually get dominos or papa murphy’s which she stopped eating) and she actually ate this. I guess it was that good! I have heard they have their dough locally made and they cook it in a pizza oven so maybe that’s why it’s so tasty.

I had the spiced cider and omg, it was so delicious! I am not a big fan of dry ciders and this was so crisp and tasty. I really want to go back to have the cider and pizza again!

THEY ALWAYS HAVE OVER 25 TOP QUALITY BEERS ON TAP AND OVER 200

DIFFERENT BOTTLES OF BEER, WINE & CIDERS FOR THERE, OR TO GO!

And it may be called The Heavy Metal Brewing Pizza Co but nothing is heavy metal in here, at least the day we came. They had some music videos and butt rock/classic rock playing on them but nothing heavy metal. Since we came on a Friday, they had a band setting up for an 8 pm live show. It ended up being a one-man show and he sang a lot of country music songs. I am only mentioning this for the people who think this place may be blaring with loud, screaming music. You can enjoy your food and beer/cider and listen to all varieties of tunes. My daughter loved the live music so much, she had to dance a little bit by us.

So for entertainment and food/beer wise, we shall return!

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My Baby Girl is 2 Today

My Baby Girl is 2 Today

Time flies by when you’re older, but even more so when you’re a mom.

I am so thankful for this little girl who’s helped brighten my days with her cheerfulness and quirks. Life would be dull without her, let’s just put it that way.

In the blink of an eye, she went from my chubby and cute, helpless baby to my sweet, cute, independent toddler who’s full of personality.

In celebration of her birth, I decided I would take her to a bakery or ice cream shop since she has a major sweet tooth like mom. Every day, she’ll be like “mommy, chocolate?” which is cute but kind of bad. I’ve got her hooked on chocolate peanut butter. I mean,  no one can resist that and if you can, well then, you’re a weirdo. LOL

I ended up meeting up with my mom and sister and had lunch at DQ. I declined the ice cream because well, we don’t want any of that soft serve nonsense! We want the good, real stuff from Ice Cream Renaissance in Downtown, Vancouver.

I selected the brownie sundae to share which was delicious of course.

Everyone says to be prepared for the “terrible two’s” but I feel like everything has been a joy so far. I enjoy watching her learn and pick up new words, seeing her recognize animals, shapes, and foods. She amazes me every day with how intelligent she is.

Random Facts at 2:

She thinks farts are funny like mommy.

She likes to hide, which consists of putting things over her face and saying “where’s Arya?” If I can’t see mommy and daddy, mommy and daddy can’t see me either!

She loves picking her boogies and handing them to me.

She loves her tablet, almost a little too much. My grandma was amazed at how well she can control it since she herself needs help turning hers on. LOL

She loves books and story time.

She loves singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Every morning I go into her room after I see her awake on the baby monitor, she says “Hi, Mommy!” first thing. Melts my heart.

She only wants mommy to lay in bed with her at bedtime.

She is a total mama’s girl.

Looks more like daddy with his blue eyes, but has mama’s hair color. Mine started out strawberry-blonde like hers and now it’s a bit darker.

 

Although I want her to slow down on growing, I can’t wait to see what this little lady becomes.

Happy Birthday my baby girl, mama loves you.

5 FREE Activities to Do in Vancouver, WA

5 FREE Activities to Do in Vancouver, WA

Every time people ask me where I am from, they automatically assume I mean Vancouver, Canada which is the only Vancouver the entire world knows about except for those of us that actually live here.  LOL, It can get rather annoying when you’re traveling.

For those that don’t know, Vancouver, WA is kind of a suburb of Portland, Oregon. We cross the interstate bridge over the Columbia River and wa-la, we’re in Portland.

There are so many free activities to do in Vancouver, WA but these are the ones that stand out to me.

 

Esther Short Park

This is 5 acres and located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. There’s a watering area for kids to play in to cool off during the summer months. A gazebo area and lots of grass and trees which hold festivals year round. They even do a movie night in the park during the summer, which is free for all to enjoy.  There’s, of course, a playground for kids to run around and bathrooms if needed. And on the weekends, the farmer’s market is held right next to the playground on the roadway.

Little known Fact: Esther Short Park is the oldest public square in the state of Washington.

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Local Eats: Shanahan’s Irish Bar in Downtown Vancouver, WA

shanahans bar and grill

Although we haven’t been able to visit Shanahan’s Bar & Grill as much as we’d like since having our daughter, this is the place that I do love to come to for bar food and drinks.

This is the best place for happy hour in the area, period. Most places happy hour times are from 3-6; Shanahan’s is from 3-8pm every day of the week! WOWzers!

The happy hour menu has been changed since I’ve been going there for the prices have increased a tad, but everything is still inexpensive and both the food and drinks are great!

They don’t skimp on the booze, which is what people like. If we wanted to pay bottle prices for 1 drink, we’d just drink at home.

The only downfall is that the place is packed every.single.day.of.the.week., so you pretty much have to fight someone for a place to sit, or at least wait until one becomes available and pounce on it FAST! I watched a group of 5  take a single man’s booth once he got up to go to the bathroom. He came back to grab his seat and then left because he had no place to sit. So if you’re here and you have a seat, make sure you grab their business cards and turn it over. It reads something like “don’t steal my drink” then people will assume you’re still there and coming back.

It does clear out after happy hour is over on the weekdays. The weekends are still quite busy.

They have updated the outdoor area which is a much bigger space so hopefully, it won’t be so bad in the summer or spring.


My favorite food items are the Steak bites and mushrooms for $5, which can be eaten by a single person, and the shanny fries which consist of green onions, tots, fries, cheese, and bacon. So delish! But don’t expect to finish it alone, the fries are huge for $4.50!!

shanahans bar and grill

 

The staff is all friendly, but when it’s busy, you may have better luck going up to the bar to grab a drink as they seem a little understaffed during happy hour.

I’m just glad this place is only a mile from my house; it gives me the motivation to ride my bike since there’s absolutely no parking available most times. Plus, I’ll need the cardio after eating shanny fries!

It’s absolutely worth it though and is a must visit if you’re in the area.