Author: Marly Augusts

Introducing a Modern-Day White Elephant, Box of Crap
Incepted ahead of its time—well before the explosion of local Buy Nothing groups—Box of Crap was born many years ago at a holiday party with my husband’s college friends. The premise felt familiar, almost like a white elephant exchange, but with an eco-friendly twist: no one bought anything. Instead, everyone shopped their own homes for unused gifts, impulse purchases they regretted, or gently used items collecting dust.

It was called Box of Crap. (Since having kids, the name has softened into Box of Stuff, but true fans still call it by its original, glorious name.)

And honestly? Watching the troves of “treasure” get unboxed is half the joy.

What Is Box of Crap? A Sustainable Twist on the White Elephant Gift Exchange

The rules mirror those of a classic white elephant. Everyone brings a wrapped item, numbers are drawn, and the suspense begins.

Spot #1 remains the most coveted because you get to watch all the unwrapping and—at the very end—swap your gift for anything you want. Strategy, chaos, diplomacy… it’s all part of the fun.

The Worst Box of Crap Gifts: The Crappy, the Crappier, and the Legendary

Let’s start with the infamous disasters.

The very first Box of Crap included a tube of yeast infection ointment that was jokingly re-gifted for years. It eventually disappeared from circulation. What happened to it? We’ll never know.

Other unforgettable contributions over the years include:
- A giant box filled entirely with sample-size lotions, perfumes, condiments, and hotel freebies
- A bundle of corporate promo swag—XXL shirts, plastic water bottles, pens, sticky notes, stress balls
- A road-trip souvenir haul featuring “bear claw” salad tossers, embellished keychains, state magnets, and random tchotchkes
Crappy? Yes.
Iconic? Also yes.

The Best Box of Crap Wins: Surprisingly Amazing Gifts That Show Up

This is where the true fun begins—the gems hidden among the ridiculous. Over the years, the group has unwrapped:
- A Krups citrus press juicer
- An Apple Magic Mouse
- A full set of mixing bowls
- A giant hermit crab Squishmallow that perfectly matched a smaller version we already owned
Pure, unexpected delight.

Box of Crap Strategy Guide: How to Pick the Best Gift to Steal

If you’re aiming for the best haul? Go for the small boxes. Big boxes often equal big randomness—unless they’re decoys.

Case in point: Last year, my husband grabbed a large, unwrapped box. He assumed it was a decoy for something exciting—like a random mashup of goodies. It wasn’t. The box literally included the Bodum portable picnic grill pictured on the box.

Womp womp.
(Still useful. Just anticlimactic.)

The beauty of Box of Crap is its complete unpredictability. No two years ever play out the same.

Why Box of Crap Is the Ultimate Modern White Elephant

At its core, Box of Crap blends sustainability, humor, and nostalgia. You reuse what you already have, avoid unnecessary spending, and get a hilarious peek into the things people once valued enough to keep.

As the old saying goes, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Nowhere is that more true than with Box of Crap—the improved, modern-day white elephant we didn’t know we needed.
November 19, 2025
6 Olive Oil Food Pairing Options Made Super Simple

Outside of salad dressing and avocado toast, what other olive oil food pairing options are there? In my household, we go through nearly a liter of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) each month. Short of drinking it like shots, we enjoy it with simple, everyday foods.

A really good EVOO doesn’t need much to shine. In fact, eating it with just one simple ingredient is often all it takes to create something deeply satisfying. It’s important to note that a premium EVOO is key in this effort. For what it’s worth, we are big fans of Corto Truly Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

The trendy olive oil food pairings include coffee, chocolate, or even ice cream. The classics? Salad dressing, pesto and pasta. But beyond those, here are my family’s top 6 single-ingredient foods that taste incredible with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

1. Tomatoes

Fresh heirloom tomatoes and olive oil are a timeless match. The acidity of fresh tomatoes is softened by the fruity richness of EVOO, making it a quintessential Mediterranean bite. Drizzle over sliced tomatoes with a pinch of salt for a simple, refreshing dish.

If you’re looking for a more substantial snack, my kids especially love what they call “tomato toast,” inspired by the famous Catalonian snack.

2. Avocados

Avocados pair beautifully with olive oil thanks to their creamy texture. Add a sprinkle of salt and a small squeeze of lemon juice (apologies, that’s technically 2 more ingredients), and the EVOO’s peppery notes enhance the avocado’s natural flavor.

Avocado toast for a Tartine-style snack is super simple, super tasty olive oil food pairing.

3. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese also benefits from EVOO’s fruitiness, turning it into a protein-packed snack or light meal. Add cracked black pepper or chili crisp for a savory kick.

While we’re talking about cheese. I’m going to sneak in some burrata here. Burrata’s soft, creamy center becomes even more indulgent with a drizzle of EVOO (and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction). The oil’s grassy, peppery notes balance the richness—delicious on toast or tossed into a salad with tomatoes and basil.

4. Broccoli

EVOO brings balance to broccoli, softening its bitterness with richness. In our house, broccoli is a staple—steamed or roasted, always finished with EVOO. Because one of my kid’s (who shall remain nameless) will only eat this one vegetable, we frequently use the frozen organic broccoli from Costco. Microwave the packet for five minutes, then add salt and EVOO. Easy peasy!

For those who eat other vegetables, here are two other ways to enjoy a simple olive oil pairing. Kale massaged with EVOO makes for a tender salad. Sautéed pea sprouts also come alive with just a drizzle.

5. Artichokes

Artichokes and EVOO are a match made in heaven. Whether roasted or steamed, olive oil’s nutty depth enhances the vegetable’s earthy flavor for a satisfying bite. Sometimes, we’ll add a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up even more.

6. Pain au Levain

Bread and olive oil may not be a new concept, but it never gets old. Nothing beats tearing into a rustic slice of sourdough and dipping it into a small dish of EVOO. My kiddos love pain au levain (specifically) with just EVOO – it’s their most comforting olive oil food pairing of all.

TL;DR

Sometimes the best meals don’t need a long ingredient list. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over one simple food—like tomatoes, avocados, or even cottage cheese—can make it unforgettable. These 6 olive oil food pairings prove that great flavor often comes from keeping it simple.

August 21, 2025
A Simple Tofu Skin Salad with Bold Flavor
Tofu skin — also known as yuba — is one of those ingredients that never gets old. It’s been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember—whether simmered in comforting soups, tucked into vegetarian duck, or layered into jai for Lunar New Year, where it symbolizes prosperity.

More recently, cold bean curd salads featuring tofu skin have become a go-to order at restaurants—each one a little different, but all delicious. While trying to recreate a favorite version at home, I ended up experimenting with traditional Asian flavors to make a tangy, savory dressing that pairs perfectly with fresh tofu skin.

Quick Tips:
- Make ahead: If time allows, prepare the salad the night before to let the flavors marinate and fully absorb into the tofu skin.
- Fresh tofu skin: Hoda brand yuba is worth the splurge if you can find it. More budget-friendly frozen options are available on Weee.
- Cilantro swap: Not into cilantro? Feel free to skip it and garnish with thinly sliced green onions instead.
Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Serves

4

Ingredients

fresh tofu skin / yuba

1 garlic clove (or 2 for extra punch)

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp chopped cilantro (or a small bunch)

1 tsp sambal (or more if you like it spicy)

1 stalk green onion, green part only

Steps

1

Slice the tofu skin into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Set aside.

2

Combine all remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and emulsified.

3

Pour the sauce over the yuba and toss gently to coat evenly.

4

Garnish with extra cilantro or green onion. Serve chilled.
Did you make this?

Tag and follow @marlyaugusts on Instagram for more recipes.
July 29, 2025
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) That Delivers Flavor & Quality
Corto Truly’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) reigns supreme in our household. It’s like a ray of sunshine—bright, grassy, with a peppery, spicy finish that signals true freshness and high quality. My kids can proudly identify it in blind taste tests.

6 Reasons Corto Truly EVOO Shines

My family’s obsession with Extra Virgin Olive Oil is excessive. We have tried many — across price points, harvest regions, and brands. There’s Round Pond, Cobram, McEvoy, Brightland and Fat Gold. Plus Graza, Partanna, Filippo Berio, California Olive Ranch, Bariani, O Olive Oil and Olive Truck. There’s also the more value focused options like Kirkland, Trader Joe’s, Berkeley Bowl, 365 Whole Foods Market and Bertolli. These are just a few of the purchases to pass through our pantry.

1. EVOO Freshness You Can Taste

Corto harvests in California every October–November, when olives are at their peak. Unlike many other olive oils that remain on shelves for months, Corto packages orders in batches. The oils are stored in environmentally controlled stainless-steel casks until they are filled into the patented FlavorLock Box or bottles, ensuring true harvest-date freshness.

Here is proof: Both boxes were harvested during peak olive season, yet the “Best if used by” dates differ. The box purchased in June 2024 is labeled “APR 2026”, while the box purchased in August 2024 is labeled “AUG 2026”. This demonstrates that the later in the year you buy, the further out the freshness date is extended—clear evidence that Corto truly (pun intended) fills orders in batches to preserve peak quality until the next peak harvest.

2. Certified Quality EVOO

Corto Truly Extra Virgin Olive Oil is certified by the California Olive Oil Council. Why does this matter? The COOC has strict standards for chemical analysis and sensory testing. This ensures the EVOO meets one of the highest bars in the world. It’s also worth noting that these standards are reviewed annually, so you know the rigorous certification process is always up to date.

3. Global Recognition

Many brands boast awards, but what do they mean? The gold standard for olive oil competitions is the NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. (It can be compared to the Academy Awards of film.) Corto has proudly earned recognition there, most recently with a 2025: Silver Award for Corto Truly Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It’s an impressive accomplishment in this very crowded space with so many EVOO’s to choose from.

4. EVOO That’s Affordable Without Compromise

While most premium extra virgin olive oils cost more than $30/500ML, Corto Truly Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers an amazing value at less than $25/500ML. If you buy in bulk there’s an even greater deal with the 3L box’s cost coming in at $74 (that’s under $13/500ML). Corto Truly is affordable without sacrificing quality.

You can only order Corto Truly EVOO online right now. There’s free shipping in the contiguous United States so it’s super easy and delivered to your door.

5. Outstanding Customer Service

Corto’s customer service team goes above and beyond. I’ve emailed and even called with questions ranging from order details to olive oil information. Every time, I’ve received a thoughtful, non-canned response within 24 hours. It’s rare and refreshing in today’s automated customer service world.

Corto is the second largest olive oil producer in the U.S., known for its large-scale operations in the Sacramento Valley. California Olive Ranch is currently the largest, in case you were curious.

6. Smart Packaging

We buy the 3L FlavorLock box for the best value and to maintain freshness. You can refill your own bottle or pour directly from the spout.

According to Corto, “Researchers found that olive oil stored in bag-in-box containers maintained its extra virgin classification for the entire 120 day trial when stored at room temperature (71.6F).”

TL;DR

Bottom line: Corto Truly is bright, peppery, fresh, and affordable good brand of EVOO. From harvest to packaging, it’s the EVOO our family will always keep stocked.

We use about three 3L boxes of Corto Truly each year. Here are some of our favorite ways to use this really good brand of EVOO.
_{Disclosure: This is not an ad. There are no affiliate links. It’s just a brand we really love and wanted share.}
July 15, 2025
Your New Favorite Avocado Toast
I’ve had more avocado toast than I can count. Some were topped with eggs, sometimes scrambled, sometimes hard boiled. Others were loaded with tomatoes or fancy spreads. It feels like everyone has their own take, and I’ve tried just about all of them.

But the version that still lingers in my memory is from Tartine in San Francisco. Their avocado toast is deceptively simple. It features perfectly crisp bread and creamy Haas avocado. There is a touch of crunch from toasted seeds and nuts. A sprinkle of microgreens brightens every bite. It inspired me to create my own version at home. It’s quick enough for weekday mornings with my kids. It’s also special enough to feel like a treat. This is the one we keep coming back to.
Here, you’ve got two avocado toast recipe paths to explore.

The first is the simplest—avocado toast in its purest form. Creamy Haas avocado takes center stage. Enhanced only by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Finally, a pinch of salt completes it. These ingredients let the natural flavors shine.

The second is a nod to Tartine’s unforgettable version. Layered with toppings and sprinkled with crunch and spiced just enough to wake up your taste buds.

Pumpkin seeds have a mild, nutty flavor with a subtle sweetness. When roasted, their flavor deepens and intensifies—becoming savory with a satisfying crunch. They add a richness and texture to the avocado toast without overpowering the other ingredients.

Pea shoots have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of fresh green pea essence. There’s also a mild nuttiness and just a touch of earthiness, making them feel light and refreshing without being bland.

Chili crisp is a bold, crunchy condiment that combines spicy heat with savory garlic, onion, and a hint of sweetness. It’s packed with umami and adds a flavorful kick without overpowering.

Choose your own adventure—both are delicious in their own right. Give it a try and let us know which one wins your morning.
Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Serves

4

Ingredients

1 ripe haas avocado

1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

pinch of salt + pepper

4 slices of bread

(Optional) pumpkin seeds, pea shoots, chili crisp

Steps

1

Smash the avocado and stir in the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt + pepper. Once mixed well, set aside.

2

Slice and toast your bread.

3

Add the avocado mix to the toasted bread.

4

(Optional) Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and pea shoots. Add chili crisp — if you’re feeling spicy.

5

Plate your avocado toast. Serve it while the bread is still warm and crunchy.
Did you make this?

Tag and follow @marlyaugusts on Instagram for more recipes.
June 25, 2025
Potato Salad, For Folks Who Love Sour Cream & Eggs
Controversial statement to follow. I’m not a huge fan of mayonnaise, but I love potato salad. And as much as I’d like to omit mayonnaise from this recipe altogether, I do acknowledge that it does contribute a needed sweet and creamy flavor profile to offset the tartness of the sour cream. With that said, my preferred method is to use a mostly sour cream base that has won the hearts of many impartial-potato salad folks. I also am a fan of protein, so there’s more egg than a traditional potato salad in here.

“The best potato salad I’ve ever had.”

Said my cousin Tiffany. She loves it so much, she requested an extra large order for her baby shower that was attended by 50+ guests. It was the greatest compliment. It was also the MOST potato salad I have ever made. I didn’t make potato salad for over a year after fulfilling this order. I think I’m finally ready to get back to it now. Phew!
Prep Time

60 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Serves

12

Ingredients

10 medium yukon gold potatoes (2 lbs.)

8 eggs

2 cups sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

1 tablespoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons onion powder

2 tablespoons dill

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1/4 cup italian parsley, finely chopped

1/2 of a small meyer lemon, squeeze for juice

salt/pepper to taste

extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

(optional) top with chili crisp for more spice

Steps

1

Cook and peel the potatoes and hard boiled eggs. Set aside.

2

In a large bowl mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, red onion and lemon juice. Add parsley too. (If you’re not a fan of parsley, I like to alternate with chives instead sometimes.)

3

Instead of neatly cutting the potatoes and eggs, break them apart into bit sized pieces with your hands – gives it a more rustic, homecook feel.

Add the potatoes and eggs to the large bowl and mix them in until everything is coated and well-dressed.

4

Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to your tastes, cover it up and let the flavors meld in your fridge for a few hours or even overnight.

5

Top with a drizzle of EVOO. Lastly, try not to devour all of it before serving.
Did you make this?

Tag and follow @marlyaugusts on Instagram for more recipes.
June 11, 2025
Gymboree Play and Music Sparks Delightful Growth for My Toddler
It’s nice to mix up the monotony of my daughter’s daily social outings with something a little different. That’s where Gymboree Play and Music has helped fill the gap. Yes, it looks like a glorified indoor play space—but there’s so much more happening in every class.

Zero to Three states that, “by age three, roughly 85% of the brain’s core structure is formed^₁.”

What happens during this time matters! The park is great for self-guided independence, socializing, and exploration. The library fits the need for routine with story time led by an adult. Gymboree Play and Music classes are a great next step in the progression to starting preschool. Classes are structured like a fun play date. There’s a teacher and activities that build confidence, motor skills, and cognitive growth. Or more simply put, your child practices skills like making friends. They learn climbing and jumping. They also remember new things and figure out how stuff works. All of this happens in a safe, mindfully designed space.

Enjoying parachute time with new friends.

Singing with Gymbo, the clown.

The concentration is real. Popping bubbles.
Gymboree Play and Music’s Legacy

“Welcome, welcome everyone. Now it’s time to have some fun.”

Gymboree Play and Music was founded by Joan Barnes in 1976.^₂ She was inspired by her experience as a new mom searching for a community. She wanted a space where both parents and children could connect, play, and grow together.

Today, our local Gymboree Play and Music Oakland and other locations worldwide continue that mission. They create safe, engaging environments for children. These environments help children from birth to age five develop essential skills through play.

The Free Class Experience

While it’s great to try before you buy, it’s important to keep expectations flexible. My daughter spent most of her first visit observing in a frozen physical state. She was taking in the new EVERYTHING—new environment, new play space, new people (both toddlers and adults), and new experience.

If your child is hesitant, let them lead the way in exploring the class. Once she was a little more acclimated, my daughter still didn’t sit and follow every activity. But through repetition comes learning and discovery.

After 3+ months, she participated more and more. Toddlers can be fickle—some days she concentrated, other days she didn’t, and that was okay with me.

12+ months later, she practically ran the class. She understood and executed every activity, sang every song, and made new friends. It was so amazing to watch the progression unfold.

I say this in the spirit of encouragement—don’t give up if your child doesn’t immediately respond to the program. Give it a try for a few months and see what happens.

Gymboree Play and Music Class Cadence

The scaffolding structure of a Gymboree Play and Music class is part of what makes it so special. Toddlers thrive on routine, and Gymboree Play and Music incorporates consistency while also introducing new challenges each session. Here’s are some of the learnings you’re little one will take away from each class.

Themes: Up and Down, Shapes, Animals to name just a few. Simple and fun concepts for little one’s to easily understand.

Parachute Time: “Come on everybody it’s parachute time, parachute time, parachute time. Come on everybody it’s parachute time, here at Gymboree.” Encourages rhythm, teamwork, and communication to move together.

Catching Bubbles: “There are bubbles in the air, there are bubbles everywhere.” A beloved favorite, helping with hand-eye coordination and sheer joy. (Special shout-out to “Bubble Oodles,” Gymboree Play & Music’s magical solution. It allows bubbles to be stable enough to catch on a finger—or in a little one’s hair! It’s the best.)

Routine: Supports preschool preparation.

Social Skills & Friendships: Parallel play, sharing, and simple social interactions build early friendships. Not just for the kids—parents connect too! Some of our Gymboree Play and Music friends ended up going to preschool with us, making the transition easier. It was so nice to know a family when starting at a new place.

Fun Fact: Gymboree Play & Music apparatuses were developed by Jay Beckwith, one of the “fathers of the modern playground.” Every literal step of each structure was designed to support your child’s ability to learn through play.^₃

Sweet Spot: 10 to 30 Months

All three of my children LOVE Gymboree Play and Music. Although the classes welcome children up to age five, I’ve found that the sweet spot is between 10 months and 30 months. This spans from those first wobbly steps to the confident strides of an active toddler. This is when everything starts to click and their development blooms: The routine becomes familiar. The play-scape is mastered. Friendships form.

It’s also when boredom sets in from the predictability. This is a telltale sign your little one is growing up. They need something new.

As my toddler daughter grew, she needed more challenges. Preschool prep programs are a great next step, helping with early concepts like object permanence and brief separations from caregivers. I’ll be away for a little bit, but—I will be back! Unfortunately, our location did not offer Preschool Steps or School Skills. A location near you might offer these options, so we moved on. My two older sons stopped around this age as well.

“Bye bye Gymbo. Bye bye friends. Bye bye everyone, we’ll see you all next time.”

Why Gymboree Play and Music Oakland?

If you’re in the Oakland area, consider Gymboree Play and Music Oakland. It’s a welcoming, structured-yet-flexible play environment and a fantastic option. It offers all the benefits of play-based learning. It also provides parents and children a space to connect, explore, and grow together.

Say, “hi” to teachers Leah and Muna—they were our favorites! Both were so good at keeping a class’s attention and making sure every little one was included in an activity. My daughter always asked to hold Teacher Leah’s hand when she would balance a walk across the cherished air log, Teacher Leah always obliged. Teacher Muna has a beautiful singing voice for Music class. Both also made sure my daughter’s request for Gymbo stamps (and stickers) at the end of each class were provided. These small gestures make all the difference.

Studies like the Abecedarian Project^₄ and Perry Preschool Project^₅ show that investing early in childhood education leads to long-term benefits. So next time you’re looking to mix up your toddler’s routine, check out a class. You might just find it becomes a favorite part of your weekly schedule—just like it did for us!

Mastering her balance and walking at Gymboree Play & Music.

TL;DR for Gymboree Play and Music:

The free class is a great trial, but patience is key—kids warm up at their own pace. Give it a try— it will become the highlight of your week!

Class routines include parachute play, bubble-catching, climbing structures, and social interaction—all designed by early childhood experts.

More than a playdate, Gymboree Play and Music helps with routine, confidence, motor skills, and social-emotional learning (SEL). If you’re in Oakland, Gymboree Play and Music is a fantastic option—say hi to teachers Muna and Leah.

Keep the adventure going and discover other family escapades.

Read More
_{^{Disclosure: This is not an ad. There are no affiliate links. It’s just a brand we really love and wanted share.}}
Sources

1 _{Zero to Three is a non-profit organization. It focuses on promoting the healthy development of babies and toddlers from birth to three years old.}

2 _{Gymboree Play & Music}

3_{Playground Professionals}

4 ^{The Abecedarian Project is a long-running scientific study. It investigates the long-term benefits of high-quality early childhood education for children. The study particularly focuses on how early intervention can positively impact their development across cognitive, social, and emotional areas. There is a strong emphasis on language skills. It is considered one of the most well-cited studies in the field of early childhood education research.}

5 ^{The Perry Preschool Project was a landmark study conducted from 1962 to 1967. The study looked at the effects of high-quality early childhood education on children. It primarily focused on 3 and 4-year-olds who were considered at-risk for school failure. The project found significant positive impacts on their educational attainment, employment, and overall life outcomes. These outcomes include reduced crime rates and teenage pregnancy. This demonstrates the long-term benefits of early childhood intervention.}
June 10, 2025
Fun Activities For Kids. We Love Skillmatics!

Skillmatics provides fun activities for kids, mine included. It’s been an absolute lifesaver when boredom strikes. From board games to build-able projects, we love that there’s something for every age group—from infants to tweens; adults too!

If you’re always on the hunt for fun activities for kids that are also educational, check out Skillmatics. It has become our go-to brand. These games and products are not only engaging and screen-free, but they’ve also surprised us in the best ways.

High Contrast Flash Cards

Scout It Out

Buildables Dinosaur x Robot

5 Reasons Skillmatics = Fun Activities for Kids

Skillmatics’ value proposition revolves around being an innovative toy and game company. Their dedication to the development of learning and play experiences for children of all ages shows.

1. Affordable Fun for All

Finding activities for kids that don’t break the bank is rare. Most Skillmatics products are priced between $20 and $35, with some as low as $9. Whether you’re stocking up for the holidays or need a quick boredom-buster, it’s hard to beat the value. Even their higher-priced options (up to $50) feel worth it for the hours of learning and play that’s provided.

2. Great for All Ages

Packed with fun activities for kids, Skillmatics products age range extends to grown-ups! The High Contrast Flash Cards for my infant helped to support tummy time and encourage crawling. There are also brain-boosting board games. Guess in 10: Marvel Edition is one of our family favorites. (It’s doubled as a Marvel study guide for movie date nights with my husband.) And Train of Thought? Dinner has become so much more lively. It’s a fun Q&A session with prompts like, “If you were a superhero, what power would you want?” and “Rate your day from 1 to 10 and explain why.”

3. Learning Disguised as Play

Some educational toys feel like homework. Not these. Skillmatics makes fun activities for kids that feel more like play dates than lessons. Whether it’s spelling (like Rapid Rumble), geography (like Scout it Out), or problem solving (like Guess in 10), kids stay focused without even realizing they’re learning.

4. Super Giftable

Our favorite gift for friends and family with kids is Skillmatics Foil Fun. These mess-free, creativity-packed kits come in themes like Unicorns, Princesses, and Dinosaurs. At just $20, they’re a fantastic option for birthdays or last-minute gifts. Kids get absorbed in a new way to “color.” You get a clean(er) house. There are no markers on the couch and no paint on the floor. It’s just a quiet, focused win for everyone.

5. Free Printables = Endless Inspiration

The assortment of free printables from Skillmatics is extensive, both on their site and when you join their email list. From homework-style worksheets and games to DIY crafts like Christmas ornaments and first-day-of-school memory makers, there’s something for every occasion. Use them for rainy days, long weekends, or anytime the kids need a screen-free reset.

Their Instagram feed @skillmatics is also a curated goldmine for discovering the latest creative ideas to try at home.

Whether you’re looking to entertain babies or challenge older kids, Skillmatics delivers consistently fun options for families. You can also sneak in some learning with their low-mess, high-value products. If you’re looking for screen-free, enriching, and fun activities for kids, this is one brand you’ll want to keep around. Seriously.

Keep the adventure going — follow more family escapades.

Read More

_{^{Disclosure: This is not an ad. There are no affiliate links. It’s just a brand we really love and wanted share.}}

June 9, 2025
Unlock the Magic of Bilingual Learning for Kids with Habbi Habbi

If you’re raising a multilingual child, chances are you’ve explored countless toys, books, and apps in search of the right tools to support bilingual learning for kids. After trying a variety of options, our family found a favorite: Habbi Habbi—a brilliant, screen-free language learning system that’s as engaging as it is educational.

It’s been especially helpful for our family, since all three of our kids are learning Mandarin Chinese at an immersion school—even though my husband and I only speak and read English ourselves.

Many families rave about its adorable board books, smart reading wand, flashcards, and puzzles. We wanted to share some lesser-known details that make Habbi Habbi a kid-approved favorite in our home.

1. The Reading Wand Will Automatically Shutoff

If your child’s anything like mine, they love bouncing from activity to activity. The Reading Wand automatically powers off after a period of inactivity. First, there’s a reminder after a minute of not being used, “Are you still there? Let’s keep reading.” Then, there’s a final check-in, a minute later, “Goodbye! See you soon!”.

This feature means I don’t have to worry about wasted battery life. It helps a ton when the wand gets left behind mid-play.

A small but mighty feature: the Reading Wand also tells you when it needs a charge. No more mid-story time interruptions or toddler meltdowns because the toy “just stopped working.”

2. Grows with Your Child (Starting from Babyhood)

We started using Habbi Habbi when my youngest was still in diapers. While we read to her now, the simple tapping of the Reading Wand sparks curiosity. As she grows, she is starting to interact with game-ified features like flashcards and puzzles on her own. This keeps bilingual learning exciting.

As my oldest son began to age out of the books, I was surprised to see that he still reached for them—using them like a dictionary to look up how to write or pronounce a word. Every now and then, he’d even pull them out on his own to practice writing Chinese characters.

Multitasking here. Simultaneous tummy time and story time.

3. 100% Screen-Free Bilingual Learning for Kids

With so many language learning tools relying on apps or tablets, we love that Habbi Habbi is completely screen-free.

4. Free Holiday Printables for School & Home

Habbi Habbi Valentine’s Day Card Printouts in Simplified Chinese.

We discovered a treasure trove of free printables on the Habbi Habbi website for every major holiday. Lunar New Year, Valentine’s, Halloween, Christmas and more are included. There’s also printable designed for every book in the Habbi Habbi library. They’re perfect for classroom celebrations, home enrichment, or just a rainy day craft.

Habbi Habbi Thank You Card Printouts for Teacher Appreciation Day in Simplified Chinese.

5. Free Video Playlists

You can preview before buying a Habbi Habbi book for the language intonations and pronunciations. These short form videos are available for your little ones in the format of a story playlist. Each book featured is around four minutes. This allows both you and your little ones to watch the books come to life.

You can also preserve screen-free time. Just listen to the playlists as audiobooks.

Bonus Tip: Tap Around for Easter Eggs!

Every Habbi Habbi book is packed with hidden gems. My kids love tapping around to find surprises. Our family favorite? Tap the image of the reading wand inside the book to play fun music and have dance break!

TL;DR

Habbi Habbi offers books in Spanish, French, Korean, Cantonese, and Hindi. This makes it a truly inclusive bilingual learning option for families around the world.

Whether you’re starting from day one or picking up a second (or third!) language, Habbi Habbi is a beautiful, interactive way to nurture bilingual learning for kids. We love it. We hope your family loves it too.

Keep the adventure going — follow more family escapades.

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June 9, 2025
This Pan Con Tomate-Inspired Toast Is Your New Go-To Snack
After a trip to Barcelona, I became obsessed with pan con tomate (tomato bread). The recipe is deceptively simple, but I could never quite get it right. I tried what felt like thousands of online versions, but nothing replicated that perfect Catalonian bite. The original is made with a hearty but light artisan bread. It is rubbed lightly with garlic and then soaked in fresh vine-ripened tomato. It is finished with just the right amount of salt and extra virgin olive oil. Drool.

My replication attempts always fell short—soggy toast, garlic that didn’t quite come through, and tomatoes that lacked sweetness. After many failed tries, I stopped chasing perfection and created an inspired alternative. It’s definitely not traditional, but it hits all the right notes in a different way.
Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Serves

6

Ingredients

2 whole fresh tomatoes

1 clove of garlic (2 cloves, if you’re feeling spicy)

1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of salt

(optional) 1 teaspoon of sugar, if your tomatoes are tart

1 loaf of bread, sliced for dipping*

Steps

1

Add everything into a powerful blender, excluding the bread. Blend until smooth and emulsified. It should be rich, pour-able, and orange in hue.

2

Add the sauce to a bowl. Plate with fresh or toasted bread to dip.

*Acme Bread’s pain au levain is the default choice in our house for its chewy texture and tang. Though any rustic, crusty loaf will do.

For the purists out there, I acknowledge that this is not pan con tomate. It’s the next best thing I can create without getting on a plane to fly to Spain.

This version of tomato bread is a great as an appetizer, midday snack, or side to a summer salad.
Did you make this?

Tag and follow @marlyaugusts on Instagram for more recipes.
June 9, 2025