The other night I had a dream that it was Christmas morning and I had nothing ready. The house wasn’t decorated. Stockings weren’t stuffed. Gifts weren’t wrapped and waiting under the tree. Heck, I hadn’t even bought the gifts yet. As I frantically tried to figure out a way to fix things before the kids […]
Fail-Proof Gift Ideas for Mom, No Matter Your Budget
Updated: Nov 2018 I’m a gift buying waffler. What do I mean? Well, sometimes I can’t think of anything to buy anyone (hey nieces and nephews, that’s why you get money most of the time!), but other times I think up some really great gift ideas (like this list I compiled for Mother’s Day a couple […]
We’re Done Throwing Birthday Parties for Our Kids
I’m excited to partner with Great Wolf Lodge for this post. All opinions are my own. Remember when birthday parties were simple affairs? A handful of friends. Streamers and balloons. A bowl of chips and some juice. A few games. A cake, still in the pan, smeared with frosting. The whole thing probably cost less than […]
I Love and Hate That We Don’t Do Santa
Before our oldest child was born, we decided that Santa would not be a part of our Christmas festivities. We made the decision the way most people do who haven’t had kids yet: With full confidence that we knew exactly what we were doing. I Love and Hate That We Don’t Do Santa Now […]
13 Thoughts I Had While Watching Home Alone Now That I’m a Parent
When I think back to the defining movies of my childhood, Home Alone stands at the front of the pack (it’s in a dead heat with The Little Mermaid, but they both have pretty killer soundtracks so I can’t pick a favorite). I don’t know how many times I watched it as a kid, but I […]
How to Make a DIY Photo Christmas Tree
It is one of my favorite days of the year: Our annual hunt for a Christmas tree. We move between rows of spruce trees, lose sight of each other, then shout when we think we’ve found ‘the one’. Inevitably a flaw is found and the search continues, usually ending with a tree that’s ‘good enough’ when […]
Irresistible Cream Puff Recipe (Betcha Can’t Eat Just One!)
This post contains affiliate links. Almost everyone I know has a recipe they’re known for. It’s their go-to for get-togethers and, if for some reason they ask what they can bring, it’s the one that’s always requested. My sister’s go-to is her cream puffs. Every Christmas Eve she used to whip up a batch for dessert and […]
Six Holiday Gift Buying Tips to Save You a Bundle
This post contains an affiliate link. At no cost to you, I will receive referral credit if you sign up for ebates through this link. Thanks for your support! Philosophies on how to raise children may abound, but if there’s one thing all parents can agree on, it’s this: Having kids is expensive. From food […]
71 Ways to Show Gratitude to Family, Friends, and Strangers
A light drizzle fell as I pumped gas on an unseasonably warm October day. As I waited for the tank to fill, I grabbed my phone. One new email message greeted me and it didn’t contain news I wanted to read. A project I was working on had hit a slight speed bump, and something […]
Five Simple and FREE Birthday Traditions to Start This Year
I survived another birthday season! Our kids were all born within a few weeks of each other (well, not all in the same year obviously), so springtime can be a busy and stressful time for me. I love to make my kids’ birthdays special, but I also like to keep things simple. Sometimes, by the time […]