With the unofficial start of summer just days away, it’s time for us to talk about ways to stay safe in the sun when you’re living the busy summer bucket list life. I’ve been paying even more attention than usual to being sun smart since my brush with melanoma earlier this year. I’m here to… [Read More]
Looking for the Pause Button
I absolutely love this stage of life that we’re in. My boys are on the verge of turning six and three and this is my most favorite, everything feels right with the world, happy heart stage of motherhood yet and I keep looking for the pause button. The problem is, it’s just not there. How… [Read More]
Easy Ways to Celebrate Earth Day With Your Kids
I like the whole concept of Earth Day: celebrating our beautiful planet and taking time to focus on what we can all do to preserve her beauty. It makes me feel a little warm and fuzzy inside. If I’m honest though, in our house, Earth Day doesn’t get a huge spotlight. I have a few… [Read More]
Tips for traveling without your kids
My husband and I are about to leave town for 8 days. EIGHT DAYS! We will be on our own, seeking out adventure and relaxation without our little minions tagging along. Yes, I’m excited. I am counting down the days, pre-packing my stuff, and loading up my Kindle. I am so incredibly grateful we can do… [Read More]
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge
This year, we took our 5th trip to Great Wolf Lodge, and I finally feel like I’m starting to get the hang of it. Especially if you’ve never been there, figuring out what to pack can be a nightmare! The good news is, Great Wolf veterans are always there to share some tips. You MIGHT… [Read More]
Not Freaking Out About Melanoma
I have fair skin, moles, and had a few (maybe more) bad sunburns as a kid, and a few more as an adult. I always wear sunscreen (at least a 30 spf), wear cover ups if the sun starts getting a little too strong, and keep a hat handy. Neither of my parents have had… [Read More]
Don’t Say NO to Valentine’s Day! – How to Celebrate as a Family
Once upon a time, I loved the excitement and anticipation of Valentine’s Day. In middle school, I wanted to get some of those $1 carnations that the Latin Club delivered; in high school I wanted a heart shaped box of chocolates; and as I got older I wanted a romantic night out. Then I became… [Read More]
Celebrating Chinese New Year – Tips and Ideas
As a parent and as a teacher, I really love exposing my kids to different cultures and traditions. When I taught kindergarten, I always worked in a week long unit on Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival. As a mom, now I do the same thing at home. Here are a few ideas to… [Read More]
Here’s to Making Memories
The other day, my two boys and I loaded up into our van and hit the road. My oldest could have missed a day of school, and I could have missed a day of work, but there was winter weather in the forecast. I was okay either way, but I was banking on school being… [Read More]
Does Santa Wrap Gifts? And Other Tricky Questions
Is there really a Santa Claus? In my heart of hearts, my answer is still yes. There is a spirit, an energy, an air of magic, kindness, and giving that ripples its way through the Christmas season. This is Santa Claus. As a child, the Santa Magic ran strong in my house. My parents always… [Read More]