The cold air lifted and the clouds parted, casting a warm glow of sunshine on the new blossoms below. I drove down the familiar road to find that with the bitter snows, a neighbor's Brittany Spaniel had also disappeared. His dog house was boarded up and his spot in the yard vacant. Maybe the long ... » Learn More about Changing of the Guard
DIY
One to Two Almost Killed Us
Many parents say the transition from none to one was the hardest, but I maintain going from one to two kids is the biggest game changer. Everyone is so excited for that first kid! Grandparents crawl out of the woodwork to hold him, there is no shortage of babysitters; neighbors you barely talk to ... » Learn More about One to Two Almost Killed Us
Be That Match
All teachers have had those students who can learn but simply choose not to. We've witnessed wasted beautiful minds, nonchalance of talent, and the refusal of effort. It is absolutely maddening; those students have the ability, but for whatever reason, their fire hasn't been ignited. As educators, ... » Learn More about Be That Match
Why Every Husband & Father Should See Pixar’s Inside Out
I didn't marry the poetic type. He would never write me a song and strum it out on a guitar. He's not overly emotional, either. The man couldn't even muster a tear when he saw my radiant self walking down the aisle, despite my requests that he do so. Yes, I am that obnoxious. I don't recall him ... » Learn More about Why Every Husband & Father Should See Pixar’s Inside Out
Smells Like Childhood
I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Neutrogena. I received samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation. The simple things are what I remember most about my childhood. Running around barefoot outside, ... » Learn More about Smells Like Childhood
They Serve Bagels In Heaven
Her voice, thick with New Jersey, was reminiscent of Marisa Tomei's in My Cousin Vinny (or so thinks this Yank!). There was a sweetness to it, something calming about it. I couldn't help but giggle as we spoke over the phone, giddy to have this brilliant woman at my disposal to ask any ... » Learn More about They Serve Bagels In Heaven
Loving the Mom in Me
Knick-knacks, art, stamps. Souvenirs from worldly travels, cards with personal messages scrawled on the insides. The theory behind collecting tangible mementos to serve as a personal cache, storing the happy and bittersweet, is well and good. Reminiscing is proverbial soul food, comforting and ... » Learn More about Loving the Mom in Me
Chip and Joanna, Call Me!
When I get a hankering for another baby, my husband runs from me. As a result, I'm left with no choice but to throw myself into a new project. Having developed a slight obsession with Home and Garden TV, namely the shows House Hunters, Property Brothers, and Fixer Upper, I've been leaning toward ... » Learn More about Chip and Joanna, Call Me!
Gimme Some of the Grape!
4-year-old: Can I have some more of that yummy grape stuff? Me: ...grapes? 4-year-old: No! It's in the bottle and it's yummy! Me, holding up liquid Ibuprofen: Your medicine?! 4-year-old: YES! I could eat that every day! My daughter has a sweet tooth just like her Mama (and ... » Learn More about Gimme Some of the Grape!
Small Favors
I'm late a lot. Running behind schedule, rushing out the door late. I like to blame my children, but it's mostly my fault. Or my husband's. He does dumb stuff when we should be leaving the house. When I was in labor with our son, my better half took the dogs for a long run at the park. Can we say ... » Learn More about Small Favors