Even though it doesn’t feel like it just yet, fall is here in Pittsburgh! Don’t tell that to my kids who were swimming yesterday or to my air condition that’s pulling some serious overtime right now, but make no mistake that fall is upon us. And what’s not to love about the change of seasons in ... » Learn More about Be the Best Gift-Giver to Ever Give (Plus a Giveaway!)
DIY
Schooled by Stephanie Jankowski
Schooled by Stephanie Jankowski Actual footage of me when I saw the cover of my book, Schooled: A Love Letter to the Exhausting, Infuriating, Occasionally Excruciating Yet Somehow Completely Wonderful Profession of Teaching: via GIPHY I am so very grateful for this whole experience--I WROTE ... » Learn More about Schooled by Stephanie Jankowski
I Don’t Know Who Needs to Hear This, but We’re All F*cking Up
I'm in this weird stage of parenting where my kids physically need me less, but they're basically emotional dumpster fires that I have to manage or the whole town will be ablaze. My ten-year-old has finally submitted to the fact that the world does not revolve around him, though anxiety seems to ... » Learn More about I Don’t Know Who Needs to Hear This, but We’re All F*cking Up
Dancing in the Rain
There's no better feeling than when he looks at me and smiles that smile. His whole face lights up, his eyes sparkle, joyful. Our dance is synced, our rhythm steady. To experience the lilt in his laugh is to know the purest kind of love and in that moment, when I am his, I know it is the closest to ... » Learn More about Dancing in the Rain
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Idlewild Park & SoakZone Before Summer’s Over
I currently own and operate three humans; two girls ages five and eight, and boy who's ten going on forty. Finding something they all enjoy at the same can be taxing these days, as the only thing they appear to really enjoy is constant conflict. As my mother used to say to my brother, "Dear god, ... » Learn More about The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Idlewild Park & SoakZone Before Summer’s Over
Book Update!
*crawls out from underneath rock* Oh, hey! It's been a minute since I've shared anything on here, eh? Let's catch up real quick before moving into the book stuff: My last blog post was from April. Know what happens after April? May. You know how May goes... June consisted of either me or my ... » Learn More about Book Update!
2019 EQT Children’s Theater Festival
It's time to come out of hiding. Spring has sprung in the 'burgh, so there's no longer any excuse for avoiding the outdoors and other people. What? Just me? 'Tis the season for soccer practice and baseball games, dirty hands and faces, and the EQT Children’s Theater Festival! The Festival is ... » Learn More about 2019 EQT Children’s Theater Festival
Things I Learned While Writing My First Book
Since last September, I've been all via GIPHY Morning, noon, and night, I poured over my book, determined to meet the February manuscript deadline. As of February 28 at 3:00, I met that deadline--nay, I SLAYED that deadline!--and I learned a few things whilst slaying. Allow me ... » Learn More about Things I Learned While Writing My First Book
Understanding Pregnancy Over 40
Hi, pals! This post is a bit of a departure from my usual writing, but because I have friends who have experienced or who are currently struggling with infertility issues, I agreed to share this important information. Hugs to anyone who recognizes themselves in these words. Forty is the new ... » Learn More about Understanding Pregnancy Over 40
Names & Words
If you'd said the name "Hamilton" a few years ago, I would've been all meh. Like, okay, he's on the ten dollar bill...aaaand? When the Broadway musical, Hamilton, came out, that all changed, and after seeing it last night, I'm pretty sure that's the whole point of the show: remember Alexander ... » Learn More about Names & Words