We just returned from one of our summer vacations and oh how much we will miss the good times together. To capture our memories, one of the things we do is a bedtime ritual called, “Review the Holiday,” where we recount the highlights of our vacation. A hands-on way to cement our happy memories is with […]
Hooray for vacation and stay at home days! Well, except for those days when the weather is too hot or too cold to get outside and run off all the extra energy from being cooped up. Even though we rotate toys - I hide stuffed animals in the attic and store birthday and holiday gifts in […]
Glitter, upcycling, and independent play: these are a few of my favorite things. When we received a box brimming with Glitter Glue, Painters Markers, School Glue and Glue Sticks from Elmer’s last weekend, I knew EXACTLY what we would do - get our craft on and create a homemade play town with items straight from […]
After our maiden voyage to Disneyland was such a magical success, we can’t wait to visit again. Short and sweet, here are our Top Ten Tips for Disneyland With Preschoolers. Don’t forget to check out our detailed post on Planning for Disneyland with Preschoolers, with tips on when to visit the park, what attractions not to […]
Disneyland is truly the happiest place on Earth. I hadn’t visited the park since 1987, so I was excited to take the kids (4 and 5 years old) on their maiden voyage, but I had no idea how absolutely magical the experience would be. Watching the children’s hearts nearly explode with joy was the best part […]
Keeping the kids occupied (meaning, not putting them in front of the TV and making sure they’re safe and not killing one another) while we prep dinner is sometimes challenging for us. A fun way to turn what can be a difficult time into an opportunity for learning is this simple Counting by Tens math […]
We’ve been in our new house for about half a year now, but after unpacking our boxes and getting our 1950’s Rancher fixed up, we haven’t really begun to make the house our home. Part of the reason is that we will be remodeling eventually, so making a big investment on statement pieces or committing […]
I’m thrilled to be participating in the Second Annual School’s Out! Top 10 Summer Learning Activities series and sharing our Top Ten Ways to Keep Kids Thinking over Summer Break with you. If you’re like me, you want your children to enjoy the beautiful summer weather, play in the dirt, swim in the pool and just […]
If you’re like us, you’re scrambling to make one hundred homemade Valentines for your children’s classroom Valentine’s Day Exchange and need something quick, cheap, and fun. Lucky for all you last-minute crafters, we’re sharing our simple Magic Heart Wands that will help your child spread some love this Valentine’s Day. All you need is: A […]
It’s been over 20 years in the making, but it’s finally happened. We just moved into our Forever House over Thanksgiving week. It couldn’t be more fitting that we moved that week because there is so much to be thankful for. We are right next door to the house I grew up in and the […]
DIY Memory Box Display
DIY Board Games for Kids
Easy Homemade Play Town
Top Ten Tips For Disneyland With Preschoolers
Planning for Disneyland with Preschoolers
Easy Kitchen Math: Counting By Tens
5 Creative Ways To Upgrade Your Home Style
Summer Learning Activities for Kids: Top Ten Ways To Keep Kids Thinking
{Homemade Valentines} Magic Heart Wands
Home Sweet Home
December 17, 2011 in All Posts, Laugh
We weren’t a holiday card family growing up. But Hubby is a big time card guy. He takes pride in being the first card of the season and it’s the primary way he keeps in touch with many of his relatives overseas. I always wonder, though - especially in times like these - what goes […]
November 7, 2011 in All Posts, Parenting
In Clueless, my own personal bible, Cher defends her high school virginity saying, “Well, you know how picky I am about my shoes - and they only go on my feet.” I can relate. Not just in the realm of fashion, but in all aspects of my life - including finding the right child care. […]
October 25, 2011 in All Posts, Parenting, Sponsored Posts
Thanks to Tervis for sponsoring my writing. Visit their website http://www.tervis.com to learn more about the world’s first smart cup. * * * You know the famous saying “think smarter, not harder.” Well, why is it so darn hard to think smart sometimes? For me, it’s being a creature of habit. Even if my particular habit is […]
October 3, 2011 in All Posts, Parenting
Last week, Hubby and I had what you might call a spat of sorts. To make a long, uninteresting story shorter and more interesting, words were slung around like gloppy fingerpaint in frenzied toddler fists, which fortunately turned out to be the washable kind, and came clean in a day or so with some gentle […]
September 26, 2011 in All Posts, Parenting
I won! I won! An award so prestigious and highly regarded it comes only second to the Nobel Prize. What is this fabulous accolade, you ask? Why, it’s The Versatile Blogger Award! Desi of The Valentine 4 was so kind to bestow me with this award and I’m honestly so surprised - and pleased - […]
September 13, 2011 in All Posts, Parenting, Sponsored Posts
Thanks to Walgreens for sponsoring my writing. Help Walgreens help others! Visit their Facebook page here to learn about their charitable partners and decide which cause Walgreens will donate to with a quick vote. * * * In my spare time - which would be between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. when I’ve finished giving […]
September 12, 2011 in All Posts, Parenting
Recent years of heightened chaos and hectic frenzy have left me feeling the need for a more mindful, controlled way of living, including remembering the purpose and importance of what I’m doing, when I’m doing it - whether it be playing with my children or working on a specific task. In the Mindful Monday posts, […]
September 1, 2011 in All Posts, Laugh, Parenting
Yesterday was Jane’s first day of school. At 2 years, 7 months, my little baby went off to preschool. I thought there would be tears on somebody’s part: mine or hers. Or possibly both. But instead, it was one of the best days we’ve shared so far. Jane was giddy with excitement and couldn’t wait […]
August 22, 2011 in All Posts, Guest Posts, Parenting
Sit back and relax with your Monday morning cuppa while the two Sarahs of Salt & Nectar let us in on their secrets of how to carve out precious “me” time during the busy hustle and bustle of motherhood. Enjoy! When chatting with The Outlaw Mom about her transition from working full time to life as […]
August 15, 2011 in All Posts, Laugh, Parenting
Looking back, Weeks One and Two were seriously hectic. Luckily, we were on vacation for Weeks Three and Four. Even though it technically wasn’t a “vacation” vacation - more a visit home to the in-laws’ - it was wonderful to get away from our routine and put some distance between working life and my new […]
