Ah, I love chickens. They are so quirky and funny, adorable and useful. They’ve really snuggled their way into my heart! I am unashamed to say I’m a chicken lover. And whether you’re looking to buy gifts for someone else or yourself, I’ve collected the best gifts for a chicken lover. Check out my suggestions, from the useful to the whimsical! And be sure to add your own ideas in the comments!
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There is a lot of confusion and misinformation over what a stay at home mom actually does all day. Some people forget that she exists, some think that she just lays around or shops online, and others are happy in their ignorance. I got really tired of being ignored and unappreciated so I thought I’d write down everything I did in a typical school day from when I got up until I went to bed. It’s the painful honest truth: This is what a day in the life of a stay at home mom really looks like. Read and be amazed.
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My children are old enough now that we can really start doing some fun stuff during the Christmas season. Whether it’s driving around armed with pajamas and cocoa to check out Christmas lights, having a specific “right” way to decorate the tree, or watching a certain movie on Christmas Eve, there are tons of traditions to do with your kids during the holiday season! We compiled a grand list: the family Christmas must-do list. Check out all of our ideas, and pick which ones would fit in to your home. And of course, add your own in the comments to share with other families! Continue reading
I don’t think the world is ready for it, but here it is. The gift guide of gift guides, every article I’ve written that can help you pick the perfect present this year. These are honest, useful suggestions for the meaningful people in your life. They’re appropriate year-round, too. And hey, you’ll be helping support a small business, so thanks for your patronage! Continue reading
Got a toddler, huh? I bet you’ve heard that “the days are long but the years are short.” Still, that “days are long” part can be tough! My daughter and I had to find some stuff to pass the time once her big brother started kindergarten. And now I pass on my list of fun things to do with your toddler – with a free PDF list included for you to download and print! Continue reading
Our oldest will be going to kindergarten this fall in a public school! My husband and I are teachers by profession, but this is our first time going through the “school readiness” process as parents. After speaking with teachers, parents, and online sources, we’ve compiled a list of things to do to prepare your child for kindergarten. We’re publishing this information in hopes that we can help other parents, especially if this is your first rodeo with a child going to school! Continue reading
So you’re stuck at home with kids. It sounds like the plot of a horror movie. Maybe the kids are sick. Maybe you’re sick. Maybe the car croaked. Maybe you have to wait all day for a delivery or a service. Maybe you’re broke. Whatever the reason is, you’re stuck at home… with kids. But it doesn’t have to be a miserable nightmare! I’ve put together an extensive list of fun things to do together. So until you’re out of home quarantine, rest easy. I’ve got you taken care of. Continue reading
Shopping with your kids can be fun! No, I’m serious! I actually love taking my kids to the grocery store: they’re generally calm, cooperative, and eager to learn all about healthy choices. I’ve lined up all of my best hacks and strategies to help you have fun when you take your kids to the store, too! Continue reading
Happy (almost) new year! Maybe you consider yourself to be a “resolutions”-driven person; maybe not. I like to think of the new year as a jumping-off point for some new things I want to improve upon. 2017 certainly was a year of growth for me, both professionally and personally! I’m now a runner (sort of), I’ve gotten more love and less B.S. going in my life, and I’m finally becoming best friends with myself. I don’t want to waste any more time pretending, or only being me part of the time.
So I’m resharing a post I did a year ago about how to write resolutions. We’re moms who are realistic: we have limited resources, time, money, and sanity. So a lot of goals and resolutions may seem impossible, ridiculous, or like “Yeah let’s not even pretend that’s gonna happen.”
Here, I’ll help you think about what you want to do in 2018, whether it’s get more involved in local politics or get to know yourself better.
And of course, share this out so that us moms can help support each other with our new endeavors! It’s never too late to be a better you, whatever that means in your heart.
Find my Resolutions for a Realistic Mom post here!
I’ve read about a thousand posts about self care for moms. And I always get anxious that taking care of myself means sacrificing quality time with my kids, or time to clean up and get work done. There are so many great ideas out there, but I feel guilty when I think about leaving my toddler crying on the floor so that I can sip my coffee while it’s still hot. I can’t enjoy my alone time with some of these extravagant ideas… and some I just plain can’t afford.
So here’s what I’ve done: I’ve looked at my own life and what works for our little family. I’ve looked at things which make me happy and recharge the batteries of my soul. And I’ve looked at things which are easily doable on a regular basis, when (gasp!) the kids are around. What’s made it into this article are the things which fit every one of those qualifications.
The result? Self care for the busy mom. These tips won’t make you feel like you’re a horrible mother, because your kids won’t suffer. You can take care of yourself while taking care of the kids, too.
Just remember: you can’t serve others when your cup is empty. It’s taken me years to admit this, but it’s true. So take care of yourself and be well, my friend. I’m in the trenches with you, but I’m still smiling! Continue reading
