I'm so thankful that my mom is always looking for inexpensive books for my kids. From the time my kids were born, she's been on the hunt for great, new reads for Maddy, Owen, and Cora. She searches for their favorite authors at her local library's book sale each time it's held. She keeps an eye out for books at yard sales. And when she finds them, she sets them aside to bring to Maryland, or she keeps them at her house for when we come to visit. It makes a difference. It really, … [Read more...]
how we are saving for our kids’ college and how you can, too
When Maddy was born, we received a lot of parenting advice. She needs to sleep with you. . . . and She definitely shouldn't sleep with you. Babies must be nursed exclusively for the first year. . . . . and Babies must have rice cereal by six months. She needs to cry it out on her own so that she doesn't become a spoiled child. . . . . and Babies must be picked up every, single time they cry so that they know they're loved. Some advice was appreciated, and, well. . . some was … [Read more...]
black history month: resources for kids and families
We often talk about race in our home, but lately my kids have become more and more curious about the struggles that many so many groups have faced--African-Americans in particular--throughout our history. Yes, we have great books here, rich with information and ideas and stories, but I wanted a little more. We need a little more. So rather than fumble through their questions about race, history, and segregation, I wanted to give Maddy, Owen, and Cora some clarity--as much of the … [Read more...]
kingsmill resort for a girls’ weekend getaway (and 100 reasons you need a getaway too!)
Last weekend, I had the great opportunity to drop everything and head to Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia for a girls' weekend getaway with three of my dearest friends. We have been talking about getting together for a girls' weekend for years and years, and finally, we did it. Each of us have three children, spouses, and full-time jobs. Getting this organized was no easy feat. But once we did it? We were thrilled. It. Was. Awesome. Kingsmill Resort is … [Read more...]
thank you delivery people: free printable for families
This time of the year is insane. We're moving so quickly, our to-do lists are nuts, and often we're totally forgetting to breathe. At least I am. So when I saw my sweet and smart friend Danielle Smith, of Pretty Extraordinary, take a minute to say "thank you" to the delivery people, I stopped and smiled. This is so simple. But it can really make someone's day. Here's the skinny. . . Thank You Delivery People -- Free Printable for Families It's a simple "thank you" that you can … [Read more...]
gifts that give back: ideas for kids and family #givingtuesday
Did you know that today is Giving Tuesday? It's a really simple concept: give. Any way you are able, to anyone. Give. The concept of giving is especially important at this time of the year, and lucky for us, many organizations have made it super easy--and so meaningful!--to give at holiday time. Looking at my kids' bedrooms and our playroom, I see we need very little. So I'm encouraging all of our family members to do something this year that packs a bit more of a punch: buying … [Read more...]
Highlights State of the Kid Report 2017 #WorldKindnessDay
Have you heard of the Highlights State of the Kid Report? You can find the 2017 State of the Kid Report on the Highlights for Children website. The report was released today, on World Kindness Day! Each year, Highlights interviews thousands of children ages 6-12, and each year, parents and educators learn exactly what children think and feel about important topics. In the 2017 SOTK report, the findings centered on kindness, caring, and empathy. These are totally hot topics right … [Read more...]
strategies for handling sad, tragic news–as a family
Originally published on Dec 15, 2012 in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School but republished today because it's a message many need to hear. Today, my heart is heavy with the news of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, and though I am not at all close to the area and though I do not have friends or family directly affected by the tragedy, I am having a hard time knowing what to do--as a mother, as a person, and together as a family. I really want to ball up in … [Read more...]
walmart grocery pick-up: grocery shopping made easy
I'm a sucker for anything that makes my busy life easier. So when I was asked to try Walmart's new Grocery Pick-up service, you better believe I was game to try it. Grocery shopping is often not only a juggling act with kids in tow, but it's also a huge time suck for me; depending on the time of day, sometimes I'd find myself stuck in the grocery store for up to two hours. Two hours! I can think of 800 things I'd rather be doing than grocery shopping for two hours. Walmart … [Read more...]
how to get kids to talk about school: what every parent must know
School's in full swing here, and if your house is anything like mine, getting kids to talk about their day is sometimes difficult. I want to know everything: Who did they sit with at lunch? Who did they play with at recess? How do they like their tablemates? What book did they start in Guided Reading? Who hosted the morning tv show? But it's hard. The kids are tired at 3pm, they're even more tired at 7pm, and the last thing they want to do is talk to boring old Mom about … [Read more...]
5 reasons to see ‘Gifted’ the movie and discussion guide for families #GiftedMovie
Last month, Cora and I were flown out to Los Angeles for a press junket for Gifted, the new movie starring Chris Evans (, Mckenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, Jenny Slate, and Lindsay Duncan. The movie, the actors, the interviews, and the whole experience were amazing. Let me cut to the chase, friends. I have information for you. I know you're busy. So you want to know: Should you see the movie or not? Should you spend you money on it? Should you use your Sunday afternoon or … [Read more...]
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