I know we’re deep into back-to-school season right now and we're all lamenting the loss of family vacation time a bit, but I need to take a time-out from all of that today and tell you about another super fun activity our family has been LOVING lately. First, the backstory... about 2 years ago my husband started training with a group of people from work for a Spartan Races. If you're not familiar, these are extreme obstacle course races outside in the elements. Think crawling in the mud, sliding … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: How I Re-Connected with My Kids
I don’t think I sat on the couch for more than five minutes when my kids were toddlers—we were always on the floor playing trains, or at the table squeezing Play-Doh, or off on an adventure somewhere. Honestly, I thought I’d enjoy it more than I did. Oh, I could play Thomas the Tank Engine for 30 minutes just fine, but the whole day? Not so much. I’ll admit it—I couldn’t wait for them to play independently. Parents often joke about kids’ short attention spans, but I will say that my … [Read more...]
6 Things Teachers Would Like to Tell Parents
Image Credit Top: © Phil Roeder |edited and text added | 08.25.11 | CC by 2.0 Bottom: © Woodleywonderworks |edited and text added | 10.17.08 | CC by 2.0 As a former elementary school teacher, and having written about things that your teacher would like you to share about your child, I thought it would be fitting to also let parents know some things that teachers would love to share with you.Today I've rounded up 6 thoughts that most teachers would agree are highly important for parents to … [Read more...]
Our Picks for the Top Toys of the Summer
Even though school has already started for many of you, there are also still several weeks of warm weather left. Today I wanted to share with you some of our family's favorite toys this summer.Quick note: If you're wondering if these reviews are part of a paid sponsorship, they are not. I did, however, receive free review product so that I could test each of these finds and report back to you guys.Here's the deal, as a family blogger I get offered A LOT of products to review- especially toys … [Read more...]
How to Save Big on Back-to-School Shopping at Goodwill
It's back-to-school time, which means it's also time to spend an alarming amount of money on back-to-school clothes, backpacks, shoes, etc.Or is it?Before you break out that credit card, I wanted to make sure you're thinking about one of my favorite stores that's guaranteed not to break the bank- Goodwill.As my kids continue to get older and the cost of their clothes seems to grow along with their fashion opinions, I've realized that I have to find a way to cut back the spending. … [Read more...]
Homemade Nutri-Grain-Style Cereal Bars (with a gluten-free option!)
Cereal bars and granola bars are such an easy grab-and-go snack, but most store brands come with a whole host of ingredients that you didn't bargain for.It seems like it should just be made of some grains and fruit, right? Check out the ingredient list of Kellogg's Strawberry Nutri-Grain Bars: CRUST: WHOLE GRAIN OATS, ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, VITAMIN B1 [THIAMIN MONONITRATE], VITAMIN B2 [RIBOFLAVIN], FOLIC ACID), WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN AND/OR CANOLA OIL, SOLUBLE … [Read more...]
13 Must-Try Traditions for the First Day of School
When my kids were old enough to start school, my mother-in-law passed down a tradition that she continued into adulthood with her children.On the first day of school, she would take a photo of the child holding the door knob ready to leave. She did this every year and even has a photo of her children in their college cap and gown, holding on to that same door knob.I've continued the tradition with my kids. Now that I have two high-schoolers and a middle schooler, I don't think my kids would … [Read more...]
Parenting Styles: Why You Should Learn Something New with Your Kid
I awkwardly pulled the mesh helmet over my head in my first fencing class. It was hot. My glasses fell down my nose and my hair was in my face. My heart beat as rapidly as if I were standing in line for a roller coaster. True confession: I never wanted to be a fencer. When I was pregnant, I dreamed of Mom-n-Me ballet classes. I couldn’t wait for my kids to be old enough for the adult and child mixed beginner Taekwando class in the rec department’s catalog. The idea … [Read more...]
The Nordstrom Sale Ends Today- Grab These Now!
Today is it guys, the very last day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!While a lot of things are selling out as I type this, the good news is that there are still amazing deals to be had, you just have to know where to look... and I've done my very best to include them all below.You'll find lots of shoes and clothes for you but, also, don't forget about the less talked-about but equally awesome sales on home stuff, kid stuff, and beauty stuff!!Again, my apologies if anything is sold … [Read more...]
Totally Do-Able Backyard DIYs there’s Still Time to Try
This time of year, my family and I always spend as much time as possible hanging on the back deck or playing in the driveway. Which means, I always get the urge to DIY to spruce up those spaces.Today I've collected my favorite idea, big and small, for adding a little more style and function to your outdoor spaces!#1 LIGHT-UP OUTDOOR BAR USING PALLETS & SOLAR FAIRY LIGHTSI can always use extra space for drinks and apps when entertaining out back and this is such a great … [Read more...]
15 Pieces to Grab Before the Nordstrom Sale Ends!
There's only a week left of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!While a lot of things have sold out at this point, there are still treasures to be had, I promise.Not only that, I've once again done all the hard work for you! We'll get to those shortly but first, don't forget to check out the posts I've already written on the sale:All the Shoes You Should Buy from the Nordstrom Anniversary SaleThe Ultimate Mom Finds from the Nordstrom Anniversary SaleAll caught up? Great, now … [Read more...]
Establishing “Family Jobs” & “Money Jobs” at Home
My kids have recently reached the age where they're interested in chores, money, earning, saving... all of that good stuff. And as we started to dip our toes into the world of chores and piggy banks, I realized it's not quite as straight forward as I had thought.So today we're publishing the first in a series of posts on responsibilities and money management for kids - a super important topic in our book.Our hope is that you'll get some good tips and resources and will also add your own … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Mom Finds from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Now that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to all, it's the perfect time for me to share with you every crazy comfy piece I picked up for myself at the sale.As a mom on the go, I prioritize pieces that will hold up, look cute, and- most of all- be super comfortable. All the picks below fit the bill.Before you start perusing, though, don't forget that I've also let you in on all my favorite shoe finds from the sale here.The North Face Knit Stitch Fleece PulloverWas $70, … [Read more...]
All the Shoes You Should Buy from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
It's time once again for my annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coverage! And this year I'm starting early! So if you're a Nordy Club member (aka have a Nordstrom card) you can start saving big right now with your early access.The first day of the sale I hustled myself over to the store so I could take a bunch of in person shots for you guys.I'm not gonna lie- it was a mad house and things were selling out in store quick! If you can order online and save yourself the hassle, I highly … [Read more...]