Have you wanted to get in better shape, but weren’t sure how to get started? Well, I’m here to tell you how, thanks in part to the BodyBoss Ultimate Body Fitness Guide, I’m well on my way to a stronger, fitter body. Because while looking good is a bonus, my mission is to be in ...read more
Get into the full Halloween spirit with this super fun Pumpkin Scented Moon Sand Oobleck DIY! Haven't heard of Oobleck? Well it's all the rage in my house. The kids went from obsessing over slime making to creating Oobleck which is cornstarch and water. It's something they ...read more
Nowadays, Kindergarten is serious biz. It's no longer the half day of play and finger-painting fun that I remember fondly from my childhood. It's intense, it's exhausting, and it's real work. Not to say it isn't still awesomely enjoyable and educational; it's just less about ...read more
I never really loved Halloween… and then I became a mom. Now, I’m obsessed with every pumpkin patch, every not-so-spooky book, every slightly scary movie, every creepy craft, every trick, every treat, and all the adorable costumes I want to force my kids to wear. Yes, October ...read more
Cocktails, friends, makeovers, and foot massages… This scenario adds up to my ideal moms’ night out! Luckily for me, I recently joined Momtrends, Meredith Corporation, and a few fabulous influencers for an evening that included all of the above and so much more. Hosted by the ...read more
My whole family seems to deal with allergies in some form. Whether it's the seasonal issues my husband suffers from or the year round eczema my kiddos have, allergies always seem to be there. Except for me that is. I have been immune to them, but this fall has been different. ...read more
#WHYISWITCHED Over the years, I’ve slowly been making the switch to using as many natural products as I can in my daily routine. I just feel better when I know that less chemicals and more natural ingredients are touching my body. I’ve found natural shampoo, moisturizer and even ...read more
When I think of iconic family vacation spots, I think of Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA. As a kid, my family used to go to this picturesque Poconos destination every year in the winter. I remember the cozy vibe, the warm staff, the lovely accommodations, and the delicious ...read more
Fall has arrived. The kids are back in school, you've returned to a routine, and you're slowly but surely adjusting to the swing of things. The weather is changing, the leaves are falling, and everything and everyone is happily, healthily chugging along... Welllllll, we hate to ...read more
My son has ADHD and takes medication to assist with the challenges that come along with it. While the meds have definitely helped in some areas, there is certainly a trade off. He now has a really difficult time falling asleep and he doesn't often stay asleep either. The fact is, ...read more
#FewerWorries TWITTER PARTY ON 9/20 Come chat with us! Date: Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET Hashtag: #FewerWorries Hosts: @momtrends@theshoppingmama @ErinCondren Sponsored by: Liberty Mutual (@LibertyMutual) When you think about the back to ...read more
September is Baby Safety Month—and as a blogger and mom, I want to do my part to spread the message about keeping infants rear-facing in car seats until they turn two. That’s right, Mamas, resist temptation and keep those bucket seats backwards for as long as you can... But, ...read more
The perfect fall recipe: Apple Cider Donuts. Just like you would find at the farm! It's my favorite time of the year: fall! As soon as I hear that my local pick-your-own farms have apples ready for picking, I pack my family up and we are in the orchards. I just adore the smell ...read more
Grandparents. They're the best. Ever since I was a little girl, my grandmother always sent me beautiful cards. Her handwriting was iconic: beautiful script and a classic style. She definitely fostered my love of writing, sending hand written letters, and hoarding gorgeous ...read more
When I was pregnant with both my kids, my favorite thing to do was take long scenic car drives—anywhere and everywhere. I'd recline my passenger seat, turn on the radio, and take in the sights, sounds, and scenery. My husband and I would stop for lunch, take a leisurely stroll ...read more
It has been an epic summer. Labor Day is around the corner, and school starts in less than three weeks. The season of fun and sun and freedom is almost coming to a close. But I’m not ready to throw in the [beach] towel just yet! I want to make the most of every hot, sweaty, ...read more
#StaplesBTS TWITTER PARTY ON 8/24 Come chat with us! Date: Thursday, August 24th, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. PST / 7:00 p.m. EST Hashtag: #StaplesBTS Hosts: @momtrends@theshoppingmama Sponsored by: Staples (@Staples) The kids have headed back to school, or they’re about to, and you’re ...read more
Come chat with us about added sugar in kids' diets and easy ways to cut back! Date: Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. PST / 1:00 p.m. EST Hashtag: #GiveKINDaTry Hosts: @momtrends@theshoppingmama Sponsored by: KINDSnacks (@KINDSnacks) It's time to send the kids back to ...read more
Haven't been hitting the beach as much as you'd like this summer?! Well, don't worry, I the perfect DIY craft that will make you feel like you've spent the day with your toes in the sand. With the kids in camp most of the day, we haven't been able to get to the beach as much ...read more
Come chat with us! Date: Tuesday, August 15th, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. PST / 9:00 p.m. EST Hashtag: #VamousseToLice Hosts: @momtrends@theshoppingmama Sponsored by: Vamousse (@Vamousselice) Lice...ewwww. It makes most of us shudder with dread. Am I right? And while many of us parents ...read more
We are celebrating the glory days of summer (because there's a whole lot left!) with a few or our faves and a "must-haves" summer giveaway. We are soaking up every minute of these summer days and using them to reconnect with our family, friends and ourselves. We are always on the ...read more
One thing I particularly love about summer is how many hours of daylight there are. That means countless opportunities for outside fun! Being that we don't have to stick to the same strict bedtime schedule in the summer months, my family has a blast sneaking in some extra play ...read more
We have been hosting big parties for our children's birthdays for many years. While it is always a good time; the parties are costly, don't give us a lot of time to really spend together, not to mention they are exhausting. When it came time to celebrate my son's birthday, we ...read more
Delicious No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream recipe made with just 3 ingredients! Happy National Ice Cream Month! That's right, July is National Ice Cream Month and it couldn't be more fitting since it's our favorite dessert to cool off with in the hot summertime months! While ...read more
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but...I, gulp, am going to have a kindergartner on my hands next month. That's right. My baby girl just turned five, graduated pre-k and is starting her elementary school education far too soon for mama's taste. Bwah! I feel like I was ...read more
Happy Fourth of July extended weekend, besties! It's time to celebrate America with delicious food, great drinks, and fabulous company. We hope you have amazing plans with family and friends—and we want to help you kick off the festivities with the easiest, brightest, yummiest, ...read more
Let's talk about well rounded people and how to raise little ones to become them. It is, of course, important to me to focus on things like STEM subjects with my children, but fostering creativity, individuality and a curious nature are also equally as important. Without ...read more
There's nothing better in the summer than an awesome BBQ with friends! Creating a Build Your Own Burger Bar is a fun way for your guests to get creative with their burger! A burger bar is a fun way to keep your BBQ simple. Give your guests lots of options for toppings and ...read more
There is not much on this planet that delights a kiddo like bubbles. I literally only have to blow that very first bubble and my daughter and her little cousin instantly erupt into giggles and squeals. Frankly, so do I. There is something so magical about watching a wee one ...read more
This post and Twitter party are sponsored by Kay Jewelers. Come chat with us! Date: Wednesday, May 10th, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. PST / 9:00 p.m. EST Hashtag: #MomIs Hosts: @momtrends @theshoppingmama Sponsored by: Kay Jewelers (@KayJewelers) We’re thrilled to share that we’ve ...read more
My little slugger just joined a tee-ball team. Or rather, his eager mom (that'd be me!) and doting dad signed him up, bribed him, dressed him, drove him, and maniacally cheered for him from the bleacher stands... as if he was actually playing a real, competitive game. (Let’s be ...read more
WHAT: #FewerWorries Twitter Chat WHEN: Wednesday, April 26 at 10 AM PT/ 1 PM ET WHO: @LibertyMutual, @ErinCondren, @Momtrends, & @TheShoppingMama Spring is in the air… Can’t you just feel it? Colorful flowers are blooming, subtle breezes are blowing, and the radiant sun is ...read more
With Earth Day approaching this weekend, actress, mom, and animal lover Kristen Bell has joined forces with Tide purclean and the World Wildlife Fund to help convert as many homes as possible to energy-saving laundry habits. Tide Purclean is a 65% plant-based detergent that has ...read more
My kids love projects. Painting projects, crafting projects, baking projects... you name it, they want to get into it! And that's great—as a work-at-home mom, I'm always looking for activities to keep my kids engaged and entertained and quietly occupied. Of course, sometimes I ...read more
Each season I love to schedule a family photo shoot. That could mean a session with all four of us or sometimes it's just the kids. Watching how they grow and evolve throughout the year is the greatest gift and I so enjoy capturing them in frame worthy photos. Now, typically, we ...read more
I made these beautiful gilded watercolor eggs for our Easter display this year. As an adult I'm not longer happy with the simple cups of color for dying eggs. I need a more intricate more "adult" design. Something that's really pretty to look at with some detail. I made most of ...read more
It's officially Spring! So, let's celebrate with this garden-party inspired DIY pail and basket craft. Finally, we can ditch the ski boots for rain boots, because we all know that April showers really do bring May flowers! What better way to get into the spring spirit than ...read more
Easter is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate. It's a lovely holiday filled with such promise. And, as with any holiday, in our family celebrating means decorating, making tasty treats and crafting to our heart's content. My daughter was born with an artistic soul and, while ...read more
These Carrot Cake Cupcakes topped with Coconut Cream Cheese Icing are perfect for a kid-friendly dessert on your Easter table! One of our favorite spring desserts is carrot cake. While cake is fun, cupcakes have really become quite popular recently to be served at parties and ...read more
I had a baby just a little over two years ago… and yet somehow it feels like it’s been forever—especially when I see all the latest and greatest baby gadgets, gizmos, and must-have gear. How have their been so many game-changing product launches in the 28 months since I was ...read more
Give a friend a flower she doesn't have to water! These crepe paper flowers are perfect decorations and provide lots of fun as props in photos. To make these gorgeous crepe paper flowers, you will need: A dowel (chopstick, paintbrush, or pencil) Crepe paper Green duct tape or ...read more
It's spring! Can you believe it? It's finally here! I know I'm not the only mama who's been anxiously awaiting winter's end... and my kiddos are even more ready for spring than I am! That's why I've been toiling away trying to come up with fun ways to make it feel like springtime ...read more
Guess what? We're turning traditional Irish Soda Bread into muffins! These Irish Soda Bread muffins are kid friendly and delicious! Everyone is Irish for St. Patrick’s Day! We look forward to the arrival of Irish Soda Bread in our local bakery every year. It turns out that ...read more
Like most of us so often do at the start of a new year, back in in January I resolved to commit myself to a cleaner lifestyle and bring my family along for the ride. We just feel better when we're eating better. It simply takes a little bit of effort and discipline to put a ...read more
Raise your hand if you’re excited for the new Beauty & the Beast live action movie, coming to theaters in just 14 days (not that I’m counting down or anything!). We love family-friendly flicks almost as much as we love good family meals... And that's why we were so excited to ...read more
It's Dr. Seuss week at my four year old's school! We're super excited to celebrate, but we got lucky enough to help put together this super fun, whimsical Dr. Seuss party recently. With bright colors, fun characters and Birthday Express Dr. Seuss themed party supplies, this party ...read more
We love us some easy washi tape crafts, and now you will too! Washi tape is one of our favorite crafting supplies ever. It's so versatile and the patterns are endless and you can stick it to virtually anything and it won't ruin the surface. Yay for washi tape crafts! Amy ...read more
Happy Valentine's Day! Who's ready for a super-cute Valentine's Day craft? We are loving all things miniature, and this V-Day is no different. We might express it in a tiny form, but our hearts are overflowing with love. You can turn a boring, regular old matchbox into a sweet ...read more
The countdown to the Super Bowl is on! T-minus one week and two days! If you're reading this post, I bet you're starting to get excited. Cheering on your favorite team takes a lot of energy. You can "tackle your hunger" with our Super Bowl Nacho Bar complete with Bacon Chile ...read more
Once again, CVS is stepping up to the plate to help families. Remember when they were the first pharmacy to ban cigarette sales? Once again they are first, putting health before profits. Join us tonight as we talk about this big shift in healthcare that effects many families. ...read more