This year, make sleep your top priority. Go to bed at the same time each night, wake up at the same time each morning, and put your own slumber needs first. You'll feel like a newer, fresher, healthier, and happier version of yourself in a matter of weeks -- seriously, just give ...read more
I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions. I feel like setting lofty expectations is a recipe for disappointment. It’s not that I don’t want to realize goals, I just don’t like the “all or nothing” mindset that often accompanies the “New Year, New You” mentality. This year, ...read more
You know the drill, you have to make an effort to fit exercise into your daily routine. With a bananas schedule right now, (the kids are in-person some days and remote school some days), I make a plan A and plan B when it comes to self care and workouts. On days that are nuts all ...read more
The New Year is "supposed" to be about making grand goals and resolutions for the year ahead. Still, how often do these so-called transformations end before they even really begin? You want to eat better, mediate more, and do yoga every day. But it's hard to keep up with these ...read more
If getting organized in style is one of your resolutions, we're happy to share some tips to help organize your family's life on paper. While I love my phone and all the apps, trust me when I say we all need a visual that is offline. Check out these tried and true busy mom tips ...read more
A lot of us love our nightly glass of wine. It's our reward for getting through a stressful day and manic night, raising kids, slaying work, making meals, and doing all of the things. And that first sip of post-baby-bedtime vino can feel heavenly, indeed. But you know what also ...read more
You may start out with the best of intentions. Lose weight. Sleep more and so on. But resolutions are hard to keep, to help us out we are sharing the fun tips on how to make changes in your life. Here are the 5 most common resolutions and tips from Dr. Michael Smith, chief ...read more
Does it seem like cold and flu season gets worse every year? Maybe it's because my preschooler loves to share his germs (not that he likes to share anything else), but this year seems exceptionally bad. And, inevitably, what the kiddos get, mom gets. I do my best to keep our ...read more
Our family is blessed with a full pantry, a safe home and health. In 2020, I will attest that business was rough. Our revenues with brand partners came to a grinding halt in March, and while we were able to recover some business at the end of the year, it's been a struggle. I'm ...read more
Cookies for Santa... He definitely deserves a reward (or, you know, several million!) for his enormous effort--and he needs the sugary fuel to get his epic workload done on Christmas Eve. So bake up a batch of something delicious and decadent with your little elves to keep the ...read more
This year certainly has been a doozy, hasn’t it? Our lives have been disrupted, our favorite activities canceled, our gatherings postponed… It would be easy to let that permanently get us down. It doesn’t have to be that way though. Read on to see how my family keeps our spirits ...read more
Can you believe Halloween has come and passed? That means one thing, the holidays are quickly approaching. And, we all know what that means, our willpower will be tested over and over again. We will be inundated with sweets, carbs, and cocktails galore. Of course, we want to hold ...read more
More than 115 million people took road trips to visit loved ones last holiday season. That was pre-Covid. This year, exponentially more people will be driving long distances in cars to avoid crowded airports and airplanes. There are folks who might be driving cross country or ...read more
When I first told my kids that real in-person school was on for the fall they were excited. After months of remote learning they were so pumped to see their friends and be with their teachers and -- you know -- get out of the darn house. But when i explained that they’d have to ...read more
Have you heard the expression "guilt gifting?" Apparently, it's a big trend this season -- overindulging our children because we feel awful about how limiting life has been as of late. Related: FREE PRINTABLE holiday hangtag printables Indeed, COVID-19 has made things more ...read more
Oh how we miss seeing the grandparents. COVID has been horrid when it comes to keeping up with the older generation, and kids need that unconditional love that only grandparents can give. Zoom calls and gifts will have to do for now until we can safely travel to see those we love ...read more
Moms face a certain amount of stress when it comes to breastfeeding. Thankfully there MilkStrip provides moms a way to safely and confidently store and use breastmilk. It's all about taking the guess work out of feeding time, letting you get tap into connecting with baby rather ...read more
As leaves turn color and temperatures drop, we are happily reminded of the upcoming gift-giving, family-gathering, carol-singing season. While the festivities might look different this year -- you're likely staying home with immediate family, you'll still want to prepare for the ...read more
This post was written in partnership with IMODIUM®. We’re all trying to keep our families healthy while we enjoy the best of autumn. Plans have been cancelled left and right, so we’ve started looking into creative ways we can have fun locally. To this end, we’ve started embracing ...read more
We can all use some holiday cheer. With the holidays fast approaching, now is the time to start planning that holiday card. This year it's unlikely we'll be seeing our friends and family. Cards are a terrific way to stay safely connected. Even if you don’t have a professional ...read more
Who's hosting a Friendsgiving fete this year? I love the idea of gathering my girls for a night of food, fun, and drinks. I'm grateful to have a bunch of besties and I'd love to show my love through delicious delights and savory surprises. Our custom Friendsgiving Bourbon ...read more
The Christmas season is officially here! To get in the mood, I'm sharing my favorite Cranberry Sangria Spritzer. Growing up I scoffed when my mom pulled out our Christmas decor as soon as we finished our Thanksgiving dinner. Guess what? I'm doing the same thing! Full circle I ...read more
T-minus three days until the biggest feast of the year. There's a chill in the autumn air--Thanksgiving is almost here. Time to clean, to cook, to prep, to set, and decorate. Whether you're hosting a fancy adult-only affair or a casual party with kids, babies, and families, we ...read more
We love Thanksgiving but it does come with a feeling of being bloated and full for days. While it may be a day to indulge, but there are a few secrets to beat the unwanted bloat that comes with it. Check out these tips from Peak Performance trainer Jessi Kneeland before, during ...read more
It's officially fall. Autumn means boots and sweaters, colorful leaves and crisp cool days. It's my favorite season. While we don't get much fall weather here in Arizona (I'm usually sipping some Prickly Pear Margaritas), it's still my favorite. I still like to pretend it's fall ...read more
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend -- but my husband is this girl’s best partner in love and life. And the ring he put on my finger to represent our union? Well, it’s one of my most prized possessions -- a gorgeous piece of fine jewelry, indeed. But I can say with confidence ...read more
Here we are a week before Halloween (yes, HALLOWEEN!), and I'm already fielding requests from relatives: What should we get the kids for Christmas? Are you coming over on Thanksgiving? Can you tell me which Barbie is the right Barbie? What size turkey should we get? Are they too ...read more
No doubt about it -- this Halloween is, um, different. We're all trying to navigate the rules of celebrating the holiday mid-pandemic, whilst also making it special and fun and wicked exciting for our normalcy-deprived children. Regardless of whether you'll be doing the ...read more
Baby, it's cold outside! Even the deep south saw snow this week. Tonight the low is 19 and the rest of the week is following suit. So, what do we need when it's cold outside, girls? Something warm to drink, of course! For me, this is typically ginger or chamomile tea. On special ...read more
A new book just came out yesterday by acclaimed childhood development and technology experts John Palfrey (President, MacArthur Foundation) and Urs Gasser (Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School) and it couldn't be more timely. The Connected Parent: An ...read more
Of the things that North Americans associate Costa Rica with, the sloth is perhaps one of the most well-known and significant. October 20 is celebrated worldwide as International Sloth Day, a day in which we honor and celebrate the slowww-moving animal. Here's how to celebrate ...read more
As an avid skier and a lover of most winter sports, I take the pre-season pretty seriously. Fall is the time to make sure I ramp up my fitness routine so I can enjoy the snow all winter long. I like variety, so I've rounded up six workout to get you ready for ski season. Related: ...read more
Well, here we are 10 months into 2020, and one thing is clear: video conference calls aren't going away any time soon. We'll be Zooming into client meetings and hanging out via Google for school for some time as we continue to adjust to the new normal of life during the Covid-19 ...read more
One of the most difficult aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is navigating how to safely feel close to family, friends, and loved ones. While Google hangouts and Zoom dates are great, their appeal may have worn off slightly in the last few months. Nevertheless, safety needs to be ...read more
Last year I made the best purchase ever when I scooped up the Wilton Shot Glass Molds. The Shot Glass Molds made their first appearance at an Oktoberfest party - simple ice molds with Jaegermeister shots - and have been a party staple ever since. S'mores shots - chocolate pudding ...read more
The financial markets are in turmoil, school is up in the air and many of us are feeling the pinch with our businesses. With more and more of us questioning the security about our family finances, it's time to dig in and take charge of the things we CAN control. I've researched a ...read more
My neighborhood goes big on Halloween. There are parties, gatherings, parades, and scary-awesome celebrations that go on for weeks. There are kid-friendly festivities and grown-up dinner parties, frightfully fun desserts and kooky-spooky cocktails. It's a blast. But, this year, I ...read more
Getting time to work out isn't as easy as it used to be. When I start planning out my week (I use a digital calendar AND a white board), I start with family obligations. First the girls' stuff goes in - teacher conferences, doctors appointments, music and sports. Then I add in ...read more
Savor and hold on to the last moments of summer with these creamy and delightful strawberries and cream shooters. Everyone will love this signature dessert shooter at your Labor Day cookout this weekend (and check out this manicure idea for the weekend). I honestly can't imagine ...read more
I feel like I've been a bit of a one-trick pony with my cocktail concoctions as of late. I've been all about the mason jars, bubbles (can't get enough of my Prosecco), infused ice-cubes, colorful chevron straws, and freshly sliced or muddled fruit. Seriously though, what more ...read more
If you've been sheltering in place, working from home, ordering your groceries for delivery, and traveling around your neighborhood by foot, chances are your car is feeling the lack of love. Believe it or not, an extended lockdown has had an effect on your auto, too. And so ...read more
If you're a first time parent, take note -- that new car seat you just spent $250 on, it's going to real messy, real fast. Baby poop, puke, urine, milk, and eventually snacks will coat that upholstered puppy in all the gunk. And while taking it apart, and cleaning every inch ...read more
Memorial Day weekend has come and gone--and that means the official start to summer is right around the corner. The temperature will continue to climb, the sun will shine even brighter, and epic barbecue meals are coming to a backyard near you! Related: Easy foil packet dinners I ...read more
I believe in the emotional power of food. Food brings people together and is a way for us to show love. That's why I love giving and getting gifts from Goldbelly. Goldbelly is a curated online marketplace for regional and artisanal foods crafted by local food purveyors ...read more
Tropical Storm Isaiah gave us quite the midsummer surprise here in the suburbs of New York City. We just got our power back on after a whole week of darkness! With trees down, debris everywhere, and lots of uncertainty, one thing we forgot to check on: our above ground Intex ...read more
Whether your kids are distance learning this fall, or heading back to a physical classroom, having an organized closet is important for every student, from grade K to college. Related: Get organized for Back to School with Mabel's Labels There are some easy ways to optimize a ...read more
I've written a lot posts about fighting the good fight when it comes to diet and fitness. I don't think we have to be less fabulous--inside or out--as we age. As time marches on, we have to be proactive about our health. That means making smart food decisions and NOT letting ...read more
Well, that's a loaded title. This isn't a post meant to have you running away to the safety of podcasts you already love and listen to, it's an invitation to mix things up and open your mind to other voices. I have so much personal growth on my plate, it can be a little ...read more
I feel like we haven't seen a whole lot of silver linings since March. The kids went are going back to school mostly online and lots of the outlets that gave moms a break seem like they won't be available for a long, long time. Until we get a vaccine, I'm not optimistic that we ...read more
I recently heard the expression "decision fatigue," for the very first time. Without explanation or definition, I instantly understood the meaning and it immediately resonated with me. Right now, I am experiencing major decision fatigue. Most of us are. Parents have been ...read more