I've been a Costco member for years. It's my go-to store for purchasing household staples: paper towels, T.P., garbage bags, detergent, water, coffee grinds, milk, and eggs. It's also where I stock up on "bottomless" snack supplies for my hungry-hungry-hippo growing kids: big ...read more
For a mother, life can be extremely stressful. With it being the New Year, there is no better time to take some time for yourself to relax, regroup and exercise. Yoga is a great way to provide self care. Even on your busiest days, squeezing in these top three yoga poses for ...read more
Kindness is not overrated. In fact, a little bit goes a long way. It can be as simple as a giving a stranger a compliment or as elaborate as a home-cooked meal delivered to someone in need, either way it can make someone's day. I'll never forget the time I was struggling with my ...read more
Valentine's Day is almost here. Have you remembered everyone on your list? We've got a fun bunch of bouquets to share for everyone on your list of sweeties. From your mom to your BFF these classy flower arrangements, make the perfect gifts. Farm Girl Flowers a DIY with ...read more
I don't let winter slow me down. In fact, I exercise more in the winter than any other time of the year. When the snow comes, you can find me skiing and enjoying the best of the season. This year, I've added Nordic skiing (aka cross country skiing) to my workout routine. With ...read more
We've hit the winter lull--that lengthy stretch of season with no plans, no parties, nothing to do, and nowhere to go. I have to admit that at first, I welcomed the quiet obligation-free weekends of January. After the nonstop hustle-bustle pace of November and December, my family ...read more
I've always enjoyed a glass or two of red wine as much as the next gal, but, recently, I swapped out that nightly glass of Cab for an evening cup of tea. You see, while my tastebud's still love the flavor and feel of a weighty wine swirling around my mouth, my nervous system ...read more
Winter is rough. (Okay, Nicole, I know you're reading this and developing multiple counter arguments about snow, skis, family and fun. I hear you, and I get it.) But still--winter is mostly rough. I need Vitamin D. The lack of sunshine and greenery messes with my emotional ...read more
It is no shock that the reign of a new year brings countless resolutions of how to live a better life. Statistics show that losing weight and getting fit are consistently in the top 10 New Year's resolutions for Americans each year. We all see the gym deals and Weight Watchers ...read more
According to the newly released Pinterest 100 report, global searches for "social media detox" are up a whopping 314%. January is often a time to reset and refocus. Many people start diets, begin exercise regimens and establish overall health goals. Others, choose to refrain ...read more
Super Bowl Sunday is almost here! And though I cheer more for the commercials than the teams, I'm a huge fan of the country’s biggest sporting extravaganza. To help you get ready for the big game, I've tapped into my network of amazing mom chefs and come up with 15 no fail chili ...read more
The holiday season has been hectic and exhausting. Heck, if you're a mom the whole year has likely been a busy blur. Take some time to slow down and recognize the importance of sleep and self care--and put these two things at the top of your 2020 priority list. We're sharing ...read more
Let the Super Bowl countdown (and content!) begin! This next week, we'll be sharing lots of recipes, roundups, ideas, and inspiration... and we're kicking off (get it?) the celebration with two unexpected and totally refreshing drinks to serve at your fun football-game affair. ...read more
Tonight the Golden Globes are awarding the best of the best of movies and TV. But this mom isn't always up on the latest and greatest. I have a family and a job and well, when I stay up late it has to be good. Here's my current list of shows worth staying up past your bedtime. ...read more
As I reflect on what worked in 2019, I'm review a few favorites. One book that really inspired me was Elevate, a bite-sized business and time management book perfect for busy working women, especially moms that work outside the home. I did a bit of social media promotion for the ...read more
Tim Allen said, "Winter forms our character and brings out our best." I agree. There are two ways to approach winter. First, you can embrace it and experience all it has to offer and know, it's just a season. Second, you can take the cold personally and bristle and groan until ...read more
New Year's Eve is gonna be lit. (Did I use that word right? Note to self: Stop trying to be cool in 2020.) Seriously though, I'm pretty pumped about my plans for the last night of the decade. I'm staying in, putting on my fave PJs, and throwing a little pizza party for my fave ...read more
It's hard to believe that 2015 is already coming to an end. This might have been the fastest year yet, or maybe Mommy brain has me in a fog. Either way, we're looking forward to ringing in 2016 with our kiddos with a mini New Years's Eve celebration at 8 pm, ha! We tested out a ...read more
New Year's Eve is just around the corner, and as the champagne flows and music blasts, it's also very important to keep the health consequences and safety risks to a minimum while you're out and about partying and celebrating and ringing in the decade. Here are a few things to ...read more
It’s true that with each subsequent child, you become slightly more lax about rules. My first was exclusively spoon-fed organic homemade purees. My second squeezed the store-bought stuff right out of the pouches. And my third? Well, she’s currently gnawing on a whole bagel or ...read more
Don't you think Santa gets tired of eating cookie after cookie after cookie of his own likeness? There are only so many million bearded chocolate chip, sugar, butter and gingerbread confections the big guy can consume in one busy night. I have to think he'd like a few hundred ...read more
Did you know that National Bath Safety Month is approaching? This is an opportunity to learn about how to keep infants and toddlers safe in the tub. Unfortunately, an estimated 58 children ages 1-4 drown in the bath every year. This tells you that bath safety is something that ...read more
'Tis the season to be cooking and cleaning and wrapping and baking and coming and going and stressing. The holidays are hectic. And if your calendar looks anything like mine, you have school concerts and Cub Scouts caroling and cookie swaps and preschool playdates this week ...read more
Early college acceptance letters are starting to trickle in, and now comes the daunting part for students: making the decision that will ultimately affect the next four years of their lives--and beyond! According to a new 2019 College Admissions Report, more than 99% of students ...read more
The holidays are a time when lots of families reconnect and celebrate seasonal traditions. For families with a loved one in the hospital, however, it can be an especially difficult time, often compounded by extra responsibility, exhaustion, and isolation. If you know a family ...read more
I grew up with a fake Christmas tree. We'd lug it up from the basement--branch by dilapidated branch--every year after Thanksgiving. It wasn't until my husband and I moved into our own house in the 'burbs that we decided to get ourselves a real, live tree. Three years ago, we ...read more
Being a full-time caregiver to a family member with a chronic illness or disbaility can be rewarding work, but also incredibly isolating. That's why Peter Rosenberger, author of Hope for the Caregiver, says it's critical to take care of you, too. A little self love can go a long ...read more
Holiday parties require more time from the host--so a signature cocktail that serves multiple guests or one that can be scaled up into a pitcher with minimal effort is ideal for entertaining. Punches, martinis and champagne cocktails that can be served in a variety of glassware ...read more
A record-breaking 112.5 million people – more than a third of all Americans - are expected to travel this holiday season, including 102 million who will take their trips by car. Nothing ruins a long-awaited vacation faster than getting sick or being in medical distress. We ...read more
This month it's all about gifting smarter. To help prep for our annual gift guides, I popped into the Amazon Device preview in NYC. I got to play with all the latest technology from Amazon. Touching and testing helped me pick the best Amazon Devices to give for gifts this ...read more
Cold weather doesn't keep me indoors. Using these six tips for winter running, I stay fit even when the temperatures dip. My next half marathon is set for May. This is the year I'm gunning to break the 1:50 mark. Since I'm not getting any younger (sigh), it's up to me to train ...read more
Here's why I shop running brands that support girls and women: As a female consumer it's the only way to change the dynamic. Gah! Once again, there was a Nike scandal. Distance runner and child phenom, Mary Cain, came forward to talk about her abuse under her Nike coach, Alberto ...read more
Tis the season to be spending. It can be hard to get a handle on finances when you're feeling festive and frivolous--take it from a reformed over-shopper. But it's so important to rein in your budget and make a plan to keep more money in your wallet (and the bank!). Here a few ...read more
Did you know that more people conceive babies during the holidays than any other time of year? Tis the season, apparently. It makes sense--there are more parties, festive celebrations and midnight kisses to spark the mood. Or maybe it's the snuggly down time--watching holiday ...read more
Make your list and check it twice... We're getting a head start on our holiday shopping to-dos with amazing early deals and steals. It's Cyber Monday, and we're ready to browse, click, and save big on gifts, stocking stuffers, and merry must-haves. So pull up a chair and get out ...read more
The holidays are approaching, but that means winter and plummeting temperatures are too. We may be tempted, as parents, to dial back outdoor activities when cold wether arrives, but getting outside is good for children and their families, even in the wintertime. Get Your Family ...read more
The holidays are a time when families come together to celebrate the season of gratitude and while the season is often marked by abundance, it can also be a time of great need. It can be easy to assume that everyone is doing well during the holidays, but even in seemingly stable ...read more
It’s always wildfire season somewhere in the U.S. and that includes the Thanksgiving holiday time; and while people associate this issue with the warmer seasons and western states, wildfires affect all regions of the country throughout the year. With a surplus of dry leaves and ...read more
Grandparents are special people. They love and nurture and babysit and bake and lend and help in any and every way they can. We may be grown up, but we'll always be their babies--so they happy do for us and ask for little in return (well, you know, besides a crew of grandkids.) ...read more
All Mom wants this holiday season is a silent night--and maybe a big cup of cheer (read: coffee/wine). The merry month of December is almost upon us, and Mama's wants and whims often go on the back burner. There are little ones to shop for, parties to host, crafts to make, and ...read more
There is a lot of work that goes into throwing a holiday party or hosting family. When you are visiting your friends and family, it is customary to bring something as a gesture of thanks. While wine is always nice, we rounded up some other unique items to show the person that is ...read more
With the holidays fast approaching, now is the time to start planning that holiday card. Even if you don’t have a professional photographer, you too can create the best holiday photo card that will wow your family and friends. We just ordered our Holiday Cards from Minted. I ...read more
Each year, about 200 million pounds of turkey meat are thrown out over the Thanksgiving holiday week—and all of the resources (water, energy, money) it took to get to our plates are wasted along with it. It’s enough wasted water for every household in America to run their faucet ...read more
I hope everyone has had a fantastic week! The holidays are in full swing here and I have been baking up a storm. Seriously, cookies are taking over my kitchen counters. It's time to share this Boozy Root Beer Float recipe. Thankfully, I have learned the perfect trick to keep ...read more
Big-box stores have “upped the ante” this year by offering “door busters,” “midnight specials” and other holiday sales incentives well before Thanksgiving’s Black Friday. To provide consumers with a fighting chance as they are bombarded with “deals." Be prepared with the top ten ...read more
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost here! Shopping online for the kids this year? While both days have a history of being tied to security breaches, shoppers (like yours truly) continue to click away.... because, hey, who doesn't like big savings! Make sure that you get all ...read more
'Tis the season…for eating…and drinking. We’re all aware of the effects drinking can have on our health, but that doesn’t stop most of us from overindulging during the party season. What many people don’t realize is that drinking alcohol in excess can have a negative impact on ...read more
The holiday season is here. It's a time of year known for larger meals, shorter days, colder weather, and, well, a little more stress on the buttons of your pants. Even the kids fall victim to the dreaded winter-time munchies, snacking on everything in sight. Fortunately, there ...read more
Even if you’re not a “foodie” most people look forward to indulging in the culinary delights of holiday time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This means that even people who are typically disciplined eat too much in one evening, eat rapidly, imbibe amounts of alcohol they ...read more
When my Insta-happy sister takes footage of the kids on her phone, they'll ham it up knowing she wants them to be funny or silly or sassy. And when I take out my phone for a mommy-and-me selfie sesh, they immediately ask for me to add the puppy and kitten filters. (And I have to ...read more
