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Why You Should Consider Going Shoe-Free at Home
I went to a birthday party for a one year old at a friend's house a few years back, and was greeted at the door by a passive-aggressive sign that read "No Shoes in the House. Please Wear Socks or Hospital Slippers." (There was a big box of disposable surgical socks free for the ...read more
4 Super-Fun Summer Must-Haves for Your Backyard
Last week my sister texted me in a panic. "Don't forget to buy EVERYTHING you need for backyard summer fun." And she was right. It is already June. It's time. As much as I love summer, apart from when the kids are at camp, they need things to DO when we're home. That doesn't mean ...read more
How to Road Trip With Your Dog
The ASPCA estimates that 78 million dogs are owned in the United States and that about 44 percent of all households have a dog. We've got to imagine that many of those pet-owners will want to go on vacation this summer--maybe even a road trip! Instead of leaving your furry friend ...read more
8 Ways to Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Having a pet is a big responsibility. I begged and begged my parents to get me a puppy when I was a kid, and it took years to finally convince them. They waited until I was older and more mature; ready to help with the day-to-day tasks of caring for a furry friend. Related: ...read more
Easter Brunch Recipes You Need to Try and To Share
Easter is a diet-free day in our home. You can just check your calorie-counting ways at the door if you plan on coming to my house on this special spring Sunday. Wear your comfy pants and bring your appetite, there's going to be some serious feasting and foodie-ing. Related: ...read more
Stay Warm and Look the Part on-Mountain With Kit Lender
A weekend away means a workweek’s worth of preparation. Indeed, packing for a family of four takes time. It takes planning and patience and checklists and perhaps of a glass of wine or two. We have found a way to stay warm and look like pros with Kit Lender outdoor gear. So when ...read more
Couple's Car-Shopping: How to Make It Less Work and More Fun
Shopping for a car as a couple is no easy task. You have to work together, share ideas, make budgets and plans, give and take, and negotiate to boot. With President's Week (one of the most popular car-buying weeks) approaching, we reached out to Jim Manelis from Chase Auto for ...read more
Five Tips for a Successful Back to School Bedtime Routine
We've been lax about bedtime this summer... to say the least. With a focus on carefree fun and sun, our usual routine has gone out the window, and our turndown time has gotten way, waaaaaaaaay later than intended. Related: Be prepared for back to school with the right first aid ...read more
How to Give Back to Your Community Without Leaving Your House
This is a really strange time. I legitimately feel like we're living out a weird science fiction novel. This new normal is anything but, and I'm eagerly hoping for a happy ending (or maybe a new beginning?) to take us all by surprise. Alas, right now, we can only take one ...read more
What Moms Would Do With a Whole Extra Day
We talk a lot about time management here at Momtrends. We use time-blocking techniques in our work, and perpetually emphasize the importance of carving out quality time for yourself, your family, and your partner. We talk about making time to read and write and play and meditate. ...read more
Expressing Love Equally to Very Different Children
Children need love and attention from their parents, but having two or more children can pose a challenge for moms and dads to spread the warmth evenly. My four year old and seven year old are completely different little people. I love them both immensely, but my relationship ...read more
How to Be More Neighborly
Fred Rogers’ words on the many ways one can be a good neighbor continue to resonate today – social emotional lessons remain at the core of his original mission. National Neighbor Day is Saturday, Sept. 28, and it's a great opportunity to talk to kids about kindness, empathy, and ...read more
How to Help Your Children Build a Strong Sibling Bond
The second a sibling arrives home, the family dynamics are forever changed. How these developing humans get along with each other significantly depends on several factors including genetics, the environment they are raised in, role modeling of parents, and the general ...read more
10 Ways to Get a Dose of Nature in 10 Minutes
If April flowers bring May showers, we should be reaping the rewards any day now. And dryer, sunnier, warmer weather can't come soon enough. I don't know about you, but I'm desperate for some Vitamin D and Vitamin Sea! I had a baby six weeks ago--so I'm finally emerging from my ...read more
Finding Support in Your Fertility Journey
About 10 percent (6.1 million) of women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44 have difficulty getting or staying pregnant, and the psychological toll can be great. Infertility can be a lonely and challenging journey. Women struggling to get pregnant may consider ...read more
Manage Your Budget, Maximize Your Potential
Spring is right around the corner. Just like a thorough home spring cleaning can get the household set up for success, your budget can also benefit from an annual refresh and update. Use this time to evaluate and plan to ensure that you are on track for the year ahead. Here are a ...read more
5 Simple Ways to Show Your Kids Love Every Day
I get it, mama. The day-to-day jobs of mommyhood aren't glamorous or even particularly fun. It's easy to get swept up in the monotony of routine and ritual and frustration and exhaustion. And, the truth is, despite your potential lack of patience (because, yes, we have all been ...read more
5 Reasons to Try a Vacation Rental
Sometimes you need to get out of your house, out of your head, and out of the norm of your everyday life. It's a break, a breather, and a much-needed respite for moms, . For a few weeks, I had been feeling stuck in the humdrum. I was getting frustrated with the routine of ...read more
8 Ways to Save on Your next Disney Trip
I grew up going to Disney World and Disneyland on family vacations. Seeing the castle light up, watching the fireworks, and soaking up all the magic. Now, it's time to experience the wonder of Disney through the eyes of my children. Planning a trip to Disney may seem impossible ...read more
Combat "Summer Slide" With These Stay-Sharp Tips
1. Foster an “Outside” Connection to Learning Summer is the perfect time to show kids that learning doesn’t just happen at school. And one of the best ways to make at-home learning fun during the summer is to take it outside! You can conduct simple experiments that may be too ...read more
Top Tips When Booking a Hotel Room for Your Family
I’m pretty sure no one loves a hotel stay as much as my two little ones. It doesn’t matter where we are or why we’re there—if it has a pool or an arcade, they’re pumped. Heck, if it has an on-floor ice machine, they ’re happy campers. The change of scenery and the novelty of ...read more
Remember to Thank Your Village this Mother's Day
We're talking motherhood mantras this week and mine is, and forever will be, it takes a village. And now is as good a time as any to thank your village! We all have a village right? You know what I'm talking about. Your village is made up of the people you can turn to when you ...read more
Hydration 101: 5 Facts to Know When You (or Your Kids) Are Sick
When the flu hits you or your little one (or both!) it can be daunting to assess which symptoms to address first. When most of us think of flu symptoms we immediately think of a low grade fever, aches and pains and nausea, which may lead to dehydration. Essentially a loss of body ...read more
A Holiday Viewing Party for the Family
Tis the season to curl up and cuddle with your cuties and enjoy some seriously deserved down time. The holidays are hectic, and y'all deserve a quiet break, a sweet snuggle, and some holly-jolly magical family moments. This weekend will inevitably be stressful leading up to the ...read more