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Category: Life

The Book That Should Be On Every Child’s Bookshelf

“What if someone is sitting in my seat when I get to my class?” “What if everyone laughs at my haircut?” “What if I have to do the rope climb in P.E.?” As soon as I started reading this book with my boys, I felt myself nodding. We deal with these same kinds of questions every week in my house. The curiosity of what COULD happen next is prevalent in their little, but growing minds. Sometimes, often times, the situations that seem so simple or mundane to adults can be absolutely overwhelming to…

My ONLY Advice For An Awesome Start To The School Year

It’s that time. We’re scheduling haircuts and sports physicals, organizing carpools, and squeezing in those last summer getaways. We’re scanning the cabinets and drawers searching for anything we already have that would cut down the time and money spent in those bright, overstocked Back-to-School aisles. We’re buying new shoes again (because OH MY GOSH, how have their feet grown two sizes in three months?!), stocking up on lunch supplies, and turning off the Fortnite games to make sure the required summer reading gets finished. And guess what? Your children&#8217…

Finding My Balance

“Late night at work … came home to see this sweet bit of heaven asleep on the couch. Had to scoop him into my lap and snuggle him, as he grumbled and stretched and curled back up to get comfy. Sorry to disturb you, Little One, but you will sooo understand when you have babies of your own.” That was my Facebook post July 20, 2015. It was one of those “mom guilt” moments that hit me deep in the heart. I was working full-time as a magazine editor and while I loved being an…

A Sweet Book, A Hopeful Message, A Lifelong Guardian Angel

“But my big sister looks out for me, just like she would do if she were here.” Jeba Pandian and her daughter Sophia have written a touching, positive and hopeful children’s book reflecting on the beauty of Sophia having a guardian angel, her big sister in heaven. While the topic is heartbreaking, Jeba and Sophia (and the bright, inviting illustrations by Cynthia Meadows) bring you into a world of hope and happiness that can be so needed after a loss. While their hearts will always miss her, the belief she is with them and watching out…

Music is My Happy Escape

Isn’t it crazy how a song can come on the radio and your mind is instantly whisked away to a specific time or place or person? It’s as if these moments in your life (both the major and mundane) are somehow connected to a song or album, and can give you a fleeting return ticket to your earlier life when hearing them again. Music has always had that power with me. When I hear “Carolina in my Mind” I’m transported back to summer camping trips to North Carolina with my daddy. &#8220…

Finding a Route to Self Care … Without the Guilt

While it’s a relatively new term, it’s not a new concept. Self care is how we describe, and sometimes joke about, the moments we have to carve out for ourselves to gain or maintain any level of calmness, self worth and sanity! It can mean completely different things for every single person. It can be vacations and spa treatments, but it can ALSO be a jog around the block and a mud mask in your own bathtub. Contrary to what some may think, it’s not something that only the wealthiest get to enjoy. There…

Four Kids, Two Adults, One Bunny, And A Hurricane

I’ve lived in Florida my whole life. Summer rain showers, warm weather into November (and sometimes December), and occasional hurricanes are all part of life here. More often than not, the hurricanes tend to be more “prepare-for-a-hurricane-and-get-a-heavy-rainstorm” kind of events. But sometimes, they’re the real thing. And everyone knew Irma was the real thing as we watched her devastate the Caribbean islands and then make her way toward us. The days prior to the hurricane were nerve-wracking and incredibly stressful. We were trying to get…

My Current Obsessions: Summer 2017

I live for summer. I love the sunshine, the afternoon rain showers (and the rainbows that follow), the unscheduled downtime, the family vacations, and the glorious food that is associated with this time of year. It all makes me so stinkin happy! And the items on this season’s My Current Obsessions list made this summer even better… Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm: I have one in my car, one in my purse and one in my vanity. I’ve used them all summer because they’re an easy, quick way to pamper my lips (soo…

Are You Ready For The 4th of July?

What are you doing for the 4th? Going to the beach or lake? Grilling out? Hanging with friends or family? However you plan to celebrate, there will be a shopping list of goodies you’ll need before the fireworks! I know I’ll be making several late-night online purchases (shh!) before our trip. Here are some of my favorites to get you and your family ready for a red, white and blue celebration! Mama needs new sunnies and these rose gold ones caught my eye! Love! And some fun flag-themed ones for the kiddos so everyone…

21 Sundresses To Wear All Summer

When I think of summer, I think of sunshine, lemonade, vacation and sundresses! I wear a sundress almost every day during the summer because, A) it’s EASY, B) it’s sooo hot outside and sundresses let my skin breathe, and C) they can be worn wherever your day takes you. I like no-brainers when I’m entertaining four little people every day. 🙂 I’ve been looking for a few dresses to add to my summer wardrobe and I’ve fallen in love with Old Navy’s dress collection. Sweet, light, colorful, easy…