8 Tasty Twists to Spruce Up Plain Store-Bought Stuffing

8 Tasty Twists to Spruce Up Plain Store-Bought Stuffing

November 22, 2013 Everyone loves stuffing on Thanksgiving.  But not everyone likes to make it homemade when there’s enough else going on that day.  Grabbing a few boxes of pre-made stuffing at the store is convenient, but they lack in that homemade flavor and are often high in salt. To stretch boxes of stuffing and…

Coconut Lime Squares – A Light Refreshing Dessert

Coconut Lime Squares – A Light Refreshing Dessert

November 29, 2013 Thanksgiving is past and now everyone is looking forward to the rest of the holiday season. And what comes with the holidays? Baking. All kinds of baking:  cookies, candy, fudge, pies, caramel popcorn!  So, before we start baking all the holiday goodies, I thought I would give you a recipe for a…

Ditch the Oven: Crockpot Candy & Microwave Brittle or Fudge

Ditch the Oven: Crockpot Candy & Microwave Brittle or Fudge

December 6, 2013 Thanksgiving is over, so now the holiday baking begins.  There are so many recipes out there and everyone has their favorite that they make year after year.  Here are three recipes that you just might add to your list when you see how easy they are to make. No oven required! Crock…

Move Over Kale: Cauliflower is the New Trend in Veggies

Move Over Kale: Cauliflower is the New Trend in Veggies

January 16, 2014 Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw, cooked in soups or dishes or even used as a thickening agent in place of flour or potatoes. Mashed cauliflower is now being served in place of mashed potatoes. Want to add it to your recipe repertory? Enjoy these 2 simple recipes that…

Natural Consequences: When Not to Save the Children

Natural Consequences: When Not to Save the Children

March 17, 2014 On our way to school one Wednesday morning, my kindergartener yelled, “I forgot my homework!” We spent most of Tuesday afternoon on it, so this felt catastrophic. You know, like in the movies when things go slow-mo and everyone freezes in terror. I’d told him to put that stupid folder into his…

Kate Middleton: Regular Mom on Trip Down Under

Kate Middleton: Regular Mom on Trip Down Under

April 28, 2014 When you marry into royalty, unless your spouse completely renounces the throne, your new life will be filled with privileges that the rest of us can only dream about. It is possible, however, to maintain some sense of normalcy in situations that don’t require regal austerity. Throughout her relationship with Prince William,…

Let Them See You: Modeling Life for Your Kids

Let Them See You: Modeling Life for Your Kids

August 19, 2014 This summer brought an unexpected source of amusement. My brother came home from college and awed his girlfriend with his amazing skills: like baking cookies, making enchiladas, and doing his own laundry. We all smile at her amazement because we’ve done these things our whole lives. Believe me, my brother is no…

Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake: Perfect for Fall Recipe

Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake: Perfect for Fall Recipe

October 1, 2014 Fall has arrived, so take those fresh picked Granny Smith, Macintosh, Gala apple (or pick another fave) and try this amazing cheesecake recipe. This dessert is sure to impress your friends and is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, a potluck, or any holiday event. Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients: 2 cups crushed graham crackers…

16+ Ways to Keep Kids Healthy

16+ Ways to Keep Kids Healthy

October 8, 2014 More than 1/3 of American adults are considered obese so it’s no surprise that the same statistic holds true for our children. That’s right, more than 1/3 of American children are overweight and those rates are increasing. Sadly, overweight and obese children face a host of health issues including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, sleep…

Social Moms

August 25, 2014 5 Kid Friendly Travel Tips-#eBayGuides Are we there yet? Taveling with kids can be a hectic hassle, but if you’re prepared, you and your kids can go anywhere without the hassels and headaches.1. Entertainment Don’t leave home without the entertainment…. …read more Via:: eBay Travel Guides       

Insider Tips on Killer Black Friday Deals at Microsoft Stores #MSFTholiday

Insider Tips on Killer Black Friday Deals at Microsoft Stores #MSFTholiday

November 29, 2014 So, I’m writing this post from a brand new Surface Pro 3 — purchased today at $100 off, thanks to the Black Friday deals at your local Microsoft Stores. Fortunately for holiday shoppers, the deals last through December 1, 2014. Here’s my roundup of the five best deals to be had for…

12 Ideas for Teaching Your Children the True Spirit of Giving

12 Ideas for Teaching Your Children the True Spirit of Giving

December 8, 2014 While the emphasis today seems to be more on receiving than giving, there are ways teach your children the true meaning of the holidays. Begin by asking your children “What are some ways we can give to others – our family, our friends, our neighbors, our community, our world – during the…

Martin Luther King Jr: One Teacher’s Lesson on Understanding

Martin Luther King Jr: One Teacher’s Lesson on Understanding

January 20, 2015 Talking about Martin Luther King Jr. with my kids this week reminded me of a story I think every educator encounters at some point in their studies. Shortly after the civil rights leader was assassinated, a third grade teacher in Iowa, Jane Elliot, quite rightly figured her students in a small all-white town…

Kurt Cobain’s Daughter Praises Honesty of Upcoming Documentary

Kurt Cobain’s Daughter Praises Honesty of Upcoming Documentary

April 30, 2015 It’s hard to believe that it’s been 21 years since the shocking death of Kurt Cobain but many of today’s moms can remember being young Nirvana fans when the devastating news of his suicide began circulating. While it was horrifying enough that he had taken his life, it was doubly sad because…

Summer Reading Fun! Free Book Incentives With DOGObooks.com

Summer Reading Fun! Free Book Incentives With DOGObooks.com

May 24, 2015 It’s that time of year. End of school is on the horizon along with promotion parties, yearbook signings, and those looming months of free time ahead! Most kids avoid workbooks and education like the plague, but reading is an important skill to maintain over the summer. You can keep it fun, and add…

Summertime Strawberry Cake and Cupcakes
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Summertime Strawberry Cake and Cupcakes

June 10, 2015 One of my favorites activities in summer is picking fresh strawberries! Instead of the usual strawberry shortcake I have discovered a lot of delicious desserts to make with all of our fresh berries. This strawberry cake recipe topped with a strawberry cream cheese frosting is seriously delicious and a great way to get your…

A Father’s Day Tribute: 5 Videos Where Men Take the Stage
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A Father’s Day Tribute: 5 Videos Where Men Take the Stage

June 18, 2015 A video of a dad filling his entire first floor with plastic balls has made its way around the internet lately. Shut Up and Take My Money: 5 Heart-Wrenching Mom Commercials showed us that there are plenty of clips and commercials out there that honor moms. But with Father’s Day coming up soon,…

It’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month
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It’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month

August 22, 2016 One of the biggest decisions a new mother can make is whether to breast or bottle feed her newborn. To help increase awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated August National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Research demonstrates that babies who have been exclusively breastfed for…

Moms Give Advice: Long Distance Travel Survival Tips
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Moms Give Advice: Long Distance Travel Survival Tips

July 14, 2015 Mid-July must be the beginning of summer travel season because I’ve noticed a conversational trend. It first came up at a birthday party two weeks ago and now it seems the go-to topic in any group of moms. It’s that consistent, worrisome stress, what in the world do you do with the kids while…

Baking Breads with Fruits and Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
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Baking Breads with Fruits and Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

October 2, 2015 Let’s face it, kids just don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, mine included. I buy them, but they often turn bad in the fruit bowl or fridge drawer. So I decided that I would try baking bread with fruit or vegetables mixed right in. My kids love these “treats” and I feel better knowing…

Social Moms
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Insider Tips on Killer Black Friday Deals at Microsoft Storees

September 19, 2015 So, I’m writing this post from a brand new Surface Pro 3 — purchased today at $100 off, thanks to the Black Friday deals at your local Microsoft Stores. Fortunately for holiday shoppers, the deals last through December 1, 2014. Here’s my roundup of the five best deals to be had for…