I am not the Grinch, I promise - but I have to tell you why I am not sending Christmas cards. I am trying to keep things in perspective this holiday season and remember what is truly important. For years, Brian and I have sent out Christmas cards to 100+ of our closest and dearest friends and family. This holiday season we are really trying to start our own traditions, reduce the Read the full post >>>
Top 10 reasons to vacation without the kids
Brian and I love to travel and I think it has helped our marriage a ton. Here are my top 10 reasons to vacation without the kids. Yes, without the kids. I think I am writing this post tonight because it is winter and I am dreaming of a trip to the beach. I think it is these dreary Pennsylvania days and nights. This lack of sun in my life makes me dream of warm sand and cocktails by the beach! Read the full post >>>
10 things to do when mama throws a fit
You yelled, screamed, wanted to run away and told the kids it's daddy's turn - you threw a fit. Here are my 10 things to do when mama throws a fit. In our house, when Madilyn or Juliana, ages 6 and 3, throw a tantrum we call it "throwing a fit." Brian and I say that Madilyn's not so nice step-sister, "Madeline," shows up. Ironically, she does LOVE the Madeline books, especially "Madeline Read the full post >>>
Giveaway from Writing the Soul
I am so excited about this giveaway from Nechamie Margolis, a memoir writer from Writing the Soul! I love to write but I do realize that not everyone has the talent or even the time to get their thoughts or stories down on paper. That is where Nechamie comes in - she interviews you over the phone, you tell her your story and she does her magic and puts your words down onto paper. It really is Read the full post >>>
Giveaway from one of the best Boutiques in Pittsburgh
I am so excited about this giveaway from one of the best Boutiques in Pittsburgh because I love to shop! I love to support small businesses in Pittsburgh when I can and I think that shopping and exploring our surroundings can be a healthy outlet for us busy and stressed moms. Shopping can get a little dangerous for our budget but I guess we can say it is healthier to be addicted to shopping Read the full post >>>
Find healthy outlets
Need some more sanity in your life - find healthy outlets. I am not talking about outlet shopping. However, that may help with mama sanity as well! I am referring to how the web defines the word “outlet” as a “means of release or satisfaction for an emotion or impulse.” It can be so hard to remember who you were and what you liked to do before becoming a mother. Before kids I used to paint, Read the full post >>>
How I am dealing with the baby blues
I wrote this post over three years ago when I was suffering from anxiety and the baby blues. Looking back, I totally had postpartum depression (PPD) yet I was scared to own up to that. I was blessed with two healthy kids - why should I be sad? This post goes out to all the moms who are trying to accomplish one thing - dealing with the baby blues. Moms, you have time - you will be you again Read the full post >>>
Top 5 tips to be a more patient mama
I wrote this post two years ago. I thought I would bring it back because patience is one of those life skills that I need to constantly work on as a mom. Our kids grown up and change yet we still need to find patience in new ways. Moms, you got this. One day at a time, right? We complicate motherhood. We complicate life. Today let's chat about the top 5 tips to be a more patient Read the full post >>>
“Mama, life’s too short. Let’s paint a tree.”
"Mama, life's too short. Let's paint a tree." These were the words of my Madilyn, three years ago, who is always reminding me of what is important in motherhood. I like my house to be clean and in order. I like it when I have a candle lit at the end of the day, all the dishes are put away, the playroom is picked up and the pillows are on the couch in the "right" place. It makes me feel like Read the full post >>>
To that mom at the coffee shop, I send you love
A couple of times a week, if I am lucky, Brian takes the girls and I get a chance to sneak away to a local coffee shop by myself. No kiddos. One day, I saw a mom that changed the way I looked at motherhood. To that mom at the coffee shop, I send you love. On these days, sometimes I write. Sometimes I read a few pages of a "real" book - not Elmo, or Doc McStuffins or Dr. Seuss - like, a real Read the full post >>>