Holiday

Toddlers are adorable, toddlers are magical, and toddlers love everything. They also tend to be destructive to themselves, their siblings, and the homes they reside in. So here are some ideas for toddlers that are not a passive-aggressive message of revenge to their tired, hardworking parents. Tonies Happy Nappers (They are Cringey COLORFUL, but kids do appreciate an infomercial they have memorized. Marketing works, Disney Jr.) Kitchen Doll Changing Table Station Garden center Arcade Tent Kids Lounge Chair Bike Folding Wagon Squishies Costumes Fishing Pole Educational Toy Rocket Launcher Light-up Tracing Pad Dinosaur Eggs Mess-free Markers Magnetic Tiles Spill-proof sippy cups (preferably the brand they already use. You can never have enough sippy cups.) Non-glitter Bath Bombs  Ask toddlers. They will tell...

A Hijacked Holiday Cookie Recipe: Hello Dollies If all of your family - your mama and them, back and back and back for generations - are from south Louisiana, you've probably got your own well-used version of this cookbook somewhere in your kitchen: It's my go-to "I can't remember how to make this classic Louisiana dish because I haven't made it in so long" resource, second only to calling up my mama. Sometimes, even she says, "Did you check Talk About Good?" There is one recipe in there that became a family holiday cult classic: THE HELLO DOLLY Think gooey, chocolatey, nutty goodness on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. I'm not sure when my family first started making this cookie bar, but I...

At Red Stick Mom has ideas on how to keep a strong circle of friends and family, whether it’s ways to bring new people into your life or how to keep toxic people out of your life. We’ve also got thoughts on how to find time for marriage and relationships while maintaining a tough schedule. The women at Red Stick Mom are Baton Rouge moms who understand the pressure of raising kids while also trying to make marriage work! They are willing to share everything from the book that will change your sex life, to what it’s like to raise kids as a single mom, to navigating grief amidst your marriage and motherhood. We also know how much fun the Christmas...

The weather is finally turning “cooler” here in Louisiana, and that means gumbo on the stove, pulling down all the red and green decorations, putting up the Christmas tree, and all the fun holiday traditions. Those special traditions get us into the spirit of the Christmas season and create lasting memories. When I was little my parents would always let us open one gift after mass on Christmas Eve. It was always matching family pajamas. I love the tradition so much that I’ve continued it with my own family. Below is a list of traditions to start with your family this Christmas season. Family Christmas Excursions. I’m a certified homebody, but during the holidays it is nice to get out around town. Make...

I absolutely looooove giving gifts. As an adult and a mom, I can finally say I understand what my mom meant all those years ago when she described her best Christmas present was watching everyone else open their gifts. I get such joy from finding the perfect item for each person. Two people that are notoriously difficult to buy for, however, are my husband and my dad. They are the toughest because they buy themselves items they want throughout the year instead of waiting to receive them as gifts! I do have some tricks up my sleeve though, and these presents have thrilled the men in my life. Big Green Egg This is a big-ticket item, but it is worth its...