Holiday

I’ve always struggled with asking for help and even more so with accepting help. As soon as I hear “Do you need help with …” or “Do you want me to …” my mouth starts forming the word “no.” I think the first time I realized how much I struggled with asking for and accepting help was with the birth of my first child. At that time, help came from every direction - cooked meals, errands, laundry, babysitting to allow for a shower. And while I was gracious for my family and friends to offer, my instinct was to say “no.” I think that quick “no” came from guilt. Guilt that I wouldn’t be able to return the favor. Guilt that someone...

If you know me personally or have followed my posts here for any length of time, you know that I have been diagnosed with severe anxiety. For me, that means constant management of stressors to remain healthy. And it goes without saying that the holiday season is a source of stress for many reasons for many people. Unfortunately, I am not excluded from this group in the least. Over the past five years, I have found some interesting ways to avoid triggers and to maintain over all wellness during the holiday season. The Three Gift Rule: We have three kids, and shopping can become expensive and stressful if we let it. We limit ourselves to one big gift and two medium gifts per...

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by our friends at New Orleans City Park. Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans - A Spectacular Holiday Lights Festival Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans City Park is the most spectacular holiday lights festival in the country. Take a short trip down and join the City Park family for this New Orleans holiday tradition with 25 acres of lights in the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and Storyland. While you’re here don’t forget to ride the antique carousel and holiday train! What Moms Need to Know About Before They Go to Celebration in the Oaks 2018  New Celebration in the Oaks Options and Updates: Parker’s Station Reservation: This is a NEW reservation...

My husband has three siblings, two (soon to be in-laws), one nephew, and about a dozen extended family members all living in Baton Rouge. My biological family is scattered across the U.S. I knew scheduling holidays between local family and out of state family would be tough. I did not know the toughest part would be coordinating holidays with my husband's family! Once you start adding more families through marriage, and those families are local too, it gets pretty hectic! Knowing who will be available for Thanksgiving dinner between 4 and 6 pm, or who wants to have a Christmas lunch, and making sure everyone is satisfied with their schedule is more work than most need for the holidays! Until my...

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Southeastern Grocers. Five Ways to Save at Winn-Dixie This Holiday Season This year, SE Grocers is making it easier than ever to save on holiday shopping! While every registered rewards member can earn points to use towards qualifying groceries at a Southeastern Grocers store like Winn-Dixie and fuel at participating Shell stations, SE Grocers rewards has announced a special Holiday Gift Card promotion happening in the month of November. Here are five ways it's saving me time and money this holiday season: 1. Gifting gift cards :: Not sure what to give someone? Earn 6x points on all qualifying gift cards and 12x points on Shell gift cards November 7 – 21 and November 24 – 27 when you register...