Mom Hacks, Tips & Tricks

As a mom with really short arms and driving a minivan, I have run into my fair share of complications. One being the constant need for napkins or passing food on road trips. So I dreamed up the Minivan Zip Line. It's just as amazing as it sounds and we're always getting comments about it. We've even had people leave notes on our window in parking lots. We've been repping the Zip Line for years now and I can't imagine road tripping without it! Here’s what you need for the Minivan Zip Line: - 2 heavyweight command hooks - 2 pulleys (Lowe’s/Homedepot) - nylon cord/paracord - carabiner - lots of trial and error on baskets/bags - one of those live strong style bracelets The command hook on...

I’m dropping time management advice from some of my single mom friends below. Fun fact: I had to remind most of these ladies to text me back two or three times. I guess you can take that as a lesson itself: Prioritize what actually matters ???? Also, something I’ve learned about time management is to acknowledge where you thrive. Don’t get bogged down by not waking up way before your kids, not keeping an Insta-worthy planner, not meditating, or anything else you’ve seen in an infographic online. I tried to keep a perfect planner book and workout before the sun came up all through college. I learned that I strived better with a calendar on my phone that I could change...

Bringing a meal to a friend whose just had a baby or who is going through a hard time is such a tangible and practical way to offer support. Over the years I’ve brought and received many meals and have found that some hold up better than others in transport and as leftovers. Additionally, I always double the recipe I’m making and serve my own family the same meal. Here’s a list of my favorites to rotate through. Enchiladas paired with black beans and a simple green salad, this is a winner! Comfort food at its best. Can also be frozen and given to a friend to pull out of the freezer when needed.  Whole Roast Chicken with carrots and...

I’ve always been the type of person that had absolutely no idea what to do or say when a loved one was hurting. I’ve always felt absolutely useless in these situations and as if I needed to step aside and let an adult handle it. Here are some things that stuck with me during a time I needed help: Don’t try to fill the silence. My best friend once said, “There’s not anything you can say to make it better, but there’s a lot you can say to make it worse.” Just let her be sad, hurt, angry, etc. It’s kind of selfish to fill silence just because you’re uncomfortable anyway, right? Buy a houseplant. Even if a mom thinks she has...

“How do I love thee, let me count the ways…” Elizabeth Barrett Browning was talking about her husband, not a kitchen appliance, but if she had had a slow cooker she may have said the same to it. I love my slow cooker.  I’ve never even looked at an instant pot, and while I may have flirted with the air fryer, my slow cooker is my one true kitchen love. (okay, not one, I actually own four). Why? Because they make my life easier.   Top Chef dreams, Mom Chef Schedule.  Recently, we decided to try one of those home delivery meal kit boxes. There are so many now, and it was hard to choose, so we went with a popular one...