Mom Hacks, Tips & Tricks

Rules that create independent children seem like an oxymoron. Rules are usually seen as a way to constrict or limit what a child can and cannot do, but when used correctly rules can be a tool to develop independence in children. I want my children to grow up and not have to rely on Mama and Daddy, so we've implemented a few rules in our household to give them a start on that long road to self-reliance. And a little perk is that most of these rules make my life easier NOW. Yes please! (A little disclaimer: These are age appropriate for my eight-year-old and five-year-old. I wouldn't suggest these exact rules for a toddler or teenager! Modify as needed.) Rule...

Disclosure: this post is sponsored by Costco. We are thrilled to be working with them for our second Costco Mom Hour next month.  Costco :: My Solution to Buying Organic for Less Green I joined Costco about a year ago (at last year's popular Costco Mom Hour, in fact!). I never thought of myself as a "buy in bulk" type of person, but I figured I'd give a shot and see how it went. Here we are a year later, and I'm pretty much hooked on Costco. Why? For me, it's all about the availability of certified USDA Organic products, often at a fraction of the cost when compared to other sellers of organic products. Buying organic food is something that is important...

In my last post, I mentioned one of the greatest mothering gifts I've ever given myself, an idea that was born out of necessity. I had been fighting the same weeknight supper battle for years and was ready to throw in the towel and resort to the age-old supper cheat--Breakfast for Supper!--for the foreseeable future. I don't despise cooking; I just hate having to think about, plan, and shop for new recipes. My husband admitted that he would be happy with a taco, spaghetti, meatloaf, and pizza night each week which sounds enticing enough until reality sets in and you realize this would get old after week one. Then one day the stars aligned as I was commiserating with a...

Are you a hard-working mom? Would people describe you as a go-getter, Type A, perfectionist, or work-a-holic? Are you also the laziest person you know? Welcome! I don't know about you, but for all the energy I exert getting uniforms ready, homework completed, piano practiced, cleats tied, snacks sent to school, and toddler bathed--not to mention the work I put in during my work day--I somehow manage to be a world-class couch potato. I'm talking full lounging in my over-sized pajamas (or as I like to call them, my "house uniform"), watching some trashy TV, snacking, cruising social media, and feeling absolutely no guilt whatsoever. None. Zip. Zilch. Over the years I've managed to trick my family into believing I'm still "momming," even...

Let me preface this post with a few important points. I absolutely know that there are more "important" issues in the world, and I am so deeply aware that many children struggle to have their basic needs met. I have spent 5+ years of my own career working in inner city schools in Louisiana, so I have seen firsthand the tangible effects of hunger, poverty, abuse and more. I also know that having living and involved grandparents at all is a HUGE blessing, and it's not one we take for granted. That said, after conversing with many friends, I also know that I am not alone in these feelings. While well-meaning, all of the plastic tchotchkes that enter our home...