Real Talk

Dear Disney, We Need to Talk We recently took our kids to Disney World, and, well, I have some notes. To quote a favorite TV show, “first of all, how dare you?” As a mom in her 40s with young kids (geriatric pregnancies amiright?), I’ve noticed some things about Disney World that the younger parents may not be as aware of. Here is my open letter to Disney, let's hope they can do better.  We stayed on property and while, sure it was convenient and it was nice to get dropped off right at the gates, the hotel room had some issues. Why, why do you have the lights so bright in the bathroom? Before this “vacation,” I knew I had a...

Saying Goodbye to Childhood Things and Embracing Your New Teen It's been coming, the old dolls and stuffed animals placed in trash bags for Goodwill, the hormones and body changes, the anxiety and mood swings, the teen years coming in like a wrecking ball to completely uproot everything you know. Everything is changing and you have to change with it.     It's OK to Mourn the Childhood Version of Them I have to admit I get really teary eyed seeing the toys and the princess costumes put aside for good. I have to let myself mourn the old versions of my daughter, the many different stages that are now in the rearview mirror. I mourn the newborn that I used to...

How to Stand Up to a Bully and Take Your Power Back Sweet Girls Don't Always Win - Learn Boundaries Growing up, girls are taught to be sweet and nice, but no one tells you that you can be a good person, and still have boundaries. I was the ultimate "nice girl," and this can sometimes be perceived as a weakness to others. Adult bullies use all kinds of justification for their actions. I was told that the spew of profanities and gaslighting directed at me was because my bully was "passionate." He became more aggressive anytime I was sick, depressed, had a bad day, simply because he said that he wanted to "help me." If I cried and broke down, I...

10 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale in the Greater Baton Rouge Area I have a love/hate relationship with garage sales, but there is no better motivation to make myself declutter and pick up some extra cash. Garage sales always make me take inventory of what I truly need. Organizing a successful garage sale requires planning and strategy. Whether you are clearing out your kid's clothes, toys or household items, these tips will help ensure your sale is a hit! 1.) Pick the Right Date and Time Baton Rouge summers can be brutally hot, so schedule your garage sale in the spring and fall. Opt for a weekend when most people are off work. You may want to make sure there is not...

Hurricane Prep 101 :: A Tale of Two Brothers, Their Mom, and Old School Fun As the hurricane warning sounds on our phone, our household transforms into a whirlwind of prep mode. Jack and Jacob, my miniature managers, take charge with their expertise and enthusiasm. With their tips and my mom-hacks, we're ready to weather the storm in style. Jack's Tip #1: Get More Snacks "Mom, we need goldfish crackers and Fruit Roll-Ups... and cookies!" Jack's priorities are clear. I smile, knowing a happy belly equals a happy kid. Jacob's Tip #2: Bathtub Water Jacob, my little engineer, reminds me to fill the tub with water for flushing toilets and washing hands. "We don't want stinky hands, Mom!" (Cool tip: food coloring is...