Simple Traditions for Busy Families to Embrace

I will never forget the time I asked a friend about her family traditions growing up and she told me they didn’t have any. I was shocked.

But, as I’ve gotten older, I have realized that many families don’t have traditions (or don’t think they do) because they put so much pressure on them.

We tend to think of traditions as being elaborate when they can really be something simple and routine.

For example, growing up, I enjoyed Saturday morning cartoons with Dad. It was a weekend tradition that we kept up until our Saturday mornings became filled with extracurriculars.

And these simple traditions matter!

According to Brett and Kate McKay, “Researchers have consistently found that families that engage in frequent traditions report stronger connection and unity than families that haven’t established rituals together.”

Here are 10 simple and easy traditions to help your family bond and make memories.

TV Night

My family loves a good dinner and TV night. Whether we watch a favorite show together or a movie, we enjoy sitting in front of the TV now and then for a chance to enjoy some quality entertainment together.

Family Walk

Another easy family tradition is the family walk (or family hike). You don’t always have to go to the same place. The key is to do it regularly, so it feels like a tradition.

Game Night

Some families love to play games with one another. If this is you, start planning regular game nights for your family. Have some key things you do each time, such as putting phones away and setting out snacks.

Taco Tuesday

A simple tradition to embrace is enjoying the same meal on the same night each week, such as Taco Tuesday or Meatless Monday. Kids like knowing what to expect – especially if what they are expecting is a meal they love.

Car Ride Chat

With my girls, I have started car ride chats on the way to and from places. I ask the same questions, so they know what to expect. We use the rose and thorn technique. We take turns sharing our daily rose, thorn, and bud. Your rose is the best part of your day, your thorn is something disappointing that happened, and your bud is something that you are looking forward to.

A Go-To Celebratory Restaurant

Many families have a go-to meal tradition without even realizing it. For example, do you tend to cook the same celebratory meal for birthdays or special occasions? Is there a certain restaurant your family likes to go to after a big win? These are traditions!

No Tech Thursday

Try to embrace a tech free day in your home regularly. At first, your kids won’t like the idea. However, if you are intentional about finding fun tech-free ways to spend the day, your kids will come to love it.

Community Service

A great tradition for families is serving their community together. Find an organization that shares your family’s values and volunteer regularly.

Read Together

Even as your kids get older, it is still nice to read together. While you may not read books together before bedtime, you can enjoy audiobooks on road trips or start a parent/child book club where you read books separately and then plan a special dinner to discuss them.

Milestone Trips

This family tradition takes a little more time and effort, but it’s worth it. I’m talking about the milestone birthday trip. We plan a special trip for each kid on milestone birthdays (10, 13, 16, and 18). It’s a special tradition and one our girls look forward to.

What traditions do you have in your family? Share them in the comments!

Cleaning Tips for Moms Without Maids

As much as I would love a regular cleaning service, I've chosen to do as much of the cleaning as I can so I can spend my money on bags and shoes.

As a busy working mom, there are times when it is hard to stay on top of the housework. However, I have found some ways to keep my house clean without losing my mind through trial and error.

NOTE - While I love a clean house, I have also learned to accept imperfection. There are seasons when life is busier, and the house is messier. If you are in one of those seasons, don't beat yourself up.

Here are the things I am doing to keep my house clean without a maid.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

One of the most effective ways to keep my house clean and presentable is to keep a cleaning schedule. So I planned out certain days when I could do regular household chores.

Monday – Living Room and Shared Spaces
Tuesday – Bedrooms
Wednesday – Kitchen
Thursday – Bathrooms
Friday – Floors and Dusting
Weekends – Deep Cleaning Needs

When we stick to this schedule, it takes away the pressure to do everything at once.

Enlist Family Help

Someone told me when my girls were babies that instead of waiting to clean while they were sleeping, to do the cleaning when they were awake and watching. This teaches kids the importance of cleaning (and how to clean).

As a result, my girls have seen me clean our home since they were little, and now they are big enough to help.

My husband and I have also talked about which chores we hate and which ones we love and delegated them accordingly. For example, my husband hates cleaning bathrooms, but he doesn't mind doing dishes. I hate doing dishes, so we trade these chores with one another.

Whistle While You Work

Cleaning your home is so much better if you find ways to make it enjoyable. When the whole family is cleaning together, such as Saturday morning deep cleanings, we play music and dance and sing as we clean. When I am cleaning on my own, I put on a podcast or audiobook.

Make a Quick Cleanup Part of Your Evening Routine

Deep cleaning Saturdays haven't been as bad or time-consuming since we started making 15-minute cleanups part of our evening routine. After dinner, we spend 15 minutes picking up from the day. Someone in our home is doing the dishes while the others walk around, pick up things, and put them where they belong. Someone else is busy wiping down the counters.

Embrace a Less is More Philosophy

The more stuff you have to clean, the harder it will be. That's why I've embraced the idea that "less is more." Years ago, I started following the idea of one thing in, one thing out – and it has made a huge difference! Whenever I make a purchase, I follow it with a donation. It keeps my closets from overflowing and my shelves from turning into mounds of clutter.

Get the Right Tools

If you don't have the right cleaning tools, you'll make more work for yourself. We have a robot vacuum and a robot map, and both were well worth every penny. But it's more than just fancy electronic gadgets. I also invest in quality cleaning products, such as Clorox. When I'm cleaning my home, I love to use @Clorox products, and I'm excited they've launched another sustainable option with the NEW Clorox Multi-Purpose Refillable Cleaners! With the recyclable pods, I can use my bottle up to 30 times, which means 80% less plastic waste - not to mention, it's easier on my wallet too!

Do you have any cleaning tips to share?

Dos and Don’ts of the First Summer Post Pandemic

After last year’s shutdown summer, and after what was one of the wildest school years ever, my girls and I were ready for summer break.

And we have been loving every minute of this post-pandemic summer! I hope you are, too!

However, now that we are in the throes of summer and school is quickly approaching, I realize I have had some wins and some fails.

So, I am taking some time today to share what I have done right (and wrong) so far in hopes it can help you make the most of your post-pandemic summer!

Don’t Overdo It

I realized very quickly into this post-pandemic summer that I was way overdoing it.

I was trying to cram everything fun in that I felt like my family missed last summer.

It started off fun, but it went south very quickly.

Basically, we were all exhausted and couldn’t go from 0-60 like I tried.

Pre-pandemic, it was normal for us to go-go-go, but we just aren’t there yet. And that’s okay.

If you are feeling worn out, slow down. There will be other summers that feel normal again.

Do Have Lowkey Fun

At the same time, fun is a must.

After burning out, I looked for ways to have lowkey fun, such as Sundaes on Sundays.

My goal was little outings that we missed out on last summer but didn’t require an entire day or a ton of energy.

What I discovered was it didn’t matter to my girls if we did something small. They were happy just to be out and feel somewhat normal again.

Don’t Stress About Screen Time

In summers past, I stressed screen time rules.

But the pandemic made all of us through our screen time rules out of the window.

And I quickly realized that trying to get my girls to fall back into old screen time rules was more trouble than it was worth.

The good news is that the pandemic introduced me to a ton of fantastic online programs, such as Tynker and iD Tech.

The quality of programming is so great that I no longer feel guilty if they are glued to their screens.

As long as my girls have spent time moving, creating, and communicating, I’m okay with them having a little extra screen time.

Plus, it means I get some time to myself.

Do Splurge

Earlier I said that my girls are totally fine doing something small, but I have tried to spoil them a bit this summer, too.

The pandemic has been really hard on our kids, and they have acted like champs.

I wanted to reward them for rolling with the punches and having a better attitude than their parents most of the time.

So, we did plan a few getaways to kid-friendly spots like DreamWorks Water Park in New Jersey.

Don’t Wait ‘Til the Last Minute to Shop for School

I remember how difficult it was to shop last year when stores didn’t have usual hours and had capacity limits.

I never want to deal with that again.

So, from here on out (pandemic or no pandemic), I am doing my back-to-school shopping sooner rather than later.

Speaking of back-to-school shopping, the next two weeks are the sweet spot for getting school clothes on sale from major retailers.

Moms, Stop Carrying the Weight of the World on Your Shoulders

If 2020 has left you feeling even more overwhelmed as a mom than usual, you are not alone. Our new normal has been incredibly difficult for women – especially moms. Moms are being asked to be moms, employees, and teachers all at the same time.

According to CNBC, “In fact, 74% of U.S. mothers say they feel mentally worse since the pandemic began. […] The report, which gathered responses from more than 3,000 millennial moms between March 9 and April 23, found that 97% of moms between the ages of 24 and 39 say they feel burned out at least some of the time, with the pandemic only making things worse.”

Moms were already used to doing more than their fair share, but the pandemic has exacerbated it to an unhealthy degree. We cannot keep carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. We have to find ways to release our grip and ask for help.

The Mom Mental Load

Even if you don’t know what the mom mental load is, you’ve likely been carrying around your own. Slate explains, “Sometimes called the ‘third shift’—following your first shift at work and the dinner-and-homework shift once you get home—it is the planning, scheduling, negotiating and problem-solving work that goes into running the business of your family. The mental load is the behind-the-scenes work that makes anyone in your family showing up to anything (dentist appointments, volunteer shifts, play dates, child’s birthday party) on time, properly dressed and if necessary, with gift in hand, possible.”

As natural caregivers, moms tend to be the ones that do most of the caring – meaning we are the ones who care about the way the house looks, how our kids are dressed, if they are healthy and happy, who gets which present, and so on. We fill out the school forms, talk to teachers, and arrange carpools. We schedule well visits and dental cleanings. We go Christmas shopping and birthday shopping.

It. Is. Exhausting.

And that was BEFORE the pandemic.

How to Stop Being the Family Micromanager

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we are resilient. We do not need to micromanage everything in our homes or have jam-packed family schedules. Here are some things you can do to decrease the weight of your mom mental load.

• Share the load. It’s time to ask for help. You do not have to carry the entire load yourself. If you are married, ask your partner to help you. Point out some of the things that take up brain space and ask him to take over, such as scheduling doctor’s appointments.

• Let go of perfect. If you don’t get the dishes done, your family will survive. Let go of having a perfectly cleaned home. Your mental health is a bigger priority than dusting the blinds.

• Stop comparing. There will always be another mom who seems like she can do more than you or is more capable than you. So what? Stop comparing yourself to other moms and focus on making your home a place your kids want to be (and all that requires is your love and attention).

• Release some control. Sometimes, moms are responsible for the weight on their shoulders because they can’t release control. For example, maybe you fold the laundry because your spouse doesn’t fold the way you like. Does that really matter in the long run?

• Know your limits. Learn to recognize your limitations. If you are verging into unhealthy territory (such as not sleeping), it’s time to assess and see what part of the load you need to drop.

Are Your Kids Bored Yet? How to Stop Their Complaints.

School hasn’t even been out that long, and the kids are already started to whine and complain of boredom. I know they are spending more time than usual at home, but enough is enough. My job is not to be their full-time entertaining cruise director, but if I allow them to think I am the one responsible for preventing boredom, then they will think it is my job! No more.

Plus, experts even suggest boredom is good for our kids. Dr. Dibya Choudhuri, a professor with the counseling program at Eastern Michigan University explains, “It is a normal human emotion. To try to prevent children from ever experiencing it is probably unhealthy.”

So, from now on, I’m letting my kids be bored. All I am doing is offering the following five suggestions when kids complain of boredom.

Send Them Outside

I’ve found the best cure for boredom is to send my kids outside. We’ve got a swing set and a yard where they are free to run around and free. Whether they are pretending to be princesses or pirates, or they spend time searching for bugs, they are keeping their minds occupied and getting a healthy dose of Vitamin D. This summer, we also invested in an inflatable water slide that keeps them happy and entertained for hours.

Encourage Them to Use Their Imaginations

While my role is not to entertain my kids, I do think I have a responsibility to provide them with objects that encourage their imagination. That’s why we keep musical instruments, craft supplies, costumes, and coloring stuff in our house. When the kids say they are bored, I encourage them to find something to do that requires their imagination. They put on plays, draw beautiful pictures, and build amazing Play-Doh structures.

Have Them Help Around the House

Let’s not forget about the classic – If you’re bored, you can help out around the house! When my girls are whining about how bored they are, I like to remind me that they still haven’t completed their daily chores and that now is a good time to get started. While they don’t always rush to start their chores, they do stop complaining about boredom.

Suggest They Work on Something for School

Now, I know the idea of suggesting your kids work on something for school sounds like a joke but hear me out. They have been out of school forever because of the coronavirus! You might be surprised that they don’t mind doing a little ABC Mouse or completing something in a workbook. If that fails, there is always summer reading!

Remind Me to Think of Others

Lastly, if your kids are bored, it is the perfect opportunity to encourage them to do something nice for someone else. When my girls are bored, I often suggest they do something nice for a specific person (like Dad or the neighbor). They’ve drawn homemade cards, picked flowers, and done someone else’s chore.

5 Ways for Kids to Stay Connected with Their Social-Distance Friends

In a summer following the longest and weirdest school year ever, there are no traditional summer camps or extracurricular activities for our kids. According to The Conversation, “Over the last 30 years, children’s friendships have been largely forged in the classroom and during extracurricular activities. That’s because, on average, children spend 6.5 hours a day in school, and 57% of children spend every day or most days involved in extracurricular activities.”

It's not surprising that our kids are lonely and suffering. COVID-19 essentially took away their main access to their friends. Since friendship is important for our kids' social-emotional development and their mental health, it is our job to do what we can to help them stay connected with their friends while social distancing. Here are five things we’ve been doing with our girls.

1. Virtual Playdates

Technology has truly been a lifesaver throughout this pandemic. We have encouraged our girls to have virtual playdates (or meetups for older kids). Essentially, this has meant relaxing some of our screen rules, such as time limits or chatting with friends, but we’ve still maintained safeguards (such as only chatting online with people we know in real life). Give your kids time on your phone, computer, or device to video chat with their friends through Skype, Facebook Messenger, or Zoom. Simply seeing their friends through the screen will make their day! For example, my youngest daughter had an absolute blast having an online dance party with her elementary classmates.

2. Online Gaming

Personally, I don’t get the whole online gaming thing, but my girls love playing online games like Minecraft and Roblox. But what they love even more is when they get to play with friends. Fortunately, most online games provide ways for you to play and chat with friends. Additionally, there are online game sites, like Pogo, that make it easy to play board games like Monopoly with socially-distanced friends.

3. Netflix Party

Are you tired of watching your kid’s favorite shows? Let them watch their favorite shows or movies with their friends online using the Netflix Party tool. Our Children explains, “Anyone with a monthly Netflix subscription can add this free Google Chrome extension. You can synchronize video playback with your child’s friends and add group chat so kids can ‘talk’ during the movie. Anyone in the group can pause, play, fast forward and rewind the movie so everyone is in the same spot.”

4. Write Old Fashioned Letters

Have your kids ever written a letter to a friend? I’m not talking about a thank you note after a birthday party. I’m talking about an old-fashioned pen pal letter. I’m betting the answer is never. Now is the perfect time to introduce your kids to the joy of getting a letter from a friend in the mail. Get them some cute stationery, stamps, and their friend’s addresses and watch them connect the old-fashioned way.

5. Physically Distanced Neighbors

This last one is going to vary depending on your family’s unique situation. If you feel comfortable allowing your kids to have an outdoor playdate with your neighbors, then just remember to enforce physical distancing. While playdates are still frowned upon, outdoor playdates are deemed more acceptable. Harvard Medical School suggests, “Something like going for a bike ride, or a hike, allows you to be together while sharing fewer germs (bringing and using hand sanitizer is still a good idea). You need to have ground rules, though, about distance and touching, and if you don't think it's realistic that your children will follow those rules, then don't do the playdate even if it is outdoors.”

5 Summer Backyard Goals

If you have ever had summer backyard goals, summer 2020 is the year to get it done. With many places still closed or at limited capacity due to COVID-19, our summer vacations are bound to look different. Since we will be spending more time in our own backyards, it just makes sense to make our backyard an oasis for our families.

If you want a perfect backyard escape, these are the five things you need. Keep in mind, this is for families lucky enough to have a backyard. If you are in an apartment or simply don’t have adequate backyard space, think of ways you can incorporate these ideas into your indoor space.

Comfortable Seats for the Whole Family

Your outdoor space needs comfortable seating for the whole family. After running and playing in the sun, you need somewhere comfortable to sit and relax. One of my favorite backyard décor items is my swing chair. It is stylish and comfy. I also splurged on an adorable chaise lounge designed for kids.

Somewhere for Food and Drinks

In addition to seats, you need somewhere to sit your food and drinks. Whether you purchase an old-fashioned picnic table or go all-in for sophisticated patio furniture, choose a quality piece. Outdoor furniture should be made to be long-lasting and to withstand a variety of outdoor elements.

A Playground for Your Kids

Unfortunately, some cities and counties are still restricting kids from playing on their outdoor playground equipment because of the coronavirus. But kids need playground equipment! It helps develop their motor skills and gives them endless opportunities for imaginative play. If you’ve been debating whether you should get your own play set for the backyard, the answer is yes.

And, if your kid is a little too big for a play set, then opt for building (or buying the supplies) your own American Ninja Warrior Backyard Course. Plus, this is an excellent way for kids to wear themselves out playing so they’ll sleep better at night!

PHOTO: www.ltdcommodities.com

Games for the Adults

Kids shouldn’t be the only ones who get to enjoy the backyard. With all the different outdoor games available, choose the one that will be the most fun for you and your spouse and friends to play. You can choose from corn hole, giant yard dice, and giant Jenga. All of these yard games can be DIY or be purchased.

A Way to Cool Off

Last but not least, you need a place to cool off. It may not be super hot right now, but we know it is coming. That’s why it is so important to have a way to cool off in your backyard. Of course, it would be amazing if we all could have our own backyard pools, but I know that isn’t feasible. But, go ahead and stock up on the water toys, like sprinklers and slip and slides.

When it comes to other ways to cool off, start with finding shade. If you have natural shade, place your seats here. If you do not have natural shade, invest in an umbrella.

What Will the Kids Remember About the Coronavirus Quarantine?

When the stay at home orders came and schools closed, parents went into overdrive. We suddenly had a lot more on our plates. We started working from home, as well as being our kid’s substitute teacher and virtual assistant. But, on top of it all, the thing that has kept parents up at night is wondering about their kid’s overall wellbeing.

As adults, we never experienced something like the COVID-19 pandemic. Our school years were never suddenly interrupted. We didn’t spend all day every day at home with just our families for well over a month. So, for adults, we understand how bizarre this all is. But do our kids?

The answer is yes. Even the youngest kids do know “something is up.” Kids can feel their parent’s stress, and they are fully aware that their routine is different. But that doesn’t mean they are doomed. This generation of kids may even be better for having lived through this experience.

Childhood Amnesia

Let’s start at the beginning. How far back can you remember? The truth is most of us don’t have many childhood memories from when we were younger than 7. Even then, our memories are a scattered collection of highs and lows. In other words, kids under 7 will likely have few, if any, memories of this quarantine experience. This is so prevalent that it has a scientific term – childhood amnesia.

According to Popular Science, “Kids can remember events before the age of 3 when they're small, but by the time they're a bit older, those early autobiographical memories are lost. New research has put the starting point for amnesia at age 7.” The older kids become, the fewer memories they have from their younger years.

However, it is still important to recognize that this pandemic will have an effect on kids in the near future, even if their memories become fewer as they grow older.

Kids are Living History

This is one of the few times when we are aware that we are living through history. So, we should take advantage of it! Talk to your kids about why this is an important part of their lives and their history. Spend time with your family creating a COVID-19 time capsule that highlights the things your family did during this time. Years into the future, this time capsule will be something your family treasures.

Check-in with Your Kids

While we don’t know exactly what our young kids will remember about the coronavirus quarantine, we do know they are already being affected by it. For example, did your kid suddenly start putting up a fight to go to bed? You’re not alone. So many kids started having bedtime issues that the New York Times even wrote Bedtime Was Hard Enough. Then Came Quarantine.

Therefore, it is important to continue to check in with your kids. Even preschoolers know things are different. Regression is to be expected. Ask your kids how they are feeling. Ask them what they are afraid of and what they miss. You may be surprised at just how aware your kids are about what has and has not changed. Most importantly, reassure them that even though things have changed, your love for them never will.

Who knows? Your kids may look back on this experience will fond memories. You have a rare opportunity to spend unlimited time together as a family, so try to make the most of it. When your kids are out of the house and raising kids of their own (can you even imagine?!?), some of your best family stories may be about this quarantine season.

Ten Minutes to Feel Like a Better Mom

Sometimes I feel like I am alone in my feelings of mom guilt, but I know this is untrue. We ALL suffer from mom guilt. It feels like we never have enough to give our kids – I feel like I never have enough time or energy.  

However, I recently stumbled upon an idea that is already making a huge difference in my home. Even when my days are incredibly busy, if I can just give each of my girls ten minutes of my attention, they are happier and less needy. And, I let go of some of my mom guilt. It sounds crazy, but it really works. In just twenty minutes (10 per kid), I have bonded more with daughters, heard more about their daily lives and dislikes and interests, and relaxed more.

Give Them Your Undivided Attention

The key to the whole ten minutes with your child is to give them ten minutes of undivided attention. This means your phone has to be down, the tv has to be off, and you have to stop doing whatever mom multi-tasking you are doing for those ten minutes. Kids know when we are paying attention and when we are not. During these ten minutes, look your child in the eye. Show them how much you love them with just your presence and undivided attention.

Tune in to Their Wants and Needs

Sometimes in this helicopter parenting generation, we lose sight of what our kids actually want and need. Instead, we are so focused on what we want for them and keeping them safe. However, the latest advice is to tune in to your kids' needs. Rather than hovering and directing, sit back and enjoy them for the little people they are. This means that during those ten minutes you should be focused on tuning in to your child’s wants and needs – and not trying to do or talk about what you want. That’ll be hard, but it will be worth it!

A Safe Time to Talk

If you have already taken the first two tips to heart, then this one will be easy. By giving your kids your undivided attention and tuning in to them, they will recognize that these ten minutes are a safe time to talk. They will feel comfortable coming to you about something they may have been fearful of before. They will be more willing to talk about the stuff happening at school or sharing their hopes and dreams.

Some Ideas for Ways You Can Connect in Just Ten Minutes

Now, I know for some of you that this sounds difficult. Some moms aren’t “play on the floor” kind of moms – and that is 100% okay! Again, the point is to tune into your kid, so if it does involve playing on the floor, you can probably handle it for ten minutes. But ten minutes ONLY! 😉

You can also use the time to talk about their day or cuddle. Watch silly YouTube videos together or read a book aloud. My girls love doing little hallway fashion shows – it’s quick and easy, but it makes them feel extra special.

What will you do with your ten minutes? Let me know in the comments!

Looking Back at My Top Posts from 2019

I finally had time to review my analytics from 2019. And the results tickled me! I found out you guys love T.J. Maxx just as much as I do! And that we all agree getting ghosted by a potential employer is the worst. I thought it would be fun to look back at some of my most popular posts this year in case you missed them, or you are new to my blog.

Helpful Tip - Read the Whole Blog by Clicking on the Title!

All the Heart Eye Emojis for T.J.Maxx + A Giveaway!

“Oh, T.J. Maxx, my love for you knows no end. As Rod Stewart famously sang, “You fill my heart with gladness. You take away all my sadness. You ease my troubles. That’s what you do.” I could visit your stores every day and still find something new.

If you already love T.J. Maxx or have never had the pleasure of visiting a T.J. Maxx store, I am here to shout my love all across the internet. Trust me – if you don’t already love T.J. Maxx, you will by the time you finish reading what I’m sharing today.”

Who doesn’t love T.J. Maxx? You guys apparently were all about my T.J. Maxx love and my discussion of why they are soaring why other retailers are failing. And, of course, you were pumped to enter that fantastic giveaway!

Colgate Does More for Your Whole Mouth

“Do you remember the line “You’re never fully dressed without a smile” from the Broadway musical Annie? As someone who works in fashion, I believe this song lyric is completely true. All the clothes in the world won’t matter if you don’t take care of your beautiful smile. That’s why, as a mom, I am always on the lookout for products that will have my whole family showing off their big, beautiful smiles.

Fortunately, it is easier and more affordable than ever before to take care of my family’s smiles. I recently tried out Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste with Colgate Total NEW breakthrough formula, and I am sold! I’m sure if you try it out, you will agree.”

I guess my followers also love Colgate as much as I do…or they were just curious to see why I am such a fan. Either way, I am glad I could share my reasons with you.

When a Potential Employer Ghosts You

“I’m going to be super vulnerable here. Recently, I was ghosted after a string of job interviews with a company I was really interested in. Even worse – they seemed really interested in me! I interviewed with a company for over two months and four interviews.  We talked about pay, how my workday will be, etc. The hiring manager was supposed to get back to me about the package and the offer, and then I heard nothing. #Ghosted”

Every now and then, it is good to be vulnerable as this post goes to show. Since this was one of my most popular posts of 2019, I have a feeling I am not the only person who has experienced this unfortunate situation.

To Hike with Kids or To Hike Alone – That is the Question

“It’s no secret that I love to get outdoors and hike. When you live in a city, it is so important to get a break from city life, and hiking is one of the best ways to get away from the noise and busyness of NYC.

Let’s face it. It is easier to hike kid-free, but sometimes the benefits outweigh the added complications.

When I am planning my outdoor escape, I often have to choose between hiking alone or with other adults or hiking with my kids. There is no right or wrong answer here! It all comes down to how I feel that day. So, when it comes to deciding whether to hike with kids or to hike alone, the following thoughts guide my decision-making.”

Apparently, I am not the only mom who asks herself this question on a regular basis! I am so glad to know I am not alone. After re-reading the post though, I still want to know which you prefer. Send me a message and let me know!

Why You Need to Prioritize Your Marriage (and How)

“Ask anyone who has been married as long as I have, and they will tell you it hasn’t always been easy. And, if they tell you otherwise, they are lying. Marriage is hard, but a strong marriage is worth all the hard work it takes to get it there. Between work and kids, if I didn’t prioritize my marriage, it would be easy to let it fall apart. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened.

Whether you are newly married or have been married for decades, the following tips for how to prioritize your marriage may be just what you need to remember why you two got married in the first place.”

Marriage matters! It’s so important to prioritize it – even when it seems hard to find the time to do so. I hope you found my tips helpful!

Thank you for all the love in 2019! I hope this year I share blogs that help make you better moms, fashionistas, travelers, and stronger women.