This post about new hobby ideas has been sponsored, however, all opinions are my own. If you are looking for new hobby ideas this year, you are well on your way to creating a more unique YOU. All work and no play makes mom a dull girl, right? Finding a new hobby is a great way to relax and unwind after a busy day. Depending on the which new hobby you decide to try, you may make new friends, create something you can sell to earn money, or even get more physically fit. Need a bit of inspiration when it comes to developing a new … [Read more...]
Celebrating High School Graduation with Burgers, Tears, and Memories
May 30, 2018 by · Leave a Comment
This post about celebrating high school graduation has been sponsored by Culver's. All opinions are my own. The school year is drawing to a close. It's hard to believe that the last 9 months have flown by so quickly. What makes this year particularly difficult is that I have a high school senior. There will be no going back for this guy. He is moving onward and upwards and will be heading off to college in a few months. His impending departure has me wanting to cling to every moment I have left with him. He is harder to hold on to as a … [Read more...]
Happiness in Middle Age means Mountains and Motorcycles!
May 8, 2018 by · 5 Comments
This post about Happiness in Middle Age was sponsored by DePuy Synthes as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. While my job keeps me at home and on the computer, I wouldn't say that my chair is my happy place. And as I have gotten older, I have come to appreciate moments of happiness more than ever. I see so many people my age suffering from illness or injury, dealing with the death of loved ones or the stress of job loss. Happiness is fleeting and not something to be tossed … [Read more...]
How to Prepare for a Camping Trip to Stay Safe and Have Fun
May 4, 2018 by · Leave a Comment
Camping is a wonderful way to spend time with the family. Getting outdoors and unplugging for a few days is a great way to reconnect with each other while you have some fun. Once you invest in the right gear, it also becomes a very inexpensive way to go on vacation. You can rent a campsite for significantly less money than you can stay in a hotel. Knowing how to prepare for a camping trip can make or break your outdoor experience. Heading into the woods unprepared can leave you with soggy socks and unhappy memories! Check out my hiking … [Read more...]
Make Time for Music No Matter What Your Age
January 16, 2018 by · 6 Comments
Thank you Fender for sponsoring this post about why you should make time for music. Learn guitar at home with Fender Play! One of the first formal classes I joined with my children was a small music class at our church. The kids were babies and toddlers at that point. The instruments they used were wooden maracas and brightly colored shaker toys. We sang and we clapped and generally had a grand and glorious time for a solid hour. As the children grew up, they brought home the dreaded recorders from school. We signed them up for formal … [Read more...]
Giving My Kids Music Gifts Makes Us All Happy!
November 14, 2017 by · 6 Comments
Thank you, Fender, for sponsoring this post about kids music gifts. Learn guitar at home with Fender Play! Like most teens, my kids have a long list of 'wants' when it comes to birthday and holiday gifts. Some years, I have to say, NOPE, you can't have that. Like the baby sister my daughter asked for several years in a row. That one wasn't going to happen! I'm always happy to give my kids music gifts, however, and there have been many! Our home contains a piano, flute, piccolo, clarinet, about 5 guitars and a ukulele. And probably a … [Read more...]
Simple Fall Activities to Celebrate Cooler Weather
September 28, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
I am a very simple creature. I don't decorate my bathroom for every holiday, nor do I create elaborate weekend getaways for my husband and me. In my mind, simple is better in just about all cases. If you are looking for simple fall activities to welcome in the cooler weather this month, I have a few you might enjoy. Check out a few of my frugal fall decorating ideas and embrace simplicity in all its many understated ways! Many of these fun fall activities can be enjoyed by children as well as adults so make sure you get the whole family … [Read more...]
Easy Pumpkin Carving Tips for More Fun and Less Frustration
September 20, 2017 by · 1 Comment
Everywhere I look this month, I see pumpkins and that means Halloween is almost here! From pumpkin muffins to pumpkin spice playdough, Fall is my all time favorite season! If you really want to have some fun with your kids, buy several pumpkins and check out these easy pumpkin carving tips. The memories you will make with your kids as they get grossed out over pumpkin innards will be priceless! Even if you don't have kids, learning how to carve a pumpkin can be a ton of fun. You will get to admire your handiwork every day as it brings some … [Read more...]
Guitar Lessons at Home are Convenient for Busy Teens
August 8, 2017 by · 7 Comments
Thank you, Fender,for sponsoring this post about guitar lessons at home. Learn guitar at home with Fender Play. Growing up, my husband and I were both passionate about music. He played guitar, I played flute in the band, and music played a big part in our lives. Fast forward 20 years or so and now our children are just as passionate about music as we were. We have half a dozen instruments in this house in addition to multiple stereo systems. Music is an outlet we all enjoy, whether we are playing it or just listening to it! I'm glad that … [Read more...]
Family Travel Self Care Tips for Low Stress Family Vacations
June 19, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
Family travel has always been very important in our lives. Several times a year, we head out to visit family, explore new locations, or just visit a touristy hot spot or two. We have been tackling the open road since my youngest was 6 months old and have had our share of both good and bad experiences. I thought I would share a few tips for family travel self care from Kristy Rodriguez, author of the newly published book Pure Nurture: A Holistic Guide To A Healthy Baby. If you have family travel scheduled for the coming months, put some time … [Read more...]
