family

Parenting: College Students & First Apartments

July 13, 2026

Setting Up a Functional Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank Watching your child move into their first apartment is exciting, emotional, and just a little nerve-racking. One minute you’re helping them pick out a bedtime story, and the next you’re realizing they won’t be coming home to a fully stocked kitchen after class. As parents, we naturally worry. Will they eat…

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family, Writing

Teen Snack Hacks for ADHD Moms for All Summer Long

June 23, 2025

Summer is here, and you know what that means—your fridge is now a 24-hour teen snack stop. If you’re an ADHD mom like me, the idea of keeping food organized while teens plow through it like a swarm of hungry raccoons can feel… well, impossible. But good news! With a few easy-to-follow (and ADHD-friendly) fridge hacks, you can create a…

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family

10 Unique Father’s Day Gifts for the One-Of-A-Kind Dad

May 29, 2025

Let’s be real—Father’s Day gift-giving can feel like wandering the hardware aisle blindfolded, hoping something “Dad-ish” jumps into your cart. But not all dads are the same. Some dads are outdoorsy, silly, bookish or a total foodie. Whatever they are, they love spending time with their favorite people—you! Your unique dad deserves a unique Father’s Day gift that’s perfect for…

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blogging, Writing

Blogging Still Matters: Finding Your Voice Instead of Trends

February 23, 2025

You’ve probably heard it before—“Blogging is dead.” In a world of viral TikToks, polished YouTube vlogs, and lightning-fast social media feeds, writing long-form blog posts can feel like shouting into the void. People say, “If you’re not focused on social media, are you even doing anything?” But here’s the thing: blogging isn’t dead. It’s just evolved. And in many ways,…

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Mental Health

Morning Coffee Ritual

Coffee cup colored white with colored polka dots on a wooden table
October 17, 2024

I’m not a natural early riser, especially as the days grow shorter. Once the sun rises after 7:30 a.m., my circadian rhythm and daily routine clash dramatically. Coffee, the nectar of the gods, seems like my only salvation in the morning. I don’t even need the caffeine anymore; the aroma is enough to perk me up. While I’m not fond…

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blogging

Following My Own Blogging Path

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard
September 24, 2024

I started following blogs – then called online journals – in 1995. They were a glimpse into another life and even their mundane seemed more interesting than mine. Some of them were really well written and the authors went to publish successful books. Some went viral for a short time (remember the woman who cataloged her debt-free journey, including having…

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family, Frugal Living

Back-to-School Shopping: A Practical Guide (2024)

back to school clothes for kids
August 2, 2018

As August rolls in, the countdown to the first day of school begins, which means it’s time for back-to-school clothes shopping. This task has become more intricate now that my kids are tweens and fashion-conscious. They have clear “yes” and “no” lists for what they’ll wear and what they won’t, adding an extra layer of complexity.  Where to Start – Make A…

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family, Teaching

Top 10 School Supplies Teachers Love

Top 10 School Supplies Teachers Love
July 27, 2018

It’s nearly time to start purchasing all those back to school supplies. Summer goes by t00 fast! I teach high school (cue sympathy sighs). It’s a great job, but I’m sure you know that teachers spend a lot of money on supplies. I don’t have a lot of money, so I’m always looking for what lasts. While I’m always ready for…

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