Hedgetoad Cottage

Grow, Gather, Thrive

Skip to content
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
  • DIY
    • crafty
  • Organization
    • House Organization
    • Personal Organization
  • Writing
    • blogging
    • Mental Health
  • Frugal Living
    • Chickens
      • The “Chick” List
    • cooking
    • Garden
  • Family

family

May 29, 2025May 29, 2025 - Jana Leave a comment

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

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[Read more]

Filed Under: family, Writing
August 2, 2018February 12, 2025 - Jana 4 Comments

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

back to school clothes for kids

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[Read more]

Filed Under: family, Frugal Living
July 27, 2018July 27, 2018 - Jana 4 Comments

Top 10 School Supplies Teachers Love

Top 10 School Supplies Teachers Love

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[Read more]

Filed Under: family
July 8, 2018July 6, 2018 - Jana Leave a comment

Lake Cabin Vacation

lake cabin view

We’re on vacation! Every year, we rent a cabin at the lake I spent my summers as a child. In fact, the cabin is directly across the lake from the lakehouse my grandparents owned. The cabin is part of a small, family-owned resort.There’s no tv and no cell phone service.[Read more]

Filed Under: family, Writing
June 15, 2018April 21, 2025 - Jana 2 Comments

School’s Out for Summer! 8 Summer Activities for Tweens

cooking smores lanternfest experience

If you’re on the hunt for summer activities for tweens that don’t involve a screen, you’re in the right place. School’s out, and while we’re not jetting off on a grand summer adventure, we are making the most of what’s close to home—like our backyard chickens and the local library.[Read more]

Filed Under: family
June 8, 2018February 24, 2025 - Jana 4 Comments

Don’t Miss This! Amazing LanternFest Experience

floating lanterns lantern fest experience

Almost two months ago, I read about the LanternFest. It’s an event where everyone gets to send up their own floating lantern into the sky with a few thousand other people. I’ve seen them in movies and documentaries, but the idea of attending one myself was too much to resist.[Read more]

Filed Under: family
April 22, 2018April 19, 2025 - Jana 6 Comments

Unique Mother’s Days Gifts for A Unique Mom

spring blossom

Mother’s Day is sneaking up fast, and if your Pinterest feed looks anything like mine, it’s already overflowing with adorable handmade gift ideas. And don’t get me wrong—I absolutely love those sweet, crafty treasures (I’ve kept every one). But let’s be honest… moms also appreciate the kind of gifts we’d[Read more]

Filed Under: family
March 16, 2018February 20, 2025 - Jana 1 Comment

Easter Basket Ideas Teens & Tweens Will Love Year after Year

Easter basket with candy

Creating Easter Baskets for Teens or Tweens is difficult. They too old for stuffed bunnies and cute baby toys. In fact, they often act as though they are already world-weary and bored with everything but their phone. At the same time, they still want to be kids. They still want[Read more]

Filed Under: family
March 4, 2018February 19, 2025 - Jana 28 Comments

Clam Digging: A Family Adventure in the Pacific Northwest

Clam digging is a beloved activity in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), offering a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while learning something new. And when it comes to digging for Razor clams with kids? It’s hands-down one of the best family activities around! It’s fun, educational, and a perfect blend[Read more]

Filed Under: family, Frugal Living
March 2, 2018August 3, 2018 - Jana 2 Comments

Road Trips With Tweens

road trip with tweens

Road trips with tweens are great! I really think it’s the sweet spot for road trips with kids, seriously. They don’t need a ton of extra stuff, are capable of holding their bladder for more than 10 minutes, AND they’re willing to eat things that aren’t chicken nuggets. The thing,[Read more]

Filed Under: family
profile picture

Hi There!

I'm Jana

Home grown in the PNW,
I love to find creative ways to make it all work, from raising chickens to home repair!
ADHD Mom to two teens, nearly an empty-nester.
So glad you're here!

Read More

facebook icon instagram icon pinterest icon yt icon email icon

Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Jana Johnson/HedgeToad Cottage is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Privacy Policy
Click here to find all you need!

Get Ready Summer!

Items to enjoy your summer porch sitting, including flowers, side table, chairs and lights.
Collage of items to keep tweens occupied during the summer
Copyright © 2024 HedgetoadCottage.com