Sometimes it can be relaxing to just watch some TV. If parents are tapped out or everyone is bored and stuck inside, Netflix can be a godsend—entertainment at your fingertips. There’s nothing wrong with using Netflix as a form of family relaxation in measured doses. Netflix nights can also make for some good family bonding …
Everyday is a chance to become a better version of ourselves. We don’t need to wait for January 1 to make new resolutions or turn over a new leaf. So long as we feel very strongly that we want to make a change, any day can be Day 1 of your journey to a new …
My house has been known to suffer from CHAOS—Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome. We have four kids, and we do a lot of living under our humble roof. We’re not tiptoeing around all day. We’re a real family living a happy, messy life. In addition to a messy family, I also have anxiety, which can …
Learning about other cultures is a great way to teach children to appreciate the diversity of our human world. By recognizing and celebrating our differences, you can help raise a kind child who respects others and makes them feel welcomed and valued. Educating children about other cultures is one way to fight against racism and …
It can seem confusing when we fill our lives with so many things that are supposed to make us happy, yet we end up feeling completely burned out instead. The hustle and bustle of life today can take its toll mentally and physically. Is your gut telling you it’s time for a reset? Living a …
The biggest surprise I’ve had from motherhood is what a beast mom guilt can be. I had never experienced such a recurring feeling of personal deficiency before, especially from something I put so much heart and energy into. Practically from the moment I became a mom, mom guilt was there—a voice in my head telling …
According to some research, 86% of women are not satisfied with their body. Further, only 2% of women worldwide would describe themselves as beautiful. These numbers are shocking, but they’re not hard to believe based on my own personal battles and the barrage of media messages we continually receive. I’m so thankful for the body …
Being a mom is the most exhausting, wonderful job I’ve ever had. It is hard work. Some days, I don’t have much left in the tank. As a mom, it’s too easy to feel like you’re failing at everything (you’re not). Even the best of us aren’t immune to mom burnout. There’s just so much …
Moms spend so much of their time and energy caring for others. On Mother’s Day, of course they deserve a treat! But what do you get for the minimalist mom? Not to worry—I’ve got you covered with great gift ideas that will warm the heart without cluttering the house. Also, a special note that I …
Educational toys for toddlers and preschoolers don’t have to be complicated, loud, or annoying. In fact, after parenting four kids, I’ve learned simpler is often better. This post contains a curated list of educational toys that parents and kids are sure to love. I’ve spent hours scouring the reviews so you don’t have to, and …
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives can cause us to feel disconnected from our family members. Especially with the amount of screens in our lives, it can be challenging to find ways to bond as a family. On average, American kids spend over 7 hours per day looking at screens, which may …
Being able to forgive can improve your own mental and physical health. As good as this sounds, it doesn’t mean forgiveness is easy. Most of us are painfully aware of how difficult it can be to forgive someone who has wronged us. Forgiveness takes strength and practice. Writing a forgiveness letter is one method you …
If your toddler is anything like mine, they are full of energy practically every waking moment. Sometimes I feel like a human jungle gym for my toddler to climb on. Our couch has become a toddler trampoline and launching pad—watch out dog! During times when you can’t get outside or to the playground, indoor climbing …
I have a lot of hope for the new year, though I think fresh starts can begin any time. These quotes about fresh starts may be especially useful for anyone who has recently gone through a major life event, such as: Moving forward often has a lot to do with your mindset, and I think …
I wouldn’t say that having three or more kids is easy, but there are many advantages of having a big family. I think some of these can go overlooked when people gape and gasp at the gaggle of children you have. I wanted to give some love to big families with this post and share …
(This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Tips are based on personal experience and should not be considered medical advice. Many of us spend our days seeking happiness, but is that …
Let me start by saying that I’ve always hated the working mom vs stay at home mom debate. I recently underwent a working mom to stay at home mom transition, and it has opened my eyes more to both sides. I’m here to share with you how it’s going and what I’ve learned from this …
Whether you’ve caught the decluttering bug or need some minimalist inspiration to get started, this list of best books on decluttering and minimalism will have you covered. Hear from tidying experts (and regular people) on how to make meaningful change in your life through simplifying. Personally, I love hearing stories of how others have transformed …
Are your kids raving Minecraft fans and you need a few Minecraft gift ideas? Here’s our list of the top 19 best Minecraft gifts for kids. 19 Coolest Minecraft Gifts for Kids Just about every kid I know who’s at least 7 years old and up to age 13 is, or was recently, totally obsessed …
I recently went through a deep dive into slow living, which is where my inspiration for this mega-list of slow living quotes came from. I checked out so many slow living books from the library that my husband was worried I was on a mission to make us move to a cabin in the woods …
Of all the exhaustive baby registry lists out there, why might the minimalist baby registry essentials checklist be the way to go? One of the most surprising things I found when having my first child is just how much STUFF comes along with inviting a tiny human into your home. It can be quite overwhelming! …
Are you on the cusp of a major life change and wondering what having 4 kids might be like? Or maybe you’re just curious what it’s like for a friend or neighbor who seems to have their hands impossibly full. I’m here to give you the scoop on what having 4 kids is really like. …
These epic snow toys will have the kids sledding, building, and begging to go play in the snow. See our four top picks and read all of our finds for the best toys for the snow. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase an item I have linked to, I may receive …
Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year. The kindness, generosity, and love that spread joy throughout this special holiday give me a feeling that’s hard to describe. I guess there’s still a strong connection to childhood memories too—something I hope my kids will have when they’re older as well. So while gifts are certainly …
If you’re like me, making some extra cash can be a big bonus of decluttering. But no one wants to waste their time trying to sell items and have them sit around forever after you’ve decided to get rid of them. So where can you have the most success selling—Facebook Marketplace, apps like OfferUp, or …
Making time for regular connection with your partner is so important. For parents in particular, kid time can sometimes completely overtake couple time. Don’t forget to balance things out by making time for you and your partner. Use the ideas in this post to create a bucket list for couples that you can complete together. …
These back to school teacher gift ideas are some of my favorite gift ideas for teachers. They’re thoughtful, practical, and are sure to be appreciated by your child’s new teacher. By the time the kids are back in school, the teachers have already spent hours getting everything ready for their classroom. Not to mention spending …
This simple DIY teacher survival kit is the ultimate back-to-school teacher gift idea. Be sure to view the entire post for lots of teacher survival kit ideas, plus a free printable to help pull it all together! We started gifting these to our teachers at the beginning of the school year last year. I had …
Use our Summer Bucket List to come up with fun ways to spend the summer with your family. We’ve come up with 100 ways to have fun and make lasting memories with your kids during their summer break. We are at the point in the school year when even the teachers are counting down the …
Camping with kids can be loads of fun if you plan ahead and come prepared. I’ve made a list of exactly what to bring on your next family campout so that your camping adventure is a positive experience for everyone. Also, grab our printable Camping with Kids Checklist so you don’t forget anything. Let me …