We’ve been taking annual professional photos so long that my children have almost gotten used it. Through that experience, I’ve adapted a “let it go” philosophy and learned the secrets to getting great photos. That does not mean they are always perfect and everyone is thrilled about taking them. A part of me accepts I might not […]
Tips for taking professional photos with kids
Getting heirloom quality, Christmas card like photographs of children with smiley faces is no easy task. As a mom I’ve learned what works best for us, and I asked our family’s photographer to share some advice as well. We have our family pictures done every year by a local photographer, Lori Anderson of Simply Southern […]
Plastic free lunch packing containers and systems
Back to school time has snuck up on me. I realized this when a friend called me, remembering the post I wrote about ways to avoid plastic cups, asking me about my take on non-plastic lunch containers. At the end of the school year last year I researched and bought several different stainless steel and glass […]
Easy seed pack party gift using pots from home
At a birthday party on Saturday, instead of doing a traditional goodie bag, the mom was very creative and put together these pots last minute, the afternoon of the party, using items she had at home. The tags were cut from artwork done by her daughter and on the back she wrote, “Thanks for coming […]
On the go, busy box craft gift for a three-year-old
There are times when I do homemade birthday gifts and times when I have to get something on the go. Saturday was one of those days when I bought a gift on the way to the party. I had no idea what that gift would be until I began walking the isles at Target. Toys didn’t […]
Inspiration for making homemade cleaning supplies
A couple weeks ago I decided to make a batch of homemade laundry detergent. While on a shopping mission to find Arm and Hammer washing soda locally, I decided to restock our laundry room cabinet with homemade cleaning supplies, like vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice and essential oils. I have to admit, the […]
Ideas for avoiding plastic cups, from babies to adults
Long before I became a mom I had an episode with a large ovarian cyst that had to be surgically removed. It was in 2002. I had already been married three years (I was 23 when I said “I do”). And around then, I started thinking about wanting to have a baby – some day. […]
Tips for visiting a you-pick strawberry farm with kids
Tuesday after school we visited the Care of the Earth Community Farm to pick strawberries. It’s the Community Supported Agriculture group that we belong to, led by Farmer Megan. With my major canning done, this experience was for the kids. What strawberries they don’t eat, I’ll freeze to make smoothies. When taking children to a […]
Tips for organizing your child’s closet
With spring-like temperatures making a visit this past week my girls started requesting more spring-like clothes. I know the cold days will return. But I agree it was time to move the heavy sweaters aside. I always dread the task of changing out their closets for a new season. This time I’m getting an early […]