Live today as if it is your first, last, and greatest day of your life.
Teaching your teenager to drive is a big milestone, both for them and for you as a parent. It can feel overwhelming to hand over the keys, but with patience, preparation, and the right approach, you can provide them with the skills they need for a lifetime of safe and confident driving. When it comes to teaching your teenager how to drive, there are a few things parents must keep in mind if they want to pass on good habits to their kids.
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The American Theatre Guild is thrilled to present SHUCKED, the Tony Award® winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious.” This production is part of the 25–26 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO Series and will take the stage at The Stranahan for eight performances Jan. 20–25, 2026.
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Raising a family is an exciting transition, and Toledo offers a supportive environment for new parents navigating this stage of life. Like any city, it comes with practical considerations around housing, childcare, healthcare, and daily routines.
Understanding what to expect can make early parenthood feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
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Traveling with your partner and kids, especially teenagers, can feel like a logistical puzzle mixed with emotional negotiation. Different sleep schedules, strong opinions, short attention spans, and the constant fear of someone being bored or overwhelmed. But here’s the thing: travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. In fact, the goal isn’t to do it all, it’s to experience it fully. To move, to explore, to disconnect from routine, and to reconnect with each other. This trip reminded me why travel matters so deeply and how, with the right mindset, it can actually be enjoyable… even with teenagers in tow.
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Monday is a day we commemorate a brilliant man who moved people to change through his words, actions, faith, etc. The following Museums are celebrating him by offering FREE admission to the general public on MLK Day.
Do you know of any that didn’t make the list? Please feel free to include them in the comments. Tag/share with friends and make plans today!
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Choosing a puppy for your home when there are young children can be one of the best or worst decisions you will ever make for your family. A puppy is a unique being with a personality, independent needs and limitations, so it is important to think beyond the cuteness factor when selecting your puppy. The following are the most important considerations all parents should take into account when selecting the right puppy for their family.
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A little while ago, I casually announced something that felt anything but casual to me: I’m officially dating again.
Cue dramatic music. 😅
Knowing how to make your backyard feel warm and cozy can turn a plain patch of grass into an extension of your living room. By focusing on texture, lighting, and warmth, you can design a space that feels inviting all year round.
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The first time a daycare feels wrong, it’s rarely because of one big moment. It’s smaller than that. A hesitation at drop-off that wasn’t there before. A quiet ride home. A child who used to rush inside now clings to your leg like something has shifted.
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Adding artificial flowers to a living space can transform an ordinary room into a vibrant and inviting sanctuary. Unlike their fresh counterparts, high-quality artificial blooms offer a practical, long-lasting solution for those seeking the beauty of nature without its ephemeral nature. With advances in design and materials, today’s fake flowers have an astonishingly realistic appearance, becoming a staple in modern home decorating. Enriching your home has never been easier with these carefree botanical replicas. Below, we’ll explore the numerous ways artful faux florals can brighten your interiors and uplift your mood year-round.
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If nothing changes this year, it won’t be because you didn’t want it badly enough, it’ll be because you stayed loyal to what was already costing you your peace. The calendar flipping didn’t fix your patterns, your relationships, or your self-doubt. The new year doesn’t reward comfort, it exposes it. And if you’re brave enough to keep reading, this is your invitation to stop pretending the reset already happened and start choosing differently.
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Tis the season to have the kiddos put on their cozy PJs, tuck them in early, make some hot cocoa and treats/cookies to-go, then scream, “Everyone up, we’re going on a hunt, a Christmas/Holiday Lights Scavenger hunt!!!”! This has been a long-standing tradition in our family and something we look forward to each year! (yes, even my teenagers)
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Winter with toddlers can feel long, especially when it’s cold, gray, and everyone has cabin fever. If you’re looking for ways to keep little ones busy this guide rounds up the best indoor places to play with toddlers in Toledo, perfect for winter, rainy days, birthdays, or just breaking up long days. From indoor playgrounds and play cafés to museums, libraries, and specialty toy stores, these toddler-approved spots make in-door play fun (and stress-free).
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Big debt disappears with small decisions. Not one grand gesture, not a lottery ticket—tiny, repeatable habits that compound. Think of your payoff as a marathon where every step matters. This guide gives you a daily playbook: quick actions that take minutes, shift your mindset, and steadily accelerate principal reduction whether you’re paying off credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, or a car note.
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As I walked out of my classroom door on the last day with students before winter break, it hit me like a tidal wave. The kind that comes out of nowhere, knocks the wind out of you, and leaves you standing there wondering how something invisible can feel so heavy. I was suddenly flooded with emotion, so much so that I didn’t even know where to begin processing it. All I knew was that I needed to make it to my car before the waterworks started.
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If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to see the hit musical & JULIET in Toledo, consider this your sign, and your holiday miracle. For a very limited time only, a special Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) ticket offer is going live, and trust me… you’re going to want to jump on this.
Starting Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10:00 a.m., and ending strictly on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 11:59 p.m., you can grab two tickets for the price of one when you use the code WHATIF at checkout. This offer is good for the Tuesday (12/16), Wednesday (12/17), and Thursday (12/18) performances, all at 7:30 p.m. 🎉
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When plumbing emergencies strike your home in St. Louis, the first instinct might be to grab a wrench and dive into the problem. However, this DIY approach can lead to more significant issues down the line. Plumbing systems are intricate and require a knowledgeable hand to navigate and repair effectively – a hand that often belongs to a professional emergency plumber. Below, we’ll explore why turning to a professional during a plumbing crisis is a wise decision and how it can save you time, money, and stress.
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Moms, here’s a little secret: you don’t have to wait until summer to give your kids that “beach day” feeling. When the weather is freezing outside and the playgrounds are icy or muddy, there’s a warm, cozy, super-fun escape waiting for you: The Sandbox for Kids. Think of it as a beach day, sans the water, cold toes, and clean-up hassle, where kids dig, build, explore, and imagine, while you relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy watching them create.
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It’s common for homeowners to look around their homes and see a hundred things they’d like to change, from outdated cabinets to chipped paint in the hallway. We dream of beautiful, refreshed spaces where our families can grow, but the reality of managing household finances often puts those big dreams on hold.
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This year, there will be nothing under my Christmas tree. No gadgets, no updated devices, no video games, no toys. And I say that with purpose, not neglect. Because what my children truly need, what they have always needed, isn’t another object. It’s our time, our presence, and our attention.
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Sauder Village comes to life during the holiday season, from convenient and comforting holiday meal options at the Barn Restaurant and Doughbox Bakery, to festive events in the Historic Village and unique, handcrafted gift options at the Museum Store.
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Flat! That’s the one word that best describes the terrain in NW Ohio & Southeast Michigan, which is totally fine unless it snows & kiddos want to go sledding. In which case kids have two options, one, gather all the neighborhood kids and have a BYOS (Bring Your Own Snow) party in the front yard, where kids literally gather as much snow from all the yards to make a snow hill, or, hit up a snow hill. But let’s be honest, if you’re not a local these hills are tough to find. So here’s a list of some popular snow hills the locals in NW Ohio & SE Michigan frequent with their kiddos…
The holidays are the perfect time to slow down, cherish one another, and create memories that last a lifetime. This year, why not go beyond the usual gifts and treat your teen or tween to something truly special, a night (or matinee!) out at Broadway’s hit musical, & JULIET, part of the 25–26 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO Series at The Stranahan Theatre from Dec. 16–21, 2025.
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When temperatures drop, your backyard doesn’t have to become a no-go zone. You can create a warm and inviting outdoor space to enjoy throughout the colder months. With a few key additions, your yard can transform into a cozy winter retreat for relaxation and social gatherings. Keep reading to explore practical tips for making your outdoor area comfortable all year long.
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We all know the struggle of keeping our little ones entertained without defaulting to screen time. Engaging them in hands-on activities offers a fantastic alternative that keeps their hands busy and their minds sharp.
You will quickly notice just how much they gain from building a birdhouse or simply baking a cake from scratch. Let’s explore the five positive impacts of projects on children and why you should embrace creative chaos.
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House hunting feels exciting at first. You browse listings online and dream about where your furniture might go. But reality hits quickly when you start visiting actual properties and going through the process.
That perfect Victorian charm might actually be a money pit. When buying a home, you should know how to distinguish minor cosmetic issues from serious problems. We compiled the top deal breakers every homebuyer should know to help you avoid a bad investment.
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I know how important it feels to look polished and confident on such a meaningful day. Each detail of a mother-of-the-bride outfit, from fabric to color, can highlight personality and taste without drawing attention away from the bride. The best styles for 2026 balance elegance, comfort, and timeless appeal, helping every mother feel proud and beautiful beside her daughter.
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What if one of the simplest habits in the world, slowing down to savor your morning coffee or pausing to breathe in the scent of roses, could actually support your brain health? It sounds poetic, but emerging neuroscience suggests it might also be practical.
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I get asked this a lot: “How do you get your kids to actually go to Mass or church?” And honestly, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s the truth: it starts young. I’ve been taking my children to church since they were toddlers, starting with my firstborn, and the key has always been modeling faith in real life.
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When your child gets sick or needs extra care, nothing else matters. Your mind shifts fast. Your work tasks fade out. Your heart pulls you home. But many moms feel torn between caring for their child and keeping their job safe. This pressure can feel heavy and unfair.
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Fall in Toledo is pure magic. The air gets crisp, the leaves at Wildwood Metropark turn into a masterpiece, and suddenly, all you want is a warm apple cider from MacQueen’s Orchards. This season brings a perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with pieces that are as practical as they are stylish. As busy moms, we need outfits that handle school drop-offs, grocery runs, and maybe even a spontaneous date night in downtown Sylvania.
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Every December, as the air turns crisp and the first hints of winter shimmer across Maumee Bay, families look forward to a tradition that has become one of the area’s most heartwarming holiday treasures. This year, they will gather at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center for a celebration filled with wonder, warmth, and the kind of magic that only comes when a community comes together.
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This holiday season, give the gift of unforgettable experiences! Feld Entertainment®, the global leader in live, family entertainment, is spreading extra cheer with its Cyber Week Sale, offering up to 35% off ticket face value to some of America’s most beloved live shows.
From the jaw-dropping excitement of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, to the roaring energy of Monster Jam® and the Monster Energy SMX World ChampionshipTM (SMX), to the dazzling magic of Disney On Ice, there’s something for every family to enjoy!
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By a Mom Who Blinked and Somehow Ended Up With a 20-Year-Old
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If you haven’t heard the news yet, here it is: Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto is coming to the Huntington Center, and this show promises to be more magical than ever.
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For many families, allergy season seems to arrive earlier every year, sometimes before the trees even begin to bud. And what often surprises parents is that the first wave doesn’t come from outdoors at all. It can start indoors, where dust, dander, and stale winter air can quietly build up to make little noses itch long before spring has sprung.
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When winter arrives, it’s the perfect time for you to find new ways to bond with your family. Planning a few key activities can turn a cold season into a warm and wonderful one. Here are five cozy and fun ways for families to connect this winter.
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Picking your bridesmaids’ dresses might seem like just another wedding task, but it’s actually one of the most exciting ways to bring your vision to life. From style to color to budget, the right choices can make your bridal party feel confident, comfortable, and unforgettable on your big day. Below, we’ve detailed what you should consider when selecting your bridesmaids’ dresses!
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Remember when your kid couldn’t stop asking “why?” about everything? That curiosity is pure gold for learning science. The trick is keeping that spark alive as they grow older and distractions multiply.
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A house becomes a home when it reflects who you are, feels comfortable, and inspires you to relax and enjoy your space. The good news? Transforming your property doesn’t require a complete remodel or a massive budget. With thoughtful choices, you can create a space that feels inviting, stylish, and uniquely yours. Here are four tips to help you turn your house into a cozy home.
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Let’s just get this out of the way, I’ve had my fair share of heartbreak.
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It’s funny, I couldn’t tell you what I wore the Christmas of 1990 (I’m sure it was a gorgeous dress that matched my siblings and we all looked adorable Mom), or what gifts I opened from under the tree, or even if we had snow that year. What I do remember is sipping hot chocolate as we walked through the zoo at night (that in itself is pretty cool to kids) in wonderment at the Lights before Christmas with close family friends, rushing ahead of my parents in awe of the Christmas magic at Children’s Wonderland, touring the over the top decorations at Holidays in the Manor House with my grandparents, seeing the classic, A Christmas Carol, & watching the joy on my father’s face as he recited lines as we watched the classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. That’s the thing about Christmas; it really isn’t about the perfect gift it’s about the time spent with loved ones. So this Christmas let’s focus less on the number of goods under the tree and more on the quality of time spent making childhood memories that our children will cherish for a lifetime.
It’s about half an hour before the end of the workday. My brain is fried, my to-do list is laughing at me, and I’m just trying to wrap things up when, ding!, the first text rolls in.
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As women, there are a few relationships that define us. There’s the one with your partner or spouse, the one you nurture with your kids, and of course, that sacred, soul-level bond with your hairdresser.
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Relationships are beautiful, complex, and at times deeply challenging. While love is often the spark that brings two people together, maintaining a healthy partnership takes self-awareness, communication, and mutual respect. Below are three issues that often sneak into relationships and how to proactively address them.
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As the holiday season approaches, everything feels a little more wonderful, everything sparkles a little more, music sounds a little more cheerful, and the simple moments we spend with family become special memories. Christmas pajamas a special and simple holiday season tradition, bringing that little extra joy and warmth. A vibrant and colorful sleep set truly captures the joy of the Christmas spirit and the pleasure of lounging in pajamas. Holiday sleep sets promote coziness and encourage people to spend quality time together, whether it’s Christmas morning, a family photoshoot, or simply relaxing at home.
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For many families, the first rumble of thunder can mean a lot more than just a passing, albeit heavy shower. It can be the cue to double-check all the windows, clear the porch, and make sure the kids know where to find a flashlight. Storm season can be a way of reminding us how much we rely on the safety and stability of our homes – and how quickly that comfort can be tested. Preparing ahead doesn’t need to mean panic-buying canned goods or stressing over worst-case scenarios; done right, it can be simply about taking smart, steady steps to protect what you value most.
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When the seasons changed and the air turned crisp, bedtime in my childhood home took on a special kind of magic. After a warm bath, my mom would drape our blankets over the heat register so they’d soak up the rising heat. By the time my siblings and I climbed into bed, those blankets were more than just cozy, they were a full-body embrace. That warmth wrapped around us from head to toe, sinking deep into our bones and hearts. It wasn’t just comfort; it was care. It was love, stitched into the simplest nightly ritual.
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Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 