Mamas’ Back-to-School Survival Boxes, know a mom? She NEEDS this!

OMG! This was precisely what my mama soul needed; it was like a warm hug, a BFF saying,  “I got you” & a much needed break from trying to be that sole person holding the BLEEP all together! If you’re a mama, if you know a mama, if you have a mama in your life with a kiddo going back-to-school, you NEED to get her this!

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In general the back-to-school season is a very stressful season for moms between back-to-school supplies, clothes, trying to coordinate carpools, etc. add a global pandemic to the mix and you instantly multiply that stress by TEN!

We mamas have really been put through the ringer. To be told we were only going to have children home from school for an “extended Spring Break” and then to still be living this six months later is beyond exhausting! Read more

Why South Haven, MI is a perfect Family Summer Vacation Spot

The crashing of the waves, wind gently blowing your hair, sand tickling your toes, ah, a day at the beach! We used to pile the kiddos and all our crap into the SUV and travel 13 hours crammed together, stopping every hour on the hour for “potty breaks” (because when you have a newly potty trained kiddo who says they have to “go” you go!) all to enjoy a few days on a beach ridden with jellyfish and shark infested water.  That is until my parents started our annual Family Retreat. The destination, Lake Michigan, and boy were we pleasantly surprised by this beautiful body of water that’s salt, jellyfish & shark free and it just so happens to be a fraction of the drive. That was the year we finally said, peace out to the Atlantic Ocean, and found our new favorite body of water, Lake Michigan, which has rightfully earned its title Great Lake!

 

The Lake Michigan Coastline has no shortage of beaches. In the past we’ve enjoyed staying at different rental properties in Grand Haven and Douglas, Michigan. This year, for our 7th Annual Family Retreat we stayed in South Haven, MI. And the rental house we stayed at was perfect! It accommodated all of us…my parents, brother and sister-in-law, my sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and my brood. And the location, omg, it was superb! It was literally a couple blocks down from the beach, and the church, shops, and restaurants were all within walking distance…including the ice cream parlor 😉 But I’m getting ahead of myself, here’s the reasons why South Haven, Michigan is a perfect Family Summer Vacation Spot.

 

Why South Haven, Michigan is a perfect Family Summer Vacation Spot

1.Awesome Beach Rentals

There’s literally a house, cabin, condo, etc. that can accommodate whatever your needs are…a romantic getaway for two, couples weekend, family vacation, multi-family vacay, family retreat, you name it and there’s a dwelling near a beach that probably also has some sweet amenities. Check out, South Haven on Lake Michigan for a list of beach rentals.

Here’s a quick tour of our Beach Rental….a couple of the bedrooms are included out of respect for those staying in them at the time.

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National Sisters Day

Who has one? 🙋🏼‍♀️ My mom never had one, my mom’s mom never had one, so I know it’s truly a special gift to have a sister! It’s such a unique, beautiful & complicated relationship to describe…but I’ll try, she’s like the one person you can say all the things to, act like a complete idiot, pray with one second, then argue the next & still stick together! She’s cheaper than therapy, my sounding board, the Ethel to my Lucy, Laverne to my Shirley, an amazing Aunt to my kiddos, & the fact that she has a backup closet doesn’t hurt, lol! 😂 Happy National Sisters Day! ❤️ And while I have a slew of gorgeous pics of the two of us together I felt this one illustrates our sisterhood best…us on hour 847 of helping my parents clean out their attic & basement, I can’t imagine why it took so long to go through everything?! Lol! Share, tag your sister, & let her know you’re thinking of her today!

Where to go when you need a vacation in nature

After a long spell in the city, it’s natural to need an escape from all the hustle and bustle, along with the lockdown, for a minute! Whether it’s a secluded natural beauty-spot, or a spell in a cozy country town, a vacation in nature can have a restorative effect on the soul. Adding any one of these places to your travel bucket list offers a great way to get off the grid and enjoy some time for yourself with some of the natural world’s greatest secrets. Whether you want to explore some places this summer or wait until next year, nature is calling!  Read more

Secrets to Being a Stylish Mom

Parenthood requires constant attention and responsibility, which is why many moms can’t find time to look stylish. Instead, we save potential outfits we’d like to wear one day, and rock jeans, leggings, and sweatshirts while running errands and taking care of kiddos. Sound familiar? Read more

SafeSplash, see why it was Voted Best Swim Lesson in Toledo!!

“What is the deal with swim lessons in this city? Seriously, the struggle is real! It seems like you either have to purchase a membership, or pay WAY too much as a, “non-member” just to have your child be placed in an overcrowded mediocre class with an underqualified instructor…and don’t even get me started on the lack of lesson days/times. NOT ANYMORE! Brace yourself; this is a GAME CHANGER….SafeSplash +SwimLab Swim School Holland! Say What?!”  Those were my words over a year ago and guess what? Guess who was just voted Best Swim Lessons in Toledo for 2019 by Toledo Area Parent?  That’s right, you no longer have to take my word for it, the people, parents, grandparents, guardians, etc. of Toledo and surrounding area have spoken and they agree SafeSplash is the best place for swim lessons in Toledo!!! And to show their appreciation they are offering a semi-private lesson for just $25…but I’m, getting ahead of myself.

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Chuck E Cheese is Open! How are they keeping you & your kiddos safe?

“Where a kid can be a kid” That infamous tag line is precisely what kiddos are longing for these days. After months of navigating everything online from field trips, tours, classroom learning, specials classes, after-school activities, Storytime, etc. and dealing with the glitches, frustrations, & at times, the loneliness of the screen kiddos need a place where they can just be a kid, a place where they can escape the adult issues of today’s world, they deserve a space where they can just be a kid! Read more

Toledo Museum of Art REOPENING Day! What to expect when you visit….

Endless memories of my littles playing and creating in the Family Center, meeting new friends at Summer Camps, honing their talents in Art Classes, “It’s Friday” date nights, after school trips & snacks in the Glass Pavilion, where I runaway to when Mom Life gets hard (a ½ hour in the Galleries, a glass of wine in the Café or Glass Pavilion, and you’re a new woman, try it ;), TMI on what TMA means to me? Read more

8 Tips for Safely Hosting a Gathering During the Age of Covid

Caution tape, face masks, floor decals, social distancing, & live streaming!! These were all foreign concepts back when our daughter started her Confirmation journey in September. The plan was to invite the entire family to the Cathedral to witness her beautiful Confirmation in March with a lovely sit-down dinner to follow. We all know what happened to those plans. After being rescheduled a couple times, it finally landed on the first day of summer, held at our local parish, only 6 people could be in attendance, and live streaming would be made available for everyone else.  This would be our first celebration since the ‘Age of Covid’ and I knew this gathering would be unlike any other event or celebration we had ever held. I wanted our guest to feel welcomed, comfortable, and most importantly, SAFE. After much contemplation, research, and careful consideration here are the main issues I addressed and as a result, 8 tips that will hopefully help you host your gatherings, events, and celebrations as we move forward, out of quarantine, and learn to live during this ‘Age of Covid’. Read more