Summer coming around can feel overwhelming as you realize that the kids are here to stay. Of course, having everyone at home is exciting, but finding activities to entertain them throughout the thick of summer can feel stressful. However, if you have a pool, you are in luck! The best part is that these exciting pool party ideas for the summer are kid- and adult-friendly, so feel free to invite your friends.
Read moreTag: Toledo Ohio
COSI with Teens: MARVEL Exhibit has been extended through the Summer!
Center of Science and Industry (COSI) has been a long-time favorite in our family. The kiddos and I have been visiting since they were toddlers. So when I told them COSI would be the first thing we’d be crossing off our Summer 2022 Bucket list I was a bit shocked when I heard complaints. Apparently, they feel it’s only for little kids. Boy were they wrong! To be fair I had a bit of a surprise up my sleeve.
Read moreHow To Form More Meaningful Relationships With Other Churchgoers
A great support network is undoubtedly one of the greatest assets that anyone can ever possess. If faith plays a central role in your life, turning to other churchgoers will naturally make a lot of sense. You have shared beliefs and outlooks on life while you know that they are good people too.
Read moreHow To Help Your Child Learn A Brand New Language
It’s never too early to start learning a new language! In fact, the sooner you start, the better. Children have an amazing ability to learn new things, and with the right tools and resources, they can learn a new language in no time. The following blog will discuss some of the best ways to help your child learn a brand new language. It will also provide some helpful tips and resources that you can use to get started. So don’t wait any longer – start teaching your child a new language today!
Read moreAdvantages of Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Millions of Americans have reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water systems installed under their sinks. But are they worthwhile? Is filtered reverse osmosis water healthy for you? Read on for all the information you need on the advantages of reverse osmosis filtration!
Read moreHow to Stop Your Dog From Barking With 3 Simple Exercises
Barking is a normal and necessary part of your dog’s daily life. It is a way for them to express themselves and let you know when something makes them uncomfortable or scared.
However, sometimes your dog will bark more than it should. Barking can even startle people in the neighborhood who might call authorities to complain about a barking dog. If this happens, it’s important to find out why your dog is barking. There are several ways to stop your dog from barking; these exercises are three of the most popular ones that have been proven to reduce their barking.
Read moreHelping Your Children Return To School After The Holidays
Some children will be eagerly awaiting the return to the classroom after the Christmas holidays but for others, this period can be filled with anxiety and stress as they head back into the daily routine of school runs, classrooms, and homework. This worry can be accentuated by the pandemic and the uncertainty around how the schools will be operating, staff absences, and potential school closures. If you notice your child struggling with the return to school here are some ways in which you might be able to ease the process for them.
Read moreDei Fratelli Segment on WTOL is this week’s ‘Take Me Back Tuesday’
3 littles, barely any sleep, and I said yes to a segment on the morning show, what was I thinking? Thankfully I had purchased and prepped all the necessary items the night before and sat out my clothes as well as my “assistant’s” clothes. That morning we were running behind per usual, my hair wasn’t cooperating, stupid humidity, and I was praying all the way to the station that God would help me find the words…some mornings the “mom brain” hits hard, am I right ladies? Too bad guests can’t get a prompter.
Read moreThis is long overdue
I’ve been meaning to write this for some time now. It’s long overdue. But every time I escape into the computer room, open my laptop, my fingers barely graze the keys, and a silent alarm must sound altering the children that I’m about to give something else my undivided attention. For they all seemed to beacon before I can even type a word, “Mom, I need help submitting….”, “Mom, my screen froze!”, “Mom, I can’t type on my work in Google Docs”. It’s a miracle they aren’t banging on the door right now. I am currently hiding out in the bathroom, on the floor, with my laptop, fan on, so hopefully I’ll have a few uninterrupted minutes…I took this idea from the “Dad Handbook” ;), lol! So needless to say, this letter has been on my heart for some time, and it embarrasses me that I haven’t sent this sooner. I don’t know if you know this or not, but you’re such an important and significant part of my life. They say that life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away and though, an eloquent idea, I’d add that it isn’t just the big moment in life that matters, but the everyday that embrace life’s imperfections. Looking back on my lifetime thus far most of my life’s imperfections, serious contemplations, and happy memories either took place with you or you helped me get through them, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this time to express just how much you’ve played a role in those moments.
Read moreShop Small, Shop Local 2018 Toledo Guide
There are so many benefit to shopping small, not just on Small Business Saturday, but every day!!
Benefits of Shopping Small, Shopping Local…..
- You’ll help create jobs in the community
- Your tax dollars stay local.
- Small businesses give back to the neighborhood.
- Shopping at one local business helps other local businesses.
- Small businesses offer more unique products.
- It helps keep communities diverse
- You lesson the environmental impact of your purchases.
Source: https://co-opcreditunions.org/6-really-important-reasons-to-shop-on-small-business-saturday/

Here are just a few of the many awesome local small businesses located in Toledo & the surrounding area. Please be sure to show them your love and “like”, and/or, “follow” them on social media, and be sure to stop in to the brick and mortar shops, introduce yourself, & inquire about deals, yes, small businesses also have some great bargains!
Bowinkles Children’s Boutique
Phone: 567-455-5939
Address: 5627 Main St, Sylvania, OH 43560
Website: www.bowinklesboutique.com
Hours: M-F: 10AM – 5:30PM, SAT: 10AM – 5PM, SUN: CLOSED
Shop local this holiday season with Bowinkles. New Fall and holiday arrivals plus all sales items Buy 2, Get 1 Free!



HarperLee Jewelry
Website:https://www.etsy.com/shop/harperleejewelry
Raw metal transformed into custom keepsake jewelry!

Julia’s Ornaments
Phone: Call or text 419-442-8037
Website: https://m.facebook.com/JuliasOrnaments/
Email: jmelvis@aol.com
All ornaments are handmade and hand painted….custom orders welcomed, such as names, birthdays, current year, player number for sport related ornaments, and colored glitter. Ornaments cost $10 & $2 to personalize.


LuLaRoe Em Elizabeth
Owner: Emily Sicilia
Phone: 419-806-9242
Website: www.facebook.com/lularoeemelizabeth
Clothing for all ages and sizes! Visit the facebook shopping group to enjoy weekly specials throughout the holiday season! Also contact Em to set up an appointment to shop the Toledo Boutique to take advantage of in person specials!



NeverMore Used Bookstore
Phone: (419) 593-0093
Address: 2856 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613
Website: https://nevermore-used-bookstore.business.site/
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10am-6pm & Friday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Find that hidden gem or a favorite popular fiction or nonfiction book for a great price!! They carry books for the entire family…kids, teens, tweens, young adult, adult. They also take clean, good condition books on trade for in-store credit which buys you 25% off purchases!!


Reger’s Church Supplies & Religious Gifts
Phone: (419) 474-4740
Address: 4100 Secor Rd, Toledo, OH 43623
Website: https://www.regers.com/
Hours: Mon – Fri 9:30am – 5pm & Sat 9:30am – 3pm
Get all your Advent & Christmas products here! Reger’s Christian gift store serves all denominations of the Christian faith, including churches, clergy, and individual Christians.


Stella’s Lots of Knots
Owner: Stephanie Bird
Phone: (231) 736-8315
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/StellasLotsofKnots
Stella’s Lots of Knots is offering free shipping through the holidays or local pick up! Also, use coupon code LOCAL during checkout to receive 20% off your order!


Thistle and Thorn
Phone: (419) 261-9166
Address: 2746 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LavenderBayLLC/
Hours: Mon-Fri. 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, & closed Sunday
Thistle and Thorn is a locally owned full service florist and gift shop. See coupon below to save $10!!

Show the following image at checkout to receive $10 off any Fall Arrangement!
Twice But Nice
Phone: (419) 475-7368
Address: 2850 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Twice-But-Nice-359138284202297/
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-7pm & Sunday 11am-5pm
Show the following image coupon to receive $5 off of $30 or more!!





















