My Daughter is Five. Parenting Starts Now. {Guest Contributor}

One of my favorite bloggers, What Would Gwyneth Do, recently wrote about how she believes parenting really started when her daughter turned five. It struck a chord with me since I have a five-year old kindergartener as well. I had such a “aha!” parenting moment that this is the time my daughter will form her own childhood memories. Here is the blog post [...]

You’ve Been BOO’d Free Printable! {Plus A DIY Halloween Wreath}

BOO FLYER 2 - the tomkat studio

 Start with cute and sneaky little goblins on a mission to BOO! 2. Assemble a treat or goodie bag along with this free printable (by The TomKat Studio) to deliver. 3. Quiet as a ghost, sneak up to your friend’s door to deliver the goodies and the free printable. Then, ring the doorbell and RUN!!     4. Finally, [...]

Family Intervention with a Trip to HappyLand

Family Intervention with a Trip to HappyLand

One thing I have learned in my five short years of parenting is that the phases that kids have are temporary.  This is good AND bad. We are often cruising along in our happy little family life and things are going so well, that, I take for granted how well-behaved and sweet my kids are [...]

Establish Positive Work Habits with Homework Caddies

Establish Positive Homework Habits with Homework Caddies

Madeline started getting homework for the first time this year. It was hard to believe that my little girl was really old enough to complete homework! Yikes! When did she get so grown up?! When she sat down to do her first assignment it seemed important to establish some good homework habits right from the [...]

Over the Rainbow {Birthday Party}

Over the Rainbow {Birthday Party}

Earlier this Summer Madeline attended her friend Daphne’s 5th birthday party. When the invitation came in the mail I remember thinking that the theme was unique, ya know, something other than the typical Disney-character-themed parties she frequently attended (Not that there is anything wrong with a good princess party!). I was intrigued and tried to [...]

Love to Learn and Play!! *Lakeshore Learning DISCOUNT*

Lakeshore Learning DISCOUNT!!

When I was a 5th grade teacher, Lakeshore Learning was my “go-to” source for all my classroom supplies. I looked forward to my annual shopping spree in the store each year because it never failed to spark new ideas and inspirations for the new school year. As a parent, my love for Lakeshore Learning continues to [...]

FREE Membership at MY GYM and *Birthday Party Giveaway!!!*

MY GYM FREE Membership and Birthday Party Giveaway

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to our lucky winner, Heather! Don’t forget to download the certificate below to get FREE MEMBERSHIP at MY GYM Redondo and Manhattan Beach during the month of September 2012!}  Play structures, obstacles courses, ball pits, zip lines, trampolines, games, swings, songs and puppets!!!! These are just a few of [...]

Keep Calm and Carry On: 7 Steps to a Peaceful Morning

I don’t know what happens around your house in the morning, but for me, getting everyone up, dressed, fed and out of the house on time has never been an easy task. In order to get the kids to their classrooms on time for the 8:30am start time, I need to leave my house no [...]

{Friday Favorites} Beyond the Typical Back-to-School Supplies

Not Your Typical Back-to-School Favorites

Goodness knows that I am a sucker for school supplies. I get all excited about new binders, crisp folders, fresh boxes of crayons, reams of construction paper, wide ruled 3-ring binder paper, new books, pink erasers and  glue sticks. The excitement over the school supplies is one of the many things that got me psyched [...]

Getting Ready: Back-to-School Prep

Phot Credit Modern Parents Messy Kids

My children start school next week. Therefore,  I am using this week to get not only my children ready for school, but I am trying to get myself prepared as well. Here is a look at what I am working on this week to be prepared for the new school year. 1. Meet & Greet [...]