Career, Chronic Conditions, Disability/Handicap, Family, Health, Holidays, Mental Health, stories

December, Autism Supports, & Bowling

Is December my brother's month? It certainly is! He was born on Christmas so despite whatever happens in life, December is still his month. A lot of good things are in the works though! He said, "It's great to be back doing my favorite sport!" Special Olympics Bowling has been a favorite activity of his… Continue reading December, Autism Supports, & Bowling

Family, Food, Holidays, Mom Life, stories, Travel & Visits

Beach Vacations, Accidental Thievery, & Salt Water Taffy

We started a tradition of going to a beach in a large group. We rent a house that can sleep over 30 people, if you don't mind creative sleeping arrangements. A lot of the guests we bring are kids, tweens, and teens so they will bunk together without a whole lot of complaining. We can… Continue reading Beach Vacations, Accidental Thievery, & Salt Water Taffy

Allergies, Chronic Conditions, Family, Food, Health, Kids, Mom Life

Getting Wiggly at Her Food Challenge & the Easiest Allergy-Friendly Desserts

When we took our youngest in to the allergist to confirm her severe allergy to specific tree nuts, we were surprised by reactions to eggs and milk too. She had severe eczema before cutting out these foods and recently she only gets it if she accidentally eats something on her bad list, if she rolls… Continue reading Getting Wiggly at Her Food Challenge & the Easiest Allergy-Friendly Desserts

Cleaning, De-Cluttering, Decorating, Education, Family, Home Decor, Household, Kids, Mental Health, Mom Life

De-Cluttering & Organizing Kids’ Rooms (& Creating a Healthier Relationship with Stuff)

Well the 1st day of school for the kiddos arrived and true to form we got some of the things done on our to-do list and a few outstanding tasks still to do. Anyone else wonder why outstanding can be so good or so bad depending on how you use it? I spent many hours… Continue reading De-Cluttering & Organizing Kids’ Rooms (& Creating a Healthier Relationship with Stuff)

Allergies, Family, Food, Health

Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie? Plus Adjusting It to Make It Gluten & Dairy-Free

Since we have discovered my youngest has a dairy and egg allergy we have been experimenting with some dinner recipes. Since gluten is also problematic for another family member we either stick to a meal with mostly meat and veggies, or we make different freezer entres and make side dishes everyone can eat. I was… Continue reading Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie? Plus Adjusting It to Make It Gluten & Dairy-Free

Cleaning, Family, Kids, Mental Health, Mom Life

Fixing Sentimental Toys aka Barbie Car Repair Shop

Our oldest's relationship with stuff is just as fraught with difficult emotions as the rest of our family. That is why when she decided to pass toys to her younger sister I wanted to quickly repair this toy so it wouldn't break with the 1st rough treatment it experienced in it's new owner's hands. I… Continue reading Fixing Sentimental Toys aka Barbie Car Repair Shop

Crafts, Family, Gift Ideas, Kids, Uncategorized

DIY-ing a “Broken” Ring & Designing a Custom Ring

Buying a Beautiful Ring & Breaking It The original ring compared to the setting with the corundum ruby. The setting after the stone fell out, and a picture of the "ruby" ring in the light. I bought a beautiful sterling silver ring from a store online because I am absolutely in love with green amethysts,… Continue reading DIY-ing a “Broken” Ring & Designing a Custom Ring

Art, Family, Gift Ideas, Kids

Taking a Panda Drawing, From Illustration, to Product, to Procreate Animation

My 1st attempt at animation with Procreate. My latest attempt at animation, using the group feature, is at the end of the tiktok video. I really enjoy turning the kid's drawings into digital art and animations. My niece drew the original panda drawing. You can see her picture in the video below, plus the animation… Continue reading Taking a Panda Drawing, From Illustration, to Product, to Procreate Animation

Art, Beauty, Crafts, Demos Tutorials, Family, Kids

Dyeing Sundresses Ombre – For My Flower Girl & Jr. Bridesmaid!

This is the story about how I ended up dyeing cotton-blend dresses in an ombre style for our wedding. Last summer Billy and I got married on the beach in a very small ceremony. We hadn't been sure what the wedding turnout would look like when we were planning our wedding in the midst of… Continue reading Dyeing Sundresses Ombre – For My Flower Girl & Jr. Bridesmaid!

Family, Halloween, Movies

Alien Earrings & Good Memories!

I love my new earrings but the way these are advertising had me laughing hysterically. Sellers go crazy with descriptive words and I keep wondering what happens if someone is nearsighted and can't tell that this isn't a T-Rex in the picture! Not cool sellers, not cool. Anyhow despite my issues with the description, I… Continue reading Alien Earrings & Good Memories!

Art, Career, Education, Family, Kids, Marketing

My Niece’s Frog Drawing Becomes a Coffee Cup

My niece is a talented young artist who has been featured at school for her art a few times already. Of course when I see anyone who has a passion for art I do my very best to help them develop their style, strengthen their skills, and find more ways to enjoy their wonderful hobby.… Continue reading My Niece’s Frog Drawing Becomes a Coffee Cup

Family, Food, Gardening

Tomato Season is the Best!

Garden fresh tomatoes are one of my favorite things about this season. When I was growing up my main chores were to do dishes, dust and vacuum, and water the garden. By the time I was a teenager the outside spigot was broken. So I carried 2 watering cans at a time from the kitchen… Continue reading Tomato Season is the Best!

Cleaning, Family, Household, Mom Life

Good Smells on Laundry Day!

WHOO! This year has been quite the whirlwind. I don't think of have written anything since May. I have a ton of pictures and things to write about but haven't had the time. That being said I wanted to post a low-stress blog about something I enjoy. I almost never use scented detergent because there… Continue reading Good Smells on Laundry Day!

Career, Education, Family, Health, Wisdom

ANOTHER Yoga Teacher?

Does the world really need another yoga teacher? In all honesty, probably not. Need is a strong word and since the yoga industry has exploded I don't feel like anyone is likely to be struggling to find a teacher. Still I had been looking at the requirements to become a Registered Yoga Teacher for several… Continue reading ANOTHER Yoga Teacher?

Family, Kids

Pogo Sticks, Learning to Jump, & Impressing My Kids

I'm not gonna lie, it's not easy to impress my kids these days. They are usually much more impressed by dad who builds things and fixes everything. Enter our 20 year old pogo stick which still works but isn't in any kind of condition for a person over 50 lbs. My son had found it… Continue reading Pogo Sticks, Learning to Jump, & Impressing My Kids