Everybody loves summer vacation, or at least the idea of summer vacation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long before the novelty wears off and the whining begins. It starts as a low murmur, then an irritating buzz, until it finally bubbles over into a roaring rush of foot tapping and kitchen pacing. “I’m bored! There’s nothing … Continue Reading →
No matter how good my intentions are, by the end of the week, my house always looks like we hosted a sumo wrestling match in the middle of the family room. A plethora of spectator paraphernalia clutters the hallways — scraps of paper, empty food containers, even discarded clothing. It’s a mess. So you can … Continue Reading →
Cleaning up bloody noses, vomit, urine, and poop are just a few of the perks of parenthood. And unfortunately, they end up on the most unfavorable places, like the back seat of your car, on your sofa cushions, splashed across your comforter and even on your favorite new shirt. In the past, I simply threw out … Continue Reading →
This week is Michigan Money Smart Week. Several programs are going on around the state providing free advice to help educate families about money matters. In fact, the Bank of Birmingham is meeting with Detroit area fifth-graders this week. They also have provided some tips today to help parents talk with their children about money … Continue Reading →
My parents hosted parties around the year. Music filled our house as much as the people. I remember the rich smells of my mother’s cooking, clinking glasses, trickling conversations and the vibrant tones of notes cascading throughout. Sometimes the music escaped speakers, carefully selected to fit the mood of the event, but most of the … Continue Reading →
I am the oldest of three children and the only girl. Growing up, I never had to share a room, makeup, clothes, friends or deal with clashing hormones. Now, I live in a house where I am the oldest of three females. My daughters borrow clothes, invade my personal space, try on my makeup, and … Continue Reading →
I am the queen of good intentions and poor time management. I am also the queen of taking on too many projects. So when my mom asked if she could come visit us this week, I said, “Sure. We have nothing going on.” Apparently “nothing going on” was code for “come witness me trying to … Continue Reading →
I was never an athlete growing up and shied away from most physical activities. I didn’t think I was coordinated or strong enough. I doubted my mental ability to stay focused and work through physical discomfort. But now, at almost 40, I have made peace with my doubts and fears. I’ve learned to love my … Continue Reading →
You can’t really call it “baby weight” when your baby is nine years old, but in my mind, that is what I kept telling myself. I justified every extra helping, every late afternoon latte or doughnut, every salt bagel smeared in raspberry cream cheese and every bag of salt and vinegar chips washed down with … Continue Reading →
When my kids were younger, I hated lugging around giant diaper bags, especially if we were going out somewhere remotely nice and I wanted to look a little more presentable than jogging pants and tennis shoes. But they sure did come in handy when transporting all of the necessary accoutrements. In fact, I used to … Continue Reading →