I’ve always been drawn to the freedom of the outdoors. When I was a kid, we moved to Montana, and later Idaho, to spend more time in nature. My dad wanted to make sure we had the type of upbringing where we weren’t scared to get our hands dirty, to explore freely and even learn to fend for ourselves a bit. My siblings and I were always playing in the
Read MoreNovember Lit List
Oops—I’ve been so focused on running the Seattle half marathon that I forgot to post my November Lit List. I think I’m still on a runner’s high. The adrenaline rush I felt crossing that finish line was incredible and I’m already fantasizing about where to run my next race. But first, I’m ready to give my body a break and curl up on the couch with a good book. Here
Read MoreSimple Ways to Practice Gratitude
Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to pause, sit down, and reflect on what we are thankful for. Every Thanksgiving, like many of you, my family has a tradition of going around the table to say what we’re grateful for. (Me? I’m most thankful when someone else does the cooking.) I know it’s a little cliché, but it’s a sweet ritual and I look forward to hearing what the boys come
Read MoreHow to De-Stress Your Thanksgiving
I have a confession: I’m sort of known as The Grinch of Thanksgiving dinner. I know, I know! I love the ritual of the entire family gathering around the table to show gratitude for all the good things in our lives. But actually preparing all the food is stressful and I’ve just never been a big fan of the traditional Thanksgiving foods. There, I said it. Luckily, I know a
Read MoreRock Your Vote Tomorrow
I have to be honest: I haven’t always been so passionate about voting. While I proudly cast my vote in the 2016 presidential race, there have been other elections—particularly midterm elections—when I didn’t make it to the polls. I intended to, but life got hectic and I assumed everything would work out okay without me. After all, I thought, my one little vote probably wasn’t going to make THAT big
Read MoreOctober Lit List: 5 Spellbinding Stories
Halloween is almost here, so I thought I’d crack open a few thrillers to get into the spooky spirit. Here are three books for grown-ups and two for kids that are all frightfully good. Hope you enjoy! The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware Ruth Ware is a masterful storyteller in the thriller genre; I loved her book Dark, Dark Wood, so I knew I wanted to check out her fourth novel,
Read MoreScary-Easy Halloween Recipes
I love the idea of a DIY Halloween party, of Martha Stewart-ing every last detail of my kids’ favorite holiday. But the sad truth is: I’m kinda terrible at it. I can admire a curated Pinterest board of perfectly decorated spider cupcakes and handmade costumes as much as the next mom, but “craftsy” is not a word I’d use to describe myself. Unfortunately for me, my kids are begging for
Read MoreMy Secrets To Self-Care
“Self care” is a buzzword that people toss around a lot these days—and for good reason. While it’s never easy to find “me” time, everything feels different when I do. I am happier, I’m more focused, I’m a better mom, a better friend and I’m a better wife. To me, “self-care” equals self-worth. Investing in ourselves builds self-esteem and confidence—and it doesn’t have to be as time-consuming as we think.
Read MoreHappy Hour: Fall for This Spiked Mulled Cider
Nothing says fall like apples—especially mulled apple cider spiked with bourbon. This is my go-to autumn cocktail. It’s insanely easy to make, perfect for big gatherings and its warm spices make my house smell ahh-mazing. We’re having a bunch of families over before we commence trick-or-treating this year and I’m already planning to have a pot of this stuff on hand. Simply heat up the apple cider in a slow
Read MoreSeptember Lit List
Watching my kids settle back in at school motivated me to learn a few new things myself—hence, a Lit List that leans towards the educational side. But don’t worry, none of these books will feel like homework! From a guidebook for parents on fail-proof discipline methods to a thought-provoking exploration of the history of humankind, I promise these pages will enlighten and inspire. What’s on your reading list this month?
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