Twiggy was the fashion icon of my youth in the '60s. Unlike Twiggy, who is often considered the first supermodel, my aunt used to come to our house to cut my hair and my sisters. I sported Twiggy’s iconic pixie haircut in my early years but eventually transitioned into old-fashioned curlers as my hair grew longer. When perms became popular, my mom never considered taking any of her five daughters to a fancy salon. I can still smell the potent odor from those home perms, a sharp and acrid scent that lingered in the air long after the process was done. The smell had a way of clinging to everythi ..read more

When I was growing up, my parents forbade me from wearing makeup or painting my nails until I reached high school. They didn't want any of their five daughters to focus on our appearances. Since our school had uniforms, the extent of our fashion statement was limited to wearing wild socks, as pantyhose were not allowed. Instead, my parents encouraged us to concentrate on our studies, particularly in science and math. They wanted us to dream about college rather than fashion ..read more

Growing up, my grandparents’ annual pilgrimage to Palm Springs for a week at the spa baffled me. Sixty years later, with aching bones and arthritis, I finally understand the healing power of these retreats. Now, as I prepare for a journey to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, I realize it’s about more than soothing aches – it’s about embracing life’s journey and sharing wisdom with the next generation ..read more

Thanksgiving – the time of year when the family gathers, turkey gets carved, and everyone walks a fine line between gratitude and frustration. My family, probably like yours, is known for its holiday traditions. There's something about the obligatory pilgrimage to Auntie Sally's and Uncle Gene's house every Thanksgiving that's equal parts nostalgic and slightly terrifying. The memories are still with me as if they just happened yesterday! This is where two sides of the same family come together to "celebrate" (and sometimes clash). On one side, you've got my mom, who served practical meals and ..read more

Discover the enchanting tale of the Magical Marshmallow Bush Adventure, where ordinary moments become extraordinary. Learn how to create sweet memories filled with magic and wonder ..read more

There’s something truly magical about grandparenting – the way generations connect through stories, imagination, and shared moments. In an age dominated by screens and technology, grandparents remain a vital source of timeless traditions. They are the custodians of family stories and the narrators of fairytales. Now, with our introduction of Dinosaur Discovery: An Egg-cent Adventure, grandparents have a new tool to spark their grandchildren's curiosity and love for adventure ..read more

"They "say big things come in small packages. But if you ask me, the best things come in giant, empty ones.  Seriously, think about it. Have you ever watched a kid abandon their shiny new toy just to play with the box it came in? If so, you know exactly what I mean. In my day, a cardboard box was more than just packaging—it was the ultimate toy. And let me tell you, it's still got a lot to teach the kids of today about life, no batteries required ..read more

As a kid, the idea of my grandparents trekking to Palm Springs, California from Chicago, IL, by car, every year for a week at the spa seemed downright bizarre. I mean, who in their right mind would head out to a desert just to sit in water? The concept didn't quite make sense to me then. But now, some sixty-odd years later, with my own collection of aches and arthritis popping up in places I didn't even know could ache, the mystery of that pilgrimage is unraveling. Rediscovering the Healing Power of Water ..read more

The fight for America's soul had begun with liberty on the line and revolution in the air! Understanding the American Revolution is crucial, especially as we approach the birth of our nation’s sestercentennial (250 Year Anniversary). This transformative period in world history was marked by political upheaval, armed conflict, and the birth of a new nation. From the mid-18th century through the early 1780s, the American colonies sought to break free from British rule, fueled by mounting tensions and oppressive policies. By exploring the major events, key figures, and underlying causes of the Am ..read more

Understanding the American Revolution is crucial, especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding. This pivotal event laid the foundation for the freedoms and democratic values we cherish today. Teaching grandchildren about this era is an opportunity to pass on historical knowledge and build strong intergenerational bonds. With life experience, wisdom, and perspective, grandparents can make history come alive in meaningful and memorable ways ..read more