Embracing the Post-High School Journey As parents, we often dream of a linear path for our children’s success: graduate high school, earn a college degree, land a great job, and settle into a comfortable, fulfilling life. However, reality is rarely so straightforward, especially in today’s complex world. My daughter, like many others, stands at the crossroads of adulthood, uncertain about her next steps post-high school. Her hesitation to dive into university life, coupled with the ..read more

  On bustling weeknights when time seems to be of the essence, I often lean towards recipes that are not just flavorsome but are also quick and effortless. One such lifesaver recipe is the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. The sheer joy it brings to the kids’ faces is unmatched, and the minimal ingredient list is every busy mom’s dream come true! Ingredients: Chicken: About 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed to bite-sized perfection. Onion: A small … The post Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more

The Night Our Culinary Worlds Collided: A Neighbor’s Gift Have you ever had an unexpected knock on your door, only to open it and find a culinary masterpiece waiting for you? That’s the magic our lovely neighbor brings to our lives, time and again. But one evening, she outdid herself, introducing us to a dish that was not just scrumptious but also astonishingly simple! The Unexpected Feast: There’s something about living next to a culinary … The post Kristin’s Italian Sausage & Potatoes appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more

Every parent dreads it: the temper tantrum. Amplify that with a scene in a public space, like a store, and you have a scenario many might call their “ultimate parenting nightmare”. That was precisely the situation I found myself in recently. My 4-year-old decided that a store’s aisles were the perfect backdrop for a theatrical display of emotions, all because of a toy I felt wasn’t appropriate for her. A Day at the Store: An … The post Handling Temper Tantrums with Grace and Understanding appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more

The struggles of dealing with credit card debt are unfortunately a constant in many people’s lives. A reflective blog from 2008 painted a vivid picture of the harsh reality faced by numerous individuals: grappling with a $180 finance charge on a $7,000 credit card balance and a looming minimum payment of $250. To make ends meet, selling household items, cherished memories, and even precious jewelry became plausible considerations. Today, almost 15 years later, while certain … The post Credit Card Woes: 2008 vs. 2023 – An Economic Odyssey appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more

Why Small Acts Matter Life can be a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Especially after long, gloomy months like fall and winter, many of us might feel a little out of sorts, reminiscent of those “winter blues.” But remember, it’s the small moments, the tiny acts of joy, that often bring the most happiness. That’s why I’ve curated a list of 30 simple yet powerful ways to sprinkle sunshine into your day. And the … The post 30 Simple Ways to Sprinkle Sunshine into Your Day! appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more

Hold on to your bounce! Schaumburg, Illinois is about to get a whole lot more exciting this weekend. For those who’ve been seeking an out-of-the-box way to spend quality family time, Woodfield Mall has some uplifting news for you. On Saturday, August 26th, the expansive parking lots of the mall will be transformed into a magical, inflatable wonderland as ‘Bounce The City,’ the largest touring inflatable festival by XL Event Lab, makes its grand appearance.… The post ‘Bounce The City’ Springs Into Woodfield Mall This Weekend! appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more

It’s that time of the year again! As the sun sets a tad earlier and the air carries a whisper of crispness, our homes are filled with the rustling of new backpacks, freshly sharpened pencils, and the slight tinge of anxiety accompanying the return to school. Some links might be Amazon Affiliate Links Yes, we’re talking about the back-to-school blues. This transitional period can be tough for many, both for the children embarking on a … The post A Guide to Overcoming the Back-to-School Blues appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more

Ah, the scent of new notebooks, the feel of crisp pages, and the excitement of seeing friends after a long summer. The new school year is not just a return to routine, but a chance to embark on new adventures and learn more about ourselves and the world around us. And why not celebrate this new beginning? If you’re wondering how to usher in the school year with a bang, I’ve got some vibrant back-to-school … The post Celebrating the New School Year: 5 Fun Ideas! appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more

There’s a fantastic opportunity coming your way that not only lets you make a massive difference in someone’s life but also brings a day of wild fun for you and your family. Over the summer, the American Red Cross noticed a dip in blood donations. Yes, the very essence that gives life! Hospitals are dispensing blood faster than it’s being donated. But here’s where you can leap into action and be a hero! Mark your … The post Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive! appeared first on Verified Mom ..read more