Can you smell that? It’s the sweet scent of spring in the air, birds singing their morning songs, and the perfect excuse for a backyard BBQ bash! It gets me excited!! But let’s be honest, reminding the kids to make good choices, prepping the food, and entertaining overall can feel like a juggling act. Over the years, however, I’ve mastered the art of throwing the ultimate backyard BBQ party with family, family friends, and friends who are family. Sans the slight anxiety of it all. So whether you’re a seasoned host or a newbie to the backyard BBQ scene, I’m here to share my top tips and tricks ..read more

Ever dream of a getaway that combines Southern charm, delicious food, and enough relaxation to recharge your batteries? Well, Charleston, South Carolina, might be your perfect escape! With it’s cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages around town, and delicious Southern cuisine (it’s a VERY foodie town, who knew?!), it’s super easy to fall in love with this city. I’ve heard it’s amazing any time of year, but the best time to visit Charleston, SC depends on what you’re looking for. More on that later ;) Birthday Surprise: Taking My Hubby to Charleston for the First Time This past February, I ..read more

Can you believe it’s finally spring? The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and it’s time to shake off the winter blues and embrace all the joys this season has to offer. As a mom of three energetic and crazy kiddos, I know how important it is to make the most of this time together. That’s why I’ve put together the ultimate Springtime Family Bucket List – packed with activities guaranteed to bring smiles to your little ones’ faces and create memories that will last a lifetime. Have a Picnic in the Park Pack a basket full of sandwiches, snacks, and sweet treats, and head to your favo ..read more

As a mom of three, I know the struggle of small bedroom organization. The desire to keep my kids’ small rooms in order and maximize every square inch of space while making sure their things are tidy and accessible felt like a pipe dream, especially because I had no idea where to start! Before Lauren Spehr of the Neat Method North Shore entered into my life, legos seemed to multiply underfoot, stuffed animals where everywhere, and my kids’ closets transformed into mysterious black holes where good clothes went to die (never to be seen again – ugh!!) As hard as I tried to organize their bedrooms ..read more

Wow!! I recently found out that this upcoming summer (2024) at Banner Day Camp is extra special because they are celebrating their 60th anniversary! Six decades of creating the most vivid and wonderful memories for kids, and I bet some of those kids are now sending their own children there, just like I am! Because if you didn’t know, I spent seven incredible summers at Banner myself during my childhood and that’s because the magic of Banner is REAL. I was obsessed and couldn’t wait to go back year after year, especially for their epic theme days! Knowing my boys feel the exact same is surreal ..read more

If you’re anything like me, you love having a fool-proof appetizer that not only impresses others but also disappears within seconds at every gathering. This addictive chilled black bean and corn dip recipe is literally IT for me. It’s crazy to think that I’ve been making it for 15+ years already, after a friend passed the recipe on to me while we were in college together! Since then, though, I’ve changed it a little and perfected it over the years. It is seriously the BEST! My whole family and all my friends are obsessed and I know you’re gonna love it too! It’s no surprise that this recipe h ..read more

Real life: my kids have iPads but my husband and I only allow them to be used on vacations. With that said, we have the YouTube app on every TV in our house and while I’m guilty myself of thinking it’s not the best app for my kids to be on, it actually has the potential to be wonderful. If you know what channels to allow your kids to watch, it can truly become an incredible tool to keep them engaged when you, as the parent, are occupied every once in a while. Read: this is not a replacement for parenting!!! But the truth is, that there are so many fun and educational channels on there. From sc ..read more

I LOVE NYC! I mean, who doesn’t? My husband and I have a special love affair with the city that never sleeps, and we try to go every few years for a quick mom-and-dad-only getaway. We are obsessed with the vibe, the energy, and the city hustle. If you ask us, everything about the big apple is just so special. Eventually, we will take our whole family there, but while the kids are still young, New York for 2 days for a parents-only trip is our jam. It’s not a relaxing vacay, but it is a great way to have fun and reconnect with each other again. I’m sharing all the NYC hot spots you must hit up ..read more

Tired of tantrums and meltdowns? You’re not alone, mama! As a veteran mom of 3 (I’ve been in the trenches for almost 10 years already! Haha), I’ve learned the secret weapon against the chaos: filling my kids’ emotional cups each and everyday. Because when you fill your child’s cup, life is better for the kids and the parents! The Power of Small Acts of Love: Life as a mom can get overwhelming no matter how many kids you have but I’ve recently realized the trick to a more peaceful household. And that is, just one simple act of love towards your kids each day – it’s truly a game-changer for ever ..read more

I’m not sure if you’re aware but one of my specialities in life is coming up with EPIC kid’s birthday party goodie bag ideas! If you have a child’s birthday coming up and are struggling to figure out what you’re going to do for party favors, wonder no more because I have you covered with tons of ideas for every age! Let’s take one less stressor off the birthday party train and make putting together goodie bags for your daughter or son’s friends a little easier. Because every little bit of stress off your plate counts for something, right? Right!! With that said, I’m excited to share some fun ..read more