January 2019 is in full effect, everyone. And you know what that means – everyone is talking about New Year’s resolutions. Lots and lots of “What are your new year goals?“ everywhere. Time to hit the reset button, take inventory, get healthier, time to get organized, right? We challenge you to try thinking a little outside the box on the whole New Year resolution thing this year. We’ve got a new year’s resolution idea for you that’s truly meaningful – one that could bring you real happiness! And the payoff is even more instant for you than say, hitting the gym or giving up sweets. Ask yoursel ..read more

“I’ll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams.” Did you know that holiday classic, recorded by the legendary Bing Crosby in 1943, was originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmastime?  While the holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, there are so many people who aren’t able to travel home, or don’t have any place to go during this season, and end up feeling downright lonely in the midst of all the holly jolly. If you’re feeling a bit like your merry has headed south for the winter, one of the best ways to kick those grinchy fe ..read more

When we think of the holidays, we think of festive parties and gatherings, snow and cocoa, warm fireside chats, and shopping until we’re weak in the knees. But what we’re constantly circling around is family; our beautiful, often crazy, sometimes drives-us-nuts-but-we-couldn’t-make-it-without-them family. Our families are the heart of our holidays, and whether it’s a feeling of comfort or disappointment when we think of them, they’re the people who love us no matter what, and this is the time to celebrate that love together. Especially during this month of December, we want to focus on and th ..read more

Let’s take a moment to think about holidays past. Have you ever said out loud, “BEST GIFT EVER!” When you said it, were you the giver of the gift… or the receiver? If you were the gift giver, you may recall the excitement and anticipation of finding something just perfect for your recipient, and the joy you felt making their wish come true. Just what is it about giving gifts that creates happiness in all of us? Well, there’s actually a thing behind it! Neurological, behavioral and psychological studies report that our brains react just as positively giving gifts… as receiving them. Turns out ..read more

The tree is trimmed and twinkling, all the gifts are beautifully wrapped and the table is set for dinner. Yet it still feels like something is missing, despite all the season’s cheer. Those who’ve lost a loved one know this feeling all too well, and they may be looking for ways to find comfort by honoring those who have passed. Friends and family of the grieving might not know what to say or how they can help. But there are many ways to remember, to celebrate life and to show support. Michelle Persichetti of Columbus, Ohio has experience coping with grief during the holidays. Michelle lost tw ..read more

The relationship between grandparent and grandchild is precious in so many different ways. But how well do we really know them? Today’s kids might find it hard to believe that their grandparents (and likely even you) grew up without common luxuries like smart phones, laptops, and GPS. This generational divide, coupled with distance and time, can make it a little harder for your kids to connect with your parents. But it can also serve as a great conversation-starter and relationship-builder. As we celebrate Grandparents Day, we felt the timing was perfect to put together a list of ideas that w ..read more

Got a middle schooler? We feel you! And they’re feeling everything. Puberty isn’t just kicking things up a notch; it’s kicking everything completely off the charts, leaving you trying to connect with them as best as you can, while simultaneously parenting from the sidelines. Though you might be feeling like you’ve suddenly taken a back seat in their lives, feeling a bit ‘uncool,’ irrelevant or uninfluential, it’s well known that this is a time when tweens and teens actually need a strong parental connection more than ever. But how do you give them the space they desire, yet still show up for ..read more

Here we are in the heat of summer – floating in a sea of freshly-made memories or anxiously awaiting the ones that lie just around the bend in the lazy, hazy, sunshiny days ahead. In either case, we’re all grabbing hold of all of the meaningful moments that come our way and focusing on what matters – the people in our lives we care about. That inspired us to share something one of our amazing designers hand-lettered for us – a quote to remind us all summer long to spend time with those we love – and it’s a free printable! It makes a beautiful framed piece to hang in your living roo ..read more

Blue skies. Warm sunshine. Gentle, swaying breezes. Summer’s such a beautiful time of year, isn’t it? Yet with the many demands of our busy lives, we may all be just a little guilty of forgetting that we can make it as fun and rewarding as we want to. The most important thing to remember is to give meaning to what really matters: relationships, not activities or events. So let’s rediscover the true joys of this season all over again — together. Plus, to help spread Summer Joy, we have beautiful, printable summer quotes you can cut out and leave for others, or use for your as your own inspirat ..read more

  Summer is here! And along with sunny days and warmer weather, the summer months also have a number of fun holidays to celebrate. Be sure to mark your calendars for: Donut Day – June 2; Best Friends Day – June 8; Flip Flop Day – June 16; Father’s Day – June 18; First Day of Summer – June 21; Take Your Dog to Work Day – June 23; Independence Day – July 4; National Ice Cream Day – July 16; Cousins Day – July 24; Girl Friends Day – August 1; and Sister’s Day and Friendship Day – August 6. Another great way to kickoff summer is with this cute popsicle ..read more