* This post contains affiliate links. As my kids get older, I'm less and less eager to get them "stuff." You know what I mean: those random trendy gifts that get played with twice before being forgotten forever. Those cheap toys that break immediately upon opening. I'm also intrigued that as my girls get older, they are less and less inclined toward stuff. Thanks to the era of Netflix and Apple TV, they are rarely in front of commercials. Which means they aren't aware or interested in the millions of lackluster toys that the media bombards them with. I appreciate that they don't have th ..read more

So, summer is here. And while I was so done with making lunches, waking irritated sleepy children and running to get to the bus stop on time just a few weeks ago, I've reached that point in the summer where I begin eyeing up when the next school year begins. Don't get me wrong: I love the chance for my girls to relax and take a break from the stress of school over the summer. What I don't like? The squabbling and bickering and the incessant proclamations of boredom that I encounter each day. (How are you bored?! We have an entire yard, neighbor kids, camps and a room dedicated solely to your ..read more

Have you ever been so swept up in a play that it was hard to come back to reality? Maybe the characters were so endearing or the music was so catchy or the set was so mesmerizing, but living in the world of that play for 2 acts was a delight you weren't ready to give up. Sometimes you have the fortune of being in the audience of a production that truly reaches your heart in a way you weren't quite prepared for. The setting for our recent visit to our fave local theatre, Arden Theatre Company, was perfection: blue skies, fluffy clouds and a warm breeze that brought Philadelphia to life the way ..read more

We are a family who advocates for the arts, so we've been intentional to expose our girls to many forms of creativity. Art. Music. Film. And, of course, theatre. As early as we felt they could handle it, Hubby and I have taken them to see various productions, mainly children's theatre. Not only does this exposure help build an appreciation for the arts, but also what is expected of them as an audience member. As a theatre goer, one of my favorite experiences is to see a book or play I've read come to life on stage or screen. While I'm a harsh critic of books-to-movie films, I love comparing a ..read more

This post and giveaway are sponsored by GIANT Food Stores. There is something that happens emotionally when the days start to stretch out, with the sun setting later and the breeze becoming warmer and the air offering the faintest scent of lilacs. Friends? It's SPRING.  And I'm FOR IT. It's the time of year that the fam and I spend more time outside, we ready our garden for planting and sneeze a lot because allergies are no joke.  And just as the earth goes through a rebirth during this season, so does my meal planning. I embrace the fresh flavors of fresh produce and the charre ..read more

This post and giveaway are sponsored by GIANT Food Stores. It's a crazy time in America, and opinions are running wild, with people struggling to see eye to eye on a daily basis. But, can we agree on one thing? Chocolate, in all shapes and forms, is wonderful, heavenly and divine?   See? We can all come together on the common ground of deliciousness! Giant, my go-to place to shop, knows chocolate - and is even taking it up a notch with their limited-time original Twisted Chocolate products! So, why "twisted?" Each product, from hummus and floral bouquets to ice cream and soda, i ..read more

* This post contains affiliate links. Friends: I'm going to keep it short and sweet. I've been asked by several friends with partners who have beards about the things I've purchased for Bearded Hubby over the years. I figured that since beards are oh-so-hip right now, this might be a common conundrum other partners-of-bearded-men may face (no pun intended). So, for sake of ease, I'm compiling some of the best products I've purchased (or have noted to purchase) for my guy with a beard. I hope this helps the unbearded with their gift giving this holiday season. Natural Man Bay Lime Bear ..read more

* This post contains affiliate links. It's that wonderful time of year again, where we frantically rack our brains to think of the perfect gift for all the amazing people in our lives. I'm going to be honest: sometimes gift giving can be overwhelming and exhausting. Even when it is born out of great intentions. I absolutely LOVElovelove finding that penultimate gift that totally makes someone's day. But, man, sometimes it's hard to know what to get! Well, friends. I'm here to make our lives a little easier. As I am wont to do this time of year, I have compiled a few of my fave picks into a ..read more

I am a big advocate of performing arts, and I believe in starting kids young to grow their passion for the arts! Children's theatre is a fantastic way to introduce your kids to the stage, and in the Philadelphia area, few do children's theatre as well as Arden Theatre in center city! Last year, my family viewed their holiday showing of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates. We are delighted to check out this year's seasonal production.  The Arden Theater will be presenting A Year With Frog and Toad with music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by Willie Reale from November 23, 201 ..read more

We recently had The Talk with L.  And, inadvertently, with M, who caught a good bit of the conversation because she was in close proximity. And by "had The Talk," I mean "some semblance of information was relayed from me to the girls that was mostly biological and probably not complete but let's hope they don't get tested on it any time soon." Since starting this blog, I've run the gamut of parenting seasons. And I'll be honest: none have been easy. Sure, some are easier than others. But they all bring their own challenges. When the girls were babies, it was the overwhelming physical ch ..read more