3 simple budget categories that will help you easily manage your household finances, follow your budget, and save money. The cashier shot me an inpatient look as I shuffled through my envelopes. Fumbling, I dropped the cash in my bag and reached for my debit card. A checkout deficit can embarrass even the most frugal…
A curated list of farm books (board books and picture books) for toddlers that are perfect for farm-loving toddlers or introducing animals and animal sounds. “The cow says?” I waited. “Moooo,” my son enthusiastically replied. Then he pointed at the sheep, “Sheep. Baaa.” I laughed as I turned the page. Cows, sheep, and all their…
What to pack for the hospital (C-Section edition). Everything you need to know about having a c-section, c-section essentials, c-section postpartum essentials, what to wear after a c-section, and c-section recovery essentials. My incision site felt like it was on fire. As I gently lifted my belly to inspect it, I found blisters had formed…
Newborn sleep tips that will help new parents navigate life with a newborn. Tips on safe sleep, schedules, bedtime routines, and more. My muscles twitched involuntarily, starling me awake. I took in my surroundings, the crib, the baby in my arms, and the rocking chair. Was he asleep? I looked down, carefully—afraid to wake him…
The best pajamas for the hospital after a C-section. What to pack to stay comfortable after your surgery—gowns, pants, and nursing tops. I pulled the pair of maternity lounge shorts that I’d bought specifically for this out of my hospital bag, glad I had something that worked this time. But when I pulled them on,…
The best Christmas books for toddlers. Librarian and mom recommended for 0-3 year olds. Books about the holidays, Santa Claus, and Jesus’ birth. This list includes board books, picture books, and interactive books. “This one!” my toddler excitedly exclaimed as he pulled Christmas in the Manger off the shelf. I smiled softly, glad that one…
How to build a mom morning routine that works for you in all the business of motherhood. Tips on creating a habitual morning routine. I set the alarm clock for 5 AM, feeling determined. It’s time to make a change, I tell myself. Hours later, I’m startled awake by crying and look over to see…
The best Halloween books for toddlers and preschoolers–board books and picture books. A list curated by a librarian and mom. “I love pumpkins!” my toddler shouted as he turned the last page. I’d read it to him exactly three times and he had it memorized. Holiday books are a gripe of mine. They seem to…
A list of the absolutely best dinosaur books for toddlers. Recommendations for building your child’s dinosaur library from a librarian and mom. My toddler handed me a book and bounced on his heels to show me that he wanted up. I dragged him onto my lap, relishing this perfect moment that he wanted to spend…
The best bags for moms with toddlers. A list of the best style options, the pros and cons of each, with links to specific recommended bags to help you choose the best bag to fit your needs. I carefully pried the fruit snacks from my 2-year-old’s little fingers, emphasizing, “Yes, you can have them. I…