Cheap Goodies!

Wow. Talk about being side lined by back-to-school adjustment period!

I forgot to post my latest article: 10 Cool Back-to-School Finds Under $10

I Heart Back-to-School Shopping!

I will not and can not deny it. I really dig back-to-school shopping!

And lucky me...I just got to write up a little article on it for LearnVest: Back-to-School Shopping: How to Spend Under $50 - Backpack Included!

I almost bought the discounted backpack...even though I didn't need it (I mean, my kids didn't need it, of course). I managed to resist the lure of online shopping...this time.

Hope you're having as much fun as I am dreaming of back-to-school. After a looong (which should, by the way, be a word) summer, it's just around the corner! YAY for school!

A Better To-Do List

Here's my newest LearnVest article on to-do lists: 4 Ways to Make a Better To-Do List

I learned a few things from both the experts and "normal" folks who were brave enough to share their real to-do lists with me (thank you!).

Hope it helps you out a bit, too!

Vacation With the Kids?

Yes, you should go on vacation!

Check out my latest LearnVest article, Should You Take the Kids on Vacation?

As always, let me know what you think.

The Elusive Work-Life Balance

Check out my latest article which went up on LearnVest and Forbes last week!

5 Women, 5 Work-Life Balance Tales

Let me know what you think!

Revelations...Part Deux

I came clean in a May 2011 blog post called Revelations.

I explained that I was committed to being a stay-at-home mom, but that I wanted more...something just for me.  I wanted to write.

It's been just over two years since I publicly put my dreams out into the universe. And it looks like the universe heard me.

As I submitted an article to my editor this afternoon, I realized that I am one lucky duck. Somehow, I have managed to find a way to write and actually get published somewhere other than my blog.  I kinda feel like I'm allowed to say "I'm a freelance writer" as well as a "stay-at-home mom" (if anyone were to ask!).  And man oh man does that feel awesome!

I do not want to jinx myself here, but I am so grateful to have found a way to be there for my kids but to also be using my brain in a more intellectual fashion.  It has done so much for me and I can honestly say that I am a happier person now.

I know I've neglected this blog as a result of the freelance work (and life in general), but I still think about all the cool things I hope to do with it someday...all in good time.

As always, thanks for reading.

Whoops - Happy Mother's Day!

I missed Mother's Day.  Well, I didn't miss it in my life, I missed it on my neglected blog.

I actually think that says something about how far I've come as a Mom.

I used to come here to offload and vent...to share the joys and frustrations of this wacky adventure called Motherhood. But I think I've actually become so comfortable with motherhood at this point, that I don't automatically think of running to my blog to help me sort through my gazillions of non-stop parenting issues.

This Mother's Day I was able to:

• sleep in, 
• enjoy coffee and chocolate croissants, 
• gush over hugs, kisses, beautiful hand made cards and other thoughtful creations, 
• and to take off for the day to the outlet mall (something I rarely do).  I had a free pass and was able to focus on just me - and it was delicious.

After a glorious and simple adventure (even driving alone for an hour is a joy), I returned home all bright and cheery. The second I walked in the door I discovered that the babe had been throwing up all day.

My amazingly thoughtful husband, not wanting to ruin my special day, didn't desperately call, email or text me to let me know. He wanted to allow me the time alone and knew he could handle the vomiting six-year-old solo.

I started writing this blog in 2007 when I was so completely overwhelmed by the realities of new motherhood (check out my first ever blog post, Mother's Day 2007). Frankly, there is NO WAY I would have been able to outlet shop with a sick kid at home back then.

So other than the amazing one day get away and sweet cards and kisses, what I really got this Mother's Day was a reminder of how much we have grown as a family, and a confirmation that my husband and I have finally settled into our roles as parents. What an amazing Mother's Day gift.

Private School?

Check out my latest article on LearnVest, Should You Pay for Private School?

Let me know what you think!

Do You Have a Smartphone "Problem"?

Are you addicted to your smartphone?  You're not alone...

Check out my latest article on LearnVest, What's The Real Cost of Your Smartphone?

What's With Your Heavy Key Chain?

Have you joined a zillion loyalty rewards programs?  Me too.

Check out my latest LearnVest article, Insider Tips: The Best Loyalty Programs for Your Buck

Feel free to share your thoughts!