{Infographic} History’s Hottest Holiday Toys

Pin itI was looking at BlackFriday.net, (I do love my Black Friday shopping) and found this really cool infographic showing the hottest toys throughout this century. My 10-year-old daughter and I spent a while looking at it, as she asked me about the toys I loved as a child.  I hope this brings back as [...]

“Together Counts,” for Kids’ Healthy Eating Habits!

Pin it What is the key to combating childhood obesity and fostering healthy eating habits in kids? Is it Counting calories with your kids? Restricting all foods not deemed healthy? Weighing the kids and making sure they are a “normal” weight? Putting kids on a diet? I think all these methods are the wrong approach. [...]

Finally Getting to Volunteer at School!

Pin itI have loved these last few years having a flexible work schedule.  It’s one of the benefits of making up my own job!  And this is the first year that all of my children are at school most of the day.  Every year, when the school asks for volunteers for test proctors, I really [...]

“What Makes Mom Awesome?” | Mother’s Day 2011

Pin itSo, I asked my kids “What makes your mom awesome?” Many times, I think what makes me an awesome mom might be: Making money for the family Making sure they have the latest clothes/ toys Taking them to activities (ie. Dance Class, Summer Camps, etc.) Keeping a clean, organized house (#fail) These things are [...]

How Do You Share the Easter Message With Your Kids?

Pin itEach year, around this time, I start seeing the bunny- and egg- themed trinkets in the stores, along with the pastel candy wrappers.  Why, oh, why does candy have to be a major focus of each and every major holiday?!  I know it’s just to derail my efforts at staying in shape! Anyway, with [...]

Would You Give Your Teen a Debit Card? Check out PASS from American Express

Pin it*Keep reading to see how to get an extra $25, FREE! * My philosophy of parenting resembles my philosophy for life. Be realistic and honest Educate yourself; know the risks and rewards of behavior Take responsibility for your actions Always love and honor God and others So, in talking about money with my kids, [...]

Embracing Autistic Friends: A Teachable Moment at Disney World

Pin itAutism affects 1 in 110 children, 1 in 70 boys.*  Chances are that your children know at least one friend with autism, and you know another parent with an autistic child. While we were at Disney World last week, we shared a lunch table with a lovely mom and daughter, since the place was [...]

Summer Camp Planning Already? You Bet!

Pin itI’ve been working feverishly on my listing of Summer Camps in Boone, NC, and beside some strange formatting issues on the page, it’s a comprehensive listing of all the summer camps around my area. As I was putting together the list, I found myself wanting to enroll my children in EVERY ONE!  (With the [...]

Finally Retiring THE Outfit, Yes That One

Pin itToday, I’m opening up the Blog Time Machine, and resurrecting this post from 2007.  Reading it this morning, I was taken aback with nostalgia, as Hip Chick is now 10! Today I held an impromptu retirement ceremony. There were no guests, no speeches, no refreshments or parties afterward. The objects had fulfilled their duties [...]

More to Love on Disney Jr, with Jake and the Neverland Pirates!

Pin it For the last 10 years (well, 8…. my oldest daughter didn’t watch TV until my second was born…), Playhouse Disney has been a part of our household.  We used to watch Bear in the Big Blue House, rest his soul, and we still sing the “Clean Up the House” song.  Bear moved over [...]

On Girl Bullies & Redeemed Friendships

Pin itI am so pleased to introduce guest blogger, Abby from Dear Abby Leigh.  If you haven’t met this woman- full of such grace and openness, you can follow her on Twitter at @dearabbyleigh.  I asked on Twitter the other day if anyone had experience with girl-bullying growing up.  If there is one thing that [...]

Notes from the Road Children

Pin itMy children always have various notes, hand-made posters, and bulletins posted around the house.  An anticipated guest might expect to be welcomed with “Come This Way —->”  signs about. And then, there are the obligatory “Your Name Here‘s Room” signs.  But sometimes they give me such a laugh, I have to share!  Walking down [...]

The Great Milkshake Race

Pin itStep 1: Get Daddy to make milkshakes! No fancy recipe here, we just mix up ice cream, milk, and whatever else we want in there. Chunky stuff will make the race more difficult. Step 2: Get some really LONG straws! Step 3: Everyone sips the milkshake through the straws, and the first one to [...]

Stop the Childhood Obesity Madness!

Pin itAlright moms, I’m going to try not to get on an enormous soapbox here.  I’m just going to point out the MADNESS that is going on right now with our nation’s “Childhood Obesity” obsession, and we can discuss in the comments. Are there obese children? Sure. (mainly older children, after they learn bad habits) [...]

Wordless Wednesday: Seven-Year-Old’s Santa Letter

Pin itSo I know it’s after Christmas, but I dropped the ball on sharing this with you! It’s so cute that I had to still share it. She got the DS, but the 5-foot long hair and the Elf, well… Santa’s not THAT powerful! Shared with 5 Minutes for Mom

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