Category Archives: Family

Apr8

Happy Birthday, Sister!!

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Happy Birthday, Sister!!

Hello everyone!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my big sister, Kristen’s, birthday! Kristen is my bestie pal and I am still overjoyed at the fact that we got to have so much quality time together in New Orleans this past month. Our mini vacation turned us into teenagers again and it was, honestly, magical. We had slumber parties, sipped on drinks, shared delicious meals, and got to explore a brand new city side by side. Our trip was nonstop laughter and fun and I think it brought us even closer together. It has warmed my heart so much that we have been texting way more often since our return home! Maybe next year we could do another getaway for both of our birthdays but it will be so great to celebrate her here on her big day and every day. ❤

Kristen inspires me to no end and I genuinely don’t understand how she is still standing at the end of each day. She is a proud mom of three precious girls, two cats, and two dogs – I’m exhausted after a few hours at her place and she makes it look so easy. It is anything but and I couldn’t be more proud of her and all she has accomplished. Kristen is one of the strongest people I have ever met and I do not say that lightly. She has endured countless hardships and emerged victorious on the other side to create a beautiful life for herself. She is so steadfast and determined but greets any and all situations with kindness – a further testament to her fortitude.

It is so special to have a big sister as incredible as mine and it’s even better that we’re best friends too. We might not have always acted like it lol but we really are thick as thieves! From childhood to teenage years, I remember wishing that I could be just like her and I’m sure it was easy to get fed up with her constant shadow. Even when we had our tiffs, however, we both knew that I would never be far from under her wings five minutes later. It was so fun to return back to that sisterly bickering but loving every minute of it during our travels and I can’t wait to make more memories together. We have plans for a sister slumber party soon and I can’t wait! ❤

To my best friend and best big sis – Happy Birthday!

I love you, Kristen!!!!! ❤

Apr6

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

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Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

Hello! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because it is my dad’s birthday!! As my dad refuses to celebrate birthdays, I gave him his prezzies last week on his unbirthday so he could still enjoy them lol. However, that will never stop me from sending him an extra special birthday shout out on the ol’ blog! My dad is my bestie pal and we have so much fun together. Whether we are doing puzzles, gardening, or playing along to The Price Is Right, there is nothing better than spending time with my dad. He is freaking hilarious and always keeps me in stitches. My dad also keeps himself in stitches as he is prone to laugh attacks which make the matters at hand even funnier. Not to mention how charming and handsome he is to boot! ❤

One of the things that I love about my dad is his spirit of adventure. He is constantly planning experiences for my family like vacations and nights at the theater and is always up for trying something new. For the past year, my dad has been taking guitar lessons from Johnny and he practices every day. I so enjoy being a fly on the wall during their lessons and hearing my dad practice because it’s just cool. Learning the guitar is no easy feat but he is dedicated to it and Johnny and I are both amazed at how much he has improved. No matter what, you should never stop learning and my dad really is a testament to that. It inspires me deeply!

Spending time with my dad is a lesson in good things taking time. It could be nurturing his beautiful garden, working on a difficult puzzle, or hearing him piece together a song. These are all reminders to just keep working at it and plugging away because something great is right around the corner. As a child and, honestly, sometimes as an adult, my MO has been to quit out of frustration. My dad has always been the one to encourage me to give it another try. One more lesson, one more practice, one more go and it worked every time. It worked because my dad was in my corner and that was the most important thing. Everything is better when he’s by my side because he is the best and I will forever be a daddy’s girl. ❤

Happy birthday to my dad!!!!

I love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mar22

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

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Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Hello!!! Today is a fantastic, wonderful day because we have a birthday girl in the house – my fantastic, wonderful mom!! My sweet mom is my little cutiepie lol she is a tiny ball of energy and spending time with her is one of my favorite things in the world. Whether we are shopping, walking our beloved Archie dog, or just sitting at the kitchen table chatting it is literally food for the soul. There’s a saying that as you age you turn more and more into your parents and I am a-okay with that. It is a gift to be anything like my mom!! ❤

My mom is my best friend and when we’re apart, we are sure to be texting or talking on the phone. Every Monday after work I give her a call on my way home and I look forward to that chat every week! I am lucky enough to see my parents several days of the week and live right down the street from them. Honestly, it’s not close enough lol. Whenever we are together, it promises to be a good time and we are always laughing about something. It could be my dad jogging through the house or my mom losing her glasses for the five hundredth time but the laugh attacks are always on the verge of striking!

All joking aside (Which is more often than not!), being around my mom is a masterclass in kindness. Ever since I was little, I can always remember her greeting every person we encountered with a smile and her deep passion for animal rescue. From childhood on, I wanted to be just like my mom and I still do. Her compassionate manner hasn’t faltered once in her life and if that isn’t an amazing role model then I truly don’t know what is. My mom is always who I want to talk to first whether I have good news or bad. She celebrates the good with the utmost pride and helps handle the bad even if we don’t say anything at all. Just being around her is enough because she radiates love and that is the best medicine of all. ❤

To my mom and A1 bestie – I love you more than words can say!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feb17

What Kids Really Need To Succeed In School

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What Kids Really Need To Succeed In School

When people imagine what success in school is, they’ll usually think about things like grades (obviously), test scores, and overall academic achievement, which is all very important. But the truth is, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Kids aren’t going to thrive in school just because they’ve got the right textbooks or a strict routine – they succeed when they feel properly supported, understood, and confident enough to keep trying. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what kids really need to succeed in school:

A Sense Of Safety And Belonging:

Children learn best when they feel really secure, and that means feeling safe in the classroom, accepted by their friends and peers, and supported by teachers who understand them. When kids feel anxious, isolated, or they’re constantly on edge, it’s going to make learning a lot harder, which means a school environment that prioritizes well being as well as academics makes a massive difference and kids will probably do better there.

Encouragement, Not Pressure:

Kids need plenty of motivation, but they also need to be allowed to be human. If they’re under constant pressure to perform, that’s going to make them feel stressed and actually lower their confidence over time. Encouragement is the best thing, and much better than trying to make kids perfect (they won’t be perfect because no one is). Children do best when they’re praised for their efforts and progress and not just the results that come from their work.

Strong Relationships With Adults:

One of the best ways to know a child is going to be successful at school is if they’ve got at least one trusted adult who really believes in them. That might be a teacher, a mentor, learning support, a staff member, or anyone else. The point is, when children feel like they’re understood and supported, they’re more likely to engage, ask questions, and keep going even when things are a bit more challenging. Schools like KIS Reignwood Park tend to place a strong emphasis on nurturing these types of relationships, and that’s going to make the entire learning experience a much better one for everyone.

Learning That Feels Relevant And Engaging:

Children usually succeed when the learning they’re doing feels relevant, which is why a curriculum that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and real engagement is something that’s going to help keep kids interested and motivated. When students feel that school is something they actively play a part in rather than just something they sit through, they’ll get a lot more confident in their abilities and what they can do.

A Home Environment That Values Learning:

Parents don’t have to be teachers, but children are definitely going to benefit from a life that places a high value on learning and being curious about things. That could mean you read together, you talk about your day, and you show an interest in what they’re learning – it all creates a positive idea about school and learning, which is helpful. If kids feel supported at home, they’re going to enjoy school more, and learn more as a result.

Fostering a love for learning and a secure setting can make a big difference in your child’s academic life!

Featured Image By: RDNE Stock project

Feb17

Hey, Neighbor

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Hey, Neighbor

Hi everyone. These past few weeks have been an incredibly difficult time for me and Johnny. As you all know, our downstairs neighbor, Tony, held a very special place in our hearts. He was our best friend, my pseudo grandpa, and beloved co-founder of Friday Night Dinner Club. It is with deep sadness to say that he passed away on February eleventh after a long fought battle with ongoing health issues. We are totally and completely heartbroken and it has been so hard to say goodbye to someone so dear to us. However, we are beyond lucky to have had three years of beautiful memories that will forever be cherished.

When Tony moved in, we were all on the same schedule. When Johnny left for work, he was outside smoking. When I left for work, he was outside smoking. When we returned from work, you guessed it – he was outside smoking! While our chats grew in length, our friendship blossomed into all kinds of adventures. This included Friday Night Dinner Club, Saturday Afternoon Movies, going to the shooting range, shooting pool, and the most incredible time doing a drive through of the Asian Lantern Festival. One of my favorite memories has got to be when we watched the total solar eclipse together. With our protective glasses on, we spent the afternoon watching a marvel of nature, gabbed away, and cheered and whooped during the big show. It was magical.

Our apartment complex feels so empty without our Tony. Every morning I still find myself looking for him when I leave for work and anticipate having our regular afternoon chat when I return home. It breaks my heart all over again every single time he isn’t there. Tony had a smile and a kind word for every person he encountered. He was gentle, had a silly sense of humor, and was up for whatever antics we would get into during our outings. Tony was a proud father and grandfather and I can’t recall a single conversation where he wasn’t “bragging” (As we called it!) about his family. It made me feel so good when he told me he always bragged about Johnny and me too! We miss our friend beyond measure but I am so thankful for all of the fun times we had to treasure. Whether it was a quick chitchat outside or an evening on the town, it was always special because he was so special to us. ❤

Tony always would sign off the texts we would send back and forth with “love always” and this phrase has been getting me through our collective heartache. It was love always whenever we were together and it radiated so purely. We love you always, Tony and our lives are permanently better because of you. Gone, but never ever forgotten.

Jan29

Sweet Surprises: Eos Hand Cream Edition

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Sweet Surprises: Eos Hand Cream Edition

Hello! I am so lucky because my family freaking rocks. I have the coolest siblings, the coolest nieces and nephew, and the coolest parents. Johnny and I live not even five minutes away from chez parents and I swear it’s not close enough. I just love spending time with all of them so much and trust and believe we’re texting nonstop when I’m not at their place. While any time with any of my family members is my favorite, I am especially partial to shopping trips with my mom. This has been a staple in our relationship since I was little. What can I say, I’ve always loved fashion! During our last TJs trip together, my mom helped me pick out a gorgeous new purse. The following day, she surprised me with a little treat to keep handy as I tote around my Antik Kraft saddlebag:

If I had to estimate the amount of times I have heard my mom say “Open your hands and close your eyes and I’ll give you a big surprise” since my youth, I would say it’s in the hundreds lol. No matter how old we get, she still repeats that sentiment when she picks one of us up a little something and it is still so exciting. This time around, my surprise was a perfect purse sized Eos hand cream in Vanilla Cashmere. I am a vanilla fragrance gal just like my mom and I always associate that scent with her. (As well as her beloved discontinued perfume from The Body Shop called Leap!) This travel size bottle of hand cream was such a lovely nod to our shopping adventure and it makes me smile whenever I am rummaging through my purse.

All of you know that TJMaxx is my happy place. Yes, I love the fashion but I also love the memories that flood over me whenever I walk into the store. I have the fondest recollections of shopping there with my grandma (My mom’s mom) and my mom too. Three generations of us gals shopping till we drop and having fun exploring our own personal styles. Whenever I have a hankering to go to the Maxx, I always ask my mom if she wants to join me because it’s so special to walk the aisles with her. From a little girl to a grown woman, TJMaxx is our sanctuary. Hallowed grounds to let the store tell us what we need. Simply having the hand cream that my mom got me in the bag that I got with her brightens my day because it brings back so many happy days we had together doing my favorite thing… Shopping! ❤

My mom is the queen of Sweet Surprises and the queen of Best Mom Ever. I am the luckiest girl in the whole world! 🙂

What do you keep in your purse? Where is your favorite place to shop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan5

Best Ice Skating Session EVER

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Best Ice Skating Session EVER

Hello! I was a competitive figure skater for close to a decade and it was a (mostly) wonderful experience. I haven’t gone skating as frequently as I would like in my adulthood but I think that is going to change very soon. Ever since I learned I was going to be an aunt to my first niece six years ago, I have dreamed of taking her skating. My niece told me that she would like to start learning when she was eight but then she changed it to six after talking about it. Yay because this past weekend we went skating for the first time together and it was nothing short of magical. Also my dad chauffeured us and that made it extra special too. Let’s discuss:

We visited the indoor rink in Canton, Center Ice, for our skate date and the open skate was buzzing with people enjoying their holiday vacation. This did not deter my niece from wanting to give it a shot and I was incredibly proud of her for being so brave. It can be intimidating to try something new when there are a lot of people around and I love that she just went for it. With the provided walkers to help beginner skaters at the rink, we made our way to the ice and my cold bitter heart began to swell like the Grinch.

During our first lap or two around, my niece worked on the old March, March, Glide and really got a feel for being on the ice and moving her feet. Then, she would take a quick break and sit with my dad while they watched me bust out some jumps and spins for the one time. After a few minutes I would ask if she wants to join me and we would go back to the ice together. About twenty minutes in, she even asked me if I would just skate around her and the walker so I could guide her through traffic jams if needed and she could DIY. Her confidence on the ice from start to finish raised infinitely and one lap around turned into two turned into three. It was absolutely amazing.

Not only was it a dream come true to skate with my niece for the first time, but it was pinch myself worthy to have my dad there too. My dad took me to almost every one of my skating practices. My mom would handle all of my competitions because my dad was too nervous to watch lol. It was the perfect tradeoff and I always loved that. I know that my dad being there for his granddaughter’s first “practice” was something he was looking forward to too. My dad introduced me to the joy of skating and now he got to watch me do the same for one of the little ones in our family. It was a full circle moment and I will cherish it forever.

I cannot wait to hit the rink up with my niece again if she would like to. If not, that’s okay! After this skate, I want to make an effort to go at least once a month and that seems like a great extra New Year’s Resolution!

Did you play any sports when you were a kid? Do you still play it now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec14

Feed The Birds

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Feed The Birds

Hello! For as long as I can remember, my dad has had a fondness for filling the bird feeders in our yard every morning. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail he is out there being a modern day Saint Francis and is essentially the Postal Service of bird feeding. We all have a morning routine and this is his and I think it is truly awesome. My dad loves nature and takes time every day to appreciate and nurture it and that is something that we can all learn from. To take the time out of your day to do an activity you really enjoy. Once the bird feeders have been filled, we simply sit back and enjoy my dad’s good deed because nature puts on a show afterwards!

Before my dad has even stepped foot inside after his morning routine is complete, a full fledged feeding frenzy follows and we can see it all perfectly. My dad has expertly placed the feeders so we have a view of them from the windows and we love to bird watch together. Not only does my dad care for these birds but he knows so much about them too. He is always teaching me the names of unfamiliar ones and tailors the bird food options specific to the native birds in the area as well as the ones that have visited briefly and he would like to see again. It’s fascinating to listen to as we gaze out of the nature window in awe.

It’s exciting to see the guests that come to the feeders but my favorite has always been the Cardinal. My mom always says that when you see a red bird, then it’s a good day and I think of that sentiment every time I see one. And, although I am not a fan of winter, there is nothing better than seeing a beautiful Cardinal against the freshly fallen snow. We have also recently had several species of Woodpeckers stop by and they are so striking too! There have been at least three different kinds and my dad has told me all of the names before but I may or may not have forgotten. That’s okay, though, because I know my dad will bring me back up to speed the next time we take a peek through the nature window together. ❤

No matter the weather, my dad’s happiest place to be is in the yard tending to his plants and wildlife friends. He is best wildlife warrior around!

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Do you have bird feeders in your yard? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Nov26

What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

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What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

It’s completely normal to be worried about your child’s health problems. After all, you love them and want the best for them. But what should you do if you find yourself in this position? What action should you take? This issue comes up more than you might think. Many parents go into meltdown when something goes wrong with their child’s health, no matter how minor it might seem on the surface. Fortunately, we’ve written this guide to help. It runs through some of the tactics you can use to be your best to help your kiddo:

Trust Your Gut:

One of the best things you can do as a parent in this position is trust your gut. Accepting what’s happening and then trying to get to a solution is essential. Usually, you’ll know if something is seriously wrong or not. What’s more, as a parent, you know your child. You understand what’s normal behavior for them, and what isn’t, so your senses are attuned to theirs.

Track Their Symptoms:

It’s a good idea to track their symptoms. You want to know how they’re evolving over time. If you can figure out when it started and then measure the severity, you’re often in a good position to know how long it will take them to recover and what’s wrong. Tracking symptoms is also going to be so helpful when you take your child to the doctor so they will have a full history of the problem.

Check For Red Flags:

Red flag situations are when it is essential to take action. For example, things like a high fever or persistent vomiting: these are signs that something might be seriously wrong. You might also notice things like not responding to sound. Perhaps they need to go to the audiologist for grommets or hearing aids. Seizures and extreme lethargy or not waking properly are all red flag signs too. Get help immediately.

Call the Pediatrician:

If you encounter something you haven’t seen before or symptoms seem worse than usual, getting on the phone with the pediatrician is a good idea. They can provide advice on what to do next, including whether or not to go to hospital.

Provide Comfort:

Sometimes, just providing your child with some comfort can have a profound effect on their well-being. Their bodies are highly tuned to their surroundings. Even skin-on-skin contact, which seems quite simple, can have a huge effect. You can also do things like bring them their comfort items or put them in a room that feels safe to them. These small changes may improve their health.

Ask “Dumb” Questions:

Lastly, if you do go to the doctor with them, don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions. The more of these you pose, the more likely you are to understand what’s happening in the future if something similar happens again. Every question you have is worth asking and your child’s appointment is the time to do so.

Any health concern for your child can be scary. Keep a level head, find a solution with the doctor, and do your best to accommodate!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Oct19

Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

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Holiday Shopping For The Kiddos

Hello! Johnny and I are the fun aunt and uncle to five amazing kiddos and it’s always so exciting to celebrate the holiday season together. I am pleased to report that I have put a decent dent in my Christmas shopping and like to think of myself as an excellent gift giver. However, with several holidays as an aunt under my belt, even I admit that I need some inspiration now and then for children’s gifts. There are seemingly endless options of adorable things and it can be hard to narrow it down! Let’s explore a few ideas to get that gift inspo flowing for the littles in your life:

First and Foremost:

Honestly, one of the best things you can do is simply ask the parents lol. This might sound lazy but it’s so true and you can be sure that you are getting exactly what is needed and wanted. It could be clothing in a certain size, a particular toy they have their eye on, or a couple packs of supplies like diapers and wipes. The last thing parents need is more clutter like yet another package of play food or making trips to return or exchange presents. If you are unsure – just ask!

Gifts of Experience:

Speaking of clutter, the resounding theme I have heard this year from my parent friends is wanting gifts of experience for their children. This is a fabulous way to make memories and have cherished quality time. It could be a trip to the zoo or aquarium, purchasing lessons for swimming or theater, or tickets to a movie or live show. Several beloved children’s programs like Paw Patrol, The Wiggles, and Gabby’s Dollhouse have theater performances that super fan kiddos will love. Lots of local theaters also have performances of The Grinch, Elf, and Rudolph which could be tons of fun too to get into the holiday spirit.

Craft Supplies:

If your littles are anything like mine, they love to get artsy! Arts and crafts gifts are great and can give parents a welcome reprieve while their kids work on their own projects. It could be big coloring or sticker books, figurines to paint, packs of model clay or kinetic sand, jewelry making kits, or retro fuzzy posters to spend an afternoon coloring. If you want to combine art with a gift of experience, how about a trip to a pottery studio like Color Me Mine or All Fired Up? Then you can enjoy creating together and eagerly await to pick up your masterpieces after they have been glazed.

Building Kits:

Of course, Lego is an incredibly popular toy but it is also incredibly expensive! There are some loopholes though. 😀 If you have a 5 Below near you, check it out. The one that I shop at has several Lego Creator and even Technic sets on the cheap. I was really surprised to find them and got a handful of kits for a song as one of my gifts for my nephew. 5 Below also has pseudo Lego kits for Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, and candy like Hershey’s and Reese’s. This can give a taste for building without breaking the bank.

And, finally, there is a store in my neck of the woods called The Exchange. It is a buy/sell/trade shop for video games, movies, records, and memorabilia and oftentimes they have used Lego sets there. If you have a similar store in your vicinity, it doesn’t hurt to stop by. Mine currently has a lot of the Wicked sets there for close to half off. Why pay more when you can pay less?!

“Pet” Gifts:

If your little has been longing for a pet of their own and it isn’t possible, there are SO many cute animal care toys on the market. My eldest niece, for example, would love pet bunnies because of my Melvin and Penelope. Who can blame her? They’re the cutest! Last year for Christmas, I got her a Little Live Pets set for bunnies and she absolutely loved it. These toys come with a mama animal and babies to birth. It also includes clothes to dress them up in, play food to feed them, and bedding to make their hutch cozy. These toys make noises and are super interactive. It could be the perfect introduction to caring for a pet of their own some day! *Note: PLEASE don’t gift real animals for the holidays. They are family, not a present to be returned.*

It feels like October is flying by and the holidays are just around the corner. Stay tuned for more inspo guides from your girl all holiday season long!

Are you an early or last minute holiday shopper? Who is the most difficult person to shop for on your list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah