Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Kids

February 6, 2021

Hard to believe it is February for the simple purpose that January always feels like the longest month of the year to me. After the hectic schedule of December and the joy and fun the festive season brings, January always feels cold, dark, and a little lonely. I also blame the fact that I de-decorate our home and the twinkling lights and bright red, green, and white decorations suddenly get packed away and leave bare walls, and shelves that I struggle to decorate until Spring returns.

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Easter Basket Ideas for Kids

March 11, 2019

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Easter falls later this year, April 21, 2019. It always seems that when the holiday hits later in Spring, I suddenly feel like it has snuck up on me versus when it falls earlier. I know, that is counter-intuitive, but I think the late date makes me believe I have all the time in the world when the reality is I absolutely procrastinate. Not this year, Karen, not this year.

This holiday season we will have two babies, and before you get all, “Whoa, your hands are super full?!” Eye roll, sip your latte, eye roll – I indeed do.

The transition from one child to two has been hard on me. I am unsure if it is natural (although, I seem to hear this similar sentiment from fellow moms), or if the four years with one child spoiled me, or if this never-ending winter/cold/flu season has crushed my soul, either way, it has been all hands on deck.

So with this awareness, I am planning ahead and kicking procrastination in the butt. Plus, I literally have Amazon arrive every other day since I am ordering diapers, wipes, laundry detergent, kitchen sponges, etc, on the fly. It is so easy!

Easter Basket Ideas for Baby Boy. Gift guide ideas include a bunny onesie, carrot teether, bunny pacifier, and bibs.

Easter Basket Ideas for Toddler Girls. Gift ideas include rain boots, book bag swimsuit, and pool tube.

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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Her

February 6, 2017

Valentine’s Day. A glorified “hallmark” holiday as some claim. Although, I love Valentine’s Day. Always have. Even if I was single, I never considered it a holiday destined to celebrate with your significant other but a day to say “I love you” to all those you really love. I remember growing up, my Mother would also treat us to Valentine’s from her and my Dad, and now that I have Lo, I already have her little Valentine’s Day spread ready for cupid’s delivery.

I know what you are going to say, “Well, why tell someone you love you love them because it is Valentine’s Day. Shouldn’t we say it every day?” Yes,that is true, but let’s be real. Life is tough, hard, stressful and fast paced. Some days it is pure survival in my house. We show each other small acts of kindness and love but sometimes we do that out of habit. It becomes second nature, it isn’t really thought out or anticipated. But, with Valentine’s Day, it is a moment to make us pause and do something maybe out of the norm. It may be forced since it feels like a forced day, but I like that it is a kick in the butt to do something I would not think to do. Like a special dinner, bottle of wine, strawberries or just a sweet card. Regardless of what you do, say or buy, I encourage you to celebrate with your loves on this fun, festive day.

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Gift Ideas for the Hostess

December 6, 2016

Our December calendar is pretty loaded down. We have work parties (yes, plural) and friendly get-togethers. We have family gatherings and then we have our full list of holiday must-dos such as a Holiday Light Car Tour, Visit with Santa, one last shopping trip, and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (yes, that is a thing in our home). You see, all these things add up and before you know it you heading out the door to a holiday party and in complete scramble mode. If you are like me, you are begging your husband to make a quick run to pick up a bottle of wine for the hostess. But, here is the things, so is every other person heading to the same exact party as you.

Be different. Be bold. Make a statement this holiday party. And, if you make a really big impact, heck, you may just get invited back next year!

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Gift Ideas for Children: Stocking Stuffers

November 26, 2016

The most underrated tradition of Christmas… the stocking. So much emphasis is placed on the gifts under the tree that we tend to overthink the stocking. Maybe we just cram the “smallerish” items into the stocking when we are exhausted and don’t feel like wrapping any more, or, maybe we just use the stocking for a candy jar and pile in the chocolate and sweets.

I personally find the stocking to be such a fun, little extra tradition, and do you know the origins date back to a widowed man who feared his impoverished status would prevent his three daughter’s from marrying? Yes, for real! The story goes that on Christmas Eve, their stockings hung by the fire to dry and Saint Nicholas knowing the father’s humbleness, placed gold coins in the stockings, setting the family into a better financial place. Huh? All of this excitement today over a tradition that began with drying socks. Here are more stories and traditions from the Christmas Stocking.

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Holiday Gift Guide For a 1 Year Old

November 22, 2015

Well this weekend we sighed heavy, smiled and realized we have an 11 month old. Where in the heck did the last few months of time go? 11 months has ushered in an ornery side to her personality. She actually understands some of our verbal cues and giggles, scowls and even mocks us now. Oh, boy, our hands are full!

As we near her first birthday and Christmas, I find myself scouring the web late at night, after she has long gone to bed, for gift ideas.

I am a firm believer in quality over quantity when it comes to toys. Now, I know that very statement is going to earn me some eye rolls, especially from some of Baby Lo’s relatives who hear me whine about not wanting a living room full of bits and pieces of random toys.

Tiny house = tiny toy box, Baby Lo. Sorry about your luck! HaHa. Just kidding. Well sort of.

So, if you find yourself with a baby (okay, I know she is an infant and soon toddler – what!) on your Christmas List, that is nearing or around 1-year’s old, please consider some of my top picks.