“Finding Light in the Sunset: A Love Letter to Sunset on Whisling Island”

Sunset on Whisling Island by Julia Clemens is a heartwarming story about four remarkable women dealing with love, loss, and the strength of friendship. Set against the beautiful  backdrop of Whisling Island, just off the coast of Washington state the story paints a vivid picture of a tightknit community.

I loved reading about Bess, Deb, Olivia, and Gen each facing real, messy challenges that hit close to home. From crumbling marriages to buried secrets, their struggles are raw and authentic, yet their journeys also include hope and resilience. 

I can totally relate to the female friendship and the way these women lean on each other. It is a beautiful testament to the power of sisterhood and love. 

Great pace of storytelling; balancing emotional depth with moments of lightness that keep the pages turning. The island setting adds a cozy, almost magical vibe, making it the perfect escape for anyone craving a story that’s equal parts poignant and uplifting. This is women’s fiction at its finest touching, inspiring, and impossible to put down. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Whisling Island crew!

Why a Positive Morning Mindset Matters: Kickstarting Your Day Right

My morning drive by shot!

Good morning! 

God waking up for work can be so hard but waking before the alarm is harder. These are the mornings I remind myself how blessed I am to wake. The alternative sucks and I feel blessed daily but as an exhausted 58+ year old woman I know how important it is to start your day with a good attitude.

Why?

Because this sets the tone for how you’ll approach the rest of your day and all the outside sources and the added challenges that come along with it.  

A positive mindset boosts your resilience to bounce back from all the bs and setbacks you will undoubtedly deal with. It fires up motivation and makes tackling your tasks easier. 

Did you know that positivity is as contagious as negativity? Yup! People pick up on it. Show a positive front those you deal with in your day to day will too!

Choose the lens you want to share with the world and they will share it with you. Sure there will always be those dark cloud people that can’t get out of their own way but don’t let them take your rainbow. 

Love you!

Friends or Mentors? Why Kids Need Boundaries, Not Buddies”

Ugh!!! I am exhausted. I have a few part time jobs and one is occasionally in a school district during lunch and recess. This is not my first rodeo and being a mom, lunch monitor a few years ago preschool teacher and now again a monitor I deal with ages 3-22 so to put it bluntely, I know a lot about kids.

Over the past 11 years I see a huge shift in boundaries, discipline and structure. 

Personally I think there’s a strong case to be made that kids do need adults to create boundaries and structure in a teaching manner that will help them learn and grow as well as become productive adults. 

Kids thrive when they know where the lines are as it gives them a sense of security and helps them figure out how to navigate the world but without clear limits, they can feel lost or end up testing everything just to see what holds up, which can lead to chaos for them and everyone around them! Which is what I see every day. 

Structure doesn’t mean suffocating them; it’s more like giving them a guideline or map so they can explore without getting totally derailed.

How have we gotten so far away from teaching children the importance of respect, for themselves and others?

You see a lot of trends like overly permissive or passive parenting who believe or follow the idea that kids should just “figure it out” with minimal guidance which can leave structure on the back burner. Screens and tech don’t help either; they’re like boundary dissolving machines if left unchecked. On the flip side, some argue too much structure can stifle creativity or independence, and there’s truth there too. It’s a balance, right? Isn’t everything a balance? Too rigid, and they’re robots; too loose, and it’s “Lord of the Flies”.

I was talking to the principal today and told him what I see is that everyone who works here wants to be buddies with the kids and it is a fine line and a balance act you need to walk to be both friends but also respected by the kids.  When adults prioritize being buddies over being guides, it can leave kids without the anchor they need especially if they’re not getting structure at home either. Schools are often the one place where kids can count on some consistency, so if that’s replaced with a “let’s be pals” vibe, it’s like pulling the rug out from under them. Kids might like it in the moment because come on who doesn’t want a friend? but long-term, it can leave them floundering, unsure of what’s expected or how to handle real limits when they hit them later in life and as an educator and a mom I think about the future not the right now.

It’s tricky, though. I get why adults might lean that way wanting to connect, be relatable, maybe even avoid conflict. But there’s a difference between building rapport and just caving to a popularity contest. Kids need and respect adults who can model authority with fairness, not just blend into the crowd.

I hope things shift in the direction needed for healthy, happy kids who understand authority and strive to be the best future adults they can be! 

It takes a village but right now the kids seem to have the control and the adults need to take a long hard look at where we are failing them.

From Spring Chic to Corset Queen: My Daughter’s Dress Remix

My Goddess always impresses me! 

Last week I bought myself a pretty spring dress to wear to a bridal shower. My daughter opened it and mentioned how much she loved it so I told her it would be big on her but try it on. Her reply was “if you insist!” 

Goddess has gone and made it her own in the most fabulous way!

Look how pretty this feminine, red, floral number with delicate blooms looks with a corset!! She literally transformed it from sweet  and simple to downright stunning. The loose romantic skirt flares out beneath that structured corset giving her the perfect silhouette.

It is perfect for those warm spring days with a summer hat, and strappy sandals. She looks like she stepped out of a springtime fairy tale.

I might’ve bought this dress with myself in mind, but seeing her work it like that and knowing it will never look this good on me it’s hers now. She’s got that youthful glow that makes the red pop.  It’s enough to make this mama’s heart burst. I’m over here just marveling at how she’s taken something I picked out and made it so her. That’s my girl, always finding a way to look beautiful. Now if only she knew it. 

So, if you’re on the hunt for a spring dress that’s versatile enough to go from a mama’s closet to a daughter’s masterpiece, this one’s a keeper. 

BEFORE ANTHONY BOURDAIN AND GORDON RAMSAY, THERE WAS CHARLIE TROTTER—THE CHEF WHO CHANGED EVERYTHING

 

Blue-Eyes Film and Miracle Media Distribution proudly announce the UK digital release of critically acclaimed documentary Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter. Following a successful US release, the film will be launching on Digital Download in the UK from 14th April.   Before the Food Network and social media, Chef Charlie Trotterrevolutionised global cuisine, redefining modern fine dining and inspiring chefs across the world—including the UK’s own Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal, who considered him both a friend and an inspiration. His pioneering approach to tasting menus, obsession with perfection, and dedication to innovation shaped the culinary landscape we know today.   Featuring exclusive interviews with world-renowned chefs Wolfgang Puck, Grant Achatz, Emeril Lagasse, Norman Van Aken, and Carrie Nahabedian, the film offers a rare inside look at a visionary who pushed boundaries and paid the price. With never-before-seen archival footage, Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter explores how Trotter’s uncompromising drive led to both triumph and tragedy. Told through intimate interviews with family, friends, and industry icons, including his first wife Lisa Ehrlich, the film reveals the man behind the legend.   Premiering to critical acclaim, Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter earned multiple festival awards and a James Beard Media Award nomination, cementing its place as a must-watch documentary. An Oak Street Pictures production, the film is directed by Rebecca Halpern (Helter Skelter: An American Myth, Gangland) and produced by Renée Frigo (Marcella, Tesla, Nine Days). It is executive produced by Margie Geddes, Ray Harris, and Tony DeLuca. The film is rated 90% by critics and 99% by the audience on Rotten Tomatoes*.   For UK food lovers, this is the chance to discover the untold story of a chef whose influence extends far beyond his own kitchen.

Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter will be available on UK Digital Platforms from 14th April

EMP Attacks Scare Me

 Foremost Expert on EMP Attacks Explains How These Weapons Work

Washington, D.C., March 27, 2025 — William R. Forstchen, Ph.D., is a military historian and college professor who is widely considered one of the foremost experts on electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons. He has been consulted by numerous federal, state and local governments and private entities regarding the devastating impact of an EMP attack and has spoken at conferences all over the United States.

Citing the country’s already vulnerable energy grid, Forstchen said an EMP attack would wipe out power and set off a cascade of deadly events. The first necessity people would lose is water, followed by food supply and medication. Then, disease would set in. Long-term survival, he added, would depend on being in the right place at the right time with the right food supply.

“I believe the threat of America being hit by an EMP weapon is the single greatest danger to our survival,” Forstchen said. “Electricity is the fundamental building block of our society. Everything is predicated on electrification.”

An EMP causes widespread cataclysmic damage to power grids due to what’s called the Compton effect, he explained.

“An electromagnetic pulse is the byproduct of detonating a nuclear weapon. When a nuclear weapon is detonated 200 to 250 miles above the earth, the gamma ray burst when it hits the upper atmosphere sets off the Compton effect. In essence, a giant electrostatic discharge hits the earth’s surface and wipes out electronic devices as well as entire power grids, leaving affected areas in the dark,” he said.

Forstchen has written extensively about the devastating impact of EMP strikes, beginning with his New York Times bestseller, One Second After, which offers a realistic look at a weapon and its awesome power to destroy the entire United States, literally within one second. One Second After spawned three sequels, each of which is a fictional exploration rooted in the cold, solid facts of how an EMP strike above U.S. soil would impact society.

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Five tips to keep precious stones and metals looking their best…

 

PAUSHLÈ Sleek Jewelry Gloss Announces Essential Tips to Enhance Jewelry This Spring

 

 March 27, 2025 [Lake Jackson, TX.] As the beauty of spring unfolds and those who own jewelry plan to make a bold fashion statement, PAUSHLÈ Sleek Jewelry Gloss has five expert tips on how to enhance the appearance of diamonds, jewelry, and precious metals for the season ahead. The innovative PAUSHLÈ Sleek Jewelry Gloss  revitalizes the shine of favorite pieces and enhances their natural beauty.

 

Spring is an ideal time to breathe new life into jewelry. Here are those tips to keep any collection looking radiant with 

 

1. Revitalize: For an instant shine, apply PAUSHLÈ Sleek Jewelry Gloss. This easy-to-use formula enhances the sparkle and luster of diamonds and metals, to make them shine with exquisite brilliance.

 

2. Gentle Cleaning: Prior to applying, gently clean jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth. The good news is that every PAUSHLÈ Sleek Jewelry Gloss package comes with one. Selecta mild soap and water solution for deeper cleaning.

 

3. Proper Storage: Keep jewelry safe and well-preserved by storing it in a soft-lined box or pouches. This helps prevent scratches and tarnish, ensuring that pieces remain in pristine condition.

 

4. Spring Styling: Embrace the vibrant energy of spring by showcasing jewelry! Layer necklaces or stack rings using the gloss to enhance their brilliance and create bold, eye-catching looks.

 

5. Routine Care: Make it a habit to apply PAUSHLÈ Sleek Jewelry Gloss regularly to maintain the luster of all treasures. Expensive and sentimentally valuable jewelry deserves the best care for long-lasting beauty

Parenting Made Easy: Educational Play at WonderWorks

 Parenting Made Easy: Educational Play at WonderWorks

WonderWorks supports parents by offering a venue where children can learn through play, making it a valuable resource for educational outings

 

ORLANDO, Fla. - (March 26, 2025) – No matter what time of the year it may be, parents, grandparents, and caregivers are always looking for ways to keep their kids entertained. This is especially true on weekends and during school breaks. WonderWorks is one place that answers that call, becoming every parent’s secret weapon. They offer educational play that keeps kids engaged, learning, having fun, and making memories.

“We have something for everyone in the upside-down house, making it a great place to spend the day,” said Brian Wayne, general manager at WonderWorks Orlando. “All ages can interact here as well, giving parents a chance to make memories and engage with their children on a fun and educational level.”

There are over 100 interactive exhibits at WonderWorks based on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). According to the U.S. Department of Education, it is more important than ever for our nation's youth to prepare to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions. They report that these kinds of skills are developed through STEM learning.

Some of the activities offered at WonderWorks include learning about extreme weather, taking on physical challenges, getting immersed in space discovery, exploring the imagination lab, strolling through the illusion art gallery, reading about science careers, and more. Guests can also challenge themselves on the indoor ropes course at several WonderWorks locations and go head-to-head in a game of laser tag. The Orlando, Fla. location is home to a popular magic comedy dinner show that is a must-see entertainment experience. All of WonderWorks’ offerings are found under one roof, making exploring a breeze.

WonderWorks has six locations across the country, many of which are near popular tourist destinations, allowing people to easily add it to their vacation itinerary. The locations are Orlando, Fla., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Panama City Beach, Fla., Syracuse, N.Y., and Branson, Mo. They offer special events and ticket deals throughout the year, including those for military personnel, scouting troops, schools, teachers, and locals. Special group rates are available for those who have at least 15 or more people and book their visit in advance. 

“Your imagination can run wild at WonderWorks," said Taylor Smart, education and marketing manager at WonderWorks. "One stop here, and it's clear to see everything that kids and families get out of a visit. There's nothing like making learning fun and memorable."

Because it provides so many interactive learning opportunities, WonderWorks is a favorite amongst homeschool families. They offer special programs for homeschoolers, including special admission rate days, group rates, and scavenger hunts to enhance learning. Many teachers and schools also arrange class field trips each year to give students a chance to gain hands-on experience on topics they are learning about in the classroom. 

 

WonderWorks is the upside-down, indoor theme park for the mind that offers over 100 hands-on exhibits for people of all ages to explore. Guests can learn about extreme weather, space, light, and sound, take on physical challenges, play laser tag, stroll the halls of the mind-bending art gallery, and much more. To learn more about the company and find a location near you, visit the website at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com.  

 

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and exciting for visitors of all ages. Guests enter through an upside-down lobby with the ceiling at their feet and the ground above their heads. They must pass through an Inversion Tunnel to turn right side up. Most locations have multiple floors of nonstop "edu-tainment," with over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that serve a STEM educational purpose to challenge the mind and spark the imagination. WonderWorks Orlando is also home to The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. WonderWorks is located in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit the site: https://www.wonderworksonline.com. 

 

 

 

 

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3 Recipes Greek Travelers MUST Try (and Make At Home After Their Trip

When traveling around the world to places like Greece, it’s essential to take the advice of Claudette Spinelli and other culinary experts seriously by finding high-quality foods and meals that fit easily into your diet and lifestyle. The following three dishes are national Greek treasures and can be made at home with relative ease! Sure, they might not be quite as good at home as they are in the Birthplace of Democracy, but they’re still worth learning and mastering. 

Moussaka – Greece’s National Dish 

As arguably the most popular dish in Greece, moussaka must be tried at least once, twice, or thrice while visiting! It combines several Greek flavors, including potatoes, seaned ground meat, spiced tomato sauce, eggplant, and bechamel sauce, to create an unforgettable dish that millions of Greek people eat every day. It’s Mediterranean comfort food at its finest!

Making it at home will take about two hours and requires eggplants, salt, olive oil, butter, ground beef, onions, garlic, ground black pepper, parsley, fine herbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, tomato sauce, red wine, eggs, milk, flour, white pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Once it’s done, you eat it directly off the pan-fried eggplants. Expect leftovers to last about a week in the fridge.

Pastitsio – A Type of Greek Lasagna

Lasagna is a popular Italian food that may have been adapted from pastitsio, a meal fairly similar to moussaka but with pasta instead of eggplants and potatoes. The pasta is tubular, so it doesn’t lay flat like the Italian type. It’s one of the most regularly eaten dishes in Greece and in Greek restaurants and includes a broad array of ingredients, flavors, and herbs. 

Taking about an hour and a half to make, this meal includes butter, onion, garlic, ground beef, tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, fresh parsley, cinnamon, whole cloves, bucatini or pastitsio pasta, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and eggs. You’ll have to make not only a meat sauce but cook pasta and a bechamel sauce to create an unforgettable dish your family will love. 

Tzatziki Sauce – An All-Purpose Topping 

Have you ever had a delicious cucumber sauce when visiting a Mediterranean restaurant back home? There’s a good chance you ate tzatziki, a sauce that uses Greek yogurt, cucumbers, lemon sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to produce a smooth, tasty mix. 

All you have to do is mix these ingredients in a large bowl, cool to store, and dish out on top of your favorite Greek dishes. The best thing about this recipe is not only its adaptability (it works well on just about anything) but its simple preparation. You’ll be done in about 20 minutes.

Get Ready to Eat in Style

With so many amazing Greek foods available, it can be hard for travelers to know which makes the most sense for their home. The two options outlined here are just a brief example of options available for travelers! Thankfully, most tourist-heavy places in Greece feature delicious restaurants with skilled chefs, alongside waiters who can help visitors choose a great meal.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Bakeshop Match Game Review

 

As a preschool teacher and a mom books by Eric Carle were probably my most read to my kids and my preschool class. 

I love that Briarpatch has a game based on the famous book The Very Hungry Caterpiller that even children as young as 3 can play. 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Bake Shop: A Matching Game is a delightful addition to the beloved Eric Carle-inspired lineup.  Released in February 2025, this game brings the colorful and very whimsical world of the beloved book The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life in a sweet, bakery themed twist that’s perfect for preschoolers aged 3 and up. Priced at $13.50, this is the perfect unplugged family-friendly option that combines fun with  learning opportunities for memory and matching skills.

Shuffled the cards, turn one over and take turns trying to make a match. The moment you have a match be the first person to ring the bell and say “yummy”. The winner takes to set and you continue playing. No set that cards gets placed alongside the cards and now you have multiple chances to make a match as the game continues. Winner is the one with the most sets. Easy!

Kids will love the Carle-style illustrations of baked goods think cupcakes, cookies, and other treats straight out of the caterpillar’s dream bakeshop using bold colors and playful imagery. 

What stands out is how well it suits its target audience. The no-reading-required gameplay ensures accessibility for pre-readers, and the tactile act of flipping cards helps develop fine motor skills alongside memory. It’s not overly competitive either, which keeps the vibe light and cooperative—perfect for siblings or playdates. A full game takes about 15-20 minutes, striking a nice balance for short attention spans without dragging on.

This is the perfect “first game” for toddlers dipping their toes into structured play.

Really cute Easter Basket theme. The game, a book, some sweets! Perfecto! 

I would give it a solid 5 out of 5 stars.

How To Save Money At The Supermarket Starting This Week

I don't know how we do it. Families are all struggling and it has been going on for so long it has become the norm. I remember when my food bill was $150 a week and I thought that was high. I would do anything to be around $150 these days. It has been over $200-$270 for the past 4 years. We are saving but it takes a lot of work to try to make sure we are getting the best for our buck. Last week my bill was $208 and I was so happy. 

Here are 10 practical tips for families to save money at the supermarket without sacrificing quality or nutrition. Hopefully these tips help you stretch your grocery budget further.

1. Make a List and Stick to It
   Before heading to the store, plan your meals for the entire week and write down exactly what you need. Sticking to the list helps avoid impulse buys.
2. Buy in Bulk (But only if the product is something YOU really use)
   Stock up on non-perishable staples like rice, pasta, or canned goods when they’re on sale. These are perfect for busy households. We always get 3-4 extra if our MUST HAVES are on sale because we buy them every week.
3. Use Coupons and Apps
   Take advantage of your supermarkets digital coupons and use cash-back apps like Ibotta to score discounts on items you already buy. It’s a quick way to save because finding coupons is impossible
4. Compare Unit Prices
   Don’t just look at the total price—check the price per ounce or pound (usually listed on the shelf tag). The bigger package isn’t always the better deal, and this trick helps you find the real value for your money. 
5. Shop Seasonal Produce
   Buy fruits and veggies that are in season. Produce is expensive these days but if you look at what is in season you will find cheaper, fresher, and often tastier fruits and veggies. Skip pricey out-of-season items unless they’re a must-have for a special recipe or your pickey child. Many of us buy what our kid eats. We want them to eat so if you need to you need to.
6. Avoid Shopping Hungry
   This is something I know for myself is very important. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to grabbing snacks or convenience foods you don’t need.  Eat a quick snack like apples, bananas or whatever before you go to stay focused and save.
7. Go for Store Brands
   Store-brand products like cereal, milk, or snacks are often just as good as name brands but cost less. Skip the fancy labels and keep the quality while cutting costs. BUT if your family will not eat it this is not a savings. Get what they eat.
8. Check Expiration Dates
   Before tossing items in your cart, glance at the expiration dates. It happens especially on dairy, meat, or discounted goods. 
9. Use Loyalty Programs
   Sign up for the supermarket’s rewards card or app. I love my Shoprite App.  It’s free and offers exclusive discounts, points, or even gas perks small savings that add up over time for busy moms.
10. Shop at Discount Stores
    Check out places like Aldi, Lidl, =even farmers’ markets for lower prices on staples and fresh items. Just be mindful not to overbuy things you don’t need, even if the deals are tempting.

With these tips, you’ll keep your grocery bill in check and have more cash left for the things that matter most to your family!

Unplugging for a Richer Life: Simple Joys Without the Screen

I have had this blog for a loooong time. A really long time. It has taken me from my kids being babies to them being in college and I love reading my old posts. It brings up so many lovely memories of my early mommy years. 

I don’t spent a lot of time online anymore and make a conscious effort to step away because I can hear my soul whispering, “Hey, lady, let’s step away from the screen and soak up some real life for a change.” So, I’ve been experimenting with ways to enrich my days without relying on tech, and oh my gosh, it’s been a game-changer. Here are some of my favorite little escapes maybe they’ll spark something for you too!

1. Get Lost in a Real, Crinkly-Paged Book or a Book on your Kindle

There’s something magical about holding an actual book you know, the kind that smells faintly of paper and possibility? I’ve been curling up with a mug of green tea and diving into novels I’ve been meaning to read forever. As I’ve gotten older it is much easier to read on my Kindle. I can change the font and read in a dim room so I can hang out with my husband while he watches TV. 

There are so many books I want to read.  Pick something that calls to you and let it sweep you away. Right now I am reading Water Under The Bridge by Britney King

2. Dig Into a Hands-On Hobby

I’ve always been the type to admire crafty people, but lately I decided I will start doing some of the Pins I have saved on Pinterest or posts on Instagram. Mostly I started messing around with paper crafts trying to use a lot of the supplies I have been hoarding for years. I had to let go of trying to be as good as the people I follow. They are experts in what they do after learning their craft and I may never get as good as I like but I learn with every spread I do. You just keep going, and somehow it’s relaxing and exciting. Whatever you are into go for it. Try your best, watch videos, knitting, gardening, baking bread or whatever it is, find something that makes you excited and you love.

3. Wander Outside 

Okay, I’ll admit I’m guilty of letting my phone lead me everywhere. But the other day, I left it at home and just drove. Then I pulled over and just walked through a small town I had never visited before. No GPS, no playlist, just me and the world. I ended up noticing things I’d never seen before like tiny wildflowers sprouting up, beautiful homes, lots of deer, and the way the trees sound when the wind rustles through them. It’s freeing to roam without a destination or a screen telling you where to turn. Try it, even if it’s just around your block. Let your feet and your curiosity guide you.

4. Write It Out

Journaling’s been my go to for years. I have many journals but 4 years ago I really started to try to create some of the journals I follow. I grab cute little notebooks, journals, scrapbooks, or pieces of paper and I write it down. I scribble, tape many scraps of notes into my journals about my dreams, random thoughts, even silly doodles. There is just something about the scratch of a pen that feels so personal. I love pouring a little piece of myself onto the page knowing I can reread them whenever I want. Give it a whirl; you might surprise yourself with what comes up.

5. Cook Something

I’m no chef, but there’s this quiet joy in chopping veggies, stirring a pot, and letting a recipe unfold. Last weekend, I made baked Mac and Cheese, Meatballs and sauce, chicken tenders, chicken cutlets and a bunch of roasted veggies so that the upcoming week wouldn't be a hassle as I worked my 3 jobs. I can come home from work and heat something up, my husband can take what he wants and my son has lunch and dinner for a few days. I love knowing I am feeding them and it was all made with love.  It's nothing fancy, just fresh ingredients and a little patience. The smell filled my kitchen, and I felt so accomplished.  

March Magic: Fun, Romantic, and Sweet Things to Do

Hello! We are in our second week of March and man that time change is hitting me or it could be the many jobs or the dog sitting gigs but hey a day above ground is a good day right because the alternative sucks. 

It’s time to start shaking off winter’s chill and sprinkling some fun and sweetness into our busy lives. Whether you’re stealing moments for yourself,  with your partner, or making memories with your little ones, I’ve got a handful of fun, family-friendly ideas to make this month extra special. Let’s dive in!

1. Cozy Up for a “Mommy-and-Me” Picnic

March weather can be a tease! One day crisp and sunny but the next cold again so grab a blanket, pack some snacks (goldfish crackers and chocolate-dipped strawberries, etc), and head outside for some much needed Vitamin D. Find a patch of grass or even your backyard, and let smiles lose as you snack and watch the clouds. Bonus romance tip: Sneak in a picnic date with your partner after the kids are asleep—twinkle lights and a thermos of hot cocoa or a bottle of wine and two glasses can make it spicy!

2. Flower Hunt 

Spring’s first blooms are peeking out, and there’s nothing sweeter than turning it into a family adventure. Grab your little explorers and hunt for flowers in the park. Make it a game! Whoever spots the most wins. For the romantic vibe, slip one of those flowers into your hair  and let your partner know later you will be in full bloom and ripe for picking 🤪

3. Movie Night: Kid Edition and Couple’s Encore

As a mommy, you’re probably no stranger to Paw Patrol marathons, but let’s make it fun for everyone. Pop some popcorn, pile on the couch with blankets, and let the kids pick their fave movie. Once they’re tucked in for the night switch gears and queue up a rom-com or action flick with your love, dim the lights, and sip something warm (or bubbly!). Two movie nights, one cozy evening. You’re winning at life! 

4. Snow Angels and Sweet Kisses

If March throws a late snow your way (hello, unpredictable weather!), don’t groan play! Bundle up the kids and play in the snow. Laughing with your kids is the ultimate heart-warmer. Then, when your partner is around ask them to join you and steal a quick kiss while the snowflakes fall. Cold noses, warm hearts. What’s more romantic than that?

5. Pamper Yourself (Because You Deserve It!)

Being a woman and a mommy means you’re a superhero 24/7, so carve out a little “me time” this month. Run a bubble bath after bedtime, light a candle, grab a book or some wine or your favorite playlist and breathe! Feeling flirty? Invite your partner to join you for a spa night with face masks and foot rubs included.