Understanding a different “culture” is more than just knowing about traditions and foods of a place you are visiting. It’s understanding what different countries & people value, or find humorous or consider offensive. For example, this conversation that really happened to me: “Jen, did you sit behind a computer the whole time you were in the states?” “Why?” “Because you look a little bit fat.” Gasp! This is a real life conversation I had with one of my African friends…
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My new favorite show for late Summer (and Fall) is officially Outlander. Have you heard the buzz about the widely adored book Outlander being turned into a series? If you haven’t, I’m here for you. I’ve scouted this one out, and by the end, you will be salivating to see the new series. I was introduced to the Outlander books (there are several, beginning with Outlander) a handful of years ago, by multiple friends. I was down and out with…
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My kids are the focus of most of my day-to-day photos, whether I’m just using the camera on my phone, or pulling out my big girl camera. And would you like to learn something interesting about kids? They can be very hard to photograph. Take my daughter for example, she’s old enough to know what I want when I’m taking a photo of her, but I usually end up with 10-15 of these before I get 1 “normal” shot. It’s…
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This post is sponsored by Target. More Turtles, More Bold and Daring Fun: Blur the lines of fantasy and reality with your favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Target. Art is a part of my daily life. It just is. Remember how I told you my son’s life passions all lead back to art? Art, art projects, new ideas, and collections of a random assortment of feathers and rocks and random paraphernalia for new collaborations make their way into my…
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Disneyland is called the Happiest Place on Earth, and my family is not disagreeing. After taking our very first trip to the West Coast park last summer, I’ve been back solo four times since, which translates to some pretty good tips to help you make the most of each visit. And just as I did in my Walt Disney World post, I focused on basic ways you can make a long weekend at the parks that much more pixie dusted for your family. Bonus:…
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I’ve got a great little DIY facial scrub for you today. Lately I’ve been seeking out more natural ways to care for my skin. I really love my cosmetics, but I also know that I taking care of my skin with good cleansing is an important part of any beauty regimen. Gentle is always better when it comes to skin care, which is why I love this oil cleansing DIY facial scrub. It’s easy and your probably have these natural…
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Ready for DIY? Let’s get it on. Summer always makes me want to get my hands dirty and do some gardening. Herbs are my favorite things to plant because, well, I get to eat them. How nice is it to have basil in the backyard to sprinkle over yummy tomatoes all summer long? Planter pots can quickly get expensive if you buy them new. So check out thrift stores where you can find interesting sizes and shapes for great prices….
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You want to make this beach sand souvenir for yourself. I know, because, well, if the amount of sand we shake out of our suitcases, vacuum out of the car and wash out of our hair every summer is any kind of indicator, then we are definitely a family of beachcombers. And no matter whether we drive to a local lakeside beach or fly to a more far flung oceanside locale, our modus operandi is always the same: build sandcastles that…
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The heat is on, but your makeup doesn’t have to look melted and heavy. A simple summer rmakeup look is all you need. It’s funny how the weather and seasons change the way we do our hair and makeup. I guess it’s because the weather–heat, humidity, air conditioning–affects our wardrobes and skin and even our moods. I know I definitely change the way I do makeup during the summer, opting for lighter, brighter, more natural. So today I thought it…
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