I’m not a dreamer. I don’t mean I don’t have dreams while I sleep. I mean I don’t naturally sit and dream up things about my future. However, as a healthy exercise for the mind and soul, every so often, I sit and make myself dream. Recently I did this around travel destinations. I encourage you to do the same. Make a travel bucket list. If anything, your search on the web will be delightful eye candy to all the…
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I have never taken the time for a girls’ weekend with friends. I’ve done girls’ night out, lunches, breakfasts, and day outings, but never an extended period of time, with just my girlfriends. I’ve been married for 14 years, come this October. Those of you that have had girls’ weekends, bravo! The truth is, life is so busy, it’s difficult to find the time. With our family, we treasure travel time, and each weekend together, and work to maximize our…
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Once in awhile a package lands on my doorstep full of random beauty products, or toys, or kitchen paraphernalia.  And to most of the time I give the contents away to someone who can make better use of whatever it is, than me.  Most of the time the packages are full of stuff I just can’t get excited about.  This is not one of those times.  This is one of the rare exceptions when something shows up that I can’t…
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Life is hard sometimes, you know?  Sometimes it’s messy and downright ugly, which is why the beautiful stuff is so great when it shows up. But sometimes the beautiful stuff takes an awful long time to get to your door, and when that happens, you have to make your own beauty. Which I think is the very best kind. I’ve been pretty sick lately.  In fact, as I write this, I’m in my pajamas, wearing a foxy orthopedic wrist brace. …
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If you’re looking to try a new (but simple) hairstyle for fall, this braided half-up look is the perfect solution. It works for everyday or you can easily dress it up for a date or even a wedding. This works best with hair at the shoulders or longer, but could certainly inspire hairstyles for shorter cuts as well. And really, braided styles are easier than you think. To start, make sure you have clear elastics, bobby pins, and a curling…
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It’s Quote Of The Week time! This week’s quote comes from one of my favorite authors, John Green, a young adult author most prominently known for his book turned movie, The Fault in Our Stars.  First of all, if you’re not reading YA you’re missing out on some of the best authors in print, and John Green is no exception.  His work is ethereal and wise, and the writing in The Fault in Our Stars is so beautiful I weep…
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  A good book is the cure to all ills in the world, I genuinely believe that.  I’m always reading something, and  since I discovered Overdrive, an app that lets you check out books through your local library, but online, my world has opened right on up.  With my Kindle I’m listening to between 3-5 books a week and it’s the very best.  I’m  listening to / reading all the awesome books I haven’t had time to read over the…
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Halloween is coming! Are you ready to get your DIY on? It’s time to bust out those pumpkins, costumes, treats and all things spooky and sweet. We’ve put some of our favorite Halloween DIY projects in one place, so read on for some great projects and crafts to do with your family this month–all of them simple and totally fun! 1. 3 Crazy Easy DIY Halloween Costumes Looking for some super easy costume ideas for your kiddos? You’ll LOVE these three! They…
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My oldest turned thirteen this year. As a parent, my boy entering the teen years felt huge. I mean, how did my baby get to thirteen so fast? I know. I know. It’s cliche jargon, but I have to say it. My husband and I decided his rite of passage to the teen years would be a special trip, just him and dad. “Where would you like to go?” we asked him. “Thailand,” was his response. Perhaps his desire to…
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