Growing up in Florida, I dreamed of crisp fall days, snowy winters, and the plaid ensembles in Seventeen magazine that I thought would be the perfect complement to seasonal weather. Now having spent the bulk of my life in the Northeast, I've fully adopted the native perspective on warm weather. It is sacred. Sitting on my front stoop, I warm my bare legs and feet in the spring sun. It's still cool in the shade, but in the morning the steps of my front porch are bathed in direct sunlight. A … [Read more...] about I Will Not Wish Away Spring
authenticity
The Only Parenting Advice You’ll Ever Need #10yearsaparent
There is so much information about parenting, sometimes I wonder what I could possibly add to the conversation. Especially since I realized that every parenting discussion can be boiled down to three things: Keep your eyes on your own paper. Do yourself a favor and stop worrying, judging, criticizing, analyzing, discussing other people's parenting. It's kind of like talking about the weather–a supreme waste of time and energy funneled into something that you can not control. Focus on … [Read more...] about The Only Parenting Advice You’ll Ever Need #10yearsaparent
#GoodMove
I've been feeling the need for a little more fun and creativity in my day-to-day. I used to spend a lot of time making cards, little books, drawing and painting, but my art supplies have been collecting a fair amount of dust since I've been focused on writing. I miss that creative spark. But I needed something that was easy. That I could add to my days without pressure or guilt. Because not all good things have to be complicated and hard work. Sometimes easy is just what the doctor … [Read more...] about #GoodMove
When It’s Time To Step Away
I was in a funk for most of February. The sub-zero temperatures had me hibernating in the house only leaving when the grocery levels reached a disturbing low. (I'm sure I can make something out of this mustard and freezer burned peas.) A head cold followed by a minor medical procedure forced me out of my routine. I was feeling disconnected from myself and the people in my life. I spent more hours than I care to admit with the covers pulled over my head. I was doing the bare minimum to … [Read more...] about When It’s Time To Step Away
A Few Gems
I have a birthday this week. My youngest son told me this morning that I look more like 27 than 38. As far as I know, he wasn't even prompted. He didn't appear to be reading off an index card handed to him by me or anyone in the vicinity. I'm not a huge birthday person. But I had to come up with some way to work in that little anecdote. Because, 27. I might not be a birthday person, but I am a huge awards show person. As I started watching the pre-pre-red carpet show on E! Sunday … [Read more...] about A Few Gems
ski lessons that apply to real life
As my old stomping grounds in Massachusetts got dumped on yesterday with almost three feet of snow, I sat here outside of Philly with my measly three inches and was a little bummed out. The schools prematurely cancelled under the threat of the eight to twelve inches that never appeared. We had a fake snow day. A day off from school without any snow. The kids made the best of it. The went sledding until the grass started to show through the hill and played outside for most of the day. I am one … [Read more...] about ski lessons that apply to real life
history lesson
First an announcement: I was on Mamalode again this month with a piece about learning to laugh at myself. I hope you'll head over and check it out. Now on to your history lesson: Even if you could pick me out of a line up, you might not know exactly why or how I got here. So I've decided to share a little bit of my history and how it's led me to this point. I've chosen an interview format, because it's always important to be prepared for when Oprah or Ellen call. Q: Let's take it way, … [Read more...] about history lesson
seven resolutions you can’t screw up
Coming off a holiday and then a vacation, leaves most of us a little down, a little out of it, a little wistful for the days of 3:00 pm Bloody Marys, Vanderpump Rules marathons, and eating gelato straight out of the tub. Yes, you could say I am resisting reentry into what some would call real life. All this talk of making it the BEST. YEAR. EVER. is already making me want to poke my eyeballs out. All this talk of detox makes me want to reach for the whiskey. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for … [Read more...] about seven resolutions you can’t screw up