It's normal for young people to feel nervous when meeting new people, but there's really no need to be. "How to introduce yourself" is an important skill that doesn't come naturally to most of us. With some instruction and practice, it will become a part of your children's everyday … [Read more...]
Meal Planner Printable for Busy Moms (It’s Free!)
You name it and I've tried it in my quest to be more efficient and better organized- smartphone apps, Google calendar lists, and expensive family organizers. But I always come back to the basic- a paper list & pen. To make my planning a little more fun, I asked my friend (who is a graphic … [Read more...]
Fathers Day: Quick & Easy Gift Ideas
Oh my! Father's Day is almost here! If you’ve procrastinated like I have, here’s a little help. Check out this roundup of simple, handmade gifts and clever celebration ideas.Spend the day doing something unexpected! Take him hiking and bring along a backpack with drinks and snacks. or Take … [Read more...]
How I Started My Etiquette Education Biz
Rewind with me to 2010. My kids were getting older and more independent so I wanted (and needed!) to find a way to contribute to my family’s finances. Life is expensive when you have three kids!But I was really conflicted- I didn’t want to miss out on volunteering at their school and going to … [Read more...]
Pizza Manners…is there such a thing?
Pizza is so loved it has its own day...February 9th is National Pizza Day! 🍕 Which is an awesome day to celebrate if you love pizza as much as my family does. How do you eat pizza with good manners? Is it possible? YES! You just do the best you can depending upon where you are and what you have … [Read more...]
Power Words
When my kids were young, they watched Barney, the big purple dinosaur, every morning on PBS. One Barney song still lingers in my mind. Odd I know, but it's a really catchy tune. 🎵 Please and thank you- they're called the magic words. If animals could talk, you'd hear the fishes and the … [Read more...]
Two Quick & Easy Family Dinners
In keeping with the spirit of this post, I'm going to be super quick and get right to the point. Sometimes, you need an easy dinner that you won't feel guilty about serving your family- a meal that's nutritious, hearty, and delicious. I love these two dinners because you can keep all the … [Read more...]
Prepare for a Parent Teacher Conference Like a Pro
It’s that time of the year! No, I’m not referring to the arrival of Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks! It’s Parent Teacher Conference time- your chance to get a behind the scenes, expert look at how your child is doing at school. Conferences usually happen twice a year – Fall and Spring. If your … [Read more...]
5 Quick Mood Boosters for Busy Moms
Sometimes, you just need a quick pick-me-up; an attitude adjustment. A disagreement with your husband, long lines at the grocery store when you’re in a rush, or the kids acting up can seriously impact your mindset. Having the skills to adjust your mood when needed can make the frustrations of life … [Read more...]
How to Get Your Children to Talk About Their School Day
My oldest daughter gave me an entertaining, detailed account of her school day every afternoon. I didn't have to ask her questions; I just listened and enjoyed. But her siblings were the exact opposite. I felt like I was interrogating my boys after school: "How was your day?" "Good." "How was … [Read more...]