Now that fall is here, I'm planning on getting back into the rhythm with Friday Find and am doing so today with some awesome, colorful sneakers from Boston-based New Balance! As a runner and mom of run happy kids, I'm pretty much always thinking about sneakers. Also, ever since 4-year-old Violet unexpectedly busted out a one-mile kids' fun run last spring (what?!), I've been thinking it would be good for her to run in something other than water sandals!Now that fall is here, I'm planning on getting back into the rhythm with Friday Find and am doing so today with some awesome, colorful sneakers from Boston-based New Balance! As a runner and mom of run happy kids, I'm pretty much always thinking about sneakers. Also, ever since 4-year-old Violet unexpectedly busted out a one-mile kids' fun run last spring (what?!), I've been thinking it would be good for her to run in something other than water sandals!
We all know that screen addiction can be a problem for kids (and, well, adults too). But how do you handle things when one kid has a device (and invariably goes face down in it) and the other doesn’t? In Episode 5 of Edit Your Life, Asha and I address how to handle the device divide. And if you haven't done so yet, listen to our episodes on simplifying back to school, conquering procrastination, why it's awesome to edit your life, and school lunch solutions! We'd love to keep you company while you commute, do laundry, etc.!
My dear friend Heather and I were talking about devices recently and Heather shared the brilliant idea of a phone “contract” for kids, including the one she customized for her daughter. Below is my edited version; I trimmed, added some elements, and reorganized. I hope this is helpful to you if you’re thinking about a device for your kid, or as a chance to set some ground rules on existing usage. Feel free to copy and tweak for your own use!
I am a huge fan of FASHIONABLE. It was an honor to visit their factory in Ethiopia and meet the women who elevate their lives by working there. Your purchases help empower women in Africa, and just yesterday FASHIONABLE announced that they're paralleling their effort in the U.S. via the new Miriam jewelry collection. In honor of the launch, I went on a bit of a shopping bender yesterday and wanted to share my fall favorites from the collection.
As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of getting kids busy in the kitchen. The more they practice, the better they get -- both at making things and cleaning up. Over the years Laurel has practiced a ton and is a devoted from-scratch baker, and also makes a killer spinach souffle, among other things. She recently made my favorite coffee cake and after posting the below photo on Instagram and Facebook, several people asked me for the recipe. Here it is!
Are you wondering why it’s worth editing your life, or whether doing less = being lazy? Episode 3 of Edit Your Life answers the question Why Edit Your Life? Asha and I address why it can be hard to edit your life, how the journey is different for everyone, and why editing your life is necessary, doable, and totally awesome. We hope you'll be convinced to hop on journey with us! And take a listen to our episodes on simplifying back to school and conquering procrastination!
Today, as part of her financial literacy for women series, contributor (and financial professional) Sandra Gilpatrick shares 4 ways to work towards financial security:
At four years old, my son told me he was saving for a house. When I asked him why, he stated, “I want to buy a house next to you and papa.” It was an endearing response, but on further questioning he also admitted he didn’t want to be “one of the fuzzy blanket people.” The exposure of living in a large city had opened my son’s eyes to the sad reality of homelessness.
I love that Boston is home to so many fantastic independent ice cream stores. I love eating ice cream at said fantastic independent ice cream stores. My kids love eating ice cream at said fantastic independent ice cream stores. It seems like the perfect union! However, Violet's dairy allergy means that when we're out we end up getting her something she's not wild about (e.g., slush) or we ask for the tiniest kid sized cone possible and then deal with gnarly eczema flare ups.
Today, Paige of Tess & Ted Interiors picks up her Make Your Home Awesome series with great outdoor space tips:
We're almost halfway through August but given that the good weather tends to extend into October, there's plenty of time and reason to improve and enjoy your outdoor space. Added bonus of sprucing later in the summer season? Many stores are offering deep discounts on outdoor furniture and accessories and tax-free weekend is this weekend! Here are 10 ways to make your outdoor space totally awesome.
Friends, I have a big announcement today! I’ve been daydreaming about starting a podcast for a while and am thrilled that I’m making this happen with my incredible friend and brilliant Minimalist Parenting co-author Asha Dornfest! Podcasts are awesome; they’re perfect to listen to during your commute, while prepping dinner or doing housework, at the playground (I keep one earbud in so I can still hear my kids), or while exercising.
Today, I'm thrilled that former regular contributor Amy Cody (Parent Education Manager at Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts) is generously returning to offer her educational expertise regarding conversations around consensual sex. Be sure to also read Amy's articles on how to educate kids about sex and relationships and how to talk to kids about pornography.
I'm thrilled to return to the Local Gems series with a roundup of 19 awesome recommendations from Rachel Borgatti, Executive Director of the Friends of Fort Point Channel. When Rachel isn't working to make Fort Point a great place to live, work, and play (you may bump into her distributing free maps of the area!), she's taking her two little kids gallery hopping where they fill up on crackers and complain that their favorite art pieces changed from last time. Thanks for sharing these amazing recommendations, Rachel!
Friends, I have an epic summer giveaway for you today! I’m partnering with nine amazing blogger pals to offer two lucky winners one $500 Amazon gift card each! The graphic at the bottom of this post includes inspiration for a few cool things you could use that gift card towards (Apple watch! iPad! Samsung camera! Kate Spade bag!), but of course if you’re looking to load up on GU or fancy pens or books to load into your summer tote, that’s totally up to you!
Some of you may already know that I volunteer for ONE via the ONE Girls & Women Advisory Board + ONE Moms team. Working with ONE has been life changing; it's reaffirmed my belief that small actions (like a quick click!) can make a difference and I've also been inspired to do new things like lobby on the Hill and canvas for petition signatures (as I did on Tuesday at the U2 concert...Bono is a co-founder of ONE). And today, I wanted to share two easy (and in one case, stylish!) things you can do for girls and women.