Top Five Ways to Beat the Dog Days of Summer

Top Five Ways to Beat the Dog Days of Summer

byLindsay Maines

Posted 07/23/10 12:34 am EDT | Just For Fun

Topicsactivities, beat the heat, children, family, Heat, kids, stay cool, summer, summer vacation

I’m a firm believer in beating the heat by refusing to participate in it. Sometimes, a little air conditioning goes a long way. I live in Maryland. From June to mid-September, it’s a semi-tropical swampland. There are bugs and mosquitoes, and most of all the wet blanket of heat that makes each dash to the minivan feel like a steam-bath.

So during what I think of as the “Carseat Buckle Burning Months”, my style is less a graceful coexistence with the heat and more of a starlet being chased by the paparazzi sprint away from it. Here’s a few of our top hits:


The Unhappy Truth About Parenting?

The Unhappy Truth About Parenting?

byNichole Smith

Posted 07/21/10 1:55 am EDT | Parenting

Topicsfamily, parenting, parenting choices, parenting decisions

When I was pregnant for the first time, a bundle of emotions and images ran through me; I imagined hours of playing patty-cake with my baby, singing lullabyes and nursery rhymes, dancing and playing endless peek-a-boo. I saw my husband becoming a doting dad, throwing catch in the yard, fishing expeditions with his future son and camp outs. It must have been all the hormones that made me see my future life through those rose colored glasses because that’s far from how life turned out.


Are Your Kids REALLY Too Young?

Lil' Cowpoke Photo Credit: Lindsay Maines

Are Your Kids REALLY Too Young?

byLindsay Maines

Posted 07/08/10 11:00 pm EDT | Just For Fun

Topicsactivities for children, family, vacation

We just returned from a two week trip out West.  Since we live in Maryland, Utah and Wyoming were a big shock to our systems - in a good way. Everywhere we looked, there were mountains, beautiful scenery, and best of all:  NO HUMIDITY.


My Favorite Things About Summer

My Favorite Things About Summer

byLindsay Maines

Posted 06/16/10 9:49 pm EDT | Just For Fun

Topicschange, family, favorite, fun, seasons, summer

Since I’m an East Coast girl born and bred, my number one favorite thing about summer is NO JACKETS REQUIRED. It sounds basic, but after you’ve spent almost 5 solid months just trying to maintain your body temperature, it’s a big deal.

Of course, the flip side of no jackets is that I can now burn my buttocks just sitting in the driver’s seat of my car. There’s no middle ground here, folks. We go from “Where’s my windbreaker?” to “Duct tape my shorts down before operating a motor vehicle.” There’s maybe a week of breezy spring, then, BAM. Steambath. Welcome to Maryland.


Securing the Home Front For Mom’s Escape

To Do List

Securing the Home Front For Mom’s Escape

byLindsay Maines

Posted 06/14/10 4:11 am EDT | Just For Fun

Topicsadventure, children, family, freedom, household, identity, organization, travel

Just to stereotype- when my hubs leaves for a trip, he leaves with a cheery wave and a promise of an arrival phone call.

When I leave, it’s after two days of angst, planning, laundry, checklists, schedules, and notarized documents.

What’s up with THAT?

Actually, I know. Mom’s the institutional memory of a household, and when we’re heading out, a data dump is necessary first. Then, and only then, do things have ANY chance of running smoothly.

 


A View From the Other Side

Photo Credit: Eric Nguyen

A View From the Other Side

byLindsay Maines

Posted 06/03/10 11:48 pm EDT | Just For Fun

Topicsadvocate, breast cancer, Cancer, family, hope, ovarian, recovery, strength, support, survival

June is Cancer Survivor Month.  With that in mind, I'd like to share some things with you.  Some personal things.

So if you and I ever sit down to watch a scary or sad movie together, you’ll quickly learn that I like to know the ending from the get-go.

“Ohoo, does she die? Is he the bad guy? He is, isn’t he? Do you know? Tell me! TELL ME!!!”


Memorial Day Appreciation: Say Two Words

Photo by Nichole Smith

Memorial Day Appreciation: Say Two Words

byNichole Smith

Posted 05/28/10 3:50 pm EDT | Parenting

Topicsfamily, Holidays, Memorial Day, Remembrance

We’ve always celebrated Memorial Day with a barbeque, watching the parade and the official opening of the swimming pool at my dad’s. We know that the day is meant for honoring our men and women who give everything they have, including their lives, to keep us safe. 

 

However, we also see the holiday as a way of celebrating our togetherness as a family, because without those soldiers and service men and women, our lives, our world, could be entirely different.


SCJ Clean Start Challenge Final Challenge: It's All About Family

SCJ Clean Start Challenge Final Challenge: It's All About Family

byNichole Smith

Posted 05/10/10 12:20 pm EDT | Parenting

Topicschallenges, family, goals, SCJ Clean Start Challenge

It takes a lot to be a mom; patience, time management, love, and creativity. After watching Carolyn’s final SCJ Clean Start Challenge, I am more convinced than ever that she has come out of this victorious.

 


No Budget for Summer Travel?  No worries!

No Budget for Summer Travel? No worries!

byLindsay Maines

Posted 05/10/10 4:57 pm EDT | Just For Fun

Topicsadventure, deals, family, frugal, summer, travel, vacation

Last week, we talked about how to organize summer gear…this week, let’s talk about where you’re going to use it! Oh, we know the local pool is fabulous, but in case you want to go further afield, here are some tips on stretching your travel dollars.


Is Your Household Ready for Summer?

Photo and goodies pictured: www.bungalowco.com

Is Your Household Ready for Summer?

byLindsay Maines

Posted 04/28/10 10:18 pm EDT | Just For Fun

Topicsbreak, children, family, household, organization, summer, vacation

 

Oh, sure, YOU may be ready for some barbeque, long Saturdays by the pool, and the never ending glare of the sun: but how about your house? When it’s time for that first trip to the beach, how fast can you dig out your buckets, water shoes, and shovels?