Parents of college students and future college students: I have terrific news for you! Your students are in good hands. Please, let me explain… I recently had the opportunity to attend a conference for an association of higher ed parent and family program professionals. Who are they, you ask? What do they do? These are the staff on your students’
Random Act of Kindness
“Wow, your nails look terrific,” she said, standing behind the sample counter at Trader Joe’s. This simple compliment from a grocery store employee started a conversation between two strangers—Jen and me. I’d stopped by the store on my drive home to pick up a few items, tired and not eager to face the snowy roads and rush hour traffic. Jen’s
Winter break survival skills for parents of college students
Winter break is almost here. It’s the time of year when parents eagerly anticipate their college students returning home. They have visions of sugar plums and expectations of Norman Rockwell-like family moments—gathering around the fireplace, playing games, telling stories and eating popcorn. They will be disappointed. Winter break is often the first time students return home for an extended period
A few of my favorite things — 2018 gift guide
Just call me Mrs. Claus! The 2018 Holiday Gift Guides have officially launched and I thought I’d add one of my own. I’m calling it “A Few of My Favorite Things” because it features, well, a few of my favorite things. I tend to lean toward items with purpose and passion. I like gifts made from the heart—for the heart.
#RealLifeWonderWoman – Meet Lisa Erwin
I sat down in the auditorium for a parent orientation session–this time not as the keynote speaker or college parenting expert, but as a mom. A mom who was launching her youngest child. A mom who knows all-too-well the bittersweet feeling of letting go. Then SHE walked on the stage, her warm smile and bright eyes calming the nervous parents
#RealLifeWonderWoman–Meet Becca Friesen
In honor of Veteran’s Day, this week’s #RealLifeWonderWoman is a woman who has served our country. Becca Friesen is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served in the 25th Flight Squadron (Assam Draggins), Osan AB, South Korea, and the 74th Fighter Squadron (Flying Tigers), Pope AFB, North Carolina. She currently lives in the greater Atlanta area and works as
#RealLifeWonderWoman–Meet Kelly Sayre
When today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman and I first met, we soon realized that we had something (2 things, actually) in common. We share the same first name and both have husbands named Marty. Yes, Kelly and Marty…Marty and Kelly. Naturally, we had to schedule a double date so the Martys could meet and we could get to know each other better. The
It’s time to fill out the FAFSA application!
Stay strong, my friends. You can do it.
Let your light shine
Have you ever experienced a time where you weren’t sure how to receive a compliment? Did you shrug it off? Or did you accept it with grace? This is something I struggle with and am not sure why. I love giving compliments. However, I often feel awkward when I receive them, like someone has handed me a lovely gift, but
From Kelly’s Kitchen–Crock Pot Pasta e Fajioli Soup
So many of you have asked if I miss food blogging. Honestly, I’m so busy speaking and writing and traveling that I don’t know where I’d add it in on a regular basis. But I still do enjoy feeding people and clearly I like to eat! While I won’t promise you monthly recipes, I will make every attempt to share