#HigherEdHero — Meet Jessie Peck Martin, MEd

As an author of a book on parenting into and through the college years, I meet many folks in the higher ed biz. Several months ago, I was on a panel for a financial aid and admissions event where I met a college admissions coach named Jessie Peck Martin. I was so impressed by this articulate, informed and super intelligent woman.

#ChampagneMonday — Celebrate through the crap!

I was recently talking with a friend who had a crappy year. I know, 2020 was not exactly a picnic for most of us, but her year was something else altogether. Cathy lost both of her beloved grandmothers. Her son graduated from high school without a ceremony. And then moved five hours away to college. Her sister got breast cancer.

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Chloe Bratvold

I went to visit our daughter Brooke a few weeks ago. She lives and works in Des Moines, Iowa. Brooke had been telling me about a candle bar she and some coworkers had visited and how the owner was an energetic, young, female entrepreneur who followed her dream of opening Candle Bar DSM in the hip and historic Valley Junction of

Family Time

We did it! We managed to have in-person family time with our two adult children. Those of you with empty nests and adult kids know this is no small task. We raise them to be independent adults—to fly the nest and function in the real world. And then they do. They get jobs and friends and partners and lives independent

A real life Wonder Woman, who wears a cross, not a cape.

“Talking about writing isn’t writing.” This sentence, spoken from my writing mentor Sister Mara Faulkner, changed my life. I’m serious. Her simple, yet powerful words didn’t only alter how I write, but how I approach just about every task or project—and dare I say relationship?—since the day she spoke them. Let me back up and tell you a little more

#HigherEdHero — Meet Karen Backes

While they might not scale tall buildings or catch villains, there are super heroes walking among us. These heroes use their powers to support and guide students and families through their high school and college years. They are creative, energetic, resilient, organized, empathetic, hard-working professionals who make a difference in the lives of those around them. As an author and

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Colleen Upton

This week’s #RealLifeWonderWoman uses her powers of voice and presence to lift up and create stronger connections in families. She’s a Licensed, Certified Presenter for The 10 Greatest Gifts Project, a nonprofit committed to building priceless qualities and values, like honesty, responsibility and self-confidence into every family in the world. Meet Colleen Upton! Colleen has lived in Littleton, CO for

#RealLifeWonderWoman — Meet Ashley Kelly

Joyful. Caring. Positive. Motivating. Enthusiastic. These are the superpowers that come to mind when you get to know today’s #RealLifeWonderWoman. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Ashley Kelly for more than a decade and have personally witnessed how she cares deeply and finds joy in unexpected places (like a shiny pink tinsel Christmas tree). And one of her superpowers I

#HigherEdHero — Meet Kristi Okerlund

While they might not scale tall buildings or catch villains, there are super heroes walking among us. These heroes use their powers to support and guide students and families through their high school and college years. They are creative, energetic, resilient, organized, empathetic, hard-working professionals who make a difference in the lives of those around them.  As an author and

Fun Facts About Champagne

Happy #ChampagneMonday! Today, as we celebrate YOU and all the goodness surrounding you, I thought you might want to learn some fun facts about bubbly.  Effervescent and elegant, champagne is synonymous with celebration, but do you know the back story of this celebratory treat?  The tradition of drinking champagne to mark celebrations originated in the royal courts of Europe prior