Do the holidays stress you out?

I don’t know about you, but I blinked and the holiday season is here. This time of year can be stressful with extra expectations and obligations. Don’t get me wrong; I love the whole holiday season! But between end-of-year work commitments, menu planning, family dynamics, extra social activities, religious celebrations, and shopping for Santa, it can be a lot, right?

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.

10 Gifts Your College Student Will Appreciate

 1.  Collapsable Microwave Popcorn Popper  This ingenious contraption fits right in the microwave and delivers delicious popcorn with no oil required for healthier snacking. The bowl is easy to clean and collapses for smart storage. $9, Amazon. 2.   Laptop Decals  An inexpensive way to motivate them and personalize their laptops. Hundreds of styles to choose from on Etsy, like this one

Gift Guide for College Students

Ho! Ho! Help? Once your kids move away, it’s hard to gauge what they want or need. How do you fill their stockings this holiday season? Instead of guessing, I went straight to the savviest shoppers on the team…our college interns. I asked them to create a holiday wish list to help parents shop for their college students. Happy Holidays from the

2016 Uninhibited — A Year to Fly!

My friend Frankie got a new toy from Santa this year. A pogo stick. Now this is not just any pogo stick. It’s the Lamborghini of pogo sticks. Forget bouncing around the driveway. This thing flies! Literally. Instead of traditional springs, this one is pumped up with air and can bounce 8-10 feet high. The company website shows videos of folks

The Hats of Christmas Future

’Twas the week before Christmas and I found myself sitting on the concrete floor of our storage room with a fuzzy Santa hat in my hand and a lump in my throat. As I rummaged through the tote of Christmas decorations, each item I touched triggered memories of Christmas past. The handmade train ornament gave me a glimpse of my