5 Reasons to Use Your Paid Time Off From Work

The old proverb, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”  is so true. Working tirelessly, postponing vacations, and not taking paid time off from work can mold a person into a boring, unhappy being.  Working with determination is an amazing trait, but if you neglect your health, your productivity will decrease. That’s

Tips for Empty Nesters: How to Cope When Your Children Move Away

It can be really difficult to transition to an empty nest after 18+ years of having kiddos in your home. In fact, it is one of the hardest things I have ever done. No matter how much you prepare yourself for the day your kids leave, it is never easy. Many parents experience what professionals
tips to save money

6 Tips to Save Money During the Holidays

The holidays are a common time when people overspend. It is easy to make last-minute choices that have long-term consequences if you are not intentional about creating a budget for holiday spending. It is also a good idea to research some tips to save money to give you an idea of ways to decrease your

7 Simple Tips for Setting Boundaries for Your Family During the Holidays

There can be so much pressure during the holidays to do things and go places that may not necessarily fit into your vision. Sometimes, it seems like everyone has an idea of how they want you to spend your time, money, and energy for the holiday season. Instead of getting frustrated or overwhelmed, how about

45 Fun Christmas Gift Ideas for a College Girl

If you’re looking for Christmas gift ideas for a college girl, you’re in the right place. This is the ultimate guide for shopping for the best gifts this holiday season. When shopping for gifts for college students, you want to focus on thoughtful gift ideas that are functional. Otherwise, the gift might just end up
Thanksgiving theme ideas

6 Exciting Thanksgiving Theme Ideas for Family Gatherings

Thanksgiving is a fun time to for families to get together and celebrate their love and gratitude for each other. Many families enjoy a gathering filled with traditional recipes that everyone looks forward to. Adding a fun theme to the mix will make the celebration a little more exciting! Today, I’m sharing some fun Thanksgiving

7 Thanksgiving Activities that Create Lasting Memories

When you think Thanksgiving, I bet the first thing that comes to your mind is food. I think of the large spreads of traditional recipes that we look forward to all year long. You probably also think of family. Thanksgiving is a time that lots of families gather and spend time together. I hope you

5 Nontraditional Thanksgiving Dinner Alternatives Your Family Will Love

Turkey is often what you will find at the center of Thanksgiving dinner celebrations year after year. But what if you are not a fan of this popular holiday family favorite? There are many nontraditional Thanksgiving dinner alternatives that are just as delicious and I’m going to share some ideas with you today.  Now, if

9 Creative Alternatives to Traditional Holiday Celebrations

Over the years, your family has probably developed some holiday traditions that you hold near and dear to your heart. Some of those traditions may have been passed down from several generations. As times change, the need and desire for new ideas may arise. You may want to incorporate some new practices into your traditions
two kids sitting on couch reading a book.

Best Places to Find $1 Kids Books

As a career educator, English major and mom, you’ll always find me advocating for literacy. And while I love the Internet, I firmly believe that nothing takes the place of real live book. I have so many fond memories of reading books with my mother and I also can remember reading books with my own
man and woman sharing a glass of wine

27 Thoughtful Date Night Gift Ideas for Parents

Parenting is a tough job that requires lots of time, energy, and dedication. Oftentimes couples get so wrapped up in taking care of the kids that they forget to focus on their relationship. How can you help? You can encourage your favorite parents to take some time for each other with these awesome date night

How to Improve Family Relationships

I live in a small lake town in Alabama.  Everybody pretty much knows everybody here.  I worked at the (yep, I said the) local high school for several years.  One day, one of my coworkers said to me, “Why is it that every time I see one person in your family, I see all four
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Best Getaway Gift Ideas for Those Who Love to Travel

Buying gifts can be pretty complicated these days, especially when it comes to buying gifts for people that seem to have it all. But, if you’re buying for someone who loves to travel or someone who has a vacation coming up, how about purchasing a gift that they can use for their trip? Most people
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28 Thoughtful Thanksgiving Care Package Ideas for Your College Student

Do you have a college student who can’t come home for the holidays? How about sending them a Thanksgiving care package so they can enjoy the holidays where they are? Sending a holiday gift is a great way to help your college student feel included in the holiday season. These Thanksgiving care package ideas will
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Best Things to Do In The Shoals Alabama for Empty Nesters

What do Aretha Franklin, the Wilson Dam, and Belle Mont Mansion have in common? You can experience all three by visiting The Shoals. If you’re looking for things to do in Muscle Shoals Alabama let me help you out. A trip to The Shoals is the perfect self-care trip for empty nesters or anyone looking
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Self Care Tips for Middle School Students

Self care is doing things to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Everyone needs to focus on self-care, including young students. These self-care tips for middle school students might be the key to helping these students survive those tween years.  There are so many distractions for young teens at school that it can
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Beach Gift Ideas for Moms That She Will Love

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your beachgoing mom or your favorite mom friend? You’re in the right place because I have some beach gift ideas for moms that will make her next beach trip a trip to remember!  Even the most organized mom with the most detailed beach packing list may not
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Effective Self Care Activities for Elementary Students

In addition to teaching ABCs and 123s, parents and teachers are also tasked with helping students learn life skills. One important life skill is learning how to take care of yourself. Focusing on self care activities for elementary students is a great way to help young people learn to focus on their physical health and
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Practical Ideas for Self Care for Teens

Self care is generally reserved for adults, but if you really think about it, self care for teens is important, too. If parents encourage self-care in their children at a young age, they are more likely to continue healthy practices when they become adults. Young people need to be exposed to different activities that they
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Why You Should Visit Anakeesta Gatlinburg at Night

What do gorgeous mountaintop views, scenic rides, a tree-based skywalk bridge, delicious restaurants, and AnaVista Tower have in common? They can all be found at Anakeesta! And if you’ve already visited the theme park during the day, make sure to put a visit to Anakeeta Gatlinburg at night on your must-do list for the next
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