Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of rechargeable devices in your home? With five iPhones, seven iPads, and countless other gadgets, we were drowning in charging chaos—until we created a DIY Wall-Mounted Charging Station. This simple, family-friendly solution transformed our mudroom into an organized tech hub. No more hunting for cables or battling over outlets! Ready to reclaim your space and sanity? Here’s how we did it, step by step.

As we approach 2025, I’m reminded of the wisdom my Grandpa Chet imparted to me over the years. He faced countless challenges, yet he always found reasons to be grateful, even when life seemed full of hardship. His advice to “Go. Be happy. No regrets” continues to resonate deeply with me. In the face of loss and tough times, it’s a reminder to not stay stuck in the sadness, but to find the glimmers of joy and peace that surround us. This New Year, let’s embrace the permission to cry when we need to, but also to find our glimmers and LIVE.

Nestled just two blocks from Princes Street, Eden Locke is the perfect blend of cozy and chic—a boutique aparthotel that feels like staying at your stylish best friend’s place. With thoughtful touches like a fully stocked kitchen, blackout curtains, and vanilla-hibiscus-scented toiletries, it’s more than a hotel—it’s a home base for exploring Edinburgh. Whether you're sipping coffee at the Mavyn cafe downstairs or strolling to nearby landmarks, this spot has it all. Bonus: the beds are dreamy, the Wi-Fi is fast, and the vibe? Impeccable.

Grandma was the epitome of "extra" in the most beautiful ways—her sleepovers were legendary, her Christmases pure magic, and her love unmatched. She filled every moment with thoughtfulness, laughter, and generosity, leaving us with memories that will sparkle forever.

Thirty-eight years. That’s how long I was blessed with my Grandpa Chet’s hugs—the kind of hugs no one else could replicate.

Mint chocolate chip ice cream transports me to his living room, watching I Love Lucy reruns in my pajamas. A chocolate shake takes me back to our favorite booth at Big T. The tick of a clock reminds me of his unwavering love, steady as the gears in his workshop.

Last night, I hugged him three final times, listening to the ticking of the wall clock. “I love you so much,” I whispered. And I heard his words in my heart, as steady as ever: “But I love you more.”

For 38 years, I always knew.

“Teenagers these days,” the lady at checkout sneers, pointing to a group of boys in shorts and AirPods. But I don’t see their sandals or earbuds—I see their hearts. The teenagers I know? They’re organizing vigils for friends, starting small businesses, cheering at their siblings’ games, and mentoring younger kids. They’re balancing school, jobs, and dreams of brighter futures. They’re living boldly, loving fiercely, and reminding us all that the next generation is something to celebrate. Yes, sometimes they’re doing it all in sandals and AirPods. But they’re doing it. And they’re incredible.

Tired of scrambling to cover unexpected expenses or holiday splurges? Enter sinking funds, my favorite budgeting hack! By saving little by little for specific goals—like Christmas gifts, summer camps, or car repairs—you can transform financial stress into peace of mind. Thanks to Ally Bank’s High-Yield Savings Accounts and their genius “Buckets” feature, organizing and automating these funds has never been easier. With buckets for everything from home maintenance to a vacation fund, I’m staying proactive and enjoying life guilt-free. Ready to see how sinking funds can simplify your budget? Let’s dive in!

The Best Cheeseburger Soup: A Family Favorite
Looking for a recipe that’s warm, comforting, and guaranteed to win rave reviews? My 6th-grade son swears this cheeseburger soup is the best—so much so, word has spread to his classmates. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty ingredients, it’s the perfect one-pot meal for chilly nights. Bonus? It’s easy to make and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or Hawaiian rolls. Read on for the full recipe and tips to make this family favorite your new go-to!

Five Months In: Life After the Leap

Five months ago, I jumped off the traditional career hamster wheel, and it’s been life-changing. From a refreshing career pivot to balancing work and life with more intention, the shift has brought me the freedom I didn’t know I needed.

The truth? No one talks about how or when to take the leap, but I’m here to tell you: You just leap when the opportunity presents itself. So, here’s to taking risks, finding balance, and making magic out of the landing.

#CareerPivot #WorkLifeBalance #TakingTheLeap #NewBeginnings #ChasingGlimmers #WorkingMoms

Learn how to make an easy holiday simmer pot to fill your home with cozy, seasonal scents! This natural, budget-friendly recipe uses cranberries, oranges, cinnamon, and more to create a festive aroma. Perfect for busy moms looking to relax and disguise everyday messes with holiday magic.

I assumed The Eras Tour concert would a once in a lifetime event, but I never imagined this trip would change my life forever.

I was also someone who never wanted kids. To me, they were synonymous with chaos, mess, and a serious drain on freedom and ambition. They seemed like expensive, noisy, life-altering creatures…

Believe it or not, it’s not the fruity cocktails or sunshine. It’s not the poolside chips and guacamole, nor the massages. It’s not the uninterrupted sleep, gourmet meals, or the lack of household chores (though those are all nice perks).

We tore apart my inlaws’ home. A three-bedroom, two-bath ranch farmhouse that my in-laws chose, designed and built in the late 80’s. They raised their three sons and built a legacy here: A third [and-a-half] generation farm operation.

When I walked in for my hair appointment, I traded my stylist- 20 ounce hot mocha for her 6 week old infant. The whole time, I thought to myself, “this”. Yes, this is the life I want.

So hear’s the deal (did you see what I did there?). I’m a mom, a nobody. I don’t make a habit to call legislators or do this type of thing on the regular. It’s out of my comfort zone. But- this one? This is a big one. Your voice matters. It matters now, and for the next 48-72 hours more than ever. Be LOUD.

There’s few things better than the smell of dough rising or homemade bread fresh out of the oven, and while I do have a bread machine (thanks to a $5 thrift store find!) I like to pull out every now and then, I have a super simple recipe I love just a bit more!

I like routine. With all the decisions I have to make as a mom of four in a day, the more I can plan or prepare ahead and eliminate decision fatigue, the smoother our weeks go. [And the better my mental health is!]

Maybe it’s because I’m detail oriented, and it involves a bit of technology- both strengths of mine. But there was something about being able to capture an image, a memory of a single beautiful moment in time, to keep forever. To revisit whenever I wanted.

My savings hadn’t grown much from age 16 to 26. Ouch. Exhausted, and looking for a solution, I found an app that changed how I budgeted for our family of 6 and created a plan to save money that I’ve stuck to since 2016.