PEOPLE magazine (sponsored) This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of InStyle®, PEOPLE®, and StyleWatch®. The opinions and text are all mine. How to find some " Me Time"! Something a lot of us don't get nearly enough of, but that is so important to our health, well-being, and of course, our sanity to give yourself a break. I personally don't get a lot of me time. I work full time, and I raise three kids full time. So between running kids to school, activities, playdates, working, housework, cooking meals, running errands, and volunteering in class, there's not a whole lot of time left over. And when there is I'm normally asleep ... or resting one eye while making lists in my head of the next day's to-do list, or trying to remember what that song was from last year … [Read more...]
12 Months of Baby Photo Shoots
Sometimes in the excitement and sleep deprived world of babies, we forget to embrace our camera and get all those must take pictures. While the possibilities for 'cute' baby pictures are endless, sometimes we don't know where to start. Here is a month by month guide for capturing the essence and cuteness that is your baby. One Month Look what the stork brought! Capture the excitement of the 'Welcome Home' moment with siblings or parents. (Photo credit: Leilani Photography) Two Months Did your daughter get your eyes? Did your son get your nose? Get up close and personal to savor the similarities. (Photo credit: Gabriela Koopmans Photography) Three Months Monthly onesies are all the rage but a change in your perspective takes a boring monthly photo to a lasting memory. (Photo … [Read more...]
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Thanks to minted.com
Guess what arrived in the mail today? A few weeks ago, my daughter and I picked out lots of cards and gifts from minted.com to get ready for Valentine’s day 2017! This year they offered an amazing section of Valentine’s day cards for her classmates—she was so excited. We also added a few elegant personalized cards for grandparents and some special Valentine’s day gifts. The long-anticipated box is here! I always love opening the minted boxes because they do such a great job with their packaging. They find a way to make every item look even more beautiful than online. To give you some ideas for your Valentine’s day shopping list, I thought I’d share ours. If you hurry, you too can take advantage of all the great deals on minted.com this Valentines. Unique Classroom … [Read more...]
Tips to Help a Child with Impulse Control
Are you trying to help your child with impulse control? Impulse control is the ability to stop and think before acting. It’s one of the executive functions children need in order to control their thoughts and actions in family, social, and school settings. It’s important for parents to remember that young children are not expected to consistently control their impulses or their thoughts and actions. They rely heavily on adults to help them control themselves. As kids mature, we expect them to internalize rules and to develop better and better self-control so that they are not at the mercy of their impulses. However, not all children develop at the same pace as their peers in this critical area. If you have a child who exhibits any of the behaviors below, she or he could benefit from … [Read more...]
16 DIY Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids
Do you remember the excitement you felt when you were a kid as you carried a goody bag into the classroom filled with homemade Valentine's Day cards for all of your school friends? You surely had butterflies as you passed each card out to your classmates...and maybe that little boy you had a crush on. Homemade Valentine's Day cards have come a long way. When we were kids we gave cut out construction paper cards or store bought cards with our favorite cartoon character of the decade {Garfield and New Kids on the Block were my faves!}. Today I've got sixteen DIY ideas that are super fun!!! From preschool age to big kid, there is sure to be one your child will love to make for his class. /1/ Fish Bowl Valentine's Card - You could fill this cute Valentine with Swedish Fish or Goldfish, … [Read more...]
10 of my Favorite Organizing Products
I’ve worked as a Professional Organizer for almost 18 years & there are a few things that I simply could not live without. There are also some “commandments” that I try to bestow on my clients & it never ceases to amaze me when they tell me that they hear me in their head sometimes… “Laurie would want me to purge this or Laurie would tell me that I don’t need to buy another set of dishes, etc.” I love my job & I hope you love some of my suggestions! Label Maker Thou shalt not hand write on file folders or the sides of boxes! It makes my eye twitch when I open a file drawer & see handwritten file folders. Unless you have the handwriting of an Interior Designer PLEASE use a label maker! You can also use the Avery Label Stock & use your printer to get fancy with fonts … [Read more...]
