Parenting Wisdom

I grew up in a household that ALWAYS had pets.  It was more than just cats and dogs, although we did have those too.  We also had chickens, turkeys, turtles and a small brown tarantula!  Her name was Shelly-Carmel, what other...

I'm always looking for great, healthy eateries to add to our family's dining out repertoire. Now dining out and healthy eating don't always go hand in hand but here are two strategies I use as a mom and nutritionist...

Before I had my daughter, I didn't have many friends. I worked a lot and spent most of my non-working hours with my husband. We had some couple friends here and there and I had some friends through work,...

Well, the inevitable has happened. The long, hot days of summer have arrived in the desert. The last month was uncharacteristically kind to us desert dwellers.....so much so in fact, that perhaps, we were in the slightest bit of...

I love lip balms!  I use them multiple times a day and I have tried soooo many different kinds.  It is nice to have options, but with all the different types...moisturizing, protecting, smoothing, plumping, shaded...I could go on and...

“I have to wait until I lose 10 lbs” “My roots are hideous, I can’t right now” “I have nothing to wear” “Ugg, I look so old!” Any of these phrases sound familiar?  Any sound familiar about getting in front of the camera and...

Originally posted on Rachel’s family blog HardingHappenings.com. The not so perfect preschool fashions brought to you by my daughter!!! I don't ever want to forget these moments. But I have to admit that many times I wanted my girl to...

It's a curious thing the American Dream. The idea of what a family should be. A man and women should have 2 kids, a home mortgage, a minivan, a dog, yadda yadda yadda. Oh we know it varies for all...

Summer is coming quickly! (Yay - for family time, vacations, and relaxation!  Ugh - for hot sweatiness!) The thing on my mind lately has been how to get a healthy glow.  I like the look of a tan for...

As a newborn photographer, I swaddle babies everyday and I thought I would share my tips and tricks to get those perfect swaddles for new parents out there. I've swaddled over hundreds of babies and every time parents ask, "How did you get them...

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, my family like most families who "lived in the country" had a garden. The garden was about an acre right in our front yard. It was a ton of work, but definitely rewarding. I...

On April 22, we celebrate Earth Day. There was a saying in the 90s which I took to heart when I heard it : "Every day should be Earth Day". I totally agree. While I am certainly a work...

Originally posted on Rachel's family blog HardingHappenings.com. Photo Credit to Dream Photography Studio. So much lately I have found myself longing to slow down and set my own life standards. Imagine that! I keep wanting to "rebel" against what others...

Most of us got 'em and a lot of us even like 'em! Your siblings are your first friends and possibly even your first bullies but at the end of the day there is always love in your heart...

April is Month of the Military Child. Military children are pretty great! There are approximately 1 million active duty service members in the United States and about 2 million military children. One of them lives at my house. While being a...

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. For many people out there this personally hits home with them, including me. Last year we were given the life altering news that our sweet boy was on the spectrum. As a parent it's...

Because Easter is coming and we love nothing more than to decorate your walls during holidays we have put together a sweet design for the last minute momma (I'm the president of this club and there is no shame...

When I found out my best friend was having a baby girl,  I just knew I wanted to throw a baby sprinkle in her honor. I loved the idea of playing off the baby sprinkle theme and incorporated cute little sprinkle touches...

      Heather Stevens, mommy of two and co-founder of the glittering Gleamsters, is talking to us today about the benefits of juicing for their family. So I’m sure you’ve seen the juicing and smoothie trend as another here today gone tomorrow fad! I...

A few times a year I get the urge to  "clean up" of my everyday routines. Maybe it's because I get bored, or feel like my skin/body/hair routine needs a little oomph. Maybe it's just because it's spring time...

It's time for another Happy Hostess from me, Jen. This one actually comes from my own archives when my second son turned two and we threw him a Dino Party! This party was "dino-mite" with lots of bright colors and patterns. We...

During the most recent Super Bowl, many of the multi-million dollar campaign spots went to the usual suspects....the snack foods, the adult beverages, the soda pop, the feminine hygiene products.....wait, WHAT?!?!? Now that was a curve ball we didn't...

As moms, we all know how fast our kiddos can grow out of their clothes. Most clothes don't even last a season around my house.  We usually pack up the high water jeans, stuff them into a black garbage bag...

Wouldn't it be nice to have glowing skin from a proper regimen including an hour of pampering and preparing your skin each morning, monthly facial treatments, 8 plus hours of sleep every night?!?  Are you laughing at the thought...

Every year I write a letter to my daughter on her birthday. What follows is an excerpt from the most recent letter, written for her sixth birthday. Wow, six years old. My little baby is six years old. To be clear, that...