Parenting Wisdom

Memories are what make us who we are. They shape us, mold us, help us make decisions, can make us laugh, and make us cry. Memories are so important to us. They are part of who we are. I recently...

Pregnant and wondering if it's safe to use self-tanning products? This guide will address if self-tanners are safe enough for pregnant women, what to look for when shopping for self-tanner, and a list of some of the best self-tanners...

After having a particularly hard week for no other reason than that life is hard sometimes, a fellow mom complimented me on doing a great job instilling confidence in my son because she has noticed how talkative and outgoing...

Packing for the hospital is so exciting and means your bundle of joy is almost here. For someone as high strung as me this meant list after list and packing weeks in advance. After hauling a gigantic bag around...

I  wish I had a room in my house for crafting with a dedicated space to use for a gift wrapping station. But sadly, I do not, so all these hodge-podge items end up shoved in drawers, closets and...

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...

As some of you probably know, West Valley Moms Blog is part of a national network (City Moms Blog) that is designed to connect moms to information and parenting perspectives unique to the communities in which they live. We...

When my husband and I found out we were expecting a baby, our first conversation revolved around the possibility of me staying home, meaning we would be living as a single income family. We didn’t come to a conclusion...

If you spend any time watching Lifetime's Countdown To Christmas, you'd get the impression that the Holiday season is about families filled with peace and love gathered around golden turkeys cooked to perfection. But of course we know that's...

  I don't know about you mamas but when it comes to meal planning I struggle. I have a hard time coming up with new and delicious recipes instead of the same old repeats. I too easily settle for the...

Recently, I was at an event where TWELVElittle was showcasing their diaper bags. I was instantly drawn to their colors, designs, and patterns. The table was crowded with people amazed at the unique and thoughtful features the bags have. I...

As some of you have already read on this blog, I lost both of my parents in the same year to cancer. My step dad passed in November 2017 and my mom passed in March 2018. A few...

It’s here!  Our short season of winter, where we can put on cozy sweaters, have a fire in the fireplace, and go outside in jackets and mittens!  Now, I know some residents of Phoenix curse even our mild winters...

This summer, I was sitting at my son's baseball practice and I heard the coach call for one of the players to hustle out onto the field. He was tying his shoe and looking for his hat when I...

Watercolor Art by Yellow Bungalow Shop. Visit HERE to download this amazing artwork. Proceeds will go to families of first responders. Today marks the 13th anniversary of 9/11/2001, which seems both incredibly impossible and completely believable. This is one of those...

As I begin to creep on my 32nd birthday, I am realizing that I am now a version of "old" to the younger generations. Don't get me wrong, I feel young. I still don't know what I am doing...

As a parent, you've probably experienced the baffling look on your teenager's face when you start singing the music that played during your own teenage years. Especially when you start singing along with the music at the grocery store...

Nourishing Narratives: Empowering Lactation through the B.L.A.C.K. Course Lactation is a beautiful yet often challenging aspect of motherhood. For many Black and People of Color (POC) mothers, the journey to breastfeed can be compounded by historical and societal factors that...

Mother's Day is going to be here before we know it. And if you need to pick out something special for yourself (or drop some hints) or shop for your mother and mother-in-law, we put together a comprehensive list...

It is no mystery that breastfeeding in public is a topic that sparks much controversy.  The word "shaming" is thrown back and forth between the liberals and the conservatives, the introverts and the extroverts.   I love seeing celebrities...

Where is the line with friends of the opposite sex when you’re married? This topic has come up recently with some of my friends. I’ve posed this question to a number of people and received a variety of different...

I have created a list of Back to School Lunch Ideas to Make your Morning Routine a Breeze!   The chef and type A in me knows I need to be prepared to face the mornings in a more organized planned...

Among the many people you are buying gifts for this holiday season, be sure your children’s teachers are on the list. This is a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for the love and wisdom they share with their...

This week on Pinterest: Hit or Miss, we try our hand at making a banner for Thanksgiving. I have banners that I hang up in our dining room for my daughter's birthday, Christmas and Halloween. The birthday and Christmas...

My baby just started preschool (insert tearful emoji here).  He is nearly three and we have been fortune enough to be able to have him home with my husband, me, or an entrusted nanny for all of his life....