24/Savvy Family and Charity

It may sound selfish, but it’s truly savvy.  Whether you’re single, dating, married or a parent, when you take time for yourself, everyone benefits!  As a mom of three small children, I can lose myself in the day-to-day care of my kids and home.  From carpools, to kids’ activities, to meals, to errands, there’s little room to even eat my lunch.

When we don’t carve out some "me time" in our week we can become resentful of those around us.  But "me time" is a choice.  You have to make it happen and when you do, don’t feel guilty about it!  You’re not selfish.  You’re smart and those around you will appreciate how you value yourself.  My own results —I’m a calmer mom, a happier wife, a kinder friend and healthier me.

Loving on Father's Day

Do you send a card?  Do you make something special?  Do you call him?  Maybe give a gift certificate, or buy an item you know he’ll love?  Whatever you do, remember the saying, “It’s the thought that counts.”  When genuine thought goes into giving, it not only speaks love to that person, it also brings us joy.  I love the excitement I get when I’m giving a gift I know the person is going to love.  I have three fathers to honor this year:  my biological dad, my step-father and my husband—the father to our three kids.  Thankfully my kids make sweet things at school for Father’s Day: a homemade card, a framed photo, their handprint in clay.  But as a spouse, we can give a Father’s Day gift, too.  Maybe it’s a special dinner, or giving your husband the home all to himself.  Or maybe it’s hobby-related.  My husband has talked for months about getting a long board skate board and riding around with the kids.  To make his desire a reality, we’ll be visiting our local skate board shop this Father’s Day.  And hopefully not an emergency room later this year!

Fun, Savvy Road Trips with Kids

What comes to mind when you think of a 20-hour road trip with three young kids? Maybe a pounding headache, or maybe memories from your own childhood vacations.

Before we had three children, my husband and I loved road trips. We escaped the city, listened to our favorite music and had meaningful conversations. Obviously with three young children, road trips look and feel different. But we still manage to listen to our favorite music, have great conversations and build incredible memories with our kids. Here are things which make our road trips more fun for all involved:

When I became a parent 6 ½ years ago, I had no idea my CD collection would be overrun with musicians like Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes, Ralph’s World, Kids Music Together and Bible songs for kids.  They’re all great music choices for kids, but there comes a point, especially in the car, when I want to listen to my own music.  A highlight of my day is to sit behind the wheel, tune into a great song and get lost in the music.  And believe me it’s nice to get lost sometimes.  Like a mini-mental break in my daily mom routine.  And getting lost to Dan Zanes’, All Around The Kitchen, just doesn’t happen.  What’s the solution?

Save the earth, surprise your kids and salvage your sanity—all at the same time!  Or just make your life easy by using these fabulous reusable snack and sandwich bags.  They come in a variety of sizes and colorful fabric designs, plus you can wipe them down with a sponge, or throw them in the washing machine!  Best of all, SnackTAXI is offering a 20% discount now through Sunday, November 7th.  Use the code, Taxi20 at checkout.  Great gift idea for the holidays!