The drugstore game is a method of stacking store sales (especially BOGO deals) with coupons in order to obtain drugstore items for pennies on the dollar, or even for free. I learned how to do the drugstore game back when I was a single mom getting out of debt, and I did it for a […]
How to Get Over Mommy Guilt
The following is a transcript of an interview I recorded with Aviva Pflock and Devra Renner of Mommy Guilt. They join me to talk about their book Mommy Guilt: Learn To Worry Less, Focus On What Matters Most, And Raise Happier Kids. We discuss how guilt feelings are at an epic high in our time, and how […]
The truth about homeschooling a large family
Homeschooling a large family looks a bit different than people expect… This week I had an enjoyable luncheon with a group of blogging moms. When my turn came for an introduction, I said that I write about, among other things, homeschooling a large family with 7 kids. (There’s usually a tiny, collective gasp right about […]
Clean with pretty things
Yesterday I talked about how I want to have a cleaner house (even while living with a husband and 7 kids – what can I say, I like to dream big). A thought came to me late yesterday afternoon. I remembered something I read years ago. The main message was this: Use good tools. Clean […]
December: Things I Enjoyed
This is a new feature here: Things I Enjoyed is simply quick takes on stuff I liked using, reading or wearing in the previous month. Tangie Laundry Paste Concentrate I recently decided to start buying my laundry detergent in bulk, since I go through so much, and the stash I bought back in the summer […]
Well yesterday was… interesting
Never a dull moment around here. Studies show that parents of more than 4 children are happier than parents with fewer kids. Researchers speculate it’s because parents of large broods get accustomed to a level of chaos that would cripple other people. In other words, if I’m not in the ER, it’s a good day. […]
Why I won’t feel bad about my house anymore
Every once in a while, I feel bad about my house. I have a lovely house. I am thankful for it. But it’s not Pinterest-worthy. It’s rarely even Instragram-worthy. I look at pictures of my friends’ homes on social media, with their perfect, unblemished walls, and I wonder whether they repainted just last week. I […]
Josiah update: 7 months/4 months
Before & after
Us before: Us after:
What To Do When Your Friend Has a Preemie
Preview: If you’re wondering how to help, what to say, and what to do when your friend has a preemie, read on. I share tips on how to be truly helpful to your friend when she’s going through this difficult experience. Today is World Prematurity Day. It’s no accident that I’m just now, at 6 […]