Fairly certain I risk losing my Mom Card for this admission: But I’ve never read “The Polar Express.” Nor have I, I guess I should add, ever seen the movie. I’m a traditionalist when it comes to the holidays. My approach can best be summarized by considering Christmas music: If …
Read More »‘Defy’ the Odds: Here’s a Destination the ENTIRE Fam Can Enjoy!
Last week, my four kiddos (5, 7, 9, and 11) and I stopped in to the new Defy in Sparks for an afternoon of fun together. Let me tell you, I was so surprised at how much fun we all had, and at how the layout allowed for my often …
Read More »Candy Cane Express: Insider Tips for an Afternoon of Christmas Joy
My 7th grade Nevada history instructor from Clayton Middle School, Mr. Gandolfo, would likely do somersaults in his grave if he could hear the following admission: I’ve never ridden the V&T Railroad. So very sorry, Mr. G. But I made it up to him today (and seriously thought about so many of the things …
Read More »Survival Guide to Winter Break
Ahhh! The Holidays. With 3 weeks Winter Break for us here in Washoe County. Yes, it can be a bit too long for some of us. Either we are working and our kids spend 2/3 of the Break in Camp or Kids’ Club, OR we are at home with them and …
Read More »The Elephant in the Room…Santa Claus
I’m sorry, but what the hell is up with parents that choose not to trick their kids into believing Santa Claus exists?!? A lot of my mom friends are not perpetuating the Santa Claus myth and I’m surprised, like really? Its super fun as a parent to play along in …
Read More »Painted memories: This year, give a gift that will last forever
Down a long dirt road, in the middle of nowhere, sat a single-wide mobile home. The walls were paper-thin, and the windows howled as the wind penetrated every nook and cranny. Heated by a wood stove, the warmth struggled to make its way throughout the house. Around the holidays, the …
Read More »9 Steps to a Perfect Christmas Card
I love Christmas cards. Like, I LOVE them. A lot. They’re basically my favorite activity of the entire year. And yes, mine are Christmas cards. I know some people are politically correct and send Holiday Cards. But not me. We celebrate Christmas and we’re proud of it, so I send …
Read More »3 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Hot During the Holidays
Dinner isn’t the only thing that needs to stay hot around the holidays. You can be married for all of ten seconds and fully grasp how hellish the holidays can be on your relationship. Your time, your energy, and your resources are going to everyone and everything other than your …
Read More »The Power of Pumpkin: Thinking past the pie
It’s how you know fall is upon us, and it revolves around that first smell of Pumpkin Latte. It’s when you revel in the crunching of leaves, the smells of cinnamon and nutmeg, the chili, the touchdowns, the boots and scarves, the shortening days and crisp mornings. It’s when you …
Read More »Free & Frugal Summer Activities for Kids in Reno 2016
It’s time for our summer edition full of free and frugal activity ideas for the summer of 2016! Use some (or all) of these 40 ideas to fill your summer with fun activities and events without breaking the bank! 1. Free Kids Bowling. It’s back! The Kids Bowl Free …
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