Relationships

It’s finally here: date night. You’ve arranged a babysitter that is either your extended family that you’ve secured through begging and desperation, or it’s your Next-door neighbor acquired babysitter that comes complete with references, CPR training, and several comments agreeing that they are the best. In all reality, your babysitter …

A few months ago, I was invited to participate in a 10-day social media fast. I willingly agreed, not thinking it would have any impact on me because I spend such limited time on social media. I was wrong. The impact was far-reaching and life-changing. I had no idea how …

My husband and I spent a recent Saturday morning attending a free positive parenting course, put on by Robin Brocklesby, founder of Embrace the PATH. Robin put together three free courses to expose parents in our community to this parenting model and see what the interest would be in doing more …

When Monaciello first opened its doors, I attended a media preview night; I recently dug out my notes from the event, and I noticed these words that I had scribbled down as I was sampling the night’s offerings: “Life-changing carrot.” It’s not often that a root veggie is preceded by …

About four years ago, I got a postcard in the mail inviting me to join something called Nextdoor. I had never heard of it, but apparently one of my neighbors sent an invitation to me. I thought it was an ingenious way to meet some new neighbors in my community, so I …

I didn’t mean to do it. When my best friend asked me to attend a hot yoga class with her the following morning, I couldn’t think of a better way to start our Saturday. I also didn’t give my selection of vegetables at Friday night’s dinner a second thought. Hindsight …

“My mother-in-law is a complete nightmare,” said my friend for the fifth time in the same conversation. In response, I gave a sympathetic smile and a few words of encouragement, and then thought about my mother-in-law. The “monster-in-law” sentiment can be an all-too-common scenario for many, and I feel fortunate …

A lot of people are not too excited about holidays, with added stress and expenses and family drama. And I’ve noticed that a lot of people don’t seem to enjoy or care about Thanksgiving. It gets kind of overshadowed by the heavy hitters of Halloween and Christmas, but it has …

This past weekend, we surprised our 2-year-old with a “Day out With Thomas,” put on by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City. It’s a 25-minute train ride, and many of the activities can fill a whole day. Here’s what I learned: Ideally, you want to show up about 45 …

  My best friend in the entire world — a woman I have known for 25+ years, my former college roomie, a lifelong friend who has endured 1990s-inspired big hair and bad fashion with me (Exhibit A, left) and my closest confidant — revealed something so jarring during a recent …