Congratulations on that baby bump – now it’s time to find some maternity clothes! Some moms will try to make it through without buying any. But, more than likely, you will get fed up with trying to fit into things and just want something comfortable – even if you will only wear it for a few months! It is time to go shopping. (spoiler: those maternity jeans will probably still fit you for a little while after the baby is born – do not be afraid to put maternity clothes in your hospital bag) That being said, you do not want to break the bankRead More →

The Gilded Ones, by Namina Forna Pre-Order and it will arrive on its publication day, February 9th, 2021 Her blood proves her worth. Deka lives in Otera, a land that has ritualized the patriarchy to keep women in their place. ‘The Gilded Ones,’ Namina Forna’s debut novel, takes you deep into these themes and more. As girls reach their sixteenth year they are sent to the village temples for a ceremony to determine their purity. If their blood runs true they become a member of society. If their blood runs gold a girl is impure and sentenced to death. What is not shared about theseRead More →

cirque italia water circus

The Cirque is coming! The Cirque is coming! Sharpen your cutlass and dust off your eye patch, Cirque Italia is taking you on an epic pirate adventure! Come to the brand new production! Notably, it is under the big top tent but this circus experience is unlike any other as it features a 35,000 gallon water tank. And, we have tickets to giveaway! The cirque begins when our Ringmaster goes fishing and finds a treasure map. Consequently, he must brave the high seas, dodge pirate fights, resist the lure of mermaids to claim the treasure as his own. In classic cirque tradition audiences will delightRead More →

hot springs

Our third hike on Day two at Big Bend National Park is the Hot Springs Trail. Like Boquillas, this is rated as a not-to-be-missed hike. Along the Hot Springs Trail, there are ruins of the old bathhouse, post office, and motel; a hot spring (duh!); the Rio Grande; pictographs, and petroglyphs. To get a fantastic history of this trail read “Big Bend: A Homesteader’s Story,” by J.O. Langford (referenced in the Packing & Prepping article).  Oh, and did I mention the thrill of almost dropping to your death? Shear fun. This is in reference to the road in. It is terrifyingly narrow. It is only aRead More →

After hiking down to the beautiful Boquillas Canyon and screaming our echoes for one singing Mexican to hear we drove to the Rio Grande Village. Here there are bathrooms, a visitor’s center, and a store. The visitor’s center was closed on the day we were there. Rather, we bought sandwiches at the store and topped off our Camelbacks with water. Our late start meant we would be out in the mid-day heat longer than we had originally planned. The store has picnic tables out front and we ate in the shade before trekking to our second trail. Our next scheduled trail is the Rio GrandeRead More →

Little boy hiking Boquillas Canyon

Boquillas Canyon Our first hike is at Boquillas Canyon. It is another popular hike as it is pretty easy for everyone with gradual inclines and it gently heads down to one of the three canyons in Big Bend National Park. Not to mention, if you bring your passport and time it correctly, you can pass into Mexico and visit the town of Boquillas. Boquillas, Mexico While you are there you can pick up your Boquillas stick – a light-weight hiking stick that is usually adorned with a painting of an animal or vegetation. These make great souvenirs for the kids. If you are unable toRead More →

HSPA Virtual College Fair & ConferenceJanuary 12, 2021 | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm EST The Homeschooling Parent Association (HSPA) announces its first annual, Virtual Homeschool-Friendly College Fair & Conference, “Get Connected 01122021.” It will be held on January 12, 2021. 8:00 AM-2:00 PM EST. This college fair is a little different. It is exclusively for homeschoolers and will address their specific needs and questions. As much as the typical college or university application process is straightforward for mainstream education it is regrettably, confusing for homeschoolers searching for the perfect higher education opportunity. Fortunately, colleges and universities are eager to meet homeschool students. Take this unparalleled opportunityRead More →

hot cocoa bombs

So, it is nine days until Christmas and you need Hot Cocoa Bombs – let me help a mama out! Without a doubt, hot cocoa bombs are the breakout stars of the 2020 Holiday season. Perhaps the best thing to come out of 2020 as a whole! However, if you have been so immersed in that #quarantinelife that you have no idea what I am talking about let’s recap. What is a Hot Cocoa Bomb and How to Use Them Hot cocoa bombs are a hard chocolate shell, filled with all the goodies you need for premium hot cocoa – except the milk. They areRead More →

Today’s Guest Post is from Sara Gruber about her daughter’s experience learning about the Battle of Gettysburg from her backyard. Thanks for sharing! The new norm? Sitting at the kitchen table, trying to do my “job” while homeschooling my two daughters. Oh, you have a literature Zoom at 2:30 pm? My mind runs through today’s to-do list… which report can I finish in that 30-minute window? Your worksheet is taking a while? Maybe I can draft a media release now so I won’t be up as late tonight. Every minute is painstakingly filled to maximize productivity and it’s somehow become our normal. What’s more? EvenRead More →

Kids need us to help them navigate hard times. We are sharing seven easy ways to help your kids feel safe, fun, and in control during trying and tumultuous times. Be a Role Model Kids take their cues from the people they love and look up to. You! Be aware of how you talk about COVID-19 around your kids. Be calm and explain how your family will stay safe. Save negative or unsure topics for adult-time. Practice proper handwashing and coughing Social distancing (you can’t expect them to be reasonable about staying away from friends if you aren’t) Maintaining a regular household routine (as muchRead More →