Get Into the Woods! Discover the Forest

I’ve always loved the outdoors. Growing up in rural Iowa, if you weren’t into outdoor activities there wasn’t much for you to do! I have fond memories of summer vacations playing at town parks, swimming at the town pool, riding bikes all over town, and when I was a little older, riding my brother’s dirtbikes and quads, going camping and boating at the lake, attending 4th of July fireworks and having big family reunions at state parks. Best. Trip. Ever. Our best family trip ever happened when I was about 7 or 8. My parents took us on a road trip out West for summer vacation. We packed up my dad’s dually truck with a big cooler of food and drinks, hitched up the camper and headed towards Montana to visit my …

3 Steps to Help Jumpstart Your Wellness Routine

3 Steps to Jumpstart Your Wellness Routine

It has been very nice here the past few days… in the 80s and sunny–borderline hot for me, but there has been a nice breeze. I actually broke out the walking sandals and put away my sweatshirts. So excited for nice weather. And then I realized what is coming up, like NOW. Summer. Shorts. Swimsuits. Tank Tops. AGH!! With the terrible weather we had this past winter I spent way too much time inside, sitting on my butt, instead of outside walking and getting exercise. I definitely need to jumpstart my fitness routine! By taking a few small steps in the right direction, I can improve my health and hopefully drop a few pounds in the process. I know that I work better with a plan. So my first step was …

"Go outside and have fun!" Come home when the street lights come on.

Go outside and play!

Do you remember the “good old days” when you were told first thing in the morning to “go outside and play” and you played with your friends until the street lights came on? Go outside, play and have fun with your kids! Before you know it they are going to be grown and living on their own and you won’t have the opportunity any more.

Walk for UNC Children’s at Midtown Park in Raleigh on November 4

I’ve always been a big supporter of charity walks. Starting in elementary school I participated in more March of Dimes walks than I can count. Then after my sister-in-law died of breast cancer I took part in three Komen 3-Day for the Cure walks. When my friend Elaine was diagnosed with, and later died from, leukemia I walked several Light the Night walks for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It might sound strange to others, but walking for charity is something that makes me feel less helpless against something that I have no control over. So when I was asked to be on the UNC Children’s Digital Advisory Panel, and to participate in the Walk for UNC Children’s, I didn’t hesitate to say “yes!” (It’s nice to have a more …

Roadtrip Treasure Hunt

Road Trip Treasure Hunt

Disclosure: This shop, “Road Trip Treasure Hunt” has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RoadTripOil #CollectiveBias With my husband temporarily working out of state, our household bills have doubled while his salary basically stayed the same–which means our planned summer vacation had to be cancelled. Instead of an EPIC cross-country trip, we have been enjoying mini-staycations and going on as many Road Trip Treasure Hunts as we can plan. What is a Road Trip Treasure Hunt you ask? It’s simple. We map out a string of geocaches, pack a picnic lunch, load up my SUV with the kids, a cooler, and our Go-Bag, and spend the day geocaching. I love how geocaching brings us closer together as a family, plus it teaches the …