We’ve had a term life insurance policy on my husband for many years. It’s something we rarely think about but feel better knowing it’s there. That policy is coming to an end soon—and here’s the tricky part: my husband now has some health problems. Realistically, we don’t expect to get a good rate on
One Last Summer Fling Before 5th Grade
I took last week off work to have one last fling with Zuzu before she starts 5th grade. It was so nice to switch up my wardrobe for the week and have another chance to wear some of the summer casual clothes that I have in my closet. This outfit was a favorite from the week - Target shorts and an
August 17, 2025: This Week’s Meal Plan and Getting August Back on Track
As of today, August 17th, our “eating out” budget for the month has been exceeded by approximately $30, and our grocery budget is running low. This situation has prompted me to renew my focus on meal planning and preparation for the remainder of the month. With 15 days left, the plan is to provide
Parenting in the Space Between Safe and Brave
Why I Sometimes Say “No” to Playdate Invitations (and Why That’s Okay) As a mom, I’ve learned there’s one rule that never fails me: if my gut says no, I listen. Even if I can’t explain it perfectly. Even if it makes me look overly cautious. Even if other parents don’t understand. Lately, my
Daily Prayer
Finding Summer’s Sweet Spot with Kids
Being a mom who works outside the home, summer with a young child can feel like a puzzle with pieces that don’t quite fit. I’ve never loved the idea of sending my kids to a full-day camp all summer. The easy route, maybe, but I like the season to feel different—a little slower, a little freer, with
Simple and Summer Ready: My Work Wardrobe
One of the small habits that I continue to work on actually came from my husband. Every night, he packs up his work clothes to take with him to the gym in the morning. Watching him do that day after day made me realize how much easier it would be if I had my own outfit ready ahead of time. So, I’ve
Old School, Still Works: My No-Fail Meal Planning System
Let me introduce you to one of the most valuable tools in my kitchen: a simple spiral notebook. Nothing fancy, no bells or whistles—just lined pages that have helped me plan meals and grocery lists for nearly 20 years. While there are plenty of digital options out there, I’ve never felt the need to
Our Visit to The Sphere Experience in Las Vegas
This year, on our annual Vegas getaway, we finally got to see The Sphere for ourselves. I was able to purchase last-minute tickets for a daytime showing of Postcards from Earth. At about $100 a ticket, it’s not exactly a budget-friendly attraction, but it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.
Why the New Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Movie Hit Me Right in the Heart
Last night, while on our annual Las Vegas vacation, we escaped the desert heat and ducked into a cool theater to see the new Lilo & Stitch live-action movie. It was just the four of us: Mike, me, our 9-year-old daughter Zuzu, and Taylor—who is now 24 but was just a baby when the original movie