Sarah VanderMeiden
Halloween Costumes Birth to Seven
Halloween is right around the corner and parents across the land are shaking in their boots. Though I suppose some might be afraid of ghosts and goblins, the child-asked question of “What am I...
I’m No Heloise But Here Are Some Great Household Hints
Have you heard of Heloise? Like her mother before her, Heloise is an author and columnist specializing in making life easier for the rest of us. I used to enjoy her columns back in...
Christmas: From Ho-Hum to Grief to Joy
I’ve always enjoyed Christmas in a ho-ho-ho-hum sort of way.
Sure, I am enchanted by Christmas lights, love some Christmas music (if they only could start playing it just a week ahead of time) and...
Go Lean: Ditching the Diaper Bag
Lately, I have seen more than a few moms rocking some pretty impressive diaper bags. Not only are these bags fashionable, they also can be enormous. Though I admire the level of preparedness of...
City Kid, Country Kid: Where We Grow Up
When I was a kid, I thought it would be the best thing ever to grow up on a country farm like my mom and her siblings had done. I dreamt of carefree days...
Keep Your Hands Off My Kid! (Please)
I love our cultural icon of the Mama Bear. She is fierce, strong, unwavering, and willing to do almost anything for her kids. It’s also very Minnesotan. Well, the bear part, anyway. Especially when...
Enjoy a Fun Family Weekend at Itasca State Park
If you are seeking an all-around fun and relaxing destination for your next family getaway, you need look no further than spending a weekend at Itasca State Park. My family decided that we wanted...
Five Moves in Five Years… And I’m Exhausted
I’m tired. I’m achey. I just want to relax. I’ve been spending time reflecting on why I feel like I’ve been dragging for awhile and I think I have it figured out. I have...
17 Essential Tips for Gardening Success
Gardening is a great way to get outdoors, beautify your home, stay fit, and even unwind. Regardless of what you may have heard, successful gardening does not require inherent talent; a “green thumb,” if...
Motherhood: Little Training, Lots of Super Powers
Back before I had a kid, I stood in awe of people who had them. Especially babies. How did new parents know how to take care of these fragile bundles of joy? Save for...