I ventured into the world of book (and blog) writing to fulfill a promise to my beloved mother-in-law. Sue's bright light was extinguished on December 2, 2010, after a valiant 13-year battle with breast cancer... just five month's after her first grandchild (my daughter) was born. Now as a mother, entrepreneur, friend, sister, daughter, wife, and torch-bearer of a legacy, I paddle my boat, one wave at a time, toward that promise to her—and now to myself. In death as in life, Sue continues to motivate and inspire me. Follow me, and I'll do my best to pass the inspiration along. To life!
Would you be brave enough to try this “new school” idea with your kids? When you were a kid, do you think you would’ve been driven and interested enough to stick with it yourself? When it comes to education, what would you say are the pros and cons of old school vs. new school, or as … More Old School vs. New School
Ever have one of those a-ha moments, when you encounter something that seems so brilliantly obvious? The Internet gifted me one such moment a few weeks ago with the “Write It Down” concept. It happened again when I came across this video. If you’re stressed, overworked, a parent, or any combo of the above, perhaps this 90-minute … More 90-Minute Productivity
Remember those 87 kids’ books I recommended back in the spring? Well I have 48 more kids’ books for you! I also keep track of mom- and 3-year-old-approved books over on my Pinterest board: Shelf-Worthy Kids’ Books. Feel free to follow it if you’d like to come along on our bookshelf adventures. Happy Reading!
You probably know that Seattle is a coffee town. But you might not know that hordes of nomadic workers use its cozy, caffeinated haunts as offices. Whether you’re a fellow Seattle freelancer (like me), a local looking for a good place to read the day away, or just someone daydreaming about Seattle coffee culture, this Top 10 list … More Top 10: Seattle Places to “Work from Home”
* Appreciated by non-breastfeeding moms, too. Have a baby shower coming up or a friend? Or maybe you’re due yourself? This is my all-time favorite “baby” gift. I give it to every expecting mother I know. While other friends and family are picking out the perfect tiny this or cuddly that, I know from experience: Mom is doing … More Breastfeeding Station*
Lately, many people have asked me: So… what about that kids’ book you were going to write? Well, it’s already written. In fact, several are in the works, but two are in the final polishing stages:
I’m always on the lookout for make-ahead recipes. I hate cooking (love eating), so spending a Sunday afternoon getting a few meals out of the way helps keep me sane all week. The problem is, most of them kind of suck. But these don’t. I promise! Here are the 10 best make-ahead meals I’ve discovered so … More 10 Best Make-Ahead Meals
At age 30, with a great education, a decent job, a loving wife, and a first child on the way, Jia Jiang realized he never chased his dreams because he always chose security over rejection. He saw himself dying with regrets and told his wife so. Despite being pregnant (when most people would choose security … More Rejection: A Love Story
I recently encountered a video (see below), which contained some rather startling facts about TV and movies for kids age 11 and under. For every one female, there are four males. The males get the action parts, while the females stay home. Females make up only 17% of crowd scenes. Hmmm. That’s funny because, last I … More Where Are the Girls?
You’re lying in bed and can’t get to sleep for all the to-do’s in your head: Write it down. You’re confused about a next move on a project or in your life: Write it down. You have something bugging you that you just can’t shake: Write it down. It will help. Don’t believe me?
My Castle Heart Publications 