Kelli Northey
The Night We Knew Online Learning Would be Okay
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine tackling online learning with a first grader. When things started closing down due to COVID-19, I knew organization and routine would be key for our busy...
Back to School Coronavirus Books
Reading a back to school book on the night before the first day of school is a tradition many families share. It's a great way to bond, share in the excitement, and calm any...
Lessons from the Desert
This summer, my husband and I celebrated living in Arizona for a decade. That practically makes us locals, right?! Along the way, we’ve learned a few lessons from the desert.
Summer Lessons from the Desert
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5 Ways to Build Your Relationship with Your Kids
If living through a pandemic has taught us anything, it's that family is everything. During normal times, it's easy to get caught up in the grind of rushing out the door in the morning,...
Top Ten Arizona Day Trips
You've probably heard of a "staycation" - a vacation within driving distance of your home that doesn't require a hotel stay. Whether you're short on vacation days, trying to build up your savings account,...
A Tour of Scottsdale Public Art
Whether you're avoiding public places due to the recent pandemic or it's just too hot to be outside, a self guided tour of Scottsdale Public Art could be just what you need to change...
No Pool? No Problem. 14 Summer Ideas When You Don’t Have a Pool!
The temperature consistently hit the 100s before the end of April this year. Usually, that would be met with lots of trips to the splash pad or neighborhood pool. But with most of the...
Sight Word Games Make Homework Fun
What are sight words?
Simply put, sight words are words that students should be able to read by sight. This means, within about three seconds or less, they should be able to see the word...
How to Host a Pandemic Playdate
We're going on day 40 of self isolation during this pandemic. The weather is beautiful right now, but that doesn't replace recess and playdates and playground meet ups when you're a kid. In an...
Finding the Bright Side of a Pandemic
I'm a "glass half full," "focus on the positives" kind of person. I like to assume the best in people and I take things in stride as they come my way. The coronavirus pandemic...
Celebrate National Reading Month: Best Books for Older Kids
March is National Reading Month! Chances are, if you have an older kid in your house, they probably already have a favorite series or genre of books. Try surprising them with something new to...
Celebrate National Reading Month: Best Books for New Readers
March is National Reading Month! Celebrate a new reader in your life with the gift of a special book.
Today we’re highlighting a few of our favorites from the Best Books for New Readers Shopping...
Celebrate National Reading Month: Best Books for Little Kids
March is National Reading Month! If you're starting to drift to sleep after reading the same books over and over, it may be time to update your child's library.
Today we’re highlighting a few of...
Love Notes: Valentine’s Day Door Affirmations
As my daughter got closer to school age, I started to notice more and more stories of bullying and child suicide in the news. Kids are picked on for how they look, who they...
Happy Birthday, Arizona: 5 Ways to Celebrate Our State
February 14th isn't just Valentine's Day. It's also the day that Arizona, in 1912, became the last of the contiguous states to achieve statehood. Whether you're looking for ways to bring our state's rich...
5 Secrets for Organizing After Christmas
About the time the tree comes down and the decorations are put away is when I start thinking of my New Year's resolution...usually something along the lines of: SIMPLIFY and ORGANIZE! To me that...
Pajama Day
Who’s ready for a Pajama Day?
Wrapping up a season of wonderful and fun holiday activities, then transitioning back into the routines of school and work can be exhausting. If you’re noticing the days...
Best Gifts for Older Kids Shopping Guide
Today we’re highlighting a few of our favorite items from the Best Gifts for Older Kids Shopping Guide. Whether you're buying for your own children or a distant relative you barely know, our Shopping...
Elf Party: food, entertainment, and more!
If you're hosting a holiday party this year, consider an Elf theme! You can be as extravagant as you want with the decorations - just ask Pinterest! We kept it pretty simple, decorating with...
Best Gifts for Kids Shopping Guide
Today we’re highlighting a few of our favorite items from the Best Gifts for Kids Shopping Guide. Whether you're buying for your own children or a distant relative you barely know, our Shopping Guide...
Best Gifts for Little Kids Shopping Guide
Today we’re highlighting a few of our favorite items from the Best Gifts for Little Kids Shopping Guide. Whether you're buying for your own children or a distant relative you barely know, our Shopping...
Best Gifts for Babies Shopping Guide
Today we’re highlighting a few of our favorite items from the Best Gifts for Babies Shopping Guide. If it’s been a few years since you've bought a gift for a baby, you’ll be amazed...
Sensory Processing Awareness Month: an interview with an occupational therapist
October is Sensory Processing Awareness Month. In recognition of all the kids out there struggling with sensory input, we interviewed an Occupational Therapist to get the inside scoop on what Sensory Processing Disorder is...
Montessori Made Easy
If you’ve spent any time exploring preschool options in the area, you’ve probably come across a few high quality Montessori options. If you aren’t familiar with this method of teaching, you may have been...
Make Reading Fun: Adventure Awaits!
The kids have been back in school for a few weeks in Arizona. If you have an elementary student, they probably have a daily reading assignment. If you're looking for a way to...
Celebrate Sharks with “Jaw-some July” at OdySea Aquarium
Shark Appreciation Day was July 14. To celebrate and raise awareness about these special creatures, OdySea Aquarium has re-named the entire month "Jaw-some July!"
The take-away from this month-long event is for people to better understand...
MantraBand: The Perfect Gift {Giveaway!}
A few months ago, I went out for brunch with a friend who really gets me. She's the kind of friend who can tell when you're having a bad day before you even start...
Celebrate National Eat Your Veggies Day
Families across the country are celebrating National Eat Your Veggies Day on June 17. Whether you have a kale-loving kiddo or you find yourself hiding vegetables from your picky eater, you probably agree that...
How to Plan a Multi-Generational Vacation
Going on a multi-generational vacation can be an incredible experience with careful planning and consideration. Here are a few tips to help make your trip into a dream vacation for the whole family.
Discuss Your...
Make time for yourself, Mama!
Before kids, your life was totally about you. Where you wanted to work, what you wanted to eat, how much sleep you needed (or didn't need!) - it was all up to you. After...