Home Management

  If I had to pick a go to item in my craft closet, it would be chalkboard paint. It's fast. It's fun. And it has the possibility to bring clarity to a space. Not to mention it's just so...

The end of the school year is right around the corner (small tear rolls down my cheek), and it is about time that I start planning for my children’s teacher gifts. These are my suggestions for great teacher gifts,...

Money can’t buy you love. Yes, of course we all know that. But to pose a question that is probably more important to a busy mom of young children: Can I buy a little uninterrupted “me time”? Like many moms, I...

If you can have an addiction to pictures - I have one. I'm always THAT person in every group setting who insists on taking a picture to document the occasion. Love me or hate me - it's just who I...

There are a million and one ideas out there on creatively displaying, saving and memorializing kids' artwork. Bottom line: it's impossible to preserve every last preschool glitter project or finger-painted masterpiece. Here's just one idea I stole got from...

I did a little trial egg hunt with my almost three-year-old last week and realized that she doesn't quite get it. She was all for me hiding the eggs, but then the "go and find them" part was a...

I have a weakness for sweets. I love sugar and chocolate in just about any form. Lately, I've been working on eating better and being a little bit more moderate with my sweets intake. However, when a friend made...

I've never been afraid to get my hands dirty. In fact, I LOVE figuring out ways to do-it-yourself and save money or just conquer a task or project. Sometimes it works, and I win! And other times...I learn a...

Our family is in the process of moving and it’s been….well… a process! Since I’m right smack in the middle of this adventure, I thought I’d take a little break and share some of my experiences.  Just in case...

I have a slight obsession with cake stands. I love their elegant look. I love the height they create in a table-scape. So naturally when I came across do it yourself instructions to make cake stands out of candle...

There is something incredibly therapeutic about digging, sowing, planting, watering and fertilizing. Getting your hands dirty, the scent of wet earth and the satisfaction that your hard work has paid off in the form of green plants, beautiful flowers and healthy...

My kids love to do things “all by themselves” and this includes putting their DVD movies in and out of the player. Thus it is no surprise to anyone that we have quite a few movies with scratches, some...

Dear Abby Scottsdale Moms, Recently I've been having a problem, and I need your advice. I'm not sure if it has to do with the fact that the sun doesn't shine until after 7am, or my new Anthropologie comforter makes my bed EXTRA...

I always loved watching when Oprah would give tours of her home and office. Colin Cowie would be walking with her and pointing out how her closet was not only organized, but beautiful. Every nook and cranny of her...

From early high school through my mid-twenties I was an expert thrift store shopper. I knew every nearby Salvation Army, Goodwill, thrift and vintage store like the back of my hand. I loved the thrill of the hunt, and...

If you’re new and just stopping in… welcome!  We’re so glad you've found Scottsdale Moms Blog! Today we’re back with another Mommy SOS topic.  If you missed our other Mommy SOS posts be sure to check them out.  We've covered some great...

What are your favorite holiday traditions? Have you incorporated memories from your childhood into the way your family celebrates this time of year now? Have you created new traditions with your children? We asked our Scottsdale Moms Blog Contributors about...

I know you've come to count on me for my honesty about motherhood, my candid thoughts about raising kids, and my deep insight. (Stop laughing!) Well, today is no different, my friend. The first installment of "Things They Forgot to...

I spent a lot of time decorating this past weekend. Did you? While I always end up loving the finished product, the process of decorating is a bit of a roller coaster for me. Every year when it comes...

Cripes wrapping paper is expensive! And the cheap stuff rips and tears. Let's be honest, how a gift is wrapped, matters. When I receive a present where the wrapping is as good as the gift inside, it makes it even more...

This is my favorite time of the year! Every year from Halloween to New Year’s Day is so crazy busy, but so much fun, especially once you have children. I think it is very important to set up your...

Please let me introduce a dear friend of mine.  Her name is Fresh & Easy.  We meet up on a weekly basis. Here's our story... I had never heard of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market before the chain — which is...

The thought of Christmas shopping is driving me more nuts than the sound of Christmas music before Thanksgiving. Really do we need to hear Christmas music for 30+ days?? Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and everything...

It's almost turkey time, friends! To get you in the mood for the big day, we polled our contributor team - looking oh so fabulous in their shiny new head shots from Dream Photograph Studio - on their favorite...

With Thanksgiving literally around the corner, what better way to keep the kiddos busy than with some quality time and crafts. Especially crafts that make your home and table feel festive!  The Thankful Turkey I love this little guy. While I...

I'm not sure if you're like me. You probably aren't. I'm kind of weird. But just in case there are a few of you out there who can relate... Holidays stress me out. Maybe because of my recovering perfectionist personality, or...

I can hardly believe it, but Easton is 11 months old now, which means that I'm in the middle of planning his FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY. How fun! In my planning I've been gathering some great local resources for putting...

A few of my friends - including our own SMB co-founder Joy - are finally getting around to buying an iPhone and have asked for recommendations on which apps are 'must-haves' for mamas. The things about iPhone apps, though, is that there are...

It's been a little bit like the Twilight Zone here at SMB for the past few months... As Steph and I experience some similar challenges with our babies and toddlers we also entered a hard-core-house-hunting endeavor AT THE EXACT...

This is a great project to give your existing furniture an inexpensive update - or give a new piece your own style! Our kitchen bar stools get a lot of use and therefore quite dirty. My daughter Baylor's highchair used to connect...