Amy Barnes is a freelance writer and editor published at a wide range of sites including Southern Living, Allrecipes, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, Simplemost, USA Today, and many others.
This Simple $150 IKEA Desk Has a Clever Twist Parents Will Love
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
In my house, we’re big on standing desks — my husband uses IKEA’s IDÅSEN while working remotely. So when my (now-young-adult) son needed a durable, functional desk that could grow with him throughout his teen years, we decided to go the standing desk route for him, too.
6 Ways to Turn Your Family Room Couch Into a Therapist's Couch
The world can be a very stressful place for kids. From school to sports, stress plays a big role in how they live and learn. My own kids are driven, high achievers. That is a double-edged sword as they always go full tilt at everything they do but have a harder time with the inevitable failures. I am constantly looking to find ways to relieve their anxiety.
Your family room couch can become a figurative therapist’s couch with these simple tips on reducing stress and anxiety in your kids.Howev...
I Made a Dinner My Family Hates. Now What?
What happens when you make a new recipe and it turns out badly or your family simply hates it? Try these recipe ideas and simple tips for turning around a dinner your family refuses to eat.
A new recipe on social media or one gifted from a friend may seem like the perfect weeknight option. After all, deciding on dinner every night is a tiresome, even dreaded, task. But this recipe is simple, perhaps even just two ingredients, and it certainly seems like something your family would like. What ...
Perimenopausal Depression is the Side Effect Many Women Don't See Coming
Thanks in part to the period positivity movement, it’s normal (and welcome!) for people to talk about their menstrual health like experts. But unfortunately, the same can’t be said for menopause and perimenopause. At age 49, I have certainly experienced my fair share of perimenopausal symptoms. But it was only until recently that I learned about perimenopausal depression—a condition that sits in nearly as much silence as perimenopause itself.eing verified...
The "Baking Tool" Hack That Gets Kids to Actually Eat Every Meal
When I was a kid, my mom constantly used her muffin pan. Around when my kids were 10 years old, though, I realized that my own muffin tins were sitting idle, taking up space, and not living up to my mom’s 1970s and ’80s precedent. I considered how many times I’d actually used my muffin pan.
The "Baking Tool" Hack That Gets Kids to Actually Eat Every Meal
When I was a kid, my mom constantly used her muffin pan. Around when my kids were 10 years old, though, I realized that my own muffin tins were sitting idle, taking up space, and not living up to my mom’s 1970s and ’80s precedent. I considered how many times I’d actually used my muffin pan. For birthdays and class parties? That was basically it, right?mom had...
The “Baking Tool” Hack That Gets Kids to Actually Eat Every Meal
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
When I was a kid, my mom constantly used her muffin pan. Around when my kids were 10 years old, though, I realized that my own muffin tins were sitting idle, taking up space, and not living up to my mom’s 1970s and ’80s precedent. I considered how many times I’d actually used my muffin pan. For birthdays and class parties? That was basically it...
The baking tool hack that gets kids to actually eat every meal
When I was a kid, my mom used her muffin pan. Around when my kids were 10 years old, though, I realized that my own muffin tins were sitting idle, taking up space, and not living up to my mom's 1970s and '80s precedent. I considered how many times I'd actually used my muffin pan. For birthdays and class parties? That was basically it, right?
As campus tours filled our weekends, we began turning prospective college visits with our teens into family vacations
When our two kids were getting ready to choose their colleges, our family's schedule seemed to get busier than ever.
For months, our school breaks and weekends were filled with the same monotonous routine: Drive several hours to a college, take a tour of the campus, and head back home.
Not only were these visits pretty rushed and stressful, but they were also monopolizing our free time as a family of four.
My husband and I work from home and try to follow a nutritious diet. Here are 10 of our favorite groceries to buy at Aldi.
As empty nesters who both work from home, my husband and I try our best to choose nutritious food options while keeping our grocery costs low.
Luckily, shopping at Aldi helps us achieve both of these goals. Here are some of our favorite products to buy.
My husband recently stopped buying Clif Bars and replaced them with the more budget-friendly Elevation energy bars from Aldi.
As campus tours filled our weekends, we began turning prospective college visits with our teens into family vacations
Sending two kids to college meant months of driving to and touring campuses as a family. So, I started turning our campus visits into "tour-cations" with day trips and fun local activities. While learning about schools, we spent time together visiting local restaurants and attractions. When our two kids were getting ready to choose their colleges, our family's schedule seemed to get busier than ever.
15 Dr. Martens knock-offs for under $100
Dr. Martens boots have trended since the 1970s and 80s, and parents might remember wearing Docs with everything from overalls to floaty floral dresses. They may also have sticker shock at today’s prices: At $150 or $200 per pair, Dr. Martens boots and sandals may not be part of the budget. Spending that much on one pair of boots or shoes can feel prohibitive, especi...
Why Southerners Will Always Love Seersucker In Spring
The fabric evokes memories of blooming flowers and warm days, but it's no lightweight in the fashion world.
It's springtime in the South. The weather is warming, the sweet tea is cold, and the proverbial frogs are jumping. There's deviled eggs, glazed ham, and biscuits on the table. Men are strolling in blue-and-white striped suits, while toddlers are in jon jons and dainty dresses with smocked bunnies.
What are their garments made of? It’s a lightweight fabric that makes warm temperatures fe...
All these floral dresses have pockets and are under $50 on Amazon
There’s something special about a twirly, floral dress. Decorating a home with fresh flowers or accessories is a fun option, and decorating yourself as well can make you feel ready for spring!
Pac-Man Principles for Principals
In spite of being 36 years old, Pac-Man’s popularity shows no sign of decline. Well over 90% of Americans recognize Pac-Man, giving this character greater brand awareness than Super Mario. Pac-Man was designed to be non-violent and to appeal to children and females. Here are 12 ways to use Pac-Man principles to up your principal game:
1| Navigate the Maze
Pac-Man needed humans to guide him through his maze. As you navigate your school, use Pac-Man principal principles to help teachers and stu...