News
YOU
Posted on May 11 2019
Yes, you.The woman with the empty arms who is forced to navigate things like grocery store aisles and shopping malls where women with children go. Where tiny, bundled-up infants ride snug in carriers on their mothers chests, where toddlers run alongside their mothers feet. You have gotten good at not...
Hair Products We Love
Posted on March 11 2019
Do you dread the days you have to wash and style your hair? I hate how much time it takes so I try to spread those days out as far as possible. I am not an expert or a hair stylist but I have tried several different products over the years....
Easiest Doughnut Recipe Ever
Posted on February 13 2019
One of my favorite memories as a child was making homemade doughnuts with my dad. Now I make them with my kids and over the years we have perfected the recipe. This past weekend while visiting my parents, my dad only had Grands Flaky Biscuits to use for the doughnuts,...
How Reading Gave My Silent Child a Voice
Posted on March 15 2017
When Jericho was born, he had this look about him that made you think he was just going to open his mouth and start talking. He was so stoic. His eyes were so knowing. It was like he understood so much more than any of us ever could, one any minute...
The Reality of My Child's Rare Disease
Posted on February 15 2017
As a parent, you want nothing more than for your children to be healthy, happy, successful humans. You would do anything and everything in your power to protect your kids. You would go to the ends of the earth for them. So when your child is diagnosed with a rare,...
Taking a Parenting Cheat-Day
Posted on January 30 2017
If you've ever dieted before, you're familiar with the idea of a cheat-day. It's essentially a day out of the week (or whatever time frame suites you) that you give yourself a break and indulge on things your diet otherwise wouldn't permit. It's been suggested that allowing yourself a cheat-day actually...
My Postpartum Depression Battle
Posted on January 23 2017
I've always felt awkward and uncomfortable sharing personal things. I don't mind talking about the silly anecdotes of child-rearing or the tips and tricks for marriage I've picked up along the way. But when it comes to the truly, deeply personal issues of my life, there are select few people...
The Beige Phase
Posted on January 20 2017
Today has been a hard day in the Wire household. I have two toddlers fighting off various infections with the help of antibiotics that simultaneously heal their bodies while causing their colons to frequently erupt. I thought once infancy was over so were the blowouts, but that apparently is not...
Mountains and Miracles
Posted on January 18 2017
I would like to introduce you to my son, Finley. Finley is almost five years old. He is obsessed with dinosaurs and sharks, could eat chocolate cake for every meal, and can’t get enough of Teen Titans Go. His most ticklish spot is under his chin, he already plays drums...
Five Bedtime Stories That Will Save Your Life
Posted on January 11 2017
We are HUGE books nerds. Almost every room in our house has at least one pile of books stacked up somewhere. I love taking the boys to the bookstore and letting them pick out a new book. The baby isn't quite so enamored with the written word, but our toddler...
Being the Parent You Never Thought You Would Be
Posted on January 09 2017
Being a parent is hard. I know I’ve said it before and you can bet that I’ll say it again. There’s just no way around it. It’s hard on you physically. It’s hard on you mentally. It’s hard on you emotionally. It’s hard. And the amount scrutiny most parents seem...
An Open Letter to My Children
Posted on December 21 2016
Dear Child, My kind, silly, frustrating child. I love you. Ever since you arrived, I find myself constantly catching my breath. Sometimes, it's because of the sheer beauty that is you. Other times, it's because you are about to dive, head-first, off of the sofa. My heart stops whenever I...
I'll Stuff Your Stocking!
Posted on December 16 2016
First off, this is a helpful guide, not a dangerous threat. Titles can be so misleading. Stocking stuffing is one of my favorite things to do. Even as a kid, I looked forward to picking out little trinkets and filling up my parents’ stockings. Admittedly, however, I was not quite...
Offbeat Traditions
Posted on December 14 2016
I’m a sucker for traditions. There is something about family traditions that makes you feel safe, secure, and home even if you aren’t at your childhood home. As a child I looked forward to the traditions at Christmas even more than the presents from Santa. Every year we would go...
Choosing To Be A Villager
Posted on December 09 2016
We’ve all heard the saying at least a hundred times, “it takes a village.” Once the reality of parenthood sets in, you realize just how much truth is in those four words. With a constant atmosphere of judgement and scrutiny, I’ve noticed more and more that so many of us...
Screw Santa! That Present is From Me!
Posted on December 08 2016
Growing up, I was told right away there was no Santa. It put me in a special, "in the know" club of kids, but it also made leaving my house a little awkward from October-December. "Have you been a good girl for Santa this year?!?!" Cashiers would excitedly beam at...
Dear Friend Without Kids, Your Help is Hurtful
Posted on December 07 2016
Growing up, my mother was, for lack of a better term, a hard-ass when it came to manners. She was very by-the-Miss-Manners-book about it all, teaching me how to properly interject in a conversation when I needed the immediate attention of an adult, how to properly get the last bit...
The Shame of Secrets - An Adoption Story
Posted on November 28 2016
My eyes were loosely covered with a sanitized towel to prevent me from seeing the baby that would soon emerge from my adolescent, girlish body. The dim light of the room seemed to muffle the voices like a blanket, secretive in their purposes to not only aid in the delivery...
2016 Holiday Gift Guide
Posted on November 22 2016
The countdown to the holidays has begun! Finding the perfect gifts for all of your loved ones can sometimes be overwhelming, so we've compiled a list of twelve of our favorite shops that are sure to have something for each and every person on your "nice" list. All of the shops featured...
My Daughter's First Mother: An Adoption Story
Posted on November 09 2016
I am so excited to be here to share with you about adoption! My name is Naomi, and I am the creator behind the shop Eli&Ryn. Adoption is so close to my heart. I am blessed to be a mama to two beautiful children through adoption. You may have seen...
Replacing Your Gossip with Grace
Posted on November 07 2016
I have started, deleted, and restarted today's blog three times. It isn't so much that I don't have anything to write about as it is that I am absolutely exhausted. I spent most of last week too sick to function and now I'm flying solo while my husband is away...
Favorite Fall Soups (Part 1. Chicken & Dumplings)
Posted on November 02 2016
I feel a little cheated living in Florida during the cold-weather months, because it's in the mid-80's and yet I've still managed to catch a cold. Nothing beats homemade comfort food when you're sick, especially soup. Growing up, one of my favorite dishes my mother would make was chicken and...
Keeping You Kids on a Short Leash - Literally
Posted on October 26 2016
I will be the first to admit that I was a pretty critical person before I had my first son. I had an opinion about everything and passed some pretty harsh judgement on parents because I thought I knew better. And I was sure I would do a better job...
Making Date-Nights Consistent Without Breaking the Bank
Posted on October 21 2016
The elusive date night. So rare. So majestic. So needed. It doesn't matter how long you've been married, it is such a vital thing to continue to date your spouse. But how can you make date night a consistent thing without shelling out oodles of dough? I mean, between the...
For the Love of Lipstick (a Product Review)
Posted on October 19 2016
I've been on a huge lipstick kick lately. I've been trying a new brand or new shade at least once a week (let's be honest, usually more than that) and, while I have found some awesome ones, I've struck out quite a few times. There are so many options out...
Pretty Is As Pretty Does
Posted on October 12 2016
Before I had my first baby, I swore up and down that I would never be that mom who stayed in sweats all day. And I most certainly would never, EVER be that mom that actually left the house in sweats. I was confident that I would be able to...
Making Time for Intimacy
Posted on October 10 2016
Having kids is hard. There's really no other way to put it. It's hard. It creates struggles in every aspect of your life. Don't get me wrong, the struggling is absolutely worth it, and i understand each one to be a blessing in it's own right. That still doesn't change...
The Power of a Best-Mama-Friend
Posted on October 07 2016
There are few things more powerful than friendship, especially the friendship between mothers. In a world where everyone seems to be so acutely focused on tearing each other a part and judging every move their fellow man makes, finding a kindred mama friend is immeasurably precious. One of the deepest...
Getting Down with the Sickness
Posted on October 05 2016
This is, in my opinion, the best time of year. I love the cold weather and the beautiful colors of fall. I love buying new flannel sheets and cozy sweaters. I love being able to have a hot cup of coffee and not immediately sweat it out. I love it all....
TOP 10 ESSENTIALS FOR NURSING
Posted on September 26 2016
By Bethanie Garcia Three kids and three VERY different breastfeeding journeys later… I think I have experienced just about every obstacle a nursing mama could face. I’ve tried just about every product on the market, some with fierce victory, others will intense failure. While the only real nursing essential is boobs, I believe...
HOW CAN YOU LOVE SOMEONE SO MUCH?
Posted on September 25 2016
By Julianna Lowe Just want to warn you this is going to be one of those sappy posts. Lately I keep getting this overwhelming feeling of just how much I love the tiny human I created and I don’t know what it is lately that makes that feeling creep up. ...
MOMMIN' ALL DAY EVERYDAY (Small Shop Feature)
Posted on September 19 2016
By: Christina Patricio As mothers, our job never ends. Yes, it is a job and don't let anyone tell you it isn't. We have so many titles; we are a chef, maid, cheerleader, hairstylist, driver, teacher, nurse, counselor, toy repair expert, art director, potty trainer, lifeguard, personal shopper, play date...
A Small Shop Guide: The Cutest Halloween Clothing For Kids and Moms
Posted on September 13 2016
I know I'm not the only one gearing up for the holiday season, because several people have requested a small shop round-up of Halloween clothing! I had so much fun finding Halloween themed clothing from my favorite small shops. My favorites include "Ghoul Next Door" and "Just Here For The...
WHY THIS MAMA KEPT HER SON'S JEANS FOR 18 YEARS...
Posted on September 11 2016
By Brianne Geiger It's not every day I come across a Mama that makes me feel like we are kindred spirits just after a couple quick sentence exchanges online. This is one of those days. And I warn you, you may need tissue for this post… I am in a...
The Day My Kids Broke Me
Posted on September 10 2016
Top Gun Shirts from Wire & Honey @wireandhoney I walk behind them picking up their legos, cleaning up their goldfish that have left a trail to their next destination, their next adventure. After the ninth meltdown of the day I find myself crying with them; wondering if I will...
Dear Mama, Give Yourself Some Grace
Posted on September 06 2016
By Ashlee Nichols Dear Mama,Give yourself some grace. This mommin’ thing ain’t easy.The days are long, but the years are short. The time spent cleaning up play-doh and splattered mac-and-cheese will soon be spent mending broken hearts. The days spent drawing with sidewalk chalk will soon be spent curling hair...
I'm "Just A Mom"
Posted on August 25 2016
I am just a mom.
I didn’t finish college.
I put my career on hold to be home more.
I got married at 21. Pregnant by 22.
5 Things I've Learned In My Son's First 5 Months Of Life
Posted on August 21 2016
By Jennifer Brock I admire babies. They have so much to learn from us but they also teach us so much. My son has learned so much in the short period of time he has been on this earth. I remember when he was born like it was yesterday and now...
Please Don't Call My Son Shy
Posted on August 20 2016
By JeeYoung W. (Simply + Every Blog) Of all the labels and stereotypes I’ve heard throughout my life, the one that impacts me most, is one that I hear often about my son. “Oh he’s so shy.” Ever since he was a little baby, A, my oldest has always been...
Letter To The Mom Who Does It All
Posted on August 16 2016
By Shannan Panganiban Dear Mom That Does It All, I know right now you’re thinking, “that’s not me” but it is. It’s you. I know that as the days go by and your to-do list never gets any shorter you may not think you’re truly accomplishing it all. But you are....
5 Tips For Dressing Your Postpartum Body
Posted on August 11 2016
By Lindsay Rutland It's pretty hard to believe that I have been a mom for a little over 3 months already! Harper turned 13 weeks old last week, and it really is incredible how quickly time flies once you become a parent. I feel like my body is finally only...
Preparing For A New School Year (and 15 books for preschool!)
Posted on August 09 2016
Carter starts a new year of preschool in the next couple weeks. I am seriously crying as I type this. We have had so much fun this summer. I try to do one fun activity a day with the kids. We have been to Bravo Farms, the zoo several times,...
A Love Letter To All Moms
Posted on August 05 2016
By Jessica Hughes Dear Mom, I love you. Yes you. With the macaroni in your hair, the spit-up on your shirt, and the load of laundry at your feet. Or you, trying to wrangle a toddler into her carseat before you get yelled at AGAIN by daycare for being late....
Back To School: The Best Gifts For Teachers
Posted on August 04 2016
By Bethanie Garcia It's about that time... back to school!If you're a teacher, we created an amazing collection of products that will help you transition back to school effortlessly! And if you're a parent, each of these items would make amazing gifts for your child's teacher! 1. Emily Ley's The Simplified...
Keep Them Wild: 5 Benefits that Come with Having a Wild Child
Posted on August 03 2016
"Oh she's a wild one!" This is one of the most common things I hear when people are meeting my daughter for the first time. It doesn't surprise me, she is wild, but what does surprise me is that some people say it in a negative tone. I love having...
5 Small Shops You NEED For Decorating A Nursery!
Posted on August 01 2016
By: Brittany McGee Planning a nursery is one of the most exciting things you get to do as a mom. I think I speak for most of us when I say you spend hours pinning everything from crib sheets to the perfect side tables. Well today I’m sharing my 5...
The ULTIMATE Small Shop Guide (Over 50 of the BEST small shops!)
Posted on August 01 2016
By Bethanie Garcia Shopping small and supporting small businesses is really important to me! Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and the epitome of the American dream! I've rounded up the BEST small shops in the business with the CUTEST products! Whether you're in the market for clothes,...
Puffy Paint Ice Cream Cone
Posted on July 25 2016
Hello! I'm so honored to be posting here today! My name is Stefanie and I live in Pittsburgh with my husband and our four children. You can find me wrangling the chaos at Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too. My husband and I lovingly refer to our children as...
7 Mom-Run Instagram Accounts You Should Already Be Following
Posted on July 23 2016
By: Shari Wargo Stamps Between breastfeeding the baby and making dinner there isn't a lot of time to really sit down and do some crafts or read a whole blog post all the time, which is why Instagram has been so big for moms. It's visually stunning, quiet (because you have...
