Whether you make cookies from scratch, buy pre-made dough, go for Pillsbury, or just plain buy them ready-made, Christmas cookies are a memorable tradition for this time of year. Here’s a from-scratch recipe that I use, from Alton Brown. Now, to mentally prepare myself for this day of memory-making.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since moving to Northeast Wisconsin, it’s that the regional flavor goes far beyond the Packers, beer, and cheese. In fact, there’s a whole host of regionalisms that I’m still learning about after coming up on 3 years.

I knew that marrying someone with children and becoming a step-mom would add an interesting twist to the holidays.

However, having a newborn baby can definitely make these next few weeks during the holidays a bit more…challenging to manage. Especially if you are new to breastfeeding.

When asked to write a post about National Stepfamily Day (which is Sept. 16, by the way), I thought it would be another easy installment. After all, step-parenting is something near and dear to my heart.

Environmental stewardship is something I am very passionate about, and it is something that I believe is every parent’s responsibility to teach their child, not just on Earth Day but every day! However, if you don’t know where to start, here are some ideas you can try!

We’re into the holiday season now, folks. And while getting the whole clan together can undoubtedly bring some cherished family memories, it can also make for some not-so-magical moments.</p>

Giving Tuesday is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving, started in 2012, that has continued to grow thanks to the power of social media.

<p>This year, I have tried to maintain my attitude of gratitude. I have tried to focus on turning my complaints into positives, to find the good things I can say about hosting. </p>

<p>So, fast-forward to early September. My little H noticed some Halloween costumes in Target and asked what he would be for Halloween. I told him it was up to him. Shockingly (no, not at all shockingly), he asked if he could be an excavator. I told him I didn&#8217;t think I could make that, to which he replied &#8220;Why? You made a bulldozer. An excavator can&#8217;t be that much harder.&#8221; Touche, kiddo! I knew I could do it.</p>