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Prepping for Company with Big Lots — Tips + Tricks

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Oh, hi, October! And hellooooo, Fall! In our house, this season is very exciting because it’s the start of all things fun. This also means that it’s the start of all things busy. Am I right?!

Personally, I try to prep for the upcoming holidays as much as possible now so that I have less to do later. At crunch time — you know, just before company is coming over — I don’t want to be worrying about things that could have been taken care of.

Lucky for me, this year we’re starting with a blank slate. When we moved into our forever home last year, it was a week before Christmas. I threw the tree up and that was that. So this year I’m excited to decorate on our (literally) blank walls.

Here’s how I’m prepping for the holidays now.

A blank slate doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money. I’ve turned to Big Lots to get all of our holiday dining, decor, and baking goods without breaking the bank!

The Perfect Holiday Tablescape

I chose a neutral setting that allows me to easily use the same table settings for both Thanksgiving and Christmas (and every little party in between). The chargers, plates, and table runner were all super affordable and incredibly on-trend.

plates and chargers with welcome sign
plate and charger with wine decanter

Food Prep Essentials

As I mentioned earlier, I try to make as much food ahead of time as possible. Big Lots has all of the items I need to make my favorite cookies, breads, and bars. They carry all of my favorite baking mixes and other staples like sugar, flour, and vanilla extract so I can make big batches and freeze them. Pro-tip: Wrap the loaves and cookies in plastic before putting them into freezer bags!

Food Prep mixer

The day before hosting, I’ll take my baked goods out of the freezer and put them into these adorable takeaway containers for my guests. That way no one leaves empty-handed!

I can’t wait to host friends and family this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Setting The Bar

There’s so much merriment surrounding the holidays that I want every person that steps into our home to be welcome to celebrate. Part of my hosting-prep includes setting the bar. I want all things cocktail-related to be ready for guests because no one wants to have to run out last minute for sugar or garnish!

Big Lots has everything I need to have a fantastic array of beverage and cocktail options — and the barware to serve them in!

Champagne flutes and coffee maker

Whatever you do, don’t wait! Get that holiday prepping done now so that you can enjoy these moments with your loved ones later.

Tell me — what is your best way to prepare for having company?

the perfect holiday tablescape

Why Wait? Open an Ohio 529 Plan Today

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September is already upon us and the school year is back in full swing! Moms everywhere are already tired of packing lunches, helping with homework, and scrambling for outfits every morning.

But the thing is is that the end of the school year will be here before we know it. And then another Summer will fly by. Then we’ll be starting another school year. And soon enough, those kids we were sending off to kindergarten will be graduating high school. It will all happen before we know it.

As a parent still struggling with their own student loan debt, I knew I wanted to set my own children up for success from the start. So Chad and I started a 529 Plan for Ari when he started school.

Kid in green shirt

What is a 529 Plan?

A 529 Savings Plan is a lot like a 401k. It’s an easy, tax-friendly way to save for your children’s higher education. Ohio’s 529 Plan can be used across the country for 2-year and 4-year programs as well as technical schools.

Ohio’s 529 plan makes it incredibly easy to open and start saving for the future. They offer tools like the College Savings Planner to help you figure out how much your investment will impact your students’ future education. You can also check out this Cost Of Waiting Tool to see just how inaction can negatively impact your higher education finances.

Right now my first grader wants to be a YouTuber. But, heck, at his age I wanted to be a singer. Things change… quickly. In 5 years he may want to be a doctor or even a welder. Who knows.

But I do know that he will have options. He can decide whether a two or 4-year school is in his cards. He can decide if a trade school will be best for him.

First Day of School Dress

It’s so easy to get started.

There are only a few things you truly need to start Ohio’s 529 plan.

  1. Your ID, social security number, telephone number, address, your date of birth, and your mothers maiden name.
  2. The telephone number, social security number, address, and date of birth of your successor (someone to take over the account should something happen to you).
  3. And lastly, the date of birth, telephone number, address, and social security number of the person you’re saving for.

That’s it. Easy peasy, right? Exactly.

Kids on a hay bale

So why wait?

Don’t. Give your children the tools they need to be successful. Engage them in learning and nurture their passions. But also provide them with the financial support they will need in the future, now.

Click here to get started with your very own Ohio 529 Plan.

Hopscotch Image

Leave It To The Pros // Why We Chose A Professionally Installed Home Security System

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GUARDIAN ALARM BUT THE CONTENT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.

It’s hard to believe we’ve already been in our forever home for 7 months! We’ve done so much to make this house a home, but, funny enough, I have yet to hang up any photos or wall decor! I just can’t commit to the placement of things!

Besides not having anything hanging on our walls, the other major difference between this home and our old house was how we decided to protect our investment.

…

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The Kimpton Schofield Hotel Cleveland + Jeni’s Ice Cream // A Match Made In Staycation Heaven

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I’ve been dreaming of one thing for the last 7 years. And last night that dream became a reality. I had my first every staycation, completely alone! 

Sunday afternoon I headed up to Downtown Cleveland to stay at the Kimpton Schofield Hotel to celebrate two things — freedom and National Ice Cream Day!

The Kimpton Schofield Hotel, located directly in the heart of the action on Euclide Avenue, just launched a partnership with local (and now national!) ice cream icon, Jeni’s Ice Cream! And personally, I am HERE FOR IT.

My Mom-Staycation began the moment valet took my keys. At that moment “mom” was off the clock! Moments after unpacking in my room, room service arrived with two pints of Jeni’s Ice Cream and an ice-cold bottle of Prosecco.

A few sips of prosecco and a few spoonfuls of Jeni’s Honey Vanilla Bean were just the welcome I needed. I breathed a collective sigh of relief from all of the motherhood stressors of the last 7 years. It’s amazing how taking time for self-care can change your entire mood, am I right?!

After enjoying my welcome amenities, I stood in awe of the city views from my room windows. Across the street was the iconic Downtown Heinen’s, located in the historic Cleveland Trust Rotunda Building. It was breathtaking to see my favorite city from this angle.

Later, I dined at the incredible on-site restaurant, Parkers Downtown. Yes, I had a solo reservation; and, no, I had no qualms about it.

To start, I ordered a glass of their dryest red. To some, dining alone (or, heck!, even having a glass of wine alone) in a restaurant would be intimidating. But for the first time in a while, I was able to enjoy my dining experience. No kids, no extra chatter, just quiet.

Everything on the menu sounded incredible and I definitely ordered more than I could possibly eat by myself! I ordered the artisan cheese board, loaded fries (with goat cheese and bacon), and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwith (with kimchi and aioli on a brioche bun). Y’all! It was INCREDIBLE. All of it! I tried my best to dine as slowly as possible (a small luxury for those of us with kids), but I am guessing I only lasted about 20 minutes before throwing in the towel and bringing the rest back to my room as leftovers.

Nonetheless, my experience was perfection. The service was so thoughtful, the meal was beyond delicious, and everything was overall exceptional. I look forward to trying out their brunch and happy hour in the future.

My post-dinner excursion included a walk down Euclid Avenue and a loop down East 4th before heading back to my room to revisit those Jeni’s Ice Cream pints! Honestly, as nice as it was to be ‘away’ from everyone and everything, my room at the Kimpton Schofield was so relaxing and inviting with its cozy bed and original artwork, I didn’t want to leave!

SO many thanks to the Kimpton Schofield team for hosting me for an amazing staycation!

What’s your favorite

staycation activity?

 

Latchkey Kids – A Safe Summer With Guardian Alarm

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GUARDIAN ALARM BUT THE CONTENT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN

It’s officially Summer! Can you believe it?! Since school let out, there’s been some chatter amongst a large group of work-at-home moms of which I am in a group on Facebook. We are… struggling. Our kids can be extra demanding without the structure of a school day, and we’re all just doing our best to make it through and (fingers crossed) get a little bit of work done throughout days.

Thankfully, our new home as a huge yard with lots of room to run and play, so I’m doing my best trying to balance our days between being outdoors and finding a time where at least I can be inside getting some work done.

In addition to the huge yard, we have a park and playground adjacent to our house! Approximately 90% of our outdoor moments are spent running on that playground, chasing one another around, and swinging from the monkey bars. How lucky are we, right!?

Well, I consider myself extra lucky because, thanks to Guardian Home Security, I’m able to quickly walk out my back door and with a swipe of my hand, my deadbolt is locked until I put my passcode in upon return. Easy peasy! There are no bulky keys needed to bring with me (or keep track of) on the playground. And I can use my phone and the Total Connect App to unlock the deadbolt as we approach upon our return (very convenient for when it’s starting to rain and I need to get my crew indoors ASAP).

But I also need to allow my oldest to go to the playground with friends (and their parents). And Guardian Alarm makes it incredibly convenient. Ari has his own 4-digit code to unlock the deadbolt; so I can be tending to the girls inside or working, and he can let himself in to get a snack or use the bathroom. I feel so much better about letting him be a pseudo-latchkey kid (which, let me tell you, does not come naturally to me, despite being free to roam the neighborhood myself as a kid).

I try to ease some of my helicopter-parenting-tendencies with the help of the Guardian Alarm camera (which I conveniently have pointed towards the area of the yard where our children play the most). So whilst I’m working in my office, I can glance at my phone and have a clear view of where they are (newsflash: these days it’s almost always on the trampoline).

Truthfully, I was really nervous about this Summer. I was afraid that I would need to be outdoors with my kids 24/7; but, in reality, Guardian Alarm has provided me with even more peace of mind than I imagined. Sure, it’s about keeping our family safe from intruders; but it’s also about giving myself a chance to breathe because I know they are okay.

What’s one way

you give your children

a little freedom

during the Summer?

 

Home Safety at Your Fingertips

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GUARDIAN ALARM BUT THE CONTENT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.

 

Ohh, Memorial Day weekend! We’ve officially been in our home for 6 months — can you believe that?! Where does the time go? As we enter this weekend I feel… calm. Truly, I feel calm. Yes, we will be traveling to visit family and attend various celebrations, but I am breathing a breath of fresh air in the fact that I have not once hesitated on whether or not our home is safe while we are off living our busy lives.

I have to admit, looking back at our situation in our previous home, safety was certainly a concern, but not enough so that we did anything about it. There were many times where Chad was out of town for work and I was left alone with our children, and I just didn’t feel ‘safe.’ I would spend those days (and nights) worrying about a home intruder — just hoping that we would not have to deal with that type of situation. I’m thankful that those fears can now be put to rest.

See, while the kids and I are on the go this Memorial Day weekend, Chad will be off working the entire weekend. But we’ll both be able to monitor the safety and security of our home with Total Connect, the mobile app from Guardian Alarm.

Total Connect allows me to monitor the safety and security of our home when we’re away. I can control the handy lamp module that’s currently installed in our living room so I can effortlessly turn lights off and on (and thus give the appearance that we’re home even when we’re away). I can also check on that big package we’re expecting by live-streaming our Guardian Alarm camera. It’s so handy and easy to use.

I’ve long wondered what the fuss of automation in a security system was all about, but having the Total Connect app at my fingertips has truly changed our lives. Entering the house when I get home from Memorial Day festivities is made so much easier because I’m able to both disarm and unlock our back door with the push of a button.

While we’re off playing in the park, meeting up with friends for playdates, and enjoying the nice, long, weekend, Guardian Alarm will be taking care of the rest.

Now if only Guardian Alarm could help with keeping three crazy kids under control during all of these outings! Ha! I’m kidding, obviously, but I seriously wouldn’t mind if someone invented a teleportation device to effortlessly get us to-and-from our destinations without having to battle traffic!

How are you

 

keeping your home

 

safe and secure

 

this holiday?