Tuesday, December 1, 2020

12 Ways to Spread Joy During the Holidays

The holiday season has officially arrived and this year we are focusing on the gift of giving with our kids. Spreading kindness through random acts of kindness and paying it forward is something I personally love doing and I'm excited to see my kids and others experience that joy!

12 Ways to Spread Joy During the Holidays + FREE Printable

Thursday, November 19, 2020

7 Tips for the Perfect Pie + Recipes

I am proud to call myself my family's resident pie-maker and I enjoy making pie for the holidays, celebrating birthdays, for the county fair and my church's ice cream social.  Making pies really is a simple process, but there is a lot of fear in doing it right.  So I'm here to share my 7 tips to help you make the perfect pie!

7 Tips for the Perfect Pie + Favorite Pie Recipes

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

10 products you need to buy at Kwik Star other than fuel

When Kwik Star entered my life five years ago I never knew I'd become such a faithful shopper for everything from fuel for my vehicle, to bananas for my daily breakfast, to kitchen staples like milk, eggs and butter.  It has been fun to see the growth and expansion of Kwik Stars across Iowa and sharing with family and friends when they get a new store close to them what deals they should look for and what my family's favorite products are.

10 products you need to buy at Kwik Star other than fuel

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

6 Week Holiday Checklist + FREE Printable

The holiday season is full of fun, laughter and good times with family and friends.  And if you let it, the holidays can be full of stress too.  I have always been a planner, and I like to think that my family and friends appreciate that.  So I'm sharing my 6 Week Holiday Checklist that helps me stay organized and enjoy the holidays!

6 Week Holiday Checklist + FREE Printable

Download a FREE Printable of my 6 Week Holiday Checklist
to help you stay organized and enjoy the holiday season

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Thursday, August 27, 2020

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

As soon as the kids get off the bus, they're ready for a snack!  So build an After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board with all of their favorites!

After School Sheet Pan Charcuterie Board

Friday, August 21, 2020

We couldn't have asked for a better dog

We came to the end of an era on our farm.  Bailey, our old faithful dog, passed away after over 12 1/2 years of companionship.  We got her as a wedding gift from one of my sisters and she has been a special part of our family and farm ever since.

Farm Dog Tribute

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

How to Create Your Own Family Adventure

From camping in the backyard, to hiking at different state parks, to exploring our "backyard", our family is always up for an adventure and this summer has made a point of planning an adventure each week.  Here are some tips and ideas to help you and your family to make your own fun and go on an adventure of your own: 

How to Create Your Own Family Adventure

Saturday, July 4, 2020

Knee High by the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate our country's independence, show off your patriotism, spend time with family and friends, shoot off fireworks and check crops.  It's been tradition for decades that farmers check their crops, especially corn, to see if it is "Knee High by the 4th of July."  Now while knee high isn't the benchmark for farmers anymore due to hybridization and improved genetics, it is still a fun tradition for our family to benchmark our corn (and family's) growth every year (see 2019201820172016201520142013 and 2012).

Knee High by the 4th of July Iowa Corn 2020

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Sweet Treats in Jewell, Iowa

We wrapped up our 7th Annual Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip by stopping at Sweet Treats in Jewell, Iowa.  This seasonal ice cream stand serves homemade ice cream every night during the summer and is popular at area events in their ice cream truck, as well as a long time vendor at the Des Moines Farmers Market.

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Sweet Treats in Jewell, Iowa

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at WW Homestead Dairy

Week Three of our Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip brought us to Waukon, Iowa, home of WW Homestead DairyWW Homestead Dairy is owned by two multi-generation dairy families that produce a variety of farm-fresh dairy products including over 30 flavors of homemade ice cream!

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at WW Homestead Dairy, Waukon, Iowa

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

3 Weekly Habits for Every Mom

One of the best ways for a busy Mom to stay organized and improve her mindset is to create routines and helpful habits.  The three weekly habits will help you get yourself focused and prepared for the week ahead.

3 Weekly Habits for Every Mom

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Bristow Ice Cream Shack

For the last seven years our family has went on an Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip every June in recognition of National Dairy Month.  To start off this year's road trip we stayed fairly close to home and checked out the Bristow Ice Cream Shack, serving up soft serve ice cream treats during the summer at Memorial Park next to the town's Splash Pad.

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Bristow Ice Cream Shack

Saturday, May 30, 2020

North Central Iowa Freedom Rock Tour

Our family loves a good road trip and one of our family's traditions is to visit the different county Iowa Freedom Rocks across the state.  By the end of 2020, all 99 counties will have unique painted murals, showcasing local heroes and stories honoring area veterans painted by Iowa artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II.  Here is a look at all of the county Freedom Rocks located in North Central Iowa.

North Central Iowa Freedom Rock Tour - the perfect family road trip

Saturday, May 23, 2020

2020 Family Summer Bucket List + FREE Printable

2020 has turned into quite a year!  There is still some unknown for the upcoming days, weeks and even months, but our family didn't want the coronavirus to stop us from having some summer fun!  So the kids and I sat down earlier this week and made our annual Summer Bucket List!

2020 Family Summer Bucket List + FREE Printable

Create your own Summer Bucket List with my FREE Printable
As a to-do list fan I love the bullet notes and calendar space so you can think how to schedule everything ðŸ˜‰

Friday, May 1, 2020

Authentic Enchiladas Verdes

This winter I was excited to sign up for my local Hispanic cultural center, La Luz Centro Cultural's monthly cooking class series.  The first class was held in February and featured Authentic Enchiladas Verdes.  Today I'm going to be sharing with you a modification of the recipe they shared with us in honor of Cindo de Mayo coming up next week, because couldn't we all use a little celebration and delicious Mexican food in our life!


Authentic Enchiladas Verdes #CincodeMayoRecipe

Friday, April 3, 2020

Comfort Food Classic - Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Anyone else craving comfort food these days? I will admit, it has been a little crazy around here lately between having the kids at home and getting ready for spring planting and it has all added up to me wanting a simple, carb loaded, cheesy dish to end my day with.  Let me introduce you to my go to Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole recipe!

Comfort Food Classic - Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole - perfect for Easter breakfast or dinner

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

7 Daily Habits for Every Mom

A little over nine years ago I got the best job that I had always dreamed about... I became a Mom.  And then a couple years after that I got to become a Mom again, and a couple years later a Mom again and a year later a Mom again.  I feel so lucky to be a Mom of four kids and I am always learning and growing how to be a better Mom.  Over my years of motherhood I have picked up some daily habits that not only help me personally, but help my family too.
7 Daily Habits for Every Mom from a Mom of 4

Monday, March 16, 2020

30 Ideas for When School is Closed

It is always exciting when you first hear that school is closed to think about how you can sleep in and relax, but after the initial day you may be looking for some things to do to combat boredom for your kids and yourself.  Today was Day 1 of a four-week period that my kids will be home due to our school being closed to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  During this time at home, my kids decided we should make a bucket list of things to do, so I thought I'd share our ideas with you!

30 Ideas for When School is Closed - Indoor and Outdoor Activities from Home