The hustle and bustle of activity during the autumn months always reminds me of how moms practice habits similar to bears going into hibernation. We stock up on soups, tea and cocoa with marshmallows. We bake apple pies and gather corn stalks for decorating. We plan for tailgates and bonfires. We’re encouraged to get in line with the new fall colors for everything from shower curtains to bed linens, because retail buyers know moms are pulling out the comforters in preparation for keeping our families warm on chilly nights. As we get our homes in order for the fall and winter months, it is …

The countdown is almost over for the start of school, signaling the end of summer break. As children cling to the final hours of sleeping-in and playing at leisure, it’s a time of mixed emotions for many parents. Moms and dads have been busy scheduling back to school haircuts, physicals and shopping for clothes and supplies. While the pressure exists to get family affairs in order, there are still a few remaining days and hours to savor the fleeting time with our children before they return to their daily school schedules. Some local Moms shared how they are spending their final days of …

Late one dark Saturday night as my friends and I were making our way toward our car on the west bank of the flats, I felt the uneasy presence we were being followed. Without trying to draw attention I subtly scoped out the situation and confirmed my suspicion. I calmly encouraged my gal pals not to panic but rather to stick together and pick up the pace. Needless to say, my dearest friend immediately screamed and ran for her life. At that point there was no point in trying to be coy any longer, so we all followed suit. The point in sharing this story is that at one time we could identify, or …

It was one of those days when I was making significant progress on my "to do" list. Doctor appointment scheduled-check; work backlog lessened-check, and I was actually getting caught up on a few things. A coupon in my planner was peeking out and served as a reminder to make a hair appointment. I love coupons, and they often fulfill the marketer's intended purpose in my case — to spur business. Fortunately, Carla, my stylist at Gavin Scott Salon and Spa was able to accommodate an extra appointment that afternoon. When I arrived, I did what many people do. I asked for a scissor miracle to fix …

Mother’s Day is a time of celebration and reverence as children of all ages honor their mothers with phone calls, flowers and unique gifts. It’s the one day of the year when appreciation is given for the various roles Mothers play on a daily basis. Whether acting as the family’s personal “nurse” applying bandages or the “chef,” ensuring children receive well-rounded healthy meals, mothers do it all and undoubtedly appreciate this special day when they are acknowledged with heartfelt expression for their love and dedication. Young children may deliver a thoughtful, personally made breakfast in…

The word staycation doesn’t always dream up appealing images of staying at home when the time is available to take a vacation. It almost translates as meaning no vacation. Although after a busy season of sports and activities and craving some down time, I welcomed a staycation over spring break. Hanging out at home was a great way to relax, spend quality time with my family, re-visit some area attractions, try something new and accomplish a few tasks around the house. Fortunately the week started with great weather. It was an ideal opportunity to get outside, exercise and visit the bike and …

It’s the time of year for elegant dresses, corsages, boutonnières and tuxedos. It’s prom season. As May 21 quickly approaches, I can’t help but be reminded of my own high school prom days. There’s excitement in the air and many things to do. Not to mention, for parents, it’s fleeting time with their teenager which is elapsing faster each day. Soon enough, high school seniors will be leaving for college, finding employment and in many cases moving out of the house. Prom is a time to savor during the final days of high school. Stow-Munroe Falls High School Senior Class Advisor Elaine Sayre said…

It’s that time of year again when children commonly ask, “Is the Easter bunny real?" and parents face the agonizing decision of how to respond. Regardless of what they believe, imagine their awe and excitement if they were to see a live rabbit hop out of their brightly colored Easter basket! It would definitely create lasting memories, and save on the candy, too. If adopting a pet is on your agenda a plethora of options are available from which you can choose. Some people find pedigree and papers important, while others are just looking for a companion. If you don’t want to spend hundreds of …

When I was a child, my grandmother, who lived through the Depression, saved everything. Her fruit cellar was full of canned fruits and vegetables she had grown in her own garden, and her main concern was making sure the entire family had plenty of food. We would pick vegetables and often take extras to the neighbors … even the younger woman, Sophie, who lived in the house behind my grandmother's. She didn’t always appreciate Sophie, as her plunging necklines didn’t often meet dress code approval of a more mature woman and her friends. On Saturday mornings my grandmother would pick up my …

After a long week of a normal yet busy routine, it was time for a mom break. My request was a few hours alone to grab a coffee and wind down at the mall. Shopping wasn’t really at the top of my agenda, but it’s always nice to take in the latest fashions and trends on the horizon for the next season. Rather than go to the local mall, I decided a trip to an outdoor destination was in order. After seeing a promo on the morning news for an ice carving event that would be held later that evening at Legacy Village in Beachwood, I soon found myself standing in front of the stage on the green area …

When I got the call that we would have a snow day from school, I don’t know who was more excited – my children or me! As I stumbled down the stairs, the thoughts of going back to sleep motivated me to hurry and let the dog out so I could get back upstairs and turn off the alarm before it rang. Most importantly, I don’t want to become too awake because then the bonus of the snow day will be over before it begins! Sleep is a valued commodity. The benefits of snow days are numerous. We can lounge in our pajamas a little longer than usual, meander to the coffee pot and actually sit and enjoy a …

Any parent who has children in multiple sports and/or activities can understand the challenge of trying to keep up with schedules. It’s sometimes frustrating trying to figure out transportation needs, but most importantly it can be a struggle to show equal support for our children when we can’t be in two places at one time.  This past weekend, when I dropped my 9-year-old daughter off for cheer practice I had an hour and a half to get to my 7-year-old son’s basketball game and back before she was finished with cheerleading. It might not seem like such a daunting task, but here’s how it went…

I have enjoyed writing since … well, as long as I can remember. So it’s no surprise that both of my children enjoy the same method of expression. As a journalism student in college, I became fascinated by the news industry, and I still am today. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a hot news tip and the scramble to get the facts, interviews and be the first to report the story — it’s pretty exhilarating. However, the entire approach to media is changing, along with the way people —adults and children alike — continue to revolutionize how we do business, communicate and even check the …