Nothing beats a homemade gift. Mothers, in particular, appreciate the effort and creativity that go into something handmade rather than store bought.

I remember the warm days of summer—playing with my friends until we could barely see to ride our bikes home. Looking back I realize that may not have been the safest thing to do. As the days get longer and kids start spending more time outside, their risk of bumps, dings, and breaks increases.

When it comes to your living areas, there’s one fail proof test for your organization – turn off all the lights and try to navigate your house.

It’s tax season. By now many of you have already done the math, filled out the forms, pulled out your hair, and dropped your paperwork in the mail. Was it as simple as you hoped it would be?

There’s one thing that’s certain about taxes – you’ll be filing loads of paperwork before, during, and after you submit them.

this is a test

When it comes to organizing your home, all it takes is keeping up with the small things – putting things away where they go, clearing the dust from various surfaces, wiping down the nooks and crannies. But fall behind, and these tasks can pile up faster than your kids’ mismatched socks.

Spring is so close I can almost smell it. I love that wonderful, earthy aroma that brings with it the promise of new life. It puts me in a good mood just thinking about it. For me, springtime is about rebirth and renewal. It’s almost like the New Year begins in March rather than January.

WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway. It sounds like several of you could really use a dry-erase board (or two) around the house - now you know where to get the best ones. As for the lucky winner who will be enjoying a Board Dudes magnetic dry-erase board for free? Congratulations are in order to our randomly selected winner:

As a kid I didn’t like the days following the holidays. I didn’t want to see the decorations come down or watch Dad drag the tree to the curb. Some things never change.

But there is a part of me that’s glad to be returning to the normal routine — grateful to regain the use of the family room and to finally get the toys off the floor. (Talk about barefoot hazards.) There’s one problem though. The kids’ closets and toy boxes are already brimming with stuff.