• alkmaar_netherlands
    Travel

    Why Alkmaar Netherlands is the Perfect Dutch Base

    November 20, 2025 - By 

    Dreaming of a trip to the Netherlands? Visions of Amsterdam’s canals, windmills, iconic houses, and liberal culture might already be top of mind. Amsterdam is undeniably vibrant and an iconic tourist destination. But there are equally lovely quieter and more affordable alternatives for your home base, just a short train ride away from the hub. Alkmaar Netherlands offers all the Dutch charm with a side of relaxation and is easier on your wallet. Swap Crowds for Charm in Alkmaar Let me introduce you to the wonderful city of Alkmaar Netherlands. Forget what you think you know about needing to be…

  • bridge_in_summer_lined_with_red_flower_planters_and_a_teen_standing_nearby_looking_at_water
    Health

    How to Handle FASD and Running

    November 4, 2025 - By 

    From the moment my youngest child started moving, they were a runner. The kid ran everywhere. in fact, we used to joke that this child ran before they walked, which was pretty accurate and slightly comical, until they started running away. For them, FASD, Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and running went hand in hand. What is Elopement? Elopement is basically when kids with some neurological conditions leave or run away from wherever they currently are. That can be school, home, the mall, the park or any other spot. For some reason their fight or flight reaction is activated and flight…

  • nyhavvvn_copenhagen_denmark
    Travel

    Finding Hygge in Copenhagen

    October 12, 2025 - By 

    Sweater season, leaf peeping, and pumpkin spice everything. There are two types of people in the world: those who love fall and those who, well, don’t. For most of my life, I have fallen squarely into the latter camp. The shorter days felt dreary. The chill in the air added to that feeling. The constant reminder that winter was just around the corner intensified it. But then, we experienced Denmark and finding hygge changed my feelings about the fall months. Finding Hygge in Denmark I went to Copenhagen last year with Payton, and while there we discovered hygge. What is…

  • kings_garden_copenhagen
    Travel

    Discover Kongens Have: Copenhagen’s Gem

    September 17, 2025 - By 

    Copenhagen is a city brimming with history, charm, and an undeniable sense of hygge. While many visitors flock to Nyhavn or Tivoli, another must see is Kongens Have, or the King’s Garden Copenhagen. It’s a peaceful spot with history and culture steeped in every perfectly manicured flowerbed, offering a tranquil escape right in the busy city. The gardens were high on our list of places to visit when we were there last fall. History Meets Horticulture Kongens Have, King’s Garden, is free to visit. For more ideas of budget friendly must sees in Copenhagen, check out the Free Things to…

  • Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen and random tourists walking around sightseeing in the courtyard
    Travel

    Free Things to Do in Copenhagen on a Budget

    September 7, 2025 - By 

    Planning a trip to Copenhagen and worried about your budget? Don’t fret! This city has a reputation for being pricey. However, you can still enjoy its incredible culture and beauty without overspending. That’s right—some of the best experiences in Copenhagen are absolutely free. Getting the Most out of a Visit to Copenhagen To help you get started, I’ve put together a list of fantastic free things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. Get ready to explore the city like a local. Fill your itinerary with a few of these unforgettable, no-cost activities. 1. Stroll through the King’s Garden Nestled right in…

  • Printables

    Back to School Word Scramble

    July 31, 2024 - By 

    As the summer days start to get shorter and the time slips by parents everywhere are happily leaning back into the start off a new school year. The list of things to do is pretty long at this time of year, but the return to routine can be worth it. Post may contain affiliate links. Qualifying purchases mean I make a small commission. Looking for some things to keep them busy or give you a moment of peace and quiet off the screens? This Back to School Word Scramble is easy and fun. Not a bad way to spend a…

  • glasses
    Health

    What to Do if Your Child Needs Glasses

    May 23, 2024 - By 

    Though today’s modern digital age has its perks, it’s also posing unprecedented risks to our eyesight. On average, Canadians spend 3.2 hours a day looking at screens. During this time, they blink less, reducing moisture and causing dry eye syndrome. Though this is easily fixed by using artificial tears, taking screen breaks, and blinking more, the impacts of device use are more apparent among kids than adults. Looking at gadgets up close forces the eye to accommodate close-up vision, elongating the eyeballs and causing myopia (nearsightedness).  Eyesight Changes Kids usually adjust to eyesight changes and may not tell you about them, so…

  • Amsterdam
    Travel

    I Amsterdam City Card

    April 15, 2024 - By 

    I received an I Amsterdam city card in order to facilitate travel in Amsterdam. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. When we booked a last minute adventure to Amsterdam recently saving money was high priority. Europe and saving money? Absolutely. It’s doable if you know how and where to save. Your biggest expenses are the flights, accommodations and meals when you travel, so AirBNB covers off at least two of those items. But what about transportation and attractions? I booked an affordable AirBNB in Alkmaar just outside of Amsterdam and got a fantastic deal on off…

  • crop person holding colorful trading card
    Printables

    Pokemon Colouring Bookmarks

    February 17, 2024 - By 

    True story. During the last few wild and unpredictable years, the kids and I both fell hard for Pokemon Go. It’s a big part of my morning routine and self care and honestly one of the kids still enjoys playing it with me. So, we are fans of all the Pokemon things. We also love reading, which I am sure you know by now. So, here are some cute Pokemon Colouring Bookmarks combining both of our loves. We hope you enjoy. Skip to the end part For years, we have enjoyed Pokemon games and gaming. We’ve been to ComiCon a…

  • Printables

    Bugs Word Scramble for Kids

    February 8, 2024 - By 

    Looking for some fun activities to do with the kids right now? Aren’t we all, if we are parents? I mean isn’t that the standard? This Bugs Word Scramble is perfect for you. Always looking for ways to amuse kids and keep them off of screens or out of mischief? Then you will do well with this cute and easy Bugs Word Scramble with answer sheet. This simple word game is easy to download. If your kids can read, or love word games then they will enjoy this. Bugging Out Bugs don’t need to be terrifying at all. Frankly these…