Moms Need Friends is Part II of the "What a Mom Needs Most Series." (Read the introduction and find links to all of the posts in HERE.) ** This post is a bit lengthy because I tried to touch on *somanythings* about moms and friendship. You can always skim through to find what you need most, but BE SURE TO SCROLL TO BOTTOM to find an ACTION STEP + STARBUCKS GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY! I don't think I have to convince you that friendship is important in our lives.
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What Moms Need Most. Part I: Intentional Perspective
Moms Need Intentional Perspective: Part I of the "What Moms Need Most Series." Before I dive into the specific topics I plan to cover in this new series, I feel compelled to begin with something I have found to be foundational to all the rest...I cannot stress this enough. And just to set the stage for what is to come, my plan is to cover each topic in this series in TWO WAYS: One is that of perspective and mindset, which I will lay a foundation for today. The other is
What Moms Need Most. {A New Series to Support the Moms Who Support Everyone Else.}
What Moms Need most is a new series I am so very excited about where I'll be sharing posts to support moms in the very busiest season of their life. Here's the thing: I'm pretty sure there is no one who loves being a mom more than I do. I am crazy in love with my 4 boys and consider it a privilege to be their mom. I'd tell anyone that. It took me a long time, however, to admit (out loud at least) that sometimes I struggled with feeling like while raising THEM, I was
Happy New Year! What’s Coming in 2020? And a Book Giveaway!!
A New Years Post with what I've got planned for 2020 AND a BOOK GIVEAWAY! I'm coming off a few solids weeks of sabbatical from all things online (social media included!) and it was such a sweet time with my family. There was lots of surfing and celebrating (and my parents are here so lots of great meals and laughter.) But we also had some stormy days with time to just hang out and be together. My very favorite thing. It also meant an outdoor photo shoot turned
Fall Coffee Date: Recent World Travels Edition (with great links, recipes, photos, and fun)
Well hello there..end of Novemeber!? Now that's just crazy. How are you guys? My fall has been anything but typical. The theme, it seems, has been TRAVEL. A lot of travel...some planned, some mostly-last-minute. If you follow on social media, you know I just returned from a 3 week trip to both Waco, Texas, and then on to Ericeira, Portugal. Now, that's an interesting travel package, isn't it? :) Well, I went to Waco with Luke and Dave
A Surf Contest Trip to Ericeira, Portugal
BOM DIA! In early November (2019) I had the epic experience of chaperoning my fifteen-year old son, Luke, on a surf trip to Ericeira, Portugal. Luke was selected as one of four kids, (18 and under) to compete in the Quiksilver Young Guns competition this year. Being a Young Gun has been one of Luke's surf-career goals, and it was really exciting to experience this awesome adventure. What is Quiksilver Young Guns contest? Every year Quiksilver hosts a contest
Easy Lentil Veggie Shepherd’s Pie
I love October for so many reasons, only one of which is the return of all of the comfort foods! I'm not great about following seasonal food rules (I could, and do -- eat soup year -'round) but I somehow feel good knowing it's legit time to start making hearty, warm, wintery foods. Yay! Since this Shepherd's Pie recipe has been making the regular rounds in the Swanson household lately, I thought I ought to share it with you. LENTIL, VEGGIE, SHEPHERD'S PIE: There could
25 Things I have Learned from Raising Boys
25 Things I've Learned from Raising my Four Boys Considering the fact that I'm still such a young thing (wait, why are you laughing?) it's hard to believe that two of my four sons are now adults. I mean, legally grown ups and all that. I couldn't be more proud of the young men they are in this season. I treasure who they are, but oh the ache in my heart for every moment we have shared along the way. Last summer, shortly before my oldest packed his bags for his
