As a mom, there are many small and sometimes major moments that signal to you that your kids are getting older and they’re no longer babies. Some of these moments cause a sigh of relief… like when they’re potty trained, when they can feed themselves and when they finally stop sticking everything in their mouths. But some are a little more bittersweet… like when they’re embarrassed to have you kiss them when you drop them off at school, or when your daughter starts to rebuff the pretty, fluffy bows you’ve been sticking in her hair for years. That last one especially stings me lately. (more…)

When we moved to Florida last year I was elated. I’ve always loved the beach and jumped at the chance to live close to it. Perpetual sunshine and palm trees? Sign me up! Then hurricane season comes and I think most people would be lying if they said it didn’t make them question living near the Florida coast.

I still love Florida with all my heart but hurricane evacuation is not easy. I totally understand why a lot of people stay. First of all, the predictions are so flexible you can easily talk yourself into thinking it won’t come your way, it won’t make landfall near you and the pre-storm hysteria will be much ado about nothing. Second, a lot of people have nowhere to go and/or no way to afford to go. Aside from being emotionally draining, evacuating to another town or another state can be expensive. Here are a few ways to keep some of your money and sanity. (more…)