Lifestyle

The Plus-Sized Mama: Why I Tried Dia&Co

March 3, 2019 By Ashley McKeown 2 Comments

This mama hates shopping for plus size clothing.

You can read more about what it’s like to shop when you don’t fit into anything here, but for this article, let’s stick with one aspect of plus size clothing that sucks: it’s hard to find.

I live near a huge outlet mall. It’s a tourist hot spot that’s always busy. There are at least 100+ stores there, but I can only fit into clothing in about four of them. And of those four stores, it’s rare for me to find clothing I actually like. [Read more…] about The Plus-Sized Mama: Why I Tried Dia&Co

How To Choose Your Word Of The Year

December 26, 2018 By Ashley McKeown 2 Comments

I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions.

I’m a pretty practical and realistic person, and while I do have personal goals, I know my limits. I know that setting a goal to read the entire Bible in a whole year, lose XX lbs, turn digital, or run a marathon with no experience is setting myself up for failure.

I’m not saying that these things are impossible or unattainable, and I do think it’s important to dream big. But I also know what I want in life and how hard it can be to fall short of my goals.

[Read more…]

Stocking Stuffers Under $15 That Mom Will Love

December 18, 2018 By Ashley McKeown 10 Comments

Christmas is almost here!

You’ve already finished your holiday shopping, all the presents are wrapped, and you have plenty of time to sit back and relax with some hot chocolate, right…?

Don’t worry, I’m totally kidding! I get it – the holidays are a mad dash to the finish line. And if you’re like me, you always seem to forget something from your to-do list.

[Read more…]

The Bedding Hack That Improved My Sleep

December 13, 2018 By Ashley McKeown Leave a Comment

I used to hate memory foam.

I sleep hot, and I always found memory foam to be stifling. So four years ago when our mattress was at the end of its life and my husband suggested a memory foam mattress topper, it took a lot of convincing before I was willing to give it a try.

We ordered this* memory foam topper from Amazon based on the price and great reviews. We removed it from the box and set it out so it could reach the correct height. Then before bedtime, we lifted it onto our mattress and settled in for a night of – hopefully – wonderful sleep. [Read more…] about The Bedding Hack That Improved My Sleep

Christmas Gifts Under $50 for the Cool Mom

November 17, 2018 By Ashley McKeown Leave a Comment

What are you gifting your mom this Christmas?

Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start gift-hunting for friends and loved ones (check out my list of toddler stocking stuffers).

Luckily, I’ve got you covered with a few people! Whether you’re shopping for your mom, your mom bestie, your book club’s gift exchange, or yourself (no judgment!), these gifts for the ‘cool’ mom are sure to be winners.

I personally dislike braving the Minnesota cold and holiday crowds, so I do most of my Christmas shopping online. It’s hard to beat shopping in my PJs and 2-day free shipping.

[Read more…]