They really do make every holiday better don't they...... More »

This is my backpack. I am in love with my backpack. I realize that it isn't high fashion and that I look like a total college student when I'm schlepping around with my lime green backpack, but I refuse to change my ways. I've tried more "grown-up" looking bags and briefcases but I have yet to find anything as comfortable, versatile or efficient as my backpack. One of my favorite features is the number of pockets. There are just enough to keep things separated but not enough that you spend 15 minutes searching through every pocket trying to remember where you put something.... More »

This weekend my family celebrated one of our favorite holidays. Saturday night we gathered with friends for our annual Ground Hog's Day party. Yes, you read that right, Ground Hog's Day. When my mom and dad were first married they had an annual Christmas party for all of their friends. As the years passed and people started families of their own it got harder and harder to find a time that worked for everyone. That's when my dad decided it was time to move the party. He chose the next holiday on the calendar, which happened to be Ground Hog's Day. Over the years... More »

Overdoor Pocket Bags (otherwise known as overdoor shoe bags)Of all the various organizers I have in my house, these are my favorites. By far.Until recently these over-the-door bags were marketed mainly for shoes. I have to say I was ahead of the curve as far as finding other uses for them. I wager that I could find a use for one of these in every room of the house. Bedroom: Obviously shoes, but also other accessories like small purses and wallets. You could also use them to store socks and underwear if you are short on drawer space. Bathroom: The pockets are the perfect... More »

Most of January has consisted of me stranded alone in my house with both kids. Save a couple of visits to and from grandparents, it's been just the three of us. Instead of focusing on how ridiculous and overwhelming my situation is I've decided to start finding all the positives. 1. I can eat all the Double Stuff Oreos I want. I can even eat just the centers and throw the cookie part away! Not that I've done that mind you. Really who just eats the centers of their Oreos. 2. I can drink all the Diet Coke I want with no... More »

It's Friday again! Time for more of Jen's favorite things! This week I want to talk about:Cosmetic BagsI have, no joke, at least 30 cosmetic bags of varying sizes tucked in all the corners of my house. I find them to be one of my most versatile organizing tools. Here are a few of the places that I use them: Bathroom: My everyday make up is kept all neat and tidy in a drawer organizer but I use bags to hold my make-up that stays in my travel bag. I also use them to hold extra toiletries such as spare sample/travel size... More »

My family is in the process of a move. Many people have asked us why we are moving, especially now. Granted, it's not the most opportune time for a move (middle of winter, new baby, etc) and we absolutely love everything about the town and house we live in. We have great friends and a great community. And yet, we're picking up and moving. Let me tell you why. Family. I am absolutely willing to give up everything I love about our current home to be closer to my family. I grew up surrounded by family, I played with my cousins every day.... More »

The kids and I are traveling this week. We're splitting our time at the grandparents houses because I simply couldn't spend another week snowed in alone with both of my children. We were all going a little stir crazy. Seriously I have no idea how single parents do it, although I guess there aren't a lot of single-stay-at-home parents. It's really nice that I'm able to pick up and go with the kids since my husband is out of town all week but holy moses I am going to need a bigger car. This is the list of items I had... More »

Forgive the kitschy title but I wanted to start a (hopefully) weekly column in which I share with you some of my favorite products. Usually they will serve some sort of organizational function, because let's face it, those are my favorite things. Sometimes they will be items that I have, sometimes they will be items that I covet. **************Milk Crate Baskets!These baskets were totally bought on a whim one day at Target and have since become one of the most useful objects in my house. They are the perfect size to hold an assortment of toys that can be carried around... More »

There just really is something about a little girl with a flower in her hair.It makes some of the hurt melt away. ... More »