I’ve always heard the phrase, “Don’t show up at anyone’s house empty-handed.” So, I was always good for a bottle of wine and, in recent years, a strawberry shortcake from Mariano’s. But, as the world opens back up, gatherings have taken on an added layer of intentionality as we all…
Last month, I found myself in a tug-of-war between a desire to do all of the things and the desire to do none of the things. I was in a summer slump and just wanted to chill HARD. And, I did until we got to that mid-August time frame. With…
In the hustle and flow of life, it’s so easy to become jaded with various every day activities. For me, bath time with the boys often toes that line. Like with many things, I’ve had to reframe my approach to this task for the sake of all parties involved. Here’s…
During the first week of our Bloom Summer of Service Challenge, we focused on fighting hunger as a family. Right after the March 2020 COVID shutdowns, we began to focus more on supporting anti-hunger efforts near us. And, that commitment holds true today. In addition to our recurring donation, the…
Keeping my boys entertained can be a little bit of a challenge sometimes. They largely like the same things but still there are noticeable shifts in what they want to do. One Saturday, we needed to fill a few hours of our time so I had to think quickly about…
July was the month where it really started to feel like summer. We spent more time outside enjoying our garden and doing fun family activities on the weekends. As a working mom, sometimes I feel cheated during the summer. But, I’ve also learned that you have to make the best…
No matter how smoothly our day is going or how many things are going right, there are just things that can happen to take us from highs to the “blahs.” For me, it can sometimes happen so fast that I actually don’t realize what triggered that reaction. Have you been…
It’s no secret that I love guiding my boys to be caring and community-minded. So, I wanted to do expand on our Family Giving Plan and carve out some time this summer to intentionally cultivate kindness through a series of volunteer opportunities. As I thought more and more about what…
Joining a nonprofit board is an important decision. You’re choosing to invest your time, talent, AND treasure in the future of one specific organization. I applaud you if you’ve chosen to pursue board membership. But, before you get too far into the process, you should first ask yourself some questions…
In May, my sister and I traveled downstate to Alton, Illinois for a historic and personal moment. My mother’s brother, David A. Goins, was sworn in as the first Black mayor of the riverside city. It’s been a very long time since I visited Alton for an overnight trip. It…
I'm creating a new path that feels as purpose-driven and fabulous as my previous one. Join me as I hack life to make time for the people and causes that matter most to me. Read More
