because joy is the goal, not perfection
Nine years ago this week I started blogging at This Ain’t the Lyceum. Obviously I can’t let the anniversary go by without a blog post. But rather than reminiscing, I decided to make a few predictions for the future of blogging. Most people are aware that many bloggers have moved over to sharing content on …
Continue reading “Blogging Predictions For The Next Nine Years”
Welcome to Fritunesursday! The new day of Quick Takes which goes live at infinite o’clock! In between the frequent exasperation and gnashing of teeth, which is either giving me wrinkles or toning my facial muscles, I took a look at what was working during our days stuck at home and compiled a list of quarantine …
Continue reading “Quarantine Advice You Didn’t Know You Needed”
I’m just an average parent with five children, but I feel overly qualified to offer you parenting advice. A few friends agreed and asked me their most pressing questions. Here’s what they, and any parent fresh out of boxed wine, should do. I would LOVE advice on how to convince children (7 year old girls …
By this point, everyone has headed back to school. Kids are figuring out their new schedules, teachers, classmates, subjects, and books, while simultaneously trying to decide what to hate the most. Us moms are either trying to get back into the habit of sending kids out the door of the house or car properly dressed …
Growing up I always loved to take those quizzes one finds in teen magazines about “What Kind of Student Are You?”, or “What Type Of Boy Should You Date?”, or “Find Out How You Should Spend Your Weekend!”. I would always eagerly answer each question hopeful that this quiz would provide me with useful information …
Continue reading “A Magazine-Style Quiz That Offers Real Insight”
Everyone is talking about the college bribing scandal, and the lengths some wealthy parents went to to secure their childrens’ admission into a few Ivy League schools. Although somewhat shocking, we need to admit that nothing is more important than enrolling our children into top schools by any means necessary. As Catholics, we know it’s …
Continue reading “Your Child Can Attend the Catholic College of Your Dreams”
It can be hard to find the right gift for your husband year after year. He has all the gadgets and clothes he needs, and you really don’t want another do-dad taking up space in the master bedroom. You’ve searched high and low for the best experience gifts but finding the pickings on Groupon pretty …
Continue reading “The Gift That Keeps On Giving, And Reduces Nagging Too!”
For rent: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, asking (a reasonable sum of money considering we live in NJ) per month Cute bungalow with dark hardwoods through out; great for hiding dark pet fur, and your brunette husband’s beard trimmings. Squeaky floors will deter late night trips to the fridge and promptly wake your sleeping babes for …
In an effort to stay on top of trends, I’m writing my version of a post I’ve seen all over Pinterest. The ‘Spend-Free’ weekend (or week, or month, or sometimes longer if you have a fully stocked pantry of beans). I’m not really to sure why someone would want to voluntarily undertake a spend-free amount …
Most of civilized society is enjoying summer break. For homeschoolers, summer is indistinguishable from the rest of the year because you’re still yelling at your kids all the time, the only difference is now everyone is hot and sweaty. For families with children home from a brick and mortar school, it can be an adjustment …
Self care is a popular, if not sometimes controversial topic for bloggers these days. Some people abhor the word, while others use it to describe everything from naps to gym memberships. I don’t mind the term and use it in my writing, but I don’t think I’ve ever defined it before and perhaps should do …
Continue reading “Seven Ways I’m Caring For My Middle Aged Self”
Ash Wednesday/ St. Valentine’s Day/ the Feast of Sts Cyril and Methodius is right around the corner! How about a few more Valentines to help you celebrate the start of Lent with your sweetheart? DONE! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Need more Valentines? Find some HERE and HERE. On Sunday, we leave for …
Like most folks who spend any time online, I notice that conversations can quickly get out of hand. A simple status or blog post can launch a barrage of angry comments and responses, and pull otherwise sensible people away from their families for longer than they should to argue about something that ultimately doesn’t …