Author: Julie Meyers Pron

Has your husband been itching to try camping with your preschooler, but you weren’t sure the family was old enough yet? Here are a few great Father’s Day gifts for families who love, or want to love, the outdoors. We’ll start with the obvious. Going camping? You’ll need a tent. We have one like this, which is perfect for the whole family. There’s plenty of room for everyone to move around, store their things… and sleep. For a backyard camping family, you aren’t going to need to spend oodles of cash, so look for a tent under $100. Even if…

Getting ready for a weekend camping with your family? Make sure you bring a few simple items so that you’ll be set with some activities for learning and bonding. Going camping this summer? Download Rei’s family camping checklist before you go. What activities are you planning to do with your kids?

Inspired by the March 2012 (yes, March 2012, that’s not a typo) issue of ShopSmart magazine, I asked colleagues what one item has changed their life and why. Figuring this would be a great opportunity to share some fabulous new products that make a difference in moms’ lives, I was surprised at some of the depth, as some of these Moms shared things in their lives, not just tangible items. The only rule: Because I expected 90% of these women to say the iPhone, I took that option off the table. There were so many answers and so much insight that I’m breaking…

Every now and again, I have friends ask me how I got started in blogging. How they can “live the life,” we bloggers live. They want to “pick my brain.” I know a lot of bloggers are shaking their heads right now. First suggestion: don’t use that phrase when you’re talking to a blogger. We don’t really like to have our brains picked. Brains are a vital part of us, and picking brains is just gross. Many of those friends have already created their blogs (if you haven’t, read Mom Blogging: How do I start? first). But now they’re stuck. Things aren’t…

According to Digital Mom, there are over 3.9 million mom blogs on the internet. Add to that the infinite number of blogs, and it makes you wonder how some of my peers haven’t caught the blogging bug yet. I’ve talked to a few friends who ask, “How do I get started blogging?” What tips do you have? What do I need to do to start my blog and get it moving? How do I get started blogging? Um. You start. No really. If you want to blog to share favorite photos and stories of your family with family and friends, if you…

Instagram has quickly become a favorite social media outlet. (In fact, if you aren’t following me yet, you should click right over and follow me there.) Go ahead. I can wait. Okay, now that we’ve fixed that little glitch, let’s talk about how Instagram can work for you. Once, long, long ago, Instagram was only about sharing moments in an instant. And a lot of us want it to stay that way. I’m sorry. It didn’t. It can’t. Not really. Like most popular social media things in the world, it’s become about marketing. But that’s not necessarily bad for you. It…

When you’re aspiring to become a better chef, it can be difficult to know where to start, especially when cooking is a hobby and you don’t want to spend a lot of money. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can improve your cooking skills without spending a fortune on classes or specialty cookware. Thanks to mobile technology and applications (apps), you can work on your culinary craft in your kitchen. ChefsFeed App Like any art form, culinary art needs inspiration. Eating at new, exciting restaurants, trying new foods, and researching food trends as well as classic recipes help…

Feed-in braids are the latest hairstyle trend taking the fashion world by storm. They are a style of braided hair that is built up slowly with hair extensions. The name “feed-in braids” is derived from the fact that bits of hair extensions are fed in as the braid is built, giving it a fuller and longer look. Hair braiding is a creative activity, and there are always ways to get better at it. Upgrade your skills this season by embracing feed-in braids. This method mixes in some fake hair with your natural braids to make it look like your cornrows…

Have you ever heard of silver sandals? Simply put, they’re sandals with a silver-tone finish on the straps or the entire shoe. They can be made of metal, plastic, or leather and come in a variety of styles, from flat to high-heeled. Silver sandals have a rich history that goes back to ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome. Can you believe that both men and women used to wear them back then? Over time, they have evolved and become a staple in modern fashion. They’ve become quite the symbol of style and elegance. Read Also: Naked Wolfe Boots: Are They…

Yellow shoes are a bold and daring footwear option that can instantly add a pop of color to any outfit. While some may view yellow shoes as a passing trend, they have been a staple in the fashion world for decades and continue to be a popular choice for those who are not afraid to make a statement. The History Yellow shoes have been a part of fashion history for centuries, with roots tracing back to the Renaissance era. They were considered a royal color in the 1600s, and only the wealthiest people were allowed to wear them. Over time,…