Author: Julie Meyers Pron

Recently, I learned just how intense back to school is for moms. It’s not just a transition for the student; it’s also one for the parents. We adjust to new schedules. We meet teachers and make friends and lunches and breakfasts. We’re running from soccer to scouts to swim lessons and shuffling homework and family time and playdates. You know what’s usually forgotten? The mom. The MOM. The mom who makes lunch and breakfast and drives the carpool and prepares a snack for all 8 kids that came to her home after the school bus dropped off the kids, not…

We were invited out for breakfast Saturday morning, but, knowing how my kids would much prefer a laid-back Saturday morning at the house, I offered to host a brunch. I had been sent a sampler pack of Udi’s Gluten Free Bread loaves and searched for a recipe that I could prepare the night before, using their bread. I finally combined a few recipes and came up with my own: Gluten Free French Toast Bake, a make-ahead breakfast casserole. This recipe can be prepared Gluten Free by using Gluten Free breads and flour, or “regular” using whole wheat flour and a loaf of your favorite…

So, in last week’s Fashion Friday post, I mentioned that stripes are in style this coming spring, and then I walked through Target with Little yesterday, and WOW! There are stripes everywhere! Here are a few tips for wearing stripes. Pick one striped item and keep the rest solid or close to solid Stripes may be everywhere in the stores, but they shouldn’t be everywhere on your body. Too many stripes, and you’ll get an A Bad Case of Stripes [Paperback] … Keep stripes slimming For the longest time, I stayed away from stripes because they’re widening when worn wrong, and, honestly,…

I love taking my kids to the bookstore or library. There are so many shiny new choices out there for kids to get excited about! But just as exciting as Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Captain Underpants are the books that made me fall in love with reading. Take the time to share some of your classic favorites with your kids and help them see what made you fall in love with reading. Classic Chapter Books to Read with Your Kids Stuart Little When I first introduced my kids to the adventures of this cute little mouse, they doubted me: Really, Mom?…

Today, I attended my first Just Between Friends Consignment Sale. It was a media preview (and I was given a gift card to use as I experienced the sale.) I had no idea what to expect and, wow! It’s enormous! You’ll find everything from baby to tween clothing (and maternity), baby gear, strollers, toys toys toys, books, games, puzzles, dolls… If it’s for kids, you’ll find it–and at great prices! Check out my finds at the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in the Western Philadelphia Suburbs More information on the Just Between Friends Western Mainline sale The Just Between Friends sale officially…

This appetizer, Shrimp Avocado Crostini, created by Christina Dimacali, chef and owner of Clean Your Plate, is one to print or bookmark for your next night of entertaining. Earlier this summer, Whitney, Zareen and a few other friends, and I were whisked away to her home for a private cooking party sponsored by P&G. At the event, we learned of several P&G self-care products. Christina kept our cooking skills and taste likes in mind and created a several-course menu for all of us to cook together. It was SO much fun to cook with friends and guidance from a pro. So so so much…

Tacos are a staple around here. I learned to make them before I was married and for several years made them at least once a week. Because they were easy. Back then, I used a kit, which likely wasted a little money and didn’t allow for much experimentation or adjustments to make them yummy for me. Recently, I realized that if I drop the premade taco sauce or powder, I could add a little extra of what I like and leave out what I don’t. Making your own tacos is as simple as figuring out which salsa is your favorite.…

A few weeks ago, we took a day off to play in downtown Philadelphia with the kids. By 4 pm, everyone was exhausted and dragged their feet back to the car. Instantly, the boys fell asleep, and when we hit major traffic on the way home, Little overheard my husband and I discussing plans for later that night. “Get a pizza and watch the Phillies game?” I proposed. “Phillies?” our three-year-old fan asked. “I want to go to the Phillies game!” And then our little fan started begging, holding up her brand new Phillies t-shirt. I looked at my husband;…

This week’s Julieverse Reads post was written by Jessica Tom, who gets huge kudos and congratulations for debuting her first novel, Food Whore, today. (Yay, Jessica!) A food lover herself, and former restaurant critic for the Yale Daily News Magazine, Jessica is sharing a list of books for food lovers. These books may be great for you or someone on your holiday gift list. What a great time to learn about the restaurant world. You have TV shows, chef memoirs, splashy magazine spreads, up-to-the-minute blogs, behind-the-scenes Instagram feeds — even movies starring some of the biggest actors and actresses on…

I love gifting books for every occasion. They’ve even become my favorite house-warming and hostess-gifts. I’ve found the easiest way to gift the hostess is to stick with the theme of the evening, like Hanukkah, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. And for the holidays, try to gift new books so that there’s little chance that the child already has the book. Great holiday books for gifting this season Hanukkah Bear Perfect for a family with young children, a bear, wakes to a wonderful smell of latkes and follows that scent to the home of the best latkes in town. There, he befriends the…