Blogging Efficiently – Revamping Old Content

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blogging efficiently - revamping old content - coschedule review update

This is an unsolicited review of CoSchedule. I've been using CoSchedule for 13 months and wanted to provide an update in exchange for a discounted subscription.  I've been a blogger longer than I've been a mother - or a wife for that matter. I started back in early 2008 to document all the fun items I found during the wedding planning phases of life.  It was all in fun to document - had no big plans for any monetization or even knew about that as an option.  During our journey to get pregnant with Aubrey, I started a second private blog to use as a venting place for the struggles and the … [Read more...]

The Best Thing Our Elf Did

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The best thing our elf did - veggietales kid daily devotions

This post contains affiliate links I know you're so familiar with Elf on a Shelf.  The little (often devious) elf that pops up around the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas and gets in to all precarious situations.  Our elf, Happy, joined us last year.  He rang our doorbell and showed up one day.  He'd pop in from time to time, and then leave for extended periods of time (ya know, when Happy just couldn't think of any new places to show up).  The kids loved him and we did our best to balance the whole Christmas Santa Jesus Presents situation.  It worked out well. Then, Aubrey turned … [Read more...]

Looking for Snow? Head to Orange County!

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where to find snow in socal

This is a sponsored post with Gigasavvy to raise awareness for Winterfest OC.  Check below for a chance to win free tickets! All commentary is courtesy of me! Tis the season to deck the halls and get in the Holiday spirit.  Every day as we drive home from preschool, Aubrey & Luke are in awe of all the homes lit up with Christmas lights and the Christmas tree farm behind our house with the huge inflatable snowmen and nutcrackers.  Since the sun goes down so early (Thanks daylight savings!) they're able to see every decorated home in our neighborhood.  They're also at the age to ask me … [Read more...]

Deck The Halls – Getting Ready for Christmas

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deck the halls - getting ready for christmas - the stationery studio

This is a sponsored post - Thank you The Stationery Studio for our Holiday cards! The conclusion of Thanksgiving (and, Ryan's birthday) brings on the decorating and preparing for Christmas in the Dell house!  All last week Aubrey kept asking when Christmas was coming - and when Happy (our elf) was coming.  It's amazing, that at only 5 years old, she already knows how things work around here.   Last year we made the decision to go with an artificial tree and that means we can decorate as soon as our belly's are full of ham (because we're not team turkey over here).  It takes a few days for … [Read more...]

15 Gifts for Kids under $25

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15 gifts for kids under $25

This post contains affiliate links | Inexpensive Christmas gifts ideas for kids There are so many times where I really try my best to plan ahead and stock up on presents for kids at a great deal.  But, life happens and I fall short.  I want to make it easy for you and provide a list of great gifts for kids under $25.  (in full disclosure, the pricing at the time of this post was under $25.  Prices might fluctuate a bit if you're reading this later)  I'll be separating it from ages birth - 6 months, 6 months -18 months, and 2-4 years old.  Would love for you to comment with some of your … [Read more...]

Being Thankful This Week

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becca rillo photography

We're heading into Thanksgiving (and black friday, cyber monday...) but after last week, finding thanks is easier.  Last week was a bit chaotic and I'm thankful for a flexible job because I was at home all week with Ryan since my mom was super sick.  She takes care of him while I am at work, and so when she's down, I have to step in. I'm thankful for the week as we were heading into his first birthday (another post for another day).  I got to spend so much time with him, and he was such a big helper as we prepped for his party.  He's the sweetest thing and I laughed each time Aubrey asked … [Read more...]