Chelsea Day

The Easiest Security Camera

The Easiest Home Security Camera EVER

Our house at the farm is a ranch-style setup. It’s one single level, all spread out with everything pretty much visible from the porch. You basically walk into our house and it’s like, “Oh hey, here’s everything we own!”

How to Safely, Smartly put a TV in a Playroom

The kids have been begging for a TV in their playroom for awhile now. I’ve always reasoned that it’s unnecessary because we have one in the living room and it makes for good family bonding time. Plus, frankly, I want to be in control of everything they’re watching.

Home busy season

Preparing your Home for a Busy (and Germ-y!) Season

Back-to-school happenings are in full force around here, and it’ll be the holiday season before you know it. We’re preparing our home for one heck of a busy season, as several family members have moved recently and that means lots of houseguests are headed our way. Time to batten down the hatches and load up on ALL the supplies!

SeaWorld San Diego with Little Kids

What to see at SeaWorld San Diego with Little Kids

With SeaWorld San Diego opening a ton of rides and educational shows in recent years, I’ve had some visitors ask if it’s an appropriate spot to take kids who aren’t tall enough or won’t necessarily sit still for a presentation. I always encourage these people to go see the many displays and hands-on experiences available at the park. More often than not, I wind up playing tour guide because I’m so enthusiastic about the incredible learning opportunities that are available here! Here’s a look at what OUR family does at SeaWorld with four boys ages 6, 4, 2 and 9 months.

Back-to-school tradition

How to be the Rockstar Mom at your Kids’ School

I had this friend in grade school whose mom was pretty much the best. We all thought so. When she volunteered for field trips, we collectively clamored to be assigned to her since those kids were guaranteed to have the most fun. Another one of my friend’s parents used to bring their pet Beagle to school at lunchtime, and he quickly became the unofficial mascot. Then there was the dad with all the cool arts and crafts stuff! I want to be THAT parent. Problem is, I’m a little short on time.

Unexpected farm item

This Unexpected Item Gets a Ton of Use on our Farm

It started with one of Some Boy’s friends last winter. Poor dude had persistently-chapped lips from all the weird weather and allergens around here, so his buddy gave him a lip balm at school. I’d been using coconut oil on him before he went to bed every night, but he needed more persistent application.

Front door

How to Paint a Door (the Right Way!)

We’ve been rolling right along with home renovations! One area I’ve been neglecting in a major way is the front door. We replaced the old oak door with a Craigslisted glass panel door awhile back, which really brightened the space up. The gal we bought it from, though, unfortunately let Pinterest woo her into chalk painting it. Chalk paint + front door = no go UNLESS you slap on a bunch of varnish to seal it afterwards.

The LEGO NINJAGO Movie

Dress like Lloyd from The LEGO NINJAGO Movie for Halloween

Nate and the boys were invited by Warner Bros. Pictures to go to the Legoland press junket for The LEGO NINJAGO Movie last week. I was up in San Francisco helping my sister move to her new apartment (more on that later) but I had so much fun ogling all their pictures from afar. They got to play around with some Master Builders and meet actors like Dave Franco, Justin Theroux and Michael Peña.

Big Falls in Big Bear

Big Falls, a Big Bear and this Great Big Life

I was camping with some friends up at Tahquitz the other day and decided to go exploring. We’d already checked out Jenks Lake and Big Bear Lake as well as some of the creeks surrounding the area, so I set my sights on our next hiking destination: Big Falls.