“Wait. You’re bringing him?” “You’re taking a baby there?” “What are you going to do with a toddler in New Orleans?” This past December, as we planned a short trip to New Orleans, we were met with so much surprise when people found out we were making it a family trip. Like every other aspect … [Read more…]
“You’re really writing a card for that?” “But, Miss. It was only a picture!” I’m lucky to receive gifts as a teacher. Of course, I have some favorite teacher gifts from over the years. But I treasure every time a student and their family thinks of me. Recently, it occurred to me that I’ve written … [Read more…]
New year, new me. This “new me” doesn’t come with any groundbreaking resolution or a detox of any kind. Instead, I’m simply looking at this year–and hopefully this life–as an opportunity to manifest a little less stress. No, I didn’t stumble upon a magic wand. Nor did Santa leave behind a promise for a stress-free … [Read more…]
I’m going to stop singing (OK, fine, I am just making up words like everyone else) Auld Lang Syne long enough to round up 19 highlights from 2019. Creating this list did exactly what I hoped it would. It reminded me that there were so many more highlights than I had space for on my … [Read more…]
The holidays can be costly. That’s no secret. But there are plenty of ways to save on celebrating without turning into Mr. Scrooge himself. Here are our five favorite frugal ways to enjoy the most wonderful time of year. Deck the halls with gifts. Are you doing some gift giving this holiday season? Good. Me … [Read more…]
One last big money move of the year. I was going to say decade, but I decided to take a little pressure off you. Pressure off me? It’s your money, Penny. I know that’s what you’re thinking. It is my money, and ultimately, it’s my decision. But like most things in life on this blog, … [Read more…]
After spending an actual lifetime in the classroom, you would think that I would know a thing or two about the best teacher gifts. But this is a hard post to write. Not because I can’t pick a favorite gift (I really can’t!), but because there is so much noise surrounding teacher gifts right now. … [Read more…]
This is not about a no-spend Christmas. I have nothing against people who choose not to spend money on Christmas, or those who choose not to spend in general. But not spending isn’t for me. Instead of focusing on how to eliminate spending entirely (or even mostly!) this holiday season, I’m working on saving money … [Read more…]
It started on Twitter, as most great ideas do. I’m proud of you. OK, fine. Only half of that first idea is true. But thanks to a wonderful Internet friend, a bot, and a beloved cardigan-wearing superhero, this post really did start on Twitter. “I’m proud of you.” — MisterRogersQuotes (@MisterRogersSay) December 3, 2019 When … [Read more…]
Six years ago, it was a late Thanksgiving. I know because we celebrated it with my nana the same as we did every year, and my mom ordered the biggest cheesecake anyone had ever seen. After all, it was Thanksgiving, and it was also my nana’s birthday. She turned 93. She squeezed my hand so … [Read more…]