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My dear friend and I often call each other to vent. We live 3,000 miles apart, but it doesn’t matter. (Because we can’t get together for a girls’ trip as often as we wish, these phone calls often turn into laugh-out-loud therapy sessions.) We have been super close since we were in our 20s, when my husband and I lived in the Pacific NW. I’m so thankful to still call many of my girlfriends from…

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about a show gracing the beautiful state of Rhode Island.  Yes, I’m talking about the Real Housewives of Rhode Island. Bravo, Bravo. Awesome job. I can’t help it. I’m addicted to this show. It’s like cotton candy for the brain. So much fun. (As long as you don’t overdo it or you’ll feel like you wandered off a spinny ride at the…

I have been away and wanted to pop in and say Happy Mother’s Day! I just spent the last week visiting my mom in Florida. She is adorable. I was pleasantly surprised to find her upbeat, active and in good health. She had a health scare a couple years ago and this was one of those “just because” trips. And for that I’m very thankful. Aside from realizing that we share “almost” the same shoe size…

When was the last time you had to check an age bracket box? You know, the brackets on forms that give age ranges like 25-29. I have to say I cringed a little when I had to select my age bracket box recently. In fact, I almost cried. Why, you ask? Because I moved to a NEW age bracket. And not just ANY age bracket.  For this particular online form, my new age bracket was the LAST available…

Have you ever made fun of the fake sizes at the women’s clothing stores where your grandmother loved to shop?  The one where their size 2 fits Mrs. Santa Clause?  I have reached the age where I’m starting to understand why these stores exist. And I’m cringing at the fact their catalog might be coming for me.  On a recent back-to-spring almost-birthday shopping spree with my cousin, I was faced…

I think it’s time we take a moment to vent about something that’s happening to our bodies.  I actually have no idea what happened to my OLD body, the one that could buy a bikini off the clearance rack. And that is precisely my point. Disclaimer: I am a Gen exer, forgive my bluntness. If you happen to be a man, I advise you to stop reading for fear that you may no longer be attracted to your life…

Do you remember the mean girls at your school? Maybe one queen bee in particular? Where I grew up (in a suburb outside Houston, Texas) the mean girls had these Valley girl accents with a slight twang that made them SOUND sincere. But bless their hearts, they were SO NOT. Think Regina George with a bi-level and braces. I grew up in the 1980s. I’m a proud Gen Xer. But those mean girls did a number…

Something has to be said about spending time with a dear friend.  In person. In real life.  You get them. And they get you. And the fact that they let you go on and on about something until you’re both sitting on a metaphorical leather sofa eating chips and guac.  It is pure bliss. And what cracks me up? The tangents. The winding road an initial conversation takes you on because you’re so…

Hi there. It’s been a while. A long time. Years actually. I get it. I hope this blog post finds you well. Aside from the hot flash that just hit me mid-sentence, I’m actually doing really well. You could say there was so much going on in my life over the past few years, I didn’t feel like writing about it. I spent a long time bottling all the stuff up in my mom brain.  And I think it’s…

Goodness gracious. Can we say a collective hallelujah for this new normal? For fresh air and maskless faces? For seeing loved ones and finally going places? Before I start singing along to my own post-quarantine country song, I need to express how thankful I am. And can we please talk about hugs? Who else missed hugs? I think I’ve hugged every person I know since I was vaccinated. And I…

I don’t’ need to remind you of what’s going on in the world. I hope you and your family are staying healthy. And sane. Aside from all the family bonding, I think there are some silver linings in all of this. As a 40-something mother of two teens, I’ve realized I have to maintain some semblance of sanity and take each day one at a time. (Or I’ll end up wandering around my yard in a robe and pink…

Holy Moly, it’s October. Seasons change quickly in New England. It can be a lot of fun if you just embrace it. I know, I know. You’re peeved about summer being over. I get it. It’s all about pacing yourself and making it enjoyable. Mum by mum.

Here are some tips to help get your home ready for the fall (even if you’re still wearing sandals and shorts) from my latest post on Providence Mom…

How an obsession with celebrities (and shoes) helped shatter my writer’s block

Did you have any celebrity crushes when you were 12? Come on. I know you did. Me? Oh, I watched Family Ties religiously back in 1980-something every week, and I had like, you know, a major crush on Michael J Fox. Alex P Keaton to be exact. Marty McFly too. Let’s just say my friends and I saw Back to the Future in the movie theater five too many times.

So I did what any pre-teen would do and wrote…

So, hi. I know it’s been a while. Did I mention that my oldest child is graduating from high school in the next couple of weeks? As a mom, it feels surreal. Wasn’t he just learning how to roll over in our first apartment? I realize he’s old enough to vote (thank God). And go to college, which he is this fall. I’m fine, really. I’m so excited for him. Proud of him. But holy schnikies.  You never…

Oldie but Goodie: Some Tips to Help You Stay Sane This Holiday Season!

via As Seen on Providence Moms Blog: Don’t Let the Holidays Stress You Out. Follow These Sanity-Saving Tips

So I think I may be addicted to Poshmark

It’s a good addiction, I promise. I had to share this piece I wrote for Providence Moms Blog , Why I Love Poshmark, for all you fashionistas out there. And for my friends (and especially my sweet mother-in-law) who are afraid to click on links, I have included the article below too. 😉 Enjoy!

https://providence.citymomsblog.com/beauty-and-fashion/why-i-love-poshmark/

Hi. I’m Jackie. And I think I…

Whether mothering toddlers or teens, have a Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day! You deserve (a vat of wine) to be treated like a queen (a spa gift certificate would be awesome) on this day (every day) for all the wonderful things you do for your family. You really do.

Especially if you’ve got little ones.

Remember when they were this little?                  HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! (Illustration from my book, How to Spread Sanity on a Cracker). http://www.ven…