More coolness from recent weeks…
Liz + Kristen’s 10 favorite holiday picks this year
As we close out the year (phew, what a year it's been, we wanted to devote our last episode of Spawned 2021 to cool picks of the week. Holiday style. Whether you still have time to grab one last-minute, or you want to bookmark them for holidays, and other celebrations...
Tons of amazing last-minute gift ideas that don’t feel last-minute at all.
For all you out there needing last-minute Christmas gifts, we got you! My son's gotten into the habit of asking Alexa how many days are left until Christmas and while it was pretty adorable at first, it can incite a little panic now that we've hit the single digits....
15 thoughtful DIY gifts for teenage girls | Holiday Gifts 2021
As the mom of teen girls, I know that DIY gifts for teenage girls can be so wonderful -- not just to make for your own teen, but for teenage girls to make for their friends. They don't require a whole lot of money, but handmade gifts certainly give all the right...
These washable chalkboard tees are so clever for holiday photos!
While we've already been sharing tons of holiday gift ideas, just had to share one more of the coolest last-minute gifts I know. I've written before about the adorable and smart washable design-your-own chalkboard tees from Chalk of the Town. And now this indie,...
Online math tutoring that’s like sitting at the kitchen table with a favorite teacher.
This is a sponsored message from Remind Tutoring No one wants to see their child struggling in school, especially when we know what they're capable of if they're just given the chance. And math is just one of those subjects that can take some kids a little more time...
4 ways to help parents prioritize work-life balance
Whether you're still working from home, or have gone back to your place of employment, work-life balance can be difficult to find as busy parents. The juggle was always real, but now it feels really difficult to keep up. So, it's probably no surprise that families are...
Lessons in gratitude for the holidays or any day | Spawned Episode 264
This week, we're taking a little break to catch up on all of the things (anyone else feeling overwhelmed?) by sharing a Spawned podcast episode from a couple of years ago with a message we could all use right now. Back in 2019, author Nancy Davis Kho, shared how her...
Wish your kids loved science more? This holiday, give them the gift of MEL Science and watch their interest grow.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of MEL Science. If you're looking for a great holiday gift that will get your kids excited about science in a fun and engaging way, while also giving you a great activity to do together each month, MEL Science makes a great holiday...
12 creative gift ideas for the man who has everything. Or…does he? | Holiday Gifts 2021
If you need to find a creative gift for the man who has everything it requires just a little more thought. Fortunately, we're here to help! Is there anything better than surprising someone we love with a gift they didn't even know they wanted? We know it can be a...
Why we’re supporting Bombas this holiday: The gift that gives back in more ways than one
Every year we share our favorite holiday gifts that give back, to help us maximize the impact that our gifts can make on the world this time of year. And every year, we talk about Bombas Socks -- the incredibly comfortable, increasingly stylish, mission-driven socks...
Incredible advice for better parent-child communication: An interview with William Stixrud Ph.D. and Ned Johnson
If you've ever struggled to connect with your kids, help them solve problems, open up to you, or just give you more than a one-word answer when you ask how school was today...well, help is here! We have had a lot of favorite Spawned podcast guests over the years, and...
A new children’s picture book with a beautiful message we all need to hear right now
This is a sponsored post on behalf of mineditionUS We're only now coming to understand how to help our kids process the hardship and loss they've experienced these past couple of years. We've always turned to children's books as a tool for exploring difficult topics,...
10 absolutely fabulous over-40 style influencers to follow, no matter what age you are
I realized recently that I've been inspired by a lot of fabulous over-40 influencers who are helping me feel more confident about aging. While I'm still in my 30s, I'm realizing that forty is just over the horizon -- and approaching faster than I anticipated. (Whoa,...
Quick Picks: The Panasonic Extra Long-Range Video Baby Monitor
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Panasonic As new parents, a baby monitor can give you some much-needed peace of mind, when you need it most. That's why the Panasonic Extra Long-Range Video Baby Monitor is such an amazing essential gadget, that can be used in...
12 wonderful Dolly Parton gifts for the Dolly fans in your life. (A.K.A. everyone we know.)
It goes without saying that I will always love Dolly Parton, so naturally I was drawn to these amazing Dolly Parton gifts. If you haven't listened to the Dolly Parton's America podcast yet, let me assure you that people of all stripes, plaids, and paisleys love my...
Pandemic fails, data-driven parenting, and how to make better decisions for your family, with author Emily Oster | Spawned Podcast episode 262
In the course of our parenting lives, we make a whole lot of decisions, so when I read Emily Oster's most recent book The Family Firm, which offers a very smart, data-driven method to decision making, I really wanted to chat with her on our Spawned podcast. But then I...
The cutest board books for babies and toddlers, for the holidays and every day!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of mineditionUS Give the gift of reading and togetherness this holiday season, and well, any day of the year, with the board books from mineditionUS/Astra Books for Young Readers. They've been carefully created with everything babies...
A comparison of our 9 favorite custom photo book services, for one of our all-time favorite gifts
Since custom photo books are among our very favorite gifts for the holidays, for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and even for teacher gifts and gifts for favorite sitters, we've put together a helpful comparison of our top picks. For years, we've compared our favorite...
4 ways to get your kids involved in vacation planning… and why you should.
I've always had my kids involved in vacation planning. In fact, we voted on our first official family road trip from a power point presentation my son did after researching three locations, and they've been involved in some capacity ever since. And well, according to...
The best Black Friday Deals of 2021: From the big stores to small shops and indie makers
Each year we share the best Black Friday deals online to help you manage your time, your budget, and get back to family faster. This year is no different, as we share the best Black Friday deals 2021 from big stores and brands along with the small businesses we love....
Kids, gratitude, and the holiday season: Can parents do better? | Spawned ep 261
As we head into the holiday season, which can be filled with the abundance of food, gifts, and celebrations, we know that a lot of us struggle with all the excess. It's valuable for us to slow down as parents, and consider ways to help develop and express more...