SMARTS WITH A SIDE OF SASS

SMARTS WITH A SIDE OF SASS

Schooled

NOW ON SALE!

SCHOOLED: A Love Letter to the Exhausting, Infuriating, Occasionally Excruciating Yet Somehow Completely Wonderful Profession of Teaching

Laugh-Out-Loud Stories from a Teacher Who’s Not Afraid to Call’em Like She Sees’em

FEATURED WRITER + BESTSELLING AUTHOR

English teacher by trade, smack talker by nature, Stephanie Jankowski subscribes to the mantra: Life is too short, laugh! A mother of three in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she spends way too much time caring if her kids' socks match.

 

Stephanie is a freelance writer for We Are Teachers, published in the bestselling parenting humor anthologies I Just Want to Be AloneThe Big Book of Parenting Tweets, and The Bigger Book of Parenting Tweets, and co-directs the annual live-reading celebration of motherhood, Listen To Your Mother Pittsburgh. She also makes a mean ham barbecue, but unless you're a 'Yinzer,' that probably means nothing to you.

 

Her blog, When Crazy Meets Exhaustion, is full of hilariously sassy musings on being a woman, mother, and educator. Steph was famous for six seconds when her pieces I Put My Husband First and The Worst Mother I've Ever Seen went viral in 6 different countries and more than 10 languages. Her parents still think she caught the flu from the Internet.

FEATURED WRITER + BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Stephanie Jankowski

English teacher by trade, smack talker by nature, Stephanie Jankowski subscribes to the mantra: Life is too short, laugh! A mother of three in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she spends way too much time caring if her kids' socks match.

Stephanie is a freelance writer for We Are Teachers, published in the bestselling parenting humor anthologies I Just Want to Be AloneThe Big Book of Parenting Tweets, and The Bigger Book of Parenting Tweets, and co-directs the annual live-reading celebration of motherhood, Listen To Your Mother Pittsburgh. She also makes a mean ham barbecue, but unless you're a 'Yinzer,' that probably means nothing to you.

Her blog, When Crazy Meets Exhaustion, is full of hilariously sassy musings on being a woman, mother, and educator. Steph was famous for six seconds when her pieces I Put My Husband First and The Worst Mother I've Ever Seen went viral in 6 different countries and more than 10 languages. Her parents still think she caught the flu from the Internet.

THE BLOG

NEWS + UPDATES

3 Fantastic Freedoms Of Home Education

Pexels - CC0 License While traditional schooling is certainly reliable, helpful, and stocked with teachers who (despite the ...
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Crafting a Cozy Autumn Dinner Amidst the Chaos of Family Life

While I love the colors of fall, I don't care for the chill in the air. But with ...
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Decorating Your Kid’s Bedroom? Here are 3 Tricks to Help.

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Put Your Type A Away

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Remember When We Thought the Newborn Phase Was Hard?

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Must-Have Items When Traveling with the Fam

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Creative Way to Save Money While Traveling

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Don’t Bring It, Buy It!

There are certain things we need to bring on vacation: prescription medicines, our child's lovey, weather-appropriate attire. But ...
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Money-saving Amusement Park Tips

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21st Century Hotel Luxuries

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Savor the Local Flavor: Plan a Staycation

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Travel Trivia: Pennsylvania Edition

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Make Travel Easier…and Cheaper!

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Travel Hack? Don’t Mind If I Do!

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Apps for Your Dream Vacation

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Dear Family, Send Me Away

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Hilarious Podcasts You Need in Your Life

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FREE Mother’s Day Gifts!

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Apps for On-the-Go

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What do you get when you put…

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Reconnect with the Family This Summer

May is an especially busy month. Between the final stretch for academic success, including standardizing testing, plus spring ...
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Are You Amusement Park Ready?!

Full disclosure: I'm no longer a fan of amusement parks. It's probably because of the inner ear thing ...
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Is Your Car Ready for Spring?

My favorite part of winter is when it's gone. Gah I'm so sick of bundling up the kids, ...
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Customize Your Car on a Budget

When I was in high school, I dated a guy who was madly in love. With his truck. ...
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Road Trip Trivia

It's probably because we're both educators, but my husband and I are always looking to turn life into ...
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It’s Basically a Game of Tetris

There are five people in my family, and when we go places, so do our things! I'm talking ...
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St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Pittsburgh

Admittedly, I'm not Irish. Well, maybe my paternal grandmother was, like, 5% Irish or something, but for the ...
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Happy & Healthy Trails!

A friend recently visited Africa and her photographs and social media updates had me seething with envy! While ...
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Traveling with Charlie Bear

When we lost our two old dogs, Bella and Hurricane, earlier this year, our family was devastated. My ...
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Patience is Worth it

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Insuring Teen Drivers Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

When I was learning to drive, I remember my parents harping on me about getting good grades. At ...
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Teen Drivers? READ THIS.

You know how the baby years seem so overwhelming and draining? I've got bad news for ya: you ...
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Keep Kitty Off Your Car!

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Little Things Make a Big Difference

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Iced Out?

When my husband and I lived in our first house along the main drag of a little town, ...
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Tips for a Safe New Year

When I was old enough to drive, my parents had one firm rule about New Year's Eve: I ...
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Precious Cargo on Board? Take These Extra Precautions While Driving!

Listen, my kids are as cute and sweet and snuggly as they come. They're also loud, distracting, and ...
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Be Prepared for Anything with a Winter Road-Side Safety Kit

Many years ago, I read an article about a family breaking down in a remote area up in ...
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Tire Pressure: My Winter Nemesis

This time of the year always brings holiday cheer, crisp winter air, and annoying dashboard warnings of low ...
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Get Your Car Winter-Ready

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Traveling? Take Your Furry Friend!

We lost both of our fur babies this year. To double the sadness, we lost them within two ...
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Crazy Car Facts You Never Knew

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I’ll Take My Turkey To Go

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Best Time of the Year to Upgrade Your Ride

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This is Why Carpooling is a Must

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Fall Sports Essentials for Your Car

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Organize Thyself

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Get Your Trunk-or-Treat On!

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Don’t be THAT guy in the drop-off line…

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Non-traditional Cleaning Products

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Road Trip Trivia

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Fall is the Perfect Time for a Drive

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Reading Material for Your Car Enthusiast

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Car Cruises Comin’ to a Town Near You!

My high school boyfriend was a major gear head. His beloved '74 Chevy pick-up was kind of a ...
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One-Day Road Trip Destinations

Imagine this: the kids are back in school, and you and your significant other have got some PTO ...
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Ways Young Kids Can Help Maintain the Family Vehicle

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Eat Healthy Even on the Go

My husband and I take great pains to force healthy foods into our kids' faces as often as ...
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Here, Save Some Dinero on Gas. You’re Welcome.

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Tips to Make Your Long Road Trip More Bearable

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Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

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Keep These Items in Your Car & Avoid Disaster

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Free Summer Fun for Everyone!

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Traveling with Your Pet? Read This First!

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Avoid ARE WE THERE YET’s During Long Trips

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Forget Electronics–Entertain the Kids Old-School Style!

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Kids’ Apps That Don’t Require Service

Let me set the scene: You're on hour five of an eight-hour road trip. The next rest stop ...
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Here’s Why a Cookie Sheet is Your Best Friend

I love cookies like most, but that's not why I'm crushin' on cookie sheets right now. Besides making ...
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Get Good Shut-Eye Even While Traveling

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Take Your Best Beach Photos

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Dear Children, Get Me This for Mother’s Day

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Hacks for Saving Money at Amusement Parks

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DIY Emergency Roadside Kit

May you never have to use it, but just in case...ever considered a DIY emergency kit you keep ...
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How to Road Trip with Young Kids and Not Lose Your Mind

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Everything You Need to Know About Insuring Teen Drivers

I'm watching friends go through it now: passengers in their own cars, teaching their 16-year-old to drive. The ...
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Tackling the Multi-Generational Road Trip

My kids love traveling with their grandparents, but I'm not so sure the grandparents enjoy all the responsibilities ...
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Keep Your Car Looking Newer Longer

The old adage, "it's the little things that matter," is absolutely right, especially when it comes to our ...
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Crazy Car Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work!

I love nothing more than a clean car, but carting around young people and a less-than-impressed-by-cleanliness husband make ...
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Parents of Athletes, Don’t Forget This Stuff…

If it's not baseball, it's softball; and if it's not softball, it's basketball, ice skating, soccer, hockey, or ...
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Handling Water on the Road

With the big nor'easter that just blew through parts of Pennsylvania, we're worried about more than snow accumulation: ...
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Garage Organization 101

Few things in life make my heart happier than a well organized space. My closets are sorted and ...
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Upcoming Car Shows in Pittsburgh, PA

I once dated a gear head. To say he was a little obsessed with his 1974 Ford is ...
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Cold-Weather Tailgating Tips

Listen, I hate being cold. Hate. It. When I was younger, sure I loved snow and ice and ...
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Lighten the Load, Maaaaan…

Did you read the title in your best The Dude voice? I hope so. Anyway, don't you find ...
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Don’t Take Your Travel Must-Haves for Granted

Much like those closest to us, we tend to take for granted the items we use on the ...
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The Eyelashes of Your Car

Windshield wipers are to our cars what eyelashes are to our eyes. They allow for better visibility and ...
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Amazing Apps for Amazing Road Trips

Road tripping has never been so easy or enjoyable. With these top road trip apps, you'll find the ...
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Proper Winter Car Care

I put extra moisturizer on my skin. I only wash my hair every other day. I wear warmer ...
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Don’t Barf, Kid!

My oldest suffered from car sickness since the day he was turned face-fronting in his car seat. My ...
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Winter is the Best Car Buying Time

I'm not a fan of winter's harsh winds or frigid temperatures, but I do love me a good ...
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Mindful Behind the Wheel

I recently subscribed to an online publication all about simplifying and mindfulness. I'm working on this minimalism thing ...
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My Favorite F Word

I've been accused of having verbal diarrhea. I say what's on my mind, sometimes without filtering it for ...
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Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Week

I come from a long line of foodies. I don't necessarily consider myself a foodie because the kitchen ...
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Beat the Winter Blues with a Quickie!

I'm talking about quickie vacations, but you do you. Nothing makes me feel more blah than the endless ...
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Taking Your Fur Babies on the Road

Before we had actual babies, the husband and I had fur babies. And we took them everywhere. I ...
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Eat Healthy Even On the Go

Once upon a time, I thought it was a faaaaaantastic idea for my kids to be involved. Soccer, ...
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Pack for Winter Travel Like. A. Boss.

My husband and I were invited to go to a wedding in Phoenix, Arizona after Christmas. We live ...
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Winter Tire Care

I admit I'm a little OCD about stoopid things. For instance, if the light switches on one panel ...
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Best Vehicles for Holiday Shopping

It's that time of the year, you guys. When we shop 'til we drop because SALES!! This year, ...
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If You Volunteer, You Need These Apps

Technology is a beautiful thing. It makes our lives easier by streamlining, organizing, and communicating mass amounts of ...
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Safe Thanksgiving Travels

What's more frustrating than your drunk uncle at the Thanksgiving dinner table rambling about Trump making America great ...
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Scenic Autumn Drives

Okay kids, it's almost winter. I KNOW. But before the trees shed their leaves and everything is barren ...
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Not a Joy Ride: Test Drive Your New Car LIKE. A. BOSS.

You know women are always scoffed at when car shopping. We're seen as the weaker, more indecisive sex. ...
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Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

I get my hair cut and highlighted once every three months. My family goes to the dentist twice ...
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LOOK ALERT! Tips for Staying Alert While Driving

It goes without saying that no one should ever drive while sleepy, but that doesn't mean some of ...
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The Future of Cars: New Technology

I watched Saturday Night Live's season premiere this weekend, and almost felt bad laughing at Michael Che's joke ...
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Tips for Long Hauls

Hitting the road? Gonna be a while? There are ups and downs to long road trips, but I've ...
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It Takes a Village. Or, Everyone Drive My Kids Places, Please!

I can manage to feed, clothe, and nurture my children. I'm okay at helping with homework, keeping the ...
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Tips for a More Copacetic Commute

Let's stop punching the ozone in the face, shall we? There are so many things we can do ...
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Back to School Basics: Tips for Getting Out of the House on Time   

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Apps for Families on the Go

Life is busy these days. Between school and work and activities and sports and grocery shopping and AHHHH!, ...
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Pittsburgh Summer Fun

Sandcastle Water Park, anyone? How about a ride on the Thunderbolt? Gotta have some Potato Patch fries! If ...
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Affordable Summer Trips

Not every vacation requires extensive travel or expensive accommodations. In fact, some of my family's favorite memories were ...
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25 Things To Do Before Summer is Over!

In the words of my three-year-old, "Huwee, huwee!" and make the most of what's left of summer! With ...
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Tips to Stay Organized at the Beach

There's no other place I'd rather be than on the beach. Though, traveling to and from with children ...
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Pittsburgh’s Free August Events

You know how the Grinch's heart grew two sizes by the end of the movie? That's me any ...
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Tips for Snacking on the Go

I have three children who, if they're awake, are hungry. Which is to say they eat all. day. ...
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Tips for Successful Travels with a Potty Training Toddler

If you've ever felt the urge to stab yourself in the eye with a rusty spork, it's likely ...
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Summer Essentials to Keep in Your Car

My family and I went to the Poconos earlier this summer. It was our first true foray into ...
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One-Day Getaways in PA

We just came back from the Poconos and I gotta say, stepping out of Pittsburgh and into eastern ...
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Traveling with Young Kids? THIS IS A MUST READ!

Kids can be...well...interesting on long road trips. Between the constant encroachment of another's personal space and the boring ...
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Pack Like a Pro

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Multi-Generational Vacations & How To Make Them Work

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Pittsburgh Staycation

When I was a freshman in high school, my parents took me and my brother on a vacation ...
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Three Rivers Arts Fest 2017

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Teacher Mom-Approved Kid Apps

Is there anything more harmful to the eardrums than the incessant whine of "Are we there yet?!" I'm ...
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Tips for Taking Great Photos While on Vacation

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Curing Vacation Sleeping Woes

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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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Family Road Trips Not Too Far from Pittsburgh

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5 Ways for Kids to Help Care for the Family Vehicle

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Giveaway! Pittsburgh’s Children’s Theater Festival

Lauded as “the single greatest creative force in Pittsburgh because of its spirit of reinvention” by the Pittsburgh ...
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Prep Your Car for a Trade-In

Did you know it's a bad thing to trade in a clean car. WHO KNEW?! Click HERE to ...
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Jesus, Take the Wheel: Teaching Our Teens to Drive

Parenting is not for the faint of heart, especially when it comes to giving our teenager full control ...
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St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Pittsburgh

You don't have to drive too far to find fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year. ...
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Healthy Snacks for On-the-Go

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Don’t Be Stinky: Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh

You know that commercial for the air freshener where the people have gone "nose-blind" to odors in their ...
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Keeping A Clean Interior

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Winter Road-Side Safety Kit

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Tips for Traveling with a Potty Training Toddler

Parents, we've all been there: a dreaded drive with our potty training toddler in tow. Unless stopping every ...
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Easy Winter Road Trip Ideas from Pittsburgh

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Drive *Winter* Safe

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New Year’s Family-friendly Events

I don't know if you've noticed, but little kids can't hang 'til midnight that well. So when New ...
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Tire Pressure & Cold Weather

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Christmas Countdown: Fun for the Whole Family!

I morph into a little kid every December. I can't wait to put up the tree and start ...
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Discounts for Insuring Your Teen Driver

Auto insurance ain't cheap, especially if there's a teen driver on your policy. Oh, teens. You get such a ...
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Take the Holidays on the Road

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Trunk or Treating

Many communities and organizations have picked up the fun Halloween tradition of Trunk-or-Treating. If you're not familiar with ...
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Fall Trips for Pittsburghers

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Lead a Healthier Life With These 5 Tips

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How To Jump Start A Car: For Dummies Edition

In a mad dash to get out of the car (and probably into the Goldfish crackers), our neighbor's ...
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Pimp Your Ride for Free!

Okay, maybe "pimp" isn't the right word, but with these six tips, you can make your car a ...
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Tips for Driving Through Standing Water

In light of the sudden, unexpected, and ultimately devastating flooding in Louisiana, I thought it wise to brush ...
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The 5 Passengers You’ve Driven With

Some are helpful. Some are annoying. Some strike the perfect balance in between. But all passengers fall into ...
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Have a Kid Who Plays Sports? Then You Need To Read This!

My son just started playing coach-pitch baseball. Growing up in a family that holds America's favorite pastime in ...
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8 Tips for Saving Money & Time at Amusement Parks

It costs my family of 5 almost $200 to get into our local amusement park. Add on the ...
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What We’ve Learned from the Griswolds. Or, Tips for a Successful Family Vacation

  Every summer, my husband, our three children, my parents, brother, and I rent a big ol' van ...
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Summer Car Maintenance

In recent years, Western Pennsylvania seems to have morphed into a 3-season area; the usual transition from winter ...
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Quick & Easy Getaways Near Pittsburgh

Whoever said a getaway had to cost a fortune or be a half a world away, never heard ...
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10 Tips for a Successful Road Trip with Little Kids

Hey, know what sounds like the worst idea EVER? Strapping three kids 6-years-old and under into a packed ...
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#PackingHacks

Going on vacation shouldn't be stressful, but the daunting task of packing for an entire week away can ...
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Spring Cleaning Your Car

Fresh buds on the trees means spring is finally here! And dust bunnies rolling across the house like ...
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Listen to Your Mother Pittsburgh Tickets Now on Sale!

Friday, May 6, 2016 8pm Carnegie Lecture Hall in the Carnegie Public Library / Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ...
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Citgo: Fueling Cars & Education

A few years ago, the words oil and STEM would've had completely different meanings than they do today. ...
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Me, Too

You feel not good enough Like all of your kids' bad traits come from your side And you're nowhere ...
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NEWS + UPDATES

3 Fantastic Freedoms Of Home Education

Pexels - CC0 License While traditional schooling is certainly reliable, helpful, and stocked with teachers who (despite the ...
Read More

Crafting a Cozy Autumn Dinner Amidst the Chaos of Family Life

While I love the colors of fall, I don't care for the chill in the air. But with ...
Read More

Decorating Your Kid’s Bedroom? Here are 3 Tricks to Help.

Image Credit: Daria Shevtsova from Unsplash. Are your kids doing that annoying growing-up thing, too? What was once ...
Read More

Put Your Type A Away

I'm a planner. I'm an organizer. I am a twenty-tabs-open-in-the-brain multi-tasking mo' fo'. Suffice it to say, I ...
Read More

Remember When We Thought the Newborn Phase Was Hard?

Remember when we thought the exhausting newborn phase was hard? That's nothing compared to handing over the car ...
Read More

Must-Have Items When Traveling with the Fam

We're past lugging bottles and baby swings to the beach, but there are still certain must-have's when traveling ...
Read More

Creative Way to Save Money While Traveling

As a freelancer, I'll sometimes swap my writing services for a product or opportunity that benefits my family. ...
Read More

Don’t Bring It, Buy It!

There are certain things we need to bring on vacation: prescription medicines, our child's lovey, weather-appropriate attire. But ...
Read More

Money-saving Amusement Park Tips

My kids love a good amusement park: the rides, the games, the fries! As a parent, the joy ...
Read More

21st Century Hotel Luxuries

Working from home, I don't really travel all that much. But this summer, I headed to a city ...
Read More

Savor the Local Flavor: Plan a Staycation

Crossing state borders isn't necessary for a fantastic vacation. Ever considered staying local and enjoying what your city ...
Read More

Travel Trivia: Pennsylvania Edition

My husband is the king of trivia. The man has more useless knowledge piled up in his brain ...
Read More

Make Travel Easier…and Cheaper!

I don't know how you and yours go about vacations and traveling, but my family stashes money away ...
Read More

Travel Hack? Don’t Mind If I Do!

Wanna save money? Of course you do! Wanna take your young children on a long drive? *crickets* Hello? ...
Read More

Apps for Your Dream Vacation

What has white sands, crystal blue waters, and waiters bringing me drinks with umbrellas in them? MY DREAM ...
Read More

Dear Family, Send Me Away

Okay, you guys--Mother's Day is a'comin' and I think I know what I want this year. I know ...
Read More

Hilarious Podcasts You Need in Your Life

If you like to laugh, I've got just the thing to keep you sane during any mundane task. ...
Read More

FREE Mother’s Day Gifts!

I know we giggle about them, but those macaroni necklaces our preschoolers gift us really are the best ...
Read More

Apps for On-the-Go

Holy busy month! There's no doubt the word "mayhem" begins with MAY. This is the month where spring ...
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What do you get when you put…

Okay, here's a riddle for you: What do you get when you put a 65-year-old, a 35-year-old, and ...
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Reconnect with the Family This Summer

May is an especially busy month. Between the final stretch for academic success, including standardizing testing, plus spring ...
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Are You Amusement Park Ready?!

Full disclosure: I'm no longer a fan of amusement parks. It's probably because of the inner ear thing ...
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Is Your Car Ready for Spring?

My favorite part of winter is when it's gone. Gah I'm so sick of bundling up the kids, ...
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Customize Your Car on a Budget

When I was in high school, I dated a guy who was madly in love. With his truck. ...
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Road Trip Trivia

It's probably because we're both educators, but my husband and I are always looking to turn life into ...
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It’s Basically a Game of Tetris

There are five people in my family, and when we go places, so do our things! I'm talking ...
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St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Pittsburgh

Admittedly, I'm not Irish. Well, maybe my paternal grandmother was, like, 5% Irish or something, but for the ...
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Happy & Healthy Trails!

A friend recently visited Africa and her photographs and social media updates had me seething with envy! While ...
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Traveling with Charlie Bear

When we lost our two old dogs, Bella and Hurricane, earlier this year, our family was devastated. My ...
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Patience is Worth it

The other day, my family and I got behind the s l o w e s t driver ...
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Insuring Teen Drivers Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

When I was learning to drive, I remember my parents harping on me about getting good grades. At ...
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Teen Drivers? READ THIS.

You know how the baby years seem so overwhelming and draining? I've got bad news for ya: you ...
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Keep Kitty Off Your Car!

Cat-scratch fever may refer to a disease, but ask any cat-owner and they'll tell you it could just ...
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Little Things Make a Big Difference

You know the saying, "it's the little things that matter"? It's true. Sweet love notes, simple gestures of ...
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Iced Out?

When my husband and I lived in our first house along the main drag of a little town, ...
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Tips for a Safe New Year

When I was old enough to drive, my parents had one firm rule about New Year's Eve: I ...
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Precious Cargo on Board? Take These Extra Precautions While Driving!

Listen, my kids are as cute and sweet and snuggly as they come. They're also loud, distracting, and ...
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Be Prepared for Anything with a Winter Road-Side Safety Kit

Many years ago, I read an article about a family breaking down in a remote area up in ...
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Tire Pressure: My Winter Nemesis

This time of the year always brings holiday cheer, crisp winter air, and annoying dashboard warnings of low ...
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Get Your Car Winter-Ready

I'm not a fan of the cold weather and neither is your car. Keeping me happy during winter ...
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Traveling? Take Your Furry Friend!

We lost both of our fur babies this year. To double the sadness, we lost them within two ...
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Crazy Car Facts You Never Knew

Admittedly, I'm not a car freak. No gearhead here. I'm lucky I can turn one on.  That said, ...
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I’ll Take My Turkey To Go

It's not that I don't love hosting, it's that I don't like cooking or cleaning up or making ...
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Best Time of the Year to Upgrade Your Ride

It has never been easier to buy a new (or used!) vehicle. All of our online options not ...
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This is Why Carpooling is a Must

It's common sense that the fewer cars on the road means fewer pollution in the air. That in ...
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Fall Sports Essentials for Your Car

If your family is anything like mine, back to school also meant back to sports. Between my three ...
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Organize Thyself

When I started working from home in 2009, I realized how much improvement my organization game needed. I ...
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Get Your Trunk-or-Treat On!

Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween. I think it's because it exposes my zero-creativity when it ...
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Don’t be THAT guy in the drop-off line…

Hey, know when's NOT a good time to braid your kid's hair? IN THE DROP-OFF LINE. Know when ...
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Non-traditional Cleaning Products

Certain brands have the market cornered when it comes to cleaning products. Glass, wood, or carpet, you're already ...
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Road Trip Trivia

If your kids are anything like mine, they enjoy random trivia. Our son tends to fare better on ...
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Fall is the Perfect Time for a Drive

Give your car a tune-up and hop in. We're going for the drive of a lifetime! From Pittsburgh ...
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Reading Material for Your Car Enthusiast

There are websites dedicated to everything nowadays, which makes it super convenient to keep abreast of your favorite ...
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Car Cruises Comin’ to a Town Near You!

My high school boyfriend was a major gear head. His beloved '74 Chevy pick-up was kind of a ...
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One-Day Road Trip Destinations

Imagine this: the kids are back in school, and you and your significant other have got some PTO ...
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Ways Young Kids Can Help Maintain the Family Vehicle

I have three kids, ages 4, 7, and 9. They're exceptionally skilled at making messes. Cleaning up those ...
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Eat Healthy Even on the Go

My husband and I take great pains to force healthy foods into our kids' faces as often as ...
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Here, Save Some Dinero on Gas. You’re Welcome.

Wanna save some money on the things you need, like gasoline? That was a dumb question! Follow these ...
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Tips to Make Your Long Road Trip More Bearable

Our neighbors just traveled cross country in their family van with four kids under the age of 13. ...
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Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

The experts say a clean space is a calmer space, and the same holds true for our cars. ...
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Keep These Items in Your Car & Avoid Disaster

"Do you have a tissue?" "Do you have sunblock?" "I'm cold, do you have a blanket?" Come at ...
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Free Summer Fun for Everyone!

If you know me, you know I love FREE stuff! I think I get that gene from my ...
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Traveling with Your Pet? Read This First!

Before my husband and I had kids, our dogs went everywhere with us. The backseat of our car ...
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Avoid ARE WE THERE YET’s During Long Trips

I love traveling and I love my children, but I do not love traveling with my kids. It's ...
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Forget Electronics–Entertain the Kids Old-School Style!

I won't lie: devices babysit my kids sometimes, too. But they haven't made other forms of learning and ...
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Kids’ Apps That Don’t Require Service

Let me set the scene: You're on hour five of an eight-hour road trip. The next rest stop ...
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Here’s Why a Cookie Sheet is Your Best Friend

I love cookies like most, but that's not why I'm crushin' on cookie sheets right now. Besides making ...
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Get Good Shut-Eye Even While Traveling

I know most everyone touts hotel pillows and bedding as heavenly, but I just can't get on board. ...
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Take Your Best Beach Photos

Oh, the beach. Warm sunshine. Soft sand underfoot, waves crashing in cadence with children playing joyfully in its ...
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Dear Children, Get Me This for Mother’s Day

We're about two weeks away from Mother's Day, you guys! You know what that means: husbands everywhere will ...
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Hacks for Saving Money at Amusement Parks

Coupons! BOGO! Discount codes! Oh, how I love saving money! And with three kids and a busy summer ...
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DIY Emergency Roadside Kit

May you never have to use it, but just in case...ever considered a DIY emergency kit you keep ...
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How to Road Trip with Young Kids and Not Lose Your Mind

Our youngest will turn four this month and although she's adept at using the potty and verbalizing her ...
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Everything You Need to Know About Insuring Teen Drivers

I'm watching friends go through it now: passengers in their own cars, teaching their 16-year-old to drive. The ...
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Tackling the Multi-Generational Road Trip

My kids love traveling with their grandparents, but I'm not so sure the grandparents enjoy all the responsibilities ...
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Keep Your Car Looking Newer Longer

The old adage, "it's the little things that matter," is absolutely right, especially when it comes to our ...
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Crazy Car Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work!

I love nothing more than a clean car, but carting around young people and a less-than-impressed-by-cleanliness husband make ...
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Parents of Athletes, Don’t Forget This Stuff…

If it's not baseball, it's softball; and if it's not softball, it's basketball, ice skating, soccer, hockey, or ...
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Handling Water on the Road

With the big nor'easter that just blew through parts of Pennsylvania, we're worried about more than snow accumulation: ...
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Garage Organization 101

Few things in life make my heart happier than a well organized space. My closets are sorted and ...
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Upcoming Car Shows in Pittsburgh, PA

I once dated a gear head. To say he was a little obsessed with his 1974 Ford is ...
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Cold-Weather Tailgating Tips

Listen, I hate being cold. Hate. It. When I was younger, sure I loved snow and ice and ...
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Lighten the Load, Maaaaan…

Did you read the title in your best The Dude voice? I hope so. Anyway, don't you find ...
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Don’t Take Your Travel Must-Haves for Granted

Much like those closest to us, we tend to take for granted the items we use on the ...
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The Eyelashes of Your Car

Windshield wipers are to our cars what eyelashes are to our eyes. They allow for better visibility and ...
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Amazing Apps for Amazing Road Trips

Road tripping has never been so easy or enjoyable. With these top road trip apps, you'll find the ...
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Proper Winter Car Care

I put extra moisturizer on my skin. I only wash my hair every other day. I wear warmer ...
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Don’t Barf, Kid!

My oldest suffered from car sickness since the day he was turned face-fronting in his car seat. My ...
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Winter is the Best Car Buying Time

I'm not a fan of winter's harsh winds or frigid temperatures, but I do love me a good ...
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Mindful Behind the Wheel

I recently subscribed to an online publication all about simplifying and mindfulness. I'm working on this minimalism thing ...
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My Favorite F Word

I've been accused of having verbal diarrhea. I say what's on my mind, sometimes without filtering it for ...
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Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Week

I come from a long line of foodies. I don't necessarily consider myself a foodie because the kitchen ...
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Beat the Winter Blues with a Quickie!

I'm talking about quickie vacations, but you do you. Nothing makes me feel more blah than the endless ...
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Taking Your Fur Babies on the Road

Before we had actual babies, the husband and I had fur babies. And we took them everywhere. I ...
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Eat Healthy Even On the Go

Once upon a time, I thought it was a faaaaaantastic idea for my kids to be involved. Soccer, ...
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Pack for Winter Travel Like. A. Boss.

My husband and I were invited to go to a wedding in Phoenix, Arizona after Christmas. We live ...
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Winter Tire Care

I admit I'm a little OCD about stoopid things. For instance, if the light switches on one panel ...
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Best Vehicles for Holiday Shopping

It's that time of the year, you guys. When we shop 'til we drop because SALES!! This year, ...
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If You Volunteer, You Need These Apps

Technology is a beautiful thing. It makes our lives easier by streamlining, organizing, and communicating mass amounts of ...
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Safe Thanksgiving Travels

What's more frustrating than your drunk uncle at the Thanksgiving dinner table rambling about Trump making America great ...
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Scenic Autumn Drives

Okay kids, it's almost winter. I KNOW. But before the trees shed their leaves and everything is barren ...
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Not a Joy Ride: Test Drive Your New Car LIKE. A. BOSS.

You know women are always scoffed at when car shopping. We're seen as the weaker, more indecisive sex. ...
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Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly

I get my hair cut and highlighted once every three months. My family goes to the dentist twice ...
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LOOK ALERT! Tips for Staying Alert While Driving

It goes without saying that no one should ever drive while sleepy, but that doesn't mean some of ...
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The Future of Cars: New Technology

I watched Saturday Night Live's season premiere this weekend, and almost felt bad laughing at Michael Che's joke ...
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Tips for Long Hauls

Hitting the road? Gonna be a while? There are ups and downs to long road trips, but I've ...
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It Takes a Village. Or, Everyone Drive My Kids Places, Please!

I can manage to feed, clothe, and nurture my children. I'm okay at helping with homework, keeping the ...
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Tips for a More Copacetic Commute

Let's stop punching the ozone in the face, shall we? There are so many things we can do ...
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Back to School Basics: Tips for Getting Out of the House on Time   

It's that time of the year again: parents rejoicing after drop-off and kids moaning over another summer gone ...
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Apps for Families on the Go

Life is busy these days. Between school and work and activities and sports and grocery shopping and AHHHH!, ...
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Pittsburgh Summer Fun

Sandcastle Water Park, anyone? How about a ride on the Thunderbolt? Gotta have some Potato Patch fries! If ...
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Affordable Summer Trips

Not every vacation requires extensive travel or expensive accommodations. In fact, some of my family's favorite memories were ...
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25 Things To Do Before Summer is Over!

In the words of my three-year-old, "Huwee, huwee!" and make the most of what's left of summer! With ...
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Tips to Stay Organized at the Beach

There's no other place I'd rather be than on the beach. Though, traveling to and from with children ...
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Pittsburgh’s Free August Events

You know how the Grinch's heart grew two sizes by the end of the movie? That's me any ...
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Tips for Snacking on the Go

I have three children who, if they're awake, are hungry. Which is to say they eat all. day. ...
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Tips for Successful Travels with a Potty Training Toddler

If you've ever felt the urge to stab yourself in the eye with a rusty spork, it's likely ...
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Summer Essentials to Keep in Your Car

My family and I went to the Poconos earlier this summer. It was our first true foray into ...
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One-Day Getaways in PA

We just came back from the Poconos and I gotta say, stepping out of Pittsburgh and into eastern ...
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Traveling with Young Kids? THIS IS A MUST READ!

Kids can be...well...interesting on long road trips. Between the constant encroachment of another's personal space and the boring ...
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Pack Like a Pro

My husband recently requested I begin rolling his clean laundry, rather than folding it. I was initially annoyed ...
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Multi-Generational Vacations & How To Make Them Work

Ages 2 through 62. That's what we work with every year we vacation with extended family. It can ...
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Pittsburgh Staycation

When I was a freshman in high school, my parents took me and my brother on a vacation ...
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Three Rivers Arts Fest 2017

Pittsburgh is an awesome city, chalk-full of cultural and artistic expression. Our annual Arts Fest is the culmination ...
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Teacher Mom-Approved Kid Apps

Is there anything more harmful to the eardrums than the incessant whine of "Are we there yet?!" I'm ...
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Tips for Taking Great Photos While on Vacation

We head to the beach every summer (thankyoubabyjesus) and during our week-long stay, I'm hellbent on getting that ...
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Curing Vacation Sleeping Woes

Know what I love about vacation? Everything...except how crappy my kids sleep. When they were younger, I was ...
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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

I am a mother, therefore you should take these gift options into consideration. Also, serve them with a ...
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Family Road Trips Not Too Far from Pittsburgh

Oh, road trips. They sound so much more exciting when you're in your early 20's and your passengers ...
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5 Ways for Kids to Help Care for the Family Vehicle

Let's be honest: they mess it up the most, so it only makes sense that they help clean ...
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Giveaway! Pittsburgh’s Children’s Theater Festival

Lauded as “the single greatest creative force in Pittsburgh because of its spirit of reinvention” by the Pittsburgh ...
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Prep Your Car for a Trade-In

Did you know it's a bad thing to trade in a clean car. WHO KNEW?! Click HERE to ...
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Jesus, Take the Wheel: Teaching Our Teens to Drive

Parenting is not for the faint of heart, especially when it comes to giving our teenager full control ...
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St. Patrick’s Day Fun in Pittsburgh

You don't have to drive too far to find fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year. ...
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Healthy Snacks for On-the-Go

Life is busy. There's not always time for a sit-down meal, but the kids still need fed before ...
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Don’t Be Stinky: Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh

You know that commercial for the air freshener where the people have gone "nose-blind" to odors in their ...
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Keeping A Clean Interior

Germs are errrrrywhere, especially this time of the year. On light switches, tables, doorknobs--oh my! Don't underestimate how ...
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Winter Road-Side Safety Kit

The Boy Scouts of America's motto, "Be prepared," might not directly refer to driving, but it certainly applies! ...
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Tips for Traveling with a Potty Training Toddler

Parents, we've all been there: a dreaded drive with our potty training toddler in tow. Unless stopping every ...
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Easy Winter Road Trip Ideas from Pittsburgh

Winter seems to last longer and longer every year here in the Pittsburgh area. But instead of lamenting ...
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Drive *Winter* Safe

There's driving carefully, then there's driving winter carefully. Black ice, sleet, and other drivers will do their best ...
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New Year’s Family-friendly Events

I don't know if you've noticed, but little kids can't hang 'til midnight that well. So when New ...
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Tire Pressure & Cold Weather

With the holidays upon us, colder weather is inevitable, and when the temperature drops, so does tire pressure. ...
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Christmas Countdown: Fun for the Whole Family!

I morph into a little kid every December. I can't wait to put up the tree and start ...
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Discounts for Insuring Your Teen Driver

Auto insurance ain't cheap, especially if there's a teen driver on your policy. Oh, teens. You get such a ...
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Take the Holidays on the Road

The idea of meal planning, shopping and cooking for, then cleaning up after 20+ guests isn't my idea ...
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Trunk or Treating

Many communities and organizations have picked up the fun Halloween tradition of Trunk-or-Treating. If you're not familiar with ...
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Fall Trips for Pittsburghers

We Pittsburghers love fall! The hot summer gives way to cool breezes and beautiful scenery and, of course, ...
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Lead a Healthier Life With These 5 Tips

Spinach smoothies. Hot yoga. All organic everything. With all these wellness trends hitting the market today, it's no ...
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How To Jump Start A Car: For Dummies Edition

In a mad dash to get out of the car (and probably into the Goldfish crackers), our neighbor's ...
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Pimp Your Ride for Free!

Okay, maybe "pimp" isn't the right word, but with these six tips, you can make your car a ...
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Tips for Driving Through Standing Water

In light of the sudden, unexpected, and ultimately devastating flooding in Louisiana, I thought it wise to brush ...
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The 5 Passengers You’ve Driven With

Some are helpful. Some are annoying. Some strike the perfect balance in between. But all passengers fall into ...
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Have a Kid Who Plays Sports? Then You Need To Read This!

My son just started playing coach-pitch baseball. Growing up in a family that holds America's favorite pastime in ...
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8 Tips for Saving Money & Time at Amusement Parks

It costs my family of 5 almost $200 to get into our local amusement park. Add on the ...
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What We’ve Learned from the Griswolds. Or, Tips for a Successful Family Vacation

  Every summer, my husband, our three children, my parents, brother, and I rent a big ol' van ...
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Summer Car Maintenance

In recent years, Western Pennsylvania seems to have morphed into a 3-season area; the usual transition from winter ...
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Quick & Easy Getaways Near Pittsburgh

Whoever said a getaway had to cost a fortune or be a half a world away, never heard ...
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10 Tips for a Successful Road Trip with Little Kids

Hey, know what sounds like the worst idea EVER? Strapping three kids 6-years-old and under into a packed ...
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#PackingHacks

Going on vacation shouldn't be stressful, but the daunting task of packing for an entire week away can ...
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Spring Cleaning Your Car

Fresh buds on the trees means spring is finally here! And dust bunnies rolling across the house like ...
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Listen to Your Mother Pittsburgh Tickets Now on Sale!

Friday, May 6, 2016 8pm Carnegie Lecture Hall in the Carnegie Public Library / Museum of Natural History Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ...
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Citgo: Fueling Cars & Education

A few years ago, the words oil and STEM would've had completely different meanings than they do today. ...
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Me, Too

You feel not good enough Like all of your kids' bad traits come from your side And you're nowhere ...
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“Stephanie is not only a hilarious and truthful voice in the blogosphere, but she is a complete dynamite, too. She rallied her audience in a contest to bring my book tour to her hometown, and managed not only to win the evening, but be a highlight of the entire tour. Her energy and enthusiasm is simply contagious and shines both on the screen, and off.”

—  JILL SMOKLER, FOUNDER
Scary Mommy

“Reading Stephanie is like sitting down with your funniest girlfriend for a bottomless cup of coffee. Her writing is so authentic, sometimes I feel like I can actually hear her voice. I see big things in Stephanie’s future as a writer.“

— LESLIE MARINELLI, CEO/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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