Verified Mom http://www.verifiedmom.com/ Unapologetically Me Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:45:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 http://www.verifiedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cropped-VMBookmark152152-32x32.png Verified Mom http://www.verifiedmom.com/ 32 32 Mother’s Day Gifts That Say ‘I See You’ http://www.verifiedmom.com/mothers-day-gifts-that-say-i-see-you/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:33:56 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=34664 Mother’s Day looks different for every family, and I think that’s something we don’t talk about enough. For some, it’s a day filled with noise and celebration. For others, it’s quieter, more reflective. And sometimes, it’s complicated. That’s why I wanted to create a simple guide that works, no matter who you’re shopping for, even if the “mom” you’re honoring is yourself.

I may earn a small commission from some of the links shared here,

… Continue Reading...

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]]> Mother’s Day looks different for every family, and I think that’s something we don’t talk about enough. For some, it’s a day filled with noise and celebration. For others, it’s quieter, more reflective. And sometimes, it’s complicated. That’s why I wanted to create a simple guide that works, no matter who you’re shopping for, even if the “mom” you’re honoring is yourself.

I may earn a small commission from some of the links shared here,

… Continue Reading...

The post Mother’s Day Gifts That Say ‘I See You’ appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Somewhere Between Letting Go and Holding On http://www.verifiedmom.com/somewhere-between-letting-go-and-holding-on/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:41:29 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=34693 No one really prepares you for the in-between.

We hear about the beginning stages of motherhood: the sleepless nights, the first steps, the chaos of raising little humans who need you for everything. And then we hear about letting go, about raising independent adults who go off and build their own lives. But no one really talks about this space, this middle ground where you find yourself standing with one hand still reaching forward and … Continue Reading...

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]]> No one really prepares you for the in-between.

We hear about the beginning stages of motherhood: the sleepless nights, the first steps, the chaos of raising little humans who need you for everything. And then we hear about letting go, about raising independent adults who go off and build their own lives. But no one really talks about this space, this middle ground where you find yourself standing with one hand still reaching forward and … Continue Reading...

The post Somewhere Between Letting Go and Holding On appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Daily Reset, Big Impact: Tiny Habits That Make Home Feel Lighter http://www.verifiedmom.com/daily-reset-big-impact-tiny-habits-that-make-home-feel-lighter/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:37:31 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=34656 January always feels like a fresh notebook—clean pages, crisp possibilities, and a gentle invitation to breathe differently. After the chaos of the holidays, I don’t want a massive overhaul or a color-coded, military-style routine. I want ease. I want little shifts that make home feel calmer without turning my life upside down.

Over the years, I’ve learned that tiny habits—really tiny—can change the way a home feels. Not perfectly. Not all at once. But in … Continue Reading...

The post Daily Reset, Big Impact: Tiny Habits That Make Home Feel Lighter appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> January always feels like a fresh notebook—clean pages, crisp possibilities, and a gentle invitation to breathe differently. After the chaos of the holidays, I don’t want a massive overhaul or a color-coded, military-style routine. I want ease. I want little shifts that make home feel calmer without turning my life upside down.

Over the years, I’ve learned that tiny habits—really tiny—can change the way a home feels. Not perfectly. Not all at once. But in … Continue Reading...

The post Daily Reset, Big Impact: Tiny Habits That Make Home Feel Lighter appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> I didn’t see the shift coming; when mothering quietly fades. http://www.verifiedmom.com/i-didnt-see-the-shift-coming-when-mothering-quietly-fades/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:55:25 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=34650 No one warned me about the quiet.

Sure, I knew the loud toddler days wouldn’t last forever. I expected the teenage pushback, the slammed doors, the late-night check-ins. But I never expected the slow fade of mothering. One day, I looked around and realized I wasn’t needed in the same way anymore.

The shift didn’t come with a big announcement. It came quietly. A text instead of a phone call. They missed dinner because they … Continue Reading...

The post I didn’t see the shift coming; when mothering quietly fades. appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> No one warned me about the quiet.

Sure, I knew the loud toddler days wouldn’t last forever. I expected the teenage pushback, the slammed doors, the late-night check-ins. But I never expected the slow fade of mothering. One day, I looked around and realized I wasn’t needed in the same way anymore.

The shift didn’t come with a big announcement. It came quietly. A text instead of a phone call. They missed dinner because they … Continue Reading...

The post I didn’t see the shift coming; when mothering quietly fades. appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Giving the Gift of Yiftee http://www.verifiedmom.com/giving-the-gift-of-yiftee-review/ Wed, 29 May 2024 10:48:00 +0000 http://www.totstoteensmagazine.com/?p=8673
*Updated 5/29/2024 – Original post 10/12/2013*

It’s true, you can deny it if you want, but you know, as well as I do, that when kids get older, the best thing to give them for birthdays and other holidays is gift cards. Gift cards are, in my opinion, the best invention ever! Yes, some may argue that they are not personal and that it’s real easy to just stop and pick one up anywhere with

… Continue Reading...

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]]>
*Updated 5/29/2024 – Original post 10/12/2013*

It’s true, you can deny it if you want, but you know, as well as I do, that when kids get older, the best thing to give them for birthdays and other holidays is gift cards. Gift cards are, in my opinion, the best invention ever! Yes, some may argue that they are not personal and that it’s real easy to just stop and pick one up anywhere with

… Continue Reading...

The post Giving the Gift of Yiftee appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Why It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out Post-High School http://www.verifiedmom.com/why-its-okay-not-to-have-everything-figured-out-post-high-school/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:26:17 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19215 Embracing the Post-High School Journey

As parents, we often dream of a linear path for our children’s success: graduate high school, earn a college degree, land a great job, and settle into a comfortable, fulfilling life. However, reality is rarely so straightforward, especially in today’s complex world. My daughter, like many others, stands at the crossroads of adulthood, uncertain about her next steps post-high school. Her hesitation to dive into university life, coupled with the … Continue Reading...

The post Why It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out Post-High School appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Embracing the Post-High School Journey

As parents, we often dream of a linear path for our children’s success: graduate high school, earn a college degree, land a great job, and settle into a comfortable, fulfilling life. However, reality is rarely so straightforward, especially in today’s complex world. My daughter, like many others, stands at the crossroads of adulthood, uncertain about her next steps post-high school. Her hesitation to dive into university life, coupled with the … Continue Reading...

The post Why It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out Post-High School appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Some of our kiddos’ favorite books http://www.verifiedmom.com/some-of-our-kiddos-favorite-books/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:51:00 +0000 http://www.totstoteensmagazine.com/?p=4305 In honor of Read Across America Day, we’re diving into the literary treasures that have captured the imaginations of our little ones. From the classics we cherished in our childhood to the contemporary tales that our kids can’t put down, here’s a list that might inspire a new favorite bedtime story in your home.

All links are Amazon Affiliate links. The original post was 3/4/2012 Updated post 10/4/2023

Hey Pancakes by Tamson Weston
Storyline: Dive … Continue Reading...

The post Some of our kiddos’ favorite books appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> In honor of Read Across America Day, we’re diving into the literary treasures that have captured the imaginations of our little ones. From the classics we cherished in our childhood to the contemporary tales that our kids can’t put down, here’s a list that might inspire a new favorite bedtime story in your home.

All links are Amazon Affiliate links. The original post was 3/4/2012 Updated post 10/4/2023

Hey Pancakes by Tamson Weston
Storyline: Dive … Continue Reading...

The post Some of our kiddos’ favorite books appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken http://www.verifiedmom.com/quick-easy-teriyaki-chicken/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:26:22 +0000 http://www.totstoteensmagazine.com/?p=8733  

On bustling weeknights when time seems to be of the essence, I often lean towards recipes that are not just flavorsome but are also quick and effortless. One such lifesaver recipe is the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. The sheer joy it brings to the kids’ faces is unmatched, and the minimal ingredient list is every busy mom’s dream come true!

Ingredients:

Chicken: About 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed to bite-sized perfection.
Onion: A small … Continue Reading...

The post Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]>  

On bustling weeknights when time seems to be of the essence, I often lean towards recipes that are not just flavorsome but are also quick and effortless. One such lifesaver recipe is the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. The sheer joy it brings to the kids’ faces is unmatched, and the minimal ingredient list is every busy mom’s dream come true!

Ingredients:

Chicken: About 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed to bite-sized perfection.
Onion: A small … Continue Reading...

The post Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Handling Temper Tantrums with Grace and Understanding http://www.verifiedmom.com/handling-temper-tantrums/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:39:00 +0000 http://mwav.wordpress.com/?p=490 Handling Temper Tantrums

Every parent dreads it: the temper tantrum. Amplify that with a scene in a public space, like a store, and you have a scenario many might call their “ultimate parenting nightmare”. That was precisely the situation I found myself in recently. My 4-year-old decided that a store’s aisles were the perfect backdrop for a theatrical display of emotions, all because of a toy I felt wasn’t appropriate for her.

A Day at the Store: An

… Continue Reading...

The post Handling Temper Tantrums with Grace and Understanding appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Handling Temper Tantrums

Every parent dreads it: the temper tantrum. Amplify that with a scene in a public space, like a store, and you have a scenario many might call their “ultimate parenting nightmare”. That was precisely the situation I found myself in recently. My 4-year-old decided that a store’s aisles were the perfect backdrop for a theatrical display of emotions, all because of a toy I felt wasn’t appropriate for her.

A Day at the Store: An

… Continue Reading...

The post Handling Temper Tantrums with Grace and Understanding appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Credit Card Woes: 2008 vs. 2023 – An Economic Odyssey http://www.verifiedmom.com/credit-card-woes-2008-vs-2023-an-economic-odyssey/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:40:20 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19145 The struggles of dealing with credit card debt are unfortunately a constant in many people’s lives. A reflective blog from 2008 painted a vivid picture of the harsh reality faced by numerous individuals: grappling with a $180 finance charge on a $7,000 credit card balance and a looming minimum payment of $250. To make ends meet, selling household items, cherished memories, and even precious jewelry became plausible considerations. Today, almost 15 years later, while certain … Continue Reading...

The post Credit Card Woes: 2008 vs. 2023 – An Economic Odyssey appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> The struggles of dealing with credit card debt are unfortunately a constant in many people’s lives. A reflective blog from 2008 painted a vivid picture of the harsh reality faced by numerous individuals: grappling with a $180 finance charge on a $7,000 credit card balance and a looming minimum payment of $250. To make ends meet, selling household items, cherished memories, and even precious jewelry became plausible considerations. Today, almost 15 years later, while certain … Continue Reading...

The post Credit Card Woes: 2008 vs. 2023 – An Economic Odyssey appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> 30 Simple Ways to Sprinkle Sunshine into Your Day! http://www.verifiedmom.com/30-ways-to-feel-good-when-you-feel-like-poop/ http://www.verifiedmom.com/30-ways-to-feel-good-when-you-feel-like-poop/#comments Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:52:00 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=10750 Why Small Acts Matter

Life can be a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Especially after long, gloomy months like fall and winter, many of us might feel a little out of sorts, reminiscent of those “winter blues.” But remember, it’s the small moments, the tiny acts of joy, that often bring the most happiness. That’s why I’ve curated a list of 30 simple yet powerful ways to sprinkle sunshine into your day. And the … Continue Reading...

The post 30 Simple Ways to Sprinkle Sunshine into Your Day! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Why Small Acts Matter

Life can be a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Especially after long, gloomy months like fall and winter, many of us might feel a little out of sorts, reminiscent of those “winter blues.” But remember, it’s the small moments, the tiny acts of joy, that often bring the most happiness. That’s why I’ve curated a list of 30 simple yet powerful ways to sprinkle sunshine into your day. And the … Continue Reading...

The post 30 Simple Ways to Sprinkle Sunshine into Your Day! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> http://www.verifiedmom.com/30-ways-to-feel-good-when-you-feel-like-poop/feed/ 3 Kristin’s Italian Sausage & Potatoes http://www.verifiedmom.com/kristins-italian-sausage-potatoes/ http://www.verifiedmom.com/kristins-italian-sausage-potatoes/#comments Sun, 10 Sep 2023 19:39:00 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=128 The Night Our Culinary Worlds Collided: A Neighbor’s Gift

Have you ever had an unexpected knock on your door, only to open it and find a culinary masterpiece waiting for you? That’s the magic our lovely neighbor brings to our lives, time and again. But one evening, she outdid herself, introducing us to a dish that was not just scrumptious but also astonishingly simple!

The Unexpected Feast:

There’s something about living next to a culinary … Continue Reading...

The post Kristin’s Italian Sausage & Potatoes appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> The Night Our Culinary Worlds Collided: A Neighbor’s Gift

Have you ever had an unexpected knock on your door, only to open it and find a culinary masterpiece waiting for you? That’s the magic our lovely neighbor brings to our lives, time and again. But one evening, she outdid herself, introducing us to a dish that was not just scrumptious but also astonishingly simple!

The Unexpected Feast:

There’s something about living next to a culinary … Continue Reading...

The post Kristin’s Italian Sausage & Potatoes appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> http://www.verifiedmom.com/kristins-italian-sausage-potatoes/feed/ 1 ‘Bounce The City’ Springs Into Woodfield Mall This Weekend! http://www.verifiedmom.com/bounce-the-city-springs-into-woodfield-mall-this-weekend/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:27:09 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19112

Hold on to your bounce! Schaumburg, Illinois is about to get a whole lot more exciting this weekend. For those who’ve been seeking an out-of-the-box way to spend quality family time, Woodfield Mall has some uplifting news for you. On Saturday, August 26th, the expansive parking lots of the mall will be transformed into a magical, inflatable wonderland as ‘Bounce The City,’ the largest touring inflatable festival by XL Event Lab, makes its grand appearance.… Continue Reading...

The post ‘Bounce The City’ Springs Into Woodfield Mall This Weekend! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]>

Hold on to your bounce! Schaumburg, Illinois is about to get a whole lot more exciting this weekend. For those who’ve been seeking an out-of-the-box way to spend quality family time, Woodfield Mall has some uplifting news for you. On Saturday, August 26th, the expansive parking lots of the mall will be transformed into a magical, inflatable wonderland as ‘Bounce The City,’ the largest touring inflatable festival by XL Event Lab, makes its grand appearance.… Continue Reading...

The post ‘Bounce The City’ Springs Into Woodfield Mall This Weekend! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> A Guide to Overcoming the Back-to-School Blues http://www.verifiedmom.com/a-guide-to-overcoming-the-back-to-school-blues/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:25:32 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19103 It’s that time of the year again! As the sun sets a tad earlier and the air carries a whisper of crispness, our homes are filled with the rustling of new backpacks, freshly sharpened pencils, and the slight tinge of anxiety accompanying the return to school.

Some links might be Amazon Affiliate Links

Yes, we’re talking about the back-to-school blues.

This transitional period can be tough for many, both for the children embarking on a … Continue Reading...

The post A Guide to Overcoming the Back-to-School Blues appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> It’s that time of the year again! As the sun sets a tad earlier and the air carries a whisper of crispness, our homes are filled with the rustling of new backpacks, freshly sharpened pencils, and the slight tinge of anxiety accompanying the return to school.

Some links might be Amazon Affiliate Links

Yes, we’re talking about the back-to-school blues.

This transitional period can be tough for many, both for the children embarking on a … Continue Reading...

The post A Guide to Overcoming the Back-to-School Blues appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Celebrating the New School Year: 5 Fun Ideas! http://www.verifiedmom.com/celebrating-the-new-school-year-5-fun-ideas/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 21:05:07 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19095 5 fun ideas for celebrating back to school

Ah, the scent of new notebooks, the feel of crisp pages, and the excitement of seeing friends after a long summer. The new school year is not just a return to routine, but a chance to embark on new adventures and learn more about ourselves and the world around us. And why not celebrate this new beginning? If you’re wondering how to usher in the school year with a bang, I’ve got some vibrant back-to-school … Continue Reading...

The post Celebrating the New School Year: 5 Fun Ideas! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> 5 fun ideas for celebrating back to school

Ah, the scent of new notebooks, the feel of crisp pages, and the excitement of seeing friends after a long summer. The new school year is not just a return to routine, but a chance to embark on new adventures and learn more about ourselves and the world around us. And why not celebrate this new beginning? If you’re wondering how to usher in the school year with a bang, I’ve got some vibrant back-to-school … Continue Reading...

The post Celebrating the New School Year: 5 Fun Ideas! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive! http://www.verifiedmom.com/roll-up-your-sleeve-and-roar-for-the-cause-the-brookfield-zoo-blood-drive/ Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:30:48 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19085 There’s a fantastic opportunity coming your way that not only lets you make a massive difference in someone’s life but also brings a day of wild fun for you and your family.

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive!

Over the summer, the American Red Cross noticed a dip in blood donations. Yes, the very essence that gives life! Hospitals are dispensing blood faster than it’s being donated. But here’s where you can leap into action and be a hero!

Mark your … Continue Reading...

The post Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> There’s a fantastic opportunity coming your way that not only lets you make a massive difference in someone’s life but also brings a day of wild fun for you and your family.

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive!

Over the summer, the American Red Cross noticed a dip in blood donations. Yes, the very essence that gives life! Hospitals are dispensing blood faster than it’s being donated. But here’s where you can leap into action and be a hero!

Mark your … Continue Reading...

The post Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]>