Featured WIRL of the Moment

Reality – What It’s Really Like

Reality – What It’s Really Like

This post is part of a series titled, “A-B-Cs – What It’s Really Like”. Each week a new letter and its word will be revealed. Each word’s explanation will illustrate significant personal meaning, application and ultimately demonstrate, What It’s Really Like… Back in 1998 MTV debuted the reality TV s... Read More »

Previously Featured WIRLs

Letter to My Kindergartener | WIRL Project

The Kindergarten Milestone – The First of Many Lasts

To my third child on her entry to kindergarten: I’m not sure why kindergarten is the milestone that it is. After all, you are a baby used to being in childcare. I am accustomed to dropping you off, handing you into someone else’s loving and capable hands for the hours I have spent working. After five years of childcare and two children before you, I should be used to this by now. But this is kinde... Read More »

Teething Snacks

Let’s face it, no one enjoys the teething process. When a child is teething, it is rough on everyone! Every time Hadley went through a teething phase, I felt like a waitress at a bad restaurant. I was constantly making different meals, only for her to send them back with an attitude. Now that I have been through a handful of these phases, I wanted to share a few of the healthy teething snacks that... Read More »

Caramel Toffee Bars

Peanut Butter Caramel Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

This is so much gooey awesomeness that combines peanut butter, oatmeal, caramel and chocolate that I think you should make today! Ingredients Caramel Filling 11 oz bag vanilla caramels 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk 4 Tbls butter Cookie Dough 12 Tbl unsalted butter 2 c light brown sugar 1/2 c creamy peanut butter 2 eggs 1 Tbl vanilla 2 c flour 1 c old fashioned oats 2 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 t... Read More »

The Ultimate Question

The Ultimate Question

  What do you want to do in life? The ultimate question: You know how everyone asks you about your future plans as a high-school student? How they ask what you want to be and how you want to achieve it? I find it funny how they never ask you what makes you happy or what  would satisfy your heart. Some people are oblivious to the questions they ask and how much they can effect others… no... Read More »

WIRL Challenge Wednesday

WIRL Challenge Wednesday: BlogU

What Is It REALLY Like to Attend the Blog U Conference? Prompt: We want to hear from the faculty, staff, and attendees of the BlogU conference. What was the experience REALLY like? Was it worth the investment? Who did you meet? What did you gain? Was it worth it? Due 6/15 9:00 PM EST Use the Category “WIRL Challenge” and Tag “WIRL BlogU”. You may contribute as a member, guest, or anonymously. &nbs... Read More »

Stressed Mom WIRL Project

9 Going on 16….What It’s REALLY Like!

  My sweet, sweet little girl….yea right!!! Her teachers and other moms always tell me what a sweet girl she is. I just laugh. I laugh, but want to cry. She isn’t like that with me!! What the hell? It is like she is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One minute, she is sweet and nice to me (usually when she wants something), then when she realizes she isn’t going to get what she wants, she starts... Read More »

Left Shy Self At Home | WIRL Project

How to Become Financially Independent

  Retirement is a concept that continues to experience transitions. Becoming financially independent is difficult, but it is also possible. Historically, only 5% of people are able to retire and maintain financial independence. Most have never created a financial plan. A plan is critical for achieving your financial goals. “Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dar... Read More »

Breaking the Cycle: Grocery Saving Tips

Breaking the Cycle: Grocery Saving Tips

I am constantly trying to find ways to trim our family budget.  About twice a year I attempt to hack away at unnecessary spending and cut out anything that will help the household bottom line.  There comes a point in everyone’s budget where it is not possible to reduce anymore items from monthly expenses.  Once you hit this threshold you are forced to get creative. Even though I handle the f... Read More »