All Blog Posts

This is a place to see all of the blogs I have written from newest to oldest. If I make a few edits to old blogs, they stay where they are (date wise), but if I make a lot of modifications, I’ll give the blog an updated date, and it will pop up higher on the list….in case you were wondering. 🙂

Embracing Motherhood How Children's Brains are Wired for Learning

Why Ages 0-3 is the MOST Crucial Time of Brain Development

I've raised five children, and I've learned though experience…
December 23, 2022/by Stacey Maaser

Teach Your Toddler How to Read

After teaching letter names and letter sounds really really well…
October 2, 2022/by Stacey Maaser

Teach Your Baby How to Read

I wouldn't have thought it was possible unless I tried it with…
October 2, 2022/by Stacey Maaser

We Use Our Trampoline Just About Every Day!

On a whim one afternoon while shopping at Walmart, I decided…
April 22, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
setting up a homeschool routine

How to Start a Homeschool Routine During Covid-19

As a former classroom teacher and currently a stay at home mom…
April 20, 2020/by Stacey Maaser

26 Learning Centers for a Homeschool Preschool Environment

I love setting up an environment where my young preschool aged…
March 5, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make Sourdough Muffins

How to Make Whole Wheat Sourdough Muffins

I have tried so many different recipes for sourdough bread, and…
February 21, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
#1-Oral Language Development Lays the Foundation for Reading

#1-Oral Language Development Lays the Foundation for Reading

Oral language development is one of the most important aspects…
February 20, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
how to engage your baby with reading

#2-How to Engage Your Baby or Young Child with Reading

When should you start reading to your child? The answer is...right…
February 19, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
learning to read begins with the abcs

#3-Learning How to Read Begins with the ABCs

Learning the ABCs lays the foundation for all future reading…
February 18, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
memorizing words is what good readers do

#4-Memorizing Words (Before Sounding Them Out) Leads to Reading

While teaching my own five children how to read, I have discovered…
February 17, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
Building Vocabulary with Colors, Numbers, and Shapes (Part 4 in a Teach Your Child to Read Series)

#5-Building Vocabulary with Numbers, Colors, and Shapes

By teaching children numbers, colors, and shapes, it will give…
February 16, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
Teaching Phonics with Three Letter Words (Part 6 in a Teach Your Child to Read Series)

#6-Teaching Phonics with Three Letter Word Families

Phonics is a crucial part of learning how to read and involves…
February 15, 2020/by Stacey Maaser

#7-Unlock the Final Stages of Reading with Advanced Phonemic Awareness

If you teach letter names and letter sounds really really well…
February 14, 2020/by Stacey Maaser

#8-Reading Comprehension Strategies Lead to Independent Readers

When you interact with books before, during, and after reading…
February 13, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
Reinforcing Reading With Writing (Part 8 in a Teach Your Child to Read Series)

#9-Reinforcing Reading with Writing

Learning how to write is the final step to becoming literate!…
February 12, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
teach your child to read in 5 steps

Teach Your Child to Read in 5 Simple Steps

Teaching your child to read can be easy and fun, especially if…
February 11, 2020/by Stacey Maaser
How We Manage a Bedtime Routine with Five Young Children

How We Manage a Bedtime Routine with Five Young Children

Over the years, we have tweaked our bedtime routine to help us…
September 28, 2018/by Stacey Maaser

How the Keto Diet and Intermittent Fasting Helped Me Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Months

Do you want to lose weight fast, keep it off, and not feel hungry…
September 2, 2018/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make Squeezable Remineralizing Toothpaste

How to Make All Natural Squeezable Remineralizing Toothpaste That Kids Love

This toothpaste recipe is simply the best! I have experimented…
August 8, 2018/by Stacey Maaser
How Organizing My Home and Life is Helping Me to Overcome Anxiety

How Organizing My Home and Life is Helping Me to Overcome Anxiety

I'm not going to lie, the last two years have been rough. Yes,…
August 3, 2018/by Stacey Maaser

How Children Really Learn to Read…in 10 Steps

When should children learn how to read? Do we have to teach children…
June 28, 2018/by Stacey Maaser
The Best Way to Make Kombucha

The Best Way to Make Kombucha

Kombucha is a beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with…
June 24, 2018/by Stacey Maaser

Best Cupcake and Frosting Recipe for Kids

I have made a TON of cupcakes for my little ones and tried many…
May 5, 2018/by Stacey Maaser
pizza crust recipe

A Quick and Easy Pizza Crust Recipe

It's always nice when you can plan ahead and have some healthy…
April 25, 2018/by Stacey Maaser
How to Keep Your Child's Bedroom Clean

How to Keep Your Child’s Bedroom Clean

As soon as a child is old enough to have his or her own room,…
March 22, 2018/by Stacey Maaser

How to Make a Stock Tank Pool

With a super detailed materials list, clear step by step instructions, and a very thorough YouTube video, learn how to make your own stock tank pool for the whole family to enjoy.
March 10, 2018/by Stacey Maaser
truth about fats

The Truth About Fats

Like many adolescent girls, I feel like my obsession with weight…
February 1, 2018/by Stacey Maaser

Best Oils to Cook With

There is only cooking oil that can help you lose weight, have…
February 1, 2018/by Stacey Maaser
Butter is a Superfood! Embracing Motherhood

Butter is a Superfood!

I love that as our kids come to HUGE growth spurts, they consume…
January 2, 2018/by Stacey Maaser
How to Stay on Top of Free Radicals with Antioxidants

How to Stay on Top of Free Radicals with Antioxidants

I hear the terms "free radicals" and "antioxidants" thrown around…
December 28, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
Baby Conversations Are an Important Part of Language Development

Baby Conversations are an Important Part of Language Development

Oral language development is a HUGE part of a child's development! But…
September 16, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
Simple Homemade Hummus Recipe

Simple Homemade Hummus Recipe

One of my favorite snacks in the whole world is homemade bread…
September 1, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
Super Simple Homemade Bread Recipe

Super Simple Homemade Bread Recipe

When we were first married, my parents got my husband and I a…
September 1, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

Apps That Encourage Imagination and Creativity

If you're looking for some open ended apps that foster creativity…
August 27, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

Setting Reasonable Limits for Screen Time

I've seen many articles that talk about the dangers of screen…
August 17, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

13 Homeschooling Tips from the 1990s

By Guest Blogger: Diane Napierkowski

1. Learn from little…
August 17, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

Reflections on a Homeschool Journey from 1987

By Guest Blogger: Diane Napierkowski

Written December 1987


Homeschooling…
August 16, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

Should We Homeschool Our Children? A List of Pros and Cons

When you have a lot of kids close in age, it can seem like the…
August 15, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
Teach Your Child to Read by Age 3: A Free Reading Program

Everything You Need to Know to Teach Your Child to Read at a Young Age

How DO children learn to read? While raising my own five children,…
July 28, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

Jack’s Hair Tourniquet: One of the Most Traumatic Nights of my Life

Last night while we were sitting around the campfire with some…
July 2, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
15 Ways to Make Your Backyard a Perfect Park for Kids

DIY Backyard Ideas for Summer Fun with Young Children

These are the ways that we have transformed our backyard into…
May 28, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

12 Ways to Start a Good Breastfeeding Relationship with Your New Baby

While it is true that breastfeeding is natural, it doesn't mean…
May 22, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
A Word Coloring Pre-Reading Activity

Coloring Over Words Pre-Reading Activity

I love getting out large pieces of paper, writing words and pictures…
May 4, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

Setting Up an Outdoor Play Tent Sanctuary 

Setting up a tent outdoors isn't just for camping! Every spring,…
May 3, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

26 Ways to Calm a Fussy Newborn

Trying to calm a fussy, or inconsolable, or screaming newborn…
April 30, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
Why I Won't Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding

Why I Won’t Drink Coffee While Breastfeeding

After being up in the night with my little ones, I used to feel…
April 30, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
Everything You'll Need for a Successful Postpartum Recovery

Everything You’ll Need for a Successful Postpartum Recovery

Giving birth is an amazing and empowering experience that will…
March 23, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
Jack's birth

Our Fifth Born: Jack’s Home Birth Story

The pain was excruciating beyond all measure of belief, yet I somehow managed to bring my hands up to the edge of the couch and buried my face in the cushions so that I could scream with reckless abandon.
March 15, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

What To Do When You’re Overdue

So here I am, 12 days overdue with baby #5, and of course I'm…
March 2, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
monster art project

A Monster Art Project

I had sooooooo much fun doing this monster art project in my…
February 7, 2017/by Stacey Maaser
Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils

Everything You Need to Know About Essential Oils

Essential oils seem to be all the rage these days. People are…
January 24, 2017/by Stacey Maaser

The Best Wellness Supplements to Keep Sickness at Bay

When you're sick or starting to feel sick, these are the four…
December 11, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
What's So Bad About Phthalates?

What’s So Bad About Phthalates?

I've done a bit of research about phthalates to know that they…
December 6, 2016/by Stacey Maaser

How I Survived Postpartum Depression

Let's be honest. Being a mom is hard. Being a person is hard.…
October 7, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Best Educational Programs for Young Children

19 Educational Programs for Young Children to Watch

Setting reasonable limits for screen time means that your children…
October 5, 2016/by Stacey Maaser

Buying a New Computer Shouldn’t Cost a Fortune

By Guest Blogger: Scott Maaser

If you're in the market for…
September 9, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
My 10 Favorite Resources for Teaching the ABCs Embracing Motherhood

10 Best Resources for Teaching the ABCs

Learning the ABCs (letter names AND letter sounds) is the bedrock…
August 29, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Healing Chicken Soup Recipe

Healing Chicken Soup Recipe

This is just your basic chicken soup recipe, but when each component…
August 23, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make the Best Roasted Chicken

How to Make the Best Roasted Chicken

This is a very basic recipe for roasted chicken, but sometimes…
August 23, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make a Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth

How to Make a Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth

Making a good chicken bone broth (or chicken stock as it is…
August 23, 2016/by Stacey Maaser

4 Ingredient Slime Putty

We are always looking for quick and easy art projects, and this…
August 20, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
13 Tips for Creating Your Own Website with Blog

How to Start Your Own Blogging Website

I'm not claiming to be the master in all areas of web development here,…
August 16, 2016/by Stacey Maaser

The Importance of Learning the ABCs

Learning the ABCs is something so intrinsic to childhood that…
August 4, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
15 Reasons Why Finland's Schools Are Performing Better Than Schools in the United States at Embracing Motherhood

15 Reasons Why Finland’s Schools Are Performing Better Than Schools in the United States

Unless you're really interested in education, you might not be…
July 25, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood 9 Tips for Getting Over First Trimester Morning Sickness and Tiredness

10 Tips for Getting Over First Trimester Morning Sickness and Fatigue

First trimester morning sickness (which doesn't just hit in the…
June 30, 2016/by Stacey Maaser

Pregnant with Baby #5!

With four children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years...girl,…
June 28, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make a Mudpit for Summer Fun

How to Make a Mud Pit for Summer Fun

"You want to make a mud pit...on purpose...in our yard?!?" I…
June 26, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Teaching Children in Their Zone of Proximal Development

How to Set Learning Goals for Young Children

As a former teacher and now parent, would you expect anything…
June 12, 2016/by Stacey Maaser

How to Set Up a Summer Routine That Keeps Kids Productive

With school out and summer upon us, I find myself wondering how…
June 10, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Setting and Achieving Learning Goals for Young Children

Examples of Learning Goals That I Use with My Children

I love setting learning goals with my children so that I can…
June 8, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Why We Are Giving Technology a Break

Why We Are Giving Technology a Break

It started out with educational apps on ipads, playing Starfall…
June 3, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make Stepping Stumps

How to Make Stepping Stumps

Making stepping stumps is a fun and easy project that will provide…
May 26, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Establish a Bedtime Routine with a Baby (or What to Do When Your Baby Won't Nurse to Sleep Anymore)

Establishing a Bedtime Routine with a Baby Who is Used to Nursing to Sleep

I usually just like to nurse my babies to sleep, but at some…
May 17, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make a Backyard Obstacle Course

How to Make a Backyard Obstacle Course

This backyard obstacle course is the simplest thing I have ever…
May 14, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Why Can't I Stand Nursing Anymore? A Tale of Nursing Aversion

How Nursing Aversion Led to the Weaning of my 15 Month Old

I was bombarded by a range of emotions when one of my favorite…
May 11, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
The Importance of Growing Up with a Garden

The Importance of Growing Up with a Garden

Gardening is a fun way for the whole family to eat nutrient dense…
May 7, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
The Benefits of Allowing Kids to Interact with Nature (Without Being Hovered Over) Embracing Motherhood

The Benefits of Allowing Kids to Interact with Nature (Without Being Hovered Over)

When we provide opportunities for our kids to play in natural environments that encourage unstructured and imaginative play, there are a myriad of benefits.
May 3, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood My 15 Month Old "Baby" is Still Not Sleeping Through the Night

My 15 Month Old “Baby” is Still Not Sleeping Through the Night

It's 2 o'clock in the morning, and it feels like my head just…
April 28, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make an Outdoor Teepee

How to Make an Outdoor Teepee

Making an outdoor teepee is a fun and easy project that will provide a natural play area for your children.
April 26, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood chicken cordon bleu

The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu You’ll Ever Taste!

The taste is amazing and complex, but it is seriously easy to make.
April 20, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
My Favorite Books for Babies

Best Books for Babies

These are the books we have loved reading with our four children when they were babies.
March 20, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood I Need to Take a Break

I Need to Take a Break

It's good to know when to let some things go...
February 21, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Do You Have Lead in Your Water?

Do You Have Lead in Your Water?

Ever since the Flint water scandal, my husband and I have…
February 4, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood The Mysteries of Digestion Unraveled

The Mysteries of Digestion Unraveled

One of the most basic functions of human physiology is digestion,…
February 1, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Why Teaching in the Zone of Proximal Development Matters

Why Teaching in the Zone of Proximal Development Matters

Teaching in the zone of proximal development is important because…
January 21, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Wellness Formula is the BEST Way to Beat a Cold!

Wellness Formula is the BEST Way to Keep Sickness at Bay for Children and Adults!

Being a mother of four little ones, I cannot afford to get sick.…
January 7, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Best Teaching Apps for Preschoolers

Best Teaching Apps for Young Children (Ages 0-6)

With these apps, a few good YouTube playlists, some simple flashcards,…
January 2, 2016/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood My Favorite Preschool Playlists on YouTube

My Favorite YouTube Playlists for Teaching Kids Ages 0-6

These are our favorite playlists that we have used with our…
December 30, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood What We Watch Instead of TV

What We Watch Instead of TV

Ok, so you've connected your computer to your TV, now what? Is…
December 27, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Connect Your TV to a Computer

How to Connect a TV to a Computer

Connecting our TV to our computer is something that we have…
December 23, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
The Best Homemade Guacamole

The Best Homemade Guacamole

Avocados are ridiculously healthy! Along with their monounsaturated…
December 10, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Panera Bread Style Broccoli and Cheese Soup

How to Make Panera Bread Style Broccoli and Cheese Soup

I love, love, LOVE  broccoli and cheese soup, especially the…
December 8, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make Your Own Sourdough Starter

How to Make Your Own Sourdough Starter

Using sourdough is one of the pillars of healthy eating in our…
November 21, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood It's Time to Stop the Mommy Wars

It’s Time to Stop the Mommy Wars!

After watching this viral video about the Mother 'Hood, it really…
November 11, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Egg Drop Soup Recipe

Egg Drop Soup Recipe

As we approach colder days and sicker days (The two always go…
November 3, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Why Leaves Change Color in the Fall

Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

A few years ago when we were playing outside in the fall leaves,…
October 20, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Fall Art Projects

6 Fall Leaf Art Activities

When I was researching a fall art project to do in my daughter…
October 17, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Tools of the Mind: A Play Centered Approach to Learning

Tools of the Mind: A Play Centered Approach to Learning

Although hardly new (created in 1993), there is a revolutionary…
September 28, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood The Importance of Creative and Imaginative Play

13 Tips for Encouraging Creative and Imaginative Play

We often think of play as a break from learning and something…
September 28, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
embracing motherhood how to raise children who want to read by surrounding them with books and cuddles

How to Raise Children Who WANT to Read

Teachers, librarians, parents, politicians...we're all guilty…
September 20, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make Flower Hair Clips

How to Make Flower Hair Clips

My six year old daughter Ruby and I have learned how to make…
September 14, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood The Story of How I Became a Stay at Home Mom

The Story of How I Became a Stay at Home Mom

I worked full time until my children were 6 and 18 months old,…
September 4, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

What It’s Really Like to Be Up in the Night with a Baby and a Toddler

Like a late stage Alzheimer's patient, I feel my mental clarity…
August 21, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing MotherhoodWhy We Shouldn't Ban Screen Time for Children...Especially for Children Under Two

Why We Shouldn’t Ban Screen Time for Children…Especially for Children Under Two

We all know that the American Academy says that all screen time…
August 5, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Beef Gyros with Tzatzkii Sauce

Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

My husband and I have always enjoyed Mediterranean food, and…
July 29, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Baked Chili Lemon Butter Split Chicken Breast

Baked Chili Lemon Butter Split Chicken Breasts

This is a quick, simple, go to meal that can be turned into a…
July 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Hamburger Salad Recipe

Hamburger Salad Recipe

I love finding simple ways to make dinner that are both healthy…
July 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make Soaked Steel Cut Oats

How to Make Soaked Steel Cut Oats

If you're looking for a breakfast alternative to commercially…
July 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Why We Avoid Commercial Processed Cereals

Why We Avoid Commercially Processed Cereals

I remember how when I was growing up I would always read the…
July 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make All Natural Homemade Lip Balm

How to Make Your Own Lip Balm

Do you already make your own deodorant or whipped body butter?…
July 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

How to Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

I was first motivated to make my own ranch dressing when our…
July 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Why We Don't Make Our Little Kids Pick Up After Themselves

Why We Don’t Make Our Little Kids Pick Up After Themselves

First of all, let me clarify something. I'm not saying that I'll…
July 21, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make Popsicle Puppets for Oral Language Development, Reading Readiness, and Creative Play

Popsicle Puppets for Pre-Reading and Imaginative Play

I love making simple popsicle stick puppets for my young children…
July 16, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How I've Found Happiness as a Stay at Home Mom

How I’ve Found Happiness as a Stay at Home Mom

Being a stay at home mom has been the hardest and most rewarding…
July 15, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood All Natural Homemade Deodorant That Really Works!

All Natural Homemade Deodorant That Really Works!

I have been using my homemade deodorant for awhile now, and I…
July 10, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make the Best Potato Fries

How to Make the Best Potato Fries

As a busy mother of four little ones, I love making healthy food…
July 3, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood White Chicken Chili Recipe

White Chicken Chili Recipe

When I used to work at The B.O.B., Bobarino's made the best…
July 1, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Build a Sandbox

How to Build a Sandbox

It's that time of year when the kids are out of school and all…
June 28, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Chicken Kabobs with Rice and Lettuce Wraps

Chicken Kebabs with Rice and Lettuce Wraps

It's summer, and that means it's time for grilling! There is…
June 25, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Homemade Pizza Recipe

Homemade Pizza Recipe

If everyone is hungry and you haven't made plans for dinner yet,…
June 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
embracing motherhood Pizza Toast: Your Kids' New Favorite Food

Pizza Toast: Your Kids’ New Favorite Food

When my sister Lisa was visiting recently from Oklahoma, I loved…
June 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make Paninis That Will Knock Your Socks Off!

How to Make Paninis That Will Knock Your Socks Off!

Finally, I have a reason to use my George Foreman grill again!…
June 14, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Yes, This is Really a Post About Coloring Embracing Motherhood

Tips and Tricks for Coloring with Kids

Why would I write a post about coloring? Because it's really…
June 13, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs That Will Peel Easily

How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs That Will Peel Easily

Making the perfect boiled eggs that are easy to peel is truly…
June 9, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Get Cat Pee Out of Concrete

How to Get Cat Pee Out of Concrete

Have you ever tried to get cat pee out of concrete? I know, it…
June 4, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make a Silky Blanket

How to Make a Silky Blanket

Growing up, I loved the special little blanket my mother sewed…
May 31, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Why We Don't Make Our Kids Share

Why We Don’t Make Our Kids Share

In our family, I guess you could say that we have a "policy"…
May 27, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
When You Tell Children They're Smart, It Makes Them Dumb

When You Tell Children They’re Smart, It Actually Makes Them Dumb

When children do something praiseworthy, it's easy to tell them,…
May 26, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
I'm Up in the Night to Nurse My 6 Month Old Every Hour...and I'm Okay with That

I’m Up in the Night to Nurse My 6 Month Old Every Hour…and I’m Okay with That

Now that this is my fourth baby (in the last five years), I really…
May 25, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Easy Meatball Recipe

Easy Meatball Recipe Served with Spaghetti or Stroganoff Sauce

This simple and easy recipe will yield some amazingly versatile…
May 22, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

Homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing Recipe

I love the house dressing they serve at Olive Garden, and I LOVE…
May 22, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Tomato Cabbage Soup Recipe with Chicken

Tomato Cabbage Soup Recipe with Chicken or Ground Beef

On a cold winter night, or a hot summer day, this soup is good…
May 20, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Identify and Treat Oral Thrush While Breastfeeding 

How to Identify and Treat Oral Thrush While Breastfeeding 

I remember nursing my six week old baby Ophelia, when I noticed…
May 19, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection While Pregnant

10 Tips for Getting Rid of a Yeast Infection While Pregnant

If you are pregnant and have a yeast infection, put down the…
May 12, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Why Pregnant Women are More Prone to Yeast Infections

Why Pregnant Women are More Prone to Yeast Infections and Gestational Diabetes

The real reason why pregnant women get yeast infections (or any…
May 12, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make Healthy Granola Cereal and Why Commercially Processed Cereal is So Bad

How to Make Healthy Granola Cereal

This homemade cereal, using organic rolled oats, is a great alternative…
May 8, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Everything You'll Need for a New Baby

Everything You’ll Need for a New Baby

This is the most comprehensive list of baby items that you'll…
May 6, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Going Barefoot Will Improve Your Health

Earthing and Grounding: The Benefits of Going Barefoot

Why is it that our children always rip off their socks and shoes…
April 21, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Yes, these oatmeal cookies are healthy! They are healthy because…
April 20, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Best Pregnancy Items

Best Pregnancy Item Must Haves

During my four pregnancies, these are the things that I loved…
April 19, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Relieve Teething Pain

How to Relieve Teething Pain

Just when you think your baby is sleeping like a champ...teething…
April 19, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

Do Amber Teething Necklaces Really Work?

There is a lot of uncertainty about amber teething necklaces.…
April 19, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make an Allspice Teething Necklace

How to Make an Allspice Teething Necklace

When I see my little ones go through teething pain, it just breaks…
April 17, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Using Magnet Letters to Teach the ABCs

How to Teach the ABCs with Magnet Letters

Teaching letter names and letter sounds is a crucial component…
April 15, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

How to Make the Best Potato and Egg Salad

There are lots of recipes for potato salad out there, but I'm…
April 11, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

How to Make the World’s Best Yogurt and Buttermilk Pancakes

I stumbled across the recipe for these yogurt and buttermilk…
April 11, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

Whole Wheat Pancakes or Waffles

I love making these whole wheat pancakes or waffles when we need…
April 10, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Michigan Coloring Books are Fun for Children of All Ages

Michigan Coloring Books are Fun for Children of All Ages

My three children (ages 1, 4, and 5) love doing projects together,…
April 8, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Homemade Italian Dressing

Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe

This homemade Italian dressing is my absolute favorite thing…
April 6, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
baked salmon with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and dill baked

How to Make the Best Baked Salmon

Salmon is a nutrient dense food that we like to eat about once…
April 6, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

Sort of Sourdough Pancakes

Typically, when you make things with sourdough, you need to prepare…
April 5, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
steamed broccoli with melted butter and salt

Why Broccoli is So Good for You and How to Make the Best Steamed Broccoli

Steamed broccoli smothered with butter and sprinkled with salt…
April 1, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
fried eggs cooked in a cast iron skillet

How to Make the Perfect Fried Egg

There are so many different types of egg dishes to consider…
March 31, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Getting Married

How True Love Began

When I think about what makes our marriage of almost ten years…
March 30, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs with sourdough muffins

How to Cook the Perfect Sunny Side Up Eggs

Frying an egg might seem like the simplest of culinary feats,…
March 29, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
perfectly presented deviled eggs

How to Make the Best Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are kind of my thing. Whenever we go to a gathering…
March 28, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
my five year old daughter outside wearing a winter coat and a serious look on her face

What Happened When My Daughter Told Me She Only Half Loved Me

Ever since our fourth child has been born, I've kind of been…
March 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make the Best Egg Sandwiches

How to Make the Best Egg Sandwiches

Egg sandwiches are a delicious and portable breakfast that you…
March 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
perfect scrambled eggs cooked in a cast iron skillet

How to Make the Best Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are an absolute staple in our family. I usually…
March 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
cast iron skillet perfectly cured

How to Cure a Cast Iron Skillet

Having a good cast iron skillet in my kitchen is a must! I love…
March 24, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make the Best Baked Potato

How to Make the Best Baked Potato

Who doesn't like a steaming baked potato loaded with fresh toppings?…
March 20, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Make the Best Grilled Burgers

How to Make the Best Grilled Burgers

Making hamburgers seems like such a simple meal, why even write…
March 19, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
soaked barley with apple cider vinegar to get rid of phytic acid

Properly Prepared Barley

Barley has a pretty impressive nutrient profile that makes it…
March 18, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

The Dangers of Phytic Acid and What to Do About It

When you eat a bran muffin, brown rice, or whole wheat bread,…
March 16, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood How to Create an Environment that Encourages Independence, Creativity, and Learning

How to Create an Environment that Encourages Independence, Creativity, and Learning

When I was an elementary school teacher and now as a parent of…
February 21, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
stop yelling at your children, guiding children towards positive behaviors

Guiding Children Towards Positive Behaviors

When it comes to parenting, I think one of the biggest challenges…
January 21, 2015/by Stacey Maaser
My Number One Priority as a Mom

My Number One Priority As a Mom

The most important thing to do with your children isn't teaching…
January 16, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

How to Identify and Deal with Lip Tie and Tongue Tie

After having problems establishing a breastfeeding relationship…
January 12, 2015/by Stacey Maaser

How to Make Whipped Body Butter

I love moisturizing my skin with nourishing creams and lotions,…
December 24, 2014/by Stacey Maaser
Best Advice About Having a Peaceful Postpartum Recovery

Best Advice for Having a Peaceful Postpartum Recovery

Giving birth is an amazing, spectacular, and tremendous journey.…
December 13, 2014/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Keeping the House Clean with Four Young Children...Is it Possible?

Keeping the House Clean with Four Young Children…Is it Possible?

Keeping the house clean with one or two kids can be a little…
December 9, 2014/by Stacey Maaser
Julian's birth

Our Fourth Born: Julian’s Home Birth

The fear, the worry, the pain…I let it all go and went inside of myself where I was finally able to exhale. In that moment, I was rocked by a huge and powerful contraction and then felt a pop and a warm gush. “My water just broke!” I shouted.
December 3, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

My First Birth: An Epilogue About Dealing with the Pain

So hear I am, three days away from my due date with my fourth pregnancy, and I'm finally reading birth stories and thinking about how I'll manage the pain.
November 9, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

Why You Don’t Need Statins

You go to the doctor, they draw your blood, and they knowingly…
October 21, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

Why I Base My Health Philosophy on Weston A. Price

Every time I have looked on the Internet for a resource to answer…
October 21, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

Taco Meat…Without the Seasoning Packet

As we have entered the deeper stages of our healthy eating conversion,…
October 20, 2014/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Ground Beef Chili Recipe

This is a pretty basic recipe for chili, but hidden under it's…
October 20, 2014/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Sourdough Pizza Crust

Sourdough Pizza Crust Recipe

This sourdough pizza crust recipe is great for getting rid of…
October 20, 2014/by Stacey Maaser
Embracing Motherhood Pizza Muffins

How to Make Pizza Muffins

As a busy mom with young eaters who LOVE pizza, I needed a quick,…
October 20, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

Tomato Purée

I worked with my mom and grandma one late summer afternoon to…
October 20, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

Raw Milk Farm Cheese

We get raw milk every week from a wonderful little Amish farm…
October 19, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

Sourdough Waffles and Pancakes

These waffles are a BIG hit with my kids! I like to keep one…
October 18, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

Grandma’s Gingersnap Cookies

As much as I try to avoid sugar (especially when I'm pregnant),…
October 16, 2014/by Stacey Maaser
How to Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

How to Make Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

I started making my own laundry detergent to save money and…
September 30, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

Homemade Diaper Wipe Solution

I have had every intention of using cloth diapers, but with two…
September 22, 2014/by Stacey Maaser

How Insulin Can Make Us Fat…and What to Do About It

It's not eating fats that makes us fat, it's too many carbohydrates…
October 24, 2013/by Stacey Maaser

These Are the Best Days of Our Lives

There are two ways we can look at the different stages in our…
October 22, 2013/by Stacey Maaser

Our Third Born: Ophelia’s Homebirth Story

When the next contraction came they said, “Ok, give one big push!” So I did, and then I felt the rest of the body slip out. I turned over and couldn’t believe the little miracle that was placed upon my chest.
October 12, 2013/by Stacey Maaser
Elliot's birth featured image

Our Second Born: Elliot’s Homebirth Story

One of my first words after the birth  was “That was sooo easy!!” because really, it was. I had been afraid that I wouldn't want any more children after this birth...but that was not the case!
October 12, 2013/by Stacey Maaser

Our Firstborn: Ruby’s Birth Center Story

I felt like I was going to panic. I didn't think I could handle the pain that was consuming me. Scott was crouched beside me with encouraging words. My body felt like it was being torn apart by a viscous source of unknown agony.
October 12, 2013/by Stacey Maaser

Who’s Got Time For a Blog?

I am the wife of an amazing husband who works so hard for our…
September 3, 2013/by Stacey Maaser

Why We Drink Raw Milk

When I was juggling a full time job and raising a family, I…
September 2, 2013/by Stacey Maaser

How We Were Duped Into Thinking That Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Were Bad

How did this information slip under my radar for so long? Why…
February 1, 2013/by Stacey Maaser