Exploring the unexpected challenges of embracing school choice after moving from Pittsburgh to Florida. I was prepared for differences in education quality and facilities, but wasn’t expecting the loss of …
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My 13-year-old is addicted to green grapes. While the rest of her age bracket is vaping and having sex, my daughter Scarlett is happy OD’ing on nature’s candy. I am …
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I haven’t really written too much about this up until now. But my oldest daughter Gianna has been in a serious relationship for some time. She’s been dating this boy …
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It used to be a Christmas Eve tradition in my husband’s massive Irish Catholic family. Before eating dinner on the night before Christmas, we would pray, and then these thin, …
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My oldest had all 4 of her wisdom teeth extracted last week. It was the first time any of my kids had to go under IV sedation and I was …
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I’m excited to introduce “The Gobble Guide,” my Thanksgiving meal planning binder that started as a simple way to manage the chaos in the kitchen but quickly turned into something …
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Reflecting on how Marina stands out among her siblings—not because of tantrums or challenges but because of her laid-back nature. Unlike the countless posts I wrote about Evie’s struggles, Marina’s …
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For the past two months or so, I have been getting up before dawn to record audio files of all my old blog posts. This has taken me hours. I …
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October’s ‘Quote Quiz’ results are in, and let’s just say…no one aced it. I mean, we had Scarlett launching her 2025 campaign on the quiz paper, Gianna assuming I was …
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I try to inspire my family but most often are met with blank stares. Recently I swapped out our WiFi password for some deep wisdom and threw a “Quote Quiz” …
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A storm can wreak havoc, but most of the time it’s what happens after the skies turn back to blue that hits hardest. This is my reflection on navigating the …
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Prepping for Hurricane Milton started to get stressful. So I diffused the situation with a bit of humor.
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After all these years with Vince, I’ve come to accept most of his quirks—except his daily ritual of starving himself to the point of hangriness. Seriously, the man acts like …
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The other day, when I got into the car, my phone automatically hooked up and began playing one of my audio episodes of the blog I’ve been recording. I was …
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About a year ago, I started buying Kerrygold butter. I tried it out on a whim, based on a recipe that recommended it. More expensive doesn’t always mean better, but …
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We had a repair tech at the house today to check out our garage fridge. It’s a piece of shit LG so of course the compressor is bad already. While …
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A few months ago, I decided to replace our wifi password frame with something more substantial. The frame sits right on our entryway table. I’d walk pass it daily, glance …
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Until 9:14pm last night, I thought I was pretty cool under pressure. At 9:15pm, I realized I was wrong. Because at 9:15pm, I thought my 13-year-old daughter had been abducted …
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Vince and I had a date last night to go see Deadpool & Wolverine. It started off as a normal evening out until about 45 minutes into the movie I …
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Walked into Scarlett’s room the other night to say goodnight. She has her covers wrapped over her head and is on the phone video chatting with two friends as they …
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If you are new to my blog or my social media pages, you might not know this yet, but I am completely unfiltered about my life. I like to share …
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We have family movie nights pretty regularly. It can be hard to pick a movie because of the vast age range in our kids. But one thing that is always …
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When I was younger, I used to look down when I walked. Adults thought my low self-esteem was the reason I kept my head down. That I was afraid to …
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Pixar makes amazing movies that totally impact my life, especially Inside Out (1&2). On the surface, they are kids’ movies, but with so much depth. It’s truly impressive how they …
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My almost 10-month-old is not a snuggler. I attribute this to the fact that she is my only child who did not nurse 50,000 times a day and thus does …
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Took the brood to the Tampa Fringe Fest yesterday. I never heard of it before but got an email somehow and was intrigued. It was inside and not that expensive …
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Bert Kreischer and me may seem to have very little in common. After all, he’s a partier, rich, and has a penis. But, we actually are similar in a few …
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I posted a video the other day of Evie in the play yard with Marina. While I had my back turned, Evie had put a necklace over Marina’s head. The …
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Family came to visit this past weekend to celebrate Evie turning 4. Vince’s mom, aunt, and sister all flew down from Pittsburgh to stay with us. We didn’t really do …
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I’m not a materialistic person. Things don’t matter that much to me. Recall my blog post from 2019 about Vince being a hoarder and me not caring about things. Classic …
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Evie has been gone this week. She traveled up to Pittsburgh with Vince for 5 days and it’s utterly insane how quiet the house is, despite me still having 3 …
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I haven’t written a blog post in some time. I’ve been distracted with other life things. Which is ok, I guess. But I do feel like my mind has been …
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As a mom of 4, alone time is hard to come by. Not so much with the oldest two. Hell, Gianna and Scarlett spend their entire lives in their rooms …
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We have two cars in our family despite having three drivers. We’ve been wanting to get a third car for a while now, however life is already too expensive and Florida …
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After living in Florida for almost 8 years, I finally invited our nearby family over to our house this past weekend. There’s no real reason why I’ve never had them …
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I’m not a rookie. I have raised 3 babies so far. I consider myself somewhat of a pro if you can ever truly be that as a parent. But, looking …
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Ok, first, let me preface this entire post with the fact that I am not basing anything that I write with pure facts. This is all based on my life, …
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On October 19th, my husband Vince had a vasectomy. Despite this being a personal event, I of course shared this with flourish on my Facebook page. For a few reasons: …
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I am wrapping up a blog post right now that talks about the status of mine and Vince‘s sex life, post-vasectomy. You know, typical things people share online to family …
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I don’t see why there was such a big backlash against the song “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” How stations banned the song from the radio because a few people complained …
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I go back to work in less than a month. This thought is somewhat frightening to me. Thank all of them – Buddha, Jesus, the Great Mother, the Positive Energy …
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raising the curtins 153. watch yo mouth Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:03:57 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts …
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raising the curtins 152. don’t shoot up my baby Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:03:42 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts …
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raising the curtins 151. take me to church Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:05:54 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google …
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My dad died last week. He had been sick for some time and didn’t take care of himself. To me, he died about 35 years ago so this day where …
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raising the curtins 149. three inches is big Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:01:46 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google …
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After the pop, I thought, with great inner satisfaction, that she would realize that I was right. Victory for mom!!!!! What is more sweet in this world than an “I …
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It’s been about 3 weeks since I had Marina and life has been all over the place. Acclimating to the new normal as a family of 6 has been…. challenging. …
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raising the curtins 146. finding the g spot Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:01:55 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google …
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raising the curtins 145. book amnesia Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:02:47 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify …
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I have a hard time sitting down. Both physically right now because baby girl 4 is seriously taking up a lot of real estate in my body, and mentally – …
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They both admired her wall and complimented her work. Gianna’s eyes, however, lingered for a moment on the two sets of rosaries that were draped over the push pins on the …
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raising the curtins 142. a ruined moment in the kitchen Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:01:57 Subscribe Share Apple …
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This trip, while a learning experience, was also supposed to double as a mini vacation for my family. Going alone was an option, but that felt like leaving too much …
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raising the curtins 138. always been dumped Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:07:35 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts …
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raising the curtins 137. not done brewing Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:04:52 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts …
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I just had the longest sonogram of my life. I was on the table for about an hour as the tech slid the probe around my stomach, checking to make …
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I got home that day and was telling Vince about my visit. He didn’t realize the point of the consultation was to prep for a future microblading session. He thought …
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“I’m scared Mom.” When she followed up with those three words, it didn’t matter that this lockdown was out of an abundance of caution. It didn’t matter that there was …
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There are many things that I think about in my mind that I would never do. I think all minds are like that, right? If not, I suppose I have …
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raising the curtins 131. i hate pretend play Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:04:27 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google …
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raising the curtins 130. stroganoff for dinner Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:03:39 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts …
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raising the curtins 129. don’t make the clock, work Play Episode Pause Episode Mute/Unmute Episode Rewind 10 Seconds 1x Fast Forward 30 seconds 00:00 / 00:02:36 Subscribe Share Apple Podcasts …
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Sitting in the director’s office, I got choked up talking to her about my concern with Evie needing to socialize and separate from me a bit. I know this will …
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We went strawberry picking this past weekend. It’s something I’ve been wanting to take the kids to do for a while, but never seemed to have the time. This weekend …
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My dad was an alcoholic. He still could be as well. I’m not sure. I haven’t spoken to him in lifetimes. But, in the small span of years that I …
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Days go by. They are here and then gone before you know it. Like a hot breath on a cold window. We move through them, doing the motions on repeat. …
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Here we are again. After “trying” for the longest period of time yet, we have finally started to bake another nugget. The last nugget. The final piece to complete our …
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Gianna had about 18 or so of her friends come over for a gift exchange a few days before Christmas. Last time she had her large group of friends over, …
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Yesterday I was walking through the produce section at Sam’s Club. I had decided to not change out of my pajama pants when I woke up that day. So, it …
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What kind of sadistic, childless, asshole makes a bathroom door that unlocks when you turn the door handle?!?! Just the damn door handle! The lock and the handle are separate …
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I think Evie had her first dream last night. Well, in her case, she would probably call it a nightmare if she could. From behind the gate, I hear her …
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It’s no secret that my toddler is not a good sleeper. I envy those people who have children that sleep 12 hours straight all the time and who take 2 …
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I am selfish. I am prideful. I am a bad partner. I realized these things the other day. Felt them in my core. Vince and I had a fight. A …
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I was attempting to lay Evie down to sleep the other night. I knew going into this, it would be hard. It was late and way past her bedtime. She …
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The girls still had school, so we were on a typical schedule. I take Scar to her school with Evie in tow. Afterwards, me and the little shadow go through …
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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the fact that I never really went to therapy and in some ways, I probably should. But that also takes time… I’m likely …
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This picture I posted is the issue with social media. Not because sleeping babies might cause you to have baby fever and want to pop out 15 kids. No, it’s …
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I’m not proud of a lot of the things I did as a teenager. I know I’m not alone in this. I always say that you shouldn’t judge the teen …
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Gianna overheated at her soccer game this afternoon. Playing in the Florida sun/heat is no joke right now. I don’t think they should have games between the hours of 12-5. …
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I live in an area that has a plethora of playgrounds, but most are limited to the use of the residents of those communities since they pay an HOA or …
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Sometimes I hear this voice in my head that warns me not to do something. And usually I ignore it because I have other voices in my head telling me …
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Picking up the lid, I see my neighbor’s can wide open next to me. In that moment, I decide to do something I NEVER do. I toss the soft drink …
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It was now 9:27am and I was standing in the kitchen, making Evie mac and cheese. Because if my two-year-old wanted a steak at this time, I probably would have …
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The scene. Evie is naked, per usual. What potty-training toddler isn’t? Plus I feel like her bedroom is a mile away now in the new house. It’s easier to let …
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I followed the girls around all night, watching them laugh, take photos, and stalk (so not casually) a group of young boys. We took a break after they lost the …
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This morning, we left the house commando (just her). The potty came along just in case I needed a vessel for her to let loose in. Of course, the urge …
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Selfie taken without being detected by the crowd, I pull up Facebook to post. I click on upload photo and pause as I see my face in the image I …
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I’m lying in the queen-sized bed of our short-term rental, nursing my 2-year-old daughter Evie before she lays down to nap. I haven’t weaned her yet. These nursing sessions before …
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The first words I often hear in the morning come from my two-year-old daughter Evie. When she wakes up, she immediately demands to be let out from her bed by …
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I don’t talk to my immediate family. My mother died years ago so there’s just my brother and dad left. Still, it’s been decades since I’ve said two words to …
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Lice. This was not good. This was not good at all. This was not good because I immediately recall that my daughter, Scarlett, had been complaining for the past two …
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I’m in the kitchen, getting ready to make dinner. It’s my least favorite thing. Cooking is not my passion. My teenage daughter, Gianna, is at the table, doing a school …
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On the top right-hand corner of my glowing screen, it reads: “3:06am” WTF? That can’t be right. My phone needs to resync or something. Then I look at my laptop …
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I recount the time I actually had time to myself during the day, away from my clingy 1-year old. Sure, my legs went numb, but those 10 minutes were glorious.
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I’m sitting in the 1960’s style cushioned seats of my high school auditorium as I watch the curtains part. I’m a freshman, attending my school’s spring musical, “Pippin.” I don’t …
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Is my toddler a musical prodigy or are my standards just that low? 🎶 Watching Evie sing along in the bath, I couldn’t help but wonder. Parenthood definitely has a …
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I was sitting at my desk, staring at the Southwest website, realizing that a trip to Pittsburgh for Christmas just wasn’t going to happen. The cost of airline tickets was …
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I grew up with one Big Christmas. Just one. And it’s been haunting me ever since, shaping the way I approach Christmas with my kids. Do I overdo it? Is …
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We don’t do date nights. Not because we’re too cool for them, but because, well, life. But after 20 years and 3 kids, we tried it out: dinner, axe throwing, …
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Ever wish you could clone yourself to be everywhere at once? Yeah, me too. I had to make the call between staying home with two kids or catching Gianna’s first …
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Why does school sometimes feel like a creativity-killer? When my daughter Scarlett came home upset because her teacher criticized her unique writing style in front of the class, I was …
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Are you a parent who sometimes feels like you’re barely holding it together? Same here. In my latest post, I’m sharing my “Mother of the Year” moments—the times I definitely …
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TikTok… love it or hate it? I was firmly in the “hate it” camp—until my daughter pulled a fast one on me, using a TikTok persuasion trick to get herself …
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Ever wondered why women have to do all the primping to look good? Kristina sure has! In this quick and funny post, she explores the idea of flipping beauty standards …
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Is cheerleading a sport? Kristina’s take might ruffle some pom-poms! With a blend of humor and reflection, she dives into her high school days, when she cheered on the sidelines …
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When we plan for vacations I have to plan on spending a decent amount of cash on food. I say “plan” very loosely. I don’t budget. When I use the …
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What happens when you mix a competitive soccer tournament, a road trip, and an unpredictable toddler? A “perfect recipe for disaster”—or maybe not. This lighthearted look at managing family chaos …
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Ever wonder how COVID hit a house full of girls (and one man with a “man flu” immune system)? Our family’s journey through mild symptoms, testing woes, and a side …
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Ever feel like your biggest critic stares back at you from the mirror? In this raw and relatable post, I take a hard look at self-awareness, diving into the struggles …
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Raising a child who reinvents herself every few months isn’t easy—especially when you’re the one footing the bill. From fashion overhauls to room redesigns, join me as I share the …
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Ever had your 1-year-old treat you like a blow up doll? Join me as I share a hilariously uncomfortable parenting confession that’ll leave you both laughing and reassured that you’re …
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A simple day turns into a profound journey of connection, memory, and love. Join me as I share the serendipitous series of events that brought me face-to-face with my guardian …
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In “The Message in Luca,” Kristina Curtin reflects on the 2021 Disney movie Luca, highlighting a key message that resonated with her about silencing fear and self-doubt. In the film, …
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In this hilarious and relatable post, Kristina shares her frustrations with various clothing items. She touches on functional issues that drive her nuts and through humor and exaggeration, she makes …
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In this candid and humorous post, Kristina shares her recent trip to Delray Beach, where she and her family visited relatives. However, the focus of the post quickly shifts to …
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I haven’t really posted about Evie’s sleeping patterns lately. This is because I am deathly afraid to “jinx” myself. Not that I really believe that you can jinx something. I’m …
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This past weekend, we took a day trip to Sarasota. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes from our house, but we decided to go on Memorial Day weekend, so …
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As a parent, I’m going to be direct and say that you should never allow a video service to autoplay anything for your kids. It’s like playing roulette with your …
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The actual traveling part of traveling is probably the most stressful piece of vacation for me. Especially now that I am planning trips again with a baby in tow. Plans …
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Initially I had wanted to spend Mother’s Day mulching my front yard and planting some flowers to get my house ready to sell. I was going to guilt my family …
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We try to raise good children. Honest, funny, caring, aware, financially savvy, confident…all things we want our kids to be. We teach them to tell the truth, to never bully, …
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I am starting to write a section in the blog about our travels. Partially because I’m somewhat nutso. I research the hell out of things before doing it; reading reviews, …
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The housing market is downright bonkers right now. I don’t know if it’s like this everywhere…but inventory is low and demand is high in our area. I think a lot …
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Epicurious has not been publishing beef recipes for the past year or so because of the negative effects the beef industry has on climate change. They haven’t posted recipes for …
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My 14 year old daughter, Gianna, is kind of awkward when meeting new people. She doesn’t flourish in situations where she has to go outside her shell and talk to …
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It’s the house kids flock to. You know the one. Opening the pantry door is like walking up aisle 16 at the grocery store. Shelves loaded with Nutella snack packs, …
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At what point, as a parent, do you throw in the towel and decide you need outside help? How do you decide that it’s gotten to the point that you …
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Being a teenager is hard. Along with all the responsibilities and expectations, you also have a raging set of hormones. Making your skin break out, making you cry because you …
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My hands are purple and I don’t know how to get the color off. It’s all because I’m a sucker for guilt and Evie was primed and ready to pee …
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I was standing in line the other day, waiting to go inside to watch Scarlett’s cheer showcase. We were outside and I had just eaten dinner about 30 minutes prior. …
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I walked downstairs the other night to tell the girls it was time for bed. As I made my way into the kitchen, I overheard the TV show they were …
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I see all these posts about “how do I explain {insert touchy subject} to my kids”. It seems like a lot of parents out there agonize over how to tell …
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If you don’t care to hear more about milk, boobs, and the agony I’ve been in for the past month or so, carry on. If you want to commiserate with …
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Getting unsolicited criticism about something you hate doing is probably one of the top 5 most irritating things in my book. Thrown in there are people leaving their dirty clothes …
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