The summer solstice has come and gone. It's time to enjoy splash pads and popsicles, bike riding and lemonade stands, lazy days at the library and licking ice cream cones. As you make your summer bucket lists and plan out the weeks ahead, take a look at these fun products. If camping or outdoor entertaining […]
This past weekend, while attending Bloggy Boot Camp - Business Edition, I zipped along Scottsdale's streets in a brand new 2013 KIA Soul. Check out the "Alien Green" color - sporty, casual, and light enough to be a good pick for warmer weather climates. The 2013 model features a pushbutton start, remote keyless entry, auto […]
Think you know the story of the Wizard of Oz? You don't have a complete picture until you've seen WICKED, the musical about two girls that meet in Oz and ultimately become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. With dazzling dance numbers, over-the-top costumes (reminiscent of "The Hunger Games"), a spectacular set, […]
Tim likes classic rock. He's also the biggest audio book listener in our house. His most recent "read" was the 25-hour+ biography of Steve Jobs by Water Isaacson. I've always enjoyed the melodies and lyrical stories of country music. In high school, you could hear the Dixie Chicks, Deanna Carter, and Alison Krauss drifting from […]
Are you planning a trip to Disneyland or Disney World this holiday season? If so, head over to Disneyed.com, the site that brings parents "the inside scoop on all things Disney." My friend Colleen Padilla is the entrepreneur behind the brand. As a top blogger, frequent traveler, and published author, she's well-equipped to be the […]
For those of you who don't know, I've quietly started up a second place: StephanieSheaffer.com. A spot to write prose and poetry about what I love most - family, books, philanthropy, and simple living. You will also find a compilation of my freelance work across the web and in print. Metropolitan Mama will continue as […]
My husband Tim attended the Go Further With Ford conference between July 26-28 in Dearborn, Michigan. I'm thrilled to have him guest posting today about his experience. Thanks to Ford for putting on a top-notch event, with extravagant meals and informative sessions. On the first night, we had dinner at Ford Field, home of the […]
There are some people who have a GIFT when it comes to relating to small children. My mother-in-law is like that. I sometimes kindly refer to her as a "kid magnet" because small children gravitate to her. Mostly, I think it's because kids sense that she genuinely cares about what they have to say. Since […]