It’s a new year and there’s a lot that feels hazy and uncertain for many people -- which is all the more reason to spend some time thinking about how to shape the things you can control. In Episode 64 of Edit Your Life, Christine and I share about … [Read more]
As much as we love the holidays, let’s be honest — they often come with a lot of crap (both emotional and physical). It’s ironic that gift-giving can turn stressful; we feel obligated to buy stuff for people who (like us) are probably trying to … [Read more]
We’re a month out from the election and it’s still an emotional and tumultuous time for so many people. Many of us are acknowledging where we stand now, and are educating ourselves and taking action. In Episode 62, Christine and I share 9 ideas for … [Read more]
This post is sponsored by Embassy Suites. We hosted my extended family for Thanksgiving for the first time this year. Nine relatives, from middle schoolers to grandparents, traveled to Portland so we could eat a good meal and spend the holiday … [Read more]
A common reality in relationships is that communication can feel very "transactional" and loaded -- particularly when it comes to negotiating time. In Episode 61, Christine and I respond to a listener letter and share 7 tips for how to get past … [Read more]
Note: This post is the result of a flash mob-like collaboration among writing and blogging friends. Right before Thanksgiving I posted a spur-of-the-moment idea on my personal Facebook profile: let's crowdsource service projects families can do … [Read more]
It's the last day to grab the best deal on Parent Hacks before the end of the year. Today only, Parent Hacks is $6.38 (+ free shipping) at Powells.com with promo code DICKENS. Plus, I'm sending a free set of 12 silicone muffin cups as a thank you … [Read more]
Too often we let household to-do’s and entertaining “shoulds” get in the way of simply being with people in our homes. Inspired by online articles about “scruffy” and “crappy” entertaining, in Episode 59, Christine and I share 8 tips for how to have … [Read more]
If you follow my personal profiles (@ashadornfest on Facebook-Instagram-Twitter), you're well aware of my choice for President. But I'm not going to talk about that here. I think, no matter who you're voting for, you deserve some peace right now. We … [Read more]
Communicating with your partner can be really hard. Period. In Episode 58, Christine and I respond to a listener who's struggling to communicate with her husband by joint interviewing licensed mental health counselor Jonathan Baxter -- who also … [Read more]