Tea With Honey

The Room Reset Ritual:  Teaching Kids to Tend Their Space  (Without Losing Your Mind) Method One: The Teamwork Tidy (Ages 5+) This isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about co-creating a space that feels peaceful, proud, and lived in. Here’s how we do it: 🗑 Step 1: The Trash Bag Sweep Walk into the room together with a trash bag. Do a once-over. Anything obviously broken, torn, or trash-worthy? Gone. This sets the tone: we’re clearing space for what matters. 🧾 Step 2: One Task at a Time Give your child a single, clear task—like picking up all the papers. While they do that, you (or a sibling) tackle the clothes. When that’s done, move on: Child: books, coloring books, notebooks You/other child: board games, electronics, random bits 🧱 Step 3: The LEGO Game Make it fun. Whoever builds the funniest animal out of the Legos they find gets to pick the post-cleaning snack. (You’ll be amazed what a snack incentive can do.) 🧸 Step 4: Big Toys + Letting Go Time to sort ...

Some paths are quieter than others—but walking them together makes all the difference. Today reminded me of the quiet weight that comes with being the one others turn to. I spoke with both of my daughters—separately, at different points in the day. One needed advice, the kind only a mother can give when life feels uncertain. The other’s voice held something heavier, and when I asked, she let it spill: relationship strain, financial stress, the kind of ache that’s hard to name out loud. I listened. I offered what I could—words, perspective, a little steadiness. And later, I followed up. Not because I had to, but because I know how it feels to be left holding something alone. They each thanked me. They each made a move forward. And I felt that familiar flicker of peace—the kind that comes from knowing you were able to help. But beneath that peace, there’s a quieter ache. The kind that surfaces when you’re still navigating your own storm, and yet you find yourself pouring from a cup that’...

Because sweater weather deserves more than just pumpkin spice. As the leaves begin to rustle with change and the air shifts to that perfect blend of crisp and comforting, fall arrives with its gentle invitation: slow down, settle in, and savor the moment. For me, autumn isn’t just a season—it’s a soft-spoken friend who reminds me to nest, nurture, and sip my way through life’s transitions (with extra honey, of course). This year, between house renovations and preparing for a grandbaby, I’m embracing the season like never before. And just in case you need a nudge to add more cozy to your calendar, here’s my go-to list for a soulful, snuggly fall. 🕯️ Home & Hearth Delights Create a Cozy Tea Nook   Rearrange a corner with plush pillows, rustic mugs, and your favorite fall blends. This is your “permission to pause” station. Try a DIY Fall Wreath     Use dried florals, ribbon, or even leftover fabric scraps. Let it reflect the story your home is telling this season. ...

We thought we’d made it.   After the chaos, the heartbreak, the legal battles—we thought Dolgeville was our soft landing. Quiet streets. Trees that whispered peace. A house that felt like it had been waiting for us. But we didn’t even get that far into moving in.   We made it there. That’s all. Walking through the door was an immediate blow to the senses—animal urine, feces, and over twenty years of nicotine soaked into the walls, ceilings, floors. It was everywhere. In everything. Filthy furnishings still cluttered the house, untouched and reeking. We all piled into the living room to sleep, but who could sleep in that smell?   We felt sick. Overwhelmed.   There was no running water.   We had to use the toilet, spray it down with a hose, and plunge it just to force a flush. It wasn’t a sanctuary.   It was a health hazard.   And more than that—it was a heartbreak. We left.   And just like that, we were techn...

You don’t always recognize the turning point when you’re in it. Sometimes it looks like crumpled closing documents, tear-stained cheeks, or a house you loved becoming someone else’s. We spent years as “Mom and Dad.” Years anchored in the rhythms of raising kids—school drop-offs, bedtime stories, backyard birthdays. And slowly, beautifully, those chapters gave way to new ones: our oldest expecting her third child, our youngest engaged and planning a wedding, and our son, bold and ready, buying his first condo and launching a business of his own. Suddenly it was just Josh and Kim . Not who we were before the kids, but something gentler. Wiser. A little worn, but still full of hope. We contemplated selling our home—not out of whimsy, but necessity. We needed clarity. A place we could own outright. No mortgage. No weight we couldn’t carry. Just sanctuary. And it wasn’t easy. From confusing documents to inflated closing costs, we fought every step. We even almost bought a home in Maine—unti...

From swing disputes to teenage squabbles—sometimes you just need a grip on the situation.   They say siblings are built-in best friends. I say they're also built-in sparring partners. Whether it’s a tug-of-war over a cookie or an all-out emotional showdown over the TV remote, the sibling dynamic is as unpredictable as a toddler’s taste buds. In our house, I’ve learned that peace doesn’t come from perfect fairness—it comes from creative parenting. Exhibit A: the “hand-hold method.”  👐 The Method That Works Like Magic One day, in the middle of a loud, dramatic standoff between my kids about who touched the remote last (very serious business), I pulled out a wild card. I made them hold hands. Not just a quick grasp—I told them they couldn’t let go until they calmed down and talked it out themselves. There were groans. There were limp fingers. There may have been a few theatrical sighs. But somewhere between the awkward grip and reluctant giggles, something shifted. They tal...

Big News from the Honey Hive 🍯 Tea With Honey is officially verified by AdSense! That means every visit supports the fudge-making, parenting pep talks, and cozy content you've come to love. So sip your tea, click around, and know you're helping keep the kettle warm.🤎

Tea with Honey for Parents Who Need a Moment <3 Parenting is beautiful—and exhausting. Some days you’re juggling tantrums, teething, and tying shoes while trying to remember if *you* even had breakfast. In the whirlwind of caregiving, a cup of tea with honey isn’t just a drink—it’s a small act of self-kindness. 💛 Why Tea with Honey Feels Like a Hug Soothes the soul: That warm mug has a magical way of easing stress and grounding your thoughts. Natural remedy: Fighting off your toddler’s latest cold? Honey + herbal tea can calm your throat and settle your nerves. A moment of pause: Even five minutes of quiet sipping can restore your sense of self. 🍵 Family-Friendly Tea Tips Chamomile: A gentle option to share with older kids before bedtime. Peppermint or ginger**: Great for digestive woes (you *or* your picky eater).  **Honey rule**: Wait until age 1 to give honey to little ones—but you can enjoy that sweetness all to yourself until then. 👪 **Make It a Ritual** Start a new trad...

The Unspoken Transition from Full-Time Mom to...  Something Else They don’t tell you that the hardest part of parenting isn’t the toddler tantrums or the teenage moods—it’s the stillness that comes after. The silence that hums too loudly when the door doesn’t burst open at 3:45, when there are no band concerts to rush to, or softball uniforms to wash. When the kitchen hums with nothing but your own thoughts—and maybe, if you’re lucky, a little Aerosmith turned up loud enough to drown them out for a bit. There’s no ceremony for this stage. No “You Did It!” banner fluttering over your head when your kids step into adulthood. Instead, there’s a quiet unraveling—a slow shift from being needed every day to wondering where you fit in now.  I wish someone had warned me about the ache. The depression that sneaks in like fog after the storm, not because you want them to need you forever, but because you don’t know who you are without being needed. When your days aren’t wrapped around s...

In the thick of our family’s busiest years, Josh and I were working full-time jobs—sometimes more. We weren’t poor, but we weren’t lounging in luxury either. Just a family doing our best to stay afloat, keep the fridge stocked, and the kids pointed in the right direction. Between school band, baseball, softball, track, wrestling, and who-knows-what-else, our schedules looked like color-coded chaos. But we knew early on that if we didn’t carve out space for family time, we’d lose the very thing we were all working so hard to hold onto. So we did. And we did it with heart—and on a budget. 🎲 Game Night or Bust Friday or Saturday nights were sacred. Game night didn’t need much—just popcorn, a few good laughs, and the willingness to lose gracefully to your kids. We’d play *Apples to Apples*, *Pictionary*, *Jenga*, *Clue*, and classic card games (but never *Monopoly*—life's too short and tempers are too fragile). As the kids got older, the games got a little edgier—*Cards Against Humani...

Toddlers are tiny whirlwinds of emotion, curiosity, and fierce independence which means parenting them requires a mix of patience, strategy, and maybe a strong cup of tea (or wine, let’s be honest).  From tantrums that rival Hollywood drama to the sheer joy of watching them discover the world, the toddler years are a wild ride. But with the right approach, you can turn even the toughest moments into teachable experiences that strengthen your bond. Let’s dive in. 1. The Toddler Mindset: Little Brains in Overdrive Between ages 1 and 3, toddlers are experiencing massive cognitive and emotional growth. They’re learning how to express themselves, testing boundaries like tiny scientists, and figuring out that their choices actually matter. This is the age where they: - Absorb everything—language, behaviors, reactions. - Push limits—not to be difficult, but because they’re exploring autonomy. - Struggle with emotions—because big feelings are hard to handle when you’re small. They’re not m...

Signs, Remedies & Your Instincts Taking Over    Babies don’t come with an instruction manual—though every new parent wishes they did, When they cry, squirm, or fuss, it feels like a guessing game with no obvious answer key, But here’s the secret: your instincts will kick in.   The more you observe, the more you’ll start recognizing patterns, tiny cues, and behaviors that tell you exactly what your baby needs. This guide will help you navigate the early months with confidence, humor, and practical wisdom. Signs It’s Time to Change Your Baby’s Formula Not every formula is the right fit—sometimes, babies struggle with digestion, and their little bodies give clear signals it’s time to switch things up.  ✅ Frequent spit-up or vomiting beyond typical reflux.   ✅ Excess gas or bloating, leading to fussiness after feeding.   ✅ Sudden eczema or rash, which may signal a sensitivity.   💡 What to Try: If symptoms persist, talk to your pedi...

Becoming a mom at 20 wasn’t the shock that people expected it to be—if anything, it felt like a natural continuation of the caregiving role I had played for years. From babysitting to helping my grandmother, watching over my disabled aunt, and even stepping in when my own mother fell ill, I had already navigated the world of nurturing long before I had a child of my own.   So when my daughter was born, I didn’t look for parenting books, unsolicited advice, or a checklist of what I was “supposed” to do. I just **knew**. The structure she needed, the comfort she craved, the way she communicated—it all felt second nature.   That didn’t mean the journey was without its challenges. My mother, ever the control freak, constantly tried to tell me how to raise my daughter. My husband? Hilariously clueless, but willing to learn (and, to his credit, became an incredible dad). And while the outside world expected me to struggle or feel overwhelmed, I never did.   This ...

Every year, Twinsburg, Ohio hosts the Twins Days Festival , the world's largest gathering of twins, multiples, and those who just love seeing double. Matching outfits, twin parades, and genetic research—it's a weekend where the phrase “two of a kind” is an understatement.   If my kids ever attended, they’d fit right in, but not in the way people expect. Forget the twin stereotypes; these two created their own language, a secret sibling code only they understood. People assumed twinhood was all about identical looks or matching habits, but my twins proved that true connection runs much deeper.   And then there was my oldest, fluent in their twin-speak despite being born two years earlier—because in our house, twinhood wasn’t just for two, it was for three. Whether you’re an actual twin or just an honorary one, Twins Days is proof that sibling bonds come in all forms.  Hope to see you there! Grab a cup of 🫖  & share,  ~Honey

I always knew raising twins would be an adventure, but what I didn’t expect was **an honorary third twin** joining the mix. My older daughter, despite being two years ahead of her twin siblings, blended in so naturally that people genuinely thought I had triplets. And honestly? I don’t blame them.   But let’s get one thing straight—my twins were **anything but identical.** My son was sharp as a whip, effortlessly excelling in school, while my daughter struggled to find her academic footing. Their personalities clashed in every possible way, leading to constant battles that left me wondering if twinhood came with an automatic fight club membership. Yet despite all the bickering, their bond remained unshakable. If someone dared to mess with one of them, the other was instantly ready to throw down.   And then there was my oldest, the **unofficial third twin**, who never showed a hint of jealousy but always wanted a twin of her own. Instead, she got two younger siblings ...

Everyone assumes the youngest child is reckless, spoiled, and irresponsible. It’s basically a universal truth—eldest kids are the responsible ones, middle kids are the forgotten ones, and youngest kids? We’re the chaos. Except… that’s not always *true*.  If the stereotypes were right, I’d be a nightmare—irresponsible, entitled, constantly seeking attention. Instead, I’m *exactly* the opposite. I’m level-headed, easygoing, sharp as hell (even if some people underestimate me), and fiercely independent. So, where did the myth break down? And more importantly, how did I make sure my own kids weren’t boxed into these tired family roles? Birth order might shape experiences, but it doesn’t *define* who we become. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that breaking the cycle starts with *seeing it for what it is*.    Breaking the Cycle: Raising My Kids Differently If my childhood taught me anything, it’s that labels don’t just shape how people see you—they shape how they *f...

If you love books filled with gothic intrigue, elite institutions, and buried family secrets, *The Oxford Inheritance* by Ann A. McDonald might just be your next obsession.   Cassandra Blackwell arrives at Oxford with a simple mission—uncover the truth behind her mother’s past. But as she navigates the ancient halls and prestigious traditions, she stumbles into a world of dark secrets, secret societies, and eerie discoveries that make her question everything. Think Secret History meets Rebecca, where power lurks beneath sophistication and the past refuses to stay buried.   This novel is ideal for those who crave mystery with a touch of supernatural unease, packed with hidden truths, atmospheric suspense, and an unraveling narrative that keeps the pages turning.   Pair this read with a warm cup of chai or honey-infused black tea, and prepare to be transported into Oxford’s shadowy corridors.   Unraveling Secrets in The Oxford Inheritance Dark acade...

Gen X is exhausted. Not just the “I need a nap” kind of tired, but the “I’ve been carrying multiple generations on my back, and now my joints are demanding workers’ comp” kind of tired. For decades, we’ve quietly handled everything—raising kids, caring for aging parents, keeping the workforce running, and, apparently, ruining grandparenting by refusing to be live-in nannies on demand. At this point, our options are burn out completely or retire early—even if it financially makes zero sense—just to breathe. So let’s talk about it.  Ah, Gen X. The unsung, overworked, eternally underestimated middle child of the generations. Born between the self-important Boomers, and the chronically online Millennials, we’ve spent decades quietly holding everything together while somehow managing to avoid both participation trophies and “greatest generation” status. And now? We’ve been slapped with a new title: bad grandparents.   Yes, you heard that right. Apparently, after surviving latc...

How to Inspire Artistic Expression at 10 Months As caregivers, we don’t just watch children grow, we shape how they see the world. From chalk to paper, paint to crayons, creativity starts early, and your toolbox is the key to unlocking a child’s imagination.   By 10 months, babies may not be Picasso yet, but they love color, texture, movement, and messy exploration. The goal isn’t perfect artwork—it’s joyful, unrestricted expression!   1. The Must-Have Tools for Baby Artists Whenever I care for a child, I’m always prepared with my trusty art kit:   ✔️ **Chunky Crayons** – Easy to grip and perfect for bold scribbles.   ✔️ **Non-Toxic Paints** – Let them explore color blending with safe finger paints.   ✔️ **Sidewalk Chalk** – Large enough for tiny hands, great for sensory play.   ✔️ **Textured Paper** – Thick craft paper, recycled cardboard, and even sandpaper for variety.   **Pro Tip:** Keep an "Art Basket" ready—grab...

Course Correction: Turning Tiny Tyrants into Respectful Humans When a kid smacks their parent like they’re auditioning for an action movie, it’s **time to intervene—fast**. Letting this behavior slide is like handing them a VIP pass to disrespectful habits that will only grow worse. So, how do we correct course before they start thinking they run the show?   1. The "Immediate Reality Check" Method   - As soon as the *tiny dictator* raises their hand? **Stop everything.**    - Firmly state, **“We do NOT hit. That is NOT okay.”**   - **No negotiation. No long-winded debates.**   - Follow up with a direct **consequence**—whether it’s losing privileges, time-out, or taking away whatever they were demanding.   2. The "Find the Root Cause" Strategy Let’s be real—kids don’t just wake up and decide to throw punches (unless they’re toddlers, because those little wildcards have zero impulse control).   - **Frustration? Lack of ...