Last week we put up our Christmas tree. At the end of each crazy day during this hectic season, it’s so nice to sit back and just take in its beauty. I have such fond memories of the Christmas trees of my childhood. I remember going with my sister and parents to pick one out; […]
Author: Mina McKiernan
The Gift of a Great Book: The Penderwicks
This past summer, a close friend of mine gave me a book recommendation. The two of us have exchanged titles with one another for years now, always books for our own reading pleasure. This time, the suggestion was for my daughters. We had just spent an entire day together with our kids and she thought […]
My Pre-Holiday Resolutions
A few days after Thanksgiving, I walked into a store and was instantly overwhelmed with all things Holiday! Christmas Carols were blaring, ornaments and decorations in all shapes and sizes, as far as the eye could see. Instead of merrily humming along to ‘Jingle Bells’, I felt my panic level rise. Frantically, I began ticking […]
Love Letters from the Benches of Central Park
If you’ve ever strolled in Central Park, you have seen that there are thousands of benches throughout the park. Each with a unique view, providing a place to take a break, feed a baby, rest tired feet, have a chat, read a book or just take a moment to take in the true splendor of […]
Flower Girl Duty for a Beloved Nanny
Seven-and-a-half years ago, when our first child was born, we started the search for a nanny. We asked everyone we knew for referrals, interviewed a number of women and then resorted to a local baby-centered website with a great deal of trepidation. We interviewed some wonderful women, but had to go with our new parental […]
Surreal Times in the City
It’s a week like this past one that makes your head spin in more ways than one. Our family, like so many others, gathered batteries and flashlights and stocked up on groceries and water in preparation for Hurricane Sandy. Our kids have been dying for a black out – we didn’t have one during Irene. […]
North Fork Fun – Carousels, Seafood & Wine!
This past weekend we headed to Greenport, on the North Fork of Long Island. It’s our fourth trip there and one we all look forward to each year. Greenport was once a whaling and ship building village, as well as a huge oystering center, in the first half of the 20th century. It’s also known […]
Sweet, Special Moments with Daddy
My husband and I have been blessed with two daughters, just as my own parents were. I have a million childhood memories with my Dad. Of course, there are the big ones – the family vacations, special holiday traditions and birthday celebrations. School plays, graduations and all sorts of milestones where he was right there […]
Lessons (and Heartaches) of Second Grade
After a packed summer, my girls were excited to start the school year. My oldest was starting second grade, and my youngest, kindergarten. My seven-year-old took great pride in preparing her little sis for what her school was like. She covered it all – recess rules, cafeteria food, P.E, etc. They had elaborate plans to […]
The Evolution of a Working Mom
Before having kids, I loved my career. I was a Recruiter, and enjoyed my small company and colleagues, the feeling of satisfaction in finding someone the perfect job and the great commissions! I worked alongside one of my best friends and seldom dreaded Monday mornings. When I was pregnant, I couldn’t fathom being a stay […]