April In The Burbs

  If you’ve ever had to coax a kid into the car knowing they’re headed for something unpleasant, you already know the unique mix of dread and determination that comes with it. For us, that’s every four months when it’s time for Dot’s lab work at Dell Children’s.   Dot, my 10-year-old firecracker, has adrenal insufficiency, which means her body doesn’t produce certain life-sustaining hormones. Routine lab work isn’t optional, and while she’s a trooper, let’s be real: no one *likes* getting poked with needles.   The Lab Day Ritual   Here’s how it goes:   First, there’s the pep talk. “You’ve got this, Dot! Starbucks after—venti caramel ribbon crunch, your pick!” (Bribery? Absolutely.) Then the drive, where I try to keep things light with bad jokes and her favorite songs on repeat.   The lab itself is hit or miss. Some days, we’re out like pros. Other days, veins play hide-and-seek, and it’s a circus act. Thankfully, the PICC team at De...

  Today, my heart feels heavier than it has in a long time. Watching as Trump takes the presidency, I can’t shake a deep sadness, an unrelenting worry, and an overwhelming fear for the future. This isn't about political labels or parties—it's about human dignity, equality, and compassion. I fear for what lies ahead, not only for myself but especially for my children. I want them to grow up in a world that moves forward with empathy and justice, a world where every voice, no matter how quiet, is heard. But today, that world feels a little further away. This election feels like a step back for so many people who have fought tirelessly to be seen and valued. For minorities, for women, and for anyone who has felt the sting of being sidelined, silenced, or left behind, today is a day of mourning. It feels as though we're being asked to stand by as years of progress are unraveled, bit by bit. And while I feel a powerful urge to cry and scream, to let my fears and anger pour out, ...

  Recently I faced something with Dot that, frankly, in all my years as a medical mom, I had never even considered. We just had school picture day, so I took her out today for a nice haircut, and we had lunch together at one of our favorite spots. While we were at lunch, she brought up something serious. She wanted my opinion on whether she should tell her friends at school about her medical condition. She has a close group of friends—about three or four—and was wondering if they should know. I wasn’t quite sure how to respond. I asked her if she thought her friends would treat her differently. She said no, but she was worried they might not understand her rare condition. As a parent, I hadn’t expected this question. Here are a few things I shared with her as they came to mind during our conversation: 1. Even if she explains her condition as plainly and simply as possible, her friends may still struggle to fully understand what it means. Many adults, no matter how much I explain it...

Hey there, future reselling entrepreneurs! If you're thinking about diving into the world of reselling, I've got some advice to help you get started on the right foot. As a fellow shop owner who's been around the block (pun intended), I know a thing or two about the ins and outs of this business. Let's chat about how you can set yourself up for success. Why It's Important: First things first, let's talk about why offering discounts and return options matters. In the competitive world of reselling, customer satisfaction is everything. By providing flexible policies, you're not just making your customers happy – you're also building trust and loyalty that can keep them coming back for more. Watch those repeat buyers stack up when you offer a quality item and a good price and excellent customer service. Offering Discounts for Damaged Items: When it comes to damaged goods, a little discount can go a long way. If a customer receives something that's not q...

  Getting the price right is super important when you're reselling stuff. It's not just about making money; it's also about treating your customers and yourself fairly. Understanding how much things are worth is the key to getting this balance right. Let's dive into why fair pricing matters and how you can figure out the right prices for your items. Why Fair Pricing is Importan t: Pricing your items fairly is all about building trust with your customers and making sure everyone's happy. Charging too much might scare off buyers and hurt your reputation, while charging too little means you're not making what you deserve. Fair pricing is the sweet spot where everyone wins. Understanding Market Values : To set fair prices, you need to know how much similar items are selling for. This is called their market value. A few things affect market values: Supply and Demand : If lots of people want something but there aren't many available, its price goes up. If it's...

  In the reselling world, finding success means thinking outside the box and exploring unconventional avenues. Here's how you can do it: Look in Unexpected Places: Thrift stores are great, but don't forget about other places like estate sales, garage sales, and flea markets. You might also find treasures at church bazaars or community swap meets. Keep an open mind and be ready to explore new places. We love the Goodwill Bins, local church sales, and a good Facebook Market find. Try Different Categories: Instead of sticking to the usual items, consider branching out. Look into areas like vintage kitchenware, retro home decor, or unique collectibles. The more diverse your search, the more chances you have of finding something special. We've had great luck with books, games, maps and paper goods that normally are things I'd not even look twice at if I were just shopping for myself and my home. Use Your Passions: Your hobbies and interests can be helpful. If you're into...