Once you get that “{Your child’s name} has been invited to {friend’s name} birthday party!}” – the big question looms – “How Much to Spend on the Birthday Gift” for said friend? I often wonder how much of a ‘friend’ this person is to my child too. Are the besties? Does this child even say […]
May 1, 2018
How to Host a Kentucky Derby Party
Most folks don’t think of having a Kentucky Derby Party. However, it is a fun theme that also kicks off spring! It is also unique enough that you probably won’t have to compete with another event. The Kentucky Derby is always held on the first Saturday in May. So here is how to celebrate the […]
May 1, 2018
A Marvelous Mocktail Mint Julep Recipe
I always think Mint Juleps are so classy. Perfect for late spring and early summer cocktails. There are a lot of Mint Julep recipes out there. (This site has my favorite, including a Mint Tulip option.) However, if you want a Mint Julep without alcohol, then here is a simple Mocktail Mint Julep recipe to […]
April 18, 2018
DIY of the Week: Pet Picture Blanket
It can be hard when a pet passes on. However, what I didn’t realize is how hard it can be on other pets that are still living. When my oldest dog passed recently, my other dog was clearly depressed. They had snuggled and slept together all the time and when the older dog didn’t come […]
January 29, 2018
Boogie Board Blackboard Review & Uses
The Blackboard by Boogie Board made it to my ‘best list’ for getting organized in the new year. You can see that post here. In this post, however, I’m sharing why you might want to get one for your kids. Benefits of the Blackboard The Blackboard by Boogie Board can be a great teaching tool […]
January 15, 2018
Five Finds to Get You Organized
I always spend January trying to get organized after the hectic holidays. In addition, I always look for new ideas or organization products to reach that goal. So I wanted to share my five finds to help you get organized in 2018. Organization Products Keeping Track of To Dos I’ve fallen in love with the […]
October 16, 2017
Five Ideas for Used Coffee Grounds
We recently got into the cold brew craze, and started cold brewing at home. However, with a lot of coffee grounds left over, I wondered how to reuse coffee grounds. I came up with five beneficial ways on how to use used coffee grounds. Cold Brew Maker Our family are not hot coffee drinkers, but […]
October 13, 2017
Most Popular Halloween Candy by State
Halloween is here and so are the sweet treats we hand out on Halloween night. (In my case, unfortunately nibble on before, during and after too.) A couple of weeks ago, I posted about the best candy to give out at Halloween. Jet.com had a poll where it asked its visitors about what candy they […]
August 29, 2016
How to Make Your Own Fruit Snacks
My kids love fruit snacks but rather than buy them, I thought it would be fun to make them! It can also make great gifts when you place in cute little boxes. Bonus? It is so easy to make! So here is how to make fruit snacks with this simple recipe! Ingredients: 4 cups of […]
March 7, 2016
Mushroom Blue Cheese Appetizer
With some key entertaining holidays coming up, I thought I would share a unique appetizer recipe that is great for kids and adults, and is easy to make – which is why it is perfect for Charlene Chronicles’ weekly #makeitmonday post! Crispy Mushroom Blue Cheese Appetizer Serves 2-4 people so up the amounts for more guests […]
January 12, 2016
Top Meal Prep Subscription Box Services
Not into takeout? Want healthy meals, but someone to do all prep work? Want tasty meals, but into buying all these spices to use them once? I used to love a local services called Healthy Habits Kitchen, but they closed in 2015. So I wanted to find a Meal Prep Subscription Box Service. There are […]
February 13, 2015
Inspired Bites Cookbook by TJ Girard and Bob Spiegel
Despite a life online, I still admire and enjoy hardcover books, and that admiration extends to my beloved cookbooks. A new one I discovered, and subsequently enjoyed a complimentary copy, is called Inspired Bite: Unexpected Idea for Entertaining, from Pinch Food Design and published by Abrams Books. The authors of the Inspired Bites Cookbook are […]
November 17, 2014
How to Remove Permanent Marker
While the word permanent may seem daunting, there are ways to remove permanent marker. Here is how to remove permanent marker from walls, carpet, clothing wood, and even dry erase boards. If the kids get their hands on a permanent marker, thinking it’s a regular marker, then don’t despair. While you want permanent markers to […]
October 1, 2014
Cuisinart Panini Maker & Hamilton Blender
And so kicks off my month of giveaways. Otherwise known as my Spooktacular Sweepstakes! This month of October will feature tons of products. Some not new, but notable. Some new and noteworthy. And others just plain ol’ fabulous! First up are two items – the Hamilton Beach Blender and the Cuisinart Panini Maker Press and […]
September 10, 2014
Keyboard Labels and Modern Labels for Parents
There are a lot of label brands for kids camp, school, and more. Some that I mentioned here. Yet, what about us Moms? Yes, we can label our gym bags, tennis rackets or supplies with our name on it, but aren’t we kind-of past the “This is {insert my name here}?” So what options do […]
June 26, 2013
8 {Natural} Ways to Make Your Home Smell Good
After being a part of a paid campaign about Healthy Babies, I wanted to get back to my roots with natural cleaning solutions. Part of that is natural ways to make my house smell good too. I’ve found that you need three things to do that: baking soda, white vinegar and essential oils. Stock up […]
March 15, 2013
How to Make a Leprechaun Trap
Here is how to make a Leprechaun Trap so the kids can see if they can trap a Leprechaun on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. Here are a couple of ideas, but anything they can think up and imagine is always a great thing too. Leprechaun Trap Items Just find empty coffee containers, […]
February 11, 2013
Sweet Memories to Remember
While Valentines’s Day is loaded with sweets, it reminds me of some sweet moments in my life. Meeting my husband, getting married, giving birth to my children, and the everyday little moments I have with my kids – the first smile from my baby or a hug from my toddler. One of my sweet memories, […]
December 29, 2012
2012: A Transformation, a Renewal and a Promise
2012 Year in Review I cannot believe the year 2013 is upon me. While I didn’t take much stock in the world ending on 12/21/12, it is nice to know we are still around. Apparently, however, that date was an interesting one. As I understand it (which is rather sketchy) the Sun aligned with the Milky […]
April 20, 2012
Hallmark Card Showers
Like I mentioned in a previous post, when you are pregnant the second time around, you don’t get a baby shower. While I did host a baby gender reveal party, all the awesome gifts were given to charity or as a giveaway during our #pinkorblue Twitter party. So needless to say, I was so happy to […]
January 31, 2011
California Raisin Energy Bar Recipe
Last week at Blissdom, I got a chance to workout with, and interview, celebrity fitness trainer Valerie Waters. That post is coming soon, but the event was sponsored by California Raisins and they had super-delish raisin bars we grabbed post-workout. California Raisins has more recipes (as well as a huge contest that you might want […]
Hi! I'm Charlene! I chronicle one find at a time. From shoes to strollers, cruises to cell phones, and fitness to food; I seek, search and share the spectacular. I'm not interested in the amount of the megapixels on my phone..only if it will survive in the hands of my kids. So how did I start these chronicles? 
