dreaming at 10,000 feet

I’m typing this on a plane, trying ignore the dips and drops as we hit some of that “unexpected turbulence.” If you ever need to be reminded how small you are, just hop on a plane. I’m sitting here, buckled in, heading back to my little tribe, signing off from a long weekend away in […]

both feet firmly planted on love

Though you may have been sipping Pumpkin Spice Lattes for a while now, (Can we talk about that? Because I’m not a fan.) today marks the first official day of fall. As the air gets crisp and the leaves start to fall, I’ve been thinking this new season. Where am I going? What am I […]

a case for the dust bunnies

I’m sitting on my floor. I was supposed to be tossing trains back into the wicker toy box we attempt to hide in the corner of the living room, but instead, I’m sitting on my floor. The kids are asleep, the husband is working late, and here I am, sitting between Sheriff Woody and Lightning McQueen. […]

the coney island of the midwest

I’m welcoming fall, but I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t miss slow summer mornings and dipping my toes in the lake. We had a very happy and healthy family summer filled with adventures and memories, and I’m so grateful for all the sun-drenched experiences we’ve had together. We crossed almost everything off our summer 2014 […]

when mama leaves the nest: influence conference edition

Who doesn’t love an awkward selfie every once in a while? I’m packing up and heading to Indianapolis to attend The Influence Conference at the end of this month, and I’m linking this little post with other attendees as a chance to introduce ourselves and get connected before our weekend away together! So, hi! I’m Kayla. […]

i need dairy free recipes!

Meal planning is the worst. Or maybe I’m just really bad at it. All I know is this mama has been spending way too much at the grocery store and I’ve been stumped for meals for awhile, so it’s back to the drawing board I go. Except, problem: I dusted off my favorite cookbooks and […]

sharing a sweet future

As a magazine journalism major, I had big dreams about changing the world with my words. While there was a side of me that had stars in my eyes for glamorous glossies, the other part of my heart was torn to write the stories that really mattered. I wanted to combine my inquisitiveness and passion […]

who won the prosperity candle giveaway?

Prosperity Candle combines so many things I love — beautiful design, sustainable impact, and the empowerment of women. They’re the real deal, and I was thrilled to introduce the fairtrade candle company to so many of you, and was thrilled when Prosperity Candle offered to host a giveaway just for Many Sparrows readers! The winner will […]

5 potty training tips for boys (no tears for them — or you!)

When we got Ruby, our now apathetic beagle mix with an under-active thyroid, she was an adorable puppy with floppy ears and big paws. In a newlywed haze, we picked her out of a box on a farm and snuck her into our college-owned apartment. We were in the process of buying a house, so my […]

black & white party dresses

I’m heading to the Influence Conference later this month, and it kicks off with a black and white party for Mocha Club. (Eee, love that! I geek out over theme parties.) I have some LBDs in my closet, but I’d love to find a new black & white dress (well, new to me, you know I feel […]