tips and tricks
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The crisp October air is starting to whisper, pumpkins are grinning, and our family of five is warming up for one of the best nights of the year: trick-or-treating. But behind the fun—every candy haul, every giggle across the costume-line—is a set of prep…
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Here in Nevada County, as the leaves crunch, the air chills, and jack-o-lanterns start popping up everywhere, I wonder: why do we carve pumpkins? It’s not just about flickering candlelight or front-porch flair. The custom of carving face-laden gourds is a wild ride through…
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Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re looking to take the kids out for a fun, safe night of candy-collecting in Nevada County, you’re in luck. These local neighborhoods have earned a reputation for being especially friendly to little trick-or-treaters — good…
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You know that feeling when Picture Day rolls around and suddenly your calm household turns into a backstage frenzy at a toddler fashion show? The hairbrush goes missing, someone spills juice on their shirt, and you’re bribing your kid with Pop-Tarts just to smile.…
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You know those Saturday nights when you’re sitting around thinking, “Okay… now what?” Sure, you could binge another series, scroll social media until your thumb goes numb, or raid the fridge for the third time—but what if I told you there’s something way cooler?…
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Fall may bring pumpkin patches, crisp hikes, and cozy coffee runs—but it also brings wildlife a little closer to our backyards. And lately, the Sierra foothills have been buzzing with headlines about aggressive mountain lion sightings in surrounding counties. El Dorado County saw incidents…
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Burnout is not just a buzzword or a catchy Instagram caption—it’s a very real, very painful place where people end up believing they’re alone and beyond help. And if someone you know is dangling on that edge, the absolute best thing you can do…
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With the first day of school already behind us, we’ve officially entered that time parents and kids dread in equal measure: homework season. If you’re anything like me, you probably had that one subject you could ace without breaking a sweat and another that…
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If your kids think “outside” is just a loading screen between Wi-Fi signals, this one’s for you. As a mom of three and a small-town nature wanderer, I’ve watched my kids come alive in the wild—muddy boots, rock collections clinking in their pockets, and…
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The first day of school always seems to come at us faster than we expect (while also taking too long to get here.) One minute, you’re buying popsicles and sunscreen, and the next, you’re staring at a pile of school supplies wondering how your…
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Small-town gossip is like wildfire—only faster, and without the courtesy of a CAL FIRE update. If you live in a place where the population is smaller than the line at Starbucks in the next county over, you already know: news travels fast, facts are…
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Today, July 8th, marks World Allergy Day—a perfect opportunity to talk about something that affects nearly all of us in Nevada County, either directly or indirectly: allergies. Whether it’s the dreaded pollen season, food sensitivities, or even bee stings, allergies can range from mildly…
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If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how many activities is too many?” while frantically packing snacks for soccer, piano, and the meltdown happening in the backseat—you’re not alone. And hey, you’re not a bad parent for wanting to give your kids all the things.…
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If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably said the words “go read a book” at least five times before lunch now that school’s out. But what if I told you there’s a place in town offering free crafts, storytimes, movie nights, Dungeons & Dragons,…
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If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling a toddler into the car while trying to explain (for the hundredth time) that the doctor is not, in fact, out to get them… you are not alone, my friend. But I’m happy to report that today’s check-up…
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Let’s be honest — the idea of hiking with a baby or toddler sounds like something out of a Disney movie. Fresh air! Family bonding! Nature’s soundtrack! Then you remember things like: diapers, tantrums, bottles/sippy cups and snacks that are hurled into the dirt.…
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April is here, and along with the fresh blossoms and warming days comes an important reminder: stress is not just an unwanted guest—it’s the uninvited roommate who sometimes overstays their welcome. Recognized every April since 1992, Stress Awareness Month invites us to shine a…
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Teething is nature’s way of reminding you that your baby is growing—often at the cost of some serious drool, fussiness, and sleepless nights. While the process is entirely normal, it can feel like your little one is auditioning for a role in the “Baby…
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Spring is in the air in Nevada County. This is a season that beckons all to declutter, refresh, and maybe even add a little “spark” to your cleaning routine (safely, of course). To help wake up your urge to tidy up, here are some…
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There’s something universally appealing about the idea of a weekend getaway, especially when it’s a long weekend. However, I’ve heard my fair share of travel horror stories, where trips crumbled into chaos due to forgetting essential items. The worst part? Many of these mishaps…
