Kristen McGuire
Kristen is a wife, mother and full-time special education teacher. Born in Connecticut, she has lived in Washington, DC, North Carolina and now happily calls Columbia home. Her children, the tortoise and the hare, were adopted from South Korea and are now 7 and 4. This “Dawson’s Creek” enthusiast was convinced if she scored a spot as an extra on the show, a famous actor would fall in love with her and whisk her away to pursue a life of parties and Prada. She scored the spot, but not the actor. With a chronic case of Wanderlust, she can be found day-tripping throughout the Carolinas and planning excursions to visit family across the US. She could be a contestant on "World's Worst Cook" as she has ruined instant pudding not once...but twice.
Taking Care of Your Ticker
When we think February and hearts, we immediately think about the love and affection that surrounds Valentine’s Day. And, that’s sweet and all but this is a different kind of heart day ... Friday,...
3 Reasons We Held Our Daughter Back From Kindergarten
My daughter is an August 27 baby. That means she could go to kindergarten in August if she wanted.
There is NOTHING more I would love than giving myself a $640 a month pay raise...
Volunteer Work You Can Do Laying Down
The holidays are over, we are all a bit more plump from the overeating and over-imbibing and we’ve all most likely resolved to lead a healthier lifestyle in some way, shape or form. Whether...
Free Yourself from Housework with CottageCare {Giveaway and Discount Included!}
Growing up, my mom did it all. She stayed at home with three kids, made three meals a day, kept the house in running order and even found time for "small" side projects …...
Top 10 Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Columbia Kids
We’ve all seen the article, the list of 100 things to give kids that aren’t toys. Yes, I love this idea. But, in reality, the list included so many things out of a reasonable...
The Truth About Foster Care Adoption
When the children of South Carolina lay their head to rest at night, nearly 3,000 of them are not in their own beds at home with a parent. For South Carolina’s foster children, sometimes...
The Reality of Adoption With the Conspicuous Family
November iss National Adoption Month and with this comes the reminders of the hurt, brokenness, trauma, beauty and miracle that is adoption. For a variety of reasons, my children could not remain with their...
A Hidden Treasure for Kids with Physical Needs
I walked in to pick my daughter up from daycare and the teacher said those words that make any parent’s stomach drop...
“Can I talk to you for a minute?"
My daughter is shy and quiet,...
Breast Cancer Action Month :: When the Cure has Complications
October means it's breast cancer awareness month and with that comes a lump in my throat, a general sense of irritability and an avoidance to things pink. Because, like many women, I'm aware of...
Barcode Blues
I. Hate. Shopping.
There, I said it. Out loud. For Jimmy Choo to hear.
The notion of personal fashion and process of finding clothes that fit for an affordable price sends my blood pressure up at...
Grandparents :: Staying Close Over the Miles
I grew up in a fairly stereotypical Irish and Italian family, which means the following...
Family get-togethers are never less than 30 people. Your first cousins (who all have a last name that end in...