Don’t Forget the Duct Tape – Dad’s Guide to Fixing Things

June 13, 2013 By 8 Comments
Stacey Gustafson

In honor of dads everywhere, I’m dedicating this article to duct tape, the frugal man’s best friend. Some of my fondest memories involved my father’s ingenious approach to fixing things with duct tape. He used it to stretch the lifespan of shoes, pants, appliances, automobiles, toys, tools, and furniture. I remember when he customized his old slippers with Duct Tape, extending their lifespan another decade. King of the Duct Tape My father visited from out-of-town when the kids were toddlers to offer support when my husband traveled. Before my husband left, he warned, “Don’t let your father fiddle with our stuff. He tries to fix it all with Super Glue and Duct Tape.” “Sure. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parents Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not Your Mother’s Book…On Travel Book Review

June 10, 2013 By 3 Comments
Stacey Gustafson

Hey, I'm in Not Your Mother's Book...On Travel.  This is my third book in the NYMB series.  I'm thrilled, elated, and bounce-off-the-wall excited to share the news with you!!  It's been a blast to be involved with terrific editors at Publishing Syndicate and meet great women like Dahlynn McKowen, CEO/publisher, and Terri Elders, co-creator. Nothing beats a good book at the beach. Grab a copy of Not Your Mother's Book...On Travel from Amazon by clicking the link, Amazon.com.You'll be glad you did. My friend, Julie Royce, wrote a wonderful book review on Wandering Educators this week. Here's an excerpt from Julie's article. Travel Book Review by Julie Royce The Perfect Book for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mom Fights Back at End of School Year

June 6, 2013 By 8 Comments
Stacey Gustafson

A few years ago, after dropping my kids off at middle school, I met a couple of friends at Starbucks.  The conversations went something like this--- End of School Year “So, what’d you get on your report card?” I asked, tapping a venti latte with my nails. “Five A’s, 2B’s.  How about you?” said another mom as she checked her cell phone. “Four A’s, one B and one C.  Took me two parent teacher meetings and a call to the principal to get the C,” I said. “Try harder next time.” Things have gotten so bad that we feel personally responsible for kid’s failures, always trying to resolve problems.  It’s time to stop helping so much and let them learn from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Frustrations, Parents, Raising Kids Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Being Mom is Like the Department of Motor Vehicles – DMV

May 30, 2013 By 18 Comments
Stacey Gustafson, writer

After taking my son to get his permit at the DMV, I said to myself, "Hey, this place feels like home."  Everyone is always mad at you. “If you don’t have an appointment, you’re in the wrong line,” says the first person I meet at the DMV, his nostrils flaring.  Returning home after grocery shopping, a wave of anger hits me in the face.  “Did you remember the Pop-Tarts?” whines my son.  “You don’t expect me to watch Castle on TV?” complains my hubby. There’s no place like home.  There’s no place like home. There’s lots of eye rolling. “Is this the line to renew your license?”  I say.  A huge arm points to the farthest corner of the DMV.  “Read the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Frustrations Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Don’t Lick the Minivan Book Release

May 23, 2013 By 2 Comments
Leanne Shirtliffe

My friend and fellow blogger, Leanne Shirtliffe, has released a new book, Don’t Lick the Minivan and Other Things I Never Thought I’d Say To My Kids (Skyhorse, May 2013). This is the first time I’ve ever called someone a friend that I have never met.  I’ve been following her blog for months and attended her webinar, How To Write Funny (Er): 10 Humor Techniques for Writers of Fiction and Nonfiction.  I feel like I know her now! Leanne asked me to be part of her Don’t Lick the Minivan book release, or the DLM Street Team. I was fortunate to get an advance copy of her book and wanted to share it with you. Her humor hits the spot for the mom trying to please everyone, with … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Book Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,