January 7, 2025

Hey Moms, welcome back! 🎉Hope you survived the holiday chaos, because we’re jumping right into the new year—and a little bit of winter weather, too. I’m talking about an Arctic cold front that’s chilling even the warmest parts of the country (yes, even Florida’s getting in on the freeze action). So, if you’re bundled up in blankets and hot cocoa like me, you're not alone. Let's just say, the new year is starting off cooler than expected!

And hey, if you love this newsletter, share it with a friend to help spread the warmth (in more ways than one)!

  • Learning the Hard Way: The Power of Natural Consequences

  • Save Now, Spend Later: The Sinking Fund Strategy to Avoid Post-Holiday Panic

  • Soup’s On: Warm Up with These Cozy Recipes for National Soup Month

SNIPPETS

OpenAI now offers ChatGPT via phone. Users can dial 1-800-242-8478 to speak with ChatGPT, a new voice-based option from OpenAI. This service is aimed at those without consistent access to high-speed data, offering 15-minute calls each month.

Harvard’s 85-year study reveals the key to happiness. The Harvard Study of Adult Development concludes that the happiest, healthiest people are those with the strongest social connections. The groundbreaking study, which spans three generations, shows relationships are the most significant predictor of well-being.

AI-driven virtual schools are expanding. Unbound Academy’s all-virtual, AI-powered learning platform will teach middle school students across the U.S. By leveraging platforms like Khan Academy, the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools has approved this innovative educational model.

PARENTING

No coat, no problem.

Did your kid refuse their coat on a frosty morning? Let them. Experts call it "natural consequences," and it’s the parenting hack we didn’t know we needed.

Natural consequences allow kids to experience the direct results of their choices—like getting chilly without a coat—without a lecture. Bonus: You’re off the hook as the bad guy.

But not all consequences are created equal. Enter the Three R's:

  • Related: The consequence connects directly to the action. Messy room? They clean it—not lose iPad privileges.

  • Respectful: Skip the shame. “I told you so” might feel satisfying, but it shifts their focus to blame rather than learning.

  • Reasonable: Age-appropriate and proportional consequences work best. Don’t make the task harder than the lesson.

When natural consequences won’t cut it (like when your toddler skips sorting laundry for the fifth day in a row), logical consequences come to the rescue. These are parent-created but still connected, such as: “When you sort the laundry, you can watch TV.” Logical consequences teach that privileges are earned through responsibility.

Other strategies? Tell the truth when you’re frustrated. If your child asks for ice cream after a rough day, be honest: “You know, after your behavior today, I’m not feeling like a treat.” And always have a backup plan—natural consequences might not work for every scenario. Try problem-solving together, redirecting behavior, or holding family meetings to address repeat issues.

Next time your kid asks, “Do I really need rain boots?”—let the puddles answer for you. 🌦️

BUDGETING

Say hello to sinking funds.

January hits differently when the credit card bill from holiday spending arrives like an unwanted houseguest. Oh, and that dream vacation? Feels like it’s mocking you from afar. Enter sinking funds. These little budget hacks can help you save for big expenses without breaking a sweat—or the bank.

What’s a sinking fund? It’s a savings stash earmarked for specific goals, like a tropical getaway, new tires, or next Christmas. Instead of scrambling for a lump sum, you save a little each month.

How to set it up:

  1. Pick a method. Try the envelope system (if you trust yourself with cash), a single savings account with a detailed ledger, or multiple accounts for hyper-organized vibes.

  2. Set a goal. Divide your target amount by the months you have to save. Example: $1,200 for a family vacation in 12 months? Save $100/month.

  3. Track it. Use sinking fund calculators (like the ones from Good Calculators or Omni) to stay on target.

Why bother? Sinking funds can turn financial stress into guilt-free spending. Save for fun, dodge surprise expenses, and say goodbye to big-purchase regret. Plus, when the dishwasher dies (because it will), you’ll be ready.

This year, ditch the budget blues and turn your dreams into line items. Your future self—and that beachfront cocktail—will thank you.

Ready to make it happen? Check out more tips here.

CHILDREN

Soup’s on.

January = National Soup Month, and what better way to celebrate than by trying out some seriously delicious soups that’ll have your family slurping happily?

  1. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup – A velvety bowl of comfort with bright citrus and tender chicken. The perfect balance of creamy and fresh. Get the recipe here.

  2. Tomato Orzo Soup with Crunchy Cheddar Toasts – Tomato soup meets creamy pasta with cheesy toast bites that make every spoonful a cozy win. Here’s how to make it.

  3. Easy Clam Chowder – Restaurant-quality clam chowder made in 30 minutes. Creamy, flavorful, and ready to be devoured. Find the recipe here.

  4. Easy Lasagna Soup – All the cheesy goodness of lasagna, without the hassle. Comfort food perfection. Try it here.

  5. Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup – A hearty, flavorful soup that’s packed with chicken and beans. Comfort and healthy in one. Get the recipe.

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025, Mocha Mousse, is a rich brown hue that perfectly captures the global mood of comfort, connection, and harmony. This warming shade evokes the soothing qualities of chocolate and coffee, making it the perfect color for 2025. Check out 19 stylish pieces that bring Mocha Mousse to life.

CALENDAR

📲 Expecting? These pregnancy apps are a must-download for moms-to-be!

👖 The 2025 denim trends are here—and they're far from basic!

☕️ Starbucks just dropped a winter menu that’s got us obsessed—cortados, matcha, and pistachio everything!

👶 Identical triplets’ secret to telling them apart? Nail polish, of course!

🐘 It’s Christmas for elephants—unsold trees are their new holiday feast at Berlin Zoo!

Missing Florida dog rings doorbell to announce its Christmas Eve return. After disappearing for over a week, Athena, a four-year-old German shepherd, found her way home on Christmas Eve and rang the doorbell to let her owners know she was back. The heartwarming moment, which woke up the whole family at 2 a.m., ended a frantic search that began when Athena went missing on December 15.

How did we do with this email?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

✨ Annalee and Karin ✨

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up here

View our Privacy Policy