Zealous Mom

Parenting & Life

  •   Even though we’re already into 2022, many of us are still thinking about goals and plans for the New Year. I listened to a podcast recently that blasted January’s public relations company for making everyone feel bad about themselves. Instead of promoting “New Year, New You,” the podcasters honor “New Year, Same You.” Although… [Continue Reading]

    New year, same you

  • It seems like yesterday I was running after two babies and lugging around car seats and now, suddenly, both my boys are in the double digits. Brooks turned 13 on January 19, and Case turned 10 on January 20. I haven’t been on this blog much lately. I’ve been really busy with other projects, such… [Continue Reading]

    Thirteen & Ten

  •     How can it be that my boys are already twelve and nine? When I created this blog, Case was only five months old and now he’s nine! Time really does fly at a bizarrely fast rate. Nothing brings me greater joy than being mom to my two boys. Brooks and Case are three… [Continue Reading]

    Twelve and Nine

  •   This morning I wrote Jan. 1, 2021 in my journal. And man, that felt good. I know that a new year doesn’t make last year disappear and in fact, I don’t want 2020 to disappear. It was scrappy and tough and confusing and overwhelming. But I’ve learned that it’s in the mire when we… [Continue Reading]

    Here’s to 2021 and being unapologetically me

  • Anniversaries are supposed to be a time for celebration and excitement. Except when it’s an anniversary of the death of a loved one. With that type, the day looms ahead and then when it arrives, it feels heavy. Today is the anniversary of my mom’s passing. I haven’t written on my blog in entirely too… [Continue Reading]

    A hard anniversary

Pros and cons of a solo parenting vacay

A couple summers ago, the boys and I spent four days in sunny Orlando. It was sort of a last minute trip idea. I was originally supposed to go on a girls’ beach trip but childcare fell through and ultimately it was God giving me a big fat wink because I wouldn’t trade our time[Read More…]

Healthy & yummy skillet frittata

Lately there’s nothing I enjoy more than a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning where I can relax, drink coffee and make a yummy breakfast or brunch for those I love. I get  bored eating scrambled eggs all the time so it’s fun to get creative with frittatas, scramblers and omelets. I’ve also been using my[Read More…]

How to save money on food in New York City

Planning a trip to New York City? Read on to learn how you can save big bucks on food. Recently we visited NYC for a children’s book writing conference. With flights, registration and hotel, there wasn’t a huge budget left over for food. And while we dined out a few times, we also discovered several[Read More…]

Quick & Easy Homemade Granola

Granola is one of my favorite items to make from scratch. I’ve never been able to find a granola in the stores I enjoy. Commercial brands are either overly sweet or include too many additives and carbohydrates. Years ago, a friend shared her homemade granola recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it along the way to[Read More…]

susannabarbee Filed Under: Recipes

Mommy & Me: Feb. 17

If you’re a parent, is it not shocking how quickly kids grow? I’ve noticed so much lately how tall and mature my boys are getting.  One minute their pants fit and the next, I’m worried someone at school will make fun of their “high waters.” Being a single mom comes with many challenges, but the[Read More…]