by Jessica Goodpaster | May 16, 2019 | Saving and Budgeting | 1 Comment

There are so many money saving apps available now. But which ones really work? As a busy mom, I want apps actually help me save money on groceries, food, travel, shopping, entertainment, and more without wasting my precious time. So I’ve compiled a list of the top...

by Jessica Goodpaster | May 8, 2019 | Adoption Fundraising, Adoption Grants and Fundraising | 2 Comments

One of the most popular ways families raise money to bring their children home is with an adoption t-shirt fundraiser. In addition to offsetting adoption expenses, shirts give your community an easy way to publicly show support for your family. I get emotional every...

by Jessica Goodpaster | May 1, 2019 | Kids and Family, Parenting | 29 Comments

Has anyone else mentally moved on to summer? After an unusually cold and snowy March and a dreary April, May is here! Cue the sunshine and Justin Timberlake memes! Last week, I chaperoned my oldest’s field trip to the zoo. It was 80-something degrees and sunny. I had...

by Jessica Goodpaster | April 16, 2019 | Saving and Budgeting | 0 Comments

If you know me, you know that I don’t like to buy anything that isn’t on sale. But I also don’t want to waste my money on cheap items. That’s why I love the cute boutique finds at Jane.com! Jane.com is turning eight this month and which means they have been dishing...

by Jessica Goodpaster | April 8, 2019 | The Good Life | 6 Comments

Exercising consistently has always been a struggle for me. I had a gym membership once but found all the equipment and actual fit people a little intimidating. Plus, it was expensive!

by Jessica Goodpaster | March 26, 2019 | The Good Life | 12 Comments

Way back in elementary school, I learned that when taking a true/false test you must be wary of never and always statements. My teacher said that things usually aren’t that definitive, which is certainly true of real life. And as we head into wedding season, I’m...

by Jessica Goodpaster | March 11, 2019 | The Good Life | 0 Comments

Kids and vegetables are not always the best of friends, so mealtimes can sometimes end up being a bit of a struggle. Finding new or alternative ways to encourage kids to eat them can really help. From getting them involved in food prep…

by Jessica Goodpaster | February 26, 2019 | Kids and Family, Parenting | 26 Comments

Parenting is hard work! Whether you have babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kids, tweens, or teens, moms and dads have their hands full. Sometimes a simple change in the way you do things can make life easier for your family. That’s why I put together this list of parent...

by Jessica Goodpaster | January 10, 2019 | Saving and Budgeting | 21 Comments

As someone who has worn glasses since age six, I can attest to how expensive they are. When I finally broke down and decided to replace the pair I had for the past 16 years (don’t judge, I wore contacts a lot of the time!), I took my search for eyewear online. Now I’m...

by Jessica Goodpaster | November 9, 2018 | Kids and Family, Parenting | 23 Comments

Does it feel like toys are multiplying in your house? It stresses me out a bit to think of where to put everything after Christmas or birthdays. So I compiled a list of the best non-toy gifts for kids of all ages. You’ll find something for babies, toddlers,...

by Jessica Goodpaster | October 23, 2018 | The Good Life | 20 Comments

Marriage, like most good things in life, needs a little maintenance to keep running smoothly. You can’t drive a car for years without getting the oil changed or an occasional tune up. At the very least, you must fill the vehicle with gas or you’ll find yourself...

by Jessica Goodpaster | October 8, 2018 | The Good Life | 7 Comments

As soon as the calendar nears the end of August, my husband wants to skip right over the last days of summer and dive headfirst into his favorite season of the year…football season. I have always enjoyed sports and was even a proud subscriber to Sports Illustrated for...

by Jessica Goodpaster | September 20, 2018 | The Good Life | 22 Comments

When I was a little girl, my favorite movie was Cinderella. For three years, I chose to let it inspire my Halloween costume. I’m sure you are picturing an elementary school version of me in a blue dress and mock glass slippers. Maybe a tiara for good measure. But...

by Jessica Goodpaster | September 7, 2018 | Adoption Grants, Adoption Grants and Fundraising | 2 Comments

The cost of adoption can be overwhelming to prospective families. Before I began my adoption journey, it was baffling to me why it was so expensive to give a child in need a home. Shouldn’t it be free to willing and capable parents? As with so many other facets of the...

by Jessica Goodpaster | August 23, 2018 | Adoption Journey, Kids and Family | 2 Comments

Jump into part two of this one-year post-adoption post! Though L was 18 months old when we met her, the orphanage primarily fed her formula from a bottle. They would…