Weighing the Options Between Adoption and Surrogacy
Published May 2013: Mom.Me
Weighing the Options Between Adoption and Surrogacy
The two very different options for building a family depend on a variety of factors. You make the call
Article Excerpt:
A bouncing baby boy or giggling toddler girl can bring love and life to a household. For childless couples hoping to have a family, adoption or surrogacy can be their best options. The process of starting a family this way can be immensely rewarding, but there are also many challenges. Read more »
The 411 on Adoption
Published May 2013: Mom.Me
The 411 on Adoption: Who, What, When, Where and How
Determining the best option for your growing family
Article Excerpt:
When Denise Buzy-Pucheu and her husband, Cary Correia, contemplated adopting a child, they were adamant about researching the options and ultimately decided upon an international adoption. Ten years later, the Connecticut-based couple has expanded the family to five with 10-year-olds Ethan and Isabella, adopted from Kazakhstan, and 8-year-old Aeryn Elisabeth, adopted from China. Read more »
10 Spring Family Activities on a Budget
Published May 2013: Mom.Me
10 Spring Family Activities on a Budget
Try these fun alternative ways to bonds with the kids
Article Excerpt:
The sound of birds chirping and children giggling outside is a definite sign that spring is here. It’s the perfect time to spring your family activities into action. “Outdoor family days include renewing bonds, showing your children the importance of physical activity and giving them a chance to use their creativity,” says Aeva Gaymon-Doomes, a child psychiatrist in Chevy Chase, Md. Springtime activities, though, don’t have to be hard on your bank balance. Keep your family active and your finances in shape with family activities perfect for your budget. Read more »
Move Over, Mom: Book Clubs for Kids
Published April 2013: eHow Mom
Move Over, Mom: Book Clubs for Kids
Article Excerpt:
School may be out, but your kids don’t have to put the books down. Group reading and organized book clubs with friends and neighbors offers children and teens a way to have fun while still learning during the summer months. Jump-start a summer reading program with fun discussions, activities and games that will leave a lasting impression well into the school year. Read more »
Learning in Disguise: 10 Kid-Approved Activities
Published April 2013: eHow Mom
Learning in Disguise: 10 Kid-Approved Activities
Article Excerpt:
While you and your children may be looking forward to swimming, games, and outdoor activities this summer, it’s easy to forget that learning doesn’t stop when the sun is shining. Don’t let your child forget the academic lessons from the school year. Instead, find ways to incorporate learning into the family’s summer plans with educational field trips and at-home experiments that disguise learning. Read more »
How to Train to Stay Healthy: Men Over 50
Published April 2013: eHow Mom
How to Train to Stay Healthy for Men Over 50
Article Excerpt:
For men over 50, the most common barriers to healthy living and exercise revolve around lack of time and enjoyment. The good news is that for time-pressed individuals, you can train smarter instead of longer while enjoying your favorite activities, says Jessica Matthews, exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. With a few changes to your daily routine, you can train to stay healthy and revive your mind, body and soul. Read more »
High Protein Breakfasts
Published April 2013: Mom.Me
High Protein Breakfasts
Smoothies, omelets and more ways to start your morning off right
Article Excerpt:
If you find yourself dragging in the morning and experiencing the midday slumps at the office, it may be time to pump up your day with high-protein breakfasts. “Protein is not just good for the muscles, it’s also good for satiety,” says Kate Myerson, Vermont-based registered dietitian with Vtrim, an online healthy weight management program. Pep up your routine with tasty morning treats that will satisfy your taste buds and increase your energy level. Read more »
Family Activities with Preteens
Published April 2013: Mom.Me
Family Activities with Preteens
Movies, murals and other fun ways to pass the day
Article Excerpt:
As your preteen begins to explore her freedom and social life, family time may not be as important or appealing to her as it used to be when she was younger. But just because your preteen is growing up doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice time with her. “Take the time to get to know your preteen, find out her likes and dislikes and listen to her,” says Erica Ives, California-based family therapist. By tuning into her interests, you may soon find she actually wants to spend time with her loved ones and is willing to dive into family activities. Read more »
Gardening for Kids
Published April 2013: Mom.Me
Gardening for Kids
Grow your own: Tips for planting a family garden
Article Excerpt:
If your children cringe at the sight of peas on the dinner table, a family garden may be the solution to get them excited about fruits and veggies. “Gardening helps parents and children spend time together outdoors, take pride in growing their own food, learn about our ecosystem and connect to each other and to others who have lived on the land before us,” says Susan Lipman, California-based gardening expert with the Children & Nature Network and author of “Fed Up With Frenzy.” Read more »
Fresh Ideas for Kids’ Lunches
Published April 2013: Mom.Me
Fresh Ideas for Kids’ Lunches
Pizza squares, tortilla wraps and more alternatives to the same old PB&J
Article Excerpt:
If it seems like day after day you’re making the same old PB & J sandwiches for your little ones, it might be time to freshen up lunchtime with something new and innovative. A healthy lunch can make a difference in your child’s energy level and academic achievement, according to Stephanie Cundith, Kansas-based registered dietitian. “Access to better nutrition, coupled with increased opportunities for physical activity, may help students reach their potential throughout the school year,” she says. Read more »
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and instructor, freelance writer, and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter. Comments are welcome!
