We knew we weren’t ready to hand over a fully connected smartphone yet, but simply saying “wait” without a plan was making us the villains in her story. I needed a way to show her that our rules weren’t about control, but about preparation. That’s when the idea of a device contract really clicked. We needed something tangible and fair. And something that provided a clear roadmap so she didn’t have to wonder when the “no” would finally turn into a “yes.”

Why a Phone Contract for Kids Works Better Than Rules

When we stopped viewing these expectations as a set of strict rules, we shifted to viewing them as a collaborative agreement. A phone contract for kids serves a much higher purpose than just keeping them off TikTok at 2:00 AM. It creates buy-in. When we sat down with our daughter, it wasn’t a lecture; it was a meeting where she was a stakeholder. We handed her the draft and let her read it, digest it, and even suggest her own revisions. We wanted her to see that this agreement was built on a foundation of trust, respect, and balance rather than just a list of things she couldn’t do.

By documenting our concerns—like the addictive nature of certain apps or the importance of sleep—she began to understand that our hesitation wasn’t about her character, but about the technology itself. The most powerful part of this process was including a path to a phone. We committed to a specific date for her first smartphone, which immediately took the daily pressure off all of us. She stopped asking when it would happen because she had it in writing. And we stopped feeling like we were constantly moving the goalposts.

What We Include in Our Family Device Contract

Our current contract is divided into sections that grow as she does. Starting with her current tech—which includes an Apple Watch and an iPad for school. One of the first things we did to show good faith was to remove the existing downtime and app restrictions we had previously set. We told her that this was a privilege reflecting our belief that she was ready for more responsibility. It felt like a bit of a leap for us, but it was essential to show her that we were serious about trusting her to manage her own time.

However, we remained very firm on screen time rules tweens often struggle with, specifically regarding short-form video content. Our agreement explicitly states that platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are not permitted on any device. We explained to her that research shows these formats are designed to be addictive and can negatively affect the focus and well-being of developing brains.

Another non-negotiable in our house is the kitchen charging rule. Every single night, all devices must be placed on the kitchen charging station by an agreed-upon bedtime. We are huge believers that sleep matters more than any screen. Along with this, we’ve established that devices aren’t welcome during family meals or conversations unless we specifically permit them. The goal is to ensure that screen time never takes priority over homework, chores, or family connection.

Perhaps the most unique part of our contract is the work requirement. To get a phone on her 14th birthday, she must hold a summer job. We want her to learn the value of earning, responsibility, and independence, which are all qualities that go hand-in-hand with owning a smartphone. If she can handle this responsibility, we feel much more confident that she can handle the responsibility of a data plan.

The agreement also outlines exactly what happens if trust is broken. We’ve agreed that the first step is always a family conversation, not an immediate punishment. And that repeated violations can lead to restrictions put in place or the temporary loss of the device.

Tips for the Conversation

If you’re ready to introduce a contract, my biggest piece of advice is to make it a collaboration, not a confrontation. Don’t spring it on them during a tense moment. Instead give them a heads up and schedule a “family meeting. Start by acknowledging the things they are doing well and explain your “why” behind the rules.

When kids understand that a rule exists to protect their sleep or their mental health—rather than just to “be mean”—they are much more likely to respect it. Most importantly, commit to reviewing the agreement regularly. We’ve set a date to revisit ours every year on our daughter’s birthday. As she grows and proves she can handle her current level of freedom, the trust and her independence will grow right along with her.

Building a Digital Future Together

I realized through all this, that you don’t have to be a perfect parent to navigate the digital world. But you do have to be a proactive one. Transitioning from a state of constant conflict to a state of clear expectations has changed the entire energy of our home.

Communication is the bridge that turns a screen from a source of stress into a tool for connection. If you’ve been feeling that strain in your relationship, I highly encourage you to sit down and put a plan on paper. It’s not about controlling their every move; it’s about giving them the guardrails they need to eventually drive on their own. Start the conversation today and watch how much more smoothly the phone journey becomes when everyone is reading from the same script.

The post How This Simple Phone Contract for Kids Saved Our Sanity as Parents appeared first on Jane Erica.

When Brett and I got married, we made a promise—not just to each other, but to our future kids—that they’d grow up knowing both of our traditions. I was raised Jewish, Brett was raised Catholic, and together we decided to create a home where both Hanukkah and Christmas could shine.

And honestly? It’s been such a gift.

Every December, our kids get the glow of menorah candles and the sparkle of Christmas lights. We celebrate Hanukkah with my parents, Christmas with Brett’s parents, and squeeze in our own little family rituals too. The key for us has been keeping each holiday distinct, so they both feel special—and never like one is competing with the other.

But more importantly for us, is the culture. It’s about our history, and teaching our kids that celebrating more than one tradition makes them richer. We want them to grow up seeing diversity as something beautiful, something to respect and embrace—not something to fear.

A Simple Guide for Interfaith Families

There seems to be a growing number of parents raising their children in interfaith homes, and there’s really no wrong way to do it. What’s important is to focus on whatever works best for your family. But if you’re curious, here’s a peek into how we make it all work (with a little laughter, a lot of love, and maybe too many latkes).

Keep the Holidays Distinct (But Both Magical)

One tip for interfaith families is to remember that Hanukkah and Christmas are separate holidays that shouldn’t compete with each other. Each celebration carries its own special meaning and traditions.

With Hanukkah, we go all in: lighting the menorah every night with my parents, singing blessings, frying up latkes until the house smells like heaven, and playing dreidel (my kids get very competitive over those chocolate gelt coins).

Then, we travel to Brett’s parents house and slip into full Christmas mode with his family. Think stockings with our names on them, extended-family chaos on Christmas Eve, and Christmas morning in matching pajamas while we sip coffee and hand out presents.

By making both holidays distinct, our kids never feel like one is overshadowing the other—and honestly, it makes December feel like one long, sparkly celebration.

Find the Magic They Share

This doesn’t mean they can’t intermingle in some ways. We don’t spend a lot of energy trying to separate every single detail. For instance, we have Hanukkah ornaments on our Christmas tree, decorate our golf cart to honor both holidays, and have even brought our menorah to Brett’s parents to sing the prayer and light the candles when the two holidays overlapped.

There are also so many similarities between Christmas and Hanukkah. Both holidays celebrate light, togetherness, love and perseverance.

And here’s the thing: when our children see that two very different traditions can share common values, they learn something bigger. They learn that cultures—even ones that don’t look or sound the same—often carry the same heart. That’s a lesson I hope stays with them long after the last candle and ornament are put away.

Talk About It (and Let Kids Ask)

Children are naturally curious about their dual heritage. Another tip for interfaith families is to talk openly about how Mom and Dad have different religions and explain the significance of each tradition. So, along with the fun, we also tell the stories. The Maccabees. The Nativity. We want our kids to know that holidays aren’t just “about the gifts”—they’re about remembering history, honoring traditions, and appreciating the values that shape who we are.

Our kids know Mom is Jewish and Dad is Catholic, and we’ve always kept that conversation open. They ask questions and we answer honestly in ways they can understand. (There are a lot of great YouTube videos and books for kids out there that have helped us along the way.)

This is where the cultural piece really comes in. It’s not just “our” holidays we talk about—it’s the idea that lots of families around the world celebrate differently, and that’s something to be curious about and proud of. By understanding our traditions, they’re better able to understand and respect others too.

(If you struggle with maintaining an open and calm demeanor during tough conversations, check out my tips on How To Be Patient With Your Kids.)

A Simple Guide for Interfaith Families

Blending two sets of traditions isn’t always seamless—sometimes it’s a juggling act, but it’s always worth it.

Your unique family celebration makes the holiday season special. By honoring both parents’ traditions, you’re not just doubling the joy and memories, you’re teaching your kids that being open to multiple cultures isn’t confusing—it’s a true gift. It helps them grow into those compassionate, curious, and respectful humans we all hope to raise.

And at the end of the day, holiday joy isn’t about what’s under the tree or how many candles are lit. It’s about honoring where we come from, celebrating what we share, and raising kids who see diversity as something to celebrate.

For more on embracing the beautiful mess of parenting, read about the Challenges of Motherhood: An Ever-Changing Adventure in Imperfection.

The post Celebrating Eight Nights And Christmas Morning: A Simple Guide for Interfaith Families appeared first on Jane Erica.

The other day, I caught myself grumbling about another busy week—carpools, meetings, late dinners. At the end of the week, we were supposed to go out for a friend’s birthday, and I completely forgot to plan a sitter. When I called my mom last minute to see if she could watch the kids, she said yes right away. And it hit me how rare and lucky this is.

I have both of my parents nearby, healthy and able to be part of my kids’ everyday life—cheering at soccer games, attending birthday parties, watching football together on weekends. And yet, sometimes I forget to show how much it means to me. That moment reminded me: gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful, it’s about showing it—making sure the people who matter most actually hear it from us.

The Power of Voiced Gratitude

Gratitude becomes most powerful when it’s voiced. A whispered thank-you, a hug, a quick text—it’s these gestures that transform fleeting feelings into deeper connections. And research backs this up. Expressing gratitude not only strengthens relationships but also boosts happiness and even physical health. 

But gratitude doesn’t have to start with grand gestures—it begins with noticing. Even simply writing down things you are grateful for each week can make you feel happier and more optimistic. Recognition is the first step and when we pause to name what’s good, we create space to then express it. And gratitude doesn’t have to be dramatic, it can live in the small stuff, too. Like gathering for a family meal, having a body strong enough to carry you through the day, or even laughing through the nightly debate over what’s for dinner. The more we practice seeing these everyday gifts, the more natural it becomes to voice our thanks.

And here’s where the real legacy lies: modeling it. When we voice our gratitude out loud, our kids notice. Psychologists say children who learn to express thanks build resilience, empathy, and stronger bonds. 

Little Lifts You Can Try This Week

1. Say It Out Loud
Don’t assume your gratitude is understood. Tell your parents, partner, or kids one specific thing you’re thankful for this week. Even a simple “Thanks for showing up” can go further than you think.

2. Gratitude Cue for Kids
At dinner or bedtime, ask your kids: “What’s one thing today that made you feel happy or one moment you’re glad happened?” Encourage them to name people as often as things to help anchor gratitude in relationships.

3. Write It Down
Keep a small notebook or phone note where you jot one moment of gratitude each day. Reading back through even a week’s worth is a powerful reminder of abundance.

4. Health Check of Thanks

Pause once this week to notice something your body can do—carry groceries, chase your kids, breathe deeply. Gratitude for your health, however ordinary it feels, creates resilience when life gets hectic.

5. Shift to “Get To”

When you feel weighed down by routines—say to yourself, I get to pick up my kids today. I get to watch this soccer game. I get to tuck them in tonight. This tiny reframe pulls you back to the gift hidden in the grind.

Gratitude in Action

Gratitude isn’t meant to stay silent. When we voice it, we remind others—and ourselves—just how much the little things matter.

Your Little Lift Challenge: This week, tell someone how much they mean to you. Then, model the practice for your kids—it may just become their favorite daily habit, too.

If journaling speaks to you, jot down one small moment of gratitude each day. Or keep it simple: ask yourself—“If tomorrow looked completely different, what ordinary moment from today would I miss most?” Hold onto that thought—and let it shape how you move through this week.

The post How Saying “Thank You” Changes Everything | A Little Lift appeared first on Jane Erica.

One day, as I took my afternoon walk, I witnessed a giant crane in my neighbor’s yard with a sign that said “Sunny Pools” and I thought to myself, what is this? I found out that Sunny Pools specializes in fiberglass pools, which is a more cost effective option than building a concrete pool. As soon as we heard about it we looked into it.

Our Backyard Makeover: The Vision Coming to Life

Once we decided that a fiberglass pool was a great option for us, we started quoting with multiple companies, and ultimately went with Sunny Pools. Their knowledge and service was of such high caliber and they had so many pool styles to choose from.

We knew we wanted freeform, maybe with a water feature, and definitely with a lounging ledge.

But the pool wasn’t the only thing on our reno list. Our patio was way too low to put fans up and the aluminum wasn’t insulated so it was excruciatingly hot during the summer which rendered it unusable. Plus, we wanted some additional covered space to put an outdoor kitchen in. We found a company, A1 Aluminium, who was able to raise our ceilings and give us the resort look and feel we wanted.

Finally, we worked with another partner, Firethorn, who helped us bring our vision to life with final touches—waterfall, landscaping and configuring our kitchen with everything we could have asked for. So are you ready for the backyard makeover reveal?

Our Backyard Makeover: Revealing our dream pool and outdoor paradise

We are so happy with how everything came out. Our vision for transformation became a true reality.

The lounging ledge has become my personal poolside haven, with the addition of our Ledge Loungers. (A splurge we went with when they were on sale and pretty much our first purchase.)

The original plans called for a retention wall along the left side of the pool, due to a big dip in our yard. We weren’t thrilled about that and wanted a way to make it seem like it was part of the design. That’s what gave us the idea to put a water line in near the wall to build a waterfall. To our delight, our yard ended up being level from the dirt left behind, and we ended up not needing the wall afterall.

We were thrilled, but also set on having a waterfall. So we moved it to the center of the pool as a focal piece.

I’m so glad we kept it. It makes for such a relaxing atmosphere when you are out there listening to the water. Plus, it’s pretty fun to dunk in it, too.

The next space in our plan that was important to us was dining and a really comfy seating area.

Our Backyard Makeover: Dining and Relaxing al Fresco

I loved the design from our original backyard patio makeover—black and white with natural wood accents—and knew I couldn’t go wrong with that route. It was all about finding the right pieces. This Pottery Barn dining table set was the absolute perfect look and it really set the stage for overall design.

Dining Set | Coasters | Citronella Candle (similar)

For our sitting area, I knew I wanted something extremely comfortable and was hesitant about buying anything online that I couldn’t test. Our friends had a sectional from Ashley Furniture and it was so comfortable, we didn’t even search anywhere else for outdoor furniture. We got the black version of the same sectional. Pottery Barn didn’t make a matching coffee table, which was my original vision, but the area rug and pillows help add the natural look into this space. Brett really wanted the fire pit coffee table when he saw it and talked me into getting it. I will admit, it is pretty cool.

Rug Option (Budget-Friendly) | Rug Option (High-End) | Fan | Outdoor Sofa | Coffee Table | Pillows

Our Backyard Makeover: Lounging in Style

My favorite area is up next. It’s the VIP ladies’ lounge.

Just outside our covered patio, we had extended our paver decking out, enough for lounge chairs and umbrella. As we set everything up, I realized this area needed some help hiding the pool equipment right behind it. That’s where the planter boxes and faux boxwoods came in. Even though the planters were a PIA to put together, I’m really happy with how it came together. We kept the privacy wall in place, paying homage to our original design, and giving a nice separation from the two spaces.

Lounge Chairs (Budget-friendly) | Lounge Chairs (High-End) | Umbrella (similar) | Towels | Planters (Budget-Friendly) | Planters (High-End) | Boxwood Hedges | Iron Table

I have to tell my umbrella story, because I totally lucked out with this find! This umbrella style was huge before we started building our pool and I always envisioned a black umbrella with white scalloped edge. I couldn’t find it anywhere. It was either white with black edges or navy blue. I found this baby in a Home Goods and it was too good to be true. So this was such a great budget find. Gotta love Home Goods!

Next up is the kitchen! We only had so much space to work with but it has everything we wanted.

We went with the same stone from the waterfall, and black granite countertops that are definitely a wow piece. The coolest part is—they disassembled our Weber grill and built it into the kitchen for us.

Bar Stools (bar height, our exact ones are out of stock)

The bar stools really bring it all together, and it was like the internet manifested exactly what I wanted as I searched for them online.

Our Backyard Makeover: Revealing our dream pool and outdoor paradise

We are so happy to have this space for our family and in time for summer. That was really a huge deciding factor for us in moving forward with our backyard project. We really wanted the kids to enjoy it while they are still young enough “play” and have friends over. When I told Brett I wanted a pool, it wasn’t until I said “The kids won’t be young forever..” that was the selling point. We’re always really thoughtful when budgeting for things and making sure it was a good opportunity for us, and in the end it was. And it’s been one of the best investments we’ve made since we moved in.

I hope you enjoyed our backyard makeover reveal and are inspired for your own future paradise.

The post Backyard Makeover: Revealing our dream pool and outdoor paradise appeared first on Jane Erica.

The In Between Time For a Reader

My long book list awaits, and the next one is ready at the library… but what about that in-between time? The time I need to reflect on what I’ve experienced, the characters I’ve bonded with, and the story that still lingers in my mind as glimpses of it appear throughout daily life.

It’s hard to leave one world and immediately jump into another. That’s why I felt the need to start a book club – sometimes you just need to talk about it. To find closure, revisit the characters you’ve been through so much with, and give yourself time to process before filing them away in the library of your mind and moving on.

So, how can you make the most of the in-between time for a reader like yourself? Here are a few practices to help you savor the previous story while preparing for the next.

1. Reflection Timeframe

Take some time to reflect on the story. Even better if you know someone who has also read the book so you can talk about those lingering items or questions you might still have. Reflection time will definitely vary depending on how complex the book was. Start with a day and let the adjustment settle in before immediately switching over to a new story. You’ll also find that you’ve opened your mind up to take in a new world or topic if you give yourself a day’s separation from the previous book.

2. Journaling

Sometimes switching to a new book immediately can cause you to lose site of the details you loved so much from the previous book. Writing down thoughts, feelings or quotes from the book will help differentiate each novel on your list, allowing you to process the experience more and recall those details in conversations when the time comes. Goodreads allows you to take notes in the app while you are reading if you set the book up as currently reading.

3. Book Club Conversations

I cannot recommend enough starting a book club with a great group of people who love and enjoy reading as much as you do. The conversations and insights you get from discussing the books and topics is like nothing else I’ve experienced. It’s my personal favorite in between time for a reader. This coping method is great because I not only get to voice my opinions and thoughts, but I’m able to hear other’s perspectives and ideas I wouldn’t have thought of. It’s the ultimate closure of a novel, in my opinion.

4. Choosing the Next Book Wisely

Sometimes, when reading the same genre of book back-to-back, you can find yourself confused and merging the plot lines together later on, or even during the book—and then not remembering anything about it at all. One time, I checked out a book from the library, not realizing I had already read it! I was really into the mystery/thriller genre then and they can be very similar. The next book choice is definitely an important one. If you just read a long series, you can try a shorter one next to break it up before you dive back into another lengthy one. Or try a biography if you’ve been in the same world for the past 4 novels to break things up.

5. Research

Sometimes books can leave you wondering and yearning for more information. If a book has sparked your curiosity about a particular time period, location, or topic, give yourself permission to dive deeper. This time will help you adjust to what you’ve read, and understand the novel and what the author was trying to communicate at an even deeper level. Historical fiction often leaves me in a period of wonder and has me researching real events or cultures inspired by the story. Science fiction might lead me to articles about emerging technologies. This research enriches the reading experience and provides a sense of closure.

6. Goodreads Community

Goodreads is more than just a place to log your reads – it’s a vibrant community of book lovers. In the same vein as research, you can finish a story and find that you have very strong feelings about it. When that happens to me, I feel the need to find others in the group for the book I’ve just finished and see what discussions are happening. When you do this, you might be surprised at the different perspectives but also at ease that others understand exactly how you’re feeling. Those conversations can help you process your emotions and gain new insights.

I hope you have enjoyed this post about the in between time for a reader and have taken away some positive coping methods while on your reading adventure. It’s always nice to know that others are feeling the same way you are especially when it comes to the amazing world of reading.

If you’re interested to learn more about some of the books I’ve read in recent years, check out my book reviews from 2022, 2023 and 2024 and find inspiration for your next read! Also, join me and my book club by following along with this post, updated monthly with the books we are reading and discussing.

The post The In Between Time For a Reader appeared first on Jane Erica.

This post dives head first into the challenges of motherhood. The nitty-gritty of embracing the unknown when it comes to parenting, the dreaded mommy guilt (and how to escape it), and a reminder that laughter—and a whole lot of caffeine—can get you through even the most chaotic days.

Tackling the Challenges of Motherhood Head On

There are going to be challenges faced at every stage of motherhood. But with self-awareness, a positive mindset, and a community of support to help, you have what you need to be the best mother ever. Here are 6 tips for getting through those challenges and some reminders that you are not the only one experiencing them. Remember these tips as your facing the challenges of motherhood, on a daily basis…. or realistically throughout the day!

1. Embrace the Unknown

The moment that tiny baby is placed in your arms, you’re thrust into a world of unknowns. And the funny thing is, the second you think you know what you’re doing, a new phase begins and it’s back to square one. It’s a journey of constant adapting, and sometimes (okay, often) you’re gonna stumble. Enjoy every moment and phase, because it only happens once, and in a blink of an eye, you’re on to the next. When when you stumble, you’re teaching your little one the most valuable lesson they’ll ever learn: how to get back up, dust themselves off, and keep on truckin’.

2. Remember The Power of a “Do-Over”

We’ve all had those days – the ones where patience wears thin, the yelling happens (even though you swore you never would), and you collapse onto the couch at bedtime thinking, “Well, there’s a day I can never get back.” But here’s the beauty of being a mom: every day is a chance for a do-over. It’s okay to look at your kiddo and say, “You know what? Mommy messed up. Let’s try that again.” Don’t be afraid to apologize and model forgiveness for your kids. When you do this, it’s incredible how that reset can change the dynamic between you and your child for the better.

3. Stay Positive (Even When It’s Hard)

Some days it feels like everything is working against you. The baby refuses to nap, the tween is giving major attitude for no apparent reason, and honestly, did you even put deodorant on today? In those chaotic moments, finding even a sliver of positivity can make a difference. Maybe it’s cranking up a feel-good song or taking a deep breath and reminding yourself that this season won’t last forever. Your kids are watching you, but instead of pressure, think of it as an opportunity. By showing them how you try, imperfectly but wholeheartedly, they’ll see that it’s okay have bad days and still look on the bright side.

4. Caffeine Can Be Your Love Language

Coffee, am I right? It’s the lifeblood of most moms I know. And honestly, those cups of caffeine-fueled goodness are tiny reminders that you don’t have to have it all together. For some, it’s the fuel to survive another round of tantrums and sleepless nights. For others, it’s the pick-me-up to power through endless carpooling, sports practices, and the never-ending juggle of after-school activities. Either way, that caffeine is a lifeline, reminding you that this exhausting season (whenever it may be) is temporary. Sleep will return, the kids will grow up, and you’ll look back on these days with a mix of exhaustion and nostalgia. So go ahead, pour that second (or third, or fourth…) cup, and remember that you’re not alone in the chaos.

5. Don’t Get Stuck in The Mommy Guilt Trap

Don’t think you are alone in this—scrolling through social media, seeing everyone’s highlight reels, and thinking you’re the only one messing up. Let’s break that cycle, shall we? Your kid’s mismatched shoes and your own unwashed hair are not failures. They’re battle scars from the front lines of parenting, and they’re proof that you’re showing up, even when it’s hard. So let’s agree to extend ourselves some grace, and remember that no one posts a picture of their most epic meltdown (but wouldn’t that be awesome?)

6. Learn to Laugh (Even at Yourself)

At the end of the day, motherhood is a big ol’ messy beautiful joke, and we’re all just trying not to be the punchline. So embrace the chaos, laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, and remember that your kids don’t need perfect – they need present. They need you to be their safe space, their rock, and their guiding light. And they’re gonna think you’re the coolest, most awesome person on the planet for it! At least for a few more years, so roll with it.

The Challenges of Motherhood: An Ever-Changing Adventure in Imperfection

Remember, even on the toughest days, that motherhood is a journey, not a destination. It’s a beautiful, messy, crazy adventure in learning, growing, and loving with your whole heart. So take a deep breath, put on your favorite dance jam, and just keep showing up. Keep loving hard, apologizing when you mess up, and laughing at the absurdity of it all.

Because at the end of the day, our kids won’t remember the messy house or the days we wore our pajamas all day—for the third time that week. In the messy, beautiful chaos of motherhood, you’re exactly what your kids need, imperfections and all.

The post Challenges of Motherhood: An Ever-Changing Adventure in Imperfection appeared first on Jane Erica.

Questions about My 9 year old son

I got a brand new list of questions, so let’s get into these hilarious answers.

• One word to describe you would be funny.

• If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why? “An eagle, because I can fly super high and you can also walk and you eat fish every night. And I love fish.”

• What’s the best thing that’s happened to you lately? “The Eagles are going to the Superbowl.”

• What’s something you’re looking forward to? “Definitely going on a cruise.”

• Where do you want to live when you grow up? “Florida. And if I can’t afford a house, I want to be a roommate with my friend.”

• What kind of car would you like to drive? “A Lime Green Dodge Challenger.”

• If you could go anywhere in the world, what place would you most want to travel to? Why? “Paris, because the Eiffel tower, it’s so beautiful. And I can learn some French.”

• What’s the last thing that made you laugh really hard? “My friend reacted to these people, and he did the funniest dance I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” [performed dance while laughing, very hard]

• What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Probably to not be dumb cause I do a lot of dumb things. I am a kid, we do a lot of dumb things. All of my friends do dumb stuff like chilling on a brick wall.”

• If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? “Internet, Ipad with unlimited screen time, unlimited food”… thinks through surviving and changes mind to “unlimited food, unlimited water, and a friend.”

• If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? “Chicken Pot Pie.”

Favorites

What is your favorite….

• Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

• TV Show: Hunter x Hunter

• Movie: The Hunger Games

• Character in any of the above: Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter

• Toy or Game: Roblox

• Color: Lime Green

• Word: I have three favorite words, Never give up

• Sports team: Real Madrid, because Mbappe moved

• Thing to eat for breakfast: Cereal

• Subject in school: Math and writing

• Activity: Soccer

Questions About Mom & Dad

• I love it when Mom or Dad cooks: “Still The Ush.” I don’t think this answer will ever change. It’s pasta, chicken nuggets and a veggie.

• What do you love doing with your mom? “Going to the skate park.”

• What do you love doing with your dad? “Going to astro skate”

• What do you love most about your dad? “He is funny and makes a lot of funny stuff up.”

• What do you love most about your mom? “Your brave and funny.”

When I grow up….

• When I grow up I want to be a professional soccer player.

And this answer has pretty much stayed the same since he was 7.

This post was once again so much fun, and a yearly tradition. I hope you enjoyed this interview with my 9 year old son!

Other Adventures with My Boy

This boy is a handful, of fun. Check out some other motherhood adventures like a visit from Santa + the Doctor at an Urgent care, last year’s interview, or these fun ways to stay active as a family.

The post An Interview With My 9 Year Old Son appeared first on Jane Erica.

Portable Wi-Fi Projector | Beats Headphones | Philips Sonicare Toothbrush | Rechargeable Walkie Talkies | Keurig K-Mini Go Machine | Charging Station | Roborok Vacuum + Mop

Charging Station

For the Apple device user, this space-saving charging station is so convenient and sleep looking for the nightstand.

Roborok Vacuum + Mop

Every home needs a robot vacuum. We have this brand and love it. You can program scheduled cleanings in specified rooms.

Oura Ring

For the data enthusiast and health conscious, the technology in the Oura Ring is next level. Great alternative to a watch.

Portable Party Speaker

Bring the party with this speaker that not only brings the music but sets the vibe. This deal is incredible too!

More Gifts for The Techy to shop for:

I hope you are inspired to shop for the tech lover in your life! There are some more great ideas in the links below.

Shop Now!

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Other Gift Guides:

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Rare Beauty Mini Blush Trio | Abercrombie Kids Sweatshirt | Abercrombie Kids Sweatpants | Harry Potter Backpack | Jewelry Box | Ordinary Moisturizer | Touchland Hand Sanitizer | Lululemon Everywhere Bag

Mini Blush Trio

Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez products are all the rage with the tween girls and her products are really high quality. They rate well on the EWG scale for safe products as well and are beautiful on the skin without being to heavy.

Abercrombie Kids Sweatsuit Set

Abercrombie Kids has such quality products, so when “sweatpants and sweatshirt” showed up on the list, I knew the place to check. Love the style and the neutral color of this green set, too.

Lululemon Everywhere Bag

Anything from Lululemon would be a hit with the tween girls. This everywhere bag has a pop of color and the two toned strap adds a nice detail to the piece. You might find yourself borrowing this one every now and then.

Jewelry Box

This jewelry box has it all. First, it’s beautiful for leaving atop of the dresser, and it has a place for every piece of jewelry, especially those Kendra Scott necklaces surely on the list as well.

More Gifts for Tween Girls to shop for:

I hope you are inspired to shop for the special girl in your life! There are some more great ideas for tween girls in the links below.

Shop Now!

Scroll below to shop everything from this post and more.

Other Gift Guides:

The post Tween Girls Ultimate Dream List Gift Guide appeared first on Jane Erica.

And if you loved the movie The Greatest Showman or even just love the idea of the circus, it’s perfect!

What I love even more about this great couples Halloween costume, is that it’s perfect for those who love to dress up and those who like to keep it easy and simple.

What should a couple be for Halloween?

One idea is a ringmaster (or ring mistress) and a lion!

What I love about this costume

The ring mistress costume is so cute and such great quality. It’s so flattering and very fun to wear. It didn’t come with the tights, but I found them easily at Target.

And the lion costume, which was really just the mane, claws and tail, made it so easy for Brett to dress up. He’s pretty go with the flow, but I knew this would make it an easy win. He paired it with some beige clothes he had already in his closet.

Cute Couples Halloween Costume Idea

It’s definitely a win for a cute Halloween costume idea for a couple, or even friends.

The other acts of our show included a magical unicorn and a fighting Power Ranger.

This is The Greatest Show!

Come alive this year as the ring mistress and her greatest act, the ferocious lion!

Shop this Easy and Spectacular Couple’s Halloween Costume Here:

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