2023 was my biggest memoir year yet and the year I finally got back into fiction. Here are the books that actually stuck with me, plus the full list of everything I finished with links for easy finding.
After 10 years as a Career Services Director, I lived and breathed job boards every single day. These are the five I’d actually tell a friend to use — especially if you’re hunting for remote roles with real salary transparency.
The Lego World Map doesn’t come with instructions for the custom ocean design — so I figured it out myself. Here’s how I built mine, where I found inspiration, and the free tool that saved me from a lot of misplaced tiles.
We took the whole family to Monster Jam at State Farm Stadium and had a genuinely great time — even as first-timers. Here’s our full itinerary, what I packed, what it cost, and the one upgrade that was absolutely worth the money.
In 2020 I listened to more books than ever before — 39 in total — and the secret was audiobooks at 2x speed plus two free apps most people don’t know about. Here’s the full list sorted by app, with my favorites broken out by mood.
The Jungle Jumparoo has been in our house since 2020 and my kids still jump on it constantly. If you’re looking for an indoor alternative to a trampoline that actually holds up, this is the one.
We’ve had an Arizona Science Center membership for years and use it constantly — not just locally, but when we travel too. The ASTC Travel Passport program alone has saved us hundreds of dollars. Here’s exactly how we make it work.
If you’re a chronic notetaker who’s tired of losing your best ideas across a dozen different notebooks, the Rocketbook might be the smartest thing you add to your desk this year. I’ve been using mine since 2020 and it’s still my go to for pen and paper note taking.
My morning routine is about as minimal as it gets — no long mirror sessions, no complicated steps. A little prep the night before, a few products I actually trust, and I’m ready to go. Here’s what works for me.
Updated April 2026 I originally wrote this post in October 2019 when Colton was almost 6 and Connor was 2. This past weekend I found our Beco Toddler Carrier in the garage and, out of curiosity, strapped Connor in. He’s…
Working mom, operations nerd, and systems-obsessed optimizer sharing practical product picks, career tips, and real-life recommendations for people trying to do it all without losing themselves.
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Katie
