It was after a very long winter and losing a close loved one that I started sorting out what is really important to me. My thought process included, “What do I value?” and “What do I want to teach my daughter?” I was in a constant hurry and was sick of dreading yes or no decisions. It was at this point in my life I found minimalism and became a Minimalist Mom.

When we as parents take a moment to stop and ask ourselves why we're dragging our kids from one activity to the next, we are often surprised by the answer. In slowing down we are able to really enjoy the magic in simple everyday moments with our children.

A lesson in postpartum positivity: Everyone has their own ‘imperfections’ and there’s nothing imperfect about them, they are what makes us unique. They tell a story. Your worth is not measured by the size of your waist. This is postpartum & Y.O.U. are beautiful! Shake what your baby gave you and have a beautiful day!

Happy Father's Day! On this very special day, I (Kathleen) want to give a special shout out to Justin: father of four, husband, my partner in life and business, and the talented woodworker behind Smiling Tree Toys. 

If you're a work-from-home Mom like me, summertime elicits feelings of family fun and R&R along with some serious angst wondering how I'm going to keep up with work while the kids are home. But that's all going to change this year, because I am taking steps to better prepare ourselves. These are my tips from one working mother to another for a fantastic summer for the whole family!

Hey Smiling Tree Mamas, here's to you on Mother's Day! Motherhood may not be all rainbows and lollipops, but it is pretty incredible.  So keep on keepin' on! Keep on TEACHING, keep on GIVING, keep on BELIEVING in your babes, and most importantly, keep on LOVING.  None of us are perfect, but in the eyes of our children, we're pretty darn close.