Dena
Dena was born in California but has called Albuquerque her home for the better part of her life. She married her college sweetheart, a native New Mexican, who introduced her to the beautiful Sandia Mountain views and the magic of luminarias during the holidays. Dena is an Educational Audiologist by day and a Super Mom by night. She has two young children that fill her days with equal parts love, laughter, and insanity. She enjoys losing herself in a good book, carving out time to spend with her girlfriends, taking deep breaths in the outdoors, and cozying up on cabin vacations.
Have Yourself a “Smalliday”
I've heard the word "smalliday" to describe a scaled-down holiday celebration that strives to reduce over-consumption and over-excessive gift-giving. It brought me back to reality and had me truly thinking about the meaning of...
Allergy-Friendly Halloween Treat Ideas (Includes Free Printable)
It's spooky season! My favorite time of the year . . . and even more exciting and special with two little ones. My three year old is so excited to be a witch skeleton...
A Letter from a Domestic Violence Survivor (+ Facts and Resources)
TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains descriptions of domestic violence.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I hold it close to my heart. It is a month to recognize survivors, advocate for victims, and seek help...
5 Confessions of a Sleep-Deprived “Mombie”
Hey, mama. I see you. You're sleep-deprived. Running on empty with a total of five hours of rest last night. You're already three cups of coffee deep this morning. I applaud you for waking...
10 Potty Training Tips from Real ABQ Moms
Motherhood is all about seasons, but potty training season is my least favorite. I have successfully toilet-trained one child and we're in the thick of it with the second. When friends ask for my...
My Top 5 Protein-Packed Costco Snacks
Raise your hand if you're guilty of getting everything at Costco . . . from furniture and clothing to stocking your pantry with bulk item grocery goodies! Yup, me too! Costco became my saving...
Keep Marching Forward :: Our “Allergic March” Journey
I looked to my husband when I was pregnant with my son and said, “I hope he gets your genes because I would hate to pass on mine.” I struggled with eczema and allergy...
Must-Have Products for Eczema and Sensitive Skin
It can be really challenging to find the right products for a child who suffers from eczema and sensitive skin. Every child responds differently to treatment options, so it can feel overwhelming to find...
Guide to Storytime in Albuquerque
As moms, we have the opportunity to build the foundation for reading with our children when they are very young. Babbling with your baby is the beginning of language development. Describing what you see...
Budget-Friendly Local Gift Guide for the Holidays
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I love to shop locally to support artists, vendors, and businesses in our community. Shopping small improves our city's workforce and economy. Additionally, you can find...
5 Tips for Biking to the Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attracts about 750,000 visitors each year, which means a whole lotta traffic! There's nothing I hate more than sitting in traffic, and there's nothing I love more than the...
5 Ways to Prioritize Your Life and Find Your Happy
I am the "yes" girl. We all know one. The one at work will say yes to an additional responsibility or task. She packs her schedule full of all the things so she can...
ABQ Mom’s Favorite Drugstore Makeup Products
If you don't have the time or budget to visit specialty makeup stores, raise your hand! Did you raise your hand? If so, you're in the right place. I'm looking at all of you...
The Great Big Albuquerque Summer Bucket List :: 100+ Fun Ideas
School's out, which means summer is in session! Hello, sunshine, warm weather, and laughter into the late evenings! I can already smell the BBQ and feel the cool pool splashes on my skin. This...