Verified Mom - Phyllis, Author at Verified Mom https://www.verifiedmom.com/author/admin/ Unapologetically Me Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:58:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.verifiedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cropped-VMBookmark152152-32x32.png Verified Mom - Phyllis, Author at Verified Mom https://www.verifiedmom.com/author/admin/ 32 32 I didn’t see the shift coming; when mothering quietly fades. https://www.verifiedmom.com/i-didnt-see-the-shift-coming-when-mothering-quietly-fades/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:55:25 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=34650 No one warned me about the quiet.

Sure, I knew the loud toddler days wouldn’t last forever. I expected the teenage pushback, the slammed doors, the late-night check-ins. But I never expected the slow fade of mothering. One day, I looked around and realized I wasn’t needed in the same way anymore.

The shift didn’t come with a big announcement. It came quietly. A text instead of a phone call. They missed dinner because they … Continue Reading...

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]]> No one warned me about the quiet.

Sure, I knew the loud toddler days wouldn’t last forever. I expected the teenage pushback, the slammed doors, the late-night check-ins. But I never expected the slow fade of mothering. One day, I looked around and realized I wasn’t needed in the same way anymore.

The shift didn’t come with a big announcement. It came quietly. A text instead of a phone call. They missed dinner because they … Continue Reading...

The post I didn’t see the shift coming; when mothering quietly fades. appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Giving the Gift of Yiftee https://www.verifiedmom.com/giving-the-gift-of-yiftee-review/ Wed, 29 May 2024 10:48:00 +0000 http://www.totstoteensmagazine.com/?p=8673
*Updated 5/29/2024 – Original post 10/12/2013*

It’s true, you can deny it if you want, but you know, as well as I do, that when kids get older, the best thing to give them for birthdays and other holidays is gift cards. Gift cards are, in my opinion, the best invention ever! Yes, some may argue that they are not personal and that it’s real easy to just stop and pick one up anywhere with

… Continue Reading...

The post Giving the Gift of Yiftee appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]>
*Updated 5/29/2024 – Original post 10/12/2013*

It’s true, you can deny it if you want, but you know, as well as I do, that when kids get older, the best thing to give them for birthdays and other holidays is gift cards. Gift cards are, in my opinion, the best invention ever! Yes, some may argue that they are not personal and that it’s real easy to just stop and pick one up anywhere with

… Continue Reading...

The post Giving the Gift of Yiftee appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Why It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out Post-High School https://www.verifiedmom.com/why-its-okay-not-to-have-everything-figured-out-post-high-school/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 22:26:17 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19215 Embracing the Post-High School Journey

As parents, we often dream of a linear path for our children’s success: graduate high school, earn a college degree, land a great job, and settle into a comfortable, fulfilling life. However, reality is rarely so straightforward, especially in today’s complex world. My daughter, like many others, stands at the crossroads of adulthood, uncertain about her next steps post-high school. Her hesitation to dive into university life, coupled with the … Continue Reading...

The post Why It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out Post-High School appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Embracing the Post-High School Journey

As parents, we often dream of a linear path for our children’s success: graduate high school, earn a college degree, land a great job, and settle into a comfortable, fulfilling life. However, reality is rarely so straightforward, especially in today’s complex world. My daughter, like many others, stands at the crossroads of adulthood, uncertain about her next steps post-high school. Her hesitation to dive into university life, coupled with the … Continue Reading...

The post Why It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out Post-High School appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Some of our kiddos’ favorite books https://www.verifiedmom.com/some-of-our-kiddos-favorite-books/ Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:51:00 +0000 http://www.totstoteensmagazine.com/?p=4305 In honor of Read Across America Day, we’re diving into the literary treasures that have captured the imaginations of our little ones. From the classics we cherished in our childhood to the contemporary tales that our kids can’t put down, here’s a list that might inspire a new favorite bedtime story in your home.

All links are Amazon Affiliate links. The original post was 3/4/2012 Updated post 10/4/2023

Hey Pancakes by Tamson Weston
Storyline: Dive … Continue Reading...

The post Some of our kiddos’ favorite books appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> In honor of Read Across America Day, we’re diving into the literary treasures that have captured the imaginations of our little ones. From the classics we cherished in our childhood to the contemporary tales that our kids can’t put down, here’s a list that might inspire a new favorite bedtime story in your home.

All links are Amazon Affiliate links. The original post was 3/4/2012 Updated post 10/4/2023

Hey Pancakes by Tamson Weston
Storyline: Dive … Continue Reading...

The post Some of our kiddos’ favorite books appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken https://www.verifiedmom.com/quick-easy-teriyaki-chicken/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:26:22 +0000 http://www.totstoteensmagazine.com/?p=8733  

On bustling weeknights when time seems to be of the essence, I often lean towards recipes that are not just flavorsome but are also quick and effortless. One such lifesaver recipe is the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. The sheer joy it brings to the kids’ faces is unmatched, and the minimal ingredient list is every busy mom’s dream come true!

Ingredients:

Chicken: About 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed to bite-sized perfection.
Onion: A small … Continue Reading...

The post Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]>  

On bustling weeknights when time seems to be of the essence, I often lean towards recipes that are not just flavorsome but are also quick and effortless. One such lifesaver recipe is the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. The sheer joy it brings to the kids’ faces is unmatched, and the minimal ingredient list is every busy mom’s dream come true!

Ingredients:

Chicken: About 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed to bite-sized perfection.
Onion: A small … Continue Reading...

The post Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Handling Temper Tantrums with Grace and Understanding https://www.verifiedmom.com/handling-temper-tantrums/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:39:00 +0000 http://mwav.wordpress.com/?p=490 Handling Temper Tantrums

Every parent dreads it: the temper tantrum. Amplify that with a scene in a public space, like a store, and you have a scenario many might call their “ultimate parenting nightmare”. That was precisely the situation I found myself in recently. My 4-year-old decided that a store’s aisles were the perfect backdrop for a theatrical display of emotions, all because of a toy I felt wasn’t appropriate for her.

A Day at the Store: An

… Continue Reading...

The post Handling Temper Tantrums with Grace and Understanding appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Handling Temper Tantrums

Every parent dreads it: the temper tantrum. Amplify that with a scene in a public space, like a store, and you have a scenario many might call their “ultimate parenting nightmare”. That was precisely the situation I found myself in recently. My 4-year-old decided that a store’s aisles were the perfect backdrop for a theatrical display of emotions, all because of a toy I felt wasn’t appropriate for her.

A Day at the Store: An

… Continue Reading...

The post Handling Temper Tantrums with Grace and Understanding appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Credit Card Woes: 2008 vs. 2023 – An Economic Odyssey https://www.verifiedmom.com/credit-card-woes-2008-vs-2023-an-economic-odyssey/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:40:20 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19145 The struggles of dealing with credit card debt are unfortunately a constant in many people’s lives. A reflective blog from 2008 painted a vivid picture of the harsh reality faced by numerous individuals: grappling with a $180 finance charge on a $7,000 credit card balance and a looming minimum payment of $250. To make ends meet, selling household items, cherished memories, and even precious jewelry became plausible considerations. Today, almost 15 years later, while certain … Continue Reading...

The post Credit Card Woes: 2008 vs. 2023 – An Economic Odyssey appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> The struggles of dealing with credit card debt are unfortunately a constant in many people’s lives. A reflective blog from 2008 painted a vivid picture of the harsh reality faced by numerous individuals: grappling with a $180 finance charge on a $7,000 credit card balance and a looming minimum payment of $250. To make ends meet, selling household items, cherished memories, and even precious jewelry became plausible considerations. Today, almost 15 years later, while certain … Continue Reading...

The post Credit Card Woes: 2008 vs. 2023 – An Economic Odyssey appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> 30 Simple Ways to Sprinkle Sunshine into Your Day! https://www.verifiedmom.com/30-ways-to-feel-good-when-you-feel-like-poop/ https://www.verifiedmom.com/30-ways-to-feel-good-when-you-feel-like-poop/#comments Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:52:00 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=10750 Why Small Acts Matter

Life can be a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Especially after long, gloomy months like fall and winter, many of us might feel a little out of sorts, reminiscent of those “winter blues.” But remember, it’s the small moments, the tiny acts of joy, that often bring the most happiness. That’s why I’ve curated a list of 30 simple yet powerful ways to sprinkle sunshine into your day. And the … Continue Reading...

The post 30 Simple Ways to Sprinkle Sunshine into Your Day! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Why Small Acts Matter

Life can be a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Especially after long, gloomy months like fall and winter, many of us might feel a little out of sorts, reminiscent of those “winter blues.” But remember, it’s the small moments, the tiny acts of joy, that often bring the most happiness. That’s why I’ve curated a list of 30 simple yet powerful ways to sprinkle sunshine into your day. And the … Continue Reading...

The post 30 Simple Ways to Sprinkle Sunshine into Your Day! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> https://www.verifiedmom.com/30-ways-to-feel-good-when-you-feel-like-poop/feed/ 3 Kristin’s Italian Sausage & Potatoes https://www.verifiedmom.com/kristins-italian-sausage-potatoes/ https://www.verifiedmom.com/kristins-italian-sausage-potatoes/#comments Sun, 10 Sep 2023 19:39:00 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=128 The Night Our Culinary Worlds Collided: A Neighbor’s Gift

Have you ever had an unexpected knock on your door, only to open it and find a culinary masterpiece waiting for you? That’s the magic our lovely neighbor brings to our lives, time and again. But one evening, she outdid herself, introducing us to a dish that was not just scrumptious but also astonishingly simple!

The Unexpected Feast:

There’s something about living next to a culinary … Continue Reading...

The post Kristin’s Italian Sausage & Potatoes appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> The Night Our Culinary Worlds Collided: A Neighbor’s Gift

Have you ever had an unexpected knock on your door, only to open it and find a culinary masterpiece waiting for you? That’s the magic our lovely neighbor brings to our lives, time and again. But one evening, she outdid herself, introducing us to a dish that was not just scrumptious but also astonishingly simple!

The Unexpected Feast:

There’s something about living next to a culinary … Continue Reading...

The post Kristin’s Italian Sausage & Potatoes appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> https://www.verifiedmom.com/kristins-italian-sausage-potatoes/feed/ 1 ‘Bounce The City’ Springs Into Woodfield Mall This Weekend! https://www.verifiedmom.com/bounce-the-city-springs-into-woodfield-mall-this-weekend/ Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:27:09 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19112

Hold on to your bounce! Schaumburg, Illinois is about to get a whole lot more exciting this weekend. For those who’ve been seeking an out-of-the-box way to spend quality family time, Woodfield Mall has some uplifting news for you. On Saturday, August 26th, the expansive parking lots of the mall will be transformed into a magical, inflatable wonderland as ‘Bounce The City,’ the largest touring inflatable festival by XL Event Lab, makes its grand appearance.… Continue Reading...

The post ‘Bounce The City’ Springs Into Woodfield Mall This Weekend! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]>

Hold on to your bounce! Schaumburg, Illinois is about to get a whole lot more exciting this weekend. For those who’ve been seeking an out-of-the-box way to spend quality family time, Woodfield Mall has some uplifting news for you. On Saturday, August 26th, the expansive parking lots of the mall will be transformed into a magical, inflatable wonderland as ‘Bounce The City,’ the largest touring inflatable festival by XL Event Lab, makes its grand appearance.… Continue Reading...

The post ‘Bounce The City’ Springs Into Woodfield Mall This Weekend! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> A Guide to Overcoming the Back-to-School Blues https://www.verifiedmom.com/a-guide-to-overcoming-the-back-to-school-blues/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:25:32 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19103 It’s that time of the year again! As the sun sets a tad earlier and the air carries a whisper of crispness, our homes are filled with the rustling of new backpacks, freshly sharpened pencils, and the slight tinge of anxiety accompanying the return to school.

Some links might be Amazon Affiliate Links

Yes, we’re talking about the back-to-school blues.

This transitional period can be tough for many, both for the children embarking on a … Continue Reading...

The post A Guide to Overcoming the Back-to-School Blues appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> It’s that time of the year again! As the sun sets a tad earlier and the air carries a whisper of crispness, our homes are filled with the rustling of new backpacks, freshly sharpened pencils, and the slight tinge of anxiety accompanying the return to school.

Some links might be Amazon Affiliate Links

Yes, we’re talking about the back-to-school blues.

This transitional period can be tough for many, both for the children embarking on a … Continue Reading...

The post A Guide to Overcoming the Back-to-School Blues appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Celebrating the New School Year: 5 Fun Ideas! https://www.verifiedmom.com/celebrating-the-new-school-year-5-fun-ideas/ Thu, 10 Aug 2023 21:05:07 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19095 5 fun ideas for celebrating back to school

Ah, the scent of new notebooks, the feel of crisp pages, and the excitement of seeing friends after a long summer. The new school year is not just a return to routine, but a chance to embark on new adventures and learn more about ourselves and the world around us. And why not celebrate this new beginning? If you’re wondering how to usher in the school year with a bang, I’ve got some vibrant back-to-school … Continue Reading...

The post Celebrating the New School Year: 5 Fun Ideas! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> 5 fun ideas for celebrating back to school

Ah, the scent of new notebooks, the feel of crisp pages, and the excitement of seeing friends after a long summer. The new school year is not just a return to routine, but a chance to embark on new adventures and learn more about ourselves and the world around us. And why not celebrate this new beginning? If you’re wondering how to usher in the school year with a bang, I’ve got some vibrant back-to-school … Continue Reading...

The post Celebrating the New School Year: 5 Fun Ideas! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive! https://www.verifiedmom.com/roll-up-your-sleeve-and-roar-for-the-cause-the-brookfield-zoo-blood-drive/ Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:30:48 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19085 There’s a fantastic opportunity coming your way that not only lets you make a massive difference in someone’s life but also brings a day of wild fun for you and your family.

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive!

Over the summer, the American Red Cross noticed a dip in blood donations. Yes, the very essence that gives life! Hospitals are dispensing blood faster than it’s being donated. But here’s where you can leap into action and be a hero!

Mark your … Continue Reading...

The post Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> There’s a fantastic opportunity coming your way that not only lets you make a massive difference in someone’s life but also brings a day of wild fun for you and your family.

Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive!

Over the summer, the American Red Cross noticed a dip in blood donations. Yes, the very essence that gives life! Hospitals are dispensing blood faster than it’s being donated. But here’s where you can leap into action and be a hero!

Mark your … Continue Reading...

The post Roll Up Your Sleeve and Roar for the Cause: The Brookfield Zoo Blood Drive! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> OPEN LETTER – MILGARD WINDOWS & DOORS https://www.verifiedmom.com/open-letter-milgard-windows-doors/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:24:02 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19042 Warranty Failure and Service Neglect – Immediate Resolution Required

Dear Milgard Customer Support,

I am writing this email with a sense of extreme urgency and deep disappointment in the way my requests have been handled. I have been a proud homeowner of Milgard windows, which come with a lifetime warranty, for over 20 years. I am baffled at the disregard and poor treatment I’ve experienced when seeking assistance on multiple windows in my house that … Continue Reading...

The post OPEN LETTER – MILGARD WINDOWS & DOORS appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Warranty Failure and Service Neglect – Immediate Resolution Required

Dear Milgard Customer Support,

I am writing this email with a sense of extreme urgency and deep disappointment in the way my requests have been handled. I have been a proud homeowner of Milgard windows, which come with a lifetime warranty, for over 20 years. I am baffled at the disregard and poor treatment I’ve experienced when seeking assistance on multiple windows in my house that … Continue Reading...

The post OPEN LETTER – MILGARD WINDOWS & DOORS appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Visit The Pony Inn for Super Bowl Sunday! https://www.verifiedmom.com/visit-the-pony-inn-for-super-bowl-sunday/ Mon, 06 Feb 2023 23:20:46 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=19016 Chicago sports fans can visit the Pony Inn located in Chicago’s Lakeview area at 1638 W. Belmont, Chicago. It has 13 wall-mounted TV’s and individual 24-inch HDTVs at each table and booth! The Pony Inn is a great place to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

Visit the Pony Inn for Super Bowl Sunday!

You can go there for drinks, and food, and enjoy a great atmosphere. Create your own Super Bowl party by reserving a table for you and … Continue Reading...

The post Visit The Pony Inn for Super Bowl Sunday! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Chicago sports fans can visit the Pony Inn located in Chicago’s Lakeview area at 1638 W. Belmont, Chicago. It has 13 wall-mounted TV’s and individual 24-inch HDTVs at each table and booth! The Pony Inn is a great place to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

Visit the Pony Inn for Super Bowl Sunday!

You can go there for drinks, and food, and enjoy a great atmosphere. Create your own Super Bowl party by reserving a table for you and … Continue Reading...

The post Visit The Pony Inn for Super Bowl Sunday! appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> Where do I go from here? https://www.verifiedmom.com/where-do-i-go-from-here/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 05:46:38 +0000 https://www.verifiedmom.com/?p=17330 This was in my drafts for 4 years and I don’t know why. Not much had changed during that time so it’s still somewhat fitting. Which is sad. At this point, I’ll just let you read it.

Where do I go from here?  That’s the question that I find myself asking too many times lately.  I never really gave much thought to where I would be or what my life would be like as a … Continue Reading...

The post Where do I go from here? appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]> This was in my drafts for 4 years and I don’t know why. Not much had changed during that time so it’s still somewhat fitting. Which is sad. At this point, I’ll just let you read it.

Where do I go from here?  That’s the question that I find myself asking too many times lately.  I never really gave much thought to where I would be or what my life would be like as a … Continue Reading...

The post Where do I go from here? appeared first on Verified Mom.

]]>