Links We Learned From Vol. 1 No. 2

By Brianna

In which Brianna shares some articles that have enlightened or amused us recently. What are these "soft skills" everyone is on about, and how crucial are they to our children's success?  How are millenials making life difficult for their elders again? How can I make any ensemble look expensive? Will I ever learn the keys to being a tidy person? These are the big questions in the second edition of Links We Learned From. 

Links We Learned From in February

As Ariel said in our first round-up of links, we love reading as much as we love sharing what we read. We're always sending each other links to fun or thought-provoking articles. We have such a good time sharing, we've decided to share our favorites with you, our beloved readers, on a regular basis. Read on for the newest batch of knowledge and amusement!

1. 6 Life Skills Kids Need for the Future, by Josh Garskof at Scholastic Parents

While we're under a lot of pressure to push our kids to excel in STEM subjects, there are other skills that parents and teachers would do well to emphasize to kids, no matter what field they ultimately choose for themselves. These are six skills that your kids will need to be successful, and they aren't necessarily being taught at school. Even if the six skills are being ingrained by your child's formal learning environment, this list still contains a bunch of fun ideas to play and learn with your school-aged child.

2. ​Passing Down Your Heirlooms May Be Harder Than You Thought, by Lauren Rearick for Taste of Home

Oh, no! We're at it again. This is not the first article I've read about millenials' lives not being compatible with precious family heirlooms, but it is the first such article I've seen written from the perspective of someone in that generation. Rearick makes some good points, but I don't completely agree with her. I'd like heirloom china in my house...eventually. I say, read this article, think about your family's situation and your own vision for your life, and then work with your parents and grandparents to come to a mutually agreeable resolution. 

3. All Ears: How to Make Your Outfits Look More Expensive, Instantly, by Melissa on Budget Fashionista

What accessory do rich girls use to subtly flash their wealth, even while bundled in wool coats and scarves? Spoilers: it's earrings! Apparently. I was so tickled by this idea that I immediately donned my most sparkly chandelier earrings and posed for pics in my mommy athleisure. I'm not really sure it worked, but you simply must read this article and try! If nothing else, it's a good ten minutes of fun. Men, not sure what your analogue accessory would be, but I will report back when I find it.

4. 5 Things People With Tidy Homes Don’t Do, by ​Myquillyn Smith on The Nester

This article was written two years ago, but I just found it and really enjoyed it. Smith snooped on and grilled her tidy friends so that we don't have to! Read her article and learn the secrets to being tidy.

5. Where to store your always-in-use items in the rare moments they're not in use, by the editors at OffBeat Home & Life

​The OffBeat Empire is one of my favorite spaces in the blogosphere. They've created a great and supportive community, which they call upon to answer readers' questions about all things home and life. In the same vein as link #4, this article (and subsequent comments) seeks to answer the question "Where do I put stuff that's always out on the rare instances it needs to be away?" A great question, and the comments are full of even better solutions. Worth the read if you struggle with this problem as well.

Black Tire Affair

Once again, we invite you to share in the weirdness that is free stock photos. This time around, we have a leggy blonde woman in a stunning red number...washing a car. She has some nice tools at her disposal, too, and I don't mind telling you that we are pretty jelly. We've affectionately dubbed this series "Black Tire Affair." Enjoy. 

See more at Pixabay.com.

Have you read any interesting articles that will impact your parenting? Any life hacks to share? We'd love to see them! Just shoot us an email by clicking the envelope icon below. While you're down there, follow us everywhere and sign up for our sweet little newsletter.