Our Story
Once upon a time
...There were two friends. They rocked quiet library gigs. They moved away from each other and had kids, but they're sharing their parenting struggles and achievements with each other here. They're playing this parenting thing by ear, and reading everything they can get their hands on. If you're on the same page, let's all go on this journey together.
What's here?
The answer to your problems.
Like what?
Baby Shower Brain Freeze
Have you ever been invited to a baby shower, and not known what to bring as your gift? It's important to you to get something thoughtful, useful, and original, but where to begin? You might have asked another friend who just had a baby, but when put on the spot, she can't think of anything beyond burp cloths. It's also very fashionable right now to request that those attending a shower bring a book in place of a card. Do you have a go-to pick for this scenario? You don't want to give them their tenth copy of The Velveteen Rabbit, so what do you do? If you read Busy Nest News, you'll see regular reviews of childrens books, toys, games, and other essential parenting gear. We're real moms, using these products "in the field," so to speak. So the next time you're invited to a shower, or a kid's birthday party, you're going to be prepared with the gift everyone will be talking about.
Parenting Book Paradox
You think you should be reading some parenting books. You know they're out there, and goodness knows your kid has thrown you off your game a time or fifty. But your time is precious, especially time with your child. You don't want to waste it on a book that doesn't apply to your family. If you spend just a little time reading a Busy Nest News parenting book review, you'll save yourself several hours of reading. Not all parenting books are right for you at this moment. Some are about small children, others are about teenagers. Some are about preparing for transitions like moving or starting school, while others are about establishing traditions. Some get great reviews from family psychologists, but will bore you to tears. We're here to tell you our take on these books, as real moms. Imagine we're sitting on the playground bench right next to you, handing you the right book at the right time.
Nest Mess
We know that trial and error is pretty much how parenting is done. That's fine, but when it comes to finding the right product, trial and error can add up to a big mess and a small bank account. You don't want to be digging through a pile of junk to find the one toy your kid likes. Matching sippy cups to lids when you have four different styles can be nightmarish. And for bigger purchases, you can't afford to get it wrong. Busy Nest News will help you cut through the clutter and only select the toys, gear, and games that your family will actually use and enjoy.
Have you ever been invited to a baby shower, and not known what to bring as your gift? It's important to you to get something thoughtful, useful, and original, but where to begin? You might have asked another friend who just had a baby, but when put on the spot, she can't think of anything beyond burp cloths. It's also very fashionable right now to request that those attending a shower bring a book in place of a card. Do you have a go-to pick for this scenario? You don't want to give them their tenth copy of The Velveteen Rabbit, so what do you do? If you read Busy Nest News, you'll see regular reviews of childrens books, toys, games, and other essential parenting gear. We're real moms, using these products "in the field," so to speak. So the next time you're invited to a shower, or a kid's birthday party, you're going to be prepared with the gift everyone will be talking about.
Parenting Book Paradox
You think you should be reading some parenting books. You know they're out there, and goodness knows your kid has thrown you off your game a time or fifty. But your time is precious, especially time with your child. You don't want to waste it on a book that doesn't apply to your family. If you spend just a little time reading a Busy Nest News parenting book review, you'll save yourself several hours of reading. Not all parenting books are right for you at this moment. Some are about small children, others are about teenagers. Some are about preparing for transitions like moving or starting school, while others are about establishing traditions. Some get great reviews from family psychologists, but will bore you to tears. We're here to tell you our take on these books, as real moms. Imagine we're sitting on the playground bench right next to you, handing you the right book at the right time.
Nest Mess
We know that trial and error is pretty much how parenting is done. That's fine, but when it comes to finding the right product, trial and error can add up to a big mess and a small bank account. You don't want to be digging through a pile of junk to find the one toy your kid likes. Matching sippy cups to lids when you have four different styles can be nightmarish. And for bigger purchases, you can't afford to get it wrong. Busy Nest News will help you cut through the clutter and only select the toys, gear, and games that your family will actually use and enjoy.
Real Moms
We write about the real struggles and triumphs in our parenting journeys. We won't sugar-coat anything, but we also won't exaggerate or make our husbands sound stupid to get more attention or giggles.
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Parenting Books
We're hooked on parenting books. That's a bit weird! If you're a normal person who wants to read some parenting books, but not all of them, be sure to check out our reviews. It will save you time.
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Kids Books
We review books for kids. New release or underrated classic, it's fair game. If you need to gift a book, or just want to mix it up at bedtime, look through our selections to find your inspiration.
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Supplies
Sippy cups, pacifier clips, boardgames, apps, and more. You can trust us to show you our secrets to keep the family running smoothly. Good for gifting to others or preserving your own sanity.
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Who's writing
Ariel |
By day I change diapers, pick up toys and chase my daughter. By day we go on adventures – to the grocery store, to the library and occasionally to unexplored territories. By night I am a student valiantly plodding towards that Masters. By night I am a writer. By night – if I am lucky – I curl up with a good book.
I read once that the more facets to your personality the better we are able to bounce back from adversity so I don’t shy away from complexity and contradiction. I am a Crossfitter, a yogi, a Paleo foodie, an ice cream connoisseur, an extensive reader and a Netflix binger. I am sleek Scandinavian minimalist meets shabby chic farmhouse. My life can be summed up as: I love my family, I am constantly in motion, I am forever looking forward to my next cup of coffee. A maximizer to the nth degree. I read. I research. I drive myself crazy finding the perfect diaper bag, the perfect sippy cup, the perfect sound machine. While this may be bad for my anxiety, it’s great for you. I’ll find it, review it and save you some time. |
Brianna |
I have been training for the task of being your designated book reader my whole life. For thirteen years, I worked in libraries and read like my life depended on it. All this time, parents, teachers, and friends encouraged me to write. I never thought I was much good at writing, but have been told that is due to the fact that I was comparing myself to Shakespeare, Tolkien, and Dickens (yikes!).
Fun fact: when I was growing up, my parents would ground me by taking the novel I was reading at the moment and hiding it. So, you could say I’m pretty serious about reading. I really honed my writing and close reading skills during college and university. After working in libraries for thirteen years, I am passionate about helping children and families, by finding them the right books and resources for their needs. I’ve purchased replacement copies of popular picture books, and shown families books on anything from separation anxiety or traumatic brain injury, to how to draw horses or get ready for a new sibling. As a mom, I am hooked on self-help books and popular psychology. It’s not about following the latest trends, but rather constantly gathering the latest information to better steer a general course. So let me do the reading, and save you some time. |
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