Halie Manley
Halie is a Vermonter born and raised, with a passion for travel, beauty, style, and life. She currently resides on the eastern side of the state with her husband and two kids (a hockey-focused son and a ballet-loving daughter.) She attended Colby-Sawyer College and Philadelphia University, then returned to Colby-Sawyer where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Her family has a running joke that Halie was on her own version of Amazing Race (selecting a college edition.) While she loves to visit cities, she discovered that she can’t live in one! She best describes herself as quirky and sometimes awkward, constantly looking to learn, a makeup and skincare enthusiast, and also an avid lover of coffee, tea, local craft beers, ice cream, HGTV, and basically anything that sparks joy! She is ridiculously comfortable in her own shoes (probably because she ditched heels!) You can find more about her on her blog, Our Small Life Home.
Buying a Camper and Camping with Kids: Tips from a Pro
Who said camping with kids is fun?
Honestly, I have never been a huge fan of camping but when it was just me and my husband, I could put on a brave face and actually...
For the Love of Ice Fishing: A Family Interview
I didn’t grow up ice fishing. Before I met my husband when I thought “ice fishing” I imagined the scene in Grumpy Old Men where they pan out on dozens upon dozens of people...
Let’s Not Talk Politics in My Household, Okay?
We don’t talk politics in our household.
I understand that it is an election year, and talking openly about issues is important. But hear me out.
My husband and I have been married for 10 years,...
I’m a Disorganized Mess Now, Thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic!
Disorganized was simply not in my vocabulary. I never imagined I could ever be a disorganized mess.
I’m not saying I didn’t have piles, but they were organized piles. I was never disorganized to the...
Fishing with Kids in Vermont
In Vermont, fishing with kids is both a pastime and a tradition.
At one point, it seemed like every family did it. These days, teaching kids to fish isn’t as standard as it once was....
Bathing Suit Roundup: Conservative & Self-Conscious Mom Edition
A bathing suit is my worst enemy.
They have always been for me. When I was younger, I was very underdeveloped compared to my friends so I was embarrassed to wear a bathing suit. Today,...
Truth Is, I’m Still Not A Fun Mom. Part Two.
I’m still not a fun mom. I told you this about a year ago, and I’m here to say it again.
How do I know this? My children clearly let me know. How do I...
How Do it Yourself (DIY) Projects Strengthen My Marriage
DIY projects, or, for the uninitiated, do-it-yourself projects, are my current addiction, and I don’t see them going away anytime soon.
I don’t know if it’s my age or my way of dealing with the...
How this Mom Is Staying Sane During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Sitting and drinking my morning coffee is the first step in my daily routine for staying sane during one of the craziest times I could have imagined. I’d like to share with you how...
This is Why an Intensive Hockey Schedule Works for My Son
I’ve been asked why we push such an intensive hockey schedule on our son.
Truth is, we don’t have to push it at all. I’m a hockey mom by default, not by choice. But it’s...
The 7 Daily Affirmations of a Tired Mom
I’ve read countless articles about how daily affirmations can improve your life.
It’s said that daily affirmations can improve your way of life or even turn things around to go your way. I’m going to...
We Don’t Pay Our Kids for Doing Chores in Our Home
In our home, we don't pay our kids for doing chores, and we never will.
That’s a bold statement. A very bold statement about chores that my husband and I absolutely stand behind. I’m well...
One Mom’s Barriers To Achieving Her Dream Career
I have barriers standing between me and a dream career that makes me feel fulfilled, instead of obligated.
Recently I woke up depressed. I don’t mean to negate the feelings of depression for those who...
This Terrible Cook Has Five Favorite Recipes That Will Appeal to Everyone
I’m a terrible cook. Let’s just put that out there. Cooking is not my strength.
While I wish I was a phenomenal cook and my family could rave about my delicious yet healthy feasts, I...