Maria Mercieca
Born in Argentina and raised in New York, I'm a ballerina, a Phish head, a Beatles expert, and a LuLaRoe Fashion Retailer. Above all, I'm Mama to two wonderful girls, Violet and Sabine, and Wifey to my soulmate, Mike. We live in Shelburne village, along with Desmond the Golden Retriever.
Top 5 Only Partially True Misconceptions About Turning 40
The day I turned 36, I told my husband, "I might as well be 40."
He laughed it off, saying I was crazy, but I...
DO Sweat the Small Stuff — It Could Save Your Marriage
You've heard it over and over, from your friends, from Cosmo, from your mother: Don't sweat the small stuff. But is this really the...
Phamily Phun: A Phish Head’s Guide to a Kid-Friendly Concert Experience
Confession: I'm a Phish Head. Like, a really big fan. Like 119 shows under my belt, big fan. Before I had my daughters, I...
Pets, Children, and the Wisdom to Know the Difference
Confession: When my baby girl, Violet, was placed in my arms for the first time, I looked down at her lovingly and realized I...
You Know You’re a Vermont Toddler Mama If…
Are you a mom? Do you have babies or toddlers? Do you live in Vermont, especially in the Chittenden County area? Then, chances are...
10 Precious Wishes for My Precious Daughters
"It's 11:11... make a wish!"
Whether you're superstitious or not, it's hard to resist that wish minute tradition, isn't it? Your eyes land on the...
These Four Walls — Finding Our Forever Home
Finding your forever home is a lot like finding your wedding dress. You're looking for that perfect fit — good school district, room for...
Embracing Imaginary Friends
"Mama, Zeus is sitting right next to you," Violet tells me from the backseat of the car.
I glance up at the rearview mirror and see...
Mad Hatter Tea Party on a Budget!
Sometimes I'm not sure what I spent more time planning, my wedding or my daughters' birthday parties. Luckily, you can throw a fantastic bash for...
Top 5 Reasons We Aren’t Friends Anymore
Before I had children, I always said I wouldn't turn into the type of parent who doesn't have time for their non-parent friends. It never occurred to...
Art Display Ideas — DIY Clothesline
"Mama, why is my drawing in the garbage?" Violet pouted from behind hurt eyes, her little toddler hand clutched around a scribbled-on piece of ripped-out notebook paper.
"Oh,...
New Parents: Don’t Make This Mistake!
Squeeeee, you're having a baby... congratulations! As you count down the weeks, post sonograms on Facebook, and flood all of your friends' newsfeeds with adorable, belly-cradling...
My Neglected Firstborn
Every parent expecting a new addition to the family has had this thought: Is the new baby going to steal the spotlight away from my firstborn?...
The Nutcracker Dilemma: Dare to Let Them Dream
"Are you, like, so excited to put your daughters in ballet class?"
It's a question I hear more often than I ever expected. If you are reading...