Here in my corner of Missouri, it's supposed to get down to 16 degrees tonight. While this is par for the course around here during the winter, I thought I might share a few seeds of wisdom for the new people who haven't dealt with temperatures like this before. It's important to drip your water in the house when the temperature drops into the 20s and below. You don't have to run it; just a steady drip will do the trick. The reason for dripping water is to keep water moving t

This week, Sasha Moody is generously sharing another thoughtful article. I hope you enjoy her seeds of wisdom as much as I did. For busy parents juggling work, bills, and family goals, money can feel like it disappears faster than it’s earned. The challenge often isn’t math, it’s negative money mindsets and financial biases that quietly steer everyday financial decision making, especially the pull of immediate gratification. Those patterns can sabotage savings, create guilt a

The holidays are over, and now the bills are coming due. Did you overspend this past holiday season? Many people did. It's the norm these days. With the new year, maybe it's time try a new approach to paying those bills. I'm actually pleasantly surprised with my totals. I did spend more than I intended, but most of my holiday shopping was done with cash or my debit card this year. I do have some credit card debt due to online purchases, but I'm happy to say I should be able t

2025 is quickly coming to an end, and 2026 is right around the bend. See what I did there? Every once in a while, I embrace my inner poet. As I contemplate all that 2025 has brought, I am struck by how many big changes occurred in a short twelve months. Some were good, some were bad, and some were devastating. Let's talk about the good things first. I try to focus on the positive things in life, so it's a great place to start. I was honored to have my novel, Sally's Secret Le

I have shared this Christmas memory a few times, but it bears sharing again. Dad loved Christmas, he played an amazing Santa. I wasn’t the only child he made feel special on Christmas. Christmas was a very big deal when I was a little girl. My family celebrated with all of our extended family back then. We travelled half the state to attend at least four gatherings every year. Dad was always Santa at every party. One year, it almost came crashing down around him. We were cele

It's amazing how life changes so quickly. One decision can change everything. I have posted this story before, but I feel the need to...

Winter has finally arrived with full ferocity here in Missouri. It's been in the single digits for a few days, and I've been doing my...

I made apple butter over the weekend. I give it to friends and family for Christmas and enjoy eating it on everything from ice cream to...

If you are a frequent Ozarks Maven reader, then you know I am not technologically savvy. I manage to do what needs to be done most of the...

Do you ever get so overwhelmed and stressed out that you don't know what to do with yourself? I think it's important to recognize when...

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I made what was supposed to be pumpkin bars that turned out to be pumpkin cake for my...

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving this week! My family and I celebrated our Thanksgiving yesterday at Golden Corral. Due to work...

It would seem I’m having a run of bad luck at the moment. There are many reasons I say that, but we’ll stick with one for now. I began a...

Ham and beans. It's a simple meal. While I enjoy it from time to time, I don't love it. My husband, however, loves ham and beans and...

I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween this year! I hadn't planned on being home for the trick or treaters this year, but my...

I am incredibly blessed with family and friends who love and support me in dreams. I had book signing at Always Buying Books, a locally...

I had quite the adventurous weekend. I attended the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, one of my favorite...

The cool breeze is carrying a much-anticipated break from the oppressive heat of summer. The cooler air is not only a welcome respite for...

My busy season has begun! Last week, I attended the NASCSP (National Association for State Community Services Programs) Conference in...

October will be an extremely busy month. I have two writers' conferences, my wedding anniversary, and two book signings. On top of all...