Darian Pentikis
After being born and raised in Metrowest, Darian found a new home in Central Mass in early 2021. Now the mom to a fiery 2-year-old girl, Darian juggles the whirlwind of stay-at-home parenthood with her career as a freelance copywriter and blogger.
When she’s not busy writing or foiling the latest toddler scheme, you can find her trying out new instant pot concoctions or snuggled up on the couch with her princess belting out their favorite Disney tunes!
No-Prep Winter Process Art for Toddlers
Now that all the holiday festivities are behind us and 2024 is in full swing, let me be honest for a second – this momma could use a B-R-E-A-K! But peace and quiet are hard...
7 Quick Tips to Slash Your Grocery Budget
It’s no secret that since the pandemic began, grocery shopping has gotten far more expensive for American families. Though record-high inflation is cooling, Central Mass has seen costs continue to rise in 2023. Today,...
5 Not-So-Spooky Halloween Stories for Toddlers
Ghouls, goblins, and ghosts. Oh, my! Halloween must be here once again. For months, my pint-sized ghoul has been practicing trick-or-treating around the house — “please” and “thank you” included — and dreaming up...
5 Apple Picking Recipes Everyone Will Love
For my family, fall hasn’t officially begun in Central Mass until we’ve spent the afternoon munching on fresh apple cider donuts and exploring one of our many local apple orchards. There’s nothing better than...
5 Fall Things to Do With Kids in Central Mass
Can you smell the fresh apple cider, feel the slight chill in the air, and spot the green summer leaves slowly turning into vibrant oranges and reds? Fall must be here once again in...
Saying Goodbye to Co-Sleeping
We never intended to be one of “those” co-sleeping families. Before I got pregnant with my daughter, I was a relentless proponent of safe sleep practices. From my time as a daycare teacher, I...
DIY Natural Easter Egg Dye
Growing up, one of my favorite parts of the week before Easter was rushing home from school to find my mom and grandmother boiling dozens of eggs for us to color. I loved sitting...
Help! My toddler is biting.
So, your toddler has decided that biting seems like a great idea? That really stings!
But don’t worry, you are not alone. Almost ALL toddlers go through a biting phase.
It’s such a typical behavior that between...
What I Wish I Could Tell You This Mother’s Day
Grandma,
I keep telling my husband that this year is my 1st REAL Mother’s Day. Why?
Because last May, I wouldn't have called myself a mother if anyone asked.
I didn’t feel like I had earned the...
An Open Letter to My Daughter on Her First Birthday
Ellie, My Baby,
Maybe it's time I stop calling you a baby. You’re so much MORE these days. But I’ll be honest, I don't have the strength to leave it all behind yet.
I wish I...