Emily Draper
Emily grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She graduated from The University of Arizona with a degree in Business Administration, where her love affair with all-things desert began. She originally moved to Tampa in 2009 to be closer to her then-boyfriend, now-husband, Kyle. Together, they have two amazing (and amazingly strong-willed!) kids. Since starting a family, Emily has also lived in South Carolina and Metro Detroit, before returning to the Tampa area in 2017. Emily is a REALTOR® and in her spare time, she enjoys fitness, essential oils, reading, country music, and anything crafty.
Why My Elementary-Aged Kids are Allowed to Dye Their Hair
In today's world, allowing kids to be themselves seems to be a topic that's constantly discussed. I've always been open about my kids being their true selves. My first blog post on this topic...
The Apple Truck + Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake Recipe
As a Michigander by birth (that's what residents of the state of Michigan are commonly referred to), Floridian by choice, the thing I probably miss the most about being up north is picking apples...
I Quit! Why I’m Done Watching Real Housewives and Have No Regrets
I've been watching reality shows since their infancy. I began by watching MTV's The Real World in high school. This was followed by The Osbournes, The Anna Nicole Show, and Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica...
It’s Officially ‘Halftime’: 5 Things I Want My Daughter to Know Are Important
Kids have many growth milestones. The first tooth, the first step, the first word, and probably the most sought-after, the first full night of sleep. When it comes to age, you hear of reaching...
5 Picture Books That Should Be Under Your Tree This Christmas
Giving a good book as a gift is one of my favorite things to do. I give my kids at least one book for almost every occasion and am always looking for new ones. If...
How My Daughter’s Love of the Imperfect Has Helped Me with My Desire for...
I've always been what some may call particular. I like things in a certain way. My aunt says I was the only child she'd ever seen who would throw the paper away and start...
How a Trip to the Bathroom Lead to my Son Getting Lost
It was a weekday morning right after the mall had re-opened earlier this summer. We had spent a ridiculously long time in a store, first waiting to get in and then waiting to return...
5 No-Fail Excursions in Downtown St. Pete
The place we call home is considered only a vacation destination for many. We often have family or friends who come to visit us. We love to take them to do many of the...
It’s Not About The Toys: My Feelings on a Store Closing
I feel like I've been fairly good at staying upbeat despite having to stay-at-home. I've tried to exercise regularly, get outside and check-in on at least one friend/relative every day. Not to say I...
The Perks of Having a Sister That My Daughter’s Missing Out On
I am the oldest of two girls. I'm exactly two years and one month older than my sister. Growing up we had a very typical sibling relationship. We played with each other a lot....