Who We Are

Just Precious was born and bred here in Suburban Philadelphia.  I left for a few years to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where I studied parties and party planning, with a little dabble or two in Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Economics and Psychology. Nice mix, right? My fave classes (if you really want to  know) were graphic design, Public Relations writing, PR planning and OBBP (that’s organizational business behavior policy). I know… why the Econ minor? Ummm…  the classes were so easy that I kept taking them for the GPA.

So, while at SMU, Iwas published in some local papers, interned for the Tejas Girl Scout Concil (in PR, of course), Martha Tiller & Company, assistant managed a kick-butt University (and very Greek) boutique, and worked in Admissions. Then I graduated, took with me my Mustang Spirit, learned partying and planning experience from my hootie-hootie sisters, and a little knowledge from running a boutique.

Worked in agency advertising for a year (representing clients including Pizza Hut and Long John Silvers), then decided I loved learning more, so I moved back to Philly for grad school at Beaver College. Yes. Terrible name. So they changed it to Arcadia University. There I received my MEd in Elementary Ed and worked in SpecEd for a year (in the very same middle school I went to, with the very same teachers I had, and I suddenly had to call them by their first names!). I also subbed in regular ed and finally landed a job teaching 2nd and 4th grades to adorable, somewhat spoiled suburban kids, just like me. While teaching, I realized my love for unit planning and media science (aka library/media skills) and really hope to, some day, persue a Doctorate in this field.

During this time I also met (and later married) the most important man in my life, the Huz.  And 5 1/2 years later, boom! I was pregnant with Big.

Big was born after 4 years teaching and I happily skipped out the door where it certainly didn’t hit me in the a$$ on my way out. Big was followed by Middle 2 years later, and 4 years following, along came Little.

Which brings me to now. I’m now a freelancer who spends too much time writing for blogs and trying to find time to work on a few books I have in the works. In addition, I just started landing some guest writer spots and do hope to get an additional paid column. (yes, I’d be thrilled to pitch you!)

But, wait, there’s more! In addition to mommying, wifing, housing, blogging here at Just Precious, Mommies with Style and Philly Moms Blog, I own Precious Personalities, a mom, baby and child gift boutique. And, as if that’s not enough this year I was crazy enough to take on the unpaid occupation of Parent Teacher Organization President.

Why do I do all this? To save myself from shopping all. day. long.

The Huz: He’s a pretty private guy who works in Real Estate and really doesn’t get, or like, social media. So he rarely reads this blog. Of course, he’ll probably prove me wrong by leaving a comment below. The Huz is an amazing Daddy, he’s the one playing with the kids at the neighborhood party, beer in hand and creative game in mind. He coaches t-ball, plays a mean game of chess and loves the market. (stock, not grocery.) How to make him happy? Put him on a beach where he can join the kids on the boogy board or kick back with a beer. Its all about relaxing with the family. Want to make him really happy? Send him on the trip and, on the way back, offer him your season tickets to the Phillies.

Big: He’s a 6-year-old know-it-all in Kindergarten. Which means, in addition to constantly asking me math equations, he also likes to test his limits and finds himself getting caught in silly little lies. Big is very competitive, in sports and with his brother. He loves to read, play every game possible, and play with his friends. Most day’s he’d rather be at school or on the football or t-ball park. How to make him happy? Tell him he can play t-ball or football tomorrow after a bike ride or skateboarding. Give him popcorn shrimp for lunch and pizza for dinner with a snack of a corn dog and ice cream (with a Lactaid pill) for dessert. Don’t forget pancakes and fresh fruit for breakfast. Follow up before bed with family game night and a plan a playdate for the next day.

Middle is all heart. He’s caring, adoring and wants nothing more than to make you happy. Unless its tantrum time. He’s a stubborn little man and pretend play is how he plays. Infact, he’s happiest when he can play, play, play all day, wherever, whatever. How to make him happy? Talk about his little princess while he’s pretending to be a fireman, doctor, daddy, superstar or chef. Make sure he’s in costume. Give him a little playdate so he feels as big as his big brother. And let him relax on a pool chair in the day and stay up really, really late at night.

Little is only a few months old, but she’s already a diva. Don’t bother the princess when she’s sleeping and give her a boobie when she asks for it. If you do all that, she’s happy and content as a 4 year old watching a princess movie, and will tell you so with her electric smiles. Yes, she’s a charmer. How to make her happy? Give her all the attention, love, cuddles and hugs she deserves.