Haley McManigal
Hi there, I’m Haley, a middle-aged-momma to Lukas and wife to Dan. We live in northeast Knoxville with our boston terrier Ali and cat Maxi. I was born and raised in east Tennessee and I love Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains so much, I can’t imagine living anywhere else! I am happiest when I’m reading, writing, exploring, and making things. When I’m not here, you’ll find me sharing my thoughts about creativity and facing fear on my blog.
There’s No Shame In Being Shy
I was painfully shy growing up, so shy that it made life difficult. And on top of being shy and struggling to connect with others, was the SHAME that I carried with me because...
Forty and Pregnant
Today is my 40th birthday. But there will be no big party and no wild celebration -- not even a single margarita (my favorite) will be had. Instead, you’ll find me on my porch...
My Quarantine Baking Addiction
While staying safe at home during quarantine, I've been trying to engage in activities that make me feel somewhat normal. One of these activities is baking. Baking has always been a calming, soothing, and...
What Will This Kid Say Next? Funny Quotes From My Son’s 3rd Year
My son turned three this week, and I can’t help but reminisce over the past year. He has grown and matured so much, and has started to become his own little person. He keeps...
How to Build a Train Cake
My son has been asking me if we can “build" a cake all week. When I asked him what kind of cake he wanted to build, he said “Ummmm…a TRAIN cake!”
Since there’s pretty much...
Learning to Let Go
I’ve been going to dance fitness classes for about a year now. I don’t go regularly, sometimes a few times a week, sometimes only once or twice a month. But I absolutely love this...
Honoring The Loved Ones We’ve Lost During The Holidays
My Thanksgiving table will have two more empty chairs this year. My Christmas festivities will never again include my Dad reading the Christmas story from his bible, turning paper-thin pages, worn from earnest study....
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
Fall is finally here. There is a chill in the morning air, the leaves are starting to turn, and of course there is pumpkin EVERYTHING! I love all things pumpkin and I look forward...
A Season of Change
Next week, my family and I are moving across town to a new home in Hardin Valley. We’ve lived in our house in North East Knoxville for the past 4 1/2 years, and although...
Easy DIY Cupcakes for VOLS Fans
It's almost that time of year again. The countdown has begun, an orange haze is descending upon the city. Practice is underway, the hype is in full swing. We love Tennessee football in my...
When 9 to 5 Meets Motherhood :: 5 Tips for Balancing Career and Family
All my dreams are finally coming true. After years of struggle and longing and frustration and self doubt, at long last, I’m at a place in my career where I feel like I’m using...
They’re Watching Us
My two-year-old son said his first curse word recently. It was Easter Sunday and we were on our way to church, of all places, when he shouted out the S-word. My mom, his Mimi,...