Haley McManigal
Hi there, I’m Haley, a middle-aged-momma to Lukas, Laney, 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.
The Perfect Holiday Cake
With the holidays fast approaching, it is always a good idea to have a go-to dessert for parties and events and dinners. My favorite is, of course, cake. Over the years, I’ve made countless...
Jealous Much?
I like to think I’m not a very jealous person. Most of the time, I am happy to celebrate others' successes and support their accomplishments and goals and opportunities. I know how important this...
Spotlight on Wesley House Community Center
On any given day at the Wesley House Community Center, you will find children laughing, playing, learning, and having fun. The atmosphere is upbeat, easy and inclusive. The kids joke around with their counselors...
10 Little Things That Bring Big Joy
I’m at that stage of life and motherhood where it’s usually all about everyone else and rarely about me. I have a four-year-old and a 10-month-old, and most of my time is spent catering...
From One to Two
I didn't know how I'd love you too, but I do. I didn't lose any love for the first, my heart just expanded to hold you both.
Everything is just a little bit easier this...
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....