Lori Clarke
Raised in the foothills of North Carolina, Lori found herself moving to Columbia for some boy almost 20 years ago. After finally saying yes, she and her husband, Donald began a family and put down roots right here in South Carolina. A two time graduate of the University of South Carolina, Lori holds an M.A.T. in Elementary Education and an M. Ed. in Educational Administration. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Language and Literacy and teaches 5th grade in a local school district.
What REALLY Means the Most to Teachers
I know it sounds cheesy at best and cliché at worst, but the simple fact of the matter is, as a teacher, the time I spend with your children is my gift. So, let this...
The Upcoming Standardized Tests in South Carolina {Thoughts from a Teacher}
"Don’t freak out!"
This is the same advice that I get from my students every year about standardized testing. It is my custom to ask my more successful students what advice they would give to...
When Multitasking Isn’t the Answer
Racing the eggs … this is my metaphor for trying to do too many things and not really doing a great job of any.
Let me explain.
Most mornings I eat scrambled eggs for breakfast. I...
Lessons from Mama :: What I Learned About Being a Mom, From My Mom
My mom did not get her revenge...
Growing up, I was a high-maintenance, wild all day, willful girl. I definitely challenged my mother and made parenthood not very easy for her. I'm sure she couldn't...
7 Ideas for Budget-Friendly Date Nights
Valentine's (or any other occasion) doesn't have to break the bank. There's plenty to do around the Midlands to make your time together special on any budget (even a non-existent one).
Here are 7 (it’s...
How to Handle Compliments {Both Good and Bad}
Compliments can be a tough thing for many of us, especially women. On one hand, we often don't know how to accept a compliment ... and on the other, some of us just really...
How to REALLY Reach Your Goals in the New Year
After the craziness of the holidays, we went to the coast to unwind and relax a bit. I love to walk in the morning, so I got up before the sun, put on my...
Homework Help :: From the Teacher’s Desk
Tears, doors slamming, and all out meltdowns often ensue over the homework battle. There is no denying that homework time can be less than pleasant for both parent and child, but it does not...
5 Basic Lesson Plans for Teaching Your Teen to Drive
No one will ever call me OCD and I am okay with that. Teaching my daughter to drive, however, has brought me as pretty close to this level.
I don't know that anything quite prepares...
A Guide to Holiday Lights in SC
One of the things my mother loved during the Holiday season was going out to look for Christmas lights. We would all load up in the station wagon and go out looking for lights.
My...
How to Savor Motherhood :: Advice From an Experienced Mom
I want a do-over.
As the years passed and we never were able to have another child, I kept thinking I would be so much better at it the second time around.
A do-over.
I spent a...
Soups On! 3 Must-Make Recipes for Cooler Weather
When the weather gets cold, I start dreaming of soup. It makes me feel warm and cozy. I used to think soup had to be a bit of a production with lots of prep...
Waiting on Daylight :: 4 Ways to Help Your Relationship Last
"Love. That’s what makes a marriage work. Nothing else matters." That is the advice my father gave me about marriage.
Before you begin to believe that I was raised by flower children, let me explain....
Ways to Help the New Mom
A new mom’s first few days can be exciting, wonderful, joyful ... and exhausting. There is so much focus on baby that mama often forgets (or doesn't have time) to take care of her...