Mommy Has to Work

6 Subtle Ways to Make Your House Look Expensive (Even if it’s Not)

August 21, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

You ever drive by a house and think, “Okay, these people definitely have money”? But then you actually look closer, and it’s not a mansion, it’s just… regular. Okay, but what’s their secret? Well, chances are, it’s just what they do to the exterior, yeah, literally that’s it. Seriously, it’s not about square footage or even having a crazy budget. It’s about the little details that make a place feel like it belongs in a glossy magazine. And honestly, you can pull them off without maxing out your credit card (as unbelievable as that might sound).

Add a Gate and Watch the Magic Happen

Think of movies filled with rich people, actually, Clueless is such a great example, well, any Hollywood movie has mansions with gates, and yeah, they’re amazing. But generally speaking, there’s something about pulling up to a house with a gate that just screams, “You’ve arrived.” Even if there’s a minivan parked inside, the gate alone sells the fantasy.

Oh, and bonus points if it’s automated, because nothing feels fancier than a gate gliding open like you’re living in Beverly Hills (just like in Clueless). But automatic gate openers are basically your shortcut to looking like you’ve got an estate, even if your “estate” is just a two-car driveway. Seriously, it’s so simple, but it sells the idea so easily.

Consider a Driveway Glow-Up

Now, this one is expensive, so it’s entirely understandable if you lack any interest. But you should definitely keep in mind that rich people love a circular driveway, and honestly, it’s not just for the drama. It’s convenient, sure, but it also sets the tone the second you roll up. Again, just watch Clueless again for old times’ sake, and you’ll even see a round driveway in that movie, too.

But of course, if carving one into your yard isn’t happening (entirely understandable), then you can still step up your driveway game. Just think about crisp edges, a few pavers, some clean landscaping, and yeah, it’s the kind of upgrade that makes people think you have a personal gardener on speed dial (and it’s all you instead). Speaking of which…

Think About how You Mow the Lawn

Yeah, it’s a bit weird, but bear with this for just a moment. So, a plain green lawn? Sure, it’s fine. But a lawn with checkerboard or striped patterns? Now that’s a statement! Seriously, think about it, it’s like putting your grass in designer clothes. And it’s not rocket science, just mowing with a little technique.

While you’re adding it, go ahead and some bougie plants like hydrangeas or wisteria (or both), because they really scream “old money” even if you’re on a Target budget. Basically, it’s giving country club energy without the membership fees.

Bring on the Waterworks

Okay, so this goes back to the Clueless movie again, but nothing whispers luxury like a water feature (and they had a fountain). But really, even a modest fountain makes a yard look ten times fancier. It doesn’t have to be lions spitting water into a pool either; just a small, stylish fountain or trickling feature does the job. And yeah, those aren’t expensive either, which helps (and sometimes you can get them for steep discounts out of season).

Don’t Forget the Front Door

For the most part, rich-looking homes don’t leave their front doors naked. There’s always something happening there, like a glossy finish, dramatic planters, or seasonal décor that looks like it was curated by a stylist. Just look at Pinterest for some ideas.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

How to Treasure Every Moment with Your Kids

August 20, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

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It is a common complaint that every parent has; they feel like time is slipping away and their kids are growing up too fast! While there is nothing you can do to turn back the clocks, there are ways that you can enjoy the time you do have with your kids as much as possible.

So, if you feel like you just can’t seem to make every moment count with your kids, here is a bit of advice for living in the moment and making memories that will last a lifetime. You can also join the pro love movement to support others.

Make a Scrapbook

A great way of making the most of each day when your child grows up is making a scrapbook. Take plenty of pictures, keep hold of any mementos and most importantly, write down what you have done each day. This is a great way of reflecting on each day as it passes and it certainly makes time seem to stretch out even longer.

Disconnect From Technology

One of the most common reasons that you may feel time slipping away from you is that you are too engaged with technology and you are not giving your kids enough attention. No matter how much easier technology has made all our lives, it also plays a big role in disconnecting us from reality and diverting our attention from what is most important. Though it is great to enjoy TV time with your family, your most memorable moments are usually the ones where you are more actively engaged.

Set Aside Your To Do List

Most parents have a seemingly endless list of jobs that they could be doing instead of spending time with their kids. While many of these are important, you can sometimes sideline the ones that aren’t and realise that what you have accomplished on that day is good enough. Letting go of some of your commitments to spend time with your kids is both extremely liberating and worthwhile.

Get Outside as Much as Possible

It is a follow up from the technology point, but getting outside as much as possible is extremely important as you can really enjoy your time together free of distractions. This way, you can really talk to your kids and encourage their spirit of adventure and freedom. Try to find different activities that you can enjoy as a family so that you get into a habit of trying new things together.

Listen to Your Kids When They Speak

Though it can be difficult sometimes to listen to everything your child says, it is incredible to see their unique personalities develop. Kids also really appreciate it when they feel like they are being listened to, so you can encourage a much deeper bond to develop between you. Also, pay attention to the small details of your child and try to take mental images that will stay with you for as long as possible.

Anne

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an ABA Provider in San Francisco

August 14, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

Choosing the right Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider can feel like one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child and it’s true, it’s an important one. Whether you’re considering in-home ABA therapy or center-based services in San Francisco, the provider you choose will shape not only your child’s progress but also your family’s day-to-day experience.

With so many options, from small local teams to large agencies, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why asking the right questions before making a decision is key. These questions will help you go beyond brochures and websites to truly understand whether a provider will be a good fit for your child and your family.

Here are the five questions you should be asking along with why they matter and what to listen for in the answers.

1. Who will be overseeing my child’s program, and what is their experience?

At the heart of any ABA program is the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This is your team leader—the person who assesses your child, designs their treatment plan, and monitors progress. The BCBA’s approach, communication style, and expertise will directly impact your child’s experience.

Ask:

How long have you been a BCBA?
Do you have experience with children of my child’s age and diagnosis?
How many families do you currently serve?

Why it matters:
A BCBA with the right background and manageable caseload will have more time and insight to devote to your child. In San Francisco, where demand for ABA services is high, some providers may stretch their BCBAs thin. You want someone who can be hands-on and truly get to know your family.

Tip: If possible, request to meet or speak directly with the BCBA before committing. Chemistry and trust are just as important as credentials.

2. How often will the BCBA be directly involved in my child’s sessions?

In many programs, the BCBA designs the plan, while Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work with your child day-to-day. While this is standard, the best outcomes happen when the BCBA is actively present—observing sessions, adjusting strategies, and checking in with you.

Ask:

How often will the BCBA be in our home or at the center?
Will they observe sessions in person, or only review notes?
How often will we have progress meetings?

Why it matters:
If your child is in-home ABA therapy, the BCBA’s presence is especially important for tailoring strategies to your environment and routines. You want a provider who sees the “real-life” context of your child’s day, not just the data on paper.

Look for:

Regular in-person observations
Monthly or biweekly parent meetings
Clear communication between you, the BCBA, and the therapy team

3. How will you involve me (and my family) in the process?

The best ABA programs are a partnership. While your provider brings expertise in behavior analysis, you bring expertise in your child. Your insights, priorities, and comfort level matter.

Ask:

What role will I play in sessions?
How will you train me to use strategies outside of therapy?
How do you handle family or caregiver involvement?

Why it matters:
ABA is most effective when skills taught in therapy are practiced in everyday life. If you’re not included in the process, there’s a gap between the therapy setting and the real world. Providers who offer parent training and keep you in the loop will help you reinforce progress long after the therapist leaves.

If you’re curious about what those strategies might look like in action, this guide on top ABA therapy techniques every parent should know breaks down the methods you’re most likely to use at home.

Red flag:
If a provider resists your involvement or doesn’t have a clear plan for parent training, you may struggle to see lasting results.

4. What is your approach to setting and adjusting goals?

No two children are the same—and no two ABA programs should be, either. A great provider will build a plan based on your child’s needs, strengths, and family priorities, then adapt it over time.

Ask:

How do you determine goals?
How often do you review and update them?
How do you measure progress?

Why it matters:
ABA is data-driven, but that data needs to be interpreted with compassion and flexibility. In the fast-paced environment of San Francisco, you may notice changes in your child’s needs faster than the plan updates—so knowing how responsive your provider will be is key.

Look for:

Individualized goals that reflect your child’s life, not just a generic checklist
Regular reassessments (every 3–6 months or sooner if needed)
A willingness to adjust based on both data and your feedback

5. How do you ensure consistency and quality across your team?

Even the best BCBA can’t do it alone. If your child will be working with multiple therapists, you want assurance that everyone is on the same page.

Ask:

How do you train new therapists before they work with my child?
What happens if a therapist is out sick or leaves the agency?
How do you maintain quality and consistency?

Why it matters:
In ABA, consistency is critical. Sudden changes in approach, tone, or expectations can set progress back. You want a provider with systems in place to ensure that no matter who walks into your home or the center, your child’s program is implemented the same way.

Pro tip:
Ask if you can meet the therapists before they start. You’re looking for warmth, patience, and a personality that will connect with your child.

Final Thoughts: The Right Questions Lead to the Right Fit

Choosing an ABA provider in San Francisco isn’t just about credentials or convenience, it’s about finding a team that sees your child as more than a diagnosis and your family as more than a schedule. The right provider will make you feel heard, respected, and supported from day one.

Remember, you are interviewing them just as much as they are assessing your child’s needs. A provider who welcomes your questions and answers them clearly is one who values collaboration.

If you’re considering in-home ABA therapy, these conversations become even more important: you’re inviting this team into your personal space and daily life. Make sure it’s a partnership that feels right.

Anne

Preparing Your Teen To Take On The World

July 21, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

If you are a parent to a teen then you may have already faced many trials and tribulations in their life. Being a parent is never easy and there is no manual that tells you what to do along the way. However, if you have made it to the teenage years then you have done a fantastic job already. If they are just deciding whether to go to college or head out into the big business world, you need to know they are prepared for everything.

Check out the article below to find out more on preparing your teen to take on the world.

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Teach Life Skills

One of the best skills you can teach your teen is life skills. This means knowing how to cook, clean, and generally look after themselves. Knowing when they need to shower and how to shower and wash themselves is a vital skill. Many teenagers, especially boys can be incredibly lazy when it comes to personal hygiene. Small reminders here and there to shower or bathe every day and to use deodorant can really make the world of difference.

Children in the kitchen can sometimes be irritating and annoying, however, how else are they going to learn how to cook? Having basic kitchen knowledge could mean the difference between your teen using microwave meals or being able to cook from scratch. Get them in the kitchen, show them how to chop fruit, veg, and meat. They will honestly thank you later when they are needing to think of meals to eat.

Also Teach Basic Maintenance

As well as knowing how to cook and stay clean, they should also know basic DIY skills. Most boys will grow up watching relatives carry out various tasks around the house, however, girls should also learn these types of skills as well. If you are wanting them to foster independence then they will need to know how to hang photos on the wall or how to fill a hole in the wall. Changing lightbulbs is something that they will often have to do, if they aren’t sure how to do it then they could end up living in darkness.

Before they venture off to face the world, provide them with some basic tools that they might need for DIY jobs. This could be screwdrivers, drills, stanley blade, or various nails. The great thing about doing DIY these days is that there are numerous videos online that your kids can follow along to.

Show Them How To Manage Money

There is a vital skill that many children aren’t learning these days, and that’s the value of money. It is much harder these days to teach children about money as most transactions are contactless or on a physical card. There is no cash to put in front of your child and ask them how much change they would get from a twenty for instance. While you could get cash out just to do this, a lot of parents don’t see the point as they will just use a card anyway. The issues arise when children assume there is a never ending supply of money on these cards, which does happen. ‘Mummy doesn’t have any money’ and the child says ‘yes you do, just use your card’.

If you are wanting to teach your child the value of money then you could get them their own bank card. This will be topped up with any money they earn, such as chore money or pocket money. This will give them a basic understanding of how much they have and how much they have left after various purchases.

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Allow Them To Socialize

Children should always be allowed to socialize with children their own age, this starts from when they are very very young. Children tend to be wrapped in cotton wool these days due to the age we live in. When you have very little children, try and take them to baby clubs so they learn how to interact with other children. They will learn how to act and how to share with others, it is also important they learn how to act around adults.

As they get older, it can be tricky keeping on top of their behavior. For instance, they could start swearing or answering back. It is best to keep on top of this, and nip any negative behaviour in the bud before it escalates.

Help Them Find A College

Now, they might come to you at some point and enquire about studying at college or university. You should ensure you listen to this as they simply want to try and better themselves by heading in the right direction with their career choices. Speak with them about the type of course they need to do, where they are going to study, and how much each course will cost.

If you don’t have a college fund for your children then you could look at something like ascent funding. This is a college loan that won’t cost you or your teen a small fortune to pay back. They can cover any amount of your teen’s college course, up to 100% of the fees.

Encourage Work Experience

Finally, if your teen doesn’t yet know what they want to do when they graduate college then you could encourage them to do some work experience. This will give them a better idea of who they are and what they want to do. Work experience can be undertaken anywhere, from a doctor’s surgery to a veterinary practice.

Speak to them about any dreams or aspirations they have, this will help you suggest different ideas they might be interested in. If your teen isn’t interested in anything that you suggest then they might need some more time to think about it.

We do hope you found some useful advice, tips, and tricks in this article. Handling your teens’ futures can be a big responsibility. You want to make sure they have all the necessary skills and knowledge to face the big wide world. All you can do is try your best to be a great parent, they will always appreciate your hard work and efforts.

Anne

From Cotton to Catwalk: Top Fabrics and Prints in Wholesale Fashion

July 7, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

When it comes to creating a clothing store loved by customers, the right clothing is the key to success. But to have the right clothing for your customer base, you have to take a closer look at the fabrics and prints that you choose. Whether you’re shoppers like a simple loungewear style or a statement dress, the materials and prints you choose set the tone for your boutique.

At Dear Lover Clothing, we work closely with thousands of boutique owners and wholesale buyers, and we’ve seen first-hand which styles constantly fly off the shelves. Here’s a look at the fabrics and patterns that are leading the way in today’s market.

Fabrics: What’s In

Cotton

It’s really no surprise that the lightweight, breathable cotton is at the very top of the “it” list of fabrics. It’s the go-to choice for your everyday basics and traditional staples. Cotton delivers comfort your customers can count on.

Polyester Blends

What about a fabric that holds up to wear and tear? Or fabric that keeps its shape? Polyester is going to be your go-to. It’s ideal for bodycon fits, flowy blouses, and anything with a bit of stretch. Plus, they take dye well, so prints stay vibrant wash after wash!

Rayon

Rayon is elegant with a soft, silky feel, which is why it’s become a fan favorite for more elevated looks. Think maxi dresses, wrap styles, and wide-leg pants! It’s lightweight with great drape, making it perfect for warm-weather collections.

Knits and Ribbed Textures

These add a cozy, stylish vibe, which is a total a must-have for fall or winter collections. Ribbed knit tanks and matching sets are especially popular among boutique buyers right now!

Patterns That Pop

Floral Prints

Whether you’re going for a soft, romantic feel or looking for a bold tropical flair, this pattern is a bestseller all year ‘round. Florals work across multiple seasons, and even more silhouettes! Think sundresses, kimonos, and even joggers. They’re a smart staple for closets, and an even better staple for your boutique racks.

Animal Prints

Whether you’re bold or just looking for a bit of pop, animal prints are the perfect staple for your closet or store racks. These prints are timeless, seen throughout the ages on even the biggest fashion icons. They have the perfect staying power, especially when styled in trendy cuts like asymmetrical tops or midi skirts. They’re a boutique favorite for shoppers who want to stand out.

Abstract and Geometric

Clean lines and unique shapes make these patterns the perfect fit for stores looking for a modern or minimalist style. They add visual interest without overwhelming the garment, and they pair well with solid separates.

Fun Patterns

Tie-dye isn’t just for beach days, just like plaid isn’t simply a fall ‘fit! Nowadays they’re showing up in matching sets, oversized tees, and even jumpsuits. They’re playful and still selling strong.

What This Means for Your Boutique

Success in owning your store comes down to knowing what your customers will connect with and sourcing those pieces at the right time. At Dear Lover Clothing, we make it easy to stay ahead of the trends, so you can focus on what you do best: curating a boutique that stands out.