Niki Smith
Niki is an Iowa native who now lives with her husband Ryan, daughter Riley, and son Merritt in Johnston. She is passionate about paid leave for working parents, thrifting, and Beyonce. Niki is the Marketing Campaign Manager at Homesteaders Life Company in West Des Moines. She is also owner of Bee Thrifty, which consigns designer clothing for clients on Poshmark. Niki is a two-time graduate of Drake University with a bachelor’s in journalism (2008) and a Master’s in Communication Leadership (2015).
Why I’m Starting a Three-Generation Memoir
Last year, I picked up Matriarch by Tina Knowles (mother of icon Beyonce Knowles) and heard the tales of multiple generations of mothers told.
It...
Why Every Mom Should Do Something That Scares Her (I Played Survivor to Prove...
As moms, we’re great at cheering others on, but we don’t always push ourselves to do the hard, scary things. I want to share...
30+ Things to Do When It’s Too Cold to Go Outside
The days are getting shorter, the air is colder, and your kids might start to get more restless without the outdoors as a place...
Puberty, Perimenopause, and Honesty
We don’t talk about periods enough. Or menopause. Or what happens in between.
But it’s time we start.
Because right now, under one roof, my daughter...
25 Non-Candy Halloween Treats
I love Halloween! When we moved into our first home we had no kids yet, but I dressed as Columbia from Rocky Horror Picture...
Family Guide to the Iowa State Fair
I’m an Iowa native who has been going to the Iowa State Fair since the cotton candy was as big as me (EVIDENCE presented)....
Decorah: The Most Beautiful Vacation Spot in Iowa
Have you been to the beautiful town of Decorah, Iowa? It was named to Smithsonian Magazines 20 best small towns to visit in 2014,...
May Is Mayhem: A Survival Guide for Moms
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but May is not okay.
Somewhere between dance recitals and field day, I started losing track of...
Tips for Finding Morel Mushrooms in Iowa
Hunting morels is a springtime tradition for many Iowans, but it helps to know where—and when—to look. Whether you’re new to the hunt or...
Thrift Stores in Des Moines
I consider myself a thrift store junkie. Maybe even a connoisseur, with the ability to sniff out a hidden treasure.
I love it so much...