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 We Read Banned Books, and You Should Too
We have been reading to our children since the day they came into our world. The importance of reading to your children evolves as they grow, but the basic reason is the same: To...
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). I even competed in the Bill Riley State Fair Talent...
Why You Should Take Your Kids to Pride Activities in Des Moines
June is Pride Month, which is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ yourself or are an ally, taking your children to Pride Month activities can be an enriching...
Day Trip to the Amana Colonies
Have you ever been to the Amana Colonies in Eastern Iowa? At less than 2 hours from Des Moines, it's a great destination for a day trip.
My family has taken many day trips to...
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 that I’ve made a side hustle out of it, and...
Books About Women For All ages
I am envious of my 8-year-old daughter for many reasons, but the main one being the long list of empowering books available to her. I remember seeking out books about amazing women when I...
Celebrate Your Gals on Galentine’s Day
Do you celebrate Galentine’s Day? Maybe you have no idea what it is.
The concept for the made-up holiday came from popular NBC TV show ‘Parks and Recreation.’ It was created by the character Leslie...
Learn to do Hard Things with Your Kids
I have a core memory from our time working from home with two kids during the pandemic in 2020. Each morning after my own morning work huddle my first-grader would have her own morning...
Voting with Your Kids
Have you ever taken your children voting with you? If not, what was holding you back? Election Day is almost here and I’m here to help you prepare you to vote – and to...
Do you know what’s awesome? Being grateful.
This November, I invite you to reflect each day on what you are grateful for.
According to a Harvard Health Study, being grateful is strongly associated with greater happiness. From the study: “Gratitude helps people...