Niki Smith
Niki grew up in Earlham, Iowa and now lives with her husband Ryan, daughter Riley, and son Merritt in Johnston. Riley has an observant stare that inspired the Facebook page Riley Is Not Impressed. Niki is an assistant director of public relations, social media at Drake University where she runs the university’s main social media accounts. She is also the director of the world-famous Beautiful Bulldog Contest. She has an Olde English Bulldog named Dexter, but he is ineligible to compete because she already knows he’s the most beautiful bulldog. She serves as President on the Board of Directors for Animal Lifeline of Iowa, which is a special needs, no-kill animal shelter. Niki is a two-time graduate of Drake University with a bachelor’s in journalism (2008) and a Master’s in Communication Leadership (2015).
Being Comfortable In My Mom Bod
Mom bods. We all see things in our bodies that are forever changed because of our children. I have stretch marks, a c-section scar, and a few extra pounds that I have accepted will...
Best Mom Hacks in 2020
The mom tribe is strong, and we use one another to share tips and tricks. We’ve had a lifetime to perfect our everyday mom hacks, but 2020 has thrown us some extra challenges. I...
Honoring Grandparents
Grandparent’s Day is Sunday, Sept. 13, and this year we may be honoring them differently.
Some of you may be sending them extra love because you and your children haven’t seen as much of them...
Positive Distractions and Grateful Escapism
I have now been working from home for 100 days, and it looks as though it will be another 100 days before I may return. Our family has found a new normal, a new...
Summer Goals for the Whole Family
Summer is a great time to set goals. What are some things you and your family want to learn or accomplish?
Last year, my one-year-old dropped his binky, we went fishing, I planted some new...
Finding Peace in Saying No
It’s hard to say no.
You are taught your whole life that quitters never win. So, we’re programmed to think we must go, go, go until we make it.
I want to talk about finding some...
How to Raise a Strong Girl
At my daughter’s fifth birthday party she wore a Wonder Woman outfit and crown, proudly showing her friends the WW power X move. We had Wonder Woman herself come to the party (fun fact:...
Caucusing with Your Kids
In November, I wrote about why you should take your kids when you vote. With the Iowa caucuses days away, I wanted to bring you a sequel.
In my voting piece, I encouraged you to...
5 Family-Friendly Places to Have a Drink in Des Moines
I distinctly remember bringing my one-month-old daughter to Confluence Brewing and honestly getting zero dirty looks. One of the many reasons I love Des Moines is that there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and...
Gift Ideas from the Thrift Store
Have you ever considered thrift store gift ideas for the holidays?
My heart grows bigger as our family expands – and, so does my Christmas shopping list! I’ve always felt that Christmas is a time...