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).
Meal Kit Subscription Reviews by a Foodie Mom
I am a short-order cook mom. My 18-month-old isn’t ready for an adult meal, and my 5-year-old eats healthy (finally), but like a bird. Every night I remind myself that the important thing is...
I Treated My Depression Too Late
After I had my first child in 2014, I smiled all the time, and couldn’t sleep because I was so happy. Motherhood generally came easy to me. I was grateful that I didn’t have...
Family Guide to Drake Relays Week
I bleed blue. Anyone who has met me knows I am a loyal Drake Bulldog. I am a two-time alumna at Drake University, and I work at Drake in the Office of University Communications...
Guide to the Johnston Public Library
My husband and I both grew up in small-town Iowa. We chose to live in Johnston because it still has that small-town community feel with the amenities of a bigger city.
The Johnston Public Library...
My Husband is Ron Swanson
The biggest feminist in my house is my husband.
If you’re a fan of Parks and Recreation, you know that Ron Swanson is a quiet, complex, lovable character. My husband is Ron Swanson. He likes...
C-Section v. Vaginal Birth From a Mom Who Had Both
I’ve had a C-section and vaginal birth. My first child was born vaginally after laboring for 30 hours and pushing for 3. My second child was breech and born via cesarean section.
Hours after my...
Create a Dream List Instead of Resolutions
Ah, the new year – that magical reset button. An entire year full of promise is ahead of you and the pressure to set a new year’s resolution may be knocking on your door....
Cooking With a Picky Eater
My four-year-old is on the beige diet. You know, crackers, bread, cheese. She rarely eats meat.
Yes, I have a picky eater.
And I stress zero about it because the important thing is that she eats....
Tips for a Tear-Free Santa Visit
Kids either love Santa or are deathly afraid of him. If taking the kids to see Santa is on your holiday bucket list, here are some tips and tricks to make the visit as...
Power Lunches: My Secret to Maintaining Friendships
My secret to maintaining personal friendships is strategic use of my lunch hour.
Truth is, it’s my secret to survival as a working mother in general. I use lunch hours to buy diapers, to get...