 There’s just something about a crisp, creamy broccoli salad that satisfies your taste buds in every way. This classic, yet underrated side dish, is always a crowd favorite and disappears fast. It’s fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between crunchy, savory, and sweet. What makes this broccoli salad especially perfect for warm-weather gatherings is how simple it is to prepare ahead of time. The flavors only get better as they chill, making it an easy, stress-free addition to your menu. Packed with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together, this dish brings comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor to every cookout table. As we gather this Memorial Day weekend — celebrating, remembering, and spending time with the people we love — recipes like this become part of the memories we make together. So grab your serving bowl and get ready for a summer favorite that everyone will be asking you to bring again and again. Did you know?
Broccoli Salad Prep Time: 20 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Ingredients:
Instructions: Wash the broccoli and dry it very well. Cut the florets (and the stem) into bite-sized pieces. Add bacon and cranberries. Whisk the dressing ingredients (mayo, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper) in a small bowl and set aside. Place the ingredients into a large mixing bowl, and toss with dressing. Remember to allow time for the recipe to chill in the fridge to give the broccoli a chance to soak in some of the dressing, making it more flavorful! Notes: Preparing to make your salad- you can prep and make this salad a day before you serve it. Leftovers will keep for 4-5 days. Substitutions- If you don't like mayo, you can use Miracle Whip, Coleslaw Dressing or Greek yogurt. You can also add bacon bits if you don't want to make bacon for this recipe. Additional ingredients- Some people add red onion, cheese, sunflower seeds and sugar to their broccoli salad. I like to add a 1/4 cup of ranch dressing for an added kick. Enjoy! For Your Information This recipe is:
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 Photo by Raleigh Skyline Nearly twenty-two years ago, I moved to Raleigh for college, not knowing that it would become home. As someone who has spent my entire adult life here, I have met some amazing people and had some life-changing experiences in this beautiful city. One of the main reasons I decided to stay here was the family-friendly amenities, not to mention, the great sense of community. I've seen Raleigh change a lot in the past couple of decades, but I have absolutely no regrets about making such a permanent change. If you’re thinking about growing your family and want more than just a place to live, Raleigh should definitely be at the top of your list. This vibrant, fast-growing (and I mean fast) city combines quality of life, economic opportunity, family-oriented accommodations and a culture of community in ways few other cities can match. Here’s why people are increasingly choosing Raleigh as the place to put down roots, raise their children and invest in community. Nationally Recognized Quality of Life Raleigh was recently ranked the #6 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026. Not only does Raleigh have safe neighborhoods and lower crime rates than many similarly sized metros, but it also offers job security, shorter commuter times, accessible health care and abundant outdoor recreation, giving families comfort and peace of mind. This kind of environment helps children thrive socially, emotionally and physically. A Thriving Economy and Strong Job Market Raleigh’s economy continues to outperform many U.S. cities. It consistently ranks high due to job growth in tech, healthcare, biotech and education. Because of this, families can look forward to stable employment opportunities, stronger household incomes and the ability to balance professional and personal life. For many couples, this stability makes it easier to plan for children and secure family support services like doulas, child care, camps & extracurricular activities, and even higher education. Unmatched Work–Life Balance Last year, Raleigh ranked #4 nationally for work-life balance, highlighting its affordable cost of living, flexible work options (including remote and hybrid roles), and abundant green space per resident. For many parents, this balance is critical and means more meaningful family time, less stress during pregnancy and early parenthood and better integration of supportive services (like doulas, nannies and elder care for aging parents). High-Quality Schools and Education Families often cite education as a top priority and Raleigh does not disappoint. The Raleigh-Wake County area regularly ranks among the top cities in the nation for public school quality and overall education outcomes. Our strong education ecosystem boosts property values, attracts family-oriented communities and creates opportunities for children to excel from early learning through high school. Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Major Cities With an average of 50+ people moving to Raleigh each day, housing is always being developed. And while Raleigh’s housing market has grown, it still offers better affordability than many large U.S. metros like New York, D.C., or San Francisco, especially when you compare total living costs and quality of life. Currently, home prices in the Triangle area remain significantly lower than in larger coastal markets. Many families find that their quality of life improves as housing costs decrease relative to their income, leaving more money left for monthly expenses like childcare, groceries and activities. This affordability can also free up resources for important family-building expenses like savings & emergency funds, family enrichment activities and travel. Growing Healthcare Infrastructure Families with young children often prioritize access to strong pediatric and maternity care. Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle region, which is building North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, a major development that will expand pediatric services and access for families. This kind of long-term health investment complements supportive services like prenatal and pediatric care, ensuring families have more options for comprehensive care. Family-Focused Neighborhoods for Every Stage of Life Whether you’re a first-time parent or planning your forever home, Raleigh and its surrounding suburbs offer diverse living options. Each of these areas has unique advantages while staying connected to Raleigh’s economic and cultural core.
A Community That Values Family Support Raleigh has developed a community culture centered on families that includes support networks for new parents, group activities, festivals & family events, robust parks, trails, outdoor spaces and countless family & parenting resources. Whether you’re seeking support for your first baby or enrolling children in after-school programs, Raleigh offers the social fabric that nurtures families, not just houses. Choosing where to raise your family is one of life’s biggest decisions. Raleigh stands out not just for its rankings and statistics, but for the real lived experiences of families like mine who move here seeking support, balance, community and opportunity. From economic stability and educational strength to outdoor living and family resources, Raleigh provides a foundation where children can flourish and parents can build the life they’ve always dreamed of.  NC State Fair in Raleigh Want to learn more about Raleigh? Here are some interesting facts that just may persuade you to settle here sooner rather than later.
 One of my past birth clients enjoying the Golden Hour with her son When we think about the moment a baby enters the world, it’s easy to focus on the birth itself. But there’s a critical period immediately afterward that has profound benefits for both the newborn and the birthing parent: The Golden Hour. What is the Golden Hour?
The "Golden Hour" refers to the first 60 minutes after birth, though many experts advocate for extended uninterrupted bonding during the first two hours. During this time, the newborn is placed skin-to-skin on the birthing parent’s chest without unnecessary interruptions. This sacred window is a time of powerful physical, emotional, and biological connection that lays the foundation for bonding, breastfeeding, and long-term health. The Benefits of the Golden Hour 1. Promotes bonding and emotional connection Skin-to-skin contact in the first hour helps trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” which strengthens the bond between parent and baby and reduces stress and anxiety for both. 2. Supports breastfeeding initiation Babies are born with instincts to breastfeed. During the Golden Hour, many newborns will crawl to the breast and latch on their own—this is known as the "breast crawl." Early breastfeeding initiation is linked to improved long-term breastfeeding success and maternal milk supply. 3. Regulates baby’s vital signs Being held skin-to-skin helps the baby maintain stable body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. It also supports healthy blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of hypothermia. 4. Encourages healthy gut and immune function When breastfeeding is initiated during the Golden Hour, babies receive colostrum—the nutrient- and antibody-rich first milk—which helps populate the newborn's gut with beneficial bacteria and supports immune development. 5. Reduces crying and improves sleep Babies held skin-to-skin tend to cry less and sleep more peacefully. They are more calm and alert, which supports early learning and attachment. How Hospitals and Providers Can Support the Golden Hour To protect this vital period, hospitals and care providers can: 1. Prioritize uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact- Ensure that the baby is placed skin-to-skin on the birthing parent's chest immediately after birth, ideally before any routine procedures like weighing or bathing (unless there is a medical emergency). Encourage uninterrupted contact for at least the first hour. 2. Delay non-urgent interventions- Non-essential tasks such as newborn exams, vitamin K shots, and footprints can usually wait. Allow these to be done while the baby remains skin-to-skin or after the Golden Hour is complete. 3. Support breastfeeding initiation- Provide lactation support during this time, if needed, but avoid interfering with the natural process of the baby finding and latching onto the breast. 4. Educate families prenatally- Hospitals can offer prenatal classes or materials explaining the Golden Hour and encouraging families to include it in their birth plans. 5. Respect parental wishes- Encourage open communication and ask families if they have preferences around the Golden Hour. Include it as part of standard birth protocols unless medically contraindicated. 6. Train staff- All members of the care team—OBs, midwives, nurses, and pediatricians—should understand the importance of this hour and collaborate to protect it. The Golden Hour isn’t just a feel-good practice, it’s a science-backed, deeply human approach to beginning life outside the womb. With just a bit of planning and support, hospitals and care teams can make this moment as peaceful, bonding, and beneficial as possible. If you're preparing for birth, talk to your provider about your wishes for the Golden Hour, and consider adding it to your birth plan. It’s a small window of time with lifelong impact.  Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but preparing for parental leave from work can be overwhelming without a clear plan. Whether you’re giving birth, adopting, or welcoming a child through surrogacy, it’s essential to take the time to plan your leave thoroughly so you can focus on your growing family without unnecessary stress. Use the following guidelines to help you plan a smooth transition into and out of parental leave: 1. Understand Your Rights and Benefits- Start by learning what parental leave policies apply to you:
2. Plan Your Finances- Parental leave may mean a change in income, so financial planning is key:
3. Talk to Your Employer Early- Give your employer ample notice so they can support your transition:
4. Create a Work Transition Plan- Ensure your role is covered while you're away:
5. Prepare Emotionally and Mentally- Taking leave from work, especially for the first time, can be emotionally complex:
6. Plan Your Return- Returning to work is part of the transition:
Planning for parental leave takes effort, but it pays off by creating a smoother, more confident experience for both you and your workplace. With clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and some flexibility, you can enjoy your leave knowing everything is under control and be better prepared for the transition back to work when the time comes. Did you know? Best of Both Worlds Doula Services can help you with the logistics of parental leave. Whether it's telling your employer about your pregnancy, planning your leave from work and preparing for the fourth trimester or even your return to work, BOBWDS will help you through it all. Schedule a consultation to learn more.   As the final weeks of pregnancy draw near, many expectant parents experience a burst of energy and a powerful urge to organize, clean, and prepare for the baby. This is known as the nesting instinct, a common and natural phenomenon that signals your body and mind are preparing for your new arrival. While not everyone experiences nesting in the same way, it can be an incredibly useful phase—if approached mindfully. Here’s what you need to know about nesting, and how to use it effectively (and safely) in the final stretch of your pregnancy. What is Nesting? Nesting is a biological instinct seen in many mammals, including humans. In pregnancy, it often peaks in the third trimester—especially in the final weeks. It can manifest as an urge to:
This behavior may feel intense or even compulsive, but it’s completely normal. It’s your body’s way of preparing a safe, clean, and welcoming space for your baby. Why Nesting Happens Scientists believe nesting is rooted in biology and evolution. It’s a way for parents—especially birthing parents—to prepare a secure environment. For some, it may even offer a sense of control and emotional grounding during a time of major change and uncertainty. What Does Nesting Feel Like? Nesting may look and feel different for every person. Most parents who experience that nesting instinct will notice the following things:
Does Nesting Occur for Every Pregnant Woman? While most expectant mothers report this sudden burst of energy and urge to clean and organize, not all do. Please know that your nesting or lack thereof is not an indication of your love for your baby or your parenting instincts.  How to Use Nesting Energy Effectively
The nesting urge can be a great motivator. Here’s how to make the most of it: 1. Prioritize Essential Tasks- Focus on things that genuinely need to get done before baby arrives:
2. Create a “Nesting List”- Turn your nesting urge into a plan. Break down tasks by priority and energy level. This helps you avoid overexertion and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check items off. 3. Ask for Help- You don’t have to do it all yourself! Delegate heavy lifting or repetitive tasks to your partner, family, or friends. Consider hosting a Nesting Party (separate from a baby shower) where close friends and family gather to help the parents-to-be prepare for the arrival of their baby by tackling practical tasks like setting up the nursery, assembling furniture, and preparing freezer meals. It's a way to shift focus from gifts and games to hands-on support and practical preparation. Interested in a nesting party? Ask Me! 4. Stock Up Wisely- Instead of panic-buying, think practically:
Nesting Dos and Don’ts ✅ DO:
What If You Don’t Feel Like Nesting? That’s totally okay too! Not everyone experiences the nesting instinct. It doesn’t mean anything about your readiness or your bond with your baby. You’re still doing an amazing job preparing in your own way. Nesting can be a powerful and productive part of late pregnancy. By channeling that energy thoughtfully, you can create a calm, functional space that sets you up for a smoother postpartum experience. Just remember—your well-being matters most. Take care of yourself while you prepare for one of life’s biggest transitions. |
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May 2026
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