Tips and Tricks

Prior to moving to Madrid from Cedar Rapids, our family lived in a two-story colonial style home with a fenced-in backyard. I loved our home and it was perfect for our family of four. It was just the right...

The ants go marching one by one... I hate insects. I really do. I can be ever-so-slightly dramatic when I spot them inside my home. So when everyone begins to bask in the glow of sunshine and warm temperatures, I...

Chances are, if you’re pregnant, you are somewhat like me–worrying about the future and trying to plan ahead. As I get closer and closer to my due date, the one thing I constantly think of is my hospital bag....

The word "homesteading" might bring to mind adventurous settlers rushing to stake their claim on lands out west in the 1800s. You may think of homesteaders as Little House on the Prairie-types who reject modern technology and conveniences in favor...

I looked up and realized the little girl in the red shirt I had been watching was not MY little girl. Another toddler with a red shirt, dark hair, and of similar height had taken the place where Gwen...

The Scene Spring break; a six-year-old, three-year-old, and two parents; and a 19-hour car ride (as projected by Google Maps, without stops). ROAD TRIP! The Task Come up with things to keep both kids happy and quiet in a small space for a...

To me, cooking is–meh–just OK. I don’t love it; I don’t hate it. I am certainly no chef, but there are a handful of go-to meals that I enjoy cooking. I am a Type A planner and list-maker, however,...

Hablas Ingles? Yo hablo Ingles. These were two of my ‘go to’ phrases that I commonly used during the first few months after our recent move to Madrid. I was mortified to speak to anyone in public. I would make my...

Updated March 7, 2021 Are you considering a move to the Iowa City area? Are you already a resident of this fabulous place and planning a move to a new area of town? With the help of The Bails Team at...

Updated April 12, 2023 When trying to prepare your house to put it on the market, don't let that seemingly endless to-do list overwhelm you. Break up your tasks into these 6 categories, and soon your house will be ship-shape...