Oops and Daisies

Connection & inspiration for people who want to create

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Oops, Daisies, and Dreams: Interview with Author J.M. Guilfoyle

December 3, 2025 by Liz SanFilippo Hall Leave a Comment

J.M. Guilfoyle

A supportive writing community can make a world of difference in an author’s journey, and that’s precisely where I met Jenn, who publishes under J.M. Guilfoyle. Our local writing group hosts more than just educational monthly meetings; the group features a number of “paths,” based around interests. From a critiquing group to a tech path (which Jenn leads), there are an incredible amount of ways to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Interviews with Creative Moms, More than Mama, Work From Home, Writing tips Tagged With: author, creativity, interview, interviews with creative moms, j.m. guilfoyle, types of writing, writing advice, writing community

5 Gift Ideas to Encourage Creativity in Kids

November 28, 2025 by Liz SanFilippo Hall 1 Comment

5 Gift Ideas to Encourage Creativity in Kids

One corner of our house is bursting with art supplies, the drawers full of colored pencils, markers, beads, pipe cleaners, construction paper, and oh so many odds and ends. The kids use all of our random art supplies when they just want to explore and experiment. That alone can be an incredible way to encourage creativity in kids.  But sometimes kids just want a project to play with, or to test … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: art set, arts and crafts, Christmas, creativity, drawing, gift guide, gift ideas, life with kids, sensory kits, stem kits

Network Marketing was a Mistake… But I Don’t Regret It (Completely)

November 7, 2025 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

I used to sell makeup through network marketing.  Oof, that felt a bit hard to admit! The industry as a whole is controversial, and I get that. To some, it seems scammy and annoying. To others, it feels empowering and a great way to earn financial freedom on your own terms.  It was that second part that got me. When my first was born, money was tight. I had gone from working full-time to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Inspiration, Journaling, Network Marketing, WAHM Life, Work From Home Tagged With: creativity, direct sales, energy, freelance writing, journal, mindset, network marketing, work from home, work from home jobs

Oops, Daisies, & Dreams: An Interview Series with Creative Moms

October 30, 2025 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

When the kitchen is overflowing with dishes, the toys are everywhere except put away, and the calendar is jam-packed with work, school, and extracurricular activities, it can be hard to imagine doing anything other than ‘surviving.’  But there are moms who have carved out a creative space for themselves in this world.  Maybe they’ve incorporated their creativity into their own … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Interviews with Creative Moms, More than Mama, WAHM Life, Work From Home Tagged With: creative moms, creativity, inspiration, interview, mindset, mom life, more than mom, oops daisies and dreams, self-doubt, wahm

Responsible Parenting & Mommy Blogging: My Commitment to Safety, Privacy, and Consent

October 24, 2025 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

When I originally launched this blog in 2015, I intended to cultivate a place where I could write about parenting and all the oops and daisies that come with raising kids. I wanted it to be a space to talk about the challenges while also celebrating the joys, with other moms like me.  But over the years, I realized that as, what some might call, a ‘mommy blogger,’ I walked a fine … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family & Lifestyle, Life With Kids, Parenting, Work From Home, Writing tips, Writing, Books, & Resources Tagged With: blogging, busy moms, ethical storytelling, family, life lessons, mommy blog, parenting, personal development, privacy, wahm, work from home, writing advice

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Recent Posts

  • Oops, Daisies, and Dreams: Interview with Author J.M. Guilfoyle December 3, 2025
  • 5 Gift Ideas to Encourage Creativity in Kids November 28, 2025
  • Network Marketing was a Mistake… But I Don’t Regret It (Completely) November 7, 2025
  • Oops, Daisies, & Dreams: An Interview Series with Creative Moms October 30, 2025
  • Responsible Parenting & Mommy Blogging: My Commitment to Safety, Privacy, and Consent October 24, 2025

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oopsanddaisies

Developmental Editor | Creative Writer & Author | Coach
Just an imperfect mom trying to inspire and support women who want to write and create 👇

What am I doing over “winter break”? Reading t What am I doing over “winter break”? Reading through my New Adult contemporary manuscript and writing myself an editorial letter! I wrote this “zero draft” last spring and summer. It poured out of me in about four months, and while I know it needs a ton of structural work before I share it with my writing partners and readers, I can’t wait to dive in.So what’s my revision process like for self editing?1. After I’m done with a draft I put it to the side for at least a month so I can read it with fresh eyes. 2. I read through the manuscript like a reader, paying attention to what I like and what I don’t. 3. I write myself an editorial letter, focusing on the top 3-5 macro edits I need to make, and even give myself some actionable steps to take. 4. I dive into editing! Again, I focus on the structure and filling in gaps. (For instance, I haven’t forgotten I added a character halfway through that needs to appear at the beginning too 🤣). 5. Throughout my self editing, I work with some trusted critique partners to give my feedback. These are my “alpha readers.” 6. After I incorporate the critique feedback into my ms, it’s ready for beta readers! Outside feedback, to me, is critical to making sure my story is resonating with readers the way I intend. But the self editing process? It’s important too! #AmEditing #WritingCommunity #MomLife #AmWriting
My kids are officially on winter break for the nex My kids are officially on winter break for the next two weeks, and I’ve created my schedule/routine to account for them being home…JUST KIDDING.My next two weeks will be chaos. A delightful chaos, but chaos nonetheless.Will I still be working? In bits and pieces, yes.But will I largely be offline to enjoy the holidays? Absolutely.Now, please go ahead and excuse me while I figure out where the last of their gifts are in the mail… and if they’ll be here in time for Christmas.#MomLife #AmWriting #HappyHolidays
I’ve made more progress with my creative writing I’ve made more progress with my creative writing than I have in YEARS. Here are the nine things I’ve been doing… which resonates with you? #MomLife #WritingCommunity #AuthorsOfInsta #Writing
I wrote something deeply, incredibly personal rece I wrote something deeply, incredibly personal recently… and I don’t know if I’ll ever publish it. But as soon as I wrote it down, I stepped away. I needed to take a break. To give it, and myself, room to breathe. Not all of your words need to be published to have meaning. Not all of your words need to be shared. Sometimes, you just need a place to let the words out, let them exist,and then you can step away and move on to the next thing. And all of that is 100% okay.#WritingLife #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #Journal
The number one thing I keep hearing from my fellow The number one thing I keep hearing from my fellow creative writers… they want accountability when it comes to moving forward with their writing goals/plans.I’m the same exact way!Self-imposed deadlines? Eh, they work sometimes, but I often find myself moving the goal post, if I can.Goals/plans I share with an accountability partner? I hit them nearly 100% of the time. When I don’t, it’s usually because my project took an unexpected (but lovely) turn.Earlier this year, I joined a free accountability group run by fellow freelancer Sam Hindman, and it made a world of difference in the tasks I kept putting off.So why not have an accountability group focused on creative writing?!Starting January 8th, that’s exactly what I’m doing.Every Thursday, starting at 10:30 am Central, we’ll get our butts in the chair for one hour and work on our creative writing projects simultaneously.Interested in joining this FREE one-hour accountability group? Say ME below, or shoot me a message. Let’s kick off the year by making progress on our creative writing!#WritingCommunity #MomLife #WritingGoals
Dear algorithm… Let’s connect if any of this Dear algorithm… Let’s connect if any of this applies to you! #MomLife #WritingLife #Creativity
I found my new favorite holiday outfit! 🤣 #Hap I found my new favorite holiday outfit! 🤣#HappyHolidays #WritingInspiration
“Write what you know.” Over the years, I hear “Write what you know.” Over the years, I heard this repeatedly in writing classes/workshops, and I thought I understood it, but I didn’t, not really. Here’s what I learned, and why I vote we change the advice. #WritingAdvice #WritingCoach #WritingLife #Creativity #MomLife #Journaling
When do you set aside time for writing? (Not work- When do you set aside time for writing? (Not work-related, but for a creative project, whether it’s for fun or eventual publication).I bookend my days with my creative writing.After the kids are off to school, I take 15-30 minutes to journal and/or work on my latest WIP. This is almost always on the computer.Once the kids are in bed and after I’ve had time to decompress, I pick up a pen and write for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. This is usually in my journal, but sometimes it’s on a printed version of my WIP.I know this schedule won’t work for everyone, but as someone who works from home, it’s helped me keep my creative writing from falling to the wayside due to other work and life priorities.Plus, I like to believe that my brain keeps working on my WIPs while I sleep, when I work on my writing before I go to bed. 🙂Sometimes I write terribly.Sometimes I can’t think of the right word.But sometimes the words flow, and then it feels a bit like magic.Earlier this year, I made a commitment to myself to prioritize my creative writing the same way I prioritize doctors’ appointments and other ‘non-negotiables.’Have I missed days? Naturally. Life happens.But this structure - this dedication to showing up to the page - has helped me in countless ways, and I’ve made more progress with my creative writing than I have in YEARS.Looking for some accountability with your own creative writing?I have two FREE options for creative writing accountability in the new year. Shoot me a DM and I’ll share the details 😉#WritingCommunity #Creativity #MomLife #AmWriting
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