About Me

Thao was the former Managing Editor of Cubby, our resource for families at home. She's a writer and editor based out of Columbus, Ohio, where she chases her kindergartener around while embracing the messy joy of parenthood. Her debut novel, Banyan Moon, comes out in 2023 from Mariner | HarperCollins.


Latest Stories

Our Top 16 Picks for a Fun (Yet Simple!) Easter Basket
Because, really, what is the Easter basket without a chocolate bunny?
Mar 12, 2024
3 Fun and Fresh Thanksgiving Coloring Pages to Print Now
Just three super delightful Thanksgiving pages to keep the kids busy while you cook.
Nov 15, 2023
Before & After: This DIY Playhouse Gets the Most Incredible “Vampirina” Makeover for Halloween
Get ready for a playfully spooky purple makeover.
Oct 11, 2023
The Extremely Fun Gift That’s Especially Perfect for Siblings
They'll be occupied for hours — argument-free!
Nov 3, 2022
The $25 Art Gift That Keeps My Kid Creating for Hours
Calling all mini-authors, artists, and imagineers! This is the gift that won't fail to delight creative littles of almost every age.
Nov 3, 2022
Cubby’s Epic Gift Guide for Kids of All Ages
Parents: this is THE most epic gift guide you will need this year.
Oct 27, 2022
The Best Baby Gift I Received — I Send It to All My Pregnant Friends Now!
It's the gift that keeps on giving.
Jun 14, 2022
Before & After: This Beige Dining Room Got Completely Transformed with a Painted Ceiling
The designer-homeowner used a pop of color in an unexpected place.
Mar 30, 2022
The $30 Instagram-Popular Book Storage Solution That’s Perfect for Small Spaces
It held way more books than I thought it would.
Mar 12, 2022
A Valentine’s Day Coloring Card for Kids
In time for Valentine's Day, we have a coloring page for the littles that also folds up into a sweet card for their loved ones.
Jan 30, 2022
The Snow Day Hack I Keep in My Back Pocket
Minutes of set-up equals hours of fun (and learning)!
Jan 25, 2022
A Simple, Zero-lift Trick to Get Kids Talking After School
These two words will open up the conversation almost every time.
Jan 19, 2022

Latest Stories

My Friends and I Rely on This Brand’s Baby Products — Which Are Now 20% Off!
These 8 items are the true must-haves for any baby or toddler parent!
Jan 12, 2022
Here’s My Honest Review of This Family-Friendly Meal Kit Service
And how it transformed our dinners into something surprisingly simple.
Jan 10, 2022
My Grandma’s Movie Night Tradition Involves Two Out-of-the-Box Treats That I Make for My Family Today
And both treats are ridiculously easy and involve only a tiny handful of ingredients.
Jan 1, 2022
These Italian Almond Cookies Are the Perfect Post-Dinner Treat
They're chewy, rich, and packed with almond flavor.
Dec 29, 2021
PB&J Pancakes Are Just as Tasty as They Sound
Familiar kid-friendly flavors, with a twist.
Dec 18, 2021
A Furniture Flipper’s Home Is Full of Incredible Budget Furniture Facelifts
"Furnishing our home with unique Facebook Marketplace finds and old pieces my family was getting rid of has become one of my biggest passions," explains Leslie Jarrett. "There is something special about bringing pieces that were on their way to the landfill back to life!"
Dec 5, 2021
Two Things These Realtors Say You Should Never Do in a Kids Room
These two mistakes can make or break a home sale.
Nov 29, 2021
The One Gift I Wished I Had Gotten as a Brand-New Parent
It makes the mornings SO much better — and gives that much-needed jolt of energy for parenting a newborn.
Nov 18, 2021
The Adorable Stocking Stuffer That’s Also a Medicine Cabinet Essential
It helps with ouchies and looks adorable in a stocking.
Nov 14, 2021
I Found the Very Best Gift for Hard-to-Shop-for Grandparents — and It’s Up to 50% Off Right Now!
It takes ten minutes (or less!) to create this meaningful gift that brings the hugest smiles to their faces.
Nov 1, 2021
This Space-Themed Kids Bedroom Has an Affordable Rug Hack You Can Totally Steal
And there's a starry-themed reading nook too! See how this family brought their kiddo's intergalactic dreams to life in his fun room.
Oct 19, 2021

Latest Stories

Before & After: This Nursery Went from Cluttered Storage Area to Palm Springs Glam
Muted pink and gold play with natural elements to create this glamorous and oh-so-inspiring little space.
Oct 9, 2021
A Kids Bathroom Gets a Sleek Makeover Inspired by … Locker Rooms?!
The floor-to-ceiling storage, locker-room-style bench, and emerald green accents seriously can't be missed.
Oct 3, 2021
This Is the Comfiest, Most-Loved Sofa in My Entire Home — and All Our Guests Would Agree
I could talk your ear off about this sofa all day.
Sep 30, 2021
Our Favorite Source for Kids’ Art Just Launched New Disney and Pixar Collections
Affordable, stylish art and home design picks for kids.
Sep 24, 2021
This Modern Gothic Nursery Has an Unexpected Two-Tone Ceiling
It's the perfect mix of timeless and unexpected.
Sep 19, 2021
The $5 Frozen Grocery Item I Buy Every Week for Quick Family Dinners
These are cheesy, warm, and rich — perfect for a simple fall dinner. (Bonus: even the kids love them!)
Sep 18, 2021
This Playroom Is So Chic, Audrey Hepburn Could Have Designed It Herself
This chic playroom radiates glamor and sweetness.
Sep 4, 2021
I Tried Ina Garten’s Famous Mac and Cheese and It Has One Genius, Surprise Ingredient
I will never need another mac and cheese recipe again.
Sep 4, 2021
All the Best Labor Day Sales for Families
Must-have furniture, baby gear, toys, and so much more — at steep discounts.
Sep 1, 2021
Back to School Coloring Page
Print out our latest Cubby coloring page for the littles and get them excited about going back to school.
Aug 18, 2021
This New Target Collection Is Brilliant! Here Are Our 10 Favorite Items.
Illustrator Christian Robinson designed every single product I could possibly want in a kid's room.
Aug 16, 2021
This Family’s Beach Bungalow Is a Real-Life Rainbow Dream with Tons of DIY Solutions
Name: Ashley Wilson; Preston; 6-year-old son, Don; and two dogs, Derek and LucyLocation: Hollywood, FloridaSize: 890-square-feetWe’re in the midst of a beautiful, blazing summer, and no home screams summer more joyfully than Ashley Wilson’s two-bedroom Pink Palm Hideaway on the Florida coast.
Jul 21, 2021