About

Mariel Wangsgard

“Or so she says…” came to be back in January 2009. Basically, I wanted to start a blog that would celebrate family and motherhood.   With every post, it is my goal to make you think “Hey, now that’s a darn good idea.” Just like that. With the help of this blog, my hope is that you can find new traditions, ways to spruce up your marriage, enrich family life, get some yummy grub on the table, and more! I love getting to know you, and focusing on what YOU need ideas for. I have come to “know” lots of you through Facebook, Instagram, and your comments …it’s so fun! Thanks for reading and for all of your encouragement! ~ Mariel

I’m Mariel. (Pronounced mahr-eeee-elle) My papa was a rolling stone…he couldn’t keep his feet planted anywhere longer than four years. So, I was uprooted a number of times growing up. You can still find a piece of my heart in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and New York…and now in Utah. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s made me who I am today, a crazy person. I first fell in love with my husband (Dan) because of his facial hair, then his tricep muscles, and finally because he’s so dang sweet to me. We got married 15 years ago and have six ridiculously cute kids. (So, let’s see…living in Utah…6 little kids…yep, I’m a Mormon.) Together, we run a finish carpentry business, Wangsgard Construction, Inc. (Follow me on Instagram, where I share snippets of our live and his finish carpentry! #wangsgardconstruction) He does all the work and I offer moral support….it’s a really important job…he’ll vouch for that!

So, I got a degree from Weber State University in Technical Sales. It’s been really helpful at helping me negotiate with my kids (Cheerios vs. Cookie Crisp), market myself to my husband (he STILL loves me, even though I wear lounge pants and no makeup, almost always!), and sell myself to people like you (somehow I’ve made LOTS of you think I know what I’m talking about…when I may…or may not.) When I’m not blogging, you can find me homeschooling, folding laundry, sweeping floors, unclogging toilets, and complaining of a tension headache. During those precious free moments, you might find me cooking, relaxing with my little rascals, golfing, working out, gardening, playing tennis, traveling, reading, writing, and cuddling with the man. P.S. I don’t really have red hair. It changes colors regularly…also, it’s not really straight either. It’s super curly! I can’t have people recognizing me on the streets, it would be madness. Okay, not. I just like to switch things up…and, I know you were dying to find out about my hair.

*’Or so she says…’ participates in sponsored posts that fit with the general interests of my audience. All opinions are mine. Some posts are written by sponsors, but will be adjusted, as I see fit, to suit my style and thoughts. I may be by compensated in goods, services, or money. I am also an affiliate of Amazon.com.