It’s that time of the year again! The time when kids get super excited about Halloween, and parents wonder how many times their children will change their minds on what to dress up as! 😉
Family Halloween costumes is a tradition in our home, and it’s always a lot of fun…well it is fun once we decide on something everyone likes! Ha! This year we wanted something that was easy, comfortable, and fun! We looked at Rubies Costume Company because their selection is great, we like the quality, and the price point makes this mama happy! Not to mention they are available at Walmart, so thats a WIN! I also don’t get upset if the kids find more than one they just can’t live without – because they have some really affordable options! Dress up can be year round – no reason to keep it to just October – right!?
We also love that they have the latest and greatest costumes, so the kids can dress up as their favorite characters! There are some really awesome characters from movie and shows to choose from, and it’s nice to have all the options available! This year we decided to go as the characters from the new Space Jam 2 movie! I absolutely love how fun and bright they are!
As you can see from the photos above, the costumes are really fun and super easy to move around in! Costumes that the kids can actually run and play in is a huge plus! Kids don’t just sit still or walk up to houses on Halloween…they RUN all the time! They want to play and on real Halloween they have that excited energy going up to each house while they trick-or-treat!
I also like that they are easy to layer. If it gets chilly out (it actually snowed for us today), I can easily put tights and a long sleeve under Sofia’s costume, and black sweatpants and a long sleeve under Gabe’s. It’s still easy to tell what they are and the vibrant colors make it easy for me to see them as they run ahead of me (which they will do)! 😉 For the adults, the costumes are just as comfy and easy to throw on. It’s nice to match but also feel comfortable while I run after my kiddos. Easy to move in is not just a requirement for kids costumes – it’s important for us adults as well! Haha!
As mentioned above, the price point is also a win! The kids costumes (Space Jam LeBron child costume and Space Jam Tune Squad child dress) were only $15, my costume (Space Jam Lola Bunny adult) was under $20, and my husbands costume (Space Jam Goon Squad adult) was under $25. This is the first year we’ve gotten family costumes without spending way more than needed! Kids grow SO fast, don’t they? It’s nice that they can play in these and use them for Halloween, but they don’t break the bank!
If you’re looking for options for the whole fam – look no further! Truthfully, I would get the kids to sit with you and look at costumes online! The selection is SO good! Obviously they have Space Jam 2 (WOOT), but they also have The Adams Family, Avengers, JoJo, Batman, Blaze, Barbie, Blues Clues, and so much more! Something for every age group – making it a one stop shop! Make sure you look at the selection of Rubies costumes at Walmart – it’s so good and you know they’ll have something for everyone! Yup – thats a total #momwin!
The bottom line is this – Halloween should be fun NOT expensive! It should be all about making memories and enjoying these precious moments! Rubies was the right choice for us because it makes for a stress free Halloween that we can enjoy as a family. I love that we can all run around and have fun, and that the these costumes can be used all month long (yes the kids have already worn them a TON) and still look great for Halloween! Quality and the right price – yes please!
What are you going to be for Halloween?
In the world of quarantine, we’re all looking for ways to stay busy and sane. That goes for kids as well! If you are a parent, you’re most likely looking for ways to keep your little ones busy all day so you can get things done. There is still work to be done, but now we’re all teachers, personal chefs, cleaners, and more. It’s a lot!
So, in light of our current situation, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite learning toys! These are learning toys that are fun, creative and don’t involve a screen. I’m not saying there aren’t great apps and other learning tools out there that involve screens. That being said, my kids have zoom calls with their teachers throughout the day, so having other things for them to do besides looking at a screen is important to me.
Keep scrolling for some of my top toy picks for kiddos of various ages. My kids are 4 and 6, and I included toys that they’ve used and loved for the last couple of years (and still use). I’ll be sure to post another toy roundup soon, but hopefully this is a helpful start. Enjoy! xo
This particular toy is interactive and a lot of fun! It’s for 3-8 year olds, though I think kids who are 4 and up may be able to do more independent play with it. It has activity cards instead of a screen, which is a big win in my book! There’s a variety of topics which are covered on the 24 different cards included in this set. Math, ABCs, colors, shapes, spelling, body parts, matching games, telling time, opposites, patterns, animals, climates, and more.
Kids can sit and play on their own, but there’s also a way for kids to compete and answer different questions for a score. Siblings would definitely have a blast with this! I know my kiddos do – which makes it more versatile with different kinds of play.
Given how much I need to get done throughout the day, it’s nice to have some learning games, toys and activities that don’t require me to participate. I’m not saying my kids don’t interrupt me with questions still – because they do! That being said, they do it a lot less when they have something in front of them that holds their interest and is easy to use. This fits the bill and is worth looking into!
When I was in elementary school, everyone in my class was in chess club. I have no idea why, but it was all the rage! 🙂 I’m so glad it was! Learning chess is so good for brain development – and it continues to be good for your brain as an adult. This chess set is absolutely perfect for learning how to play chess. It’s made of wood, is lined with velvet and stores all the pieces inside, it is color coded, has reference cards so you can learn as you play, and more. The design of the board is for learning how to play, and the construction is sturdy, so you’ll get years of family fun out of it! Not to mention that playing chess exercises both sides of the brain, raising intelligence and nurturing intellectual and creative development. You read that right! This is a fun game that makes you smarter! 😉 I’m a big fan of this set and I think you will be too!
MindWare Imagination Magnets are so cool! This set comes with 42 wooden magnetic shapes, a carrying case and 50 colorful puzzle cards. Kids can use the puzzle cards to recreate the different patterns (animals, structures, faces, vehicles, flowers, etc.), or they can use their imaginations to play and create their own! Kids can play on their own or with others (taking turns), as they work to master the different I love how kids can play independently or with others, making this super versatile! We’ve brought our set with us on trips, out to dinner, and to friends houses. The carrying case makes this an easy activity to bring with you for fun that doesn’t involve screen time. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Magnetic 3D building tiles are a big win in our house. We’ve had these for years, and the kids are still obsessed with them. I would categorize this as a timeless toy because kids will get so much use out of them, and they won’t go “out of style.” Kids can get creative and build whatever they are interested in. My daughter is 4 and she loves to build castles for her other toys to live in. My son is 6, and he loves to build rockets, cars, and other structures. The same set provides them with the opportunity to play however they want, making what they like best.
This particular set comes with 108 super durable pieces, in a variety of shapes and colors, and a fun idea booklet to use for inspiration. When I checked the link, it was also 10% off (so hurry to snag the coupon). We put ours in a drawstring bag to easily bring it with us places. It’s also been really wonderful when we host friends who have kids, because it is so much fun for children any age! Hours of fun that will last – it’s a win!
Water Beads are a big hit for a variety of ages. These non-toxic beads are so easy to use, and versatile. Just add water and they’ll grow with time (you’ll see a big transformation over an hour up to 4 hours). I linked our favorite set because it comes with 20,000 beads, 2 scoops, and plastic tweezers – for under $20. They’re fun and educational, so it’s a win win! Kiddos can do sorting and matching, develop fine motor skills, work on hand-eye coordination, and more.
They are a soft texture, come in a rainbow of colors, and can be used in so many different ways. Some examples include, putting them into a kiddie pool with water for outdoor fun, adding them to some smaller plastic containers and adding tiny toys (any you have around the house) so kids can dig to find them, having kids sort them by color as a fun learning activity, placing jars in front of them and doing a counting game, and so much more! So many of my friends love these for indoor and outdoor fun, and I’ve seen kids play with them as toddlers all the way up to age 7 (sensory toys are fun)!
If you’re looking for mess free fun, you should look at the Aqua Doodle Mat. This particular set comes with a bonus coloring book – which adds to the fun! My favorite part is that all you need to do is add water to the “pens” and let the fun begin! They can draw, make shapes, use stencils, and more. The drawings disappear after about 5 minutes, so they can keep making new creations and having fun! It’s a super creative activity – and the lack of mess makes is very helpful when indoors. One other thing to note is how well it is for various ages. I believe Gabe was 4 and Sofia was 2 when we got our Aqua Doodle Mat. It was a big hit for a long time. They played well together, making pictures, playing, laughing, and enjoying the freedom of mess free play. Imagine how nice it must feel as a child to play and draw without being told not to make a mess? Pretty fantastic for kids and parents alike! 🙂
Gears Gears Gears! Building with this Gears Set is fun and kids will learn while they play. These gears are easy to snap together and super fun to spin! This particular set comes with 150 pieces and there are endless ways to put them together. I’m a big fan of STEM learning toys, and this set is at the top of my list. Children are able to sort the pieces, group them, count them, make designs, construct different structures, and put physics into play. Kids have the freedom to play and create moving structures and experiment with simple mechanics. This is another winning toy because it works for so many ages, and is great for playing alone or with others.
Learning can also be helpful – and this Mellissa and Doug Dust, Sweep and Mop set proves just that. I love that they are colorful, made out of wood, are super cute yet realistic, and just the right size for kids. The dustpan is particularly cute because they can actually clean up little messes and be “big kids.”
This set helps build skills and confidence, as well as coordination and fine motor skills. Something we teach in our house is that we’re all part of the family, so we all help keep our home clean and tidy. There are simple jobs that kids can help out with, like sweeping, wiping the table, folding dish towels, clearing the table (things that won’t break), etc. It’s important to me that my kids know that we all help each other, and even if the mess isn’t ours. An example of this is when it’s time to put toys away, the kids are responsible for helping each other. If Sofia was doing a puzzle, and Gabe was playing with Legos, they need to help each other put the toys away (not just clean up what they were using individually).
This set is hands on and kids can be creative, using these tools for various things. I’m a fan – especially now that we’re all home so much. Talk about a perfect time to show the kids how to be helpers while inspiring playtime using their imaginations!
Cooking and baking are great and fun ways to learn. They are not independent activities, but they are fantastic ways to get kids involved, teach them life skills, and even get them to try new things to eat! This children’s chef kit includes tools that are real and great for getting kids involved. You do need to supervise your kids while using these tools, and teach them the right way to use them. It’s not a large set but it is affordable and has tools that are useful. For a more complete set, check out this one – I love it and so do my little ones! There are some cute MasterChef Jr sets available as well, which are fun if you have a child who is very interested in cooking, and so you can add to their collection of kids cooking/baking tools over time.
Please remember that you know your kids best and know what they are ready for. My kids are 4 and 6 and have been helping me cook and bake for years. I started with things like measuring, dumping ingredients into a bowl, mixing things, etc. Now that they are older, they help me chop things like tomatoes, cheese sticks, fruit, etc. They use a kids knife that is not sharp (and not made of metal), and I am there with them to assist (safety is always important).
Gabe is older so he gets to help me by using the apple slicer, which is great because he feels a real sense of accomplishment, and the kids get to eat the apple slices after he’s done with his task. Sofia helps slice bananas, which gives her that same sense of accomplishment but with a more age appropriate fruit (it’s a softer and safer for her). It’s a win! Cooking tools made for kids are a great learning tool and way to get your kids involved in this that need to get done around the house.
The last learning toy I’m including are the 3 in 1 Lego kits. They are a favorite in our house and have been well worth the money! Sofia isn’t interested in these sets yet (4 may be too young for these), however, Gabriel is 6 and has enjoyed building them since he was about 5 1/2 years old. He is good at them and we love the various things he learns from building with them. There are a couple of kits that are for kids around the age of 6, though I think 5 year olds would be fine with the challenge and may just need a little help. There are several kits for children 7+ and we’ve gotten many of them for Gabe. He builds the 7-12 year old kits and absolutely loves the challenge.
For starters, you can make 3 things from one set of Legos. Each set of 3 in 1 Legos comes with enough pieces and booklets to complete 3 builds. That makes it worth the money right there. One of the things I like best is how it has taught our son to not just leave the Lego built and on a shelf, but that he can take it apart and make something new that he will love just as much. His approach is to build his favorite of the 3 builds first, then take it apart to build the other 2, and then take it apart a final time to rebuild his favorite one last time. That ends up being a total of 4 builds instead of 3, all from the same box of Legos. He gets such a huge sense of accomplishment from going through this process, and it’s so fun to watch!
Legos inspire creativity, help with fine motor skills, engineering, cooperative play (when he builds with his sister or friends), problem solving, patience, better focus and concentration, and more. I know that Legos are not a traditional learning toy in the sense that it’s not teaching him math, reading, geography, or another subject that kids get in school. That being said, it teaches a number of other very important things, and it’s something kids really enjoy! Learning can be done in so many ways, and I wanted to include Legos because I’m a true believer in what they can teach children through play!
This post is mostly focused on toys, but I’m a huge fan of reading so I’m including some favorite books just in case you’re looking. There are a ton of Early Readers available for every age and grade level. Gabe used Bob books when he was 4, and we have been using them with Sofia as well. They are fun and work really well! There are also lots of Early Readers available for a variety of reading levels, and some of our favorites include the ones listed HERE.
We also believe in reading social emotional books that help our kids work through emotions and other important things as they grow and change. We’re big fans of the zones of regulation, which makes it much easier for kids to identify and talk about their feelings. For example, you are in the green zone when you are happy, relaxed, and have control of your body and emotions. You are in the yellow zone when you aren’t able to focus, are anxious, or feeling out of sorts. There’s more to it, but that should give you an idea of the zones, and how talking to kids about being in the green versus the yellow zone can make it easier for them to understand and talk about their feelings and emotions. This book about little monsters, is a great intro into teaching kids about their own zones.
One of my favorite books is What Should Danny Do. There’s a couple versions that are worth looking into (including one about a little girl named Darla), but the important thing is that the books talk about the power of choice. Both of my kids are huge fans of these books, and of the cape that Danny wears. He has the super power of Choice and helps kids learn how to make better choices in their everyday lives. It’ll help them become great adults, but it will also help them make better choices as kids, which can mean less arguments at home, better overall behavior, and happier kids!
That’s it for this post! I hope you find the toys, books, and information helpful as we navigate this new homeschool life during this pandemic. The nice thing about these toys and books is that they will continue to be used after this is all over! Stay healthy, safe and sane out there! Be well!
Things are strange, stressful, and full of uncertainty right now. We’re in this together though, which hopefully makes it a little easier. Yes, we’re all cooped up in the house, and if you have kids, you’re most likely trying to juggle home schooling with work, housework, and life in general.
I’m super behind on blog posts that I’ve been wanting to write, I’m taking on less marketing campaigns, and it’s because my focus and work load has shifted to my family. Is that a bad thing? No, I’m happy to do it! That being said, I’m not trained to be a Montessori teacher, so I’m learning how to home school and juggle all of the things I need to get done, while also trying to keep my stress level down. This all feels surreal, but my goal is to keep my family healthy, safe, and happy (aka not scare the crap out of my kids).
I’ve pulled together some things that may help you stay sane as you navigate this Corona Virus era – and everything that it entails. Keep scrolling and please comment with your own ideas so we can support each other with things that are positive and work well!
1. Celebrate! Yes, we’re stuck at home and may miss out on being with those we love for special events. That being said, we can still celebrate! It was my moms birthday in March, and we had to cancel her party. My parents had planned on visiting us for the weekend, I had made us a brunch reservation, planned our at home meals, which cake I was going to make, ordered her gifts, and picked up the decorations. They live about an hour away, which isn’t far, but we aren’t going to see them in person until this is all over. Keeping our space will keep them safe. So…we had a virtual birthday party!
Just because we can’t be in the same house, doesn’t mean we can’t sing her happy birthday and celebrate! We put up a happy birthday sign, sported hats and crowns, I baked a cake and lit candles, and we made sure my mom knew how special she is to us. Don’t stop doing the things you love – like celebrating the important things. Just do it in a safe way – using technology to bridge the gap.
2. Find things that will keep the kids busy without screen time. I’m not saying screen time is bad. What I’m saying is that kids don’t need screen time to keep busy all day. It’s helpful to use screens when other activities just aren’t cutting it and you need to get important things done (like a conference call). My ask is to not rely on screens when other activities may work just as well if not better at keeping their attention.
Legos are a big win in our house. I love them because they keep the kids happy, busy, and they are a learning tool. I always purchase Legos that are for older kids, so it is a challenge. Sofia is 4 years old, and I have been ordering Legos that are 6+ so that she can have fun, challenge herself, follow instructions, and work on her fine motor skills.
Gabe is 6 and he’s been working on Legos for 9-12 years olds. There are some amazing Legos and building kits that allow kids to program the completed figurines to do things like walk, sit, etc. It’s like building and programming a robot. It is fun and educational! You know what level would best fit your kiddo – so I would go with that!
Side note – we still use Duplos! The kids play with them for hours, making large structures, using their imaginations, and (usually) playing well together. The pieces are big, so they can create castles, houses, trucks, and other cool things that their other toys actually fit in. It’s perfect for relaxed and fun playtime, which is a big win! This is the storage bag we use for all of our Duplos. It’s been a huge help keeping them from getting everywhere, and saving my feet from stepping on them! For tiny Legos, this storage system is how we keep them contained (and easy to transport).
3. Play dress up! If you’re anything like me, you have Halloween costumes and other things laying around that will make dress up fun and easy. Kids love to play dress up, and it’s a fantastic activity that requires no additional purchases.
It is a time to be creative! You can play music for a dance party, put on a play, have the kids put on a play for you, have a formal tea party with fake or real food, and more! I’m a big fan of pulling out dress up clothes, Halloween costumes and fun playtime accessories because it’s an easy win and it’s using things we own in a fun way. You can even make masks, crowns and other crafts to use for dress up! Give it a try and have fun!
If you’re interested in Sofia’s princess dress and shoes, I’ve linked them for you. 🙂
4. Get outside! Go for walk and get some fresh air. Should you go to a busy area like a playground or basketball court to play with a bunch or people? No, that’s not a good idea. You should walk in a quiet area, staying at least 6 feet away from people. If there’s nobody around, even better! Keep your distance but definitely get some fresh air.
We’ve been taking the kids for a 1 mile walk through our neighborhood every afternoon. It’s long enough that they get some air, stretch their legs, and enjoy some family outside time. It’s also close to home and in an area without a lot of people, so we can safely walk and keep our distance from others. You can even print out one of these fun scavenger hunt sheets to make your walk even more engaging! Enjoy the outdoors, just be responsible about it.
5. Set up a space to learn. I moved the little table from Sofia’s room downstairs into our family room. She used it in her play kitchen. Now we use it for home schooling in the morning, and play time in the afternoon. It’s a perfect spot to get things done, and having it in the family room allows me to watch them while they are busy. It also means I’m close by to help them. I found a really cool table and chairs set that folds up, if you don’t want your learning space to be in our way.
I got Gabe a felt calendar for his room a couple of years ago. I moved it downstairs by the little table and chairs, so it’s part of the kids “learning space.” We take a few minutes in the morning to talk about the date, weather, and make the appropriate changes. It’s our version of circle time, and they really enjoy it. You can get your own felt calendar HERE or make your own using construction paper and other crafting supplies. There are a lot of fun options available online as well, so check them out!
6. Cook together! It is very common for kids to try new foods when they are involved in the cooking and preparing of the meal. You’re home, so take some time to cook together! If you don’t have a lot of time, prepare snacks together and include some new things. We make “food art” a lot, which basically means making a fun picture on your plate out of food. An example of this is to make a silly face out of food, like cherry tomatoes for the eyes, a banana for the smile, raisons for eyelashes, carrot sticks for eyebrows, etc.
You can also put foods into small bowls and let them make their own food art. Cheerios, dried cranberries, fresh blueberries, shredded carrots, carrot sticks, crackers, seeds/nuts, and other foods are great for making food art. Use a little bit of cream cheese, peanut butter, or other spread on bread so they can stick things on to create a “picture” that they can eat. It’s a fun way to get them involved, and they might even try something new! Take a look HERE for some food art inspiration.
Please note that if you have a younger child who may drop food pieces, think about what you are using. I don’t let my kids make food art with raisons and grapes because we have dogs, and I don’t want them to drop any on the floor where they’ll get eaten up (raisons and grapes are toxic for dogs).
7. Exercise! Do something you love alone or with your family. Yoga, barre classes, ballet, cardio, kickboxing, etc. There are a ton of free classes online, and if you’re looking for a more formal but affordable workout to stream (like gym classes and workout programs), check out Beachbody On Demand. I’m a huge fan of their workouts, and a 1 year membership is SUPER affordable! It will come in handy while you’re home (keeping you healthy and sane), but it’ll also continue to work well once life gets back to normal.
Having access to workouts in the home, while you travel, etc. is a huge win for most adults. There is a free trial so that you can give some classes a try, to see if it’s something you’ll enjoy or not, and to get your tush moving! Click HERE to check it out! I’m a coach, so if you have any questions, please comment on this post and I’ll be sure to reach out and help you out. 🙂
For kiddos, check out Cosmic Kids Yoga, which is free and so cute! Enjoy!
8. Take a break – even if it’s only for 5 minutes. Enjoy those who are around you, snuggle with a pet, give/get a hug from a family member, read a chapter from a book (not related to work or school), meditate for a few minutes, relax in childs pose, or do something you find relaxing.
Yes, this is a stressful time. Yes, there is a TON to get done. No, we’re not used to being home all the time and juggling this many things at once. That is more of a reason to enjoy a short moment in your day. It’ll keep you sane, forcing you to take a deep breath.
If you have any children in the house, it’ll also help them to feel the love as well. This is stressful for them too! Don’t forget about fur babies – snuggle those dogs and cats too. They have no idea whats going on and a little love will go a long way for both of you.
9. Get crafty! This might be more of a weekend thing if you’re working all day, trying to home school, etc. Look for fun crafts that you can do using things from around the house. We made these fun fossils using basic things we had in my pantry and the kids dinosaur toys. You can use this blog post for my recipe and instructions (it’s an alternative to salt dough that is actually much safer).
Other fun crafts are listed HERE – just scroll through to find something you like. There are a ton of other fun and free crafts online that you can print, create using paper, crayons, glue and scissors, and more! Get creative and have fun!
10. Get some sleep! If you’re having trouble getting real rest, you are not alone. Personally, I’m desperate for some alone time. Between the anxiety I feel from this pandemic and the stress of not getting any alone time, my brain is having a hard time shutting off at night. Falling sleep, or even getting real rest, has been a challenge. Try a guided mediation! Now is the time to try new things to help you get some real rest. Look at phone apps or online for free resources. I did a quick search and this is one site that looked helpful and interesting.
If you’re not ready for that, try keeping a pen and pad of paper by your bed and writing down all the things you think may keep you up. That might include your to do list, reminders for work the next day, things for your kids, groceries you need to order, or anything else that is buzzing around in your brain. Jot it down so you can rest better. I have been writing down things before bed for the last 6+ months and it’s a big help! This set is a great option for next to your bed, and you’ll have extras for your desk or wherever you need to stay organized.
That’s it! I hope these tips will help give you some ideas of how to get through this stressful time with a little more ease. I’ll continue to write about things that may help, but if you have your own ideas, please share! We’re in this together, and things that have helped you may help others as well! This is not forever. We will be able to see family and friends, travel, go to restaurants and other places we miss, very soon! Stay safe and healthy! Sending love and light your way! xo
Yesterday was my sweet Sofia’s 4th birthday! She needs to stop growing up so fast! Can I please slow down time??? There are so many things I want to teach my children, but thinking about my baby girl, there are a couple of things that I want her to learn and remember forever. Though I’m listing my top 3 things, know that there are many many more that I want to teach her, and Gabriel, to be fantastic adults and global citizens. Scroll down for some fun photos from her birthday yesterday, and to read my top 3 things that I think every little girl should know. Enjoy! xo
- Girls are brave. Too often girls (truthfully – women of all ages) underestimate themselves when it comes to how brave. I believe every little girl should be taught that they don’t need to be the “princess in distress.” Being brave is important in everyday life – no matter how big or small. My sweet Sofia does think she is a princess, but she also knows that she is very brave when it comes to a variety of things. One example is from our last trip to lake Tahoe. Sofia was 3 at the time and wanted to try a bungee trampoline ride where kids are in a harness and go really high into the air. She watched as older kids did it and asked if she could as well. She is tall and weighed enough to do it, so we said yes. They put her into the harness and started slow to see how she would react. She loved it! She jumped up high, did flips (with the help of the guy who worked there), and asked to go again the next day. I’m so impressed by how brave she was then and is every time she tries something new. Every little girl (and every child) should know they are brave and can do so much more than they think possible. I know that each time she is brave (no matter how small), will help her to be a brave adult someday and accomplish amazing things!
- Girls are strong. It is very important to me that Sofia knows that she is strong and can stand up for herself. Sometimes she gets upset about things her brother does and cries. We make it point to tell her to be strong, use her words, and stand up for herself (we tell Gabe to do the same thing). I want her to grow up knowing that she is a strong girl (and eventually a strong woman) who can and should stand up for herself. We also talk to her about strength in other ways. That she is strong enough to do things on her own and not depend on us to always do things for her. She is little, but she is very capable. She is strong enough to carry certain things on her own, to help move things around, etc. Strength can be shown in many ways, and it is not just boys who are strong. Every little girl should know she is strong inside and out!
- Girls are smart! Again – Sofia thinks she is a princess. She loves all things pink and sparkly. She loves dresses and unicorns. All of those things are fine by me, as long as she also remembers that princesses (and girls in general) are smart too! She absolutely loves books, coloring, legos, science experiments and crafts. I’ve made it a point to find activity books with unicorns and princesses that practice writing and numbers. She loves them! She is a smart girl who likes what she likes – so we’re connecting it all to keep the learning fun! Does she want to be a beautiful princess? Yes! But she also wants to be smart and grow and learn. She wants to make a volcano in the kitchen, make dinosaur fossils out of homemade clay-dough, and learn how to build huge towers with her brother. She wants to jump in puddles, ask lots of questions about how things are made, and wants to try new things each day. She knows that she needs to go to school to learn, and she loves it. She knows she is smart – which makes me very happy! Fostering her love for learning and reminding her how smart she is is key. I want her to know she is smart from now, and help her to grow and learn and continue to have that love for learning into adulthood.
I often get asked about our family photos. You may have read posts in the past where I’ve shared tips on taking family photos, and who our photographer is. Because we’ve known our photographer for so long, she has become a very close friend of our family. She is our kids auntie Beth! She’s a family friend who has stayed with us at my parents, cooked with us, and shared many fun memories. It’s not everyday you meet someone like Beth – and we feel pretty darn lucky to have her in our life.
Family photo’s are so special and really are something to be treasured. If you are looking for someone talented at capturing special moments – Dekker Photography is who you should call. When you reach out to Dekker Photography, you’ll reach Beth, who is an expert when it comes to capturing your vision on her camera.
Beth is the owner of Dekker Photography and used to be based out of the Bay Area. That happens to be how we met – when I took boudoir photos. I’m not including any of those in this post, but she is super talented and you should look into booking a session! We’ve had Beth taking our family photos from when I was pregnant with Gabe, through my pregnancy with Sofia, all the way through this past Christmas. She’s done such a beautiful job documenting our special moments, and we love her so much! She’s not in California full time anymore, but she does still take Bay Area photos, and is now located a portion of the year in beautiful Sayulita, Mexico. I have been wanting to visit her in Mexico for the last couple of years – and it will happen SOON! 🙂
I’ve included a bunch of my favorite photos that Beth has taken for our family over the last few years. To see more of her gorgeous work, click HERE for USA – and HERE for Mexico. The thought of beach photos in Sayulita is at the top of my list right now. She knows the most amazing places to take photos! Think colorful doors, gorgeous beaches, festivals, beautiful lights, and more! I’m so mad that we haven’t had a family session there yet – not to mention she knows everyone in town and can definitely give you some tips on where to eat/visit/hang out!
Even if you aren’t sure where you want to take your next vacation, you need to take a look at her photos in Sayulita! What a stunning place! The colors and images are so striking and beautiful – and everyone truly looks so happy!
One last thing to note – Beth does the full range of photos. She does boudoirs, weddings, pregnancy, newborn, family photos, holiday photos and more. We’ve pretty much worked with Beth to take all of these types of photos, and all of them are so special to us. Some stay on our walls all year round. Others get switched out depending on the holiday.
She makes these amazing memory boxes that you fill with your matted images – making it easy to put them on display throughout the year. Recently, Beth took photos of our family and I had mentioned wanting a couple of our dog Bailey. Bailey is 14 years old and has a heart condition. Beth took some beautiful photos of Bailey in the backyard that make her look so puppy like and happy. They are photos that I will treasure forever. I hope you are able to work with a photographer that connects with your family the way Beth does – or better yet – give her a call! 😉
Remember, even though taking photos with kiddos can be a lot of work, it ends up being so special for years to come. In fact, Dan used to complain about taking family photos, and now is so happy we do them every year! We look back at our kids and how much they have grown, and it’s so wonderful that we took that little bit of time to document. #truestory
I’ve included a variety of photos that Beth has taken of our family, but if you want to see more of her work, find her contact info, get some inspiration, or book a session – click HERE for USA – and HERE for Mexico! It’s that time of the year when people are planning family vacations, trips with loved ones, reunions, weddings, and more. It’s worth knowing working with someone you know and trust. I hope you find this helpful and I can’t wait to see your memories on Instagram soon! xo
10 years ago today, I had my first date with this stud muffin. He walked me to my car after dinner and we had our first kiss. I drove away and immediately called one my best friends to tell her all about the butterflies in my stomach. It was wonderful! 9 years ago today, we went to dinner and he asked for my hand in marriage. It was a year to the day of our first date, at the same place as our first date, and it was perfect. My heart skipped a beat and I said YES! 8 years ago today, I married my best friend and love of my life.
The last decade has gone by so fast and contains the biggest and most special moments in my life. Meeting Dan, getting engaged, married, having our two beautiful babies, and growing more in love by the day with a man that still makes me laugh and feel special. I feel so lucky, loved and blessed.
Because it’s our 8 year wedding anniversary, I thought it would be fun to share my top 5 tips for wedding planning. There are A LOT more things to share – but this is my short list. I hope you find them helpful, and that your own special day is magical! xo
- Make a spreadsheet with all your expenses (even the small ones) so you don’t lose track and end up way off budget. Use tabs to organize your expenses (reception, ceremony, etc), and add a tab with all of your vender information so it’s in one place (flowers, photographer, DJ/band, videographer, etc.). I got a lot of small things off of Etsy and it was really helpful to keep track of what I purchased, how much those little items were, if they arrived, etc. It also helped me to know if I was missing something that we needed – it was like a checklist as well.
- Find a florist that will help you pick local/in season flowers that will also give you the look that you want. You’ll save a lot of money that way. Also, ask to have the bridal bouquets used as part of the centerpieces. My bouquet was used at our sweetheart table as a centerpiece. My bridesmaids bouquets were also used as part of the centerpieces at the dinner tables. The water kept them fresh, they added to the overall decor, and saved us some $ in the end. The girls still got to keep their bouquets, but it was nice that they didn’t have to find a place to keep them all night long. Big win!
- If you plan to serve alcohol at the wedding, decide what you want the party to be like. We paid for wine, beer and champagne without hesitation. We had a cash bar available for those who wanted to pay for their own hard liquor. The reason we decided not to do an open bar, was to keep the party going longer. We’ve been to a lot of weddings where it gets shut down early because people had way too much to drink. It’s easy for the party to get out of hand when it’s a cash bar. People still had plenty of wine/beer/bubbles to have a great time – but having to pay for their own shots and mixed drinks meant lots more dancing and less people getting sloppy. It was a big win and we’re both so happy we went that route.
- Look for a venue that provides tables, chairs, linens, etc. They may not provide everything (which is normal), but if they do have a couple of things that are included, it will save you a lot in the long run. If they only provide the venue, you’ll have to rent tables, chairs, place settings, linens, etc. It adds up FAST! Don’t be afraid to ask what is included in the cost and negotiate so they include some of those items. Our venue included tables, they had table settings on site for a fee (smaller than if we had to rent them), and we had to rent linens. We worked on the cost with the venue and came up with a deal we were all happy with. Asking never hurts – see what they can lump into the total cost to bring it down! 🙂
- Bigger isn’t always better. That goes for the centerpieces (flowers that are too tall make it hard to see people across from you), the guest list (think about who you want and make a spreadsheet prioritizing guests. Friends of yours are most likely higher on the list than some random friends of your parents), first dance (make it sweet and not over complicated so you aren’t stressing trying to remember all the steps), etc. In the end, it’s about sharing this big day with friends and family – not about showing how big or complicated things are. Enjoy each moment – it goes fast!
I’ve finally done it! I promised to write a post on getting longer lashes – and this is it! Not sure why this one took so long…ok I do know…life happens. I’ve been so busy with the kiddos and I really wanted this post to be good, so it took a backseat until I had enough time to write it in peace. 🙂 Let’s dive in.
I get asked about my lashes daily. On my blog, on Instagram, and on the street by total strangers. That is why I want to share my thoughts on lash extensions, top lash serums and do a comparison of the 3 serums I get asked about most. This post will do a breakdown of the price, time to see results, what your expectations should be, what I’ve personally tried, and what I use today. I hope this is helpful and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Scroll on and I hope you find some helpful lash answers below! xo
Longer lashes have always been a goal for me. In my teens and 20’s I was an eyeliner girl all the way – everyday. It was like lipgloss to me – necessary before walking out the door. In my later 20’s I started to get lash extensions. It was fun, they looked gorgeous, but they were $$$ and took about 60 minutes out of my day to get (more if you include travel time and parking). As a mom of young kids, I barely have time to shower let alone go get lash extensions. I also didn’t like how they thinned out towards the end of the month, so there was always a lot of upkeep. I understand the appeal, but I also think there are better options out there.
Fast forward to my 30’s – the discovery of eyelash serums! As mentioned above, I wanted longer lashes. They make me feel more put together, more awake looking, youthful, and I just feel better overall about my appearance. It’s amazing how something like lashes can give you a boost of self confidence! I found eyelash serums to be much more appealing because of the long term effects, less upkeep, and ability to have my OWN long lashes vs. falsies or extensions.
I’m going to do a breakdown of the following serums so you can decide what the best fit is for yourself:
1) Latisse
2) Monat – Eye Wonder
3) Rodan and Fields – Lash Boost
Latisse
Latisse was the very first eyelash serum I tried. I had to wait until I was no longer pregnant, then I had to meet with a special esthetician who was able to sell it to me, and then I had to cough up a lot of $$ for the actual serum. I gave it a try and had mixed results. The thing is, everyone reacts differently to different things.
Personally, Latisse gave me longer lashes, but they weren’t full and healthy looking. They looked sort of irregular and I didn’t like that. I read about other women who had a similar kind of growth with their lashes. Length yes – thickness no. They were sort of scraggly looking, but they also cost a lot. Latisse is around $140 per month (some places charge more or less – and many have deals for your first month. You are supposed to apply it once daily, to the top lashes only, for 16 weeks to see full results.
One other thing is that I got a dark mark on my eyelid where I was putting the serum. I didn’t like the side effect, I wasn’t getting what I wanted from Latisse, and even if I did, the expense was a lot each month. Scroll down to see an image from the Latisse website. You can see what I mean about them looking a bit irregular but definitely longer. Click on the image to see more on the Latisse website.
In any case, I stopped using the product and my search continued for the right eyelash serum.
Monat - Eye Wonder
Monat specializes in hair products, so it is no surprise that they came out with Eye Wonder. I have not personally used Eye Wonder, but I do have friends who have (who shared their experience with me), and I’ve done research on it as well. This is what I can share with you about Eye Wonder.
The cost is much more budget friendly than Latisse. At $59 it is no wonder people are excited to give this a try! It also works! The friends I spoke with, along with the reviews I’ve read, and research I have done – all support the fact that it does work. However, Eye Wonder is going to give you better and healthier lashes, but they will not have that dramatic effect that some are looking for. They give more of a natural look.
If you struggle to grow lashes and you want more growth but don’t want them to look too long – this may be a good option for you. You apply Eye Wonder 2 times a day (morning and night) to a freshly washed face, letting it dry for 15 minutes before applying any lotion or makeup. You can also use it on your eyebrows, which is great! Though it is only $59 per month, you may need to purchase it more frequently given it needs to be applied 2 times a day.
Again, I have not used this one personally, but have heard great things about it for those looking for longer but still natural looking lashes. I’ve also spoken with 2 gals who used both Eye Wonder and Lash Boost (keep scrolling for that review below) and they did see a difference in how they worked. Both work, but they are not equals in terms of length – Lash Boost (see review below) does have a more dramatic effect.
The image below is a real before and after of someone who used Monat for 8 weeks and now has much better lashes. You can click the image to read her review about Monat products (Eye Wonder and more).
Rodan and Fields - Lash Boost
Lastly, I’m going to tell you about Lash Boost by Rodan and Fields. I am currently using this eyelash serum and LOVE it! I have been using it for a good long time now, and am obsessed. I’ve posted several images of my lashes in this post (and on social media in general). I have reacted very well to this particular eyelash serum, and it has given me very long, healthy, full lashes.
To use Lash Boost, you apply it to the top eyelid (as if applying eyeliner) to each eye. Less is more – you don’t need a lot of product to see results. I personally wash my face each night, apply my lotion, and do Lash Boost last. I keep it by my face lotion and it is part of my nightly routine.
It retails for $155 – though you can get it at a discount which I can tell you more about – so reach out to me for more info! It also lasts 3 moths, which means it comes out to about $51 per month (less with the discount). That is very cost effective and a big win!
I will say that Lash Boost works – and it works beautifully! The image below shows my lashes with only mascara on. Throwing on mascara in the morning – and having these lashes, makes me look and feel way more put together…without the extra effort! I get asked if I have lash extensions all the time – and I get to tell people the truth – that these are MY REAL lashes!
If you keep scrolling down you’ll see a photo I took on Mother’s Day with Sofia at brunch. I had eyeliner on since I wanted to dress up a bit more. These two images should give you a good idea of what it looks like with only mascara (which is my more daily look) vs. with eyeliner.
No more eyelash extensions, falsies, or extra expense for me! I’m a huge fan of Lash Boost, how easy it is to use, and the results it has given me. I also like that the serum lasts 3 months, making it a lot less $$$ than many alternatives out there.
For more on Lash Boost – look at the images below and READ THIS for more details. You can also reach out to me directly to learn more about Lash Boost and how to get it for yourself at the discounted price! I hope this was helpful and please don’t hesitate to write me (comment on this post or DM me on IG) with any questions!
Sleep deprivation…one of the many things parents have in common. New parents are basically like zombies, muddling their way through life with ta new bundle that is super cute but needs a lot of attention. Toddler parents still have zombie moments – so don’t be fooled – even if you have a great sleeper! My pumpkins have been fantastic sleepers from early on. Not bragging – juts saying that this sleep deprivation thing still applies to me – even with good sleepers (no bueno).
There are the normal things that come up, like sleepless nights because of bad dreams, a wet bed, or a sick kiddo. Yes, our little ones have those moments and they are unpredictable. But what about those early risers? That is a whole other thing! I have one child who will sleep until 7am without an issue, and one child who is up at sunrise (or before), ready to take on the day! If you’re in a similar boat with an early riser (or child who won’t stay in their own bed) – keep on scrolling!
Meet my friend – the Hatch Baby Rest. First off – this is NOT at all sponsored. In fact – I purchased the 2 we have in our house on my own because another mom told me about it. This is a share from parent to parent – because I know how tough it can be when littles won’t stay in their room or bed – and wake you up well before it’s time! So, let’s dive in! The Hatch Baby Rest is amazing! It’s a nightlight, sound machine, and sleep trainer all in one! It has several sounds, several colors, and you can create a schedule that meets your families needs including nap, bedtime, bath time and wakeup time. My kids don’t nap anymore, so our schedule is music during story time, water sounds for sleep time, and birds chirping at wakeup time (7am).
There’s an app for your phone which is how you can schedule and control everything. It’s been amazing for changes in schedule, like daylight savings, because I was able to easily adjust the times. The Hatch Baby Rest team even sent out an email with advice on how to set it for daylight savings – which was super helpful! It’s also great because there is a child lock that you can set through the app. If you have kids who like to touch everything (like mine) – then a child lock is huge! They can touch the Hatch but they won’t be able to mess up the settings. Huge win!
As you can see from the images above, there are lots of custom settings, but the app makes it easy. My sons favorite colors are green and blue – so I have set his Hatch to use those colors for bed time and wakeup time. Sofia loves pink and purple, so I’ve set her Hatch to use those colors.
As for sounds, you can see some of the options in the middle image, which you can select for your various needs. You can test them out and then decide what is right for your kiddo(s). Gabe and Sofia are old enough that they were able to help pick out their own sounds. It was really cute and made it more personal – which helps the whole process.
Lastly, you can set the noise level. I love this because my kids are very different and one wants their noise machine louder, the other wants it softer. If it seems too loud or too quiet after your child goes to sleep, you can adjust the level from the app without going into their room. You just need to be close enough for it to connect (near their door). Another win to not have to go into their room and risk waking them up!
Lastly, you can pick a coverlet that matches your decor. They come in sets of 3, so you can make them feel like a true part of your home. We didn’t get a coverlet for ours (yet), but I do think they are super cute and am thinking about the moon walk set for our kids. Gabe would love the rocket ships and Sofia would love the stars. They are in the same pack so it’s a win! The Alpaca Adventures set and Into the Woods set are both really cute as well!
Now lets talk about how it works. I had my kids help pick the settings for their new Hatch. If you have a child too young for this, you know what they like and can pick for them. 🙂 We talked about what the birds chirping meant, and then we talked about what would happen if they did stay in bed until the birds chirped on their Hatch. We used this as an opportunity to celebrate our kids victories. We use a marble jar to reward our kids for good actions, like staying in bed until 7am (birds chirping). They get a marble in the jar for good things that they do throughout the day (not everything, but it’s a great tool). Once the jar is filled up to the top, they trade in the jar for something special, and then we start over. It works well in our house, and I highly recommend it for kids who need a little bit of instant gratification.
In any case, we used the marble jar to help us with our new Hatch routine. It took a couple of weeks to really get good at it for Gabe. He is my early riser, and it is really hard for him to stay in bed. For Sofia, she stays in bed no problem. We celebrated both kids when they stayed in bed until 7am, making it fun and really positive! When Gabe was still getting used to it, we would have him go potty (always good if kids wake up early), and then we brought him back to his bedroom. If it was too early, we would tuck him into bed and talk through the routine one more time. If it was close to wakeup time, he had the option of playing quietly in his room with the light on (as long as he stayed in his room and didn’t wake up his sister). Though it took a little time, he got used to it and now our kids are great about staying in their beds until 7am! It’s rare when they get up before that, and it’s usually because of something normal, like having to potty or not feeling well (stuffy nose, etc).
Click HERE to check out the Hatch and to get your own. It’s a little pricy compared to others that we’ve tried, but honestly, we tried several others that didn’t work and spent all that money on them for nothing! Had I gotten this one first, I would have saved a bundle of $$$, had less random kid alarms in my house (that don’t work), saved all that effort, and I would have gotten more sleep a long time ago!
I need sleep – I just do! I’m not a happy person when I don’t get enough rest – so this was worth every penny! And when you think of it as an alarm clock, sleep trainer, noise machine and night light (with an app) – it really does make sense why it costs more than your run of the mill alarm. Now if only it had a baby monitor in it – man would that be great! Haha! Enjoy, I hope this was helpful, and that getting more rest is on your horizon (or that of someone you know)! xo
Yesterday was a very special day – it marked the 10 year anniversary of Daniel and I meeting. Not our first date, mind you, but the first time we actually met. It’s funny how much has happened since then! We went on our first date not long after meeting, got engaged a year to the day of our first date, and got married a year to the day from our engagement day. It was a whirlwind and filled with so many special memories! 10 years later, and 2 kiddos later, I’m celebrating with my best friend and true love.
I’m honor of this milestone, I’m sharing 5 Anniversary Ideas for Couples! Keep scrolling for ideas and some fun photos. If you have other fun or sweet anniversary ideas to share – please add them into the comments! Sharing is caring! Have a lovely week my friends! xo
1. Revisit the place where you had your first date. First dates tend to be more casual, but after years together, that spot is also very special. Take the time to head back to your first date spot and enjoy the memories. For us, it was a little restaurant in Palo Alto, CA. We had fish tacos and margaritas, laughed a lot, and talked about some of our favorite things as we got to know each other better. We haven’t been back in years, but it would be such a treat to go back together!
2. Go on a mini road trip. We used to love hopping in the car and hitting the road for some alone time! It’s a little harder to do now that we have the kids and dogs, but we still make time for mini road trips when my folks can watch our critters. 🙂 Look for local attractions and fond something new as a way to celebrate your anniversary! Remember, new doesn’t mean newly opened, but new to you – making is extra special! The mini road trip can also be a day trip and doesn’t need to be a big expensive overnight. Take advantage of what is around you and enjoy!
3. Picnic at the Park. This is a very fun thing to do in the late Spring, Summer and early Fall. Look for a park with a large garden, pack favorite foods, some wine, a big blanket, and enjoy the relaxing pace of a picnic. It’s funny how easy a picnic can come together, but how so many of us don’t actually go on them. It’s a great way to celebrate an anniversary, especially if you want to keep it low key and not too expensive!
4. Take a class together. There are so many fun things to do for couples, like making cheese, learning how to roll sushi, wine tasting classes, cooking classes, painting classes, and more! Think about what the two of you would enjoy doing together that is new and fits in with your interests. A class is a really fun way to spend an anniversary and make new memories! We took a sushi making class for one of our anniversaries (our 1 year wedding anniversary) and we still talk about how much fun it was!
5. Go to a comedy show. Smiling is a wonderful way to celebrate an anniversary! We happen to love comedy shows and watch them on TV now that we have kiddos and can’t make it to live shows as often. That being said, finding a new comic, or even someone you both already like, and heading to a live show is such a treat! Truthfully, seeing any show live (a play, the ballet, etc.) is special and a lovely way to celebrate! Dedicated time together at a show, while having a blast laughing and relaxing – that is a win!
I hope you enjoy this short list of ideas for your own anniversary or other special day! Yes, dinner is always an option, but keep an open mind and look at what the two of you enjoy most! There are a million ways to celebrate, so make it your own. xo
This is a very special post that I’m excited to share with you today. I recently learned about an amazing organization called Books That Heal – and they do incredible work! Before I dive into what they do, I want to stress how much my family loves to read. We keep screen time to a minimum for our kiddos, which means looking for other activities and things to do throughout the week. Sofia and Gabe both love books, which is such a gift! Snuggling up to read is one of our favorite activities.
Kids learn a lot through reading, so picking books that have positive messages is key. Books That Heal are unique for many reasons (which I’ll get into below), but they also have a positive message and lots of pictures that capture the attention of the whole family. You can see me reading one of the books to my sweet Gabe in a short video clip below.
Now let me tell you a bit more about Books That Heal. They are a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded by a man by the name of Michael Flatley. They work with pediatric patients battling with chronic illnesses to write and illustrate their own books. Sounds pretty amazing huh? It gets better! Once the books are published, they host book signing events to celebrate each child’s story and to help raise funds for the family or their foundation. Could they honestly be more amazing?
We have 3 of their books and my kiddos love them! They want to understand more about the children in the stories, which is a great thing to discuss. We’ve been able to talk about how strong and brave they are, and why. A lot of the illustrations in the books are by the children in the stories, which my kids love! The colors, positive message, and amazing reason this books are being created is something worth sharing with others if you ask me!
You can see Gabe and Sofia in several images throughout this post, paging through the books on their own. We have Nathan Strong, Just for You, and Hurrikanen Fights Back, and love them all! Because we’ve already read them all, they know the stories and pretend to read them to each other. It’s really beautiful to watch them talk about each book in their own way. They talk about who the hero of the story is, pointing out little things that are meaningful or stuck out to them personally. Gabe is 5 and Sofia is 3, so it’s always interesting to see things through their eyes.
They currently have 6 books to choose from, which you can view and purchase HERE. Take a look at the amazing titles and what the messages are. Know that if you purchase a book, the proceeds are really going to helping these incredible, strong, brave families.
You can also learn more about Books That Heal by clicking HERE. My personal favorite part of their website is the authors section. You can see who actually wrote and illustrated these special books – which is truly inspiring! My kids love knowing that the books were created by kids and their families, and it has inspired them to write their own stories. Whatever the takeaway, know that these books would make a beautiful gift or addition to any home library.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me via my Instagram, you can click HERE to reach out to Books That Heal, or you can comment on my post and I’ll do my best to answer your questions about our personal experience reading the books to our little ones. I truly love the Books That Heal mission and am inspired by what they are doing. I hope you check them out, add to your personal library, and share with others! Enjoy! xo
