A Wild (But Gator-Free) Day at Myakka River State Park

You know those adventures where you go in expecting one thing and you end up getting something totally different—but somehow, it’s still completely magical? Better than you could've expected, even...



That was our day at Myakka River State Park.

We packed our water bottles, binoculars, and brave faces, fully expecting to see at least one lazy alligator basking in the sun. I mean, it is Florida and we see them almost daily, even in our neighborhood ponds. The whole state is basically a reptile resort, right?

But here's a real plot twist: not a single gator graced us with its scaly presence. We walked the water's edge, looked over bridges and even peered of the end of a pier... and no gators were spotted!

They must have all been off together, plotting— I like to think they were attending a secret swamp meeting. They may have been sitting below the water's edge, lurking in mass quantities. Either way, zero gator sightings.

But before you feel too bad for us, don’t! Because what we did see was a whole cast of nature’s underrated all-stars.

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The Wildlife Cameos We Weren’t Expecting:

🦌 Deer, casually strolling through the trees like they were on their afternoon coffee break. One even stopped and looked at us like, “You guys lost or something?” He ran off into the woods, the opposite direction of his mother, so we sat there waiting for mom to pass us as well. She took off running after a moment... and we were left with an amazing little moment, none of us will forget.

🦋 Butterflies, fluttering around like they were auditioning for a Disney movie montage. We saw a variety of butterflies, but loved getting to watch them flutter about with their dragonfly counterparts.

🐦 Birds, chirping, swooping, and generally acting mysterious up in the trees. We heard all kinds of calls and saw lots of pretty varieties...

The Trails, the Bridge, and the Tower (aka: Quad Day)

We took on the trails with energy and ambition—and maybe a few dramatic sighs in the heat—but the real highlights were high in the sky.

The canopy bridge gave us serious jungle explorer vibes, and it does bounce a little when you walk across it, which makes it just the right amount of thrilling. It’s like Florida’s version of an adventure ride, but with better scenery and no admission fee.

From there, we climbed to the top of the observation tower, where we were rewarded with a sweeping view of treetops and marshlands. Honestly, it felt like we were in a different world up there. One with fewer bugs and better breezes.

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The One Letdown? The Bird Walk Was Closed. 😢

Yes, sadly, the bird walk was blocked off. We were a little bummed, but we still saw plenty of birds on our journey. Can’t blame them. We hope they enjoyed their acai bowls and worms.

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Final Thoughts

Even without any gator drama, Myakka River State Park totally delivered. There’s something extra special about walking through nature with no agenda other than, “Let’s see what shows up.” And while it wasn’t the scaly safari we expected, we ended up with dragonfly zoom-bys, beetle fashion shows, and deer that could win “Most Chill Mammal of the Year.”

Would we go back? Absolutely. Next time, gators—don’t be shy.

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Have you ever been to Myakka? Did you see any gators, or were they ghosting you too? Let me know in the comments! 🌿✨

It's My Birthday - Let's Celebrate the Chaos!

Today’s the day, friends—it’s my birthday! Cue the confetti, the cake (gluten-free, so everyone can indulge including my other half), and the overly ambitious plans that will probably be derailed by a toddler meltdown. Ah, the sweet joys of motherhood!

A birthday as a mom is a little different than it used to be. Gone are the days of sleeping in and leisurely brunches, no longer do I stay out past midnight celebrating the night before. Instead, I’m kicking off the morning with an encore performance of 'A Million Dreams' from The Greatest Showman, wiping yogurt off the walls, and pretending that my espresso is still warm. But honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Birthdays feel different as we get older—not in a bad way, just in a “I’m going to bed at 10 PM and that sounds glorious” kind of way. I might not be blowing out a candle and downing a glass of wine at a fancy restaurant tonight, but I will be making a wish that my kids don’t notice me sneaking a piece of dark chocolate before dinner.

So, in honor of my special day, here are a few simple ways I’m celebrating:

• Giving myself grace – No pressure to make the day perfect. If we end up eating frozen pizza or stopping by chick-fil-a, that’s still a win. I just wanna relax and enjoy the day.

• Soaking up the little moments – Birthday snuggles from my little ones? Best gift ever. I really don't need anything so I look forward to embracing the moments.

• Doing something just for me – Maybe I'll end the night indulging in a silent painting session or a warm bath with no interruptions (a true luxury!).

If you’ve ever had a “mom birthday,” you get it. The celebration might not be Pinterest-perfect, but it’s filled with love, laughter, and just a little bit of chaos—my favorite kind of party.

So, here’s to another trip around the sun! And if you feel like giving me a birthday gift, let’s make it easy—just send coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. ☕🎉

P.S. What’s your favorite way to celebrate your birthday? Let’s swap ideas in the comments!

The Hard Days of Motherhood (and Why You’re Still Doing an Amazing Job)

Some days, being a mom feels like pure magic. You watch your kids laugh, hold their tiny hands, and feel like the luckiest person in the world. But other days? Other days feel impossible. The days where the laundry is overflowing, the toddler is melting down over the wrong color spoon, and you haven’t had a real meal or moment to yourself in what feels like for-ev-er.

Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also exhausting, overwhelming, and downright hard sometimes.

The Weight of It All

No one truly prepares you for how much weight you are going to carry when you become a mother. We are the planners, the nurturers, the peacekeepers, the ones who remember which child likes their sandwich cut into triangles and which one needs the crusts cut off. We take on the invisible load—the late-night worry sessions, the constant scheduling, the responsibility of shaping tiny humans into kind, capable people.

And some days, it’s too much.

Some days, you feel like you’re failing. The house is a mess, the to-do list is a mile long, and patience runs out faster than coffee. The noise, the chaos, the never-ending demands—it’s enough to make anyone feel like they’re drowning.

But You Are Not Alone

But mama, hear me: You are not alone in this. Every mom has hard days. Every mom has moments where she wants to hide in the bathroom for five minutes of peace. Every mom wonders if she’s doing enough, being enough, loving enough. Every mom wonders if they are enough.

The truth? You are. Even on the messy, overwhelming, nothing-is-going-right days, you are exactly what your kids need. They don’t need perfection. They don’t need Pinterest-worthy crafts or gourmet meals. They need you—your love, your presence, your imperfect, tired, beautiful self.

Giving Yourself Grace

It’s okay to have hard days. It’s okay to cry in the shower or let the dishes sit in the sink. It’s okay to take a break, ask for help, or decide that today, survival is the goal.

Motherhood is not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about showing up, loving fiercely, and giving yourself the same grace you’d give a friend. Some days will be magical, and some days will be hard—but every single day, you are doing something incredible.

Finding the Joy

Even in the hardest moments, there are tiny pockets of joy. The unexpected hug, the sleepy “I love you,” the giggles over something completely silly. Look for those. Hold onto them. Let them remind you that while motherhood is hard, it is also full of love, wonder, and moments that make all the chaos worth it.

So to the mom who feels like she’s barely holding it together today—you are seen, you are loved, and you are doing an amazing job. Keep going, mama. You’ve got this. 💛

Here's to 2025: A Year for Moms to Celebrate (or Maybe Just Survive...in style!)

Ah, 2025 — it’s here and whether you’ve been meticulously planning for it or simply Googling “What’s the future like?” between school pickups and sports drop offs, one thing’s for sure: this year is shaping up to be a pretty fabulous year.



From techy gadgets that make life easier (or at least look cool) to self-care trends that could actually add a bit of fun into your routine, 2025 has a little something for every one.

So grab yourself a glass of wine (or your kid’s leftover juice box), sit back, and let’s dive into the delightful rollercoaster ride that is going to be 2025 — because this year is shaping up to be your year, mama.

1. Tech That Actually Helps (No, Seriously)

We all know that tech can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s obviously amazing. On the other hand, it can be unreliable and difficult, I mean sometimes I honestly wonder if my Wi-Fi is secretly plotting against me, I assume I'm not alone with this struggle. But fear not — 2025 promises to bring gadgets that can actually ease the chaos of mom life. Imagine a world where:

• Robotic Vacuum Cleaners don’t just clean your floors; they can even mop for you and send you encouraging messages when their missions are complete! These new models are equipped with artificial intelligence that can recognize which areas of the house need the most attention — and they might even send you a “Good job, Mom” notification after their job is done.

• Smart Kitchen Gadgets: Your oven will preheat itself (yes, really), your fridge will remind you when you’re out of milk, and your blender will even regulate the texture of your super healthy green smoothie! Let the machines do the work for you and make your days easier in 2025!

• Smart Scheduling: No more calendar caused chaos! Keep those sports practices and drama rehearsal times straight with this supercharged version of Google Calendar will analyze your day, suggest time slots for important stuff (even the simple things you NEED - like a nap), and you can even set it to remind you to "take a deep breath" between picking up the kids, meal prep, and juggling a thousand tiny tasks! 

In 2025, technology will finally catch up with your chaotic mom brain! Who else is excited to add some great gadgets to their daily routines?

2. Self-Care That Actually Feels Like Fun

Let’s face it: self-care is a buzzword and has been for a while, but finding time to truly indulge in things that benefit YOU can be difficult with all you have on your plate. But don’t worry, 2025’s self-care trends might just be the thing to save you.

• Nap Pods: That’s right, in 2025, it’s not just a trend — it’s a lifestyle. Forget lying on the couch with your phone in hand, hoping for a 20-minute power nap. Now, you can literally schedule a nap in a cozy pod that will cocoon you in comfort while your phone reminds you of your existential to-do list. (Honestly, it’s just nice to have a place to shut down without hearing, “Moooom!”)

• Mindful Moments for Busy Moms: 2025 will bring mindfulness practices that are actually short, sweet, and helpful. Forget 30-minute meditations. How about a three-minute “mom mantra” session before you pick up the kids? It’s like a mental reset button, and it’s all about helping you feel zen — even if it’s just while standing in the grocery line.

Wrapping Up the Future of Mom Life

2025 used to sound so futuristic, but now it's HERE and it’s bringing some seriously exciting opportunities for moms. Whether it’s tech that makes your life smoother, self-care that doesn’t require a passport, or simply finding more time for play and joy, this year has a little something for every mama. So here’s to the future — may it be filled with less laundry, more naps, and way more laughter.    

In the words of every mom ever: You’ve got this.

The Best Amazon Products for 2 to 3-Year-Olds

I think all mamas can agree, that sweet spot in toddlerhood from the ages 2 to 3 is such a magical stage! It’s when kids are curious, adventurous, and full of energy. I love that eagerness to learn and the playfulness to let loose that toddlers all seem to have. As a parent, finding the right items to nurture their creativity, independence, and growing skills can make all the difference. Amazon is packed with great finds that are perfect for this stage, but here are the top products that every parent of a 3-year-old should know about.

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1. Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Blocks Set These classic wooden blocks are perfect for encouraging creativity and fine motor skills. With a variety of shapes and colors, your little one can build castles, towers, and anything their imagination dreams up.

Why Parents Love It: It’s a timeless toy that grows with your child and offers endless play possibilities.

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2. Crayola Washable Finger Paint Set Let your 3-year-old explore their artistic side without the stress of permanent stains. This set includes vibrant, non-toxic paints that are easy to wash off hands and clothes.

Why Parents Love It: It fosters creativity while keeping cleanup easy.

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3. Green Toys Dump Truck Made from 100% recycled materials, this sturdy dump truck is perfect for indoor and outdoor play. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and just the right size for little hands.

Why Parents Love It: It’s safe, sustainable, and encourages imaginative play.

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4. LeapFrog My Own Leaptop This toddler-friendly laptop introduces letters, numbers, and basic computer skills through fun, interactive games. It’s lightweight and perfect for travel.

Why Parents Love It: It’s an educational toy that keeps kids engaged and learning.

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5. Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Set These magnetic building tiles are a hit with 3-year-olds. They’re great for developing spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and creativity.

Why Parents Love It: It’s an open-ended toy that provides hours of entertainment and grows with your child.

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6. Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike Perfect for teaching your little one how to balance, this lightweight bike is a great introduction to riding without the need for training wheels.

Why Parents Love It: It builds confidence and motor skills while being fun and safe.

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7. Melissa & Doug Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter This adorable pretend play set lets your child serve up colorful ice cream scoops and practice counting, sorting, and role-playing.

Why Parents Love It: It encourages imaginative play and social interaction.

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8. Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Ultimate Cookie Making Playset This Play-Doh set comes with fun tools to help your 3-year-old create their own pretend treats.

Why Parents Love It: It’s a hands-on activity that improves fine motor skills and sparks creativity.

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9. Little Tikes 3’ Trampoline Perfect for burning off some of that boundless energy, this mini trampoline is safe, sturdy, and great for indoor active play.

Why Parents Love It: It helps with coordination and lets kids get their wiggles out, rain or shine.

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10. Water Wow! Reusable Coloring Books by Melissa & Doug These mess-free coloring books use water-filled pens to reveal vibrant colors. Once the page dries, your little one can start over again.

Why Parents Love It: It’s portable, reusable, and keeps kids entertained without any mess.

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These Amazon finds are perfect for fostering your 3-year-old’s growth, creativity, and independence. Whether it’s learning through play, exploring their artistic side, or burning off energy, I think you'll agree these items will make the perfect gift for the 2-3 year old in your life.

What’s your favorite gift idea for a child in that 2 to 3-year-old range? Share it in the comments below! Let’s help each other navigate this exciting stage with the best tools and toys on the market!

P.S. If you found this list helpful, share it with other parents of toddlers! Let’s spread the love for these amazing finds!

Keep shining bright,
Lauren

Exciting News: Welcome to Bright Ideas for Moms!

Hello again, wonderful readers!

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve officially taken the plunge and the blog has a new look! I've rebranded from LaurenPaints.com to Bright Ideas for Moms.com! This change reflects my journey in life and my desire to create a space that truly resonates with all of you.

Why the Change?

As many of you know, my blog started as a creative outlet to share my love of painting and DIY projects. While I still adore those things, my experiences as a mom have profoundly shaped my perspective. I wanted to expand the focus of the blog to encompass not just my artistic endeavors, but also the everyday joys, challenges, and creative solutions that come with motherhood. 

The name *Bright Ideas for Moms* embodies my mission: to provide inspiration and support for moms navigating this beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) journey. I believe we can all shine a little brighter together - sharing, supporting, caring as a community of moms.

What to Expect

With this rebranding comes a renewed commitment to delivering content that speaks to your needs. As a reader you can look forward to:

- **Creative Parenting Tips:** Practical advice and innovative ideas to make parenting easier and more enjoyable.

- **Fun DIY Projects:** Engaging crafts and activities that you can do with your kids, fostering creativity and bonding time.

- **Delicious Family Recipes:** Easy, healthy meals that even the pickiest eaters will love.

- **Community Support:** A welcoming space for sharing experiences, asking questions, and connecting with other moms.

I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter and all the possibilities this change will bring. Your support has meant the world to me, and I hope you’ll continue to follow along as Bright Ideas for Moms evolves. We can inspire each other and create a vibrant community that uplifts and empowers all mothers, making this world a brighter, better place together.

Thank you for being a part of this journey! I can’t wait to share more bright ideas with you.

With love,  

Lauren

DIY Girly Haunted House Halloween Decor Craft for Kids to Make

We've been getting crafty around here.

There's just something about Halloween and this time of the year that leaves me feeling inspired! I can't be the only one who loves this time of the year and absolutely can't wait to embrace all things fall! Right?

Are you also excited for spooky season? I know we certainly are stoked to celebrate and my oldest is legit counting down the minutes until it's time to go trick-or-treat! To help pass the time, her and I decided to get crafty this week and make a bunch of adorable new spook-tastic decor for our house! This little girly haunted house project is probably one of the easiest projects we've ever made and great for kids to craft up, almost completely alone (especially if you opt for Elmer's instead of hot glue).

If you're feeling the spirit of the season and you'd like to make your own cute, girly little haunted house, here's the details on how we made ours.

Supplies you'll need:

These Jumbo Popsicle Sticks from Walmart
Orange Paint
This printable I crafted up
Hot glue &/or Elmer's glue
Glitter Paper
Scissors
Beads & Pipe cleaner are optional for "added flair", you could always just use a marker instead!

We started by gluing this beauty together, then cut out all of our cuteness from the printable.

Next, we glued our glitter paper on to the back and painted our house orange.

Finally, we glued down all the little details like my printable pieces, beads, and pipe cleaner. If you decided not to include the optional flair, you could easily just draw on a door!

And just like that, you've got an adorable addition to your Halloween decor! We placed ours just above the front door and it's so perfect!

Are you more of a visual person? Check out this quick tiktok to see how we made the haunted house!

Don't forget to download the FREE printable I made for this project HERE! 

My Favorite Mom Wins with Babbleboxx

 This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.

Being a mom is the most rewarding thing I've ever experienced, from the grins and giggles to watching them learn something new - every second of taking care of my babies is genuinely a reward. Watching my older kiddo grow into a big girl, talking about boys and giggling with friends is such a special reward and on the other end of the journey of parenthood, watching my sweet baby learn to sit up, hearing that first giggle, and seeing the light in her eyes when she's accomplished something as simple as putting a toy in her mouth is absolutely so special. Being a mom is the most inspiring, rewarding, and awe-worthy thing I've ever done and it's better than I ever could've dreamed.

I'm not going to lie, it's also the most challenging time I've ever had in my life, but they definitely are worth the sleepless nights, changes in my body, and long days full of soothing emotions and fits. It's funny how that works, I feel equally blessed and stressed and I wouldn't have it any other way - being a mom is amazing.

While I'm discussing the amazing parts of motherhood, I thought I'd share some mom wins with you guys - this box from Babbleboxx came stocked full of "wins" I felt were worthy of sharing with y'all on the blog.

We'll start with a product we've been using since our little busy bee was born - CeraVe. This company's mission is to provide therapeutic skin care for everyone, including our sweet little babies! I love that their products offer an exclusive blend of three essential ceramides to mimic our skin's, as well as a revolutionary MVE technology to restore our skin's natural protective barriers, providing our kiddos with the best possible way to clean their bodies without all the bad stuff involved.

The Baby Wash and Shampoo has been sitting bath side since before Holly was born and it cleans her while helping to soothe and protect her skin.

After giving her a CeraVe bath, we love to lather her up with their lotion as well. The CeraVe moisturizing lotion is a lightweight soothing way to make sure her skin has all-day hydration! The best part is that pediatric dermatologist helped to develop the line so I know I'm putting what's recommended on her skin, without a doubt.

Another brand household name for us is Lamaze. We love their toys and have enjoyed raising Delainey to learn and grow through play with their science-backed brand. From cute little stacking rings to fun dollies, I thought I had already scored a majority of the wonderful toys they make- but it turns out I was wrong, Babbleboxx sent us over 3 new Lamaze toys to add to Holly's developmental toy collection and they are truly winners!

Starting with her absolute favorite from Lamaze: The Wacky Giraffe. This little guy makes the whole family giggle with silly sounds with every good whack she gives the table. Holls loves hitting this unique sensory toy into everything and I love that with both ends being nice and soft, it's painless and causes no damage to any surface she whacks. She cracks up with us as we all giggle at her swinging the little guy around - it's truly a hoot! When she sees this little fella, she knows it's time to play!

While we're talking about things that tickle her. The Puffaboo Elephant from Lamaze is truly the cutest way to get her to giggle! From playing peekaboo with his crinkly ears to squeezing it to hear it squeak, it's just adorable - but the best part is when it's squeezed this little elephant blows a tiny puff of air. This little puff is the perfect gentle distraction - making her Puffaboo the perfect toy for her fussy days.

Another toy we run to grab on her fussy days is made by Lamaze as well, it's the Soothing Heart Panda. This little bear friend is soothing and adorable, the perfect mixture for getting Holly to chill. With four different melodies, each with a soothing vibration synced to the rhythm of a resting heartbeat - or press the heart five times and you'll hear the heartbeat! It's such a calming, yet incredible toy and one we love to give her whenever we are winding down before bed time!

Speaking of bed time, we have a baby who loves to go to bed with a full belly. I usually nurse her to sleep and then we sometimes provide her with a little "top off" from a bottle, when she allows for it.  We've tried a handful of different bottles and she isn't so sure about most of them but the Phillips Avent Anti-Colic bottles with Air-Free vents seem to work well for her! These special bottles were designed to reduce feeding issues, colic, gas, and reflux - all of which we've had to battle with Hollyn!

Not only are they great for her, they are easy to clean with less parts and somewhat adjustable since you can adjust the nipple size as baby matures and remove the Air Free vent, if you'd prefer. Honestly, I'm not sure why you would though -  I love that the Air Free vent helps prevent her from "drinking air" because the nipple of the bottle stays full even when she is drinking it at an angle while sitting upright, bringing us both comfort whenever she gets a bottle.

Another way we've learned to comfort her lately is with her new Phillips Avent Soothie Snuggle, we were sent a sloth and it has to be the cutest little lovey I've ever seen! These lightweight plush toys attach to a removable Phillips Avent Pacifier, meaning they can be cleaned without a bunch of hassle.

They also make the cutest accessory while being a comforting little companion for Holls, so it's a win-win! It isn't just a cute little fluffy stuffy though, I love that I'm able to locate her paci much quicker with her little sloth friend attached and that it's made with safe and durable materials so I don't have to worry which part of the toy she decides to soothe herself with while we are in this stage of putting everything in her mouth!

Another item from the Babbleboxx that I know is going to be super durable is our Stonz!

These cool shoes and booties are kid-certified, made for developing little feet, vegan, non-toxic, and offered up with a 365 day warranty! Stonz makes everything from adorable casual shoes to snow booties and mittens, all in a range of sizes - designed to provide comfort to kiddos at any age, in any climate, at any time! 

The Stonz toddler booties we were sent will be the perfect addition to Hollyn's winter outfits, especially when we travel home to finally introduce her to family (hopefully) this winter. Keeping her warm in coziness that stays on those kicking feet will be absolutely necessary. I love that these booties are all-weather wind resistant and they just slide on her little foot, easy peasy! All I have to do is tighten them up with the adjustable toggles and she's good to go!

The other shoe Stonz sent over was their Cruiser. These shoes made my day with how stinkin' adorable they are, I mean who knew baby and toddler footwear could be so cute? These Cruisers are 100% my favorite pair of kicks she owns, with a sweet peachy color and a earth-friendly, sturdy and wearable construction, what's not to love?

We've still got a ways to go until Holly B can walk but I love that these shoes are made with a reinforced heel and are safe for walking, when she's ready. They're also made with a breathable mesh upper and a hi-poly insole, so we won't have to worry about her little shoes stinkin' the place up - they'll be fresh and ready for another wear soon.

Speaking of fresh, I absolutely adore the next product that was sent in my Babbleboxx! T.N. Dickinsons Witch Hazel is game changer and always has been in our home! They make a wide variety of products but two that are amazing post-partum are the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Pads with Aloe and the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel 100% Natural Astringent!

The Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Pads with Aloe are a lifesaver those first few weeks after a vaginal delivery. Even if you don't suffer from the dreaded pregnancy hemorrhoids, these extra soft pads help soothe vaginal pain as well and can be used daily to help provide relief!

On the other end of their product line is the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel 100% Natural Astringent! This wildly powerful astringent is actually gentle enough for daily use on your face and body but it does it's job unbelivably well. I use it to help when my skin is especially greasy looking or when I'm trying to fight a blemish before it becomes too bad and love how well it works!

While we're on the topic of things that work well, I think it's time to discuss Oilogic. This company takes the stress out of stressful situations with their solutions-based wellness products. Their products arefree from petroleum, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, gluten, dea, dyes, mineral oil, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrance, but they still get the job done - isn't that impressive?!


The two Oilogic products I was sent were the Oilogic Slumber & Sleep Essential Oil Linen Mist and the Oilogic Stuffy Nose & Cough Essential Oil Vapor Bath - both are lifesavers and total "wins" with Holly!

The Slumber and Sleep Linen Mist is beyond soothing. The natural aromatherapy calms and relaxes us both, while getting Holly ready for bed. I try and spray the blend everyday before I lay her down so she knows to associate the smell with bed/nap time and so far, it seems like it could be working..

The Oilogic Stuffy Nose & Cough Essential Oil Vapor Bath uses the natural power of essential oils to help treat babies not old enough for traditional forms of medicine. It helps stuffy little ones clear their nasal passage and calms little coughs. Both of these Oilogic products are now available nationwide in the baby aisle at Walmart, CVS, buy buy Baby, Amazon and more!

So tell me, what do you consider a "mom win" in your home?

Hollyn's Favorite Baby Toys from VTech Baby!

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx, regardless all opinions listed below are completely my own.

I feel like Hollyn just came into the world, then I blinked and my baby is now a big, strong three month old. It goes by so quick...

 I'll be real, I'm already kind of missing that sweet newborn stage, but it's so exciting to see her blossoming and learning. She's really coming into herself! I'm cherishing every minute of each stage, knowing she's only little once and watching her recently roll over for the first time was legitimately so exciting. She surprises us daily with new skills and her athletic ability and agility makes tummy time an adventure daily, that's why we are loving all of her VTech® toys lately.

The one toy we've been grabbing for the most lately is the VTech® Kick & Score Playgym. This cute little play mat is the coolest. She's a huge fan because it lights up and plays songs, I'm an even bigger fan because she's learning while she's playing.

The playgym has a little bit of everything to keep my sweet busy bee entertained. From kicking the ball, to playing sounds and familiar phrases, to batting at the fun play pieces nearby the giraffe, she's constantly moving & grooving while chillin' on the Kick & Score mat. I'm able to lay her down on her mat and get a few things done while keeping an eye on her nearby.

It's amazing to see her face light up with excitement when she manages to kick the ball and it's even more fun to see her smiling when she swats at the giraffe toys and hears the rattle of the ball moving. She's so proud of herself and, in turn, I'm so proud of her!

We don't just lay her on her play mat on her back though, we occasionally flip her over and let her use the mat for entertainment during tummy time. It's so amazing to see her face light up seeing a different angle of her favorite toy. She loves seeing the buttons light up and looking around at all the "animal friends" on the toy definitely sparks joy for her!

Even more amazingly, she's starting to wiggle herself around and army crawl a little while laying on the mat, I credit the adorableness of the gym as a source of encouragement for her.

The playgym is not just a toy for babies though, big sister can't wait til Holly is a bit older and they can use the gym as a soccer goal. Until then we look forward to lots of "play" at this stage, for now big sister has been pointing out the numbers on the top of the playgym, playing with the dangling toys while Holly watches. It's fun watching them play together and I love that it's helping Holly strengthen her language skills while they both are exploring the music and songs as a team!

Looking for a great gift for a new baby in your life? Maybe your little one needs a good toy added to their Christmas wishlist? Make sure the VTech® Kick & Score Playgym is on their list this year!

While we are discussing toys, I feel like I need to mention another toy on the top of our list - the VTech® Turn + Learn Ferris Wheel is most definitely a favorite in this house. The way it lights up and sings songs has Hollyn mesmerized and I love that we can use it pretty much anywhere since it's little and attaches to surfaces by a suction cup.

Her face literally lights up when she manages to hit one of her new animal friends and makes the ferris wheel start singing. I imagine we'll be using this toy for years to come at dinner outings, play dates, and beyond.

Speaking of going out on the town, the last toy I want to share with you today but certainly not our least favorite is the VTech® Turtle's Busy Day Soft Book. This adorable little book has a story easy enough for big sister to recite to Hollyn but also has elements to keep them both entertained, from hide-and-seek little puppets to buttons to push to hear songs and phrases, they both are huge fans!

I've been encouraging D to read this to Hollyn while I'm making dinner lately and I love looking over and seeing them both so engaged with a sweet little book.

So, tell me, do your kiddos have a favorite toy? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments!