Today's conversation is sponsored by Samsung via MomTrends.
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
October 14, 2017
Moms Don't Get Sick Days: Why I Chose to Ask an Expert Today!
July 6, 2017
6 Ways to Get Out of a "Rut" & Embrace Your Inner Child [+ a DELICIOUS rainbow of Sparkling Mojito recipes]!
Ever felt like you were stuck in a rut?
I mean, just watching this kid smiling at her necklace, it's a good
reminder that sparkles are fun for all ages - we both love to wear
them... and well, I love them in Sparkling Ice form inside of my
favorite adult drink.
2. Style your hair differently - It's true, something as simple as swiping your bangs to the left instead of the right can totally change the way you feel about yourself and about life. If you're looking for something a bit more dramatic, grab some colorful hair dye and do something your inner 5 year old would love - add some pink low lights or get a little wild and dye your hair like a mermaid. Whatever you decide, I'm sure however you switch up your do will be perfect for you.
3. Clean - Speaking of things being perfect, sometimes being a kid again means taking the time to be an adult first. So before things get too crazy kiddy-like, maybe it would be a good idea to make sure your house feels all tidy and clean. I remember learning "everything has a place" as a kid and to this day, my heart feels a little happier when things are in their place and my house looks nice and tidy.
4. Treat yourself - Sometimes it's nice to have something new. It doesn't have to be anything big either, just like when you were a kid! Find a pair of socks that are your favorite color, spend a moment picking out a bouquet of flowers, or maybe even just grab a movie that you love to watch and spend the evening on the couch enjoying it. Spoil yourself with a small little "happy" and you won't be able to stop smiling.
5. Pay it forward - Remember that feeling of donating the change from the grocery store cashier to the Salvation Army guy ringing a bell? Those warm fuzzies you get from helping others may be favorite, I mean what better way to bring a smile to my own face than also helping bring a smile to someone else's face? You don't have to donate to a charity to pay it forward, although that's a nice way to do so, sometimes it's nice to pay for the guy behind you when in the drive thru or leave a gift card on a new mom's car when you see "Stork parking" at a shop. The possibilities of how you can spoil someone and make them smile are nearly endless, just spread joy and I guarantee you'll feel happy.
6. Try a New Recipe & Eat the Rainbow - While kids tend to be picky, your adult palette is probably longing for something new. Skip the mac & cheese and head to the grocery store, buy foods you've never tried before, in an assortment of colors. Head home and fix yourself a colorful, delicious meal and enjoy.
For each of these delicious colorful cocktails you will need:
Sparkling Ice in a variety of flavors
Mint Leaves
1/4 tsp Key Lime Juice
Sparkling Ice in a variety of flavors
Mint Leaves
1/4 tsp Key Lime Juice
1.5 oz Coconut Rum
1/4 Fresh Squeezed Lime
1/4 Fresh Squeezed Lime
Ice
Cups
Muddler (Confession: I used the bottom of a spoon, because YOLO.. and mama wanted a drink!)
Muddler (Confession: I used the bottom of a spoon, because YOLO.. and mama wanted a drink!)
Preparing for this cute cocktail is key - begin by adding the mint leaves, the lime juice, and the fresh squeezed lime into the cup together and muddle.
Next you'll add ice and Sparkling Ice, the part that gives this drink it's unique flavor! We went with a variety from Strawberry Kiwi to Black Raspberry and they all are delish!
Following that you'll want to shake and/or mix it all together.
Finally, add a pretty little garnish and your all set!
That's it, now bottoms up and enjoy your cocktail! I guarantee you'll be
smiling while sipping these and you'll definitely want another... and
another. Luckily, you have 15 delicious Sparkling Ice flavors to choose
from so you'll be able to truly taste the rainbow and smile. Life shouldn't be bland after all so Be Not Bland and give these tasty beverages a try!
May 9, 2017
The Truth about Postpartum Life - 10 Not so Pretty Things No One Tells You About Having a Baby
Here's the thing, having a baby is the biggest blessing in the world... I'm so lucky to finally have my little blessing. She is very well my biggest accomplishment in this life and I'm SO proud of her and so proud of myself for giving life to this wonderful, sweet, little light.
It's true, life isn't all rainbows and butterflies after giving birth - contrary to popular belief. No one mentions that:
1. Your stomach turns into a pillow - I had high hopes that my tummy would bounce back from being stretched out enough to hold a volleyball sized baby to a flat and toned little tummy, but then I woke up from that dream and saw my stretch marks and my giant belly. Not everyone is as unlucky as me, but it's totally normal to have a flabby belly after giving birth.
2. You're, uhhh, going to be a little damp - Well, honey, I've got some news, you thought that crazy amount of discharge was going to stop when you had your baby - wrong! And... I mean, eventually and unapologetically your pesky Aunt Flo will be paying you a visit again sometime - that's just mother nature for you.
Luckily, U by Kotex Fitness Tampons, Pads, and Panty Liners are a thing - so you're saved! Whether you need protection while toning your core during yoga class or you plan on running a marathon, U by Kotex Fitness are made to fit and form with your body and provide comfortable protection for your busy self.
3. Watch out... Here comes Big foot! - Yes, mama, I'm talking about you! Okay, well maybe not really but... if you're a shoe hoarder like me you may want to start destashing on ebay while you're pregnant. It's a sad but true fact, your foot grows while you are pregnant and it doesn't shrink back - much like your stomach. The good news is, you now have something to look forward to - shoe shopping!
4. Sleeping in a Pool - This sounds like a luxury vacation... right? WRONG! Another odd but true thing your body does postpartum is sweat profusely at night. I can remember waking up drenched and wondering what had happened, I was cold, I slept without blankets, and still - covered in sweat. It's actually your body ridding itself of all those amazing hormones that helped create your baby... but it's disgusting and you'll probably want a couple of changes of sheets so you don't have to sleep in your own sweat again and again.
5. Go ahead and Start Calling yourself Betsy - If you're breastfeeding that is definitely going to feel like your new name and you'll practically feel like you have udders too. Breastfeeding is such a rewarding part of motherhood but it's not an easy task. At first it hurts... and don't let anyone tell you any differently. Then it's constant, like almost 24/7. You'll want to give up... and it's totally okay if you do - fed is best, after all...then there's always the possibility of engorgement or mastitisis.
But that's all worth it for the benefits of breastfeeding, in my opinion... and the good news is, it all gets better and easier.
6. Want a new hairstyle? Well, you're going to get one. I've always had SUPER thick hair, never had a worry in the world... then I had D. Now my hair is thin, stringy, and gets greasy easier... and somehow lost some of its natural curl. Hair loss is a horrible part of postpartum that I absolutely thought wouldn't effect me... but it did. Oh and did I mention you'll have some hair growth in places you never have before, thanks to those totally awesome fluctuating hormone levels.
7. Party time on the Potty - Well, it's really the opposite of a party... but I wanted it to sound fun. Your first postpartum bowel movement after having your baby will be uncomfortable, to be frank. I was terrified, maybe even more intimidated than I was to give birth. Turns out, I really didn't have much to be scared of. But trust me, you'll be intimidated to poop after having your baby... even if you went while giving birth, which if you didn't know - $h*t happens all the time during child birth and it's totally normal. Oh... and I'm a person that prior to having a baby never even admitted to tooting, now look at me writing about bowel movements on my blog - so I guess you could say your comfort level regarding things like this will likely change as well.
8. Be mindful of postpartum depression and anxiety - Speaking of comfort levels, be aware that postpartum depression & anxiety are both very real. Be careful of the thoughts you choose to focus on and seek help if you are feeling desperate or especially uneasy.
While I luckily didn't really seem to suffer from postpartum depression or anxiety, I've experienced both in my life time and never want anyone to feel that discomfort. While neither condition is preventable, I suggest you take some time and do something for yourself every once in a while, make sure you seek support from your spouse, your family, and your friends, and just try and live in the moment.
10. No longer you - Another thing that no one mentions is you literally are no longer who you used to be. You are "mom" and while that title is a huge honor, it also means you are no longer just living for you. Your life is now ran by a tiny milk-loving dictator and that means you're in for one crazy, sweet, wild, enjoyable ride.
May 5, 2017
Show Mom Your Appreciation: 4 Mother's Day Gift Ideas from Kay Jewelers That Show You Care
Thanks to Kay Jewelers for sponsoring today's post, regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.
Believe it or not, Mother's Day is just around the corner...
1. From accessories to outfits, we all know your mama always has the most beautiful items, but one thing she needs (and every other mama in the world needs) is Diamond Solitaire Earrings from Kay Jewelers. These timeless beauties are the perfect addition for every mama's accessories collection and every mama I know would go absolutely gaga if she was given a pair of these earrings on Mother's Day.
2. If anyone loves rings, it's my mama... but I know she's not the only one! Is your mama a ring lover as well? Then I'm certain she would love to have this Open Hearts Ring. It's not only beautiful, the design represents giving and receiving love and having an open heart, the perfect representation of motherhood.
3. When you see a piece of jewelry and it takes your breath away, I think it's meant to be your Mother's Day present... right? This Diamonds in Rhythm bracelet is gorgeous and so perfect for any mama, but this is what I have on the top of my Mother's Day wish list. The whole Diamond in Rhythm collection is really on my list--actually, the diamonds are made to be captivating from any angle... which means myself and other new mamas can be chasing after our toddlers and catch a glimpse of these as we are grabbing their precious little hands and be reminded that we are loved and appreciated.
4. Last but not least, we all know the way to a mama's heart is her kids - that's why this key necklace is the perfect gift for your mom on Mother's Day. If you're a dad or son trying to find the perfect present, you've unlocked the answer with this Diamonds in Rhythm Heart Key Pendant Necklace.
Showing appreciation on Mother's Day is what the day really is all about and these are just a few beautiful options offered at Kay Jewelers that will make your mama smile. Do you want to get your mom something beautiful and meaningful for Mother's Day? Check out the Kay Jewelers and find the perfect present for your mom.
April 26, 2017
9 Signs You're a Hot Mess Mama!
With that said here's 9 signs you're a hot mess mama. But, I'm going to go ahead and let you know right now... there's no shame in our game, my fellow hot mess mamas! It's okay to be a mess, we're all just trying to do the best for our babies. I'm just posting this for fun and games... and well, because I'm a hot mess and this is the type of thing we do. 😂
1. You live off espresso, coffee, or energy drinks (or the like) and could use a constant IV drip of something caffeinated. You take your habit seriously... and the barista at your local coffee shop knows your order by heart. With that said... uhhh, I'm not fancy, so my barista happens to be my hubby, but espresso is my life line.
2. You always have plans for the future... BIG plans. You are great at planning and maybe not so awesome at executing. You aren't the only one with this fault, I'm right there next to you with big dreams and a planner to write it all down in, but when tomorrow comes I'll still be making plans for the next day.
3. You try to multitask, but most of the time you're half-tasking. You spend time on the computer, holding your cell phone, with Netflix on in the background, and your ipod playing some tunes on your google chromecast, while trying to video conference. I'm totally a multi-tasker and some days I'm better at it then others.
4. You always think you have more time than you really do. That upcoming event, wowwww, that's like 3 weeks away... and then bam, it's tomorrow. THIS is my life - always. I swear I live in a constant time warp. *insert twilight zone music here*
5. On that note, you are definitely a hot mess mama if you still have Christmas gifts from the prior year once April hits. Okay, so uhhh, maybe I'm the only one in the world that STILL has my family's Christmas gifts stowed away... and it's the end of April. Now that I'm typing this up, it's official... they are going to be mailed out soon...
6. You have a wardrobe that consists of yoga pants and t-shirts... and dressing up is putting on your jeans. I can't be the only one that feels fancy when they bust out their H&M skinny jeans for a special occasion.
7. You've found unidentifiable substances on your clothing... and maybe even taste tested it to try and identify. I know I've definitely found avocado, num-num crackers, and all kinds of other odd substances on my shirt, thanks to my sweet little hot mess.
8. You're guilty of losing your phone, car keys, or anything else of importance, a couple times a day... and you'd likely lose your head if it wasn't attached. I'm so guilty of losing my phone... it's a constant battle. You'd think I'd learn to take it off silent, but then again, who wants to risk waking up a sleeping baby with a Beyonce ring tone?
9. You own one of those cups that says "SHHH! There's Wine in here"... and you mean it. I may or may not have wine in my cup at this very second. Do you?
Like I said, there's no shame in being a hot mess... luckily, our kids, friends, and significant other's still love us and at the end of the day, I think we all can agree, that is really all that matters. So go ahead and lick your finger before getting that smudge of old food off your kid's cheek and smile. Life is good, even if it is a little messy sometimes.
April 15, 2017
6 Ways to Help You Get "Your Groove" Back!
Thanks to Olay for sponsoring today's discussion, they know what a mama needs! With that said, all opinions expressed below are completely my own.
Are you ready to get your groove back?
No, we aren't talking about anyone named Stella today... and getting your "groove back" is most definitely easier said than done as a new mom. It's hard enough to find the time to shower and put product in my hair, as I've shared recently, so talking about getting back to being the old you is basically like discussing how you'll be riding a unicorn to your next rainbow convention. The thing is when you give a child life, your life is forever changed and getting back to who you were pre-baby just isn't going to happen.
Okay, so I'll admit, I haven't entirely perfected "my groove" and I'm far from a "supermom", today I want to share a handful of ways to hopefully get you feeling a tiny bit more like a human and a little less like a meal on heels. Whether you're in the same, stay-at-home-mom, breastfeeding 24/7, teething like it's no bodies business boat, or you're sailing the treacherous seas of a sassy toddler, I hope you're able to find a little piece of you again and maybe a little peace of mind... and here's how I suggest you do that:
1. Make lists and schedules - I'm the queen of list making here on the blog, but believe it or not, I stink at staying organized in my daily life. That's changed since having D though and I'm working on prioritizing and I've even made a daily schedule and a meal plan as of late. Living spur of the moment is all fun and games, until you have kids... then it's seriously time to start making a plan so you can get stuff done and that's where lists and scheduling comes into play.
2. Find your people - Speaking of play, finding your people and getting some "play time" in is so important for mama mentality. Instead of always jabbering in baby talk, take a day off from mom duties every once in a blue moon, and treat yourself to a pedicure with your bestie or a walk around the block while playing pokemon with the neighbor kid, whatever suits your fancy - just find your people and spend time with them.
5. Do your thing - While taking care of a baby is time consuming, finding time for your hobbies will help you feel more like you. So once baby goes down for the night, bust out some paints and canvas or pull out your violin and get to strummin'.
6. Move - I don't mean pick up and move to another city... unless that's something you want to do, then hey - go for it. I mean get out and wiggle around on the dance floor or take a class at Orange Theory, get your body on the move and your "groove" will be back in no time. There's just something about those workout endorphins!
With that said, it's time for me to be on the move... but I'd love to hear about where you stand with "your groove"? If you're in the swing of things and feeling fine, I'd love to hear how you got there and if you have any tips to share... and if you're in the same hot-mess-mom-in-transition situation as me, I'd love to hear about your struggle with your minion. Tell me all about it in the comments below.
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