VALENTINE’S BASKET

Being a mom has a way of just making the mundane things so much more fun! I now enjoy making every little holiday so special. However- my goal is to do it all on a budget! I wanted to share what I did for her Valentine’s Basket this year in case any one needed some ideas for a cute gift on a budget! Everything can be found at either Walmart or Dollar Tree.

*for reference I have a 2.5 year old*

WHAT IS IN MY BASKET:

-Cute Valentine’s window clings (dollar tree)

- Valentine’s Paint Set (dollar tree) 

-Cute Heart Sweatshirt and legging set (Walmart)

- Guess how much I love you book (Walmart) 

-Basket (Walmart dollar section- did you know that was thing??) 

SHOP HERE 

I started one more thing this year for Valentine’s Day that is so sweet and free! Each day from Feb 1- Feb 14 Ella wakes up with a new heart on her bedroom door with something we love about her written on it! I Just cut them out with construction paper we already had. She loves reading them each morning 🩷

 

6 free summer activities for toddlers

 

I love doing fun things with Ella but things can get expensive quick and let’s be honest- your girl is on a budget! So- I compiled a list of some of our recent favorite FREE activities to entertain our almost 2 year old.  🥹

1. PARKS / SPLASH PADS 

Our friends showed us the cutest park recently. It has tons of fun things for the kids to play on, a splash pad, which Ella hasn’t warmed up to yet and it’s super clean and nice! It made for the most fun & free day with friends. 

2. GET CREATIVE 

It’s no secret kids love making a mess and love being creative. I love to look up cute crafts on Pinterest and with stuff I usually already have at home, we create something together. They’ll love it & you’ll have something super cute to keep &  remember it by! 

3. GET OUTSIDE

Coming from someone who lives in southern Louisiana, our outdoor activities may be short lived but Ella still loves to be outside! Bike rides, walks, water tables & bubbles are a few of our favorite things. Honestly though, kids are easily entertained- the other day Ella spent 10 minutes playing with the water faucet that’s attached to the house lol. 

4. CHORES 

I know I know, it doesn’t sound like a “fun activity” but hear me out. I use to try and squeeze in chores while she sleeps but I started including her in things she could help me with. Loading/unloading dishwasher, sorting clothes, sweeping, cleaning up toys, etc. I learned she really just enjoys doing what we are doing and it’s fun for her to just be with us. Plus, it teaches her good habits. It’s a win win. 

5. LIBRARY

My mom has brought her to different library activities. Check your local library because they have lots of things going on year round for different ages. Their kids area is also super fun to bring them to anytime and teaches them a lot!

6. PET STORE

This sounds weird but Ella loves going to petco or petsmart. We look at the cats, the dogs people bring in, the mice and the fish. She thinks it’s the coolest thing and luckily she’s not at the age yet to ask for any of these animals so as of right now, it’s a free activity! Lol

I hope this gives you some ideas! One thing I’ve learned with a toddler is to not over think it. They truly love just being with the people they love and what might be the most mundane thing to us is the most amazing thing in a child’s eyes!

Have the best day! 

Finding Joy in the Everyday

 I have been a mom for a little over a year now and throughout pregnancy and now into motherhood I have noticed a common theme…people don’t really like to talk about the positives of motherhood.

It’s more common to hear these types of phrases:

“Just wait until the terrible twos”

“Just wait until those bad teenage years”

“Just wait until the second one” 

“You’ll never bounce back”

“Better travel while you can” 

The list goes on. 

Don’t get me wrong- I’m not saying motherhood is easy. Of course it’s difficult! When our mindset is negative though, it is a lot easier to feel unhappy in a situation that could bring such joy. I also know there is a time and place to be open about the difficulties of your routine changing and your body changing and the fact that you’re exhausted and not to mention how scary it truly is to love someone this much, just to name a few. (I am so thankful for my family & mom besties who I can be open with) Today, however, I am just talking about changing our perspectives. 

Changing our outlook can not only bring us more joy but it can also encourage other women and moms to be.

Here are three things that tend to overwhelm me along with a new perspective I could take in those moments: 

1. When the house is a mess and I can’t seem to find the time to actually clean it. Let me be thankful that they feel safe and have so much fun playing. 

2. When I have to buy dinner, cook dinner or grocery shop. Let me be thankful we have this little mouth to feed and another meal with family. 

3. When my kid is sick or does not want to sleep. Let me be thankful for the extra cuddles. 

I say all of this because I’ve already learned that time is a thief. Kids grow up too soon and that loud house will one day be quiet again.  Right now I am living in the moments I have always dreamed of and I really want to cherish every bit.

Newborn Necessities ( in my opinion :)

 

I have a lot of family and friends that are getting ready to have babies! Baby registries can be so overwhelming! It is hard to know what is necessary vs. what can be skipped. Not that I am a pro by any means, but I did just go through the newborn stage so I figured I may be able to help! I have written a list of what I think is important and would definitely use again with future children. List is in no particular order!

-SHOP THE LIST HERE-

1. Stroller with infant car seat adapter

2. Owlet Monitor

3. Audio Monitor

4. Infant bath tub

5. Bath Rinser

6. Bath Cloth / Towels

7. Baby Soap

8. Car Camera 

9. Zipper or Tie pajamas only- trust me, wait on the buttons- way to many diaper changes in the beginning

10. Diaper Trash Can

11. Swaddles 

12. Bottles

13. Bassinet with zipper side to make it easy to get baby from feeding times

14. Nose Frida- gross but works well

15. Baby carrier- I put her in this to get chores done around the house (Babybjorn and Solly Baby wrap were my favorites)

16. Diaper Bag

17. Diapers / wipes

18. Pump (If breastfeeding)

19. Car seat + bases

20. Burp cloths

21. Baby Bouncer

22. Baby Swing

Let me know in the comments if there is anything I may have missed that was super important to you as a new parent!

Talk soon!

First Birthday Gift Ideas

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Okay.. this has truly been the fastest year of my life. I know people always say “don’t blink” but I swear when you become a parent time truly just decides to speed up. I just sent her birthday party invites out and it still seems surreal to me that my newborn baby is about to be a one year old. *insert sad face*

That being said, with each stage comes new things for your kiddo to learn and to do and I am truly just winging it most days. So, after some research and comparing list with my other mom friends, I have compiled a list of first birthday gift ideas so you don’t have to! 

FIRST BIRTHDAY GIFT IDEAS:

1. Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair

2. Nugget Couch

3. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe

4. Activity Table & Chair Set

5. Montessori Toys

6. Puzzles

7. MEGA Building Blocks

8. Rainbow Counting Bears

9. Outdoor Slide

10. Radio Flyer

11. Busy Board

12. Clothes- I am particular when it comes to Ella’s clothes lol. So, if you're anything like me, I would add a few clothing items you like to your wish list to make it super simple for those buying!

13. Snack Spinner Container

14. Money Towards Savings Account 

SHOP AMAZON LIST

Whether you’re a parent of a soon to be one year old or just looking to buy for the little one in your life, I hope this list has helped! I will be keeping you updated with party planning ideas too! I am one of those annoying people who loves to go all out for birthdays..even a one year old. I am aware she will not remember it but guess what.. I WILL! Haha

Have a great day!

Talk soon!

New Year Thoughts

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Having Ella has changed my prospective on a lot of things. It’s made me realize what’s actually important and the things that use to seem so big are actually pretty small. One goal this year is for me to be content with exactly where I am. I realize now I truly have all I could ever want right in front of me. I enjoy nice, new things as much as the next person but it’s not what truly brings me joy. 

What brings me joy is spending time with family, seeing Ella do things for the first time, jokes, laughter, hugs, exercise, waking Ella up every morning and spending time with Jesus. Those things matter to me and bring me true Joy. 

We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day life. We get so caught up in fitting in and having what another person has. I am fully guilty of this; But in 2022 I say, no more. 

I strive to be more content. 

To live in the moment.

To not major on the minors. 

To laugh at myself more. 

To just enjoy life as it is and not wish for more. 

We are not promised tomorrow and too often we take the things that are truly important for granted!

Bring it on 2022.