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 🩷

 

Car Travel Tips with a Toddler

 Okay proud moment.. we just took a trip that took about 10 hours or so in the car & we made it with very little tears & no screen time. I did a couple of things differently this trip that I feel really helped so wanted to share what worked for us! 

1. Leave right before nap time

We woke up, ate breakfast, played a little, had a snack and then hit the road right around the time she should be napping. That way we start the trip off full & sleepy!

2. Pack food & drinks 

I made a cooler of sandwiches, snacks, fruit & drinks for us to have on the road so we didn’t waste so much time stopping. I also packed a bib and plate for her so she didn’t make too big of a mess in the car seat. 

3. Pack a toy bag 

I packed a bag full of different toys that entertain for a long time. Our favorites are busy boards, water paints, big legos and books. I also packed her favorite stuffed animal friends. 

IMPORTANT STEP: 

ONLY GIVE ONE TOY AT A TIME

This kept her entertained & interested in new & exciting things. If she saw it all in the first hour she would have been bored very quickly. 

& Just remember

People are so quick to say “don’t travel with kids” or “you can’t travel after kids”. Fake news. I want to bring my kids on all the adventures & as I do I’ll come back here with all the tips I learn to make it easier for everyone! 

Have the best day! 

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.