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I can't help but notice that the days I am feeling like a less than stellar mom, always coincide with the days I find myself over tired, over stressed, or over whelmed. It really never comes down to the kids' actual behavior. Things that I can handle with grace and patience on regular days - turn me grouchy, short, and snappy on days when I haven't had enough sleep or I've overbooked myself for the day. Leaving the attitude aside, being overly tired or yucky feeling also typically results in accomplishing less during the day, and inevitably procrastinating certain items like laundry, grocery shopping, or really anything that I can "put off until tomorrow." And as we all know, putting these things off even for a day can often lead to 3 or 4 days of catch-up just to make-up for one lost day, and it's such a vicious cycle that gets SUPER out of hand at our house.
There are a few things I've been trying to prioritize lately, in order to benefit my whole family and keep me at my best. This is not one of those posts about treating yourself, or big, fancy, expensive things like getting your nails done, getting a massage, or having a get-away (although all of those sound LOVELY), these are just a few simple, everyday things that don't really cost much extra time or money.
*Please note that some of these links include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my affiliate link I will earn a commission. This is provided at no extra cost to you.
1.) SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP - I've finally started prioritizing this idea I keep hearing about sleep being important. I mean honestly, everyone under the sun tells me that sleep is important for all of the things, and yet I blissfully (or not so blissfully I guess) ignored them for all of my years up until this point, and continued to stay up late watching Netflix, cleaning things around the house, finishing off an entire book, or scrolling Pinterest for way too long! Just beginning in January, my husband and I have both started turning in much earlier, and it's making such a difference.
I'm not naturally someone who can fall asleep early, so to help myself get in the routine of an early bedtime, I've been loving these Sleep Gummies, this pillow spray, and this tea has been my absolute favorite (and quite frankly only sleepytime tea I enjoy at all - and I've tried A LOT).
Another thing that helps is turning down the lights and using some soothing essential oils in a diffuser in the evening. I typically start this when the kids start baths/showers/pajamas, and it seems to help everyone wind down!
2.) Drink My Water - Another one that seems SO EASY, and that I've literally heard the important of no less than 2.4 million times I'm sure. I'm definitely giving it more effort, but it's a struggle each and every day to remind myself to drink some water. I would live on coffee as my only beverage if at all possible. Things that help me - drinking out of a big cup with a straw - link here. (literally, if this cup isn't clean, I end up forgetting to drink water all together). Also, carbonated water like La Croix. I also really like the Aldi and Target generic brands of this, so that's super helpful.
3.) Eating Less Junk - Man was I on a roll there for a while. Halloween through Christmas and New Years became a long stint of eating junky stuff without a second thought. I'm back to working really hard to keep out of the chips, cookies, candy and desserts because.. wow my pants are tighter and I'm on a long string of feeling awful.
I've been also focusing a lot more on protein, fiber and veggies because I am a big carb lover. Every time I'm hungry I would typically reach for some type of bread or cracker item. It is so easy to get lazy and eat terribly when it's cold and frozen outside, but my motivation is to be healthier and feel better to enjoy running around, playing with the kids when Spring and Summer hit! I can feel such a huge difference in sluggish-ness and bloating and motivation when I'm eating a little better and avoiding all the junk. I find myself thinking... "If only I ate as healthy as my kids do!" which is ridiculous! I should not feed them carrots and run off with a cookie! I'm convincing myself that it's okay to buy and make healthy foods for myself, that I can be a priority as well. I'm starting small, and taking on healthier eating habits little by little, but it's been so great so far!
I've gotten a few good books from the library to help on this path- Against All Grain (which is amazing, and I'm excited to read more of Danielle Walker's books/website and tell you more about soon! Big fan for sure!), Whole30 Cookbook, and The Paleo Kitchen. I figure I'll check them out as a library borrow first, and then purchase any that I really love and need at home.
4.) Decluttering - I plan to do an entire post about this but... after watching Tidying up with Marie Kondo, and listening to this WONDERFUL parenting book called Simplicity Parenting... I have been so inspired to declutter. I have also been coincidentally listening to quite a few episodes of podcasts on this topic, so it must be a sign! I declutter ALL THE TIME. That part is not new. But I'm taking it much more seriously this time, and paring down in hopes of a better time at home. Our home has felt like a constant state of chaos and messes lately, laundry baskets I couldn't keep up with, toys that had no designated home, you get the idea. It had obviously been a while since I decluttered, and Christmas hits our home like a wrecking ball thanks to over generousity from our family members, and basically it just needs a major overhaul. I've been really reevaluating what we own and seeking out a simpler approach to things. It's such a work in progress but every box filled for donation or consignment feels like a HUGE weight off of my shoulders and will ultimately result in me being a happier, more present parent. Every time I see a pared down drawer or closet, or an empty corner in my home I breathe a sigh of relief I swear! I have a long ways to go, but it's funny that I can go through a space, and come back to it later and find more to clear out!
(I can't recommend this book enough by the way, full review to come on it... I really feel that there is some information in it to benefit every parent out there and our perspective on life with children at all stages- I will link it here for anyone interested. I have listened to it on Audible and love it so very much!)
What things do you do to de-stress and keep your act together as a mom, wife, parent, or just adulting in general?
Just in the past year or so, I've started LOVING podcasts. It's become my "me" time hobby for sure - My favorite luxury to be able to pop in some headphones and enjoy a podcast while I do housework, go for a walk, workout, or listen while I drive to school pick-up, or any other time. It also can feel super productive, because I am learning and absorbing new information, perspectives, and life hacks while I'm accomplishing other things as well. I still love a good audiobook, but really enjoy the quick episodes of a podcast as well!
I've come to have a few favorites that I go back to again and again, subscribing to new episodes, and browsing back through the older ones to listen also!
Here are a few I highly recommend, that I've listened to a lot of the episodes and really gotten something great from each one:
Live Free Creative with Miranda Anderson
I find her show so fun to listen to. Honestly, even just the music and her voice are super relaxing and inspiring! She speaks a lot about mindful, intentional living, and has a book on the topic as well! She has a great perspective and is a must-listen for sure!
The Lazy Genius
This is such a great one and total life hack. Basically, I wish I had thought of it first because her tagline of "A genius about the things that matter, and lazy about the things that don't," is basically my life mantra (or should be at the very least)! The tips and show are fun, her perspective is great, and I really enjoy it. Some episodes offer more concrete tips and hacks to start using in your day to day life, while others offer more of a mindset adjustment that is equally as helpful. Super motivating, super inspiring, highly recommend.
Young House Love has a Podcast
This one is just a good time! It is a husband and wife, and they are super entertaining together. They quiz each other, do segments, share things they are loving, and chat about DIY and Home Improvement type things. Super fun for any homeowners, but also anyone just looking for entertainment.
3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms
Every episode is so inspirational and has an immediate effect on my mothering, even if just for a while. She often has guests on the episodes and they talk about a wide range of parenting topics. Parents of infants all the way up to parents of teens and older can find helpful episodes on this one.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin
This was one of the first podcasts I listened to, and I thoroughly enjoy it! I've always enjoyed her books and the way she really researches topics and approaches them with such a factual perspective.
Rise and Rise Together podcasts
The Rise Podcast is hosted by Rachel Hollis, while the Rise Together Podcast is typically hosted by Rachel and her husband Dave. Rise is typically for focused on womens' personal development, business, etc. while the Rise Together podcast is focused on having an exceptional marriage/relationship. Both of them have tons of great episodes, and I've listen to so very many of them. I have even turned on a few of the Rise Together episodes with my husband for us both to listen to, and we've really enjoyed them!
I use the purple podcast app on my Iphone to listen, but most of these are available from other sources like Spotify as well. I'm still on the hunt for more good ones, and getting to explore them one episode at a time, so I'll keep you posted as I maybe discover a few others that I like more/as well.
I'd love any recommendations! What are your favorites? Leave them in the comments!
One of my daughters just turned 10 last week!! Double digits! I can't believe how fast it goes. Birthdays are such a mix of celebration, reflection, reminiscing, and looking forward to the future. I'm so amazed at the wonderful girl she has become, and can't wait to see what her bright future will bring - but I also want to slow it all down, keep her little, go back to the younger years that I feel went by way too quickly and get one more chance to rock her to sleep! I also find myself reflecting on my mothering to her over the past ten years, and vowing to cherish every minute going forward. Oh birthdays, you send me on a roller coaster!
Never the less, we have a few family traditions surrounding birthdays that I wanted to share! We love to find simple, inexpensive ways to make the birthday person feel extra special on their big day! We celebrate with gifts and parties as well, and boy do I have some fun birthday party ideas to share at another time, but these are just the small things we do on their day to amp up the "specialness" of the day a little bit! As with all things in our life, we are trying to put the focus on the experience, the love, and the special family traditions - and less on the items. These are not your perfect pinterest-worthy over the top things - these are low key but full of love!
*Please note that some of these links include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my affiliate link I will earn a commission. This is provided at no extra cost to you.
1.) Dinner Choice - The birthday person gets to request whatever they'd like for dinner on their birthday! We eat at home, and cook something, but they get to choose anything they'd like.
2.) Bedroom Decorations - We decorate their door/bedroom after they go to sleep so they wake up on their birthday to a special surprise! Typically this involves hanging streamers and balloons from their door, or a happy birthday banner. For my daughter's recent 10th birthday, we added a list of 10 Things We Love about her! We also fill their bedroom floor with balloons to walk through when they wake up! We throw the extras in the living room too, and this almost always results in quite a few fun games of "keep the balloon off the ground" that our whole family gets into and has so much fun!
3.) Special breakfast - We typically just buy donuts for breakfast on the morning of their birthday, and throw in a candle for the birthday person! Occasionally we have done cinnamon rolls or "choose your favorite junk cereal" since they don't typically get to have it at home, or some other request, but it's typically just a quick easy donut run the night before!
4.) Cake - Surprise, surprise... we eat cake on their birthday! Ha. The thing that makes it special in our house, is that my husband and I bake them a cake (typically some amped up version of a box mix) and then decorate it however they request. This IS NOT a professional looking cake by any means. But, our kids love that we make it for them - and I love that it's something fun my husband and I do together, with a mix of convenience and DIY. It's just another example of putting the effort into the parts that matter, and taking the easy road on the parts that don't. My hope is always that it's the thought that counts, and they have learned to cherish the cakes that we make rather than the more expensive, professional cakes, which is such an important lesson I think.
Some of our favorite cake decorating tools are these, these, these, and cake stands like this or this.
5.) Looking at old photos/videos and talking about their birth story - We almost always end up pulling out baby photos or videos on each of our kids' birthdays, and talking about the day they were born, funny baby stories or stories of their birthdays in younger years. They love seeing and hearing about things when they were babies and I love reminiscing on my time being pregnant and birthing them, and all the special baby moments we had.
As you can see, these aren't crazy, over the top ideas. Just a few simple things, that take a few extra minutes and a very low budget to make the birthday person feel a little extra special! It is so fun having family traditions with our kids and creating memories we hope they'll cherish into the future!
Do you have special birthday traditions at your home? Anything we should add to our usual ones to amp up the excitement a little? I absolutely love getting a glimpse into how other people do it, and am sure there are better ideas out there I should be adding!
Leave me some ideas in the comments!
I don't know about your kids, but my kids go through definite phases where a few things are all the rage, and it lasts a while until it's kind of old news and a new thing that they love takes over. It's not always items, it's sometimes just the shows they love, the things they race home to start playing, the items they want to give all of their friends for birthday party gifts, whatever.
So, I thought it might be fun to put together a list from time to time on the current hits and see how they all change. I linked all the items as well, hope that helps!
*Please note that some of these links include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my affiliate link I will earn a commission. This is provided at no extra cost to you.
I always wonder if these are universal loves, and that a ton of kids are into these at the moment, or if it is just my kids. Obviously all kids are different and have lots of different interests, but I bet some of these things span lots of different ages, locations, etc.
1.) Elephant and Piggie - My 7 year old is OBSESSED with these books, for like a year now! She recently received more books plus a set of Elephant and Piggie bookends for Christmas, and she's been reading and rereading these nonstop!
2.) Babysitter's Club Graphic Novels - On the other hand, my (almost) 10 and (newly) 14 year olds can't get enough of these books that they received for Christmas. My 10 year old raced through 4 books in the blink of an eye, and I can't get her to put them down to do ANYTHING. Every time I look she's got her face deep into one of these books. I was a big fan of the original babysitters club books, so I think it's super fun, and quite often find myself picking up her book after she sets it down and getting distracted reading through it as quickly as I can!
3.) Miraculous Ladybug on Netflix - We recently discovered this show and love it! The kids are all super into it and end up acting out that they are the superheroes long after the show is turned off. As a bonus, my husband and I enjoy this one too, so we are more than happy to snuggle up and watch it with them - which is always such an awesome find with kids' shows.
4.) Alexa and Katie - This is the other Netflix show that my kids are loving, as Netflix is our primary means of watching TV in our house. Again, this is one that my husband and I enjoy watching with them - I swear I'd be tempted to choose to watch this on my own as well! It's also nice because it appeals to our oldest daughter, and the other girls love feeling like they are watching a more grown-up show due to the fact that it's not animated.
5.) Squishmallows - Holy Moly! My kids now have 3 different sizes of these guys, in a variety of animals, and they all love them. It's awesome when you find an item that spans the ages from 2 year )ld boy to 14 year old girl! My kids even opted to pool their money to purchase a multi-pack of the small size Squishmallows at Costco and split them up amongst themselves. They've used the giant ones as pillows on the couch and on a recent car trip, as well as in their beds! They are super soft and squishy, and super adorable.
6.) Perler Beads - My girls have been crafting hard with these little guys, and I'd definitely say this is the most I've used my iron since I've owned it! They have been making little trinkets for us parents, each other, grandparents for Christmas, you name it! It's super fun to see how creative they get too, using the standard circle, heart, and star shaped boards to make completely different shapes on!
7.) Picasso Magnetic Tiles - Another Christmas gift well received. I love anything that my whole family can sit down and play with at once, and these are a prime example! We have such a broad age range, from 14 to 2, and this is the type of toy that my bigger girls love playing with our little boy, and we love playing too! I know I'm terrible at any type of make-believe, but I can sit and goof around with these as long as the kids want me to!
8.) Playing School - Does anyone else find this kind of funny.... my kids race home from a long day at school to dash into their bedroom and start playing SCHOOL!? What gives? They bring home old worksheets and set up a little dry erase board or Ipad as the white board or smart board, and team teach a little group of dolls each day! This has been their favorite thing to do for months now! I even gave them an extra notepad of absence slips from their school, so they can fill out notes if their students are "getting picked up early for an appointment," or anything like that!
9.) All the Songs From The Greatest Showman - Wowza. My kids LOOOOOVE this movie, and belt out every word to every song at any chance they get, complete with leaps from the sofa and twists and turns through the kitchen. They are always asking to listen to the soundtrack or crank it up in the car when any of them come on the radio.
10.) BOLD - This is such a fun card game! Again, not something that my 2 year old is into, but the bigger kids absolutely love it, and my hubby and I have fun playing with them too! Think of the game of Memory, but more fun. It's kind of the amped up version of that. I highly recommend it, and it is probably appropriate enough for someone younger too, maybe 5? 4 with a little guidance? We've owned it since last Christmas actually, so just over a year, and it's been in constant rotation ever since.
Are any of these popular at your house? What are your kids into right now? Are there any super cool things we should be checking into?
