My Postpartum Toolkit – New Mama Essentials

June 18, 2013 By
Postpartum Toolkit

Those first few weeks after baby is born are magical... and absolutely exhausting.  I can only imagine how tired I am going to be when baby B3 arrives and I'm tending to a nursing a newborn 24/7 and entertaining two other young children.  There is no way to know how the transition will go, but because Bryson and Bella are a bit older (Bryson was 25 months when Bella was born), I expect it to go fairly smooth.  Either way, I want to be as prepared as possible which means putting together my new mama toolkit before baby arrives.  It goes without saying that my essentials may not be your essentials, but I have put together a list with a few of my must haves. New Mama Essentials Breastfeeding Must Haves Nursing Pillow- One of my most used pieces of baby gear- it will save your arms! Lanolin-  It's common to experience soreness and tenderness while your nipples are adjusting to breastfeeding. Snacks & Water- To nourish a child, you must first nourish yourself.  Have a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With:

Rite Aid Tugaboos Diapers + Vera Bradley Giveaway

June 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Rite Aid Tugaboos

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Rite Aid Tugaboos diapers. Check out the great giveaway below!We've been all over the map as far as our diaper use is concerned.  Starting out with Bryson, I used coupons to buy the brand name, premium diapers for a fraction of the price.  My stockpile lasted about 18 months and slowly, the deals became few and far between.  After that, I began buying the store brand diapers.  At that time, the drugstore I shopped out put out coupons that made their diapers $2.50 per pack.  Each time that deal rolled around, I snatched up as many packs as possible.  Then, that deal went away, so I started using Amazon Mom to get a great deal on the huge boxes of diapers with free shipping.  I've never been very picky when it comes to diapers.  My kids aren't allergic to any materials, so as long as the diaper didn't leak, I used it. Bryson is now potty-trained, but Bella still wears diapers.  She'd love to potty-train too, but every time … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Baby Products, Reviews

Family Fun in the Sun – #DiscoverBoating

June 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Discover Boating Weekend at the River

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Discover Boating. I received collateral to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating. I am so excited to announce that I have been chosen as a Discover Boating ambassador!  Until the summer of 2008, I had very little experience with boats.  That all changed when my dad bought a shiny new pontoon boat!  We are blessed to be surrounded by rivers and lakes, state parks and campgrounds, and great friends and family to spend time on the water with all summer long. We spend every possible weekend at the river with my parents.  Bryson and Bella LOVE going out on "Pop's boat!"  Bryson was 4 months old the first time he went out on the boat and now at 4 years old, he is crazy about it.  Last summer, he finally got to ride the tube for the first time and he thought he was so big.  We were out on the boat with my parents, our children, and Justin's mom and step-dad so our families … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family Happenings

Finding “Me Time” – #QuakerEpicAdventures

June 13, 2013 By
Quaker Chocolate Chip Cookies Me Time

Finding me time becomes difficult after you have children.  I think our society has pushed this idea that our lives shouldn't change after children, that we deserve tons of "me time" to do as we please, but I don't really agree with that view.  Do I think it's important to have a few minutes to clear my head each day?  Absolutely, but hours at the spa aren't required.  My children and our family are my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I posted earlier this week about how busy we've been and life has certainly been go-go-go lately but it just feels right. Before becoming pregnant, I enjoyed waking up before Bryson and Bella for my morning me time.  I would spend time with a devotional and a cup of coffee.  Now?  I have to have my sleep, so I've given that morning time up.  I've always been a night owl, so I would enjoy an hour or so after the kids went to bed reading or blogging.  Now?  I can't wait for the kids to go to bed so I can follow, haha. I've … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Personal Thoughts

Preschool Play: 4 Ideas Using Energizer Bright Headlights

June 10, 2013 By 11 Comments
Bright Headlights Play

Bryson and Bella love playing with lights.  They each have their own flashlights and Bryson has several Energizer Bright Headlights, some at home and some at his Pop's house.  Their fascination with headlights began when the power went off last year.  It was nighttime so the entire house was dark.  The kids were scared, as you can imagine, so Justin and I brought out Energizer bright headlights for them.  They were no longer frightened and loved playing by the beams from the headlights. Since that dark night, we've found many uses for Energizer bright headlights during playtime. We use them for everyday activities beyond the typical camping. My dad loves them for working on cars. Hubby uses them when he needs to get in the attic or under the house. Play Ideas with Energizer Bright Headlights Hide & Seek in the Dark Who doesn't love a good game of hide & seek?  We play with the kids all the time!  Add a fun twist by playing in the dark, using Energizer bright … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Preschool Tagged With: , ,

A (Not So) Lazy River & Life Lately

June 9, 2013 By 2 Comments
Lake Winnie

When exactly did we get a life? That's what Justin and I have been asking each other for weeks.  Life has been chaos- fun, exciting, tiring chaos, the best kind but it feels like it came out of nowhere.  It seems like everything picked up at the same time.  We started attending church, then t-ball began, then we found out we were pregnant, and it just hasn't slowed down. T-ball has wrapped up and as much fun as it was, I am glad it's over!  Bella enjoyed going to the games and socializing more than Bryson enjoyed playing, I think.  He was super excited for his trophy and loved the team ice cream party. We volunteered to teach the pre-k class at vacation bible school last week.  About 2 seconds after volunteering, I began questioning myself, wondering why in the world I signed up for that!  I knew the kids in our class had been in church longer than we had, so what were we thinking!?  Thankfully, He knows what He's doing and after I put my nerves aside, it all went well.  … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bella, Bryson, Family Happenings

Princess Bella – Zulily Dance Week

June 3, 2013 By 4 Comments
Bella Grace Princess Tutu Zulily

Bella reminds me so much of myself sometimes that it's crazy.  She loves taking care of her baby dolls and acting like a little mama, but she isn't into the frill of being a girl.  Anytime I put on a dress of long, flowy skirt, she smiles and says, "Mama, you are a princess!"  Every once in a while, I can talk her into dressing up like a princess... and then she usually finds the nearest puddle of mud, haha.  She likes to wear a tutu, but hates having her hair fixed.  Bows and headbands?  You can forget it.  She'll keep a bow in for about 3 minutes and then she's done.  "I don't like it!," she says and I don't argue, because that's just not a battle worth fighting. The folks at zulily sent us a super cute tote bag filled with tutus, flowers clips, and headbands.  Bella wore one of them all day today and even went to her well check as a princess.  The tutus are adorable and I imagine we'll get a lot of use out of them for imaginative play and dress up.  I have ordered … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Accessories & Apparel, Bella, Reviews

Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe

June 3, 2013 By 5 Comments
Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe

In the South, temperatures are rising.  Quickly.  After wondering if summer would ever arrive, I think it’s safe to say it is finally here.  When the hot weather rolls in, my desire for cooking with heat leaves.  Instead of hot baked goods, I turn to icy cold treats like this Pineapple Banana Smoothie Recipe that can easily be turned into popsicles too.  What I love about making smoothies is that you can make more than you need, because smoothie “leftovers” are so versatile.    I often freeze them in popsicle molds for the kids or freeze what’s left then sit it in the fridge to thaw in the morning so I’ll have a smoothie during the day. Made with Dole Canned Pineapple, the only canned pineapple with “Hula”; that sweet, exotic taste of the islands that adds fun and excitement to recipes and snacks, this Pineapple Banana Smoothie recipe is sure to hit the spot and possibly even make you want to hula!  Dole Canned Pineapple is available in slices, chunks, tidbits, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: recipes Tagged With: ,
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