Next Chapter: Moving Tips

We sold our first home, you guys.  We have lived here for 5 years, and during those years a lot has happened! College graduation, marriage, babies, holiday and birthday parties.. the list goes on.  I, surprisingly, haven't cried yet.  But, I am sad to leave this beautiful place.  It has been a good first home to us and we will cherish the memories that we have made here!

The reason that I haven't shed a tear yet, is because I am actually REALLY excited to move! I know that isn't the case for all of you, but, thankfully, those are my feelings about our next chapter.  We are closing on both houses in just over two weeks! Let me tell you something though, this whole process is not for the faint of heart! This is the first time I have been seriously involved in a moving process. (When we first bought this house, I was still in college, so Chris handled everything the first time around.)  In hind sight, I took that totally for granted! Thanks, Babe!

There are some things that have made the moving process (selling, packing, buying, etc.) easier.  Notice that I didn't say "easy", but rather, "easiER".  We still have two toddlers running around, in the midst of the chaos. But, I'd like to share with you a few things that I have learned throughout this process, that will hopefully help you in some way.

✔ START PACKING NOW
    
- The first time either you, or your significant other, speak a WORD about moving, start packing instantly! We knew we wanted to sell for quite some time, but once we were serious about it, I started packing.  Chris thought I was nuts, and didn't understand why I was in such a rush to pack everything, but wowzers, I am so glad that I did! I knew we wouldn't actually be moving for about 3-4 months, but, I PROMISE you, there are things around your house you will not need in the next 3-4 months! Get a storage unit or use your in laws barn (both of which we did 👊) and get packing. You'll thank me later.  We are 2.5 weeks away from moving and I have all but the necessities packed up!

✔ OPEN UP YOUR MIND(S)

- So, funny story... the house that we bought has been on the market for a long time (years).  I am the type of person who browses Realtor.com every day, just to see what's for sale and to be nosy! I came across this particular house about a year and a half ago and I clicked on the link and laughed.  It was nothing that I EVER saw myself buying or living in. So, I clicked out of it and continued my search. I viewed this house about 8 times over the months and had the same reaction every time.
Fast forward several months, Chris and I found what we thought was "it". The perfect house. We scrambled to get our ducks in a row, and our house on the market ASAP and during that time, somebody else bought it.  That put us right back to square one: house searching. We looked at several others and nothing jumped out at us. We were losing hope and were about to forget the whole idea of moving.
Well, you know what they say, "the 9th time's a charm"! I was desperately searching for a place to call home. I was afraid that we would sell our house and not have anywhere to go. So, I called up our realtor and asked to look at the house that I've been cackling at. YOU GUYS! God has a sense of humor, because we walked in that place and practically fell in love instantly. Yes, it needs some cosmetic upgrades (anyone recommend a good wallpaper removal technique?!), but it's just perfect for us. NEVER in a million years would I have thought I would be calling a place like this home! So, write a list of ABSOLUTES, like number of bedrooms or acres, but leave the rest on your "wish list". You never know what you might stumble upon!

✔ GOOD GREAT COMMUNICATION (WITH EVERYONE)

- I feel like this is the key to success in just about everything, except maybe a quiet contest. Moving is a daunting thing. It's stressful just thinking about it, let alone being in the midst of negotiations, repairs, packing, etc. We have 2.5 weeks to go, but up until this point, Chris and I haven't argued about anything. NOTHING. Prior to moving, we sat down and made a list of things we wanted to do to our house before listing it.  We also, reviewed our finances and came up with a number that we could comfortably afford, as well as, made a necessities/wish list. We openly expressed our thoughts and feelings to each other, and our realtor, about questions or concerns throughout the whole process.  It's a long process and you cannot prepare for everything that will be thrown your way.  We are through the thick of it now, but there is still so much to be done.  But, remembering to keep open communication will help you tremendously!

Stay tuned for pictures! 👐

Easy Ornament Storage

It's that time of year. The time when the holidays are over, the Christmas decorations get put away, the tree gets throw out the window and the next thing we have to look forward to is the first day of Spring. 

This year, I decorated my home for Christmas, before Thanksgiving.  Needless to say, I was ready for the Christmas decor to come down as soon as Christmas was over.  It is sad to see all of it get packed up, but the thing I look forward to the least is wrapping everything back up and storing it away until next year.

Last year, when we were taking down our tree, I was SO sick and tired of trying to fit all of my ornaments back into their original boxes, and pack all of the boxes away into a bigger box! Chris, the boys and I all get several new ornaments each year, so it was getting harder and harder to store all of them conveniently. That's when I decided to work smarter and not harder. I trashed all of the ornament boxes and made my life 100x easier!

I used the same storage boxes that I kept all of my ornament boxes in.  I replaced the little boxes with plastic cups! Not all of our ornaments are fragile, so I will put 2 or 3 in each cup.  For the fragile ones, I simply put one in each cup and don't need to worry about paper or bubble wrap to protect them.  It's so easy the next year when we're decorating the tree! The hooks are still attached and easy clean up and storage. Does it get much easier than that?! Nope.

Supplies needed:

- 1 or 2 large boxes (I use small plastic totes)
- Plastic cups
- Ornaments

  Step 1: Line the storage box with plastic cups. 

                                                      Fit them snug, so no cups tip over.

  

Step 2: Put the ornaments in the cups!

 

Step 3: Trash your empty ornament boxes and relax! 

 

 Happy New Year everyone! May it be filled with less clutter and more time spent with family and friends! <3

Essential Oils for the Mainstream Mama

I know my blog name says it all, but I wouldn’t consider myself to be a “crunchy” or “green living” mom.  I don’t buy all organic and I don’t always recycle! I do, however, try to be a good steward to my family and to the world we live in.  But, I will tell you that I don’t always succeed.  Now, being a mainstream mom, I do like to try new things.  I remember hearing about essential oils a few years ago and rolling my eyes at the thought of an oil being so drastically beneficial.  I know oils have been around for a long time, but I do feel like they’ve recently become extremely popular.  

*Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor, and this information is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.*

I first became interested in essential oils when I hosted a shopping event in my own home! My house smelled so good and I was interested in learning more about these magic oils.  I am assuming this is about the same place that you are right now.  You are/were hesitant about such oils, but are open to hearing more about them! You came to the right place! I am here to give you an unbiased opinion, because I have been where you have been and now I am on the other side. 

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that are extracted from plants, flowers, stems, and other plant parts.  Whether or not you want to admit it, we all know that there are some plants that are beneficial to us.  Think of the roses your significant other gets you on Valentine’s Day.  Don’t you just love putting your nose in them and inhaling the beautiful aroma? Doesn’t it instantly make you happy and stress free?  Did you know that there are other benefits to Rose oil, such as purifying blood and boosting libido?  I didn’t either, but this is the whole point of essential oils.  It’s not that they just smell good, although some of them make me wrinkle my nose, but they have other benefits to them too! 

Where can I find these oils and which ones should I buy?

Essential oils are becoming so popular that you can find them at almost any store that sells bath/beauty products, including the big chain stores. There are also independent distribution companies, such as Young Living and doTerra.  I am not here to tell you which place is the BEST place to buy from.  However, I will caution you to do a little bit of research. See how the plants used are harvested and how the oils are extracted. Essential oils should NOT have an expiration date on them.  If they have an expiration date, I would suggest to look for a different brand.  These oils should be pure, without added water or other ingredients.   You will see that prices of different oils vary.  It takes roughly 50 lemons to make a 15 ml bottle of essential oil.  On the other hand, it takes 30,000 roses for a 15 ml bottle of Rose oil! Just be mindful of that, in case you get sticker shock!

How do I use essential oils?

There are three ways to use essential oils; aromatically, topically and internally. 

Aromatically – You can diffuse any oil you would like, in a diffuser.  There are so many good smelling oils out there, and they can be beneficial to inhale.  For example, diffusing peppermint oil is great for a cough or congestion. Diffusing essential oils is a great alternative to candles!

Topically – Add a drop of essential oils to some carrier oil (vitamin e oil, coconut oil, etc) and apply! Essential oils absorb into your blood stream quickly, so they can be beneficial with a backache, headache, or sore muscles!  Be sure to always read the labels and do research to see where they should be applied. Typically, you can apply them to the bottoms of your feet, wrists, neck and temples! Or, try adding a few drops of Lavender oil to a warm bath! Sounds relaxing, doesn't it?!

Internally – Always read the labels first, but some oils can be ingested! Young Living has a “Vitality” line, which are oils, specifically for ingesting.  Ingesting essential oils can help detox your body, aid digestions and support internal organs!  If you’re looking for a place to start, try adding a few drops of lemon oil to your water, or adding thyme or oregano oil to your favorite dinner recipes!

My family and I use essential oils every day in our house.  I diffuse oils in my kid’s rooms during nap time and during the night and I, almost always, am wearing an oil topically. If you are teetering on the edge of giving them a shot, go for it!  Essential oils have so many benefits and uses! They can become a very useful tool in your home!

Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

We've all been there...  It's one day before Halloween and you're at a loss for a costume.  Your child changed their mind about what they want to dress as or you simply forgot that Halloween was so close. And you're stressing out because you had an entire Pinterest board of costumes for little Susie for the next seven Halloweens, and didn't make a single one. Well, here you are. You have no time to go to the store to get the supplies for their wardrobe change. You and your child are now panicking. 

Please, panic no more. 

The following costumes can be compiled from items around the house.  Yes, these items will actually be things that you keep in your home. I'm not expecting you to have 30 yards of tulle or a lime green wig laying around for your convenience. You may not have the exact supplies, but, improvise!

Concessions Vendor Costume

- Cardboard box (Come on, I know you have at least one Amazon box around)

- Ribbon 

- White shirt

- Black pants 

Minion

- Overalls or jeans

-Yellow shirt

- Head band

- Plastic Solo cup (cut the top of the cup off so there is 1" left at the bottom.  Draw eyes in the cups. These will be your eyes/goggles. Fasten to headband.)

Mummy

- Toilet Paper 

Rosie the Riveter

- Button up shirt

- Jeans

- Bandana 

Snowboarder

- Snow clothes

- Helmet

- Goggles

- Snowboard boots

Scarecrow

- Plaid shirt

- Jeans

- Sun Hat

- Face makeup (If you feel like it)

Kid in PJ's

- PJ's

- Slippers

- Stuffed animal

Prom Queen

- Your old prom dress (You know, the one that's still in your closet)

- Tiara

Tourist

- Camera

- Floral shirt

- Socks 

- Sandals

- Hat

- Fanny pack

Don't stress too much over a costume.  Raid your closets and toy box and I think you will be surprised at what you can come up with. I don't know about you, but where I live, my kids end up wearing jackets anyways! Have a fun and safe Halloween!

'BIG' Helper

We all know that it is important to include our children in daily household tasks. Although, as moms, it may not always be the easiest thing to do.  Let's be honest, it usually results in more work for us.  But, extra work aside, what are the benefits of allowing our children to be "helpers"?

Relationship Growth
We all dream of the days where we can sit back and let the kids take over some of the responsibility of household chores. Especially doing the things that we hate the most! Allowing your children to help in household tasks lets them feel very involved in the family.  It allows them to learn about family relationships and builds responsibility and pride, not just for them, but for you too! It helps both of you communicate and listen to each other.  And, believe it or not, it makes you both more patient! Sometimes you will need to be hands on and assisting your child and other times, you will need to step back and patiently allow them complete the task.  As you are encouraging them throughout the process, this will teach them to be encouraging to others! Letting them help you, in turn, takes a little bit off of your load. Sounds good to me!

Personal Growth
Picture your children when they are older, as determined, dependable, purpose driven and responsible people. Guess what, it starts now! These are the characteristic that will grow as we allow them to take over some of our simple tasks.  The responsibility of handing over some small daily chores helps fuel their determination and have a purpose! Not only does it give them an opportunity to contribute to the family, but it helps them set goals too. We all know how important it is to set reasonable goals for ourselves, why not teach our kids at a young age too?  But, with responsibility and goals, comes failure and that is okay! I will say it again, it is okay to fail.  Help your child build character and teach them that when they fail at something, they need to try again until they get it right and help them problem solve when they get stuck! There are so many life lessons they can learn by inviting them to help you with small tasks.  Believe me, they are small to us, but SO big to them!


 

As moms, we need to let go of our expectations.  Yes, the task would get done 500 times faster if you did it yourself.  Yes, it would be less of a mess or more organized if you put those things away.  Your children are not going to do things the way that you do them, and that is okay.  Teach them how, or let them learn their own ways! You may even learn a thing or two!  Instead of shooing away your child during dinner prep, invite them into the kitchen to help you! Do not worry about what your house will look like or what people will think.  It is our responsibility as moms, to teach our children and to raise them to be decent human beings! It starts now. 

Putting away silverware! My least favorite thing to do and his favorite! Yay!

How do you go about this? Well, first of all, go back and reread the paragraph directly above this. Next, encourage your child! Get them excited to help you! Don't make it a chore to them, even if it a chore to you!  For the sake of you both, try to avoid frustration.  A big part of that is assigning age appropriate tasks.  Do not ask your three year old to put away groceries or sort his laundry from dad's laundry, because it will end in frustration and anger.  Try not to use money or candy as a reward.  This will make them think that every time they help you, they must be rewarded with something.  Then, once you stop offering them money, they won't be as willing to help you or others.  Be sure to give clear expectations and keep them simple.  Remember this phrase, KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid.  Don't give five directions at once, but one or two at a time and then praise them when they've completed those! You will be so proud of your little one when you see the excitement on their faces from helping you! Embrace those moments, and the mess!

Setting the table

Washing potatoes before dinner

                                                                         

Need ideas? 
Here are some age appropriate tasks to start with!

Age 2-3

• put dirty clothes in hamper
• dress themselves
• fold simple laundry (washcloths, pillowcases, underwear)
• put away clothes in drawers (put corresponding clothing stickers on drawers to help)
• brush teeth by themselves
• throw away trash 
• pick up toys
• put dishes in sink
• feed animals

Age 3-5

• make bed
• pick up room
• sort silverware or socks
• clean off counter/table with sponge
• water plants
• dust
• set table

Age 6-8

• get mail
• vacuum
• empty dishwasher
• put away groceries
• clean out car
• yard work
• sweep garage

Save $1,000 before Christmas!

Christmas is EXACTLY 11 weeks away! I know, I know, it's crazy how fast this year has gone.  But, now it's time to get into the Holiday state of mind. If you're like most people, thinking about holidays probably gives you instant anxiety.  Between the money, traffic, family time, parties, long lines and, did I mention MONEY?! It's no wonder the Holiday season invites the unwelcomed guests of anxiety and stress.

Well, I am here to help ease that panic for you! At least, the money part.  I can't help you with your pesky cousin or in-law. You're on your own with that (sorry).  How does an additional $1,000 in your pocket sound? If you're the 1% who already has their Christmas shopping done and gifts wrapped (do those people even exist?), you can use this money for blessing another family, hosting a party, paying bills or cushioning your savings account.

Now, you may be asking "where on earth am I going to find an additional $1,000?".  I want you to pause right now and think of you closet or your basement. 😳 How many items are in those two places that you haven't used in two years? Start there! For those of you with kids, go through those clothing bins and decrease the amount of shirts and sleepers your 9 month old has! Search your local area for any buy/sell stores, such as, Once Upon A Child, Style Encore or Plato's Closet.  Facebook Market and Craigslist are also great local classifieds where you can sell your crap, I mean very valuable items. Another great idea is getting a seasonal position at a local store.  Many places hire extra staff just for the holiday season! This would be a great way to bring in some extra cash! If you're crafty, set up an Etsy shop and sell your handcrafted goods online! OR here's a good one, stop going out to eat or buying lunch at work! Yes, I mean actually pack your lunch and make dinner at home. *gasp* I think you will be surprised what you can come up with!

Before I post the chart, I want to remind you that this is a simple 11 week challenge! This is a very "doable" task and I believe that YOU can accomplish it!

Here it is! Print this out and hang it on your refrigerator or put it in your wallet! Check off each week as you have completed it! If you can save an extra $5 or $10 a week, do that! Make this something exciting and get your husband and kids involved!

 

I am so excited to hear your success stories with this! Comment below with your idea of how to save an extra $1,000 in the next 11 weeks! 

Enjoy!

Life With Two

... and then there were four. That was the exact saying I used to tell my husband we were having another baby! I typed it on a big piece of taped it to the bathroom mirror with all of my positive pregnancy tests on the vanity.  Fast forward roughly nine months, and here we are!

November 18th, (which just so happens to be my Dad and Step Mom's anniversary) we welcomed Luca Scott into the world! I'll save my birth story for another day, but even from the first contraction, every thing was different than with my first.  Labor, delivery and life as I knew it was all different. Well, most of it.

During my pregnancy I always worried that I wouldn't be able to love this baby as much as I loved Benson.  I know that is a terrible thing, but I think every mom thinks that at some point (or maybe not).  Everyone I said that to told me I was crazy.  They said it's almost as if your heart will double in size to be able to love both kids just the same, which is A LOT! Well, November 18th at 8:37 am, I learned that it is indeed true.  I felt like the Grinch that day... "Well, in Whoville the say- that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day".  (For those who don't know me, I love the Grinch)

ANYWAYS. After my heart grew three sizes, the reality set in... I have 2 KIDS! Now what do I do?!  Well, in the past 3 months of parenting two kids, I've learned a lot and I'm here to share!

Here are the top 5 things that having two kids has taught me...

1. Enjoy the sleepless nights.  
WHAT! I remember crying with Benson because I felt like I would never sleep a full night ever again.  Thankfully, that only lasted 6 weeks, when he decided to sleep all night long! With Luca, I took advantage of them.  I snuggled him.  I stared at him.  I enjoyed our peaceful time together, rather than wishing it away.  Lord knows that in the morning, it will be back to chaos! Can I get an Amen?!  I felt like because I had a whole different attitude about getting up 3 times a night, it made me actually enjoy them! Attitude IS everything.

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

2. Throw away expectations.  

Here is a list of a normal person's daily expectations:

• Shower
• Drink hot coffee
• Keep a tidy home
• Eat healthy
• Keep it together in public 

Prior to having kids, those were my expectations for myself.  After having one kid, I probably achieved 50% of those on a daily basis.  With two kids, you can forget everything I just mentioned above.  Put a big X right through that list, because it won't happen.  At first, it was hard to accept, but let's face it, having two kids is hard!

My dining room table is currently a fort made out of camo sheets (but luckily you can't see it, because it's camouflage 😉).  Benson eats Fruit Loops almost every morning.  On the mornings that he doesn't, he's inhaling MY hot oatmeal.  OH, and going out in public... HA! I mean, my kids are pretty good in public, but you know those stores that have the little kid grocery carts?!?! I DESPISE THOSE STORES! I'd rather cut my leg off than have to push around my big grocery cart (full of groceries and a baby), chase Benson up and down the aisles, pick up all of the display items that he knocks over from his reckless driving, and carry him to the car kicking and screaming because he had to "park" his cart before we left... all while juggling a baby and bags of groceries. Like, seriously. The owners of those stores clearly do not have children.  But, at the end of the day, we are all alive and (mostly) well (even if I am stinky, in a dirty home, eating oreos).

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

3. Call for back up.

You guys, I am not one to ask for help. Like ever.  But, I did it.  In my last few weeks of pregnancy, I put Benson in day care one day a week. Go ahead and judge me, but, it was exactly what I needed to keep me sane.  I also scheduled all of my appointments and ran errands on that day.  Now, since having Luca, while Benson is at day care, Luca and I get some one on one bonding time.  It's amazing! I had so much one on one time with Benson, which I cherish so much, but having two kids makes it really hard to have that same bond with the second baby! It's also harder to go out on dates with my hubby! We have been able to go out twice since having two kids, which I know doesn't seem like a lot, but it's something! It's so important for Chris and I to have some alone time together and to talk about grow up things, and not "tooting" or "choo-choos"!

Psalm 121: 1-2 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

4. Include #1.

Benson is such a sweet little boy.  He loves giving kisses to baby Luca and sitting next to him.  But, he needs to be included on a deeper level.  Luckily, Benson helps me give Luca baths and he throws away dirty diapers and helps me dress Luca.  He really is such a big helper and he gets excited about it, because I get excited about it! Plus, it gives me a little break when Benson is being a helpful big bro! I think that including him has seriously eliminated a TON of jealousy issues.  Thankfully, we have had very little jealousy up to this point!

Hebrews 13:16 "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

5. Don't forget about yourself. 

During my pregnancy with Luca, I was reminded about how important self love is.  Being a mom, a lot depends on me! The job of a mother includes SO many roles: house cleaner, cook, nanny, taxi driver, nurse, therapist, etc.  It's so easy to lose myself in all of the chaos that is around me, that I forget to take care of myself.  Most days, I forget to eat a meal!  But, we all know that if Mom is down and out, life basically falls apart.  I mentioned in my second point about daily expectations.  In reality, I make it a point to shower every day and have a (somewhat) hot cup of coffee.  Whether it requires me to wake up 30 minutes earlier than the kids or pushing it off until nap time, I make it a priority for myself.  Showering and consuming coffee are two things that keep my head above the ground, so they have to happen. Every. Single. Day. For the sake of everyone! 

Psalm 112:7 "She confidentially trusts the Lord to take care of her."

Well, those are my thoughts on adjusting to having two kiddos!  It is a hard task, being a mother, but I wouldn't want any other job in the world.  There's no greater blessing than being a mama to my two beautiful boys.  Thanks for reading! 

 

5 Minute Pickup

Do any of you (all two of you) ever feel overwhelmed by the destruction your children can cause in your home?  I'm talking every book off of the shelf, 50 packs of fruit snacks on the floor, poop on the couch, and crawling on the counter... all in 10 seconds flat?

I would consider myself someone who likes to have a clean space.  In college, my dorm room always needed to be clean, or at least picked up, in order for me to accomplish any type of school work.  It might have been 50% procrastination, 50% neat freak, but regardless, it needed to be neat for my brain to function clearly.  Well, not much has changed in the past 4 years.  I still find myself internally losing my crap when my house is in shambles.  This happens at least once a day. 

I have two people in my life that I need to thank for today's post. First, is my step mom, Annette.  The second, is my Mom, Mary.  Annette has a spot for everything.  It's not just the main floor in her home that she keeps spotless, but every bedroom, every bathroom and even the laundry room is spotless.  Nothing is left out, and everything has a "place".  My Mom, on the other hand, is a little bit more "lax", if you will. She isn't messy by any means, but she isn't as concerned with neatness, as others may be (sorry, Mom). However, my Mom taught me an important life lesson when I was young.  Every Sunday, after church, my brothers and I would have to clean our bedrooms in order to play outside or go anywhere.  It was the rule of the house.  Starting my procrastination at a very young age, I would always drag my feet.  My mom would always say, "Set a timer for 10 minutes, and see what you can get done in that time. You will be surprised".  Much to my surprise, she was right.  Are mom's always right? Yes, yes we are.

I think this "method" worked for me, because I am a competitive person (when I want to be).  But there was just something about this that motivated me to get stuff done. And to get it done FAST.

I would love to have a 100% clean and spotless house.  And someday, I will. But, right now, at this point in my life, I don't. And I won't.  With an 18 month old and a baby due any week, it's just not a reality for me. 

So, I wanted to share what has been working for me over these past few months, and what will continue to be my "go to" until chaos has left our home... so, in 18 years.

During Benson's nap time, I pick 3-4 rooms that need to be "cleaned".  I turn on some music, and I set a timer for 5 minutes (per room), and I get to work.  It's amazing what I can accomplish. ***DISCLAIMER*** - this method will not work if your child is not contained in a high chair, crib, bed, etc.  Talk about 2 steps forward, 8 million steps backwards.

To give you a visual of what 5 minutes can accomplish...

This is our living room BEFORE:

This is our living room AFTER:

 YES! This took just 5 minutes.  I even had time to get out my cleaning supplies, and ended up extending my time limit to dust! The things that excite me these days, are unreal.


This is generally my "checklist" for the rooms...

Kitchen:
- Put away items on counter (usually bills, cups, papers, etc.)
- Wipe down counters
- Put away items on floor (usually toys, toys, or toys)
- Load/Unload dishwasher

Bedroom:
- Make bed
- Take water glasses to Kitchen
- Pick up anything on the floor (usually husband's clothes and towels)
- Put away 1 basket of laundry

Bathroom:
- Clean toilet (and shower if you have time.  However, I usually clean the shower when I'm in it. Is that gross?)
- Wipe down counters
- Clean mirror
- Change towels

Living Room:
- Pick up items on floor and put away (We keep our toys in the living room, so usually the floor is hard to see. This takes a majority of the 5 minutes.)
- Dust furniture and window wills

Mudroom:
- Put away shoes
- Hang up jackets that get thrown on railing (Thank you, husband)
- Shake out rug
- Wipe down doors (Again, thank you, husband)

At least 3 times a week, I vacuum our downstairs, which is our main living space.  Our Golden Retriever, nor our son, has any mercy on our souls.  I also mop once a week.  This can be done instead of picking a room to clean. 

I hope this helps all of you mama's who have lost hope or given up on the cleanliness of your homes (and your minds).  I know that for myself, I can't think if my house is a mess.  This helps me have a clear mind, as well, as it doesn't make me feel overwhelmed at the thought of cleaning my ENTIRE HOUSE.  That gives me anxiety just thinking about it.  Us Mom's need to take life one step at a time!

Comment below with your "before" and "after" pics!! 

lactation smoothies

Seeing as I am due with baby boy #2 in just about five weeks (gasp!), postpartum life is in the forefront of my mind.  In fact, it consumes me a majority of the time.  I am already a mother to my handsome, loving, easy, baby boy, Benson.  He is 18 months old.  We are well adjusted to life with one boy, who, did I mention is SO EASY? I am not saying that there aren't days when I want to strangle him (not seriously), but for the majority of the time, I have nothing to complain about.  Needless to say, bringing home baby will be a big adjustment for all of us, as is to be expected.

I have spent the past three months trying to prepare, the best that I can, for this baby's arrival.  Let's be honest though, how much can you really prepare?  The list of the things I have "prepped" is endless. But, today, I wanted to share with you a recipe that will hopefully make postpartum life, just a little bit easier.

When Benson was born, he had jaundice very badly.  In fact, it was the worst our pediatrician had ever seen.  I was unable to breastfeed him for the first five days in the hospital, because I was unable to hold him as he was receiving constant photo therapy.  Instead, he was fed through a catheter, which broke my little heart.  ANYWAYS, before I get all sappy over here (thank you hormones), that was just the beginning of my breastfeeding "troubles".  I hung on to nursing for six months, but it was a roller coaster of a journey.  I'm praying that with this baby, nursing will be super easy and my body will cooperate.  Just in case things don't go as planned, I have prepped Lactation Smoothies, which are supposed to help boost breast milk supply.  Below is the recipe and directions.

Lactation Smoothies 

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon almond milk (you can use vanilla or plain)
• 1 container old fashioned oats
• 10 bananas
•  5 cups frozen strawberries
•  Flax/chia blend (ground flaxseed works too)
•  Nut butter of your choice
•  Honey (optional for sweetener)
•  Quart size freezer bags

Yields: 10 smoothies

Directions:

• Label and date freezer bags
• Place 1 banana, 1/2 c strawberries, 1/4 c oats, 1 tbsp flax/chia blend, 1 tbsp nut butter, 1 tbsp honey and 1 c almond milk into freezer bag. 
• Close bag and freeze up to 4 months.
• When ready to blend, simply put contents into blender and blend.  You may need to add 1/4 water to help blend.  

 

All of the ingredients in these smoothies are beneficial to nursing mamas.  Here's why...

• oats - high in iron
• bananas - potassium 
• strawberries - iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium (win!)
• flax seed - omega-3 fatty acids
• chia seed - fiber and omega-3 fatty acids
• nut butter - protein 
• almond milk - calcium, vitamins E & D

 Not only are these smoothies healthy for you, but they taste delicious too! That's a win-win in my book.


Comment below if you have tried any lactation smoothies that have helped you! I always love new ideas!

Thanks for reading!