3 Ways to Stress-Free Mornings with Kids

As every family knows, mornings can quickly get stressful and overwhelming with children.  The start to the day requires quite a bit of work:  making a (healthy) breakfast, packing lunches, organizing backpacks and getting young children dressed for the day all before 8AM!  I have tried many methods to keep the chaos to a minimum and these are the simplest steps that work for me.  Give them a try and let me know if they worked for your family or pass along your own simple tricks for a smooth start to the day.

1. Prepare water bottles and backpacks the night before.  I prefer not to make lunches the evening before just so they can be as fresh as possible for lunchtime; however, filling water bottles and organizing backpacks are quick and can shave a few minutes of the morning rush.  I also include a dissolvable, tasteless probiotic in the boys’ water bottles (And they have no idea :).   These go in the fridge overnight.  Organizing the backpack with due homework, papers and library books keeps things moving as well so you and your child are confident nothing is being forgotten.
2. Be the first to wake up.  Impossible sometimes I know.  My oldest son, age 7, is the first up in our family every. single. day.  He rises with the sun and has since he was a newborn.  This obnoxious early morning preference does not bode well with me.  I’m a late sleeper.  But I’ve realized my blood pressure will be lowered immensely between the hours of 6-8AM if I force myself up a few minutes before he usually is or at least around the same time.  Waking up after your children is a tough way to start a weekday morning.  They have free reign of the house and pantry and although my 7-year-old keeps to himself and doesn’t do anything disastrous, I like to be present with him as we start the day (although on weekends all bets are off! I have no guilt about sleeping in a bit).
3. Use a checklist.  For my 7 and even 5-year-old this has been the most effective method to keeping our mornings on track.  Having a visually appealing and easy-to-read checklist gives children a sense of accomplishment as they work through tasks such as “eat breakfast” and “brush teeth.”  Pinterest provides lots of free printable options for this or make one of your own!  Simply type up your child’s morning to-dos in Microsoft Word or handwrite one with colorful drawings for each task.  Bonus points: have your children help do this so they feel involved and a sense of responsibility towards it.  I printed this one from Carrie This Home and inserted in a paper protector.  My sons’ check off each item as its completed with a dry erase marker.  They love finishing it off and voila!  They are ready for the day with little frustration.

Three Ways a Mother Can Rest

As a busy mom of three my moments of “rest” are few and far between.  It doesn’t come naturally to be still among the daily routine of preparing meals, cleaning up said meals, breaking up fights, consoling boo-boos and all the chaos that comes with a 7, 5 and 2 year old.  My need for rest is palpable at times.  I hit a wall almost everyday (usually around 1:00pm) and my ability to keeping going comes to a giant halt.  This is as much to do with my activity as it is my body’s sleep needs.  By nature, I can be a low-energy person.  Early on in motherhood I learned I would never get through the day without following the old adage of “sleep when the baby sleeps.”  Wiser words have never been spoken.   We mothers (and all humans no matter what your daily role) truly need to rest.  For our bodies and our minds.  For our significant others.  For our children.  Because as restful mothers we are so much more patient with those we love.  Consider the following ways you can find “rest” within your hectic lives:

1. Take a nap.  No, I’m not kidding.  Allowing yourself a 15 minute afternoon catnap can do wonders as you finish the day.  How?  Where?  As a ninja napper, let me explain:  Doze off while sitting on a patio chair while the kids run around the backyard.  Lay on the sofa with them as they watch an afternoon television show.  Hell, put your head down on the table (a practice I perfected in high school English Lit) while they work on homework.  Take a snooze in the car during soccer practice! And on the weekends never, ever feel guilty about a longer version nap.  My grandmother used to actually get in bed under the covers to accomplish this on Sunday afternoons.  That generation knew what was up.
2. Go to bed early.  Ha!  You say.  I agree this is much easier said than done but doable once you get in the habit.  I am a night owl so this one is particularly hard for me. Recently though I realized watching the 9:30 showing of Family Feud was not doing helpful in any way.  While its nice to unwind at the end of a long day with some mindless TV, it can become incredibly boring and why be bored when I can sleep?!  Set a “go to bed” alarm on your phone 60 minutes before you really intend to.  If you want to be in bed by 10PM set it for 9:00.  This reminds you to wash your face and do all that nightly stuff plus allows time for you to read or stretch before hitting the hay.
3. Sleep In.  Another toughie.  But if you have a husband, partner, even a babysitter that can be on kid-duty two Saturdays a month at wake-up time plan with them the night before so you can snooze away. When our oldest was born, my husband and I had an unofficial agreement of taking turns with him each morning.  This helped each of us know when we got to refill our sleep tank and offered one-on-one time with the baby.  As kids grow and more are born this isn’t as special its just plain work but still beneficial to the adults in charge.

I know these ideas of how to achieve more rest are fairly obvious but the main point is not to feel guilty about doing them.  Mothers tend to take on more than we should or even realize we are doing.  Our bodies have been through enough — give them a break!

Three Easy-To-Keep New Year’s Resolutions

Well here we are at the end of one year and start of another.  Just walking through Target gave me paranoia on what my New Year’s resolutions might be:  big displays of storage and organization, sales on athletic wear and point-of-purchase set ups showing off detox teas and protein shakes.  The new year typically brings a newfound interest in starting with a fresh, healthy slate.  However often times New Year’s resolutions are easy to state but hard to keep.  With that in mind I am sharing the three I have found to be simple yet effective!

DRINK WATER – simply put.  You’ll be surprised how much water you can drink when you start with a fun, cute water bottle and just keep it on your desk or in your car.  I love the Swell bottles for their pretty designs. Bonus points for adding flavor with lemon or lime slice!

WEAR SUNSCREEN –  another no-brainer.  These days we cannot afford to NOT wear sunscreen even on wintry days.  This is the easiest way to prevent a major type of cancer and not look older than you are (win, win!).  So many make-ups these days offer an SPF.  If you prefer a no makeup routine, a moisturizer with SPF will certainly do the trick.  My favorite by far for a bit of foundation coverage is IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50.  People have actually committed on my skin since I started wearing this product.  AH-MAZING.

STRETCH YOUR BODY – After having three children and not getting any younger my body has suffered a bit.  The most obvious toll has been in my lower back.  After 7+ years of picking up children, strollers and toys, my back has taken a beating.  Since monthly massages are not in the budget I find stretching helps tremendously.  Stretching comes naturally once you get in the habit of doing it and the benefits are amazing!  Better breathing, better posture and more strength just to name a few.  This is a simple resolution because it literally be done anywhere, anytime:  on the living room floor during The Real Housewives, watching your kids play at the park, or even sitting in traffic.  While this is pretty easy to learn some specific techniques are always helpful.  I recommend Stretching by Bob Anderson.  This book has been around for decades and is a go-to for trainers and massage therapists.  In fact an excellent massage therapist is the one who first told me about it!

If I can commit to these three simple resolutions I am certain you can to!  Cheers to a healthy, happy 2018.

Quick Tips For Traveling With Kids

My husband and I recently traveled to Seattle from San Diego which seemed manageable. The flight’s barely two hours. Piece of cake, right? But don’t forget there is the journey to the actual plane. Driving to the airport, the shuttle from parking and the always-fun security line. The breakdown of a stroller, shoe removal and the 20-minute analysis of applesauce pouches (all the while receiving dagger eyes from fellow passengers who just want to GET THROUGH) is enough to send me into anxiety fits. Finally we are on the airplane and have the pleasure of being trapped with two adults, a three-year-old and a 17-month-old in economy class. Did I mention the youngest one is in a leg cast? Thankfully my husband is willing and able to get us through these situations. He puts his head down and just works. I on the other hand do all the prep work (packing, preparing snacks, providing plenty of diapers, etc) and then pray.

For those of you traveling this summer with little ones I have a few ideas to help you arrive to your destination as stress-free as possible. What cocktail you need after getting there is up to you!

Usborne Activity Books
For older toddlers and preschoolers the Usborne line of sticker and activity books are the best. My older son really enjoys these and although it requires some adult help, a couple new ones for take off and landing when electronics are not allowed is key. Our particular favorites are the Little Boys’ Activty Book or Pirates Stickerbook. A fresh box of crayons helps too.

Crayola Color Wonder Books & Markers
These mess-free markers are truly a wonder. For children discovering their inner Picasso, hand them a couple of these along with a Color Wonder coloring book and rest your weary head. No worries about graffiti on the tray tables or you.

Magformers Building Tiles
Although this building toy is targeted for ages six and up toddlers find them fascinating. My 17-month-old would snap these square and triangle shaped magents together over and over again. These are a bit pricey but if they buy five minutes of peace they are worth every penny.

Do I even have to mention a tablet and headphones? This is obvious. Even if you have strict rules about electronics or screen time I say put a moratorium on those restrictions and allow a movie or two on the way to funland.

Remember sometimes in life its the journey that matters not the destination! Any tips for how to entertain kids on long car rides or flights? Please post below. And safe travels!

Dancing With The Stars: Chemistry v. Physicality

In the several years that “Dancing With The Stars” has been on television I’ve probably watched a total of sixty minutes of it.  It just hasn’t ever been in my TV rotation, mainly because while the dancing is entertaining, there is so much filler it becomes a bit of a bore.  How quickly things change.  Last Monday night I am scanning channels and land on DWTS finale night one.  It is Max and Meryl dancing.  It is beautiful.  It is hypnotic.  I immediately assume these two are a couple.  Their chemistry was obvious in a matter of seconds watching them together.  I continue watching and then DVR night two of the finals; which I promptly watched this morning. I am enamored with this couple.  I’ve never seen such a connection between two people even in the movies!  Derek and Amy have a great partnership as well (but who wouldn’t with Derek Hough?).  Amy clearly has been through major hurdles in life and is showing incredible spirit and bravery.  And she’s a hell of a dancer.  But this competition was Max and Meryl’s to lose.  Their dancing talent combined with such intimacy on the dance floor was breathtaking to watch.  Congrats, DWTS.  You’ve converted me!

Target’s New Design Hero: Nate Berkus

Nate Berkus for Target

Target has tapped into the home design talents of Nate Berkus, who on October 21st unveiled a collection of over 100 pieces in home furnishings and accessories exclusively for the mass-market retailer.  Nate was first disovered by Oprah when she picked him up for home segments with “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”  From there his career took off with his own show “The Nate Berkus Show,” books and overall celebrity within the burgeoning world of home improvement and interior design.  In a recent New York Times article Nate says he is a fan of the mass market and enjoys finding something beautiful at a great price.  Me too!  With my nesting instincts kicking in for baby #2 I’m looking forward to shopping the latest collection at my local Target.

Nate Berkus for Target

 

Gender Reveal Parties: Silly or Fun?

I’m heading into my 22-week ultrasound appointment today with no intentions of finding out the gender of baby…am I crazy?  Some seem to think I am.  When pregnant with my son my husband and I both definitely wanted to know the sex as soon as we could.  There was no discussion.  This time around I’m the complete opposite feeling a sense of surprise would be a fun change.  This could be my last pregnancy after all so what not switch it up?  But many people look at me quizzically when I tell them I don’t know what we are having.  Which is the second most common question to a pregnant woman after being asked “when are you due?”.  So what’s the verdict?  To know or not to know?

Along that note what about these gender reveal parties?  I love getting together with friends for any occasion but a party simply to cut into a cake to see if its blue or pink seems a little overindulgent to me.  The idea is that the doctor places gender of baby in a sealed envelope, the parents-to-be take said envelope to a bakery to have a cake made with blue or pink flavoring inside.  I’m guessing the options are blueberry or strawberry here.  At a party or shower the couple slice into the cake to reveal the color.  A cute idea I think but not for me.  What are your thoughts?

Partying Made Easy With Printables

Party printables?  What is that exactly?  I learned last year when planning my son’s first birthday party they are a hostess’s dream who wants a pulled together party with a theme but doesn’t have the time or interest in hiring a professional.  Enter party printables.  Although available on a variety of blogs, my favorite selection of party printables can be found on Etsy.  Graphic designers create a complete package of design details such as banners, water bottle wrappers, food labels, cupcake toppers, invitations, etc and charge a set price for the digital file.  After choosing your theme and purchasing the file you then print at home or at your local copy store as many copies as you need, use a few simple craft supplies and you’ve got great details for your party’s finishing touches!

Elmo Party

The theme I used last year was Little Blue Car by Belva June.  As my son’s tastes have matured (wink) for his second birthday we are going with his latest obessesion:  Elmo.  I found  a cute printable package on Etsy yet again by Your Printable Party.  Even the kids seem to love the label wrapped water and cupcake toppers and the theme cannot be missed!

Fortieth Birthday

Party printables are great for all ages.  Hosting a 40th birthday party?  Try this elegant Tiffany’s-inspired 40th birthday package from Printables By Amy.

Little Man Baby Shower

A baby shower?  Tons of options.  One I find particularly cute is the Little Man Baby Shower by The TomKat Studio.  With a little bit of cutting and pasting on your end any party you throw will look totally pulled together.  Happy Hosting!

Bethenny Frankel’s Next Step

Skinnygirl Beauty

I started watching Bethenny Frankel when she was a mere non-housewife on Bravo’s reality show The Real Housewives of New York. I liked her from the start.  Brash, hilarious and honest I felt she brought a sense of “reality” to the show.  Since then Bethenny has moved on – big time – and it is fun to watch her on her own series Bethenny Ever After and see what she comes up with next for her expanding Skinnygirl empire.

Skinnygirl Margarita

In addition to Skinnygirl Cocktails, Shapewear, and Nutrition she has recently entered the beauty world with a line of skincare for face and body sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.  It makes sense for this next step with her brand but there are other product categories I’d like to see by her (althoughI’m certain they are on their way!). With Bethenny’s brand emphasizing fitness and healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised to see her go into activewear or a line of whole food products.  Until then I’ll be happy to sip my Skinnygirl Margarita while reading Skinnydipping and look forward to seeing what this driven woman does next!

Skinnydipping: A Novel

Summer Festival Fashion

Summertime and the livin’s easy. With summer months ahead there is a lot to look forward to: days at the beach, margaritas by the pool, bbq’s in the back yard. And music. Summertime is concert time with lots of acts going on tour this time of year and festivals all across this beautiful country of ours. What to wear to said concert or festival? Pick up the hippie vibe and get inspired with an updated seventies look complete with denim, color and crochet. Even your lips get the earthy treatment with all natural Burt’s Bees. Who needs make up when you’re this happy? Rock on!

Plenty by Tracy Reese striped dress
$198 – modcloth.com

Joe Browns vest
£30 – debenhams.com

Scotch & Soda boyfriend shorts
€90 – scotch-soda.com

Bruuns Bazaar leather sandals
449 DKK – musthaves.dk

Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian tribal necklace
$148 – cusp.com

Jessica Simpson fedora hat
amazon.com

Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses
$145 – endless.com

Burts Bees lip treatment
£9.99 – debenhams.com