We are getting ready for a family vacation here in a couple of weeks and I am SO excited! Seriously, counting down the days because well, Mama needs a vacay, am I right? ;) HA! So I naturally I thought, this is the perfect time to share some of my best traveling tips. I’ve shared, “on the go” tips and “road trip essentials” but haven’t really done one on flying with littles. So here I am! Traveling can be stressful with toddlers, trust me - ...continue reading >>
Tips & Tricks for Toddler Teething
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hyland’s. A few weeks ago was rough, it was literally like I had hit the newborn stage again and I couldn’t figure out what the heck was going on. I even joked about it on Instagram because Blake was not sleeping and ended up in our bed basically every night. I’m not gonna lie, I thought it was probably because well, our life is chaotic with building a house, moving around and zero ...continue reading >>
Valentines with my Little
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Stonyfield® Organic Kids®. So maybe I have Blake convinced that Valentine’s Day is the day of chocolate and love...it’s fine. HA! But she asked me what it was and I said it’s the day of love! Then she just kind of looked at me with a blank stare so I quickly added “AND CHOCOLATE!” - whoops. But I mean, let’s be honest, am I wrong? AM I WRONG? NO. Gimme all the chocolate. Then ...continue reading >>
The Valentine Mishap
This is a paid post by Carmex. I was working on Blake’s little “Valentine’s Day’ basket the other day while she was sleeping, so I thought. *Face Palm* - I left it on the coffee table and ran into the other room to grab something, then got distracted with a work email and well...ended up in there for probably 10 minutes. When I walked back into the living room, there she was, all the little toys had been opened, the Carmex ...continue reading >>
It’s Okay to Let go
I was talking to some girlfriends last night after a rough day and honestly, it was just what I needed. Adult conversation and a different perspective on things. When something clicked. About a year ago I was at an ultimate low. Like didn't want to get out of bed most days. I was so far into depression I honestly had no idea. I cried most days, didn't want to move and I was so caught up on how imperfect my life was and focusing on the failures ...continue reading >>
Tips & Tricks for Sassy Toddlers
I asked the question on insta-stories a few days ago because honestly, I need all the help I can get with this sassy toddler of mine ;) HA! Seriously though, she just really loves the word "no" and basically doesn't care if I say she has to go in time out or that I'm going take away a barbie or whatever. Literally, zero craps given so I'm at a loss and reached out to all of you only to find out I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE! HOLLA! Seriously though, it ...continue reading >>
Best “On the go”/Travel Items for Kids
Holy cow you guys, 2017 is basically over and I am still over here writing 2016 on everything. Seriously though, this year went by so friggin’ fast. The holidays were so good though. There’s just something about family time, not worrying about a “to do” list and well, honestly, just leaving reality essentially for a few days. Usually we are traveling and in the car a ton for the holidays, but this year was simple, at home and well, perfect. ...continue reading >>
Mom Hack: Removing Stains with Persil® ProClean® Trial Size at Target®
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PersilLaundry #CollectiveBias Well guys, I feel like fall came and went so friggin’ fast. Like I blinked and it was summer, then blinked again, fall and now I did it again and winter is here. BUT we got all the leaf playing in because I mean, you can’t do fall without playing in the leaves — am I right? So we did just that, ...continue reading >>
Promoting a Little Creativity
I have quite a few teachers in my family - my husband, my sister, my sister-in-law. Lots. So I’ve been trying to work on all the educational things lately. I mean she’s at this perfect age where she’s like a little sponge. She memorizes all the songs off of Beauty and the Beast, I figure she can remember some important, educational things too ;) You know, not that Beauty and the Beast isn’t important, but…. Well, luckily we got the opportunity ...continue reading >>
Toddler Lunch Ideas
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon. The opinions and text are all mine. I don't know what it is, but I swear to you -- everyday lunch time hits and it's like I forget whatever food options we have and I have like 3 minutes to get something ready. So naturally I thought - yes, let me make a lunch guide for all of you, but really for myself because well -- I need, all, the, help, I, can, ...continue reading >>
The Noise Free Toy
So the other day Blake was playing with this little car thing she has. It's one of those toys that is SUPER friggin' loud, plays the same thing over and over again (that is only about 3 seconds long might I add) and there's not a volume control on it. She had been playing with it for about 45 minutes at that point and well, I was so over listening to it. HA! Just a little real life parenting for you. It's fine. So I thought -- wait, let me bust ...continue reading >>
Holiday Outfit Inspiration & Picture Tips
This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of OshKosh B'gosh; however all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. So as y'all already know -- I'm definitely the parent that takes too many dang pictures of her kid. I know, I know. I knew it was a real problem when I had (no joke) 25 Chatbooks when she was like 3 months old. Whoops. I just really like her, okay? ;) So this is basically a blog post dream right now ...continue reading >>
Must Have Toys for Toddlers This Season
Did some research for y'all on the best toys this year for toddlers and included some of our favorites! So if you haven't started shopping, get ready because there's some goodies. Like I may have even added that Leap Frog Letter Writer to Blake's Christmas list...whoops. ;) Shop em' all here: click images to shop. This post contains affiliate links. ...continue reading >>
Play Make-Up DIY & This Year’s MUST HAVE Toy
The hottest toy of the season people and we got to try it first hand, so I figured I would jump on and review all about it (and chat about their NEW Glitter Fingerlings)! Plus I’ve got a fun DIY for some glitter “make-up” for your babe! If you have a little diva like me, then you’re full aware on how big of a “must have” make-up is in your house. Seriously, Blake gets ready with me, every, single, morning. HA! First, let’s chat the DIY! It’s ...continue reading >>
Go tos for Fever Relief
Use FeverAll® only as directed. If you have specific questions about fever, acetaminophen or using FeverAll, speak with your child's pediatrician. FeverAll Acetaminophen Suppositories are available at major retailers and drugstores across the U.S, such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart. For more information and current offers, visit www.FeverAll.com. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of FeverAll® Acetaminophen ...continue reading >>
Blake’s Christmas List
SO before I share what's going to be under the tree this year for Blake, let me preface it with this -- THIS IS A JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE. Haha! AKA: I have a problem with shopping and buying all the things, so there will be no judgement here. ;) You can just look and get ideas, so you're welcome. That's all, now let's dive on it. Also, I made it super easy for y'all to check everything out, you can just click the pics and shop away! Blake's ...continue reading >>
Favorite Holiday Outfits for Toddlers
It's that time and guess what, I don't have any self control...yet again this year, so Blake already has three Christmas dresses. Yep, go ahead - judge me, I'm that person. It's totally fine and I've accepted it. What I haven't accepted is that well, maybe you're not like that so instead I'm just forcing my love of all things holiday on you. So I rounded up my favorite toddler outfits for Christmas and well, they're friggin' adorable so good luck ...continue reading >>
2 Recipes & 3 Ways to Involve Your Babes in Baking
This post was sponsored by Oxo The holidays are seriously my favorite time you guys. I know, I tell you this every year, but SERIOUSLY. Fall through like January 1st, you will most likely find me at my absolutely happiest. I mean don’t get me wrong -- winter blues are real, BUT I love family time so much and during this period is when I get to be around them the most. I also like to bake...I know, the words literally came ...continue reading >>
Let’s Bargain Shop People
I am all about a good deal. Like, gimme all the things, but give them to me on mega sale or real discounted. That’s a fine motto to have in life right? In fact, fun fact about me..yes, I just said fact twice, it’s fine. BUT, little did you know -- I LOVE thrift shopping, like SO SO much. In fact, I am going this Saturday and it might just be something I have been looking forward to all week, judge me. It’s just the fun of like really looking and ...continue reading >>
A Fun Bedtime MUST Have!
With the chaos of moving and well, just life, Blake’s bedtime routine has been one giant hot mess. In fact, until recently we were lucky if she was asleep by 11:30 and without one of us in the bed with her. There are just some nights, especially with being a working Mom, that I just can’t bring myself to making her “cry it out”. Instead I just want to lay there next to her, listen to her ramble on about who knows what and just snuggle with her ...continue reading >>
Potty Training: FOR THE WIN
Potty training was a long friggin’ journey for us, so it felt anyway. Honestly — looking back it really wasn’t that bad. I think the number one mistake I made was trying to get her to do it before she was ready. Every kid is SO different that I’m honestly not sure there’s one right way or another so I’ll just share what worked best for us and if it works for you great! First, we grabbed a potty for her - obviously, right? ;) HA! We got the ...continue reading >>
10 GOOD Amazon Prime Costumes — Last Minute Shopping
I know I am not the only person that waits until the last minute for just about everything. So naturally it only felt right to do a round up of some of the best costumes on Amazon Prime for those that you know…might still be looking for a costume for their little ones. ;) I mean, let’s be honest…the only reason I have a costume already is because we did 31 days of Blake and Doc. Now talk to me about Christmas, because I can guarantee you I’ll be ...continue reading >>
Kid Friendly Pumpkin Decorating
The other day I pulled the paint out, our Gathre mat and Blake helped me collect the little pumpkins from around the house. You know, so we could decorate some pumpkins! I made myself a promise before we even started that well, I was going to just let Blake be a kid. I wasn’t going to worry about a mess, I wasn’t going to tell her “no” 15 times, I was just going to let her have some fun and I was going to sit back and enjoy it. So that’s just ...continue reading >>
The MOST Delicious Halloween Candy
I can’t believe that it’s already almost Halloween. I swear that summer just started and we are still planning Blake’s second birthday. Yet somehow that’s all already happened, I have a two and a half year old and holy cow time is seriously FLYING. I remember as a kid people telling me to just enjoy things that before you know it you’re going to be all grown up. Yeah..I’m there and now that I have a baby of my own I just REALLY want time to slow ...continue reading >>
Cereal for Dinner & A little Goodbye
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon. The opinions and text are all mine. I am probably going to jinx things by even writing this because you know, that's what happened last time. ;) GOSH - KNOCKING ON WOOD RIGHT NOW. Our house is supposed to close in about a week, ya know for the second time, not bitter or anything, so praying this one closes smoothly. So we went over there ...continue reading >>
The End of a Diaper Journey: Our Favs
We are coming to the end of our diaper journey..hopefully, HA! I mean she acts interested and then not, so let’s be real, we might be in diapers until she’s five. BUT I figured, it’s a good time to chat about diapers we have loved and give the scoop on them before it’s too late. They actually just relaunched them and they’re so good that we are definitely using their training pants as well for bedtime once we you know...hopefully nail down the ...continue reading >>
Daddy’s Little Dress Shirts: Read, trust me.
First, can we just talk about them? Like holy cute. Now, second, y'all know -- I am all about creating memories, you know making things last and creating all the feels. I mean, my wedding ring has my Grandma's diamond in it. I wore her dress when we got married. I wear my Uncle's watch often, I just love things like that. I love something that has mean, that has a story behind it and I hope to pass that down to Blake. I think we live in a world ...continue reading >>
Enjoying the Little Things in Life
I've been trying to let Blake help me around the house a little more. I felt like I was constantly telling her, "no this and no that", that I finally realized alright, you need to let go a little bit. So now instead of automatically saying no, I try to stop myself and think of a way that she can help me. Isn't it funny how we just get so stuck in a habit that we forget we are even doing it most days? One thing she really loves helping with is ...continue reading >>
MUST Haves for the School Year & Well…ALL THE TIME
So I recently got the chance to team up with the COOLEST shop. Y'all no jokes -- the coolest things. You've probably heard of them, but in case you haven't, they're called "Stuck on You" and they make personalized EVERYTHING. Hence the title of this blog post and why it's perfect for school and just everything because well -- personalization is basically my middle name. So naturally I felt it was my civic duty to share them with you so that you ...continue reading >>
Bedtime + Story Time
This post was sponsored by Scholastic. Trying to keep with the consistency of life through the last couple of weeks has been well..chaos. We moved, went to LA for an event and things have just been all over the place. Blake was sleeping in our room, then a hotel room, then a new room and to say she's a little confused would be an understatement. She's honestly handled it okay, for the most part anyways ;) *knock on wood*, ...continue reading >>
A Special Rocking Chair
This post is sponsored by Cracker Barrel. When I found out I was pregnant my Mom gave me something so special, that we still have and will forever. It’s a rocker. The same rocker she used to rock me as a baby and I got to rock my baby in it. Now, Blake’s a little older and it sits in our guest room as the most beautiful memory and holds a special place in my heart. Well, I wanted to be able to do the same for Blake. I wanted to ...continue reading >>
Putting Motherhood First
I've been working really hard at putting Motherhood first. It might sound silly but it's something that some days I forget to do. It's not that I ignore my kid by any means (well ;) KIDDING), but I just get so focused on everything that I need to do that day or the work I'm doing or the cleaning or whatever that I am not really present in the moment. It's almost like I felt like I needed to go go go or nothing would get done. Well, my anxiety was ...continue reading >>
The Best Tips for Traveling with Toddlers & Pups
This post is sponsored by Autotrader; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I figured, it's about time I do a friggin' travel post, am I right?! I get asked often and well..we've traveled a ton the last year, even with the pups a couple of times! So here I am -- let's do this thing. It's National Dog day soon so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to chat it all out. I have a list of my best tips and ...continue reading >>
School Year Activities for Toddlers/Babies
Well..since Blake is just a tad bit too young for preschool still (well, I guess not "technically" but we will wait a little longer) I wanted to get her into somethin' fun this "school year". Well, surprise -- a ton of y'all have asked me what I am doing for Blake during the school year this year, so I figured, let's just get a blog post up about this! One thing that my parents were super big for me growing up with activities. I was in all sorts ...continue reading >>
DIY Princess Elena of Avalor Jewelry
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney Junior. Who loves Fridays? We do! I mean, not only because it means that it’s the weekend, but because of Disney Junior’s FRiYAYs (6-10am) on Disney Channel! They play all their best, kid friendly shows and it’s the moment during each week that I sit down, eat breakfast with my babe and just chill. Which not only is great Mama time, but well...nice for me too, to just ...continue reading >>
Sometimes a Living Room Picnic is a MUST
Since I have been trying to do more things "in the moment", I've been trying to document them a little more. You know, share some of the things that work for us, that maybe will for you too and then obviously, keep memories because I am a strong believer in making/keeping all the memories. Yesterday morning was kind of a long one honestly. Blake didn't nap, I had a to-do list a mile long and I felt like I was going to snap in at any moment. You ...continue reading >>
5 Educational Toys for Toddlers
As you know from yesterday's post -- I really LOVE back to school season. The shopping, the organization, all the things. I figured honestly, Blake is only two -- but what better time to start introducing her to some fun little "educational" things! So I went out, and by went out I mean...I shopped online and got a few little fun things to make it happen. I've been really trying to set a few minutes aside each day to do some sort of learning. ...continue reading >>
The Best Dress-Up Dresses Under $15
Since Blake has been into this mega "dress up" stage..I'm talkin' princess dresses everyday, all day, I've had lots of questions about where we get our dress-up dresses from! So I figured it was best to do a little roundup of some of our favorites. Now, the first one I got her I spent literally $35 on and well, it's adorable and super fun, but it's trashed now because of course it's her favorite one and she wears it on the daily. So I quickly ...continue reading >>
Back to School Lunch Ideas
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon and Santa Cruz Organics. The opinions and text are all mine. I can't believe that summer is going to be over before I know it. I feel like it just started, I feel like Blake just turned two and now there's like a month left and then it's fall clothes and all the fall things. BUT guys, I am not even complaining because if I am being honest -- FALL IS MY ...continue reading >>
Finding My Happy
I don’t know if it’s the fact that Blake is getting older or what, but lately I have felt so torn with trying to balance working and Motherhood. I find myself struggling and wanting to just spend all the time with my sweet girl. I wish time would just freeze, slow down and that she would stop growing up so fast. I honestly think that’s it. The minute I started planning her second birthday party it was like something hit me. HOLY CRAP, two years ...continue reading >>
A Must Have Baby Gate
This post is sponsored by North States Industries. I was compensated for my work. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Ya know, I’m not going to lie...well on a couple of things..one, I was definitely that parent that before I had kids said, I won’t use baby gates -- my kid will just know they’re not allowed in that room. Yep, laugh it up, I was an idiot. Two, now that I have given into the baby gates, well...I thought we would be ...continue reading >>
Stopping & Enjoying the Now
I have been compensated by ZonePerfect® for this post; however I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own. #Ad #ZonePerfectRevitalize The other day I made a spur of the moment pit stop at Target, picked up some ZonePerfect® Revitalize for Mental Focus bars and hit the park. Sometimes, it’s fun to just you know -- do something spur of the moment -- obviously. I pulled out a towel that was in the back of the car, grabbed our little ...continue reading >>
A Quick Tip to a Smoother Swimming Season
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hyland’s Earache Drops. The uses for Hyland’s products are based on traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. Put your hand up if you have a little “fish baby”, AKA a kid that really loves the water? Blake literally would be in the pool or the sprinklers, or whatever water she can find all day, everyday if it were ...continue reading >>
DIY Felt Quiet Board / Puppy Dog Pals
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney Junior. So Blake has a new obsession with the Puppy Dog Pals show on Disney Junior. I’m talkin’, she requests to watch it all day, everyday and I mean, who knows her birthday theme may change for a fourth time. *Eye roll* -- I blame her indecisiveness on Marcus. Well, I thought it would be fun to do a little craft project with her and GUYS, she loves it -- so hey, it ...continue reading >>
A Beary Fun Giveaway
Just a fun little Saturday giveaway for you in partnership with Zonderkidz! I'm giving away one of our favorite books "I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!" and a $100 Land of Nod Gift card! I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, is written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney. It's a playful and comforting bedtime book that imagines all the wonderful ways a child might give and receive a hug. a Rafflecopter ...continue reading >>
Favorite Swim Products This Year
This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Put your hand up if your babe LOVES the water? Blake is literally obsessed, like sometimes it gives me a little bit of anxiety attack. But we have her in swim lessons and started this year. Funny enough when we first started she HATED it, wanted nothing to do with it, but we pushed through for a ...continue reading >>
A DIY Felt Bow Tutorial
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney Junior. Put your hand up if you know the words to just about every theme song from the shows on Disney Junior? Yep, my hand is up high and proud and if I am being totally honest about 99% of the time I find myself singing, “I was a girl in the village doing alright, when I became a princess overnight….Sofiaaaa the first!” by myself, when Blake is literally nowhere ...continue reading >>
Educational Fun For Toddlers w/ Freebie!
Everyday I try and do something "educational" with Blake. My sister is a teacher, so she is always giving me tips and tricks of things she should be doing and learning. At her age right now she is such a little sponge that she literally soaks everything in, so I figure hey what better time? Plus her memory y'all, like it's unreal. I can't even remember what I did this morning let alone the things she remembers from a month ago. I've had several ...continue reading >>
The Best Way to Make Memories in Your Backyard
When we bought our home, the thing I was honestly most excited about was putting our backyard together. It's still not quite to where I want it to be, but it's come a long way from the pile of dirt that it used to be. We have grass, we have a fun fire pit area, there's play area for Blake and we are almost done with the river area. When we first moved in we had a mega problem with mosquitos and the reason why is because well...one it's mosquito ...continue reading >>
All the Art
The other day I went to put a little bit of make up on (I mean...how dare I right?). Well guys, it bit me in the butt, big time. I was gone probably 3 minutes, all I did was throw some cover up on my zits, mascara my bottom lashes and put a little color on my lips. Well....in those three short (but I guess long) minutes, Blake had managed to color all over my white kitchen cabinets, with a pen she found who knows where. I walked out and she goes ...continue reading >>
Elephant & Piggie Party
This post is sponsored by Disney-Hyperion. I try really hard to you know, be a fun Mom most days, though work and life generally gets in the way of my "cool Mom" status, so I'm usually scrambling to make up for it in one way or another. Earlier this week we got a fun package to throw an Elephant & Piggie party to celebrate 10 years of the Elephant & Piggie books! So naturally I put on my game face because y'all know I love a good ...continue reading >>
“Secret” Memorial Day Plans
I’m sharing Secret in my life as part of a sponsored series for Socialstars™. So...it's Memorial Day weekend this weekend and I'm over here just trying to figure out when in the world time started going in fast forward X10? I think it was about the time Blake was born....not during pregnancy though, my pregnancy I am still convinced lasted about 20 years. The second she was born though, lightening speed and now all of sudden she's turning ...continue reading >>
How we Decided to Start Swim Lessons for our Toddler
This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. A lot of y'all have had tons of questions about Blake's swim classes, how we got her to love swimming so much, etc. Well....the second question, you know, how we got her to like swimming? Not sure I have an answer to that one, HA! She hated the first swim lesson class, but then after that she was ...continue reading >>
Be True to YOU!
This post was sponsored by Zappos! The other day we were getting ready to go on a family walk, you know just your typical stroll around the neighborhood. ;) HA! Actually we've been trying to do this more often because it's so nice outside and well, honestly the sunshine has been so good for my soul. Isn't that funny how much the weather can change your mood? Anyway, it was quite the argument getting out of the house, like 20 minutes of ...continue reading >>
Summer Is Here + A Few Water Safety Tips
Back pack c/o Just Porter Do I dare say summer is here? I'm not sure because well...the weather changes every five minutes or so, but I think it might just be here to stay. HOLLA. Well since it's here and May is national water safety month I've teamed up with The Zac Foundation to share a few of their water safety tips and tricks. This is something I so strongly believe in and since Blake is getting a little older and definitely a little water ...continue reading >>
One Toddler Activity That’ll Make You The Coolest Mom
Sometimes I like to pretend I am a cool Mom, okay fine all the time I like to PRETEND, but sometimes I really am a cool Mom and fill the kitchen sink up with bubbles and let Blake just splash and play in it. She LOVES it and asks for it often, especially after I let her do so. HA! I line the kitchen floor with towels (because hello splash area) and then put little measuring cups, toys and dapple Soap nearby and let her have at it. It's the cutest ...continue reading >>
Blake’s Backpack & Gerber Snacks
Blake is very into her “pack pack” these days and it’s kind of my favorite thing to see what she puts inside it everyday. I kid you not when I say, it comes EVERYWHERE with us. You know, like my Instagram post said the other day, everything and I mean, everything, comes everywhere with us. So the fact that at least now she’s stickin’ it in her backpack is a good thing because before I was stuck carrying her giant stuffed dog, lovie, snacks, ...continue reading >>
The Best Summer Toys for Toddlers
Can you believe summer is almost here?! I mean, it's been above 60 degrees for three days straight here in Idaho, sooo basically that means it's a-comin' people! Then again, Idaho weather is bipolar, so it might be snowing tomorrow. Irregardless though, I am PREPPIN' for all the summer fun with my, do I dare say it? TWO YEAR OLD. WAH. When the h did she get so big? I have been planning her second birthday for a couple of weeks and have basically ...continue reading >>
Home // Blake’s Big Girl Room
I can't even believe that my baby girl is big enough for a "big girl" room. I swear I blinked and she was all of a sudden a toddler. As much as I don't want her to grow up anymore and I want her to stay little forever, I will say that designing her room was seriously SO fun. I went with an all white look, not exactly by choice -- but ya know, when your toddler decides to rip chunks of her wallpaper off, you do what you have to do and paint the ...continue reading >>
Home // Cutest Crib & Toddler Bedding
We have been in the midst of transitioning Blake's room from a nursery to a "big girl" room for quite some time now and we're getting close to the big reveal, just waiting for a couple more things. However, I have had tons of questions about bedding and well, I do love a few places, BUT I just had to team up with one of my favs because they nailed it with a custom set for Blake's room and I personally think every little needs bedding from ...continue reading >>
Baby / The Trick to Better Sleep + Peace of Mind
A little over a year ago I experienced the scariest day of my life. After a trying infertility battle with years of trying to get pregnant, we had our perfect baby girl. She was only a few months old and we were driving home. I can picture everything still, I kept looking back at her in the rearview mirror through her little mirror on the seat. I did this often, you know -- new Mom thing. Only today, she wasn’t making a ton of noise like usual so ...continue reading >>
Easter // The BEST Easter Gifts for Toddlers
Holidays are so much better with kids, I mean am I right or what? They bring such a different feeling to it all and I love spending them with little Blake and my baby Daddy. ;) Though, it can get a little tricky when it comes to the whole "gifting" thing, especially when you have a shopping problem and just buy all the things every other day....which I don't. I wasn't talking about me at all, so don't judge me, okay? ;) I'm just gonna dive right ...continue reading >>
Traveling With Littles / The Secret to Packing
This post is sponsored by Carter's; however all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Traveling with a toddler can be stressful, actually going anywhere with a toddler can be, let's just be honest. Well we've been doing a lot of both lately and I get asked this question quite a bit, so I'm sharing some tips and tricks for traveling and packing with a toddler! Plus, some cute new clothes that will be in our spring bags errwhere we ...continue reading >>
The Transition to a Toddler Bed: Tips & Tricks
So...Blake made the big switch! You know, from a nursery to a "big girl" room. Obviously it's adorable, but my heart it basically broken because my little baby girl is growing up WAY too fast. I wanted to wait until she was two before making the switch, but she had other plans and thought that climbing out of her crib 7564738 times at night was more fun, so we went with it and made the entire switch earlier. I've had lots of questions about how ...continue reading >>
The Newborn Must Haves
When I was pregnant with Blake I remember there being a HUGE long list of all the must have items for a newborn. I kid you not there was probably over a hundred things on the list. I must have accumulated most of them through purchases and gifts because before I knew it her tiny nursery was so full it was unreal. I probably had 10 different kinds of soaps, 4 different brands of diapers, 300 bodysuits ;) and everything else in between. Honestly, I ...continue reading >>
The Perfect Easter Gift
Can you believe that Easter is right around the corner?! Also, it's bee a couple of weeks since I've done a favorite shop Friday and so I'm pretty excited to dive back in today and show y'all the CUTEST shop, with the perfect Easter gift! So let's friggin' cut to the chase because it's Blake tested and approved ;) THE SHOP: Peekawhoo THE DEETS: Okay, okay, see the bunny in all the pictures?! ARE YOU OBSESSED?! It's the softest, cutest, cuddliest, ...continue reading >>
Top 10 Books for Babes Under 2
I've been asked this question time and time again, so I decided it was time I put together a list of our top 10 favorite books! Blake loves to read, which I am so grateful for, but I'll be totally honest--she definitely didn't get it from me! ;) HA! So thanks honey, aka the husband. Okay, let's chat books now. TOP TEN FAVORITES Click a book below to shop it. shop more of our favorites... ...continue reading >>
Family Fun – on a Budget
This little crew of mine might just be my favorite. Okay, okay -- fine, they're totally my favorite, like one hundred percent. I want to do all the things with them, all day long, but obviously well -- we're not made of money. So today, I've teamed up with Sears and am sharing a few of our favorite things to do around our little city and how we save money while doing so! Plus, they can happen anywhere, which means...you, you can make them happen ...continue reading >>
The Cutest Baby Wedding
Dani and I were working on Momday Conf over the weekend and finalizing the last few touches, because well it's in THREE weeks! We had to shoot a few things, so naturally....we dressed our babes in wedding outfits and took pictures. I can only hope one day there's a real wedding and that we can plaster these ones all over their reception. Photos by Kelsie Emm Photography Shop the outfits: This post may contain affiliate ...continue reading >>
The Best Classes to put Your Baby/Toddler in
We've been sharing a peek into Blake's swim class and Little Gym Class on Insta-stories lately, which has raised a question from many of you! What are the best classes to sign your littles up for?! Now, I'm no expert, but I do have a few favorites that we've done with Blake and a few from friends that we've heard are equally as great. So I've compiled a list! Most states have the same program or super similar ones, you'll just have to research in ...continue reading >>
A Goodnight Sleep
Today I'm excited to do a product review. I don't do these often and I only do them when it's a product that I truly love. How many of your babes sleep with a sound machine? If they do, I'm about to rock your world with this item. It's called the Whisbear and it literally has "cry technology", as in it can tell when your babe is crying. Gosh I wish I had, had this for Blake when she was little. It plays calming white noise for your babe as they ...continue reading >>
3 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Your Littles
Don't get me wrong, Valentine's Day is obviously a romantic holiday--but a holiday is a holiday and as far as I'm concerned, it's the holiday of love and I love my little one (most days ;) KIDDING). So that means that I get to celebrate with her too. Plus, any reason to celebrate, dress up and dance is just fine in my book. So I have three fun activities you can do with your littles this V-day, they're simple, but cute and best part, mostly free ...continue reading >>
A Night Time/Bedtime Routine
Night time is a little chaotic here at the Oakes' house. I don't know if it's just winding down from the craziness of the day or the fact that my toddler doesn't want to go to bed. Honestly, it might be a mix of both, yeah..it's definitely a mix of both. So we've gotten into the habit of a routine. I'm not really one to really buckle down and stick to a routine, but for night time it's been crucial for Blake. I mean, don't get me wrong--she takes ...continue reading >>
A Nose Aspirator That WORKS
I had tons and tons of questions about the little nose sucker I used on Insta-stories the other day, so here I am to give you the scoop. The nose aspirator is by BabySmile. They are the leading provider of hospital-grade nasal aspirators for babies and Blake and I are here to attest to its success. Blake actually doesn't mind it and lately has been asking "nose" at night, it's kind of funny. She does it herself, holds the tip in her nose and ...continue reading >>
Mommy & Me Yoga
(and no, I didn't go back brunette again. These pics were taken before I went back blonde ;)) I've found myself doing a lot more yoga, pilates, meditation and just over relaxation for my mind lately. I've been one giant ball of stress for months now, trying to figure out to do this whole motherhood thing while working and everything in between. Like let's just be honest, the whole concept of keeping a clean house is just a joke and I've just ...continue reading >>
