October 1, 2018

My Secret to Super Clean Floors (even with a toddler in my house)!

This post is sponsored by Bona® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.


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Being a parent is tough stuff. I've said it a million times, but I'll say it again, and if I'm being totally honest, I find myself saying this more and more as the days go on. It was tough when she was a newborn because she couldn't tell us what she needed, now it's tough because she always needs something and she throws a fit if she doesn't get it. She tests boundaries daily and she's so smart she almost challenges me in some ways... but I wouldn't trade this for the world.

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She is my everything and while our days are busy, I want her to know she means more to me than anything in the world. So instead of slaving away 24/7 on my businesses, I'm really trying to make an effort to show her how much she matters - not just to tell her.


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It's interesting because on one hand, I want her to see me for the #girlboss I am. I want her to know that her mama WORKS HARD to provide what she has. I hope she does reflect back on her childhood and remembers me working, from home, and says "wow, my mom really made things happen". But on the other hand, I don't want her to have memories of me always choosing work over time with her. I don't want her to think my work is the most important part of my life or think that she was second or third to my businesses.

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So I've been trying to make a real effort to step away from my desk and to play. Instead of just sititng and playing blocks though, I've been trying to include in her in things we need to get done... but we try and make it fun. From taking out the trash to weeding the garden bed, we spend time together - she's learning, I'm tending to chores that need to be done, and we both have fun doing it. I mean, she loves to help me clean - who am I to say no?

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One of the ways I've found that we both LOVE to spend time together recently is actually pretty amazing too. We literally grab our Bona Microfiber Mop & Bona Spray Mop, hit play on some groovy tunes, and go to town on our house almost daily. Swirling in the room, dancing around to some of our favorite songs, and loving every second of beautifying our house.

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The real question here is, how do you mop without tunes and a toddler helping? I can't imagine getting this done without her help now. Nor can I imagine ever mopping with any other type of mop again - Bona is where the magic is.

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The unique Bona formula makes it easy to remove dust, grime, and dirt without damaging hard wood floors. So say goodbye to wonky old ways of cleaning your floors and hello to this family-friendly GREENGUARD GOLD certified goodness! Interested in adding a Bona Mop to your family dynamic? Click here to learn more!

September 14, 2018

My "Meal Planning" Secret During This Busy Season!

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Boston Market


Meal time, made easy and DELICIOUS with Boston Market!

This time of year is seriously the busiest for us - just like most families. It's time to start heading back to school, we're all working and busy with something going on all the time, and with non-stop activities to participate in all week long... and if we're being real - the holidays are literally right around the corner.

Meal time, made easy and DELICIOUS with Boston Market!

Fall is the hustlin', bustlin' season for many families... we all know this. But in our house, it's extra crazy. Sometimes I'm just too busy to even consider planning out a menu for our meals... and if I'm being real, that's most days during the fall. Like today - we're in the midst of preparing for D's birthday party tomorrow and in such a frenzy with daily life and the added stress of taking care of every detail of a tutu party that I totally forgot to make lunch - or plan for dinner! It's one of those days when I would "forget my head if it wasn't attached".

Luckily, I've found the best way to feed us a quality, wholesome meal quickly and easily... and it doesn't involve me cooking a thing! Nor do I have to do dishes or even plan for sides.

https://www.bostonmarket.com/

It's not magic - it's Boston Market! It was so easy to grab & go, I literally swung by on my way home from the party store after ordering for curbside pick up online! I was able to get all of us the most delicious lunch for a steal of a deal! Plus, with the $1.99 Whole Rotisserie Chicken add on, I was also able to get dinner for my fam-bam too - you can't beat that!

https://www.bostonmarket.com/

What's the best part about all of this? I learned I can also have my favorite simple meal delivered now too! Boston Market has officially made my life easier and for that I'm thankful, but now that they offer an online delivery option - I'm hooked and we'll be ordering again soon and I'll definitely be calling in our order & having it delivered right to my door!

https://www.bostonmarket.com/

https://www.bostonmarket.com/
https://www.bostonmarket.com/

We all were so pleased with our meal that it was easy to say that we'll definitely be ordering delivery soon. But for now, I'll get back to party planning for this little gal and the hustle and the bustle of our daily grind - but I just had to share how we "meal prep" when things get hectic in this house. If you're a busy little bee too, be sure to head on over to your local Boston Market and get lunch - and dinner - on the table quickly & easily!



August 27, 2018

How to Encourage Your Toddler to Help with Daily Chores & How We Quickly Clean the House Together!

This post is sponsored by Bona but the content and opinions expressed here are completely my own.

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If you're a parent, you know having a toddler in your home is super rewarding but absolutely chaotic. From meal times, to leaving the house, to just daily activities, everything is a production. Whether she's sassing me telling me "I do this", throwing a fit because I'm not letting her have her way immediately, or running out of the room and then back in again, because the sound of our food processor scares her - she's always ready to learn about life and always adding her own little twist to things to make them interesting.

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While her interference may be considered a foul in my game plan for each day, I'm learning life really is about those moments. Being a parent has taught me it's okay to take a time out and teach her what I'm doing, dare I even say it's important for me to do this?

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The dishes can wait until she's in bed and maybe her helping "fold the laundry" with crumbs all over her hands from snack isn't the most productive thing, but it's fun watching her curious mind learn. She is so intrigued and curious about how to do things that seem so mundane to us. So instead of getting frustrated with her wanting to help, I've learned that she's capable and willing to do chores if I encourage her to do them in her own way.

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On that note, today I'm sharing how we make cleaning fun for Delainey and how you can encourage your toddler to help around the house as well!


1. Bona-fide Fun with our Bona Quick-Clean kit - We'll start with the chore Delainey loves doing the most - dusting & mopping with our Bona! It's a quick way to get our floors clean, so I tend to do a quick swoop through the house dancing with my girl, then I lower the adjustable handle and allow my little dancing queen to take over.

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She loves running around the room with the Bona® Microfiber Mop, sliding around and dancing like she's in Risky Business... and our floors look superb afterwards so it's a win-win! If you want to encourage your toddler to do the same, make this chore look fun while you're doing it. Pull out all the Tom Cruise moves and dance around to that good time rock n' roll, I guarantee it's a behavior your sassy little sidekick will definitely want to imitate.


2. Make it a competition - We often make things into a game, because I mean... why not? Life is all about having fun, after all! So, whether we're putting away her blocks or stacking her library books before bedtime, I like to encourage Delainey's competitive side while also getting things accomplished a little faster. We race from the kitchen to her bedroom to put on pjs, we spend just seconds organizing her doll house since we're both moving at lightning speed, and she thinks it's hilarious and so much fun. The best way to encourage your toddler to get speedy is again, to exhibit the behavior yourself. Show Junior how fast you can stack his blocks or put away books, then challenge him to do the same. Whether or not he's super fast the first time or not, ENCOURAGE him and I bet he's ready to race you (and maybe win) the next day!


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3. Everything has a place - While this may be obvious to some, I didn't live with this mindset until maybe my mid-twenties. I've always been a whimsical (ahem... lazy) person and never really enjoyed cleaning, but after years of being forced to "adult", I'll be the first to admit - I have definitely grown to appreciate a cleaner home... and in that cleaner home, I adore organization (more than I could have ever thought possible). While I'm not sure if she's going to keep a tidy house in the future or not, for now I'm encouraging her to put things away as she plays. It's not a demand, it's more of a gentle reminder that "if we take out our blocks from the closet, it's time to put away our dollhouse next to her toy box". She may not always put things where I want, but I figure it doesn't hurt to encourage and her remind her where things go... and well, if she's helping put things away and she gets close to the right spot, I'll consider that a win in my tidiness book! While we're still working on this, my suggestion to help your toddler learn that everything has a place is to show them and then remind them about where things go until they start remembering on their own!




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4. Allow your toddler to lead - Last but not least, never force your toddler to do any household chores they can't handle or absolutely despise... but also, on that same token, encourage your toddler to try doing new activities that help around the house daily. One day she may not be able to climb up and rinse off her plate, but kids grow quick and she may be tall enough tomorrow!

One thing Delainey has recently started doing that blows me away, is requesting to take out our trash and recycling... and while she's not big enough to carry the heavy loads, I sincerely appreciate her willingness. I mean, I just love it when she takes my office trash and is all excited to throw it away. It's funny, because who would have thought... the key to a toddler's heart and the easiest way to make her smile is by letting her do a task that most people don't enjoy doing.


But that... that's why I encourage her to do these things. It not only brings her joy, it helps spread joy in our house. It may sound trivial but these simple tasks and the giggles, love, and sweetness she shares while doing them - it's a reminder of what parenting is all about... and well, really... what life is all about.


Want some extra awesome news? Bona and I have teamed up and one lucky winner will get a FREE Quick Clean Set just for leaving a comment below! Tell me your favorite quick clean tip for your chance to win! You'll also have the opportunity to enter on my facebook tomorrow!

The "Quick Clean Kit" will include:   The Bona® Premium Microfiber Mop for Hard-Surface Floors, The Dusting Solution – Bona® Disposable Dusting Cloths, and The Cleaning Solution – Bona® Wet Cleaning Pads!

August 15, 2018

Back to School Favorites for My "Big Kid" with Babbleboxx

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

It's that time of year, autumn is hinting it's near with fashion trends changing, the temperatures slipping a little bit lower, and kids heading back to school. While my toddler isn't going to "school" this year, she is going to start a few educational classes so I figured we better allow her the royal treatment with school supplies, a new "school year" routine, and all... I mean, after all she thinks she's a "big kid" now, so we may as well start getting her into the routine of a big kid.


While she's still not sure what big kids do, Delainey loves the idea of getting on a school bus and heading off to learn.  It may partially be because she's seen episodes of The Magic School Bus, but she is obsessed with the idea. I mean, not just obsessed, this girl WANTS to learn. You can hear it in her voice when she squeals every time she sees something new and educational or when a bus drives by. It's so amusing to me the way she pays attention to anyone trying to teach her, it just proves to me that I have a little learner on my hands and I will always embrace that curiosity and encourage her to follow it.


So, if you're like me, trying to find ways to ease your kids into the idea of a new school year routine, I think you'll be interested to find out what Babbleboxx sent me this month. These Back to School goodies are too amazing not to share with you, so let's get this party started!


https://www.zennioptical.com/kids-glasses

First, we'll discuss the cuteness of these Zenni Optical glasses. I mean, seriously?! We pair them with everything from our favorite play clothes to our boutique brands. Not only are these adorable, they're GOOD for her eyes too. That's right, they aren't just a costume addition to her wardrobe, these babies block harmful light with UV+ Blue Blockers! The best part is, she loves wearing them and looks like a total mini-hipster in them, which is too precious in my book.

https://www.zennioptical.com/kids-glasses

If your babe happens to need a prescription, Zenni Optical has you covered there too! Check out their kids eyewear line and be sure to stock up on all the order pairs of specs your heart desires.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/4593C3BE-184D-427D-AD9C-DCA33C432C48?ingress=2&visitId=68ebc31d-473f-4304-abf1-731a567a5d03&ref=ast_p_ei

Speaking of desire, my mini me has an odd obsession with scissors. Not in an unhealthy way, of course. I think she's so obsessed because mama's always holding a pair - after all, between making blooms and crafts for the blog she sees mama using scissors all the time.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/4593C3BE-184D-427D-AD9C-DCA33C432C48?ingress=2&visitId=68ebc31d-473f-4304-abf1-731a567a5d03&ref=ast_p_ei

Luckily, I finally found a pair that I trust her to use as I'm crafting up some goodness. Westcott's line of scissors are the best. I actually use the Carbo Titanium pair daily to help create pretties and they slice through felt like butter... and D has used her kid scissors to rock out some amazing snowflakes lately and she's in love with cutting up her playdoh (and anything else I let her chop up)! Interested in learning more about the World's favorite scissors brand? Check them out here.

http://blotsupplies.com/products/blot-mini-gel-coloring-pens-assorted-colors-24-ct.html

One part of my childhood that I absolutely couldn't wait to share with Delainey when we heard she was a girl, was actually gel pens. Gel coloring pens were the most coveted, respected part of any girl's back to school supplies when I was little... so when D and I opened the box and saw the all of the BLOT School Supply gel pens we both squealed like little school girls to get our hands on so many new pretty pens!

http://blotsupplies.com/products/blot-mini-gel-coloring-pens-assorted-colors-24-ct.html

Not only did BLOT spoil her with the Mini Gel Pens in every color, they also sent over Ombre Pastel Gel Pens, Signature Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Mini Highlighters, and Mechanical Pencils... so she's pretty much the coolest little toddler on the block now. I'm not gonna lie, I'm likely going to be scribbling right along with her using the gel pens - because sometimes it's fun to act like I'm a kid again.

http://OshKosh.com

Speaking of being a kid again, another part of my childhood that was included in this month's Babbleboxx was the ADORABLE Osh Kosh Kitty outfit! This is a company I remember wearing since, well... forever! So as you can imagine, I was tickled to see the brand had sent her such an adorable outfit. Osh Kosh is one of those brands that everyone knows and trusts, but the way they design clothes is fresh and fun - which makes them one of our favorites. Delainey especially LOVED the kitty design and I'm pretty sure the tutu leggings will be a staple in her wardrobe until they are bursting at the seams.

Visit OshKosh.com to get your hands on this adorable outfit and more and use these codes to help you save a bit on your next purchase (in store code - [038222] or online code - [OKBG3549]) - Codes only valid through September 30, 2018 & exclusions do apply.

https://www.snipits.com/

Another item in the box that I adore is actually something I didn't have in my childhood, but I feel so blessed that I'm able to share with Delainey is the Snip-Its hair prodcuts! This miracle styling spray and wax pomade are life changing.

https://www.snipits.com/

I had a wild head of curls all my entire life and hated it until I learned how to properly manage it... so teaching Delainey how to manage and take care of her curly mop is a priority on my list of lessons to teach her. Luckily this should be a simple lesson to teach now that we found Snip-Its. The styling spray is pretty much the answer to any curly girly mama's head and the pomade allows me to create texture without a heavy, wet look. It's safe to say we're both fans of these kids natural hair products and she LOVES getting to help do her hair now.

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Last but not least in our Babblebox was the Sprout Organic Crispy Chews and Curlz! Two new snacks that D is super fond of! The Crispy chews are the perfect mixture of sweet and crunch and D is always asking for more of these - which is a-okay since they're pure ingredients (like fruits & veggies) which are certified organic & non-gmo! The Curlz are chickpeas and lentils in disguise, coated with a delicious blend of white cheddar cheese... and they leave Delainey saying "CHEESE" everytime.

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Want to supply your kiddos with a wholesome, organic kid snack filled with plant powered protein? Get your hands on some Curlz & Crispy Chews now!

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So tell me, which item in this month's Babbleboxx sparked your interest the most? I'd love to hear how you prepare your kids for the school year or your kids that are just starting classes (like Miss D) in the comments below!