Parenthood, Adulting, and Saving for Your Child's College Education Wisely...

This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.

After Irma hit my husband and I have decided to prioritize things in our life a little more, I guess you could say we are giving this whole "adulting" thing a go. I guess it just took the threat of a natural disaster to make us "man up" but we've both been doing a lot of thinking about life and evaluating what our priorities are.

With my itty bitty baby already hitting her 14 month milestone recently, I've realized she's going to  grow up fast. Right now I'm reading her stories at bedtime and remind her not to eat dirt, next thing I know it'll be tea parties with her neighborhood friends and trips to library with classmates, and soon enough I'll be sending her off to college. I'm still figuring all this adult stuff out but one thing I know for certain is life flies by, so the reality of planning for her future is absolutely of utmost importance to us now.

With that said, I know now is the time to start saving for her future - I want to be sure she can get the higher education she wants and deserves without feeling burdened. My hubby and I have been saddled with college debt and a monthly student loan for years and that's just not something I want for her future, so we're doing something about it.

Saving for her future isn't just for her though. It benefits us too, we want to be sure we don't saddle ourselves with even more college debt and I mean, one day... someday, we eventually hope to retire... and well, that all takes planning, budgeting, and all that jazz.

While it's been great to really start to "adulting", I'm not going to lie - it's a little stressful getting up close and personal with all things finance-related. I'm sure we aren't the only millennials trying to figure out what to do about our college debt while also trying to plan how to pay for our kid's college one day.

After a little bit of research and some investigation, I'm so happy to have found the answer - The Florida Prepaid College Board Plans... and the good news for us all is: NOW is the time to enroll!

With five different plans, each with specific costs, payment schedules, and benefits which all include tuition at 28 Florida Colleges (as well as 12 universities), it's easy to see why the Florida Prepaid program would make sense for our little Florida baby.

So if you're a parent in the same boat as me trying to figure out how to save wisely, you may be asking yourself some questions... and I'm hoping I can answer a couple of them...


Let's start with the first question that came to my mind - How can you sign up for this Prepaid Plan and how much will your monthly payments be? You can sign up here... and since the monthly payment amount varies based on the age of the child and the amount you plan to save, your payment will be different than mine. Prices start at around $50 and the range of prices really varies.

When is the right time to start investing? NOW! From birth until 11th grade, you are eligible to enroll during open enrollment and should take advantage of this savings plan. After all, when we found out the cost of college has already increased 538% since 1985, we knew NOW was the right time to start investing and guaranteeing her a great education.

But why a Florida Prepaid College Plan? There's several reasons, but my top three include:

You and your family can literally fund your kiddo's college years, one month at a time. I mean it's pretty easy to pay approximately $50 a month, it's a little more daunting with a bill of $7,373 being thrown at you each semester, which is approximately the lump sum you could pay into the 1 year Florida Prepaid fund if you were able to...

Another reason we decided to save with Florida Prepaid, is the benefits and the flexibility.

What exactly do I mean by that? Even if one day we decide to move back to Oklahoma or maybe even broaden our horizons and dip our feet in a Wyoming pond, the good news is Delainey will always have access to Florida in-state tuition while using her plan to help pay for tuition! I love that we are free to roam and she won't lose her Florida Prepaid benefits!

Even better, if she happens to get a scholarship, I love that the amount of the plan we have selected can be use towards school expenses or refunded!

What if you only have enough for the one year plan now? Well, I love that we can work towards getting her college paid for as a family. One student can have a handful of purchasers, that means grandmas, aunts, cousins, and more can help send your kiddo to college.... and it's an affordable monthly payment, if they're able to help! I love that. Instead of asking for toys this year, I think we may ask Delainey's grandparents to help pay for a year of college... maybe you could do the same?

Will my payments vary? Nope, the plans are guaranteed and the prices are locked, so no worries about price hikes in tuition or payments suddenly increasing.

With all of that said, just because these plans work for us, doesn't mean it's made for you... Don't fret. Check out how a Florida 529 Savings plan could be the answer! With no set payment schedule it may be harder to add into your budget, but the down side is the plan isn't guaranteed by the State of Florida like the Florida Prepaid plan.

No matter which plan you choose, now's the time to enroll - go ahead and sign your little one up for a Florida Prepaid Plan before open enrollment ends in February!

Super Sweet Sprinkle Sundae Baby Costume Inspiration

You know, I didn't think she could get any sweeter...

Then I put this pastel sprinkle covered Rylan Nicole Designs romper on her and I realized I was mistaken.

This little Sprinkle Sundae costume is by far the easiest little Halloween outfit ever! Why? Because Rylan Nicole Designs did all the work and sent this beauty over!

I just added the cute little cherry from Bloomology on top out of her little noggin, for the finishing touch to her Sundae costume! With that said, it's SUNDAY... which means customs open soon! I can't wait to see what custom blooms y'all have in mind!

 
Enough about bows though... Isn't this little sundae bench the cutest place ever for my Sprinkle Sundae to show off her sweetness? I am obsessed!

And... I'm not exaggerating when I say Delainey Kate stopped traffic in Clearwater Beach today to get these photos. Seriously.

Everyone that was walking on the side walk stopped, I heard a handful of people mention how sweet she looked and I heard about a dozen people say "she's so cute" as we took our photos... and Delainey ATE IT UP. She seems to be losing her shy tendencies and that makes me so proud!

My sweet girl is getting big... and I'm just thankful for moments like this.

Moments with her, being so sweet and gaining independence right in front of my eyes... or in this case, in front of my camera lens. I know in the future I'm going to look back on all of these moments... and these photos and smile.

But for now, I'm doing my best to cherish each sweet moment with this tiny sprinkle-covered toddler.

A List of Tampa Bay Area Halloween Activities for Kids & A Simple "Cool Cat" Costume Idea

What do we love most about fall?

Halloween? Yeah... well, it's definitely on our list of favorites... but we all really, truly adore the cooler weather and all the fun activities there are to do.

From spending time outdoors to finding craft fairs and haunted houses galore, there's just more fun to be had during fall.

Yesterday we took this cool cat to enjoy the cooler weather at the zoo. They are gearing up for their annual Halloween festivities and we can't wait to see "The Creatures of The Night".

Looking for fun festive fall things to do in the Tampa Bay area? This little kitty and I think you should check these events out... we're hoping to make it to all of these events, they all look absolutely spook-tacular!

We'll start with the aforementioned Creatures of The Night at Lowry Park Zoo. This eerily fun event is running from October 6-28 and is sure to be a good time for everyone! Plus... if you're zoo members, you'll get in free!

Glazer Children's Museum is hosting a Halloween Spree on the night of Halloween. With an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating this super fun museum is a great way to keep the kids safe while still having a blast and showing off their glorious costumes!

Busch Gardens is known for their nightly Halloween fun but did you know during the days Sesame Street Safari of Fun also caters to kids and makes Halloween extra special! This year each weekend in October will be a special celebration! This weekend it'll be Monsters & Fairies, the following week is all about superheroes, etc. With all kinds of fun activities and trick or treating encouraged, I think we know where we'll be spending a little bit of time each weekend... and don't miss the dance parties happening each day of the event at 11am, 2pm, and 3pm!

Guppyween at The Floridia Aquarium is sure to be a howling good time! Kids will be able to trick or treat in a safe setting while also being able to view the exhibits and keep cool at the splash pad! It's only for one weekend, the 28th and 29th... but it'll be a blast!

Looking for something a little more calming to do? Check out this Kids Halloween Yoga Class at The Lotus Pond Yoga Studio!

Interested in finding even more fun things to do with your curious little kitten? Check out this list from 813area.com!

And her "costume" for the day... she was a cool cat! Easy, simple, and adorable! We put her in a cool toned little flowy set from Ricrac and Ruffles and added some kitty ears from Target... and she was ALL set for a day of fun at the zoo! She is most definitely the coolest cat I know so this costume fits her perfectly! LOL

Oh... and did I mention she rode her first "ride" at the Zoo? Yep! She officially is a train rider and she loved it, despite that scaredy-cat-eqsue look on her face.

6 Unexpected Items Every Mom of A Toddler Should Bring to The Beach

I remember the days when heading to the beach meant just putting on my swimsuit and heading out the door with a towel in my hand. Now-a-days, going to the beach practically entails packing an overnight bag.

Today I want to share 6 items you wouldn't normally think to bring to the beach... but their absolute necessities for keeping both you and baby comfortable.

1. Extra pair of your sunglasses just for baby - That's right, I said it, I'm guilty of giving in on this one. I bought D her own pair of my sunglasses for the beach. Why? So I don't have to fight her to keep mine on all the time.

2. A baby sized chair - I guess it probably doesn't surprise you, but D definitely has to have her own chair at the beach now. The independence it offers her she likes and I honestly appreciate not being coated in sand each time she wants to sit for a second. I'm sure other beachin' mamas understand what I mean.

3. Snacks for all - I bring Dannon yogurt drinks for mama and pouches and water for baby. I know others usually think of bringing sandwiches and other snacks like chips and the like to the beach, but we aren't about that life. Neither of us much care for sand in our food so literal sandwiches are a no-go here.

Instead we pack our cooler with sweet smoothie like drinks from Dannon for the adults and delicious little pouches of food and water for D. I opt for Mixed Berry flavors, D usually wants a blueberry pouch... like mother, like daughter.

Why do I chose Yogurt Drinks over other snacks? Not only are they convenient and easy to take with me to the beach (or anywhere for that matter), their also an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D and protein, which contains 9 essential amino acids every body needs. With zero added sugars and 4g of fiber, I know it's a snack that I can gulp down quickly while chasing after this crazy little child with no guilt about breaking my diet.

Wanna try these delicious yogurt snacks from Light & Fit and/or Oikos? Use this Ibotta offer to get a little bit of cash back on your purchase from Walmart!

4. Variety of toys - I know, almost everyone that has kids brings sand castle building toys and a shovel or two to the beach. But this is a little PSA -do not just bring sand toys, a baby gets bored with those rather quickly.

We make sure to bring a variety of goodies for D. From her soccer ball to her favorite dolly, we let her choose what she wants to bring with us that day and it's her special job to look after it at the beach.

5. A Battery Operated Fan - While you can't bring the comfort of air conditioning with you to the beach, you can bring a breeze. Whenever D is with us, we are sure to bring our fan to keep her cool. We love this one because we can spritz her and let her feel like the little princess she is while she soaks up the sun a little.

6. Accessories - The last item on my unexpected list of beach items is certainly one of my favorites... a girl always needs accessories, especially for a day at the beach! We're always sure to bring D a cute bow to match her swimsuit. It may sound silly to you, but these precious photos are some of my favorites so I want to be sure she looks as adorable as she always does.

With that said, what items do you take to the beach with you that you would consider unexpected? I'd love to hear in the comments below!

I'm {THAT} Type of Mom...

I'll be honest, it feels like just yesterday I found out we were expecting Delainey and at the same time, I feel like she's been a part of my life forever.

Parenting is funny like that, one moment it's intense, raw, and emotional like when you're making big decisions for your kids and the next moment you both can sit down and start playing with a simple piece of tissue paper and it's playful, uncomplicated, and so perfect. The days fly by, yet you're counting down the hours until bedtime.

That's the thing, though. I imagined having this little life play a part in mine for 7 years. I dreamed of the day I would hold her little hand, I wished for precious, little chunky cheeks to kiss on, I longed for her and her presence. So it's safe to say I knew what I was getting into when I became a mom, but I really had no idea at the same time.

What do I mean by that?

I mean, I thought I knew everything before she came into the world. I thought I knew the type of mom I would be. I claimed I would never apply harsh chemicals to her skin, I knew I would make her all her baby food, I said she wouldn't watch TV and I planned on solely cloth diapering her. I just knew I would babywear her all the time, so while I was expecting I bought every type of carrier on the market... and well, I made lots of assumptions about how our day to day life would be.

But the reality is, sometimes life doesn't go the way you plan - especially when it involves being the caretaker of a spirited little sweetie like D.

So I'm not that mom.  Delainey has worn sunscreen and she's been exposed to diaper rash cream *gasp*! While I'd love to say I mix up her purees every single day, I don't... because I've learned that's just not me. Instead, she eats organic food from pouches while she watches her favorite TV show.

And if I'm being frank here, she runs around nakie more often than clothed and we use Huggies to keep her bum clean and dry and she pretty much despises being worn in her carriers... because she's my little wild one and she loves to have freedom to explore and learn.

While, it's not the type of mom I thought I would be... it's the type of mom I am and it's the type of mom Delainey needs in her life. Luckily, Delainey seems to like her life without who I thought I would be and she adores me just how I am.

I'm the type of mom that takes off work to go spend time at the beach in the middle of the week (then walks around with a sandy butt, as the evidence shows above😂). I'm the mom that shares bites of all my food so that my kiddo doesn't feel left out. I'm the mom that plays dress up, reads books, and loves to surprise her kiddo. I'm Delainey's mama, the one that soothes the cries, wipes away the tears, and kisses her forehead, the one that snuggles her, and makes her laugh just by looking at her silly. I'm the one blessed enough to answer her when I hear her call out "mama".

Are you a parent? If you are, I'm sure you know the bittersweet nature of it all. While learning the ropes and getting this parenting thing down pat isn't the easiest... I have found a way to easily get our Huggies home thanks to Sam's Club!

I just add a month's supply of diapers and a big ol' box of wipes to my cart & check out! It's that easy to keep her clean, dry, and comfortable and the best *and easiest* part is you'll save $10 on any two items or $18 on any three items just by shopping at Sam's Club!

We're so happy about our savings, we dance sometimes... because again, if you're a parent, you know how expensive it can be to a raise these little blessings!

With that said, I'd love to hear ways you've found to save a penny (or two) while raising your kiddos... or if you're in the new bundle of joy stage like (still) are, I'd love to hear how you plan to save money in the future!

Refresh Your Complexion & Master The Perfect Summer Glow

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.
All opinions are mine alone. #BlueLizardSummer #CollectiveBias

I recently shared a post about 10 things no one tells you about having a baby and one thing I mentioned is how much your skin changes and how I had to alter my skin care routine to help deal with all of those changes. With all the hormones raging through your body to help that little miracle grow, it's no wonder your skin goes on the fritz and starts doing some strange things - it's a bit like adolescence, except you're growing a perfect little tiny human instead of growing up yourself.

With that said, I found that during pregnancy and even now (8 months post-pregnancy), my skin care routine gives me the glow I always longed for. That's right, I'm fairly convinced I've mastered the routine to get the Perfect Summer Glow, even if you have sensitive skin... and lucky for you, I'm sharing it with you today!

1. Exfoliate - To start, you'll want to make sure you scrub your skin well in a bath with a body wash made for sensitive skin and use a poof to make sure you really are able to exfoliate and cleanse the skin.