6 Ways to Help You Get "Your Groove" Back!

Thanks to Olay for sponsoring today's discussion, they know what a mama needs! With that said, all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

Are you ready to get your groove back?

No, we aren't talking about anyone named Stella today... and getting your "groove back" is most definitely easier said than done as a new mom. It's hard enough to find the time to shower and put product in my hair, as I've shared recently, so talking about getting back to being the old you is basically like discussing how you'll be riding a unicorn to your next rainbow convention. The thing is when you give a child life, your life is forever changed and getting back to who you were pre-baby just isn't going to happen.

While you won't ever be the "old you", that doesn't mean you can't get back into the swing of things, you can totally still find your groove again. I'm easing back into "my groove" and well, some days I walk around with my hair in a top knot and peaches on my ear lobe, but as I'm getting used to life with a little wild child, the days that involve a little hair straightening and a dress seem to be happening more and more often and for that I'm thankful.

Okay, so I'll admit, I haven't entirely perfected "my groove" and I'm far from a "supermom", today I want to share a handful of ways to hopefully get you feeling a tiny bit more like a human and a little less like a meal on heels. Whether you're in the same, stay-at-home-mom, breastfeeding 24/7, teething like it's no bodies business boat, or you're sailing the treacherous seas of a sassy toddler, I hope you're able to find a little piece of you again and maybe a little peace of mind... and here's how I suggest you do that:


1. Make lists and schedules - I'm the queen of list making here on the blog, but believe it or not, I stink at staying organized in my daily life. That's changed since having D though and I'm working on prioritizing and I've even made a daily schedule and a meal plan as of late. Living spur of the moment is all fun and games, until you have kids... then it's seriously time to start making a plan so you can get stuff done and that's where lists and scheduling comes into play.

2. Find your people - Speaking of play, finding your people and getting some "play time" in is so important for mama mentality. Instead of always jabbering in baby talk, take a day off from mom duties every once in a blue moon, and treat yourself to a pedicure with your bestie or a walk around the block while playing pokemon with the neighbor kid, whatever suits your fancy - just find your people and spend time with them.

3. Freshen up with Olay - Speaking of finding things, once you have kids you will need to find skin care products that work for you. While life is full of rewarding moments as a parent, I will say having Delainey has aged me a little. Smile lines, a few wrinkles in my forehead... I'm starting to look 28. Instead of stressing (and possibly causing more wrinkles), I'm doing my best to prevent anymore signs of rapid aging by being proactive and that's why I participated in Olay's 28 Day Skin Study.

Instead of guessing which products I need, I used Olay's Skin Advisor Tool and found out my I'm in need of the Depuffing eye roller, because hellloooooooo dark circles... and the 7 in 1 Total Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer is the perfect product for my freckled, sunkissed skin, it's light enough to feel comfortable but definitely gets the moisturizing job done! I grabbed both on a Walmart run and my life and skin care routine forever changed!

Adding these two products to my daily routine for the last 28 days has been life changing. I feel like a whole new woman, with a fresh face... and that means a lot for a tired mom.

Are you interested in finding out which Olay products would help your skin? Whether you're a "young mom" hoping to prevent more damage and those pesky under eye circles or your the Gigi of a precious little babe, it's time for you to meet your match. Check out the line and find out which products are best for you here.

4. Own your truth - Admit that you can't do everything - as much as you want to. We all want to be super mom, but honestly, some days we need a little help. If you're having a rough day, ask a friend to come over and get some baby snuggles. If you need a break from the chaos, step outside and lay down in the hammock for a little bit while dad wrangles the kids. It's okay to ask for help... and it's also totally okay if you are a planner and great at multi-tasking too, keep up the good work, just know it's good to take a break and breathe every once in a while as well.

5. Do your thing - While taking care of a baby is time consuming, finding time for your hobbies will help you feel more like you. So once baby goes down for the night, bust out some paints and canvas or pull out your violin and get to strummin'.

6. Move - I don't mean pick up and move to another city... unless that's something you want to do, then hey - go for it. I mean get out and wiggle around on the dance floor or take a class at Orange Theory, get your body on the move and your "groove" will be back in no time. There's just something about those workout endorphins!

With that said, it's time for me to be on the move... but I'd love to hear about where you stand with "your groove"? If you're in the swing of things and feeling fine, I'd love to hear how you got there and if you have any tips to share... and if you're in the same hot-mess-mom-in-transition situation as me, I'd love to hear about your struggle with your minion. Tell me all about it in the comments below.

Keep Things Fun with Ahoy Boutique Sheets in Your Nursery!

Thanks to Ahoy Boutique for sending over these gorgeous sheets to include in the Baby Shower Gift Guide, regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

You guys, time just keeps flying by and I realized I haven't even finished telling you about all my favorites in my baby shower gift guide... so I'm back at it! Today's post is about one of the best parts of Delainey's room and something I change fairly regularly - the sheets!

While sheets may seem like a small detail in a nursery, they actually are a center point. The first thing I see after I see her, something always in photos of her in her crib, and definitely part of the room that really makes the theme come through. That's why when I decided I wanted a couple of custom sheets for my girl's crib, I turned to Ahoy Boutique.

This little Florida based etsy shop is one of my favorites, with so many unique children's bedding options it's hard not to change the theme of Delainey's room weekly. Whether you are doing a bold striped floral look or a muted swan princess look, Ahoy Boutique has bedding to match the theme of your child's room!

Since Delainey has a tropical themed mermaid room, we obviously loved the more tropical sheet options! When I saw the pineapples I knew she needed these and once I felt them in my hand, I just knew she'd love the softness! These babies are perfect for my baby!

The other sheet I chose for her nursery is the geometric mermaid print! It's a gorgeous mixture of all the colors of her nursery and equally as soft as the pineapple sheet! Made with the utmost detail, these sheets will last for years to come!

Speaking of years to come, I'm also pretty excited because in a few years, when it's time to change the theme to something Delainey likes, we could always find the perfect match in Ahoy Boutique's collection!

So take a minute and see what fits your theme... As you can see, we fell in love with the pineapples and the mermaid print, what do you love the most?

Interested in finding more awesome items for babies and new mamas?
Click here to check out my Baby Shower Gift Guide!

Six Phone Apps Every Parent Needs

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of TempTraq for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Keeping an eye on your baby is important, I think all parents know that. Whether we are in the room lounging with our little darlings or across the hall while baby naps in their crib, it's nice to know baby is doing okay without having to constantly be peeking into the crib. Today I want to share a few different ways you can use your phone to keep an eye on your baby, not just literally but with data and information as well.

We'll start with TempTraq. It's the only wearable, Bluetooth temperature monitor that continuously monitors temperature. Now when baby isn't feeling in tip-top shape, you can just apply the soft, comfortable patch underarm and it senses, records, and transmits temperature data for up to 24 hours to your phone through the TempTraq app.

Not only is TempTraq a Temperature Monitor, you can use it to keep an eye on when your babe drinks, eats, or take medicine - making caring for an ill child just a little less stressful. Get your hands on one of these handy thermometers at Target, CVS, or Walgreens, as well as TempTraq.com and monitor fevers! Put your mind at ease and worry less, even when baby is sick... Buy TempTraq now

Another app I love use so I can keep an eye on Delainey's development is the Wonder Weeks app. It's been educational to learn about her "leaps" and it gives a little insight as to what milestones she should be achieving as she goes through these growth periods! We're actually in our 2nd leap currently and the app has taught me so much about what she's experiencing, it's definitely a great tool for first time moms!

Glow Baby is a great app to keep track of diaper changes, nursing sessions, sleeping patterns, and more. While TempTraq can help you keep an eye on some of your baby's activities, I highly suggest checking out Glow Baby for the other items you want to keep track of. I personally like to use the app to track her diapies and her sleeping, it's nice to make sure she's leading a regular, healthy lifestyle and with the little graphs this app provides, I love it.

My baby monitor actually has an app to watch my darling from my mobile phone, using Smart Sync I'm able to see into her room - no matter where I am! I love being able to keep an eye on her from the baby monitor screen too, but being able to pull her up on my phone is just the bee's knees!

If you're feeling fancy, Philips Hue is the coolest way to make sure the lighting in your baby's room is perfect. You can adjust the color, intensity, and more... this can not only be comforting, but a learning tool for baby as well. Discussing colors, patterns, and beyond, I'm sure our Hue lighting system and the app that goes along with it will be used for years to come.

Owlet is my last recommendations for apps, it's the easiest way to keep an eye on your baby's pulse ox level and their heart rate! Just attach a little sock to baby's foot and you can keep track of your baby's vital signs all night long!

So tell me, what apps do you use for baby on your phone? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!

Six Tips to Help You Survive Motherhood [& an EPIC giveaway!]

I have been compensated by Sundown Naturals® and Pollinate Media Group for this post as part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Sundown Naturals® but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GoodnessGiveaway #sharethegoodness http://my-disclosur.es/OBstV

Having a newborn in the house is truly a task in itself. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to wake up with her all hours of the evening and I'm actually overjoyed to cater to her cries, but as other mamas know - it's hard to take time for yourself when your entire life revolves around caring for this new, tiny human.

Now that it's been a little over 7 weeks since her arrival, I'm finally trying to get back into the swing of things and take care of myself, not just her. I'm not going overboard and indulging myself, but allowing myself to do things every mama should. If you're also a new mama or you just need a reminder on how you can take better care of yourself, this list is for you. So grab a glass of water (or wine, whichever you prefer), and let's talk!

1. Use your free time wisely - This is easier said than done, but instead of just sitting around watching Netflix while your little one snoozes, get up, take advantage of this “free time” and get things accomplished. Whether you're delaying a DIY project you swear you'll work on one day or you just need to fold some laundry, take a moment while your baby is sleeping during the day to get things accomplished!

2. Start taking a probiotic – Personally, I love the Sundown Naturals® Probiotic gummies. They're a delicious way to  keep my body healthy! Available in pineapple, raspberry, and orange flavors, these tasty little gummies provide friendly bacteria for your digestive system with over 2 billion cultures per serving at time of manufacture. Your body will thank you for adding this gummy to your daily routine and so will your taste buds, especially because Sundown Naturals® are free of gluten, dairy, and artificial flavors◊!

3. Get fishy - Speaking of gummies and health support, if you are breastfeeding I highly recommend adding Fish Oil to your daily routine! While Sundown Naturals® Fish Oil gummies provide you with Omega-3s and Vitamin D3 and give you the support you need for your heart, bones, immune system, and so much more, they also pass on these great benefits to your babe! The best part is that you can find these and other Sundown Naturals® vitamins for your whole family on your next trip to Walmart!

4. Get your blood pumping - After you've gotten the all clear from your doctor, start getting your body back by adding a little work out to your daily routine. Take a moment and do some mommy & me yoga with your darling or find a gym with a sitter and allow yourself some time to really concentrate on your workout, either way it'll be good to get back into shape!

5. Focus on you - Speaking of yoga and getting back into shape, while you're working on your physical self, it's a good idea to start meditating some and learning to follow your instincts. While I'm still a new parent I've found it seems to be instinctual, so far, and meditating allows you to listen a little closer to your instincts.

6. Treat yourself - Buy yourself something new or get a little treat for yourself, at least once a month. I like to get pedicures or buy new clothes, each month... sometimes both. Doing a little retail therapy & a bit of spoiling yourself at the spa won't hurt anyone and it’ll definitely help you feel more like you. Call ahead and schedule a massage, go shopping at your favorite place, or even just grab yourself your favorite treat - allow yourself to feel spoiled and your guaranteed to have happier days with your baby!

So tell me, what are your tips for handling life with a newborn? I'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments below! Also, don't forget to take a short quiz to find out which Sundown Naturals® vitamin gummies are for you!

Interested in winning an epic prize? Enter the Goodness Giveaway Sweepstakes today! Head into Walmart and purchase at least 1 Sundown Naturals® vitamin product for a chance to win weekly prize packages and a grand prize! Every week, one winner will be selected to choose from 1 of 4 prize packs – Yogi Pack, Fitness Pack, Foodie Pack, or a $100 Walmart Gift Card. Simply upload a picture of your receipt here and you are entered for a chance to win some incredible prizes now through 11/1!

 These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
◊Applies to all products manufactured after 5/1/15. Please check back of label as manufacture dates may vary.

My First Mother's Day Gift Full of Must-Have Goodies from BabbleBoxx!

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media.

I can't even believe it, this year I will technically be celebrating my first Mother's Day as a mama! Taking the time to think about this fact makes me not only overjoyed, but so thankful to be a mama myself and extra thankful for all the amazing mothers in my life! From my own mama, to my mother-in-law, to all the other new moms that I've befriended recently, I know so many amazing women who should be celebrated on this day... and everyday!

While this day is special for all mamas, I guess you could say this day will be super special for me. Celebrating my first Mother's Day as a mom is a milestone, of sorts. We spent years trying for our precious little bundle of joy, so every time I feel one of her precious little movements or find something perfectly pink for her I celebrate a little bit.

So when Babbleboxx sent over a box of goodies perfect for any new mom, you better believe I was doing a little happy dance and celebrating with my little gal once again! While I still have a little bit of time until my little darling makes her official appearance, I'm always excited to find new products or test out items that I've heard great things about and of course, I love sharing my experiences with you.

We'll start with a product that I've actually heard recommended by other mamas recently, Boudreaux's Butt Paste. This fast acting diaper rash cream is one of the best on the market, according to so many of my new mama friends and since they start healing on contact, I'm certain that this will be a go-to item in my little gal's life when the time comes! What's not to love about a diaper rash cream that touts that it's free of parabens, preservatives, dyes, talc, and phthalates. Plus, I love that the line comes in three different strength formulas to help protect against and improve diaper rash, including an All-Natural formula that I think will become a favorite in our home!

Another couple of products that I recognized immediately in the box were Gerber® Onesies® and a bib! You can never have enough of either, so I hear... So obviously I was overjoyed to find these super soft goodies in my box! With layering being one of my favorite ways to style any outfit, I can't wait to make my diva into a fashionista with the perfectly white onesies from Gerber. Ranging in size from newborn to 24 months, my little diva will definitely be rocking Gerber for the next few years! Want to add some stylish basics to your babes wardrobe? Click here to snag a few deals on Gerber Childrenswear!

One item I hadn't actually heard of yet, but was super excited to find in my box was the Sesame Street Naturals Tip, Tummy, and Toe 2-in-1. This easy to use tear-free cleanser is the perfect way to get little babe's involved in bath time and really loving getting fresh & clean! The gentle instant foam cleans and moisturizes delicate skin and hair, leaving your babe feeling soft and smooth. I can't wait to bathe my little babe in this terrific formula and with 98% of the ingredients being naturally derived, I don't have to stress about chemicals or toxins being a part of her bath time routine!

Now the last few items in the box are pretty much for mama, which was a nice surprise, especially when it involves photography related items! My Babbleboxx included a gorgeous yellow Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 70 camera, this little beauty will definitely be used to document my little boo's life so I guess it's kind of a gift to us both! Reminiscent of a camera that my parents used when I was little, this handy little gadget instantly pops out pictures and makes taking photos a breeze and the quality of the photographs is impeccable! While I won't be taking pictures of our babe for a little while, I'm thinking I may have to use the camera for some maternity photos and add in a few of the snaps to her baby book!

Another item in the box that made me smile was the Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Prevention Cream. This specially formulated cream is made just for new and expecting mothers to help us promote elasticity and to provide comfort and suppleness to the skin, something my expanding belly definitely needs! The ingredients are of natural origin and are completely free of parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol, which makes this product safe for mama & baby and completely okay to use while breastfeeding. While I already rock some tiger stripes, I'm doing everything I can to prevent future stretch marks, so you better believe I'm applying this cream twice a day and keeping my fingers crossed that I won't get any more!

The last item in the box is the perfect way to help beautify myself during this time in my life when I'm dealing with SO much that makes me feel a little rough around the edges; Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Toothpaste is the perfect way to brighten my smile and even make it glow a little. With a fresh, new cleaning sensation, this powerful whitening toothpaste leaves my grin feeling fresh for a long while!

While I know there's a lot more that I'll need before my baby arrives, this Babbleboxx was a nice little surprise to receive in the mail and since it included so many amazing things I was able to check off a handful of items from my registry already!