Well, it was bound to happen... Y'all, Delainey Kate officially became a blogger today!
Just like her mama -- she decided to dress up, photograph it all (while even sneaking in some selfies), and then sit down and type it all out.
I think I've said this each day as I share a new costume idea or DIY project this month... but this Blogger costume is most definitely my favorite and one I think I'll always look back on and giggle.
She seriously looks like a more adorable, drooly, and significantly more fashionable version of me... and while I kind of feel silly saying it, I loveeeee it!
She's the definition of a girl boss in this "blogger costume", which in turn kind of makes me feel more empowered.
Realizing I've created this is something to be proud of and I'm not going to mask that pride.
And by this, I guess I mean all of it - the costume, the adorable baby, and this blog -- our livelihood. I'm not trying to brag, but that's pretttyyyy cool.
I'm proud of that and I think Delainey is proud of me, so can I get an "AMEN" for teaching her that she can be anything she wants to be - including a painter with a unique style like Frida Kahlo or a blogger with some sharp wit... like well, silly ol' me. Ha.
I've had a few recent comments about a costume or a photoshoot a day being too much for her. But I think those people are missing the point of all of this. I'm not sitting her in front of the camera and shouting "CHEESE". We are doing something new, learning, dressing up, getting hands on, and having a good time, every single time she's in front of the camera.
That's what this month is really all about. Having fun and teaching Delainey to dream big, while also exposing her to new things. Do you think we always talk about Frida Kahlo and let D smack the walls with a paint brush or make Delainey little play laptops? Nope. This is all learning through play.
Believe it or not, dressing up and letting her explore the world is helping Delainey to develop social and cognitive skills like building her vocabulary and engaging her memory, while also helping her mature emotionally by teaching her imitation, empathy, and problem-solving, and at the same time she's able to gain self-confidence in new experiences.
So tell me, what kind of activities do you think are fun for a 13-month old? Right now I would say Delainey loves to dance and she has a real passion for doggies and art. I can't wait to continue to show her the world, I'm certain she'll love all kinds of cool stuff and teach me a lot.... and I guess I have to say it again - that's prettyyyyy cool.
If you're wondering about her "laptop"... it's made out of an old piece of cardboard! I printed off a grey laptop backing, made our own "DelaineyKate.com" screen with her photos, then printed off an image of a keyboard. Gluing it all to the cardboard, as well as a plain white piece of paper on the bottom of the "laptop".
Then we handed her the SilliChews camera teether and her iPod and she was set. If we could add a Tula & some Starbucks in her hand, she would literally be me.
So, as you've probably noticed around here - my life is totally different as a parent. I thought before I had D that I'd still write about all kinds of things lifestyle related, but you can pretty much tell as you scroll through... I spend all my time mom-ing now. Taking care of baby business and basically living the life of a toddler's snack chef is my 24/7 - I'm not complaining though, this is the life I've always dreamed of. Delainey truly is a blessing and I'm so thankful to get to spend all my time with her.
With that said, I've had to learn to make time for myself too. I'm learning to master the art of balance in my life, in more ways than one really. It's been a struggle over the past year or so, but now that D's nearly 13 months, I'm starting to get the hang of things... maybe? She's teaching me lessons at the same time I'm trying to teach her about life, it's a balancing act in itself and one that'll be a lifelong thing - that's what parenthood really is, after all.
Ultimately, finding "me" time and still making more than enough time for her is my goal. I've been trying to do more for me, without taking away from her... so I've been practicing yoga a little more with her as my partner, meditating as much as possible while embracing her wild and crazy noisy self, and contemplating ways we all can work on balancing our lives - hence today's post.
There's no coincidence I started this new balanced lifestyle in September either, it's National Yoga Month - which means I'm not just trying to balance my life, but I'm working on my "yoga-game" lately as well and trying to find more balance there. The thing is, yoga isn't just an awesome way to build physical balance, it's a great way to center your mind and find balance mentally as well. Are you wanting to find more balance in your life? Here's my list, inspired by my most recent Peace, Love, and Yoga Babbleboxx goodies:
1. Flow - While drinking plenty of water is one important way to maintain balance in your life, the way I'm addressing flow today is more in the manner of "going with the flow". While practicing yoga, listen to your body. When you're having a rough day, try not to sweat the small stuff. Let things roll off your back, instead of worrying about every detail, and you'll soon discover, life is much happier this way.
2. Hard Work - When we have a million voices screaming at us to quit, it's easy to give up... but the thing is - quitting won't get us anywhere.
Whether it's anxious thoughts overwhelming you while prepping for a gym session, the thought of needing to quit while in a tough yoga pose, or the overwhelming urgency of needing to eat making you desperate to break your diet, there's no need to "quit". Hard work always pays off, in your thoughts, in the gym, while practicing yoga, and even when you stick to a tough diet.
With that said, making sure you are getting enough protein as a momma on the go can be tough. Check out how you can ensure your body stays nourished with Ascent Protein — The Official Sponsor of Hard Work. Coming in flavors like chocolate, vanilla bean, and lemon sorbet, I'm always craving these and love being able to make sure my body is getting what it needs, easily in yummy shake form! Want to try this delicious "reward" for all your hard work? Use the code 'YOGA' for 10% off!
3. Escape - I know I'm not the only one that just needs an escape every once in a while. It's not even just limited to a "mom thing". So when I find a book I just love, I have to share. Plus this one is a #1 New York Times Best Seller & one of Oprah's Book Club Selections in 2016, so you know it's good. Love Warrior is a painfully honest book written by Glenn Doyle Melton, about life, about love, about trusting. We are all born to be warriors and this women's memoir is a reminder that we all are powerful, capable, and brave enough to fight for what we want. At the same time, it's super raw and open, about everything. If you're looking for a gripping book, you know, the type with little bits so well-phrased and interesting that you highlight the pages... this is it.
4. Energize - Kombucha is something I've loved since I tried it, not only because it's healthy... but it's actually super tasty! I love trying new foods and I'll try anything once, but the first time I sipped kombucha, I knew it was a life-long love type of thing.
With that said, KeVita Master Brew kombucha has me feeling the same way. Fermented with a kombucha tea culture, has live probiotics, organic acids, organic caffeine (hellllllooooooooo life source), and it's also verified non-alcoholic!
I try to limit myself on kombucha since D is nursing still but I can't wait to try all the invigorating flavors! With options ranging from pineapple peach to root beer, they have kombucha everyone will love.
5. Nourish - On the same yummy note, B.O.S.S. Bars are a new family favorite! With amazing flavor combinations and premium, all raw
ingredients. These are "treats" I don't have to hide from Delainey when
I'm snacking... but sometimes I sneak away for a second anyways, just
to savor the flavor and treat myself, without having to share! LOL.
Why
do I love these so much? With paleo flavors like Dazzle, Think, Move,
Smile, what's not to love? I think so far we have enjoyed the 'Smile'
bar the most, although they all are delicious gluten-free snacks. Which
flavor catches your interest the most? Grab a stash of these goodies here
and you can score free shipping on any 5-pack and/or case of 12 on
their website through October 15, 2017 w/code BABBLEBOSS (or you can
always score some on Amazon Prime)!
6. Sweeten - Some days, life just needs a little sweetness added to it. The most recent addition to the In the Raw sweeteners, NEW Organic Stevia In The Raw is the best way to add that bit of sweetness without worrying about GMOs. This natural sweetener is my favorite way to make sure my espresso tastes just right... and since it comes in tiny little packets, I take it everywhere with me.
7. Freshen - Let's be honest, some days we don't have time to take multiple showers... but chasing these babies around definitely makes us feel a little heated alllllll day long. Or is that just me? Either way, I sometimes feel the need to freshen up mid-day... and when I don't have the time to take an all out shower, I reach for Simply Summer's Eve Cleansing cloths. These little handy-dandy personal care wipes help balance your natural pH and wipe away unwanted, odor causing bacteria - the perfect way to make sure your lady bits stay fresh, no matter how active you are!
8. Switch Perspective - Life really is all about perspective,
trying to find the positive in every situation is really the best way to
look at things - in my eyes, anyways. Nopun intended. The thing is, that isn't always easy. When
things get rough, it's best to allow yourself to be upset for a moment.
Then push past it and find a way to look at it differently.
When baby is throwing a fit and all you want to do is cry with her, instead sit down, get on her eye level and start to play. I almost guarantee that little shift in your behavior will alter her behavior as well. Life really is all about how you look at it, so try and enjoy every moment and find the good in it all. Some days it's nice to take things in from an admiring 1 year old's stance, she definitely makes the mundane seem interesting and the boring seem bright... and what is there not to love about that?!
9. Embrace - On that note, learning to embrace the crazy, the long nights, the crying, and the tough moments has probably been my biggest struggle as a parent. Therefore, it's where I've had to work at balancing life the most since D's arrival. I can honestly say I'm still working on embracing it all, but I try and take it all in now. I find balance in embracing all parts of our daily life by trying to remind myself she's only little once, regardless of how tough she can be.
Even on my busiest of days, I love the moments she needs me. When I'm struggling to get things done, I still love when she just wants mama snuggles and nothing else will do.... and when she only laughs at me and nothing else can make her giggle, those are the moments I'll always cherish. I feel honored that she loves me so much, with this extravagant, over-the-top, adoring type of love... and the thing is, I somehow love her so much more than that.
So tell me, how do you embrace parenthood? How have you achieved balance in your life as a parent? ...or if you're still navigating through the first few years of parenthood (like me), be sure to leave me some input on how you're managing to balance your life right now! Also, be sure to check out all the goodies I shared today, for your chance to refresh, sweeten, and nourish your soul.
Life is funny, I used to dream of being a mama... and now look at me. Parenthood is more than I dreamed of, I'm not going to lie, everyday is centered around catering to my sweet girl. I spend every second wrapped up in a lack of sleep and a constant state of concern for her well-being, mixed with an overwhelming amount of love and pride. I could have never imagined how much her little cry would break my heart and how amazed I would be each time she does something new. It's like I knew being a mother would be this amazing experience, but I had no idea how incredible it really is to have someone call me mama... until it happened.
I'm not going to pretend everyday is perfect, because... we're human. Some days D is a sassy mess and on occasion, I can be the sassy one. I like to think we are the type to only serve up organic fruits and spend hours every day doing DIY activities, but the reality is some days we don't change out of our jammies because we are too busy watching Sid the Science Kid and eating food from a pouch. The truth in the matter is, as long as we love her and protect her, I think she'll be alright.
With that said, today I want to give you a little view inside our daily life. Today I'm sharing what a Day in the Life of Delainey looks like.
5:30AM - Time to wake up, family! Delainey wakes up almost every morning and wants to nurse and snuggle.
6:30AM - Daddy and Delainey get up and start their day. Lucky mama gets to sleep in. Typically this duo makes espresso for us and then spends a little time outdoors.
7:00AM - Snack time for Miss D. She can't stand the idea of waiting for breakfast so she needs something pronto! Usually it's a teething cracker or some fruit, but it depends on the day.
8:00AM - Delainey helps her Daddy make breakfast... and she loves it. Watching him cook is a favorite activity of hers.
8:30AM - Mama wakes up and plays while breakfast is being served!
9:00AM - Still eating breakfast, typically tossing pieces down to her dog... unless it's blueberries, strawberries, banana pancakes, or avocado - then those are all hers!
9:30AM - Time to clean up, polish off with a tiny bit of milkies (and usually we sneak in a bath... which she still isn't really a fan of).
10:00AM - Simple as that. Read her a book, give her some milk, and snuggle and the girl is out for a nap.
11:20AM - Delainey is usually bright eyed and bushy tailed by this time. We normally get dressed for the day and take on some activities, like modeling for our favorite small shops or a fun DIY project!
12PM - Lunch time rolls around quick everyday. Since we have practiced Baby Led Weaning, typically D just has some of what we're having or we make something just for her. From noodles to jackfruit, she has a variety and loves it all.
12:30 - We play a little and burn off that energy!
1:00 - We read books, we play in her room, she roams the halls on all fours and sometimes she chases after the dog.
1:30 - This is around the time we have started to give her a daily dose of probiotics! Which one do we use? Evivo!
I recently shared a post about items every breastfeeding mama and baby need and mentioned that we were using Evivo. What I think I need to mention again is why we're choosing to give her a daily dose of Evivo...? The answer is simple. Evivo helps restore and maintain health in a baby's gut! I like to think of it like this - if good gut bacteria are thriving at this age, it's more likely that she'll have a healthy metabolism and immune system later in life. I want to set her up for success, that's we choose Evivo.
2:00 - It's usually time for a second nap around now....
3:30-4:00 - It's wake up time... and someone is ready to explore.
4:30-5:30 - Depending on if her Daddy is home or not, we spend time outside exploring, do water play, have fun with DIY projects, and well, occasionally, we are slackers and we just watch some TV during this time.
5:30 - And just like that, it's time to chow down again. This girl loves her food so she eats solids like it's nobody's business.
6:00 - By this time she is playing in her room, we start her night routine by reading a little and getting her pjs on.
6:30 - Around now she starts to nurse to sleep and she's out by around 7-ish...
This post is a sponsored post written by me
on behalf of Success®. One box of Success® Tri-Color 100% Quinoa
was provided to facilitate this recipe.
It's
unreal how quickly time is going by! My little baby is now almost one-year-old
and each day I'm just hoping to keep up with her rapid growth and sassy
attitude. One day she is learning a new word, the next she's toddling around
the room and giggling at me as she soars by with her walker.
Honestly, she's really learning something new each second and it's amazing
and bittersweet to watch. This little girl is one smart cookie and she keeps me
on my toes, constantly.
Being
a mom is my greatest blessing, but it's also SUPER time consuming, ya know like
a 24/7 "job" type of deal... as I'm sure my fellow mama friends
recognize! I'm not complaining about her taking up a lot of my time either, I
just wish I had more of it to spend with her. With that said, I'm trying to
find ways to make more time for family and today I want to share three of those
tips.
1.
Spend less time on electronics - Sometimes this is easier said than done, but
log out of your messenger and take a deep breath without posting on social media
for a little. It's nice to step away from your phone, computer, tablet, tv,
etc... and just connect with one another. From playing in our little reading
corner to having a blast trying to run around outside, being present with
Delainey has been a real priority for me lately and I think we both enjoy the
"extra" time it feels like it gives us.
2.
Stick to a schedule - While paying attention to time seems to be a nuisance to
those of us that need more of it, I've noticed sticking to a schedule really does
seem to help keep me in the moment. Knowing when activities are happening
doesn't just make you less anxious about what events are coming, it's good to
stick to a schedule for a child's sake too. Getting overly tired, having a late
lunch, or not getting in enough play time can make even the sweetest peach a
little sour. So make a daily schedule, including strict eating, nap and bed
times and stick to it!
3.
My last tip, but certainly not the least important: Cook at home with Success®Tri-Color 100% Quinoa! - I'm not just talking about making great
recipes, I'm referring to the 100% whole grain, gluten free, Tri-color Quinoa
blend from Success! With a light fluffy texture and a slightly nutty flavor,
Success Quinoa is the perfect, wholesome addition to some of your favorite
recipes. What makes Success time saving? It's easy to cook in just 10
minutes and it makes the perfect ingredient, especially in the recipe I've
included below.
These
Stuffed Black Bean Quinoa Peppers are the bomb! They are packed full of flavor
and are protein rich, the perfect meal to serve any time - such a success!
Rub
3 bell peppers lightly with olive oil, roast that colorful rainbow of tasty on
the top rack of the oven, stem up, at about 450 degrees for around 8 minutes.
Turn peppers on side after 2-3 minutes and onto other side after another 2
minutes. Pull these out, set them aside to cool, and turn your oven down to 350
degrees.
In
a medium sauce pan, add 3 cups of water and 3 cups of vegetable broth, then
submerge 2 bags of Success and bring to a nice boil.
Once boiling, let cook for
the recommended 10 minutes.
While
your delicious quinoa is cooking, add 2 tbsp olive oil to a medium sized pan
and saute 1 cup of red onion until translucent.
Turn
heat to low and add the black bean, tomato paste, cumin, garlic, and chili
powder, as well as black pepper and salt to taste! Stir occasionally until
quinoa is finished cooking in broth.
Next
up, you'll need to start the avocado dressing. You'll begin by adding one
avocado, cut into cubes, into a food processor, then add in cilantro, lime,
scallions, garlic cloves, olive oil, water, and salt! Blend all together until
smooth then refrigerate this tasty saucy goodness until later.
Now,
remove quinoa from broth with a fork! Cut the bag open and empty the quinoa
into the pan with the seasoned black beans. Simmer with a lid on for 5 minutes
to fuse flavors.
Cut
the stems off the peppers and clean out the seeds, now cut each pepper in half
vertically.
Lay
pepper halves on their sides and stuff each with the tasty Success quinoa
blend!
Add
vegan cheese and cook in oven on middle rack at 350 degrees for 7 minutes, or
until melted.
This
recipe is so easy to make and so incredibly delicious, it's one I keep coming
back to over and over again. The best part is, I love using Success quinoa
inside of salads, mixed with our veggies, or sometimes just by itself with
cilantro and lime! What's your favorite way to snack on Success? How do you try
to "make time" in your life? I'd love to hear it in the comments!
This post is a sponsored post written by me
on behalf of Success®.
