FRiYAY Fun & Sofia the First Princess Dough

This post is sponsored by Disney Junior, regardless my princess and I would still LOVE watching Sofia & playing with Princess Dough so all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

Parenthood is funny, it's carefree and joyful when I'm in the moment playing with my kiddo; yet this joyful, sweet time in my life is also SO complex and confusing, especially when it comes to making BIG decisions for the future. The daily stresses and big decisions can sometimes get in the way of what really matters (I'm sure I'm not the only one). So I'm doing my best to try and embrace the carefree side of parenting lately and highly suggest it. With this carefree attitude comes sitting back, relaxing, playing, and enjoying each and every FRiYAY with my little princess, doing what we do best - having FUN!

Whether we are going for walks, swimming at the beach, crafting up some funky creations, tuning in on our favorite Puppy Dog Pals, or catching up on Sofia the First on Disney Junior, we both love to enjoy the day together everyday, but our goal on FRiYAY is to make it a fun day - always.

On that note, we've been loving some Sofia the First on Friday mornings, we just switch on Disney Channel and start watching all of her silly, good-hearted antics. From solving silly mysteries, to helping her friends find out the truth, to helping others make good decisions - Sofia is always teaching practical life lessons in a fun and appealing way. I think that's why we both like this little princess so much.

Now, I realize we can't watch Sofia all day, every day, but I will say I'm having a lot of fun playing into D's new found love for Princesses! It's so sweet, she loves to dress up now and we have a ton of fun pretending we are princesses lately! So as you can imagine, I'm just over here in girly-girl mama bliss, I feel so blessed to call this little princess my daughter.

While she loves playing dress up, she sadly is still a little too small for bejeweled crowns from the store. So I decided to get creative and make Delainey precious, princess-y pretties she could actually nom-nom-nom on and we both adore the end result!

I guess I should take a moment to say, this princess dough recipe isn't actually made to be eaten in large amounts, but if a kiddo happens to sneak a bite or two or even a handful or two - you don't have to worry. I love that you can let a princess be a princess and enjoy playing, without stressing about what's in this dough. The best part is - whipping up a batch of Princess Dough is easy to do!

Want to make a batch or two of Sofia the First Princess Dough?

You will need:



1 cup water 
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar 
Food coloring
2 Quart Saucepan 


You'll start making this concoction super simply - add all the ingredients, other than the food coloring, in the sauce pan and stir, stir, stir.

Once, the mixture starts to really thicken, mix in food coloring! We used violet and yellow, because those are Sofia the First colors to us. I think next time we'll make pink and blue, just for giggles!

Continue to stir the mixture until it resembles dough. This is where I went wrong the first time - FYI, don't remove from heat too early or you'll have a mess on your hands - quite literally.

Lastly, play, play, play! Your Princess Dough will be warm to the touch but with a little kneading it should cool down and be ready to play within a few minutes!

That's it! Now you are all set to start creating princess crowns or race cars whatever is your thing! That's why dough is so much fun, you can mold it into anything and you really have the chance to be yourself while playing.

So tell me, what ways to do you encourage your kids to get creative and be true to themselves? I'd love to hear your creative ideas in the comments below and don't forget to tune in & catch the premier of new episodes of Sofia the First, Mickey & The Roadster Racers and more on the Disney Channel on FRiYAY mornings or catch up on your favorite shows for the little one's anytime on Disney Junior!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney Junior.

6 Ways to Get Out of a "Rut" & Embrace Your Inner Child [+ a DELICIOUS rainbow of Sparkling Mojito recipes]!

Ever felt like you were stuck in a rut?

Most of us can answer, "Of course...", because we've all been there, done that. It's like some days I just need a little pick me up - ya know, a little something to remind me what life is all about outside of just this sweet babe. We all have those days - the days when you just need to see something new and beautiful, when you just want to feel those warm fuzzies inside and you can't help but smile and well, luckily I think I've found the secret to that something we all are longing for. And really, it's so simple... you'll be like me and saying "duh" once you make this small adjustment.

To find that little spark in your life, sometimes all you need to do is be a kid again. Make life happier with just a pinch of COLOR, a sprinkle of Sparkling Ice, a touch of your favorite song from the 90s, maybe a piece of new jewelry, and just a little taste of new things. Seriously, think about it, who isn't happy when they reflect on their favorite parts of childhood?

I mean, just watching this kid smiling at her necklace, it's a good reminder that sparkles are fun for all ages - we both love to wear them... and well, I love them in Sparkling Ice form inside of my favorite adult drink.

It's totally okay and acceptable to embrace your inner child, at any age, and love on the things that used to make you happy as a kid. So today I'm sharing six ways you can get out of a rut and embrace your inner child!

1. Dance like no one is watching - That's right, I'm giving you FULL license to let lose and go all Footloose on your kitchen floor. Whether you're home alone or babysitting a house full of chitlens, turn on some good tunes and get down. I'm not even kidding when I say, this may be the secret to happiness - feeling the beat, smiling from ear to ear, singing along with the song, and getting your blood flowing while shaking your booty, there really isn't a better way to feel like a kid again than to physically let loose and act like a kid.

2. Style your hair differently - It's true, something as simple as swiping your bangs to the left instead of the right can totally change the way you feel about yourself and about life. If you're looking for something a bit more dramatic, grab some colorful hair dye and do something your inner 5 year old would love - add some pink low lights or get a little wild and dye your hair like a mermaid. Whatever you decide, I'm sure however you switch up your do will be perfect for you.

3. Clean - Speaking of things being perfect, sometimes being a kid again means taking the time to be an adult first. So before things get too crazy kiddy-like, maybe it would be a good idea to make sure your house feels all tidy and clean. I remember learning "everything has a place" as a kid and to this day, my heart feels a little happier when things are in their place and my house looks nice and tidy.

4. Treat yourself - Sometimes it's nice to have something new. It doesn't have to be anything big either, just like when you were a kid! Find a pair of socks that are your favorite color, spend a moment picking out a bouquet of flowers, or maybe even just grab a movie that you love to watch and spend the evening on the couch enjoying it. Spoil yourself with a small little "happy" and you won't be able to stop smiling.

5. Pay it forward - Remember that feeling of donating the change from the grocery store cashier to the Salvation Army guy ringing a bell? Those warm fuzzies you get from helping others may be favorite, I mean what better way to bring a smile to my own face than also helping bring a smile to someone else's face? You don't have to donate to a charity to pay it forward, although that's a nice way to do so, sometimes it's nice to pay for the guy behind you when in the drive thru or leave a gift card on a new mom's car when you see "Stork parking" at a shop. The possibilities of how you can spoil someone and make them smile are nearly endless, just spread joy and I guarantee you'll feel happy.

6. Try a New Recipe & Eat the Rainbow - While kids tend to be picky, your adult palette is probably longing for something new. Skip the mac & cheese and head to the grocery store, buy foods you've never tried before, in an assortment of colors. Head home and fix yourself a colorful, delicious meal and enjoy.

After you've had a rainbow meal, maybe it's time to drink the rainbow too? Today I'm sharing FOUR different easy to make Mojito recipes that will rock your world and totally make you feel happy as a clam.

For each of these delicious colorful cocktails you will need:

Sparkling Ice in a variety of flavors
Mint Leaves
1/4 tsp Key Lime Juice

1.5 oz Coconut Rum
1/4 Fresh Squeezed Lime

Ice

Cups
Muddler  (Confession: I used the bottom of a spoon, because YOLO.. and mama wanted a drink!)

Preparing for this cute cocktail is key - begin by adding the mint leaves, the lime juice, and the fresh squeezed lime into the cup together and muddle.

Next you'll add ice and Sparkling Ice, the part that gives this drink it's unique flavor! We went with a variety from Strawberry Kiwi to Black Raspberry and they all are delish!

Side note: I'll be honest and tell you, they are all so refreshing and delicious - it was hard to stop after one!

Following that you'll want to shake and/or mix it all together.

Finally, add a pretty little garnish and your all set!

That's it, now bottoms up and enjoy your cocktail! I guarantee you'll be smiling while sipping these and you'll definitely want another... and another. Luckily, you have 15 delicious Sparkling Ice flavors to choose from so you'll be able to truly taste the rainbow and smile. Life shouldn't be bland after all so Be Not Bland and give these tasty beverages a try!

Quick Clean for The Holidays & a DIY Little Firecracker Craft

The Fourth is officially here and that means summer is in full swing. Hip, hip, hooray!

With the holiday weekend came lots of fun... and lots of messes. Instead of stressing out about the hooplah and the mess left around our house, I decided to embrace the art of a quick cleaning and got to work first thing this morning.

With my trusty sidekicks - Viva Vantage Paper Towels, Clorox All purpose Cleaner, Delainey, and my hubs, I was about to "unleash the clean squad" and our house is looking sparkling clean!

Within just a few minutes, we had wiped down every surface with Clorox, from counter tops to doorknobs and made sure to mop because little Miss is on the move lately. We used our Viva Vantage paper towels & Clorox to scrub down sticky messes, from the sloppy sauce splattered on our stove top to the sticky fingerprints left on our cabinets, it all cleaned up quickly and easily... and well, with the extra time on our hands, I also decided it was time for us to get a little crafty, especially once the paper towel roll was emptied!

With it being the "Fourth of July eve", it only made sense to try and get crafty with my little firecracker. In the spirit of Independence Day, we decided to make a super simple little firecracker for her to play with... especially because shes fascinated with small pieces of paper lately. 😂

If you have a little one, you'll want to give this craft a try. Watching the curiosity on her face as the pieces of colorful paper came streaming out of our "firework" was seriously the cutest and then the joy she had playing in the "confetti". Plus, you can use the colorful paper as a learning experience, talking about all the colors, the shapes of the paper and the paper towel roll, etc. While she loved the toy and I loved being able to craft and play with her, the best part is, we were able to upcycle our Viva Vantage Paper Towel roll in a fun way!

If you're like us, you probably went through a few rolls of Viva paper towels this weekend with all kinds of fun messes to clean up. If so, this craft is totally easy and you are likely to have everything you need around your house - so get ready to make your own firework - it's going to be a blast!

To make this craft you'll need:

Viva Vantage Paper Towel Roll (empty)
Colorful Paper
Markers
Tape and/or glue
Scissors

This craft is actually fairly simple. I made the video below to show how it all came together but here's a quick summary.

You'll begin by taping/gluing your paper to your paper towel roll. Next, design your firework... I was really sloppy with mine, but you get the idea. After that, stack a few pieces of colorful paper together and cut into small, quarter inch size strips - this will be your confetti.

Last but not least, stuff your firework full of the fun confetti and shake! Get ready for some fun... and bonus, it's easy to pick up all the confetti and "set off" your firework again and again.

As you can tell, we are embracing all the fun the 4th has to offer... while also making sure our house is looking fresh! If you need to #UnleashtheClenaningSquad on your 4th of July weekend mess or if you have some extravagant plans for tomorrow and a pig sty to clean up today, don't forget to call in some back up in the form of Viva Vantage Paper Towels and Clorox... You can grab them both at Walmart and be sure to snag your rebate via Ibotta on BOTH members of your cleaning squad!

So tell me, how are you celebrating the 4th this year? I'd love to hear about your plans 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!