I'm super excited to share that Delainey and I are now paid Brand Ambassador for Gerber Childrenswear! What does that mean exactly? It is just is a fancy way of saying this post is sponsored, as always all opinions expressed below are mine alone!
As you know, I have quiet the fashionista on my hands, she loves to dress up and one of her first words was "bow"... so it's safe to say she's a little diva.
WHO does she get that from? Don't look at me! HA.
While we're constantly loving on our favorite brands, Gerber is one that we just keep coming back to. Maybe it's the fact that it's a brand that's been around for generations, so there's a bit of nostalgia while I slip a bodysuit on her that's the same brand I wore when I was little?
Maybe we love Gerber Childrenswear so much because they offer all the basics we'll need, as well as fun coordinated sets like the new ones you can find at Walmart...?
I think it's safe to say, we both like Gerber apparel because these bodysuits make it easy to complete the inevitable diaper changes through out the day with higher-in-the-front snaps. Plus, the ability to slip these on and off her quickly is a huge bonus!
I just know I love that she's snug, safe, and comfortable in her Gerber bodysuits no matter what we're doing. Running errands, gardening in the backyard, or even if we are just having a cozy day around the house crafting... we throw her in a Gerber bodysuit with some matching accessories and she's all set and still perfectly stylish for a one year old.
We love our new set of Gerber Childrenswear bodysuits and socks so much, we dedicated our recent day of crafting to the adorable little elephant design on our favorite suit of the bunch.
Next time maybe we'll attempt her giraffe friend, but for now, here's the deets on how we made this adorable little ele-friend planter inspired by our Gerber bodysuits.
For this project you will need:
Newspaper
Scissors
1 Gallon Jug
Paints (and painting materials) - purple, white, and black for us
Ribbon (if you want to add bows)
Soil & An elephant ear seedling (or a seed of any type of plant will do)
You'll start this project by laying down newspaper, to protect your surface from a toddler with a paintbrush. Next, you'll want to cut the top portion of the jug off, leaving the handle of the jug to play as the trunk of the elephant.
Next you'll want to paint the entire jug one color, in a thin even coat - we used a light purple. Let this dry.
Then add on the details like the D on both sides of the "body" of the elephant to make the ears in a coordinating color, we used a darker purple to match our Gerber bodysuit.. and then add a little half circle for the eyes! Don't forget to scribble on a little tail too!
Next you'll glue two pieces of ribbon together, wrap a smaller piece around that, and glue the ribbon to the ears of the elephant.
Once it's all dry and ready, go ahead and plant your little seedling (or seed) and your little elephant planter is good to go!
It's that easy to get crafty with your toddler and you better believe they will have a blast... well, at least Delainey did!
Oh yeah... and once your done crafting up an elephant planter friend, just a reminder: you don't want to forget to check out Gerber's coordinated baby apparel collection at Walmart! Whether you're looking for your little one or an expectant mama in your life, I guarantee the comfortable, adorable and affordable items in their apparel collection are perfect for any occasion!
Now that I officially have a one year old, things are changing in our house! She is learning new things on the daily and with that we are implementing new rules. It's an exciting stage in all of our lives, especially hers... and I'll be completely honest, she's got the energy of a fire ball, the curiosity of a kitten, and the wit of a genius - I am definitely in trouble y'all.
While we may be in for it in the future, I need to acknowledge a huge milestone we just hit... it's official, we made it to our ultimate GOAL! We went one whole year with mama milk, but now we can officially start to wean and I'm seriously doing a little happy dance with all my free time ( on the other hand, I have to admit I may be crying a little too... my itty-bitty baby is so big now)!
This bittersweet moment is one that I looked forward to during all of our rough patches - you know, the newborn stage, the sleepless nights, the teething spells, all of it was tough. But I will say - nursing her (on demand) until one year old feels like it was the right thing to do for our family... and while I'll miss that bonding time, it also feels like now is the right time to start encouraging her to wean. While I want her to learn to be a little less focused on mama milk, she still needs another source of nourishment to help her grow... and that's where Munchkin's Grass Fed Toddler Milk Drink comes into the picture.
You may be asking yourself, why this Grass Fed toddler milk? What makes this one the right choice?
Here are SIX reasons we decided to make the switch... and if you're in the same "weaning off the breast" boat we are, I think you'll want to take notes and grab a can of this goodness for your babe!
My number one reason for choosing Munchkin Grass Fed Toddler Milk is in the name, it's grass fed! I became a huge fan once I learned it's made with 100% grass fed milk from New Zealand! You may be thinking... what exactly is the benefit of grass fed milk? It provides high levels of Vitamin A & E and a proper balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids. Meaning your baby's tummy will not only be full, but happy and healthy... The way every mama wants their baby to feel after a bottle!
The second reason I decided on Grass Fed Toddler milk is the amazing Lactoferrin, included in every bottle. It's the same immunity booster in breast milk.
Speaking of breast milk, the third reason I chose this milk over others is the fact that it's Lactose based, just like breast milk. While other toddler snacks and drinks tend to use syrup solids or corn syrup, I love that Grass Fed is lactose based providing D a more fulfilling milk just like her mamas!
My fourth reason is that the milk is free of GMO, rBGH, grain, and antibiotics! I'm a big fan of keeping all of those out of her system so I jumped on the chance to grab some of this delicious, healthy milk for her.
That's enough about the things this milk doesn't have in it... I'm excited to share the fifth reason we chose this milk is the fact it contains DHA & ARA to support her brain!
While this wasn't a reason for ME to make the switch, this giveaway is a FANTASTIC way to get brought over to the Grass Fed side of life! It's simple to enter and you could win a ONE YEAR SUPPLY of Munchkin Grass Fed Milk and $1,000 to stock up on all the toddler stuff your heart could desire! Click here to enter!
Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by Munchkin via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Munchkin or Momtrends.
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.
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!
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.
