How to Encourage Your Toddler to Help with Daily Chores & How We Quickly Clean the House Together!

This post is sponsored by Bona but the content and opinions expressed here are completely my own.

If you're a parent, you know having a toddler in your home is super rewarding but absolutely chaotic. From meal times, to leaving the house, to just daily activities, everything is a production. Whether she's sassing me telling me "I do this", throwing a fit because I'm not letting her have her way immediately, or running out of the room and then back in again, because the sound of our food processor scares her - she's always ready to learn about life and always adding her own little twist to things to make them interesting.

While her interference may be considered a foul in my game plan for each day, I'm learning life really is about those moments. Being a parent has taught me it's okay to take a time out and teach her what I'm doing, dare I even say it's important for me to do this?

The dishes can wait until she's in bed and maybe her helping "fold the laundry" with crumbs all over her hands from snack isn't the most productive thing, but it's fun watching her curious mind learn. She is so intrigued and curious about how to do things that seem so mundane to us. So instead of getting frustrated with her wanting to help, I've learned that she's capable and willing to do chores if I encourage her to do them in her own way.

On that note, today I'm sharing how we make cleaning fun for Delainey and how you can encourage your toddler to help around the house as well!

1. Bona-fide Fun with our Bona Quick-Clean kit - We'll start with the chore Delainey loves doing the most - dusting & mopping with our Bona! It's a quick way to get our floors clean, so I tend to do a quick swoop through the house dancing with my girl, then I lower the adjustable handle and allow my little dancing queen to take over.

She loves running around the room with the Bona® Microfiber Mop, sliding around and dancing like she's in Risky Business... and our floors look superb afterwards so it's a win-win! If you want to encourage your toddler to do the same, make this chore look fun while you're doing it. Pull out all the Tom Cruise moves and dance around to that good time rock n' roll, I guarantee it's a behavior your sassy little sidekick will definitely want to imitate.


2. Make it a competition - We often make things into a game, because I mean... why not? Life is all about having fun, after all! So, whether we're putting away her blocks or stacking her library books before bedtime, I like to encourage Delainey's competitive side while also getting things accomplished a little faster. We race from the kitchen to her bedroom to put on pjs, we spend just seconds organizing her doll house since we're both moving at lightning speed, and she thinks it's hilarious and so much fun. The best way to encourage your toddler to get speedy is again, to exhibit the behavior yourself. Show Junior how fast you can stack his blocks or put away books, then challenge him to do the same. Whether or not he's super fast the first time or not, ENCOURAGE him and I bet he's ready to race you (and maybe win) the next day!

3. Everything has a place - While this may be obvious to some, I didn't live with this mindset until maybe my mid-twenties. I've always been a whimsical (ahem... lazy) person and never really enjoyed cleaning, but after years of being forced to "adult", I'll be the first to admit - I have definitely grown to appreciate a cleaner home... and in that cleaner home, I adore organization (more than I could have ever thought possible). While I'm not sure if she's going to keep a tidy house in the future or not, for now I'm encouraging her to put things away as she plays. It's not a demand, it's more of a gentle reminder that "if we take out our blocks from the closet, it's time to put away our dollhouse next to her toy box". She may not always put things where I want, but I figure it doesn't hurt to encourage and her remind her where things go... and well, if she's helping put things away and she gets close to the right spot, I'll consider that a win in my tidiness book! While we're still working on this, my suggestion to help your toddler learn that everything has a place is to show them and then remind them about where things go until they start remembering on their own!

4. Allow your toddler to lead - Last but not least, never force your toddler to do any household chores they can't handle or absolutely despise... but also, on that same token, encourage your toddler to try doing new activities that help around the house daily. One day she may not be able to climb up and rinse off her plate, but kids grow quick and she may be tall enough tomorrow!

One thing Delainey has recently started doing that blows me away, is requesting to take out our trash and recycling... and while she's not big enough to carry the heavy loads, I sincerely appreciate her willingness. I mean, I just love it when she takes my office trash and is all excited to throw it away. It's funny, because who would have thought... the key to a toddler's heart and the easiest way to make her smile is by letting her do a task that most people don't enjoy doing.

But that... that's why I encourage her to do these things. It not only brings her joy, it helps spread joy in our house. It may sound trivial but these simple tasks and the giggles, love, and sweetness she shares while doing them - it's a reminder of what parenting is all about... and well, really... what life is all about.


Want some extra awesome news? Bona and I have teamed up and one lucky winner will get a FREE Quick Clean Set just for leaving a comment below! Tell me your favorite quick clean tip for your chance to win! You'll also have the opportunity to enter on my facebook tomorrow!

The "Quick Clean Kit" will include:   The Bona® Premium Microfiber Mop for Hard-Surface Floors, The Dusting Solution – Bona® Disposable Dusting Cloths, and The Cleaning Solution – Bona® Wet Cleaning Pads!

Back to School Favorites for My "Big Kid" with Babbleboxx

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

It's that time of year, autumn is hinting it's near with fashion trends changing, the temperatures slipping a little bit lower, and kids heading back to school. While my toddler isn't going to "school" this year, she is going to start a few educational classes so I figured we better allow her the royal treatment with school supplies, a new "school year" routine, and all... I mean, after all she thinks she's a "big kid" now, so we may as well start getting her into the routine of a big kid.

While she's still not sure what big kids do, Delainey loves the idea of getting on a school bus and heading off to learn.  It may partially be because she's seen episodes of The Magic School Bus, but she is obsessed with the idea. I mean, not just obsessed, this girl WANTS to learn. You can hear it in her voice when she squeals every time she sees something new and educational or when a bus drives by. It's so amusing to me the way she pays attention to anyone trying to teach her, it just proves to me that I have a little learner on my hands and I will always embrace that curiosity and encourage her to follow it.

So, if you're like me, trying to find ways to ease your kids into the idea of a new school year routine, I think you'll be interested to find out what Babbleboxx sent me this month. These Back to School goodies are too amazing not to share with you, so let's get this party started!

First, we'll discuss the cuteness of these Zenni Optical glasses. I mean, seriously?! We pair them with everything from our favorite play clothes to our boutique brands. Not only are these adorable, they're GOOD for her eyes too. That's right, they aren't just a costume addition to her wardrobe, these babies block harmful light with UV+ Blue Blockers! The best part is, she loves wearing them and looks like a total mini-hipster in them, which is too precious in my book.

If your babe happens to need a prescription, Zenni Optical has you covered there too! Check out their kids eyewear line and be sure to stock up on all the order pairs of specs your heart desires.

Speaking of desire, my mini me has an odd obsession with scissors. Not in an unhealthy way, of course. I think she's so obsessed because mama's always holding a pair - after all, between making blooms and crafts for the blog she sees mama using scissors all the time.

Luckily, I finally found a pair that I trust her to use as I'm crafting up some goodness. Westcott's line of scissors are the best. I actually use the Carbo Titanium pair daily to help create pretties and they slice through felt like butter... and D has used her kid scissors to rock out some amazing snowflakes lately and she's in love with cutting up her playdoh (and anything else I let her chop up)! Interested in learning more about the World's favorite scissors brand? Check them out here.

One part of my childhood that I absolutely couldn't wait to share with Delainey when we heard she was a girl, was actually gel pens. Gel coloring pens were the most coveted, respected part of any girl's back to school supplies when I was little... so when D and I opened the box and saw the all of the BLOT School Supply gel pens we both squealed like little school girls to get our hands on so many new pretty pens!

Not only did BLOT spoil her with the Mini Gel Pens in every color, they also sent over Ombre Pastel Gel Pens, Signature Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Mini Highlighters, and Mechanical Pencils... so she's pretty much the coolest little toddler on the block now. I'm not gonna lie, I'm likely going to be scribbling right along with her using the gel pens - because sometimes it's fun to act like I'm a kid again.

Speaking of being a kid again, another part of my childhood that was included in this month's Babbleboxx was the ADORABLE Osh Kosh Kitty outfit! This is a company I remember wearing since, well... forever! So as you can imagine, I was tickled to see the brand had sent her such an adorable outfit. Osh Kosh is one of those brands that everyone knows and trusts, but the way they design clothes is fresh and fun - which makes them one of our favorites. Delainey especially LOVED the kitty design and I'm pretty sure the tutu leggings will be a staple in her wardrobe until they are bursting at the seams.

Visit OshKosh.com to get your hands on this adorable outfit and more and use these codes to help you save a bit on your next purchase (in store code - [038222] or online code - [OKBG3549]) - Codes only valid through September 30, 2018 & exclusions do apply.

Another item in the box that I adore is actually something I didn't have in my childhood, but I feel so blessed that I'm able to share with Delainey is the Snip-Its hair prodcuts! This miracle styling spray and wax pomade are life changing.

I had a wild head of curls all my entire life and hated it until I learned how to properly manage it... so teaching Delainey how to manage and take care of her curly mop is a priority on my list of lessons to teach her. Luckily this should be a simple lesson to teach now that we found Snip-Its. The styling spray is pretty much the answer to any curly girly mama's head and the pomade allows me to create texture without a heavy, wet look. It's safe to say we're both fans of these kids natural hair products and she LOVES getting to help do her hair now.

Last but not least in our Babblebox was the Sprout Organic Crispy Chews and Curlz! Two new snacks that D is super fond of! The Crispy chews are the perfect mixture of sweet and crunch and D is always asking for more of these - which is a-okay since they're pure ingredients (like fruits & veggies) which are certified organic & non-gmo! The Curlz are chickpeas and lentils in disguise, coated with a delicious blend of white cheddar cheese... and they leave Delainey saying "CHEESE" everytime.

Want to supply your kiddos with a wholesome, organic kid snack filled with plant powered protein? Get your hands on some Curlz & Crispy Chews now!

So tell me, which item in this month's Babbleboxx sparked your interest the most? I'd love to hear how you prepare your kids for the school year or your kids that are just starting classes (like Miss D) in the comments below!

4 Mom Hacks to Help You Live Your Best Life

This post is sponsored by Degree Women but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

So, let's be frank, embracing being nearly 30 with my toddler in tow has been a real balancing act. I'm constantly debating with myself if heels are ever really worth the effort or if pants are really necessary at all times... I wear shirts that are covered in slime from breakfast covered hands giving me a hug and I often times sport a mom bun as my formal updo when leaving the house.

It's not like I don't love this stage of life, because I do. But I'm also dealing with hair in unwanted places, a mom pooch that I can't seem to get rid of no matter how much kale I eat, I get drenched in sweat every time I walk outside like I'm having a hot flash, and fly away "baby hairs" are pretty much all that's left of my once full head of hair. These are the parts of motherhood that I didn't necessarily think about when I agreed to this whole parenting thing... I feel like I got conned.

Obviously I'm being facetious, being a mom is my greatest joy and I wouldn't change a thing... even all of these baby hairs and these hot flashes are worth it when I feel my baby girl give me a hug or say "mama, wuv ya". That being said, I'm gonna dish out four of my "Mom Life" hacks to hopefully help you live your best life -

Mom Hack 1: Let's address how this all began, with me asking if heels are worth the effort and if pants are really necessary... and while the jury is still out on the latter, the former proves to be a yes. Heels are always worth the effort, but my suggestion for those mamas that are also uncoordinated (like myself) is to check out wedges. They provide just enough extra support to make walking in them a breeze... and they are still just as cute as heels!

Mom Hack 2: Now, let's chat about that sweaty, hot flash feeling that I mentioned. I'm fairly certain it's just a mixture of being older and this dang Florida heat but I'm hotter than a you know what in church nearly every time I leave the house. Instead of worrying about how I smell or if I've smeared deodorant on my favorite dress, I just grab for Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray Deodorant.

Not only does Degree UltraClear Black + White Spray go on clear and leave me smelling fresh for 48 hours, it protects my clothing against yellow stains or the dreaded white marks that I only seem to get when I'm wearing black and in a hurry. It also lets out an extra burst of freshness when I need it, which is pretty much every single minute of the day in Florida.

Want to try Degree UltraClear Black + White? Check out more about the product and score a discount here.


Mom Hack 3: My next mom hack is all about you. It's time to find something you like to do... and do it. I know it sounds simple, but if you're a devoted mother like myself, you know it's often difficult to peel yourself away from Doc McStuffins imagination play with your toddler and go work on something you like doing instead... but I promise you, it's good for both of you to play.

I'm not saying you should take up bar hopping or spend hours away from your children, I'm just simply suggesting knitting while Judy plays with her Barbies or spending a few minutes each day learning how to edit photos in Lightroom while Joey plays with his toy cars. It's really important to find something you love doing and do it - that time spent getting creative or learning a new task is rejuvenating and your little one will benefit from it as well.

Mom Hack 4: My last mom hack is one I've definitely taken to heart... and that is - photograph it all. They aren't kidding with you when they tell ya life flashes by in the blink of an eye. I swear, some days it feels like we were just discharged from the hospital and then I look at my almost two year old and wonder where the time went. Luckily I've taken her photo almost daily, with at least my cell phone camera, and uploaded all those memories to an external hard drive to make sure I never lose them.

I can't preserve time, but I can help bottle up a tiny bit of the memories and share them with her in the future and I fully intend to photography her daily until she refuses to let me do so.

So, tell me, do you have any "mom hacks" that I need to hear? I'm always looking for ways to make life easier, especially now that I'm hitting my dirty thirties. Haha. So dish out some ways you've found to make this motherhood thing a little easier in the comments below.

My Favorite Carb-Conscious Meal: Smothered Turkery Burgers & Carrot Fries

This post is sponsored by Jennie-O but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summer is here and you know what that means; I'm working on my summer body... well, kind of. While I'm trying to get a little more active than normal, I'm still my regular ol' foodie self - but I'm realizing rolls don't necessarily look great in a bikini, so I'm doing my best to try and make smart choices when it comes to meal time. I guess you could say I'm not "dieting" but I'm watching what I'm eating.

I mean, eating vegetables, even if they are fried, is still eating vegetables, right?

That's why I'm sharing a couple of my favorite recent recipes with y'all today. While this meal is incredibly tasty, it's also better for you - which makes it one to add to your "make again" section of pinterest.

So what am I dishing up today? JENNIE-O® Seasoned Turkey Burgers smothered in delicious pineapple sauce, served on a bed of cabbage, & the side of the century - fried baby carrots!

For the pineapple sauce recipe you will need:

1/2 pineapple - cut & grilled
1/4 cup white onion
2 tbs cilantro
1/2 lime
2 tsp brown sugar
4 cup water
1/8 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves garlic
2 1/2 tbsp coconut vinegar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

To make the sauce, cut and grill your pineapple, then blend all ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Now just saute and stir the mixture, on medium heat, until it meets a gravy-like consistency.

Let cool in fridge while you start the JENNIE-O® Seasoned Turkey Burgers on the grill & prepare as instructed (which means cooking to at least 165*F), then get the carrots started with the items below:

2 cups of baby carrots cut into long halves

For the dry dip, mix these items all together in one bowl:
3/4 tbsp bread crumbs
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste

For the wet dip, mix these together in another bowl:
2 eggs beaten
4 tbsp milk

Once cut, you'll want to dip the carrots in the dry mix first, then the wet mix, then the dry again. Line up on a baking sheet covered with wax paper until all carrots have been dipped. Fry in peanut oil at 350* degrees until crisped on the outside, which took our fryer about 6 minutes. Let cool a few minutes and serve.

Now it's time to plate everything, which means you may want to add these delicious extras to your burger, although they aren't at all necessary - they do add to the over all flavor and provide a nice little boost:
Slices of Gouda Cheese
Slices of Avocado
Cabbage Leaves for buns
A small amount of Cilantro to garnish

You'll just smother your turkey burger in the chilled Pineapple Sauce, once melting the cheese, and add an array of CARROTS that taste like delicious pockets of love to your plate & ENJOY!

So tell me, what is your favorite meal to make when you are watching your carbs? I'd love to add some additional recipes that still taste amazing without sacrificing my diet, so please share some of your favorites!