Spring cleaning has been in full force in our house over the last week! I have mostly been going through clothes and toys (making an even bigger mess), but one thing I have to do almost daily is clean our floors. Don’t get me wrong, it clearly does not happen every day, but because we live in a new-build neighborhood with lots of construction around us, I feel like dirt just flies in and lives on our floors at all times and that makes me want to clean them, often. I recently took a trip to Target (who am I kidding, that’s a daily thing) and picked up a new mop and guys! I am in love with this Freedom® Spray Mop by Libman – one of my latest spring cleaning hacks!
What 1-in-3 Families Need
One in three families struggle to provide diapers for their baby. One in three. Is that staggering to you? That number is so high and heartbreaking to me. In fact, I had to read it again and again for it to really register with me just how many people have a hard time fulfilling this need. For me, it has been a no-brainer for over 4 years now. We go to the store and diapers are always on our list. We pick them up as easy as we pick up bread or milk at the store. I don’t even put a lot of thought into it because it is just one of those things we have to buy. It is so sad that so many families struggle to afford their baby’s diapers. You may be asking, “what can I do to help?” That’s where Walgreens and Huggies® comes in!
8 Things Expecting Moms Need in Their Go-Bag
Are you an expecting mom? First off, Congratulations! This is such an exciting time and can also be a little scary – especially for first-time expecting moms. I remember how scared I was throughout my pregnancy with my first son. All of the “what-if” questions. Not having a clue when it comes to having your own baby, being responsible for another person, not to mention all of the health concerns and issues that arise in some pregnancies and newborns. One little thing can turn an exciting time into a very scary moment. I have been so blessed to have three healthy babies, however, my third pregnancy was not easy. I had a “full placenta previa” throughout most of my pregnancy and was even on bedrest for 5 weeks. I also experienced a lot of pain that I did not experience in my first two pregnancies. It was very difficult and there were a lot of concerns about my sweet Weston coming early.
One thing that helped me during this time and really in most situations in my life is feeling prepared. There is only so much we can prepare for, but these little things really help put the mind at ease. I leave the rest up to God and pray – a lot. Packing my “go-bag” earlier on in my last pregnancy was something my doctor recommended just in case I went into labor early. Having that little bag with everything in it made me feel so much better because I knew I just had to grab it on my way out the door and I’d be good to go. Here is what was in my go-bag:
5 Things to Keep You On Track With Your Fitness Goals
This post is sponsored by Nokia. All opinions are my own.
In the new year, I have heard so much about health plans, diets, fitness goals, etc. It’s the same every year, and this year, I have been right there with the rest of the world. Wanting to lose weight but mainly be healthier all around. My diet hasn’t been great since having Weston and I have taken so many months off of exercising that it would be embarrassing to say. I am happy to report that I have gotten back into a routine and already feel so much better! I have a long journey ahead of me and the ever losing swimsuit season is hanging over my head, but it is keeping me motivated.
Visit Jackson: The City With Soul
One thing on my list of goals for the new year is to travel with Ryan a good bit more. He travels about two or three times a month and gets to see the coolest places. Jackson Mississippi has been named the “City with Soul” for a reason. This up and coming city is a great destination for anyone who enjoys experiencing different cultures, music, food, arts and more! The city was actually built on top of one of the oldest volcanos. From old distilleries to blues clubs, there is something for everyone!
The Best Probiotics for Babies
I have talked about probiotics here before and how much of a game changer they have been for me since having Weston. They really improve your gut health so much. I feel better and have had no more gallbladder issues (thank goodness). What if you could give probiotics to your baby? Well, you can! I have shared Evivo probiotics for babies before and I wanted to tell you about them again because they are just THAT good.
4 Tips to be the Best House Guest During the Holidays
For many of us, the holidays come with some travel and possibly mean staying with family or friends – or them staying with you. This Thanksgiving, my family will be traveling for the first time since I was a kid. To say I am excited is an understatement. We are thrilled to spend this Thanksgiving with my family in Florida for the first time – ever! I look forward to many memories made and laughter that we will undoubtedly have. It is important to me to be a really good house guest. No one appreciates that person who stays with them and wrecks the house or creates a huge mess and doesn’t clean up after themselves. You know who I’m talking about!
Live in Layers with Cozy Cuddl Duds
This post is sponsored by Cuddl Duds at Macy’s! Thank you for supporting brands who support me!
If you’ve been around my blog for a while, you have heard me mention my Cuddl Duds leggings from last year. They are amazing and I still wear them all the time. They are so soft and comfortable and go great for a day on the town or cuddling up on the couch to watch Netflix! To say I was excited to receive some new leggings last week is an understatement! I also received this adorable cowl neck tunic that is long enough t wear with leggings! Y’all ask me all the time about shirts long enough to wear with leggings that cover your hineys, and this is a great option! It is so soft and cozy and even has thumb holes – which I love!
Planning for Baby with Enfamil Family Beginnings®
I remember being pregnant with Weston and having a 2 year old and 1 year old. It was a crazy time. To make things more difficult, there was a time when I was facing some complications and had to be on moderate bedrest. Not exactly easy with two toddlers. I remember feeling so overwhelmed and not unprepared – which is so unlike me. I am normally pretty organized when it comes to big life events. I like to be prepared at all times and so this was a foreign feeling and it was unpleasant for me. One thing I did while planning for baby boy #3 was of course, buy diapers and I also purchased formula. I did breast feed all of my babies but I have been in situations where I had to supplement or use formula for different reasons. I feel so much better having it on hand so that if a situation does come up, we have a back-up plan.
Traditional Taste of the Holidays: Crock-Pot Spaghetti
Every time I think of the holidays, one of the first things that comes to mind is the warm and traditional taste and foods of the season. I love when my family puts a spin on traditional recipes to create the perfect holiday dish. In our house, we love pasta. It is one thing that we all five agree on. Spaghetti is a regular on our dinner menu and because we eat it so often, we like to mix it up a bit and do different variations.
Last night we made a delicious spaghetti in the crock-pot because we were in and out all day and dealing with sick kids. We didn’t have a lot of time to cook, so I browned the meat (we used beef last night, but sometimes use turkey to make it light and healthier) and threw it and the sauce in the crock pot to simmer along with a few seasonings. I waited to do the bow tie noodles until we were about ready to eat. I topped off the dish with some fresh basil and Stella Parmesan shredded cheese. This cheese is organic and tastes fresh and delicious. I love to buy organic when I can and This was so easy to pick up at Publix and is a brand I can feel good about.