Category: Holidays


Dec
2022

Why We Do a Christmas Gift Exchange with Our Children: 5 Lessons We Are Teaching

categories: Holidays, kids

The floor is covered in wrapping paper, under the tree is already bare, and the children were happily engaged with all their new gifts… for approximately 25 minutes. As parents we felt frustrated after the time, thought, and money into buying, wrapping, and stating up way to late for the children to not fully enjoy the lesson Christmas could teach them. 

A few years ago on a whim we decided to put Christmas in the hands of our children. 

We decided to do a gift exchange with our children, and it has changed the atmosphere of what “the season of giving” means through in a real, tangible way. What started on a whim a few years ago has turned into a tradition our family (children especially!) look forward to. 

If prompted our children could still recall who they given gifts to and what they bought each other over the year the last few years! 

We don’t do this in addition to a bunch of gifts from mom and dad; we do this instead of buy each of our children a bunch of stuff. We buy a “family gift” as our gift to our children- one that everyone can enjoy.

As a mother of six now, I have to say our children look forward to guessing who they will get, hoping who will get them, and (sometimes) bummed when they get the same person, again.

gift exchange with children
(more…)

Jan
2022

2022 Goals

categories: Holidays, personal growth

At the end of every December, I always take the time to reflect on the year and start planning for the upcoming New Year. And every year I feel like I get a little better at setting more realistic goals and my 2022 goals are no exception.

I made a “master” list for my 2022 goals, but then I took some items and have specifically set up to focus on in the first quarter of this year — because baby #6 is due in April! Granted, items on my list include getting certain things done before the baby boy arrives, but finding a way to breakdown your master goal list will help not to become overwhelmed with so many plans and ideas for a new year.

Tip for 2022 Goals: When making your list, remember to find things to STOP doing– especially within our daily habits and routines.

(more…)

Nov
2021

Gift Guide: Stay at Home Mom

categories: Holidays

When it comes to buying gifts for the stay at home mom in your life I think there are three main categories that you should think of when choosing a gift: (1) making her life easier, (2) taking time for herself, or (3) an indulgent gift that she wouldn’t normally buy/take time for herself.

This gift guide expands on my *own* experience as a stay at home mom and those SAHMs in my life (and items we have and love!).

I hope this stay at home mom gift guide helps you narrow down an amazing gift!

Instant Pot Cookbook – it seems rare that we hear someone doesn’t have a Instant Pot. And what mom doesn’t need a variety of one pot meals to make dinnertime that-much-simple.

Or Skinnytaste One & Done Cookbook. Variety of “one pot” meals- instant pot, sheet pan, slow cooker, etc.

Fuzzy Robe – 18,000 reviews! Or if you want a more every season/ daily robe check out THIS ONE.

Live Plant. I don’t think many people think of this — but a live plant can bright up a space without having to know their decorating style. The one linked is both interesting in color and the base is a neutral color.

Skincare Set. Mom’s sometime need a little push to take the 5-10 minutes in the am/pm to herself. This gift will give her that gentle nudge to take the time for herself!

Backpack Diaper Bag – okay, this may be on my personal wishlist as we are 1/2 way through baby #6 pregancy, but a backpack helps keep your hands free while out running errands– and that’s always a good thing! Take it a step further and fill it with some fun things– chocolate, a hat, pack of baby diapers, etc!

Mascara & Lipgloss Duo . This duo will help ANY mom feel put together in 2 minutes! No harsh, harmful ingredients and the lipgloss has a wonderful scent from Madagascar Vanilla!

Slippers. Classic style in a few classical colors.

Kendra Scott earrings. What women wouldn’t want a little glitz to open in Christmas? The earrings linked are ‘simple’ enough to be worn everyday for some glam or easily dressed up!

I’d love for you to share in the comments one of your favorite past gifts you’ve received or one you are planning to buy for the stay at home mom in your life!

Related Articles:
Non Toxic Gift Guide
On the Go Mom Gift Guide


Oct
2018

Fall Bucket List

categories: family fun, Holidays, printables

Fall Bucket List!! I don’t know about you, but my kids and I always get excited about a new season or a holiday. One way we kick it off is to make a list of things we want to do! Fall has already started here in Indiana, so some of these things we have already crossed off our list. There are probably 20 more things we could add to our list too!!

(more…)


May
2018

Mother’s Day Amazon Prime Gift Guide

categories: Holidays

Mother’s Day is sneaking up on us! But don’t worry, I put together a Mother’s Day Amazon Prime Gift Guide for you! Hopefully this can give you some suggestions or get some specific ideas on what your Mom would enjoy. As a mom of four- I would be happy to sleep in until 8 and actually finish a hot cup of coffee, the headed out for a family walk! A small gift and handmade cards from my littles would only be the icing on the day! … On to the gift ideas:

(more…)


May
2018

Mother’s Day Inspired Watercolor Printable

categories: Holidays, printables
mother's da y printable

 

 

After a request, I thought I’d go ahead and upload this favorite to my etsy shop again, just in time for Mother’s Day!

I am so thankful for friends and family that encourage me to spend time on things I enjoy. I need to make time to get back into painting – I enjoy it and hopefully to share it with you all too! I currently only have this listed in my Etsy Shop, but I have variations “Auntie, Nana, & Grandma” feel free to message me on Etsy and I can get those options listed too! The watercolor heart rose wreath is still one of my favorites that I’ve painted, Bella has even copied me 😉  (more…)

Accessibility by WAH