Easter Basket Ideas For Toddler Girls

March 13, 2016

Gone are the days of leisurely roaming in and out of stores and outlets, with no schedule but my very own. I use to take my sweet ole’ time as I looked for the best sales. I would throw items in my cart for an afternoon of Fitting Room therapy. Yes, I actually enjoyed Fitting Rooms.

Just the opposite, gone too are the days of having a to-do list a half a page long and a mere hour to accomplish. I could whip into a parking spot, jump out of the car, rush in and out of stores and off to the next stop without even thinking. It was like I was a contestant on Super Market Sweep (remember that show?). And, if I was on the Interstate, just near my Exit, and remembered I forgot something at the grocery store, I would turn my car around without blinking an eye.

Today, life mimics the later of the pre-baby shopping scenarios. Merely because shopping consists of rushing and tackling to-dos. The major difference is I no longer can tackle the same lists in an hour, with my little sidekick. Instead rushed shopping trips are part of a well-strategized plan that is centered on Lo’s nap and dining schedule. We must plan which stops are most important, knowing that depending on her mood we may have to abandon our shopping experience.

The last time I ever tried on something in a Fitting Room, Lo was a mere 3 months old and I remember cooing and signing nursery rhythms as she playfully starred from her stroller. I often spoke up and said, “You are being a good baby!” just so anyone sharing the Fitting Room with me did not think I was a complete lunatic. And, now if I am on the Interstate and remember any item except for milk or diapers that I forgot at the grocery store, I take my chances.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because we spent an hour and a half in WalMart shopping with Lo for her own Easter Basket gifts. I felt like a bit of a jerk just blatantly using her for her reactions to know which toys to buy. I failed! I came out with one toy and two knick-knacks for the basket, so I decided to regroup and refocus on smarter choices. After some serious web surfing in the evenings, when she was tucked in bed, I rounded up some of my favorite Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers, to share with you.

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10 Reasons Why A Vacation Day At Home Is The Best

February 25, 2016

I only have so many vacation days a year. And, like most of you, I value those days. Saving them for when I really need them. If you are like me, you can get very particular on when to take a day for fear that an unknown circumstance or opportunity may pop up in the future and you will think, “Why did I use my day, then?” But, let me tell you, be selfish and take a Vacation Day that is solely for you but not for travel. It will help you clear your mind and possibly cross things off your ever growing list.

Quite frankly, I think Vacation Days at home are the best and here are my 10 reasons why.

1. Breakfast with your Kids
There is something about sitting down with your child and eating together that is bonding. I realized that Lo and I eat breakfast together one day a week, Saturdays. That is it. And, that is sad. She is usually with a babysitter at breakfast time and weekends, we are always on the go. Rush, rush, rush! So taking a moment to enjoy each other is so fulfilling.

2. Time to Regroup
Our home is suppose to be our sanctuary and “safe” place. After hectic schedules, stressful meetings and looming projects, sometimes the last thing we want to do is waste our vacation days on stressing ourselves out even more with a trip. And, while a getaway can sound divine, if you are traveling with littles, you may just be adding to your headache. A day at home can be what you need to decompress and get your mind back on track.

3. Take Care of Ignored Projects
Maybe it is the piling laundry, the heaping dishes, a piece of clothing that needs returned and sent to the Post Office, a hallway closet that is busting at the seems, a vacation day at home can give you the time to take care of things that have been neglected or typically wait for the weekends. I read once that you should do all your chores during the work week so weekends can be truly reserved for relaxing and fun. That is is great except sometimes the work weeks are so crazy, that these things truly add up. And, weekends, can sometimes feel like an extension of the work week.

4. Invest In Your Relationships
Being able to rock my baby girl to sleep for each nap is what vacation days are made of! Hands down. No more needs added to this list. All relationships in our lives need time, maintenance and care. Sometimes we get so caught up in our professional relationships that we fail our personal. I swear my little girl giggles and smiles more on a random Wednesdays than on Saturdays. Maybe it is my mentality that this day is a treat to us both.

5. An Excuse For PJs All Day
And, maybe I should add no makeup too! I love not having to make a fuss over what I am wearing and how I look. Now, I am not saying lets just be a slob but what I am saying is no hose (ah, yes!), no heels, no curling my hair and no eyeliner. It is a free pass to not have to worry about dress codes, uniforms or formalities. Get comfy and be you!

6. Make Time For Your Hobbies
We work so hard, so many days of the year, and sometimes our passions in life, like our hobbies, well, they get neglected. My hobby is writing. It is therapy for me! Typically I have to sneak it into my schedule or rush through it in between chores and responsibilities. Sometimes enjoying our hobby can make us feel guilty and that is sad.

7. Treat Yourself / Children
Make time for that much needed pedicure or manicure or schedule an appointment to get in with your stylist. Or, if you have a little one or ones, like me, take the time to schedule a date or a special activity. Baby Lo and I scheduled a lunch date to Chick-fil-A. While that may not seem like much, let me tell you, being able to spend time with her, during a day and time, that I would typically be engrossed with work projects, was such a treat!

8. Sleep
When you ask someone who looks fabulous in their 50’s and 60’s “What is your secret?” Among water and sunscreen, the third magic word is “sleep.” While I am not saying sleep in until 10 am, if you can, do it, but for me and many other parents, sometimes a Vacation Day at home means you can turn the alarm clock off and you can capture an extra 30 minutes in the morning. Or, gasp, take a mid-day nap with the kids. Oh, who knew becoming an adult and parent would be so exciting? But, let me tell you something. On the random days I get a nap or an extra half hour, I am like giddy kid!

9. Explore Your Local Town / Neighborhood
Because we are so busy our family does one of two things – we either get away, away or we are home enjoying the same ol’ favorites. If you force yourself to take a day off and stay home, it is a great excuse to explore local parks and forests, find great activity centers for kids or even try a new restaurant.

10. Give Your Brain A Break
Turn off your phone and turn your back to email. Focus on you, your family and your comfort place. Your brain needs a break!

So, that is my stance folks! Sometimes money is tight and timing is off and a vacation in the tropics with your toes in the sand, may only happen once a year. Therefore, use those Vacation Days! They are there as a benefit and they are yours. Taking a break, unplugging and stepping away is healthy and necessary. While I would not turn down hearing crashing waves, I know sometimes the best Vacation Day I can take is one at home, especially with my Lo.

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2 am Confessional

February 17, 2016

It is 2:30 am. And, I cannot sleep.

Maybe it is stress? Maybe it is the fact that I am fighting sickness? And, maybe it is that cold medicine that I took to fight the sickness, that sometimes has the opposite effect on me?

I have been tossing and turning all night. Waking every half hour and looking at the clock. I actually awoke once and read 12:25 am and instead of my normal feeling of jubilee for more time in bed, more time for shut-eye, I actually sighed like, “Really? Only 12:25?!”

By 2:00 am, the baby awoke from her sleep and cried out for her lost pacifier. I swear yesterday we had 15 in the house, just lying around. Tonight 0. I searched high and low. Literally. Under couches, under beds, finally finding 1. Just 1. Returning to bed, I tossed. Mind racing. I checked Twitter. See look. Proof that at 2:00 am I was reading articles and posting to the web.

Deep down I knew what was happening to me, but I fought it and made excuses for my reckless sleep cycle.

The truth is, I know He is trying to tell me something these days. And, by He, I am referring to God.

I can’t quite figure it out but it hits me and is unlike anything else I can explain.

“Get up and write!” I heard it loud as day in my head.

Fighting to stay in bed, in the warm comfort of my sheets and blankets, I laid there. Squeezing my eyes shut like a child trying to go to sleep. I tossed and turned and fought back, “No, you are crazy. It is 2 am. I cannot get up and write now?”

“Go write. It will clear your mind.” I kept hearing this over and over in my mind. So, finally, laying on my belly starring at the headboard (gosh, I remember LOVING belly sleeping. I lost that urge when I got pregnant with Lo and had to develop a new sleep structure.) I thought, “If you want me up, get me up.” A few seconds later, Baby Lo started to cry, and cry and cry. Lost pacifier recovery mission part two. Okay, I am awake and up.

So, I did what any normal person would do whose alarm starts at 5:30 am for the day. I made a cup of Chai tea and started to write. Now we are up to speed.

I don’t know what I am doing these days. I don’t understand what I am looking for, but I know I am looking, no, I am searching.

This is all super funny to me right now in a serendipity kind of way, because I stumbled across this picture earlier last evening and posted it on my Instagram feed. (I know two hyperlinks to social accounts. Super sly.)
I had no idea when it spoke to me earlier that it would be a 2 am topic of discussion. I shared part of my story on Instagram, part of the bigger picture that I still am uncertain of. My nagging feeling. This voice inside my head. Questioning myself, but in a soul searching and not harmful way.

I know He is telling me something, yet I cannot quite put it together. I feel the need to inspire as the picture above so simply states. I feel the need to contribute to society more, yet don’t know how.

We go to church. We pray. We teach our 14 month old to clasp her hands and say “Amen” before every meal. I hold her at night and pray on her behalf and then usually, and honestly, fall asleep each night in the middle of my own prayers, but through all these “good Christian” ways, I never have felt more connected to God, other than Lo’s birth, than I do when I encounter these moments. The moment I know He is speaking to me. The frustrating thing for me is I don’t know what to do. And, I am someone who needs to know what to do.

So, I sit here crying, drinking my tea, questioning even sharing this post and hitting save and closing the laptop and walking away. Maybe just writing is the therapy I subconsciously needed? But, then I think back to 15 – 20 minutes ago, when I heard, “Go write!” And, I think of this yearning to do more, give back, find my purpose in this world, inspire and think maybe someone else is up right now too and needs this? Who knows?

I do not know His plan. I do not quite yet know what He is telling me. These gut feelings that seem to creep in and present themselves.

Maybe these little moments are just little crumbs leading a trail through the forest, and one day I will come out to a clearing and finally see.

All I can do is listen, act and trust in Him.

This tea is mighty fine and calming and I am questioning the cold medicine, but for now, I am going to shut this computer down, hit post and return to bed.

Thanks, friends.

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Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2016

Let all that you do be done in love. Corinthians 16:14

While we all can get caught up in the over-commercialized, forced nature of today’s holiday, I ask you to dive a little deeper. Today does not have to be the “Marketers Holiday,” that I so often hear people describe it as. Coming from a professional marketers mindset, we are successful when capitalizing on emotion. That is how we (us, Marketers) sell and get you to buy. So, understanding that, know that today is what it has become because of the root of today… love. The emotion. It was and always has been an easy sell.

I have never been one to believe that today must only be celebrated if you are “in love.” While, having a honey bunny helps, I think love comes in many forms. We can love our co-workers, our parents, our nieces and nephews, our siblings, our grandparents, our spouse, our children, you get my drift. Love comes in many forms, has many layers, has many feels and really has no boundaries.

I don’t think a Valentine’s Day has gone by where I have not at least called my Grandmother to tell her “I loved her,” or sent my mother some flowers or chocolates. And, those are all people who exist outside the walls of my own home.

Spreading love is to spread happiness and cheer. So, today, to you, my sweet Blog readers, because you know I am so very passionate about this little corner of the web I call my own and I feel all gushy for you. I send my love and gratitude for being a part of this blogging journey.

And, my funny little Valentine and I have one request. Don’t look at Valentine’s Day as a holiday exclusive to those who have a ring on their finger or a new love interest on speed dial. And, equally, don’t try to get gratification from today from only your significant other. Today is about loving all and being happy. While many people get frustrated today even exists, I get frustrtaed that we only use today as a platform for what we should be doing everyday.

So, go forth and buy the person behind you their coffee, say “Happy Valentine’s Day” to a stranger, call your grandma, call up an old friend and treat yourself, too! Because to give love is to also love you.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Sorry this is short and sweet but some chocolate and coffee and a sweet little baby in red funny glasses is calling my name!

Much love.

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Links. Likes. Loves.

February 5, 2016

Hello and Happy Friday, Friends! It has been awhile since I posted and shared my Weekend Links. Likes. Loves. I know you have been missing it, craving it, well, let me tell you, the suspense is over. Let’s dive in.

It is Super Bowl Weekend and this has always been on of my absolute favorite party appetizers. Touchdown! Actually, Lo and I could care less who wins. Honestly, I am committed to the commercials and half time show.

I never really appreciated pregnancy, birth and motherhood until I was able to experience all three, myself. Makes sense though, right? But, seriously, birth is pretty amazing and quite remarkable. I am in awe at how the human body works and then that painful, yet beautiful moment of birth, ahh. These pictures say it all.

Because I am slightly obsessed with Dermalogica skin care. It is amazing! Trust me. My favorite item, the Multivitamin Power Firm. I have seen such a difference in my fine lines and wrinkles. I promise, you, this product is amazing!

This Dubsmash is the absolutely best. Yes, the best, I tell ya.

My favorite type of friends… Really. Enough said.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Pottery Barn Kids. I adore their Dollhouses, sleeping bags, baby doll items and they have the best Easter Basket stuffers, which include these. My little water baby is going to be so stylish this summer.

Apparently we all have been pronouncing Zara wrong. Who knew?

Camp Patton is BACK! My favorite Blogger. She took some time off. I wish she didn’t. Now she is back and I am all like, “Ahhhh! Hey, Grace, Hey!”

Have a beautiful weekend, Friends!

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Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Her

January 28, 2016

Date Bangle Bracelet
If she is a jewelry lover and a softy, you know, loves the sentimental value of a gift, then this is it. Customize the bangles with your initials and key dates in your lives. This is an Etsy item, so be sure to look up order dates for Valentine’s Day arrival. 23.00+

SugarWish
This is such a cool delivery idea that really allows your recipient to pick what they want! Gone are the days of chocolates and candies, where you pick through and throw away half. With SugarWish, you purchase a gift card for your sweetie that allows them to then go online to fulfill their own personal candy order and vuala, their order is then sent directly to them. Complete with all the sweets they chose to indulge in! 16.50 – 95.00

Song Lyric Print
Do you really want to wow her? I just adore this gift option. Maybe it was the song you first kissed to, danced to, said “I Do” to or have claimed as “your song,” regardless, this thoughtful option just makes me gush thinking how adorable a gift which such meaning would have. 24.99+

Orchid Delivery
Roses are beautiful, don’t get me wrong. Although, their beauty fades in just a few days, which is quite sad and quite costly. An orchid in a beautiful vase is such a great alternative. Orchids are easy to care for and have a longer lifespan. 29.99

Pillow Cases
How cute are these? I have to admit, my favorite Disney movie was Beauty and the Beast, so when I saw these pillow covers I thought, “Who wouldn’t want these?” Want to completely wow her? Present with a single rose. Oh, swoon! Only true movie lovers will understand the reference. 20.00

Coconut Milk Bath Soak
You know what she wants? A bath drawn, lights down, candles lit and wine glass filled, and then refilled again, okay maybe then once more. I love anything and everything coconut, so this speaks to my Beach Soul. 16.00

There you have it! Simple, sweet, thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her.

What is your favorite item that made my list?

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The Ultimate Baby Registry

January 7, 2016

Baby Lo is officially one. Momma Bear Ashli is officially exhausted. No one mentioned that while the whole sleep thing does get better, the whole “tired” phase, yeah, not so much. When I was pregnant with Baby Lo, I was one of about eight other Mommas-To-Be’s that were expecting all within a one to two month window. Over the past year we have relied upon each other for confirmation that our baby’s rash is just that, a rash; we have vented over our fair share of frustrations which include husbands that turn into hibernating bears in the middle of the night (how can they sleep through that cry, how?) and have called, texted or private messaged each other over everything from “How do you soothe teething pain?” to “What brand of baby monitor are you using?”

One thing I found over the past year is that Momma’s are your greatest source of information and support. Looking back over the past year and the questions pondered, I realized if I could help future Mommas-To-Be it would be in the Baby Registry department. I did enough research in the beginning that you would have thought I was going back to college for another degree. Then add on a year of product testing. I feel like I got ya!

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Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

December 31, 2015

2015 was a big year for our family. Our life was ever changed by the presence of one little human being. One beautiful, special human being that I cannot get enough of. Technically she was born in 2014, but this past year was a whirlwind of new experiences and firsts for us all. We celebrated so many achievements and milestones and embraced our tiny baby as she developed throughout the year to a toddler, a toddler I say. Baby Lo’s birth marked a spiritual awakening in me and I felt my heart grow so much bigger and my love for God so much stronger. From the moment she was placed in my arms and I was declared a “Mom,” I felt this immediate connection to God, unlike anything before. Knowing she is a gift from him and I chosen to be her Mom filled me with this overwhelming feeling of gratefulness. With my family before me and Lo in my arms, we both were baptized this year. It was a commitment we made as individuals and as a family.VIEW STORY »

Best of the Best in 2015

December 30, 2015

Wow, how are we prepping for Old Man Time to walk out of the room and the New Year Baby to come wobbling in? Please tell me I am not the only one who has visions of such a cartoon scenario in their head when they think of New Year’s Eve. Anyone?

2015 has been a wild year for me on so many levels. Focusing solely on this Blog though, I want to take a moment and say, THANK YOU. I love that random people stop me in the grocery store and say, “I love your Blog,” or that friends from my past have connected with me through this blog and motherhood and private message me words of encouragement, and I love that I have readers! That I can go to the stats page and see what people enjoy. Again, thank you!

I said it once before and I will say it again, this blog is pure therapy for me. I love it and I love having you along for this journey. Here is a recap of what you loved in 2015. My Top 10 Blog Posts of the year. Did one of your favorites make the list?

#10 – Rocking Cinderella

#9 – Introducing Sadie Days Designs

#8 – This Is How God Works

#7 – The first 6 weeks of Motherhood, let’s be real

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SALE ALERT – TOMS Season is Always in Season

November 27, 2015

SALE ALERT – Open post for an extra 10% off and free shipping!

I have always been a TOMS fan. To be 100% honest, their mission and messaging caught my attention but the true obsession began after I bought my first pair and I realized how comfortable the shoes were and the quality of their make.

TOMS mission… #OneForOne. For every purchase you make, TOMS will help someone in need. It all started with shoes. Basically when you bought a pair of shoes, someone in need received a pair from TOMS. To this date TOMS has provided 45 million shoes to someone in need. Now their mission has expanded to sight, water, safe birth and kindness. Learn more Here.

When Baby Lo was born, I bought her very first pair. And, because I am that Mom, I bought myself a matching pair and we took a moment for a photo op. See above. Oh, child, you are so fun.

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#10 – Rocking Cinderella #9 – Introducing Sadie Days Designs #8 – This Is How God Works #7 – The first 6 weeks of Motherhood, let’s be real

#10 – Rocking Cinderella

#9 – Introducing Sadie Days Designs

#8 – This Is How God Works

#7 – The first 6 weeks of Motherhood, let’s be real