Hospital Bag Must Haves

January 21, 2019

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Hello, friends. It has been a while, and even when I did find myself here last year writing on the Blog, most of my posts were sporadic. Apparently having a second baby in your thirties, while working full-time, and managing a toddler… beat me down. Clearly, it wore me thin.

They just don’t make bodies like they use to. 🙂

We have been home for almost three weeks now since our second child’s birth and a million ideas have run through my mind on things to share – Things You Should Know About a C-Section, My Favorite Third Trimester Items, Top Breastfeeding Must Haves, and so much more. These thoughts usually hit me in the middle of a nighttime feeding, or as I stand over our stove boiling bottles for the 100th time, or when I am tracking how many poops and pees in a 24-hour period, but then it ends there.

Hopefully, I will find the time to share my experiences on the Blog, but the reality is learning to juggle two has been a bit more challenging than I expected, so I take one day at a time. Scratch that! More like hour by hour.

Today I challenged myself to share the items you need in your hospital bag because let’s face it, that bag will be one of the most important bags you pack in your life.

Two nights before our son was born, I was in Labor and Delivery. I was sure I was having a baby that night. I was 37 weeks and needless to say, I hadn’t packed my bag, which was just silly considering our daughter was born at 37 and a half weeks. I should have known better.

We rushed around the home throwing things into my bag, a bag for our daughter who was going to my mom’s home, and a diaper bag for our second born. Once we were sent home, and those bags brought in, I took the next 48-hours to unpack those chaotic bags and really, truly think about what I needed and to pack our bags.

Thank goodness, because our son came two nights later.

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Happy Birthday, my Sweet Girl

December 20, 2018

“Mommy, I am going to miss little Logan,” my daughter said to me about herself as I bathed her. Tears swelled in my eyes and I suddenly felt a heaviness in my chest. The approaching birthday for my daughter has left me sentimental and longing for her baby days.

I am grateful for another year. My goodness, a birthday is a gift. It is the opportunity for gratitude for the year we were given and the hope for what another will bring. Kind of like New Years minus the ball drop and noisy blow horns.

Although a ball dropped on me as the months turned to weeks, then days, then hours, and suddenly I sit here staring at a four year old before me.

The best way to describe this feeling is to imagine holding a flower and pulling a petal. Do you remember as a child grabbing a daisy and saying, “He loves me, he loves me not,” as each petal dropped to the ground? Except for me, each petal represents another year gone and another year of her growth.

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Holiday Gift Guide For Your Best Friend

November 24, 2018

She is your best friend. Your go-to-girl. The one you can count on for anything, or perhaps get in the best kind of trouble with. Either way, you know she deserves a special gift from you. The best thing about a gift for your best friend is that you can have fun with shopping and ideas. I love the thought of something that relates to an inside-joke or reflects the true sentiment of your beautiful relationship.

Some gift guide highlights:

Hendrix Coco Soak – These lavish salts are formulated with aloe leaf extract and coconut milk to nourish and soothe dry, dull skin. Each is made with botanic minerals, essential vitamins, and antioxidant, with a plant-based formula.
The Infuser Mugs are a great gift for your tea-loving and sippin friends. Each features a removable cap with an infuser nestled neatly inside that can be removed to serve your hot beverage of choice. Plus, they are microwave and dishwasher safe. Whew!
Golden Girls Monopoly – Do you have a girls game night? Well, you should! Wine, cheeses, laughs, and games – seriously what could be better? I love the idea of a fun, and quirky gift for your girlfriend that is unexpected and sure to bring some good times.

Happy Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission with your sale.

Because In This World… You Are Those People

November 20, 2018

There are people in this world that make our heart full… you are those people.

The ones we can argue with one moment, then run and hug the next. Those whose buttons we can easily push and know full well how and why we are doing this. Ones where “I am sorry” flows so much more easily. The people who we know how to rattle yet love fiercely, you are those people.

The ones who make every moment count. Those special times in our lives when you look up and hope to see them there, savoring the sweetest of life with you. The ones who you are certain the phrase, ‘save the best for last’ was indeed written for. When meaningful moments feel all too magical because they are around, you are those people.

The ones who great distances could never separate. Where no challenge – big or small could come in the way of you and them. In the darkness of the night, in the freshness of morning, when the time on the clock does not matter because you would go to any length and do anything for, you are those people.

The ones who find it in their heart and soul to forgive and forget. Who knows that your mistakes never define you and are always there to catch your falls and hit restart with you. Ones who will fight your battles alongside you and provide support so you can stand back up on your own two feet and hold your head high, you are those people.

The ones who make us cry with sadness from heartbreak, or who fill our hearts with joy from contentment. Who somehow have the magical power to make us feel what they feel in an instant. The ones who we absorb life through. When they feel, we feel, and when we feel, they feel through us too, you are those people.

The ones who make this one and only life count. Who fill every ounce of our hearts and soul with gratefulness and thanks to God. Ones who you would perhaps even lay your own life down for. The ones who when all that is left or matters in this life is those who stand beside you, extend their hand, and you hold tightly, you are those people.

— And, may you find the strength and love to share this message with your people. —

Holiday Gift Guide for Him

November 18, 2018

Happy holidays! I am kicking off the return of this magical season with my annual gift guides. These are quick roundups of gift ideas organized by the recipients. Every season I try to tackle a few and every year I wish I would have been able to go live with more before Santa is climbing down our chimneys. Here is the thing, I actually take the time to develop these. I know every other blogger out there is showcasing their favorites too in guides, but I really try to showcase a mix of price points and things I would actually buy. That takes some time.

Some Gift Guide Highlights:

The Smart Wallet features a two-way anti-lost and tracking system that can be connected to your phone.
The 11-in-1 Credit Card Tool is made to feature a can opener, cutting edge, flat screwdriver, ruler, beer bottle opener, 4 position wrench, butterfly screw wrench, saw blade, direction ancillary indication (water compass), 2 position wrench, keychain or lanyard hole.
The Outdoor Pizza Oven can preheat in just 15 minutes and make pizzas with a 6 minute cook time!

Happy Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.

This Is What Happened When God Gave Me You

November 13, 2018

When God gave me you I understood the true power of change.
For nine months my body grew and stretched. My favorite jeans were folded and placed in the closet. Hopeful for the day we would reunite, maybe with a cute top and heels, and your father by my side at our favorite restaurant. For days, weeks, and months after your arrival, I poked, sighed, nudged, and tucked extra skin and stretch marks reminiscing of the body that use to stare back in the mirror reflecting at me.

When God gave me you I learned what ‘love at first sight’ truly meant.
The idea of girl meets boy, their eyes lock, hearts patter faster, and suddenly a divine intervention brings them standing face-to-face. Well, my dear, that visual is made for the movies. ‘Love at first sight’ is reserved for a parent and child. It is created in the miraculous moment when you took your first breath and I lost mine staring at you. It occurs at the moment when they placed you in my arms and you never felt like a stranger, but instead a missing piece in our world.

When God gave me you I experienced the magic of 2 am.
With exhaustion racing through my mind and veins, your piercing cry would jolt me upright and to your side. In the quietness of the night, it was just me and you, baby. As I feed you and rocked you, even in the moments when my weary body felt like it was impossible to function, there was pure magic in those 2 am feedings. Something about the darkness and silence that brought out a beautiful peacefulness, and a non-verbal connection between us two.

When God gave me you I became more patient and understanding.
There were moments of frustration, and times when the days and nights felt so long. As you grew there were seasons of change. Things that stressed me before were suddenly replaced by new worries and challenges that needed to be faced. I was tried and I was tested. I gritted my teeth at times and excused myself to my bedroom for my own timeouts. I learned to extend grace to you and myself as we tackled every new endeavor.

When God gave me you I loved my own momma more.
Yes, your grandma became more special in my book too. Suddenly I realized the magnitude of the transformation from woman to mom, and my love and appreciation for my own mom grew when I was gifted you. The reality is I never knew the work, stress, worry, and challenges my own mom went through until I became a mom myself. Looking at you, I could finally see the love she had and gave to me all these years, and every sacrifice she made in between.

When God gave me you I realized my own strength.
From the pain I endured during those hours when my contractions intensified to the day my heart broke in tiny pieces watching kids ignore you for the first time on the playground, I realized your strength starts with me. I bend and break thousands of times quietly in efforts to keep you safe and secure. On days when I feel broken, I look at you and know my strength is derived from the intense love I have for you.

When God gave me you I found myself.
I thought I knew myself. I thought I knew who I was in this world. No, my dear child, I never flourished in this life until God gave me you. I never realized my own attributes to this world until I held, cared for, and loved you. There was so much to learn and oh so much more to gain from the gift a being a mom. When people talk about their legacy and their work on this Earth, I always searched high and low, but now, I look at you and realize if mine is only you, well, then God knew exactly what he was doing when he gave me you.

What I Mean When I Say, ‘I Hope to Raise you Right.”

September 15, 2018

When I found out I was having a girl back in 2014, the first thought that came to my mind was that I couldn’t believe it (that is a story for another day and the result of an ultrasound tech writing “It looks like a girl” on our printed sonogram) but secondly, I thought, “Oh, Lord, help me raise her right.”

I think that is a normal fear regardless if you are welcoming a boy or girl, or if you are a first time parent or bringing another child into this world. The truth is the “Oh, Lord, help me raise them right,” thought or ‘fear’ will follow you through life as a parent, not just during those pregnancy and newborn stages. However, raising them ‘right’ is up for interpretation and we can pour our hearts, souls, and well-being into our children as they enter each stage of their life, and yet, one day, in a moment, they will walk out of our home and be tested in the world.

So, dear child, while my hope always is to raise you ‘right,’ what I really mean is this…

Your best accessory is your smile. When you enter a room, acknowledge those around you with eye contact and a smile. It eases people and is a warm way to make a first impression.
You are beautiful but you are also more than that. We easily praise people on their looks but fail to compliment their brains, athletic ability, character, and heart, which amounts to so much more in value.
Treat everyone you meet with the same respect. Titles only matter on a business card. You can achieve just as much, if not more, than the person down the hall with a personal admin, sitting in a plush, shiny suite.
Always be honest. It is admirable. Even if the truth hurts you and others, at the end of the day, you answer to yourself and I pray you can always go to sleep with a conscious heart.
When all else fails, call your parents. No matter what, your biggest supporters in this life will be your ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad.’
Practice forgiveness and empathy. Too often we hold grudges and miss out on meaningful relationships because we can’t let go. Please, let go.
Treat yourself better than the people you love the most. That is not selfish, that is important. Your well-being is critical to your success and the love you project.
Perfection does not exist. Do not be fooled by what society pressures on you. Life is messy and unkind. Know that and you won’t be disappointed.
The smartest people in a room are the ones listening. Learn early in life that listening is a skill that does not come naturally, but if you excel at it, you are among the leaders.
Don’t burn bridges. Decisions will need to be made and some will not so easy, but always go about your actions and words by remembering that while this world feels big it is quite small, and you actually may never know who is standing on the other side of the bridge you just let burn.
There will come a point in your life when money actually doesn’t mean anything, but instead, your self-worth and contentment are more powerful and abundant than the zeros in a salary.
The adage of how you treat someone when no one is looking is exceptionally true. Strive to be the good the world is yearning for.
Stand up for what you believe, but more importantly remember that what you believe may not align with others and that is okay, I repeat okay. Respect others. Even if their beliefs are not the same as you.
Be silly and never take yourself too seriously. There is enough seriousness in this world.

And, while I will do my best to raise you the way I feel is ‘right’ and I know my work is never done, I also know one day I will transfer you to the world. From there my hope is my guidance and wisdom, lessons I have learned will stir and spiral somewhere in the depths of your soul, and subconsciously you will bring the world the grace, kindness, and love it so desperately needs.

Love you,

Your Momma.

Weekly Meal Plan + Grocery List #2

September 9, 2018

Hello from the rainy, no scratch that, the soggy state of Maryland. The common joke around here these days is it has rained two times this summer. Once for 45 days and once for 55. So, I guess you can say we are entering our third, who knows how long, stretch.

While I am over the rain, I do love the sudden drop in temperatures and feel of Fall in the air. Yes, I am that person. I have not always wished Summer to change to Fall but this year I am welcoming the season change. It could have something to do with the growing belly with this pregnancy and my sleepless, back aching nights.

With the forecast calling for 70’s, and you guessed it, rain, for the next week, this new plan is brought to you by comfortable foods.VIEW STORY »

Weekly Meal Plan + Grocery List

September 3, 2018

You asked for it, so here we go. As if our weekends are not jammed full enough, I have decided to get a bit ambitious and share with you our family’s weekly dinner meal plan. While I can sit here and act like I am doing this selflessly for the mere fact that many of you have shown interest in my past recipes and requested future topics on food, the reality is if I share our weekly plans with you that it will keep me on track with time management and conscious eating.

This whole second pregnancy has been harder on me than Lo’s. Maybe it is the age difference since I am four years older? I have been informed countless times that with each pregnancy, your body shows much sooner, and if it is the case I can truly attest to the advice. So, with the decreased energy and increased belly, I am trying to focus on much healthier eating through the remainder of my pregnancy.

MONDAY
Bacon Cheeseburgers on the Grill, with a side of Corn on the Cob, and Watermelon.

Grocery List:

1 lb. Ground Beef (note: you are going to also need ground beef for Thursday’s meal, so get double the amount of ground beef).
I Package of Hamburger Buns
Cheddar Cheese Slices
6 Bacon Slices
1 Red Onion
Romaine Lettuce (note: you will also use for Wednesday’s meal)
Corn on the Cob (note: you will need corn for Wednesday’s meal. I will cook an extra ear or two of corn and set aside, removing the kernels and saving for the meal)
Watermelon

Optional: Condiments and burger elements.

TUESDAY
Maple Pork Egg Roll Bowl

Photo courtesy: Cherry and Spice

Grocery List:

1 lb Pork Maple Sausage
1 Bag of Cabbage Coleslaw
1 Bag Broccoli Slaw
6 Green Onions
4 Cloves of Garlic
1 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
1 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
1 tsp Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce

WEDNESDAY
Healthy Chicken Carnitas Bowl

Photo courtesy: Isabel Eats

Grocery List:

Mexican Slow Cooker Chicken Carnitas
- 2.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
- 1.5 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice (about 1.5 limes)
- cilantro
1 Can of Black Beans
1 Can of Whole Kernel Corn
Plum Tomatoes
1 Avocado
White Rice
Romaine Lettuce

THURSDAY
Low Carb Salisbury Steak

Photo courtesy: I Breathe, I’m Hungry

Grocery List:

2 lbs Ground Beef
3/4 Cup of Almond Flour (or you can substitute flour)
1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (or you can substitute dry)
Beef Broth
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Dried Onion Flakes
4 Tbsp Butter
Mushrooms
1 Yellow Onion
1/4 Cup of Sour Cream

It is a short week this week with the holiday weekend, but my plan is to come at you with a Sunday through Thursday plan each week (or so). 🙂 If you follow along on my Instagram, you will see I typically share my ALDI hauls in my InstaStories, after each trip. I try to meal plan my week, create a grocery list of items I need, and then stop at ALDI first for everything I can possibly get there. Most of the time I am not successful with being able to get everything on my list at ALDI, so I will swing by Martin’s for the rest. I will show you the cost comparisons in my InstaStories.

Finally, I will do my best to mix up my meal plans with recipes that are my own, and the ones I find on my Pinterest account. If you head over to my Cheers to the Yum Board you will see a great collection of tried and true recipes I have found and enjoy. If I pin an image on Pinterest, try the recipe, and do not approve, I remove from my Board.

Here is to a great week, and happy bellies!

Baby W 2.0 Is A…

August 23, 2018

In case you missed it, I am pregnant, and in case you really missed it, I shared this post yesterday testing out popular Old Wives Tales that are used to predict the gender.

I remember when I was pregnant with Lo I swore she was a boy. It was just my intuition, and then every darn one of these Old Wives Tales pointed me to a majority report that she was also a boy. So when we hosted our family at our home for a gender reveal in which we learned the sex of our baby alongside our family, I was shocked when pink balloons came out of the box we opened.

Well, the verdict is in for baby number two and by the verdict, I mean the sonogram tech who asked us, “Do you want to know the sex of the baby?” To which we responded, “YES!”

Drumroll please…

It is a Boy!

Yes, we learned this week that we will be having a son. It was a super emotional moment that we shared as a family, including Logan. This time we opted to find out with the tech actually verbalizing the sex versus last time when the tech wrote the sex on a piece of paper for our reveal party. When I was pregnant with Lo, the tech wrote, “It looks like a girl” on our printed sonogram. Not, it is a girl. So this set me into a panic for the next few months as I obsessed over the word, “looks.”

Lo has so far taken the idea of a brother well even though she was certain and excited for a sister.

The news also goes against most of the tested Old Wives Tales I shared, as a majority pointed to a girl.

We are super blessed for this life God has given us and grateful for the next journey.