The After School Hustle

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

This is it folks. The final countdown. May, June, SUMMER. We are so close!! We can do this! Somewhere between the projects, end of the year parties, sports championships ... everything starts to feel a little more stressful than usual. Not that the late afternoon and evening hours are ever NOT stressful. They don't call them the witching hours for nothing! At our house those few precious hours between the last school bell and the last bedtime story is nothing short of NUTS. Sound familiar? We've gotten into a sort-of routine, and I thought I'd share what it looks like for us, in case any of these tips might help you too!

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare. The minute my kid is in bed I'm already getting set up for the next day. Packing lunches, snacks, signing forms, setting out clothes, and just making sure everything in general is ready for the next day. This helps our morning go smoothly, and when our morning goes smoothly the rest of our day tends to follow suit. I also use this time to prepare anything that can be done ahead of time for the following days dinner. This leaves less prep work to do during those stressful evening hours.

2. Keep Snacks on Hand. When I'm packing the night before I'm sure to also pack some snacks. If little man gets hungry, he gets CRANKY. Nothing will derail your night faster than a cranky kid. I like to pre-portion snacks into snack cups or ziploc bags and keep them stashed in my purse. That way they're available on the drive home from school, while waiting at sports practices, etc. Goldfish are one of our favorite snacks because they're made with real cheese, have no artificial flavors or preservatives, and I know they won't spoil dinner. I like snack cups for the car because my son is pretty prone to spilling things out of ziploc bags. Having to clean up a mess in the car just adds one more thing to your already full to-do list.

3. Multi-Task. This helps get more things done faster. Snacks can 100% be done while kids complete homework. Flash cards can get practiced while they dress for activities. I like to get my kiddo settled with a snack and his homework and then get started on dinner while he's occupied. If he finishes, I send him to start getting dressed for his evening activities or put him to work helping with dinner. Many hands make light work!

4. Everything in it's place. One of the best pieces of advice I've ever been given is to have a designated spot for homework with all the tools they need so your little darling isn't wasting time wandering around the house looking for scissors, glue, a sharpened pencil, or anything else they may need. It's also helpful to stash anything they need for clubs, sports, or activities in one spot so that when you send them to get dressed they know just where to go to find everything. This will help you avoid those "MOM! I can't find __________________!!!!" while you're in the middle of helping another kid with homework, feeding the dogs, washing vegetables, or whatever else you need to get done.

5. Keep a routine. When you have a good routine in place your kids can anticipate how the evening is going to go and can be more independent. For us, that looks like a healthy snack (like fruit, yogurt, or Goldfish crackers) and homework while mommy makes dinner, followed by dressing for evening activities, dinner, then off to swimming or church. Once we get home it's bath, story, and then into bed. Since he knows what comes next Jacob is more helpful and able to complete some tasks on his own to help hurry us along. Once he's in bed I get started preparing things for the next day. (see #1)

For more on-the-go survival tips check out the Goldfish Pinterest page HERE. There are SO many helpful ideas there! And to learn more about Goldfish Colors, check out the Goldfish Colors page HERE. Goldfish Colors are also made from real cheese, have no artificial flavors, and the colors are sourced from plants! Happy moms + happy kids = win/win for everyone!

Spring Break Faves: Momma Edition

It's been a while since I've shared a round up of our favorite things, and since I've got spring break on the brain (3 days and counting!!) I thought I'd share a few of the things I'm swooning over. Most of these have made their way into my online shopping cart this past week and as you can tell, I'm loving rose gold for spring. We're headed to the beach again this year, but we're super excited to explore a new island we've never been to here in our home state. Check back on Thursday, as I'm rounding up my faves for little man too! Who's headed somewhere exciting for spring break?? Do you prefer low-key relaxation or high-energy adventure?? 

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX  

SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE

Gift Guide

It's always so much fun putting together a gift guide each year. Jacob's getting older and smarter and he loves learning new things. He still plays with some of last year's picks quite a bit, especially his micro mini scooter, his radio flyer tricycle, and his big train set. This year I searched high and low for educational toys that would challenge him. We also stocked up on some board games (we learned he likes those during the hurricane!), some warm clothes for our annual Michigan trip, books, and his big Santa gift - his tool work bench.

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN 

Less than two weeks until Christmas, and Hanukkah starts tonight! Happy shopping friends!!!

Cozy Winter Favorites

I'm not sure there is any word in the English language that has stronger imagery for me than the word cozy. Don't you just immediately think of being curled up by a fire with a soft blanket, a big mug of hot chocolate, and a good book while snow falls softly outside? I only get maybe two days of cozy weather here in Florida, and then I have to get my fix in Michigan. Here are a few of my favorite winter items, perfectly for snuggling!

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN

I wear the sweatshirt (the softest!), pajama pants and slippers ALL the time, even when it's not chilly, and I love hot cocoa from my  city mug in the morning. The candle, hat, & socks are all on my Christmas list! What's on yours? 

Gift Giving Made Easy with Incredibundles

Thank you to Incredibundles.com for sponsoring this post! As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

If you're anything like me you thrive on giving the perfect gift. It's my love language. My moment in the sun when I can hand over something I've put together with love and care. 

I was thrilled to check out Incredibundles and all that they have to offer for gift giving. Their site is full of assembled bundles you can purchase, as well as a-la-carte items to build your own bundle. I love that you have both options with their comprehensive site. Pressed for time or feeling uninspired? They have a gift bundle already made for just about every occasion. Want to put a more personal touch on your gift to make it your own? Pick the items most perfect for your gift recipient for something truly special. You can build bundles with books, toys, plush animals, even diapers!

No matter which route you choose your bundle will arrive in a sturdy box that can later be used for storage. Inside you'll find several layers of tissue paper and bubble wrap protecting your gifts. The box can be unsnapped to store flat as well. The gorgeous wrapping and box make incredibundles a great option when you can't give a gift in person and need to send one directly to your recipient.  Little man had a ball unwrapping everything and popping all the bubbles on the bubble wrap!

Our box contained the Toddlers Love to Read bundle, which came with four books and a plush. We've now read and enjoyed all four books over and over and find them to be just right for the toddler set. They are bright and engaging with story lines and characters that are familiar and fun. 

The plush that came with the set is Nut Brown Hare from Guess How Much I Love You. (also included in the set) He's a good size for a toddler to snuggle with and well made with soft velvet fur and embroidery that reads "I love you right up to the moon and back." 

Some of my favorite bundles from their site, by occasion are:

Baby shower: A Year of Diapers, Premium Sleep Bundle, Playtime with Baby

First Birthday: Toddler Play & Learn, Peter Rabbit Bundle, Bath Time Bonanza

2nd Birthday & Beyond: Eric Carle Book Bundle, Toddlers Love to Read Bundle

Want to win a $50 gift card to Incredibundles? Enter below! Giveaway is open to US residents only and ends at 12:00 a.m. on June 7th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Toddler Beach Favorites

If you are reading this... we're on our way to the beach!! A week at the beach is my ideal vacation, but I know the thought seems stressful for some. I promise that as long as you are well prepared, beach trips don't have to be a major headache. 

You are going to want to have a plethora of toys to keep your toddler entertained, as well as various ways to keep them shaded from the sun. We make sure to always take our large beach umbrella and baby sunscreen. When we can get him to keep them on Jacob wears a hat and sunglasses as well. You definitely want a mesh bag for all your beach toys - it allows all the sand to filter out when you toss them in there! 

One of our best beach secrets is baby powder - it gets sand off little bodies like nothing else! Your toddler will love having their own little chair, and I always look for the ones that come with their own little umbrella - more shade! A beach buggy is super high on my wish list for this summer, you can load all your gear AND your kid inside and the big wheels make it easier to pull across the sand! 

Beach Chair with Umbrella // Picnic Blanket // Sunglasses 
Beach Toys with Mesh Storage Bag // Baby Powder // Sunscreen // Hooded Towel
Girls Suit and Hat //Boys Suit and Hat // Beach Umbrella // Beach Buggy

(affiliate links)

Toddler Bathtime Favorites

If you play your cards right, bath time with your toddler can be one of the most relaxing times of day. I know that traditionally it's a splashing wet, wrangling slippery noodles kind of job, but it doesn't have to be! What if I told you I read, draw, and even occasionally drink wine while my toddler is in the tub? And you can too! But first, you need your ducks in a row. 

In order for you to relax and have some me-time, your toddler needs to be safely occupied. We use bath treads on the bottom of our tub to keep Jacob from slipping, a faucet cover to keep him from banging his head, and plenty of toys to keep him entertained. Besides bath crayons, books, and letters, he also loves popping bubbles from his bubble machine, pouring water down his bath pipes, and swimming his sharks around the tub. The more things you have for your child to play with independently, the longer they will play! If he's allowed to, Jacob will play in the tub for an hour or more while I sit nearby.

One of the biggest ways we keep bath time stress free, is making Jacob pick up his own bath toys. Get a toy organizer that suctions to the wall and teach your child to put all the toys in there when they're done playing. Voila! You no longer have to break your back bending over the tub to pick up all the toys. When play time is over we scrub him down with our favorite SoCozy shampoo and conditioner. It doubles as body wash and we'll never use anything else - I love the mango smell that much! Carter's bath towels are our favorites when it's time to get out. Make sure you get the big ones, not the baby ones! They are adorable, soft, and hold up for forever! 

So Cozy 3-in-1 Shampoo // Dinosaur Bath Towel // Bath Treads // Bath Pipes 

Penguin Bubble Machine // Bath Crayons // Bath Book // Stacking Toys 

Toy Storage // Letters & Numbers
(affiliate links)

Friday Favorites

Oh friends, it's been quite the week. Jacob graduated from his mommy and me swim class to a big kid class with no mommy and I don't know whether I'm proud or sad. We celebrated Valentine's Day by going out for Pizza and FroYo after swim class. Little man can now eat two whole slices on his own, which means we officially have no leftover pizza anymore. Proud or sad? I can't decide. Here's a few things I'm loving lately, before we sign off for the weekend!

I got a pair of these PJs for my birthday and immediately got another set. They are the softest, most comfortable sleep clothes ever. I have been recommending them to everyone I know! 

And speaking of PJs, I just ordered Jacob a pair of these adorable bunny PJs for Easter!

I don't know about you but I am seriously looking forward to Spring Break!  Jacob has a new hat and sunglasses on the way, but I've been on the hunt for a new swim suit for him. I'm loving this one!

If your lips have been as chapped as mine have this winter you'll love this grapefruit lip scrub, it leaves your lips so soft! 

How cute are these mini grasshopper pies? I'm thinking they look perfect for St. Patrick's Day! 

If you're looking for some new sleepy tunes for your babes, I'm loving  JJ Heller's lullaby album I Dream of You.

And if you need a flattering top, I have this peplum in two colors and it's the best!

Happy Friday friends!

Valentine Picture Book Favorites

I don't know about your bookshelves, but ours have been full of lovey dovey books for a few weeks now, and I'm not sure we're going to be ready to put them away next week. Jacob has been loving new stories from his old favorites Llama Llama and Pout Pout Fish, and I've thrown in a few of my favorites as well. I sadly thought that once I was done nursing/bottle feeding him that we wouldn't get much use out of his big plush rocker, but thankfully I was wrong. Cuddling up in there with Jacob on my lap, a warm cup of coffee, and a good book to read him is one of our favorite ways to spend time on the weekends. This Valentine's weekend will be no different. Here are some of our favorites!

Pout Pout Fish // The Day it Rained Hearts // Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar // Pete the Cat 

The Perfect Hug //  Llama Llama I Love You // The Valentine Bears // Groggle's Monster Valentine

Snowy Valentine // Here Comes Valentine Cat 

(affiliate links)

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday friends! February sure snuck up on us there didn't it? I'm ready to dive into all things hearts and love, but first there's the Superbowl AND my birthday! Sharing a few Friday favorites before getting some Friday night Ice Cream with little man!

I love finding yummy smelling bath products for myself, so you can imagine that find a kid friendly version feels like hitting the Jackpot. SoCozy has the yummiest mango smell and it leaves Jacobs hair soft and shiny. They also have a styling cream that is working wonders on his cowlick! Seriously nothing else holds it down! Anyone who purchases any Socozy products at Target, CVS or Walgreens From Jan 9th - Feb 13th should save their receipt and then long onto: socozy.com/sweepstakes and upload a picture of their receipt to be entered into their family vacation sweepstakes!

I've been thinking forwards a little bit to switching Jacob over to a toddler bed. (It's coming, I know it) and on my search for toddler bedding I found these sheets and fell in love. I know he will love them too. 

How amazing does this recipe for raspberry sticky buns look? I'm thinking they might be a winner for our holiday cinnamon roll tradition this Valentine's Day!

A dear friend of mine recently had a baby girl and it sent me down the rabbit hole of all things cute and girly. If there's ever a little girl in our family you can bet she's going to own one of these flamingo swaddles. And maybe a flamingo plush too!

I mostly watch the superbowl for the commerials, but how fun is this superbowl bingo for kids to play along? I'm going to let Jacob use goldfish to fill it in - that is if he doesn't eat them all! And for the adults - a drinking game!

We're big fans of muffins around here - blueberry, cranberry orange, chocolate chip, we don't play favorites. These blackberry lemon poppyseed ones are going on our breakfast menu this weekend!

We're about ready to pull the trigger and order the OK to Wake Alarm Clock. Here's hoping we can train little man to sleep in a little longer.

My favorite candies are back, just in time for Valentine's Day!

Last weekend was a busy one, but this weekend we plan to relax around the house and maybe curl up with some popcorn and a good movie. There will also be a run up to the outlets because someone has decided to start outgrowing his 2t clothing. It might have made me weepy to start putting some of them away. Can't believe he'll be 3 years old in just four short months!

Friday Favorites

I have to be honest and tell you there aren't too many things I like about January. Taking down the tree and putting away the decorations always makes the house feel empty, and there's no more festive baking, music, or Hallmark movies. Valentine's and my Birthday are still a month away, and besides a day off for MLK there just isn't much to get excited about. Here in Florida, we can't even hope for snow! 

One things I do love though, is when people start sharing pictures from their Christmases, with presents they are excited about. It might seem like it's too late to gleam present ideas off others but don't forget about Valentine's and birthdays! Here are some things I'm loving lately!

We got Jacob the cat seen above for Christmas, and I love that every purchase from Cuddle + Kind helps fight childhood hunger by providing 10 meals to kids in need. In addition, each doll is handmade in Peru providing local artisans there with sustainable, fair-trade incomes. A win-win-win! 

I love these casual sneakers. They come in so many different colors but I'm especially loving the white with black accents to match just about everything. 

I'm a sucker for nice kitchen gadgets and these gold measuring cups and spoons are making me swoon. 

Add a gorgeous dish towel and mug in there and I may never leave the kitchen.

Speaking of mugs and kitchens, I love this mug storage for small spaces! I'd love to hang something like this under our cabinets.

I have this peplum top in sky blue and it's the most flattering shirt ever. I'm loving the dark grey/black color for winter. 

Winter is the perfect time for cozy crock pot meals and this Jerk Pork with mango-avocado salsa is one of my go-to meals on busy nights. We serve it over cauliflower rice, but any rice will do!

My dad got the mens version of these slippers for Christmas and I wore them once to grab something from the cold garage and now I'm dying for a pair of my own, they are SO soft and comfy!

Part of my New Years goals is to cook more meals at home. I love my Pioneer Woman cookbook and am hoping to add on with one of her new ones soon.

If you haven't taken your kiddos to see SING! yet, you need to ASAP. It was the cutest movie! We went with my parents and every single one of us loved it. We've been having dance parties to the soundtrack on repeat. 

Happy weekend friends! XO

Toddler Friendly Holiday Movie Nights

One of our favorite holiday traditions is a Christmas Eve present filled with PJs, popcorn, and a holiday movie. We love to snuggle up on Christmas eve with a warm blanket, hot chocolate, and watch a holiday flick to get us feeling all warm and fuzzy before bed.