Home & Life Archives - Busy Moms Helper

Declutter Your Home in 2020

January 16, 2020 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

One of the most popular resolutions for the new year is to be more organized. As the past year is ending, many of us hurry to declutter our home, change the sheets, curtains, throw the things that we don’t feel necessary as we embark on a new year. We all aim to welcome the new year with a lighter and brighter aura/vibes/or whatever we call it.

However, decluttering your home is easier said than done. On the downside of things, letting go of old habits is not easy. Believe me, I know too well how easy it is to fill a house with items that you think that you are going to need at one point, only to have them lying around the living room for nothing.

If you are struggling to declutter your home, then I have the perfect solution for you! Make this task a challenge. Set some rules and goals so that you feel better every time that you get rid of an unnecessary item.

The Goals and Rules of the Challenge

The first thing you need to do is to set a goal. I set mine to get rid of 2,020 items this year because the number seems fitting. (Note that, I’ve included everything down to the smallest items and even decluttering my voicemails, apps, and subscriptions because they’re part of my home anyway!) You can do the same or pick a different number. Now, for the rules. Print out a chart and stick it on your refrigerator so that you are reminded of your goals every single day.

If your kids are old enough, you can even get them involved in the game. Give them a sharpie and tell them to mark a box on the printed chart every time that they rid the house of items. Setting short-term goals will make decluttering your home feel amazing. You can celebrate after each 100, 500 or 1,000 goals are reached. Now, let’s go over some tips that will help you out.

Tips and Tricks

Join a “Buy Nothing” group

The best thing that you can do when decluttering your home and not knowing what to do with all the items is to join a Buy Nothing group on Facebook. These groups are filled with people who are giving away stuff to those who need it and you can do the same. Just think about it, it’s a win-win scenario. You are getting rid of stuff while a person is getting something that they really need.

Focus on what really matters

The difficult part about decluttering your home is giving up stuff. This is why you need to focus on what really matters and be prepared to say goodbye to all the other items. Minimizing physical possessions will set you free!

Don’t be afraid to remove the decoration

If your home decorations don’t inspire you anymore, then you shouldn’t be afraid to remove them. Doing this is an important step in tidying up your home and proving to yourself that you are ready to make a big change. Only keep the items that make you happy such as family photos for example.

Well, to be honest, I did not even hit my 2,020 items. I realized later on that the number I picked was harder than I intended to. Some items that I let go, left with a heavy heart. It was hard. But believe me, it feels lighter living with less clutter, (and easier to clean too!) my dogs and the kiddos around the house have more “play space”. and we’ve also come to a realization that there’s so much stuff in our home that we don’t actually need!

If you haven’t done your decluttering yet, do it now! Who says it should be a new year for you to declutter?

Starting 2020 Right

January 13, 2020 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

We are at the start of a new decade and what better time to make important changes in our lives? The job of a mom is not an easy task. Believe me, I know! My friends are asking me all the time to babysit so that they can have some time to take care of other errands. If you want to start 2020 right, then this is the best time to set your goals straight and to focus on yourself. Read on to see what are the goals that will help me start the year on the right foot and maybe you will be inspired to do the same!

New morning routine

One of the best things that you can do to start 2020 right is to change your morning routine. Set aside at least minutes of meditation before waking up the kids and spend this time to think about your goals in 2020. What is it that you want to achieve? Do you want to get a promotion at your job? Use these ten minutes of meditation every single morning to think of ways to achieve your goals.

2. Write down your thoughts and ideas

Manifesting your thoughts and ideas is the best way to achieve your goals. You can’t get anything done if you don’t know what your plans are for the new year and this is why it’s a great idea to write everything down. My tip for you is to take a piece of paper and write at least ten goals. The next step is to stick the piece of paper on a mirror or fridge, somewhere you can always see it.

3. Get better sleep

There was a weird trend in 2019 where all magazines talked about “carpe diem” and how everyone should seize the day by sleeping only a couple of hours per night. This is madness! Our busy life (especially the busy moms!) is exhausting and you need to get a good night’s sleep if you want to get things done. Don’t be afraid to oversleep, we all deserve a couple more zzz.

Final thoughts

These are my three tips for starting 2020 right. I am planning to stick by them every day and I advise that you do the same! Using the little free time that you have in order to focus on yourself is going to do wonders to your energy level and overall mood.

Lastly, if you have a furrbaby, you might want to include them in your new year’s resolution. Just like what Danielle did few years back.

Home Redecoration Ideas for 2020

January 8, 2020 by Lyra Almoite 4 Comments

What better time to start redecorating your home other than at the start of a new decade? After spending ten years in the same décor, the time has come for you to make some significant changes that will bring a breath of fresh air into the room and liven up the spirits. I know that the most difficult part about redecorating a home is finding the right ideas and if you are struggling with this, then you are in luck! Today I am going to share with you some amazing home redecorating ideas that you can incorporate and make your home look like it has been set up by a professional interior designer.

Classic Blue is Your New Favorite Color

The fastest and simplest way to redecorate a home and give it a more welcoming feeling is to re-paint the walls. The hottest trend in interior design is Classic Blue which has been designed as the 2020 Pantone Color of the year. I guess it is safe to say that Classic Blue will be 2020’s new black. While this color might look amazing, this is not what makes it stand out. Aside from being a pop of color in your walls, Classic Blue can brighten a room in the form of pillows, kitchenware, vases.

Navy Blue creates an interesting contrast in interior designs and it has the power to give any home a modern look. You can even use this color in the kitchen and increase the contrast by using a white trim.

New Laminate Flooring

Another amazing redecorating tip that professionals don’t want you to know is that installing laminate flooring will make your home interior design look outstanding. Laminate flooring installation costs are not too expensive and I assure you, the installation is worth every penny and you will be rewarded every time that you see how amazed your guests are by your interior design. Laminate flooring comes in a variety of colors and patterns so it’s so easy to blend them in with the furniture, walls, etc. They also replicate many types of wood making them look expensive when they’re really not! It’s easy to clean and very low maintenance, unlike hard-wooden floors. I can’t blame interior designers if laminate floors are their go-to renovation piece when it comes to floors.

Kitchen Cabinets

If you really want to adopt a new style in 2020 that is guaranteed to leave all your house guests in awe, then you might want to consider using color-pop cabinets. This is one of the latest trends in interior design and according to experts, the color-pop cabinets are going to become really popular in the years to come. This is giving you the chance to stay ahead of the curve!

Moving to a new home this new decade? Check out our 5 Best Moving Tips

Top Five New Year’s Resolutions

December 31, 2019 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

There is no better time to focus on your goals than after the New Year, trust me. If you write down your New Year’s resolutions on a piece of paper and stick to them, you will spark a positive change in your life, and more importantly, you will set a great example for your family.

Your kids will see that you are a determined mom who is doing everything she can to become the best version of yourself. If you are not sure about what your resolutions for 2020 should be, then you arrived at the right place to get some inspiration. I will show you what my personal New Year resolutions are and how I plan on following through.

Lose Weight

Who doesn’t want to lose some weight? Being a loving mother to your kids doesn’t give you too much time to focus on yourself. However, you should not let this get in the way your dreams in 2020! This is going to be a tough New Year resolution, but if your diet and make sure to work out at least three times per week, then you are guaranteed to see results. My secret to making exercise fun is to listen to audio novels while working out.

Meet New People

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, especially if your day is mostly filled with activities such as doing work around the home. This is why going outside and meeting new people is one of the best New Year resolutions that you can make. Talking to new people will boost your confidence and, who knows, maybe you will even make a new friend?

Stop Letting Stress Getting in the Way of Happiness

Stress is not only damaging to your mental state, but it can also have a significant impact on your health. I know that the job of being a mom can be difficult at times, and this is why your most important New Year resolution is to stop stressing so much. Everything will work out in the end, and when life feels overwhelming, take it one task at a time!

Spend More Time with the Kiddos

Spending time with the kiddos is the most important thing to any mother, and everyone should make this one of their top New Year resolutions for 2020. Time flies fast, and before you know it, your kiddos will be leaving for college. You should spend as much time with them as you can.

Travel More

Finding free time is nearly an impossible task when you have a job and a family. I know that too well. This is I want to make sure to travel more in 2020 than I did in the previous years, and you should do the same. Surprise your family by booking a flight to a sunny beach, and I guarantee you that your kids will love it.

The trick here is to make sure that the kids are off school. If getting vacation time from work isn’t possible, book a short trip over the weekend. Spending a couple of days relaxing and getting a nice tan will do wonders for your mind and body!

Christmas Activity for the Whole Family

December 17, 2019 by Lyra Almoite Leave a Comment

With Christmas being just days away, all the busy moms know that it’s not only the Christmas dinner you should be planning for. There’s the gifts, the family who’s coming over and the Christmas Activity for the Whole Family. Momma, you got the whole Christmas weight on your shoulders. But we got your back, busy moms! So, we made a list of Christmas Activity that the whole fam can enjoy!

Christmas Activities for the Whole Family

Making Christmas Wreaths

We all know that Christmas decorations are not complete without hanging a beautiful and festive Christmas wreath at your door. While you can always get it ready-made from Amazon or Target, hanging a Christmas wreath that has been hand-crafted by the whole family can make it extra special.

The first thing that you want to do is to get the kids excited by taking them outside and ask them to start gathering evergreen branches and pine cones. Your kids will love this “scavenger hunt”! After gathering all the materials, attach the greens to a wire ring. If you don’t have a metal ring around, you can make one out of coat hangers. With all honesty, this can be a really great family tradition to start with. Don’t forget to take pictures and compare your Christmas wreaths year by year.

Still unsure how to do it? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a Christmas Wreath from Food52.com. Check it out here.

Play a Christmas Scavenger Hunt

With the kiddos jumping and running around the house all day long, I learned that there is nothing that will get them all more riled up than a scavenger hunt. You don’t have to buy anything special, just pick a couple of items that are commonly found in your household and hide them all around the house. You can also give a prize to the kid who gathers the most things! If you’re feeling like teasing your kiddos, you can hide their present around the house and set up clues to find them.

Want to spice up your Christmas Scavenger Hunt? Here’s some ideas.

Pick Out a Christmas Tree

Okay. So there’s only one rule in the house when it comes to Christmas decorations. That is, everyone must help in decorating the tree, but it’s better to do more than that. You can ask your kids to come on a road trip to the mall or the local store so that they can help you pick a tree. This will make them feel more involved and get more excited to get it decorated. You mommas know the light on the kiddos face when they see the tree all decorated. In fact, in our house, who puts the star on top of the tree can be a real competition.

Want some tips on picking the perfect Christmas tree? Read here.

Go Ice Skating

Even though your kiddos might have a hard time dealing with the cold or they might not like wearing too many layers of clothes, there is one thing that they are certainly going to love, Ice skating! It is a fun family adventure, and more importantly, your kids will be exhausted at the end of the day, and they will fall asleep as soon as you get home.

If you’re not sure where to go, here’s the Top US Ice Skating Rinks to Visit this Christmas.

Create a Hand-Made Christmas Cards

If you have a big family and not all of them can make it over to your home for Christmas, then I have a great idea about a family activity that your kids will have a blast with! You should craft your own Christmas cards and ask the kids to help out. If they are too young to draw, let them place colored thumbprints all over the cards. In fact, you can even create a mini-ones and use them a gift card or tags and if you’re looking for ready-to-print Christmas gift tags, you may check this one out.

These are our top 5 go-to Christmas activities with the whole fam. Whatever Christmas activity you’ll pick, be sure to have fun and spend time bonding with the whole family. After all, that is what Christmas is all about.

What Christmas activity do you plan to do with the whole family this Christmas? Share it with the other busy moms!

Frozen 2 is Magical

November 20, 2019 by Danielle 1 Comment

We all know how much of a hit the first movie was, so I was both thrilled and nervous to attend a screening for the new Frozen 2. Would it live up to the high expectations set by it’s predecessor? Will the music be as epic as ‘Let it Go’? I was hopeful, planning on it being a great film though likely a little below the level of the original. I was totally wrong – it’s AMAZING, and I dare say a perfect equal in quality, entertainment, music & more! Read on to see why Frozen 2 is Magical for the whole family!

Don’t worry, I won’t give you any spoilers, because following along on the Arendelle Royals’ adventure yourself is half the fun! Here’s why I consider Frozen 2 just as unforgettable as the first…

Visually Stunning

From gorgeous landscapes, to unique characters and realistic storms, the creators and animators should be proud of such a beautiful film. It makes me long to visit this land myself!

New Obstacles & Adventure

There’s a new threat to Arendelle, and we know that sisters Elsa and Anna – along with Kristoff, Olaf and Sven – won’t stop until they make the right next step. Even if that means facing terrifying forces beyond their control, or making a difficult sacrifice.

New Creatures

We all fell madly in love with Olaf, and while he’s still that amazing, hilarious snowman who we all adore – who still likes warm hugs – there’s some new faces we can’t help but admire. For example, this firey little guy with huge, awwww-worthy eyes. I want one! Not all of the creatures we meet will be ‘cute’, though, as you’ll soon find out.

Even Better Soundtrack

We all know how popular and beautiful ‘Let it Go’ was – and still is – so my biggest concern going into this film was if the music could live up to the first. Guess what – I love the music in Frozen 2 even better! While my kids would sign ‘Let it Go’ repeatedly, there’s several songs in this one that even I want to run out and buy the soundtrack for. Songs that are strong, touching, beautiful, lively, sweet and everything in between will be found along the way.

More Answers

We had a few questions after Frozen, and luckily some get answered! Backstories are shared, relationships mature and we see deeper, plus things that aren’t quite as they seemed before.

Frozen 2 hits theaters this week, November 22nd!

When You Need a Doctor On-The-Go

November 18, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Compensation was provided by Amwell via Momtrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Amwell or Momtrends.

As a busy mom of 5, we have plenty of reasons to need a doctor throughout the year. Right now it’s for that insane flu season – all but one of my kiddos has already gone through it (plus hubby – that was a challenge!). Other times, it’s for their eczema acting up, or my daughter’s asthma – maybe a possible ear infection, strep or allergies being unusually bad. Or the first time one of my kids got stung by a bee and I had no clue what I was suppose to do to help it. Whatever the reason, it’s not always possible to go in to your regular office – so I’m grateful for access to the Amwell app for when you need a doctor on-the-go.

You heard right – an APP that gives you access to a doctor! What’s great is that you can use your desktop OR mobile device, so even if your kid gets sick during a road trip or something, you can still pull out your phone and get help from board-certified, licensed doctors. My biggest worry is if/when my kids have a medical need, but it’s outside of normal office hours – if it’s not emergency room level, but still something I don’t want to wait until the next day or so to have addressed, I can sign on to Amwell and meet live with a doctor. Plus you can CHOOSE the doctor from their list! Okay, here’s how it works…

First, you create a log in. After your info is entered, they give you a list of doctors online right then – and even shows if they already have a patient at the moment so you may have to wait, or if they’re available! I like this option because I know there’s certain situations my girls would feel more comfortable talking with a female. Or, if you don’t have a preference of the doctor, you can just click for next available. And they give you the price first, so no surprises! You put if the patient is you or if it’s someone else (like your child), then input your concern.

One neat feature is the ability to invite others to join in the ‘meeting’ – this is great if a parent is somewhere else but still wants to be there to see what’s going on with their child’s sickness or concern.

I love that they also allow you to input any allergies, medications (and if you don’t know medication spelling, you can just start inputting the name then search for it – much easier!), and even a spot for IF you know vital signs and want to put those in as well. They give you the option to put in your insurance, then make sure you know the amount.

Here’s the great part – on this page (below) you can input a promo code, and I’ve got one to share with you! In that spot, just enter AMWELL50 for 50% off an urgent care visit with Amwell!

It’s also nice that they cover a wide range of needs – from minor sickness and injuries to wellness-type concerns. They can even assist with prescription refills! I heard they also employ behavioral therapists and registered dietitians, so really can assist with pretty much anything our kids throw at us. 😉 Did I mention they’re available 24 hours a day, all week long?

This week was a perfect example of when Amwell was a great resource for us – my daughter has had a weird rash on her chin (JUST her chin) for a couple of weeks now. She’s always had eczema, but never had an issue here – and no other spots on her skin were acting up. I didn’t want to take her clear in to an office plus pay a hefty price, so we pulled up the Amwell app on our phone and chatted with one of their pediatricians. This was one occasion when the ability to upload photos to the app (before you even begin talking with the doctor) was very helpful, since we got a shot of the exact spot of the rash and what it looked like.

It ended up just being a bad case of eczema, probably because her chin is more exposed to all our changing weather – but it was a relief to know it wasn’t something more, and he was able to give us some ideas on how best to get it healed quicker.

Like I said before, you can access them on your desktop at www.Amwell.com – or download it to your phone via the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (where’s my fellow Android users?!) Don’t forget to use promo code AMWELL50 for 50% off an urgent care visit with them!

There’s plenty of times in the past I wish I’d known about Amwell, because kids can certainly spring all sorts of concerns, sickies and hurts on us when we’re not quite sure what we’re doing – and I’m sure you fellow parents can definitely relate! Now you can have more peace of mind and flexibility by using Amwell for access to a doctor on-the-go. Because you know that the times you may need it most won’t be the most convenient – that’s just the reality of parenthood!

Start Your Discounted Doctor’s Visit, Get 50% OFF a $69 Urgent Care — CLICK HERE.

5 Tips for a Multi-age Family Halloween

October 18, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Thanks to shopDisney.com for sponsoring this post. All opinions are mine alone.

Even though we have 5 kiddos, they’re not too far apart in age (8 to 13). I have many friends, however, who struggle to do Halloween as a family because they have a wide spread of ages. What works best for a toddler isn’t exactly exciting for a preteen. You can still have a spooktacular holiday with the 5 Tips for a Multi-Age Family Halloween!

5 Tips for a Multi-Age Family Halloween - how to handle a big age gap during Halloween #ad #shopdisney #halloween

#1 Too Scary or Just Right?

This seems to be what parents bring up first – how do I keep it mild for my littles but ‘scary enough’ for my older kids? While this can be tricky, it’s totally doable by finding themes that ‘scream’ Halloween without the terror. For example, skeletons can be just as thrilling while still being adorable – such as these Mickey Mouse Light-up Hoodies.

Or how about these cute PJ Pals?

#2 Pick Their Favorites

Little ones may be all about Buzz Lightyear or Tinkerbelle, while older kids probably prefer Descendants characters or Black Panther. Whatever they’re into, you can get each child their own favorite costumes, accessories and more! This also helps them feel unique and have more fun with ‘their’ Halloween.

#3 Costumes for Everyone

Help your kids feel more ‘together’ despite the age differences by joining them in dressing up! Yes, I’m encouraging grown adults to have some fun *gasp* – but seriously, it shouldn’t just be the kids choosing their favorites and participating in the activities, the parents should be included to make it really feel like a family event. This is particularly helpful for the ‘older’ kids who may be worried it’s childish to dress up. If they see you in costume, they’ll feel like it’s just fine to enjoy it!

And yes, include the more furry family members, too!

#4 Share in Decorating

Get input from everyone – big or little, young or old – on your family’s theme for decorating this year. Maybe the younger ones can help with plush characters or yard signs. The older kids may be trusted with things that require a bit more care and responsibility – such as garlands or glass figures. This way everyone feels a part of the process, but still have tasks geared to their level.

#5 Matchy?

What better way to bring the entire family – regardless of age – together than with fun matching Halloween outfits? I know some people are very much in the ‘each person needs something different’ group for their family Halloween clothing, and I agree with that sometimes. I’m a huge lover of awesome matching pjs for my crew, though! Or go for something more basic, like these cool and CUSTOMIZABLE tshirts.

Another option, for those that want to mix it up a bit, is to pick a matching THEME then each person gets their own character. I’d love to go as Jack & Sally, maybe with a little Oogey Boogey or Zero!

There’s also picking the same movie – like Toy Story – or go with a ‘universe’ such as Marvel or Star Wars! There’s so many options to choose from, you’re bound to find something that works for every family.

Final Tip

Overall, the important thing is to consider each of your child’s interests (no matter the age) and include that in some way for our family’s Halloween activities. Age gaps can be difficult, and you may end up putting some kids to bed earlier than the teens – but that just means some extra time you can do more ‘older kid’ things with them, after doing some things the little ones would enjoy.

Hope everyone has a spooktacular family Halloween this year!

Comfy & Cute Styles from NYFifth

October 9, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Thank you NYFifth for sponsoring this post. All opinions are mine alone.

The other day I made a realization about a habit of mine – and it’s one I bet many of you fellow mamas have struggled with, too. I love buying clothes for my kids, and I’m really good at making sure they stay in well-maintained, fitting and season-appropriate wardrobes. However, my closet and drawers consist mainly of clothing I’ve had for YEARS! What is it with this habit of being so on-the-ball with clothing our kids, but overlooking ourselves? Let’s make a change, starting with these cute & comfy styles from NYFifth!

Comfy & Cute Styles from NYFifth #ad #nyfifth #giftideas

When NYFifth reached out to me about trying out some of their clothing (and guys, there is SO MUCH to choose from!) I was thrilled! Not only were there plenty of cute choices, but the pricing was definitely worth celebrating. Come on, mama needs new clothes every now and then, too, right? 😉 After chatting a bit about what I wanted to try the most, it was clear that I really wanted some new, comfy pj pants – because, let’s be honest, something new and cute to relax in is just what the doctor ordered.

When they arrived, hubby laughed at me because I was so excited – but it felt almost like Christmas, geting something for myself for a change. The timing was PERFECT, as we’ve been in a hotel for several weeks (don’t worry, that crazy story is yet to come) and something I can just lounge and be comfortable in was welcomed – especially since both these pajama bottoms were adorable! Yes, we can have comfort and style at the same time – mama win!

Just look at the cute fake buttons for a stylish accent, or the nice pockets. Even though it’s fall, here in Texas has been HOT as usual, so these 100% cotton lightweight pants with covered waistband and cute satin tie were a great choice. I still felt cool, but totally comfortable ‘chilling’ in the hotel room with my kiddos.

There’s a cold-front coming (or if the weather’s in that strange in-between stage where you need light but a bit ‘more’), so these fashion flannel pants WITH POCKETS are fantastic. These come in several color choices – of course I picked my favorite, purple – and have a drawstring so you can adjust for the perfect fit.

Is it bad that I used the excuse of ‘trying these out for work’ to be a little bit lazy the other day? I mean, we moms don’t often get a break, so any excuse is a relief! I love how comfortable these are, and they’re just the right amount of thickness to stay a bit warm when it starts cooling down, but still ‘cool’ enough for hot Texas. I love flexibility!

Even when the limited hotel room seats were taken by the kiddos while we watched some shows, I didn’t mind as long as I could be in my new comfy pants. I’m a huge fan of feeling like I can move, sit, and relax however I choose without having to adjust my clothing – and these were exactly right.

I love the little accent stripe along the bottom of the pant legs on this one, too. Makes it kind of stand out, be a bit more fashionable. Even if they are just pj pants, doesn’t mean we can’t look great, right?

And seriously, POCKETS! How many pajama pants for women have actual, decent sized, usable pockets? Love it!

As if you needed even more reason to check out NYFifth, you can choose logo embroidery or screen printing on ALL of their apparel and accessories! That means for fun family matching tshirts on your next trip, or embroidered hats for all your employees. The possibilities are endless with so many choices of comfy and cute styles from NYFifth!

How to Reduce Kitchen Chaos

September 16, 2019 by Danielle 2 Comments

If there’s one thing busy moms know well, it’s kitchen chaos. Do you ever feel like you’re constantly in the kitchen either preparing meals, or cleaning up after them? Does your kitchen become a dumping ground for things like backpacks, toys, junk mail, and more? I swear I could’ve just cleaned off my kitchen island, and within the hour it’s covered with odds and ends yet again – and yes, my hubby is as guilty as the kids! To help ease a bit of this, here’s some ideas on How to Reduce Kitchen Chaos.

First of all, no there isn’t a way I know of that will keep your kitchen completely clean or organized all the time. It’s life, there will be messes and stress and craziness. But if we can at least minimize that, it sure helps our sanity!

Create a weekly meal plan. You should always know what you’re making and shop for the ingredients before the start of the week so you can serve dinners on time – or at least within a reasonable time.
Organize the junk. Take the time to declutter your kitchen, get rid of things that don’t belong, and organize the things that will remain in this space. Junk mail, I’m looking at you!
Consolidate food prep. Whenever possible, you should try to consolidate food prep. If you can chop veggies tonight for dinner tonight AND tomorrow, for example, then you’re saving time in the future.
Create a system. Just like anywhere else in a busy mom’s life, organization comes in handy and creating a system for your kitchen, the meals you serve, and the cleanup will make it all seem much more organized and less chaotic. Know where things are, have a process for how prep or dinner tasks are done, etc.

With these tips in mind, you can reduce the chaos in your kitchen and feel a bit more in control of this space, and your life.

How to Organize Your Day with a Toddler

September 13, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

The benefits of staying home with your kids are many, but that doesn’t mean everything always goes smoothly – especially when you have a toddler running around. In fact, caring for a toddler all day makes it difficult to get anything else done around the home. So, how do you care for a toddler and do all the other things you have to take care at home without running yourself ragged? Here’s some tips on How to Organize Your Day with a Toddler!

Moms and dads that stay home with their kids have a wonderful opportunity to spend precious time with their little ones that many parents who work outside of the home don’t get. You get to be there for all of the little things that you may otherwise miss. It’s certainly not easy, though, so organizing your day well can make a huge difference in how exhausted you end up when bedtime hits.

Here’s how to organize your day with a toddler:

Start with a simple, flexible schedule. A schedule will help you remember all the important things that you need to get done throughout the day so you can stay on track. By keeping it flexible, you won’t feel overwhelmed when something unexpected happens or when your toddler is simply having a bad day (or you are, because we KNOW that happens) and you don’t get through the list.
Set aside some special time just for your toddler. Use this time to play games, go outside and have fun with your toddler. This will ensure that you do spend quality time with her instead of running back and forth trying to play while taking care of other tasks. We’re all familiar with mom guilt, so this will help with that, as well.
Provide a safe environment with age appropriate activities to keep him/her busy while you take care of business. The activities will keep them occupied and happy while you work. You’ll also get more done because you know they’re in a safe environment where you don’t have to watch her every second (but please do watch as is age appropriate!)
Plan your meals in advance and eat around the same time every day. It’ll help you establish a daily routine that your kids learn to expect, in addition to helping you stay organized.

These simple tips are easy to implement into your daily schedule and they can help you keep your day organized even with a demanding toddler running around.

How to Live with Purpose

September 9, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

As parents, especially moms, it’s easy to kind of lose our sense of self or our purpose in life. To help, here are a few philosophies you need to take on that show us how to live with purpose. People measure success in different ways and if you want to be happy and feel successful with your own life, you need to determine what YOUR definition of success is. Then you need to take the steps to reach it, and to focus on what is important to you.

This will look different for all of us, depending on our goals or what our priorities our – but the basic ideas to help us figure it out are the same. Here are some simple steps on how to live with purpose:

1. Live your life according to your beliefs and values. This will help you stay centered and feel content.

2. Set priorities and then stick to them. Easier said than done sometimes, but important to set as a life goal.

3. Do something to make a difference. How can you help others? Can you make a difference in your home? Your community? Your church or neighborhood?

4. Live in the moment. These moments will pass you by so quickly. Be here. Be aware. Be in it. Experience what life has to offer.

5. Find balance in your life. When you live with purpose in your heart and that purpose on your mind, you can find your balance.

6. Follow your passions. Being a mom doesn’t mean you need to give up on your own dreams and passions.

These are just a few tips on how to live with purpose. There’s plenty of others, and you can probably think of some on your own – just feel free to use this as inspiration and a starting point. The most important thing is not to get so caught up in your busy life as a mom that you forget about the things that are really important. I know, easier said than done 😉