As a millennial who grew up super poor, the fall of 2008 and into 2009 was something I don’t really remember. I was still a poor college kid, trying to figure things out. I don’t remember the crash for different reasons.
For me, 2008 was the year that my dad burn 11% of his body with me finding him and helping put out the fire in January. At the end of June, my first nephew and the one who still influences my parenting, drown in a swimming pool. My dad was still recovering from his burns and his 48 day hospital stay. I barely went back to work as a server.
I don’t really remember the restaurant industry slowing down either. I’m sure it did, but my mind was so hectic and crazy that it was the last thing I could think about. I sort of remember when the market started to recover a few years ago, and now know for sure the last 2 years it for sure was good.
2020 Economy
So now, with the whole virus thing and places being closed and people potentially losing their jobs, I will remember this. Not only as a business owner, but as a Wife, Mom, newly homeschooling teacher, and consumer. Mostly, I will remember the fear and uncertainty everyone is having over the whole situation.
On one hand, I’ve got my husband who’s a business owner and employer who’s nervous about having a business to return to once this is over but also knowing that money needs to be made to continue operating and keeping people employed but on the other the health and safety is such a concern.
Another hand is my business is based on helping people and sharing products, experiences, and opportunities for people to also enjoy in their own lives. One of those businesses includes a few AirBnB properties that have basically become their own ghost towns due to the reduction in travel.
As a Mom with younger children who don’t quite understand the whole situation of what’s going on and then adding in homeschooling unexpectedly, I can only imagine what parents were saying in 2008 when life went hectic. It’s clear to me where our priorities have been the last few years as parents when the girls ask why we can’t go to Target or to get another new toy.
Lastly, as a consumer, I want to shop because that’s how I handle stress.
I also like to support small businesses, and empathize with those businesses who literally don’t know if their doors will be open tomorrow. I realize not everyone is like this, and I feel like now is when the pyramid schemes and sleazy sales tactics come out that just feel icky to me. I’ve been holding back on sharing with my audience things I’ve purchased and continue to purchase because I know if I have those feelings, I know others are thinking and feeling the same thing.
It’s super clear the sleaziness is coming out more and more each time I check my inbox when I find these random emails from people whom I’ve not interacted with in YEARS trying to sell me stuff.
Immediate unsubscribe.
So yes, I’m a bit scared and confused as this is similar to 2008 but also different because we have a huge pandemic throwing a wrench into the workforce and economy. I hope for everyone on this planet that it ends soon, but also realistically know that’s probably not going to happen. Going forward, I will continue to consume and shop and live life as best as I can as normally as we can to help leave a positive experience for our girls during this time. We will modify and not go out to dinner as much or purchase things mindlessly or take things for granted. We will clear and keep the clutter clear because spending time in social distancing will help with ensuring once this is over, we will enjoy staying at home versus not.
I hope this is helpful for other millennials in a similar situation and those who may be reading this that have little to no idea what I’m talking about. Just know, everything comes in cycles and this too shall pass.
And someday, we will look back on this and hopefully learn from the things we went through during these times. I have for sure left things behind that no longer serve me, and learned a WHOLE LOT about myself, my girls, my husband. We’ve made deeper relationships, and connected on different levels than when we were rushing around all the time. Hopefully you have done some deep diving and learned some things about yourself and not just focused on the negative.
As always, I’m here if you need to chat, or a shoulder to lean on. Send me a DM on Instagram.
If you are like me, you are trying to get anything and everything delivered to your front doorstep so you don’t have to leave. Especially now that school has started. And we are stuck in a schedule between 8:45 am – 3:10 pm. Rather, we are married to the computers at the mercy of whatever our kids need. Instead of doing whatever we want and going wherever we needed while the kids go to school.
Enter 9 Subscription Boxes that make Life Easier
When I say these 9 boxes will make your life easier, I mean they include several areas of life, that you can get delivered to you when you want or need them most. Maybe a few are for a sweet treat and extra protein. Or a new piece of handmade jewelry. Heck, you can even get some funny soaps and body washes and mascara delivered to you now! And if you don’t already spend enough time with your kids, there are options to cook fun kits with them that are gluten-free and arrive monthly.
So we are all clear here, I was gifted these products to review, and the reviews are my own. I have also included some affiliate links. So if you shop my links, I get a small commission to keep these posts coming 🙂 And my hubby happy!
Now if I could only get someone to write these blogs and do my workouts and still get fit, I’d have it all!
I know that every time I order something, I am waiting at my door. Maybe not so patiently anymore, for the goodie to arrive so I can enjoy a little glimpse of normal every now and again.
Here are my 9 favorite Subscription Boxes that make life easier and bring a little more joy into your life.
Outlaw Sundries
YVY Naturals
My Little Mascara Club
Shrewd Food
mintMONGOOSE
Veestro
Little GF Chefs
Daily Harvest
ButcherBox
If you aren’t sure why you would need any of these in your life, let me break them down for you to explain!
Outlaw Sundries
Bi-monthly subscription boxes for your daily grooming needs (Ranging from $16-$55)
The branding on these items is really top notch! They take branding their products to a new level and are the goal when creating a product! I just love the rustic scents of everything. And that you can get them delivered directly to your door!
YVY Naturals
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Monthly Subscription Boxes (One free refillable bottle and 6 pods for $24)
(pronounced ee-vee) is revolutionizing the way you clean by giving nature the say in what you use. These high-performance cleaning agents are made with 100% Brazilian citrus and Amazonian flowers.
YVY Naturals is on a mission to streamline your cleaning routine in an eco-friendly way. Combining technology and nature’s ingenuity, the Brazilian-based brand creates unique, ultra-concentrated cleaning formulas with 100% natural and renewable ingredients. They come to you delivered in a returnable container no bigger than a coffee capsule, which makes them easier to store.
You no longer have to worry about the limited supplies on empty store shelves to get the products you need as they’re delivered right to your doorstep. It’s the only cleaning brand in the world that saves 83% plastic with reusable capsules that are no more expensive than the products you’re already using.
The way your house will smell after using these products is AH-MAZING! And you don’t have to worry that you are putting yourself or your family at risk of more chemical exposure!
About YVY Naturals:
The 12-year-old Brazilian-based B2B line once known for selling to hospitals, schools and green buildings is bringing its easy-to-use, eco-friendly products to consumers in the USA. Named after the Brazilian indigenous word that means the communion between man and nature, YVY is committed to formulating products with non-toxic ingredients that are better for the planet in forms that eliminate less single use plastic and rely on a consumer’s own water consumption.
Here’s how to order:
Select your kit – Choose from home, bathroom, kitchen and all-purpose solutions.
Get your refills – Sign up for the subscription that fits your needs so you never run out of cleaning supplies.
Pause anytime – You can pause your subscription at any time.
Return your capsules – Send back your empty capsules and do your part to create less waste.
My Little Mascara Club
Price: Starting at $9
Made With 90% natural ingredients, this little mascara won’t flake, clump, smudge and washes off with water only. It’ll easily become your favorite mascara that you can use daily or keep in your purse. The little mascara gets its name from its size – a little bottle means a short wand that’s easier to use and the special brush fits your lash line like a glove — making it easier to apply the mascara to your lower lashes. Choose from gift sets or a subscription box to purchase.
I know it might sound weird that the curved brush and shorter bottle actually make a difference. But I’m here to tell you it does! I couldn’t believe it myself until I tried it! The items that come in the package are so cute and so well thought out! Check it out here.
And I hope it’s fine I included this photo as Champ, our Pug, wanted to get in on the photo taking too!
Shrewd Food
Monthly, 6 Month (Save 10%) and Yearly (Save 15%) Subscription Boxes Available Starting at $14.24
Being mindful of your snacking doesn’t have to be a daunting, tasteless task! Shrewd Food is making honest snacking easier, and a heck of a lot more delicious! Crunchy, healthy and flavorful, their protein packed treats feel and taste indulgent, without any of the guilt. Whether you’re craving something savory and tangy, or you’re in the mood for something comforting and sweet, Shrewd Food has got you covered! They offer the perfect variety of different snacks for the most shrewd snackers like, Protein Puffs, Protein Croutons, Protein Chocolate Dippers, Keto Chocolate Dippers and Protein Cookies. With Shrewd Food, convenience is key! All snacks are available in different sizes and can be shipped right to your doorstep with standard and expedited delivery options.
These products are milk based, so if you have a milk sensitivity like me, but still want something delicious, these are best in moderation! Anything chocolate and pizza are my favorite, and these don’t disappoint either! They are great for on the go and you can throw a flavor or two in your bag for an easy snack when needed. Check out their box options here.
mintMONGOOSE
Monthly Subscription Boxes Available Starting at $15.99
mintMONGOOSE delivers exclusive jewelry pieces you can’t find anywhere else, delivered right to your door — a delightfully affordable and convenient solution to the costly and time-consuming store-bought alternative. Love silver, gold, rose gold, or all? Don’t have pierced ears? Your monthly delivery of high-quality pieces will be customized 100% according to your preferences! Customers can sign up for their subscription box for just $15.99 AND the first box ships in just 48 hours. The mintMONGOOSE subscription box includes 3 mintMONGOOSE-exclusive pieces of adorable, high-quality jewelry (with a retail value of $40+)!
I ADORE anything that’s handmade, and also made by a woman! The items in this box are top quality and well thought out. And also perfect as a gift for someone in your life! The price point is perfect for a one month gift subscription or an entire year for someone you love!
Veestro
Price: $9.90 per meal
Veestro is a meal delivery service that makes it easy to get more plant-based foods into your diet without sacrificing taste or convenience. No chopping. No cooking. And no cleanup. Simply heat up in the oven or microwave. Veestro is about what feeds us, body and soul—delicious, organic, healthy, sustainable, from plants. And it’s fully prepared for any time we need to eat it. Veestro is 100% plant-based with fresh ingredients.
-Each meal is 100% plant-based and made with fresh, organic ingredients—no preservatives used
-Choose from dietary preferences: gluten free, nut free, low calorie and kosher to name a few
-Flexible Plan options include weight loss (5 or 7 day plan), chef’s choice or a la carte (choose 10, 20, or 30 meals) allowing for the customer to meet their specific needs
-Meals are prepared fresh and shipped frozen which allows you to eat them within 8-10 weeks minimizing food waste
I love how flexible and customized this meal service is! As someone who eats mostly plant based and fresh foods, I can attest to how difficult this can sometimes be. These meals are perfect to take on road trips, in an RV, or in a cooler so you can get your food on the go without needing to worry if it fits your lifestyle!
Little GF Chefs
A sweet (or salty) subscription kit that’s a safe treat for kids with diet restrictions like those with Celiac or other allergies? It’s totally a thing now! Little GF Chefs is welcoming these children back into the kitchen with gluten-free, allergy-friendly baking kits. You can buy them individually but you’d soon realize the subscription option is the way to go. Options to choose from include 1,3, 6 and 12 month subscription, plus refill kits too!
I love how the instructions, ingredient list for all items included, and those you need to provide are so easily spelled out. There are literally NO questions about what’s in what. The perfect little kits to let your kids come in the kitchen with you, and/or give them a little creative freedom when you need 5 seconds alone! Check out their cute little kits here.
Daily Harvest
Monthly subscription box that allows the user to select the number of items and variety of their box. Everything we make is built on organic fruits and vegetables and crafted into delicious food that is actually good for you. We’re frozen for a reason—because our method means more nutrients, better flavor, and food that keeps up with the pace of your life. And—when you’re juggling way more than you think you can, or you’re taking the night off—our food is delivered to you and ready in minutes.
I’ve been a subscriber of Daily Harvest for over a year now, and have seen many new products introduced. I don’t think I’ve found anything I don’t like, and often repeat order the same things because they are so good! They are my go to products for a quick lunch or dinner when I forget about me while feeding the girls and Steve. If you want to give this one a try, you can use my referral code, linked HERE, and save $25 off your first box!
Better meat for a better you. 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef. Free-range organic chicken. Heritage-breed pork. No antibiotics or added hormones ever. They offer a total of 5 box options – 4 curated box options as well as their popular CustomBox. Each box option comes in the Classic Box size and Big Box size. We also have a range of add-ons and monthly specials available to spice up your box!
This subscription box started as a treat for my husband, and ended up filling our freezer ironically when COVID-19 hit. We didn’t have any issues with a shortage on meat or food when others were buying all of it at the stores. You get to select your box and can change it each month if you would like, or leave it as is. They often do incentives to add additional meat to your box for a discounted rate.
Final Thoughts on Subscription Boxes making your life Easier:
If you aren’t getting things delivered so you don’t need to go out, now, more than ever, is the time to start. The ability to get custom pieces, and not simply the run of the mill items is an even better and upgraded experience. These are some of my favorite and most used subscription deliveries and ones I give as gifts.
What are your favorite subscription boxes that make your life easier?
Cue the song “The Heat is On” when June hits in Arizona! Summer comfort, especially on your feet is so important from June until about mid November as the temps are incredibly warm! If you don’t have a selection to rotate through, you could see your sandals breaking down very quickly from the hot concrete. Now, that’s not to say some of the summer sandals I have listed as my staples haven’t been here for a few years, because they have.
I’m simply saying it’s important to have a few in your rotation you can wear and rotate out. Because it’s way too warm usually to wear sneakers (even though I suffer sometimes and do wear them) and summer is about a good sandal, am I right?! However, if you are looking for some advice on some of my favorite sneaker brands, and what I recommend, check out this blog post here.
7 Must Have Summer Sandals
This post is very much catered to must have summer sandals for women, but I could also do another post if you wanted one for little girls. I will be honest though, getting my girls to wear a different shoe than the EXACT pair they love, is a bit tough. Even though they have a closet full of them 🙁 I digress.
I need to let you know, like always, this post contains affiliate links, and by shopping the links I provide, I may receive an additional commission from you purchasing, at no additional cost to you, so thank you <3!
Here are my 7 must have summer sandals in no particular order:
Slides
Block Heel Sandals
Multi Strap Sandals
Strappy Wedges
Gely Sandals that are dressy slides
Leather Sandals
Strappy Sandals with High Heel
Let’s break each one down
Slides
When I was talking about having a sandal for more than one year, I was talking about my favorite slides from Reef. I’ve had these babies about 2 and a half years now, and I wear them at some point every day. These gold and neutral colored slides can be worn casually or even dressed up. For me, because I have such large calves that don’t seem to be going anywhere fast, I need some skin showing in my shoe to help bring some attention away from my calves. These slides are the perfect summer sandal slides because they are perfect for lounging around the house, the pool, running errands, or slight housework. I’ve even did a bit of demo work on our garage with them on! They are super durable and have a cushioned foot bed that makes them super comfy and so easy to walk in.
Reef makes many different kinds of sandals and all sizes and for Men, Women, and kids. My exact shoe is on sale right now for $36 if you are a size 5! Good news, they make them in MANY different colors, so check them out here. You won’t be disappointed in these guys!
I have found so many pairs of slides from Target that are super easy to wear, and work well with so many outfits. If you go to Target or their website at any time of day or season, they typically always have a good slide you can buy! Here’s one of my most worn pair, ironically, these are also gold.
Block Heel Sandals
Sam Edelman shoes have had a place in my closet even before I moved to Arizona in 2013, so the quality and brand do not disappoint! Whenever I see a shoe with the little SE logo on the outside, either in public on someone else, or in the store, I KNOW it’s a good shoe! And that includes ALL types of shoes, sandals, booties, wedges, heels, tall boots, etc. They all are made to last, made to fit well, and are comfortable! It’s not often you can say that about an entire line and brand and it ring true! It’s also the reason you will find another one of my recommended shoes on this list is from Sam Edelman!
Ok, so the summer block heel sandals are a new one for me. I usually can’t wear a block heel because of my big calves, like we talked about previously. The block on a regular shoe heel covers too much skin for me and adds too much weight and makes the calves look even bigger than they already are. These block heel sandals are different because they are open in the back, have some strappyness to them, and even have a bit of detailing that draws the attention away from the calves. Because they have a bit of heel, it lifts my calves and lets the muscles stand out more, further accentuating the leg.
Now, if you don’t have thick calves like me, block heels are probably your best friends!
The wider base to stand on makes it so much better and easier to keep your balance. Luckily for us big calf gals, these sandals fit the bill and work for us too! And the touch of cork around the heel and sole of these sandals add quite a nice touch!
I have recently found these cute strappy block heel sandals from Ted Baker that absolutely fit the bill for dressing up a jean or an office look even more! They are a peach color and give the perfect nude color with a square toe that’s sure to be a trend for a long time.
These babies are currently on sale for the Nordstrom sale, linked here, and they will be full price again after the sale is over.
Multi Strap Sandal
I’m all about the openness of a multi strap sandal, especially one that has different colors and patterns on them! These cuties take the idea of mixing black and brown and throw it right out the window! Because no one needs that rule in their life anymore. I found these cuties at Evereve here, but I’m sure you can probably find them wherever you would shop for sandals.
These have a touch of lift in them, giving the illusion of a longer leg, without causing you to fall and break your neck. They can be dressed up or down, and even mixed with a different pattern while still looking great. The thin straps give enough skin to make them still work for those of us needing as much skin showing as possible to help slim the legs. If you haven’t checked out the Dolce Vita brand, I urge you to go now! They have more than sandals, and you can check out my sneaker post here to see some of my favorite sneakers!
Strappy Wedges
I started noticing wedges a few years ago, and have loved them ever since, especially strappy ones! I love these because they give you extra support and lift when walking. And if you are walking through the grass, or a softer surface your heel won’t sink down like a smaller heeled shoe does. I love a wedge because they can be dressy or casual, and worn with all kinds of outfits from shorts and a tee to a maxi dress. I love to pack these specific cork and cognac summer sandal wedge that I got from Target a few years ago because they are a perfect go to when you need something casual or dressy. No need to burden your suitcase or bag with extra weight if you can take one pair of shoes and cover all your bases!
Gely Sandals that are dressy slides
Another classic shoe that can either be dressed up or made more casual, these gely slides are an affordable dupe for a very expensive Valentino. I also have a pair of lighter pink Ted Bakers that are more subtle and don’t have the studs, but are equally as good. Now, don’t get me wrong, I spare no pennies for my shoes, but I’d rather have a more affordable version and have SEVERAL of them! These gely shoes came from Amazon, and come in several different colors. I love them so much because my little girls both have a black pair and we can twin easily.
These shoes are super for vacation or wearing for errands. I don’t recommend them for going to get a pedicure though! They become VERY slippery when the lotion gets on your feet and sometimes slip off! I love that they are so affordable and you can’t tell the difference in an actual Valentino and these! link to similar ones that I have.
Here is a different, more structured option for the Gely Sandals, and I found a very similar pair still available. That’s linked here.
Leather Sandals
I couldn’t mention summer sandals being comfortable without including leather sandals, could I? I mean, leather summer sandals are as much a staple in my closet in summer as they are in spring and fall, especially when you are dealing with the heat of the Arizona sun! While I feel most of these other sandals are good for casual as well as dressy, there’s something about a classic leather sandal that says put together and dressy to me. I mentioned Sam Edelman a bit ago, and when I say I have a Sam Edelman in every shoe style, I’m not kidding! I fell in love with their classic leather sandal slides a few years ago because they go with everything, literally.
These are this season’s update. They always have the best styles and colors, and you can never go wrong with them! Usually, you can find them on sale too, which we all know is a big deal with me! The other thing I absolutely love about these sandals – they last for a few years, minimum! I think I had a pair a few years ago that I wore almost daily in the summer, and they still held up for 2 solid years! And don’t get me started on their gladiators — Like THE BEST around!
Strappy Sandals with High Heel
Typically, you always need a strappy sandal with a high heel for summer, for weddings, girls night out, clubbing, etc. except this year. This year, we need them to get dressed to have dinner on our patio, zoom weddings, and virtual girls nights. But hey, we still need summer heel sandals even if we aren’t leaving the house – just yet! I’m loving the square toe trend mixed with a little ombre like these I got from JustFab Online.
If a summer sandal with a high heel isn’t your thing, then maybe these strappy kitten heels will do the trick. I love how they come in so many different colors and are super affordable to have more than one summer sandal low heel in your closet.
Final Thoughts
Sandals are a staple item for summer, and having a variety to fit different outfits and situations is a must. If you are looking for a capsule wardrobe, maybe grabbing a few of these styles that can cross over to multiple outfits and looks is the best idea. If you need some inspiration for your summer closet essentials, check out my blog post on that here. It’s sure to give you some ideas and things to ponder for keeping your closet up to date and easy!
Tell me what your favorite summer sandal is in the comments, I’d love to know what y’all find to be the most important!
We can all acknowledge that spending time with our kids is important. But are you being present with them?
It’s easy to sit down next to our children while we get stuck in a scroll hole on instagram and count that as spending time with them. But does that really count?
Now, I’m not judging if you relate. In today’s world, it’s so easy to get stuck in this trap. I’ve done it myself quite a bit. The world is changing – quickly. There’s people to see, things to do, information to read, and so much more at our fingertips. It’s easy to say we sat with them or read them a book at night before bed and say we were present.
But taking the time to slow down and be present in the moment is important.
How to be More Present with Your Kids
If you’re like most people, it might be hard to implement. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing tips to help you be more present with your kids, so you can stop guessing.
So if you’re looking for more ways to be present, keep reading.
What does it mean to be present?
Let’s take a moment to actually talk about what it means to be present. The word gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean?
In short, we can define being present as ENJOYING the moment we are in, rather than running on autopilot or wishing it away. It means savoring it, soaking it all in, and truly enjoying that moment in time.
After all, that exact moment will only happen the same way once. So why not enjoy it for what it is? When we are scrolling through instagram, we aren’t appreciating the fact we are sitting with our child. We are preoccupied with what Linda had for lunch, what Brenda did for her 15th wedding anniversary, and other things that really don’t matter as much. The time spent with your children should be fully present and focused on them.
Slow down and soak it all in so you can truly appreciate what’s in front of you.
Plan for quality time
Being present is nice in theory, but how on Earth do you even start being more present? Well, first is to plan for true quality time. When you plan your quality time, it doesn’t need to be long. Kids can and will be happy with 15 minutes of quality time. As we learn to be more present, the other moments will come too.
Get enough sleep
As you plan for quality time, make sure you are sleeping enough! This means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep if you can so that you have the energy the next day. If you’re groggy and tired, you are going to have a rough time being present. Your quiet time is as valuable for you as it is for your child.
I mean… how are you going to be interested in your child’s stories when you can barely focus when they speak to you?
Get your sleep mama, it’s important.
Schedule your time with them
Your sleep is important, but it doesn’t stop there. The next piece is to actually SCHEDULE your quality time with your child. Even if you don’t feel like you “need to”, hear me out.
How would your child feel if they got dedicated one-on-one time with you?
If they’re like any other kid, they will absolutely LOVE it. Scheduling a couple days a month to get intimate time with your child can help so much in feeling present with them! If it can’t be an entire day, remember, as little as 15-30 minutes is sometimes enough time spent to give them the uninterrupted attention they are wanting and deserve.
Take it a step further and plan a special “date” with them.
You can do something fun that they enjoy around their interests, go to a movie, have lunch together, get deep in play at the park, and anything else you can come up with.
For older children, consider having them help with planning!
Make the most of the moments
You got your sleep, scheduling time with your child, and planned out an awesome day. Whoo! The next part is setting yourself up to make the most of the moments with them so they don’t slip away from you.
Try following these tips when the time arrives.
Put your phone away
Seriously though – put your phone down. Text your best friend to let her know you’ll be unavailable if you need to, but put it on silent and focus on spending time with your child. Be fully invested in conversations, notice the hummingbird in the air as you take a walk, and just SOAK IT ALL UP.
Social media, phone calls, texting, etc… it’s a huge distraction. I hate to break it to you, but your child does in fact notice when your nose is in your phone. When I’m being fully present with my children, I don’t have a phone or technology near me to distract not just me, but also them.
I promise it will all still be there later. The world does not need immediate access to you 24/7.
Slow down to enjoy it
It’s easy to feel in a rush as you spend time with your child, planned or not. You have other things to do, people to see, and you need to keep your eye on the clock!
No, just… stop. If you can, slow down so you can enjoy the moment you are in. Take a deep interest in what their life looks like, making them laugh, dancing and being silly together, and enjoy it in all its glory. Do something your kid loves to do, even if it’s as simple as crafting or going for a walk outside.
Spending time with those we love should never feel like something we are rushing through.
Communicate with them
I’ve already touched on this but it’s important to communicate with our children. What have they been up to? Who is their best friend? What subject are they enjoying at school? Of course, younger children won’t have as detailed conversations… but still.
Make conversation about the world around us instead. No conversation is too small.
If you’re stuck, try asking these questions:
What’s your favorite movie/book/color/flower/etc?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
What do you feel grateful for today?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
What made you laugh today?
Would you rather live in the city or on a farm?
Do you think it’s more important to be rich or kind?
What is the best smell in the world?
This is also a great time to see if anything is bothering them, cultivate good mindset habits, and various other things. Communication is so important when children are young.
Focus on experiences
As easy as it is to rely on gifts and toys, it’s so much more beneficial to focus on crafting experiences with our kids. They won’t remember the special toy you bought (for the most part), but they definitely will remember experiences with you.
This can be something as simple as baking with you while you make silly jokes. Or maybe you go see a special movie with them that siblings have no interest in.
Whatever it is – just make sure you are soaking it all up.
Adapt throughout the day
While planning days is important, it’s not the only opportunity to be present. This also happens throughout the day and we need to be able to adapt, even when it’s hard.
Accept the chaos when it happens
Chaos is part of life and the best thing you can do is accept that not every present moment will be a positive one. Sometimes we have to accept that chaos happens, mess happens, and roll with the punches.
If you need to stop and breathe before you react, do that. But be careful not to “wish away” moments. Rather, embrace them and see them as teaching moments.
Offer your help without distractions
Kids are naturally going to ask for our help and sometimes they do it so they can get more of our attention (especially when it’s something we KNOW they can do themselves). Be careful in getting frustrated and demanding they do it themselves.
Instead, take this as a chance to be present with your child. Put your phone to the side and help them with whatever it is they need or ask for.
Of course, it can’t always go that way. But even once a day can mean the world to a child.
Express gratitude for your child
How often do you tell your child you appreciate them? You are grateful that you have them? You love that you were chosen to be their mommy?
If your answer is never, start today.
This gets us to enjoy them more while also making them feel loved, wanted, and worthy. A habit of expressing gratitude to our children get us to see them for not only the good parts – but the frustrating parts too.
And that mama, is SO VALUABLE.
Final Thoughts
Being present in the moment is hard, but it can be done! Being present is soaking up and enjoying all the moments instead of wishing them away.
Start by planning for quality time in getting enough sleep and scheduling days out with your child. They will LOVE doing something fun with you without anyone else around!
When the time comes around, make sure to put your phone away and focus on not only them, but the world around you too. Focus on creating the best experience possible and talk with your child. Find chances to really talk and get to know each other on a deeper level.
As important as carving out time is, sometimes being present is in the ordinary. Try to accept chaos when it happens, offer your help instead of insisting they do it themselves, and express your gratitude for them so you can enjoy their presence that much more.
Today’s world makes it hard to be present, but it can be done with the right intentions.
Give yourself some credit, mama. You are an AMAZING mom to your littles. You love them more than life itself. But… you are tired of feeling so frazzled and chaotic.
I get you mama, it is SO HARD sometimes. It feels like the days of being pulled 86 different directions will never end.
You’re tired of going to bed regretting the entire day.
You’re so frazzled that you’re flying off the handle all hours.
You feel like your kids are getting tired of you, maybe you’re even tired of yourself.
But I’m here to tell you that this isn’t forever. You absolutely CAN have a different reality.
If you scroll instagram and just wish you could be that gentle mindful mama who is patient and enjoying her days instead of wishing them away… this is for you.
Mindfulness Habits for Frazzled Moms
In this post, I’ll be sharing mindfulness habits for frazzled moms. These will make a HUGE difference in your life if you commit yourself to it.
I want to preface this in that you absolutely should not try to implement all of these at the same time. Pick a few and add them in overtime.
Who knows where you could be 6 months from now? Or even a week from now? Let’s get to it!
Start and end your day with intention
First and foremost – you need to be intentional. Flying by the seat of your pants just isn’t going to cut it. You absolutely have to commit to yourself and make the right choices throughout your day. Start with a plan and adjust as you go (we all know mom life NEVER goes according to plan!).
Implement morning and evening routines
When you first get intentional, it’s important to have routines for both starting and ending your day. This helps you get in the right headspace and feel a sense of calm as you enter or exit your day.
If possible, try to wake up 1-2 hours before your children do.
I acknowledge that not everyone can do this… but man does it make for a great start to the day! Starting your day without being needed by anyone is AMAZING. You can sit and read your book, sip on your coffee in peace, watch the sunrise, and enter your day feeling light.
But – make sure you have a plan. Know WHY you are waking up early and what you will do with the extra time, otherwise you will fall right back asleep! Ha.
Start an evening routine 1-2 hours before you plan to go to bed.
Just like you want to ease into your day, you want to ease out of it, too. This is also a very calming experience and sets you up for a good night’s sleep that will then start the next day off on the right foot.
Turn off screens, start a diffuser of calming oils, take a shower, dim the lights, and set up the perfect environment to get you ready for sleep. It works wonders!
Express gratitude
As Tony Robbins says, “When we have an attitude of gratitude we see life as it is; an unbelievable gift.”
Taking the time to stop and think about what you’re grateful for is one of the best things you can do when you start your day. It encourages happiness and you see everything around you in a different light. You appreciate life for the beautiful thing it is.
Start your mornings by listing off a few things you are grateful for. Watch as your perspective changes just from this simple habit.
Set your daily intentions
Another great habit to implement in the morning is setting your intentions for the day. Some really good questions to ask yourself as you do this, are:
What are my top 3 priorities for today?
Do I have any events I need to prepare for?
What am I EXCITED for today?
What will make today AWESOME?
Who needs me to bring my A-Game today?
If you have habits you want to work on today, make sure to list those too. Don’t get too crazy with this either – the point of this is to get excited for your day, set your mind to having an awesome day, and be okay when things go sideways.
Practice breath work throughout the day
Deep breathing is probably the most simple, yet effective mindfulness tool. Learning to stop, close your eyes, breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth, and silence your thoughts does a lot for the mind.
As a mom, you’ll use this tool A LOT once you get in the habit. It’s a great tool when you need to take a moment before you snap. (It’s also useful to set the boundary of giving mommy a moment to calm herself!)
And while this works great during stressful moments, it is a great tool to start your day with too. If you can take a moment to just sit and breathe, you center yourself and start the day with very calm energies. Meditation or simple breathing exercises helps a ton!
Set and visualize your goals
Keep your goals in the front of your mind and start your day visualizing them happening! List out your top goals for the moment, no matter if it’s to stop yelling at your kids, drink more water or putting a down payment on a house.
Once you’ve done that, visualize it.
Close your eyes, and picture it happening. How will your relationship with your kids improve? What does that version of you look like? What are you doing? How do you FEEL?
Recite it, visualize it, then work towards it.
Recite affirmations
Our mind is truly a powerful thing. Whatever we tell it, it believes. If you constantly say how terrible of a mom you are, you’re going to believe it and show up in life with that energy.
This is where affirmations come in – they help us change our mindset and truly believe it. Even if you don’t believe it at first, consistency will lead to changing that over time. By reciting “I am” statements, we rewire our brain.
Some good affirmations to start with include:
I am capable of amazing things.
I am enough for my kids, as I am, right now.
I am worthy of a life full of joy and happiness.
I am strong in my ability to handle what life throws at me.
I am kind in how I speak to those I love.
I am brave, pushing through the hard stuff.
For best results, recite affirmations out loud so you are speaking it into reality. Aim for the same set of affirmations every 30 days. By focusing on the same ones, we put focus onto embodying the belief that it is true.
Manage your emotions
Another important aspect of being mindful as a mom, is managing our emotions. This is HARD – but the benefits to this are huge. Eventually, you will rewire your brain to think and respond differently.
Prioritize responding over reacting
First and foremost – place an importance on responding instead of reacting. Instead of blowing a gasket over the marker Jimmy scribbled all over the wall… take a breath, and consider how to best respond.
This may look like:
Acknowledging why this happened (lack of attention, desire to color, etc)
Setting the boundary to prevent it happening again (explain we only color on paper)
Giving little Jimmy the tools he needs (giving easier access to paper)
By responding in a helpful way, the outcome is much better than if we lash out. But in order to do this, we have to take control of our emotions FIRST. It’s okay to wait to respond!
Process how you are feeling
Stemming off that, you absolutely must process your feelings. Emotions are not a negative thing, but they need to be processed. Sit in it, give yourself permission to feel any certain feeling, analyze why you’re feeling that way, etc.
Don’t push through them, but process them and sit in it for a minute.
Be more present
We live in a society where being present is a rare find. With so much going on around us, it’s easy to detach ourselves from what’s in front of us. But when you’re present… quality of life is greater and therefore you are more apt to approach life from a sense of peace.
You can get more present by:
Limiting your social media use (or at least using it intentionally)
Be present with your loved ones (put your phone away and give them your attention)
Spending more time doing things you enjoy and show up for the experience
Honor yourself
You’re starting your day on the right foot, managing your emotions, and getting present – that’s great. But are you taking care of yourself and honoring who you are and how you work? It’s VITAL that you are taking this seriously.
A burned out mama doesn’t do anyone any good. And ignoring your own wants and needs is the fastest way to get burned out and end up in a constant state of overwhelm.
Become more self-aware
The first step is to become self-aware. Why do you react the way you do? What activities help you feel more like yourself? What helps improve your quality of life?
Pay attention to your body, mind, and spirit. Take mental notes and adjust as you go.
Take care of your body
The mind and body are connected and knowing that, it is important to take care of your body. Being hard on your body and not taking care of it will eventually lead to suffering the consequences.
Simple ways to take care of your body:
Avoid sitting too much – get your body moving by playing, dancing, working out, etc
Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated throughout the day
Focus on good eating habits – eat plenty of protein and produce!
Mindfulness Habits for Frazzled Moms
Final thoughts
Being a mom is hard and while it feels like the constant state of frazzle and overwhelm is forever – I assure you that it is not.
Start your day off right by implementing routines, practicing gratitude, reciting affirmation, visualizing your goals, and getting intentional.
When things get hard, it’s important to take control of your emotional state with breathwork, responding instead of reacting, and truly processing what we’re feeling. It’s also important to try and be present in the moment.
Last but not least, make sure you are taking care of yourself. You are important so make sure you are honoring what you need!
Take it slow, too. You don’t need to try and change everything at once. Take it one day or even one hour at a time and evolve over time. You got this mama!
favorite mascara that you can use daily or keep in your purse. The little mascara gets its name from its size – a little bottle means a short wand that’s easier to use and the special brush fits your lash line like a glove — making it easier to apply the mascara to your lower lashes. Choose from gift sets or a subscription box to purchase.
These products are milk based, so if you have a milk sensitivity like me, but still want something delicious, these are best in moderation! Anything chocolate and pizza are my favorite, and these don’t disappoint either! They are great for on the go and you can throw a flavor or two in your bag for an easy snack when needed. 
chopping. No cooking. And no cleanup. Simply heat up in the oven or microwave. Veestro is about what feeds us, body and soul—delicious, organic, healthy, sustainable, from plants. And it’s fully prepared for any time we need to eat it. 
now! Little GF Chefs is welcoming these children back into the kitchen with gluten-free, allergy-friendly baking kits. You can buy them individually but you’d soon realize the subscription option is the way to go. Options to choose from include 1,3, 6 and 12 month subscription, plus refill kits too!
fruits and vegetables and crafted into delicious food that is actually good for you. We’re frozen for a reason—because our method means more nutrients, better flavor, and food that keeps up with the pace of your life. And—when you’re juggling way more than you think you can, or you’re taking the night off—our food is delivered to you and ready in minutes.
hormones ever. They offer a total of 5 box options – 4 curated box options as well as their popular CustomBox. Each box option comes in the Classic Box size and Big Box size. We also have a range of 
many outfits. If you go to Target or their website at any time of day or season, they typically always have a good slide you can buy! Here’s one of my most worn pair, ironically, these are also gold.
Whenever I see a shoe with the little SE logo on the outside, either in public on someone else, or in the store, I KNOW it’s a good shoe! And that includes ALL types of shoes, sandals, booties, wedges, heels, tall boots, etc. They all are made to last, made to fit well, and are comfortable! It’s not often you can say that about an entire line and brand and it ring true! It’s also the reason you will find another one of my recommended shoes on this list is from Sam Edelman!
Now, if you don’t have thick calves like me, block heels are probably your best friends!
mixing black and brown and throw it right out the window! Because no one needs that rule in their life anymore. 
Valentino. I also have a pair of lighter pink Ted Bakers that are more subtle and don’t have the studs, but are equally as good. Now, don’t get me wrong, I spare no pennies for my shoes, but I’d rather have a more affordable version and have SEVERAL of them! These gely shoes came from Amazon, and come in several different colors. I love them so much because my little girls both have a black pair and we can twin easily.
Here is a different, more structured option for the Gely Sandals, and I found a very similar pair still available. 
much a staple in my closet in summer as they are in spring and fall, especially when you are dealing with the heat of the Arizona sun! While I feel most of these other sandals are good for casual as well as dressy, there’s something about a classic leather sandal that says put together and dressy to me. I mentioned Sam Edelman a bit ago, and when I say I have a Sam Edelman in every shoe style, I’m not kidding! I fell in love with their classic leather sandal slides a few years ago because they go with everything, literally.
Typically, you always need a strappy sandal with a high heel for summer, for weddings, girls night out, clubbing, etc. except this year. This year, we need them to get dressed to have dinner on our patio, zoom weddings, and virtual girls nights. But hey, we still need summer heel sandals even if we aren’t leaving the house – just yet! I’m loving the square toe trend mixed with a little ombre 
trick. I love how they come in so many different colors and are super affordable to have more than one summer sandal low heel in your closet.
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