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A day in the life of a mom...something is better than nothing.

I am blessed, and cursed, with an all or nothing mentality. It works in my favor when I have a goal in mind and against me when that goal is a pint of ice cream. Right now life is pretty busy; I am a mother to a 7 month old baby boy and a 16 month old goldendoodle, a wife, juggling two work at home jobs, cleaner, cook, and the list goes on.

Motherhood has taught me that sometimes something is better than nothing. So on days like today when I REALLY want to go to the gym but my puppy is giving me literal puppy dog eyes....see below for said puppy dog eyes...

I pack up the little man and the fluffy dog and go for a walk. Better that we get some exercise even if it isn't the real work out I had in mind.

And that is a day in the life of a mom.

Labels: A day in the life of a Mom

Baby Bump Bundle's Father's Day Giveaway!

Babies daddy's deserve bundles too! We put together a bundle just for him for Father's Day and we are giving YOU a chance to win it, just in time for the big day. What's in the DaddyBundle?

Gap striped socks, because what dad doesn’t like getting new socks, under shirts, boxers, etc?

A Children’s Place long sleeved penguin onesie that says “I love my dad,” perfect for taking fun photos on Father’s Day or any day!
A Munchkin Travel Diaper Changing Kit dad won’t be embarrassed to carry. It’s navy blue and is a handy kit with everything for changing baby's diaper! There’s a folding changing mat, a pocket for 4 large diapers, a wipes case, plus extra pockets for storage.
Also for babies diapering needs, dad will need some baby wipes and some butt balm! The DaddyBundle includes Earth Mama Angel Baby’s version along with Bella B’s wipes. Now he just needs some diapers and he is ready!

The giveaway is through rafflecopter below! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Labels: Giveaways, Holidays

Happy Memorial Day!

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. - Benjamin Disraeli

Labels: Holidays

A day in the life of a mom...travelling with a baby.

Before I met my husband I was a major over packer but as he and I travelled together we became a carry on couple and the only luggage we used was the Patagonia MLC bag. Now that we have a puppy and a baby those easy breezy carry on days are long gone.

I just went to Ireland to see my parents and travelled with the little man by myself. I did this at Christmas but there is a big difference between travelling with a 10 week old and a 6 month old. Luckily for me, and everyone else on the plane, he did really well but there are a few tips that I would recommend to parents out there to make what can be a stressful experience at the best of times go as smoothly as possible.

It isn't always possible but try and pick flight times that will make it easy on you and your baby.
While it may be difficult to pack light, pack smart for you and your little one. I wore every item that I brought for myself which is a first.
Pack one bag, with wheels, so that you can manage pushing the stroller and pulling the bag. Even if you are being dropped off and picked up you should be prepared to manage by yourself just in case.
Try your best to have one carry on item; I used my diaper bag and edited down what was in there so that it was necessities only: diaper changing gear, multiple change of clothes, medicines, food, a few small toys, laptop and passports.
Check your stroller at the gate but bring a baby carrier to the plane. I used my Ergo Baby Carrier which was a life saver. When Hugh was fed up of being in the stroller I popped him in the Ergo; he was entertained by what was going on at the airport and I had use of both arms.
Be prepared for security. By the time I got to the security gate I had everything ready to go so all I needed to do was put it in the bins. I have received additional screening every flight I have taken so it is good to be emotionally prepared for that.
International flights have bassinet seats so do your absolute best to reserve one. Even if your little one doesn't actually sleep it is so helpful to have the extra legroom and a place to keep all your stuff.
Don't sit down and buckle up until you absolutely have to. This means baby will be in as good as mood as possible when being strapped in. Be ready to nurse or have a bottle at hand for take off and landing.
When we landed baby went into the Ergo, collected our stroller and off through immigration to get luggage.

My favorite part of travelling was seeing people's reactions when they got on the place and saw us. You could see the flow of emotions...awww cute baby....oh no I'm sitting beside a baby....are there empty seats in the front of the plane???

As a mother all you can do is your best and this is definitely the case when travelling. Hugh was amazing on both flights and I am eternally grateful for that. BUT if he hadn't been I had come to terms with the fact that I couldn't keep everyone on the plane happy. I am a mom and I will make sure that my son is okay while doing my best to respect those around me.

And that is the day in the life of a mom.

Labels: A day in the life of a Mom

Thirsty Thursday Mocktail of the Week: Fresh Melon Quenchers

Fresh Melon Quenchers

Ingredients

1 - 1 1/2 cups (about a quarter of a 4 lb. melon) of cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon puree (directions on how to puree below)

1/4 inch slice fresh ginger, grated

1 - 2 teaspoons honey

1-2 teaspoons plain low-fat yogurt

Plain or flavored sparkling water (to top off each glass)

3 ice cubes

Shredded lime peel (optional)

*Frozen Melon Drink Skewers (use as garnish: recipe below)

Directions

In blender container combine melon puree, ice cubes, ginger, a teaspoon or two of yogurt, and honey. Blend just until mixture is frothy and smooth. Pour into serving glass. Add additional honey to adjust sweetness. Stir in lime peel to taste if desired. Add sparkling water to fill glass. Serve with Frozen Melon Drink Skewers (directions below). Serve immediately.

*Frozen Melon Drink Skewers

Ingredients

Cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermeloon

Wooden skewers

Directions

Using a small melon baller, scoop cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelon into balls. Or use a knife to cut melons into cubes or 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Thread melon balls and wedges onto wooden skewers. Arrange on parchment-or waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2 to 4 hour or until firm.

*To Puree Melon:

Coarsely chop melon and transfer to blender container. Cover and blend until smooth. If needed, stop motor and press fruit down into blades with rubber spatula or spoon and continue to blend until smooth.

Source: 25 Refreshing Summer Drinks posted on Better Home and Gardens

Labels: Thirsty Thursday Mocktails

What to Wear Wednesday: 4 Maternity Memorial Day Weekend Outfit Ideas

BBQ with Family and Friends:

Sleeveless Embellished Maternity Dress / Seychelles Gasp / Aliza Bangle Set

Outdoor Concert or Festival:

Eight Sixty Sleeveless Smocked Waist Maternity Maxi Dress / Sosavvy / Rebecca Minkoff- 'Markey' Envelope Crossbody Clutch

Parade or Family Picnic at the Park:

Maternity Smooth-Panel Denim Capris / Maternity Slub-Knit V-Neck Tees / Women's Jelly Sandals

Pool Party or Beach Bound:

Josie Maternity Swimsuit in Violet from Maternal America / Prego Black Sarong Skirt / Glitter Wedge Flip Flop

Labels: What to Wear Wednesday

Mom’s getting moving Monday: 3 Baby Carriers

The best, easiest, and guaranteed way to get fit after baby’s birth? Walking with baby, cozy in a carrier. Here are a few options for baby carriers, that can be worn a few ways, whether you are out doing errands or just out for a brisk walk for exercise!

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Original

Ergobaby ErgoSport Baby Carrier

líllébaby® COMPLETE Original

What is your favorite baby carrier?

In case you missed it:
Mom’s getting moving Monday on Pinterest
Mom’s getting moving Monday: 5 ways to exercise with your baby
Moms getting moving Monday: 3 pregnancy work out products

Labels: Moms getting moving Monday

A day in the life of a Mom.....

Baby Bump Bundle's Blog is introducing a new series to our Blog...A day in the life of a Mom. Our first post comes with a warning and a recommendation. The warning is that there is poop involved in this story. The recommendation is never EVER change a diaper without something underneath your little's one bum. Can you see where this is going? No? Okay let me break it down for you.

I am seven months into being a mother so maybe over confidence is beginning to seep into my diaper changes. Long story short I was being lazy and decided to do a "quick" diaper change on the couch and for some reason did not put the mat I normally use under my son's bum. Too late into the process I realized I didn't have the star of the show, the diaper, at hand. I put a wipe where it needed to be to prevent pee ending up on the couch while I took five steps to the left (he was barricaded in on the couch and going nowhere) to grab a diaper. Lets just say that's not where I needed the wipe. Without getting too graphic my wonderful son hadn't gone number two in two days. He decided the perfect time to do so was while he was lying butt naked on my couch.

What I love about being a mother is that if you had asked me a year ago what I would have done next I would have said cry and then clean the couch immediately. What did I do? Laughed at my giggling son, stripped him down and jumped into the shower (I was fully clothed) to wash him down and then put on the all important diaper.

Then I cleaned the couch.

And that is a day in the life of a mom.

Labels: A day in the life of a Mom

Thirsty Thursday Mocktail of the Week: Virgin Peach Bellini

Here is a super easy recipe I saw on Little Miss Momma that includes New Crystal Light Liquid, which was amongst many other recipe options in her post: Pop of Color and Flavor! It sounds delicious and is easy to make too!

Source

Virgin Peach Bellini
Ingredients:
1 squeeze Crystal Light Liquid Peach Bellini
8 oz chilled sparkling water

Method:
Add Crystal Light Liquid Peach Bellini to a Champagne flute
Top with sparkling water

Source

In case you missed it:
Thirsty Thursday Mocktail of the Week: Strawberry Agua Fresca
Thirsty Thursday Mocktail of the Week: Sangria!

*Little Miss Momma is currently hosting a giveaway. Please note, we receive a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing this blog post but we do think these drinks sound amazing!

Labels: Thirsty Thursday Mocktails