I feel like once I had my children and even more so that I have hit the age of 30, I realize more and more just how precious family and friendship really is.
Especially when those friends turn into becoming more like family. When your kids grow up together and you are best friends and they are little besties and it’s just a wonderful experience and I am so thankful for it.
It’s turned into a tradition to go on a mini Summer vacation each year towards the end of the Summer with friends and this year it was a Jellystone Park campground and it was a BLAST!
So many memories made.
They had everything you would need to keep kids occupied and it was all right there from pool, splash pad, waterpark, putt putt, fishing, parks, bike riding.
I loved the huge splashpad the most so the toddler’s could enjoy all the water fun too, it’s always stressful making sure you find somewhere where your young ones can participate and have fun too.
The cabins were really spacious and nice, fit two families perfectly and most had a view of the water so it was fun for fishing which my son did for the first time and now he loves it.
We had a rain day but even that was fun because the kids played board games and we were able to go to lunch to get them out and out of the cabin for a couple of hours until it cleared up for some water fun.
Our experience was such a great one and we can’t wait to go back again!
Have you ever been to a Jellystone park? I know they have a lot of them so curious who has been.
As Summer is coming to an end, I really hope you have all enjoyed it. I love Summer so I am sad to see it go, but it was defiantly a fun one with the kiddo’s and my hubby this year!
Some of my best memories of childhood are walking around picking dandelions as you go adventure outside just knowing it’s going to be the best day.
Spending a whole day outside getting dirty, swimming and being with family are my fondest memories and it’s what I strive for my children’s childhood.
Especially now.
So when my 4-year-old son came up to me while we were playing in the backyard after I was home from a long day at work and handed me a handpicked dandelion just for me I was so happy.
And then when my 2-year-old daughter followed suit and soon I was blessed with a bouquet of dandelions my heart burst.
So of course we had to make a wish on some of our dandelions, pick them apart and keep a couple as well.
As the days are becoming warmer and Summer finally is almost upon us I strive for dirt filled finger and toenails, chasing butterflies, bug hunting, riding bikes for hours, a day full of swimming.
There’s something so magical about a young learning mind. Creating fond memories for them that they will think back on when they are older just like me reminiscing on a dandelion.
So next time you see a dandelion, I hope you don’t get annoyed about the weed in your perfectly green lawn and think of it instead of happier Summer days spent soaking in the warmth that the world has to offer.
Peel apart the petals, make a wish and a perfect time to make some memories with your littles because it’s ones they will always remember.
You want to know what I think one of the biggest blessings in life are? Mom friends.
Even more specific, mom friends and coffee dates!
Seriously, it’s so nice to have someone to talk to who knows what you are going through, or at least has been there before. Everything just seems a bit more manageable when you have someone there that is deep in the trenches of motherhood just like you.
Sporting those messy buns, dark circles and weird stained clothes because for some reason, I don’t know about you but I find a weird stain from my kids yucky fingers on something I am wearing almost daily? Hope I’m not alone in that one.
Anyways, you just feel less alone! And let’s be honest here, motherhood can be extremely lonely.
A walk to a cute coffee shop, sunshine and some chit chat with a friend though? Could cure the soul I swear, even with kiddo’s tagging along.
Marissa and I did just that yesterday, she was kid free but I instantly squashed that when my little’s had to make the trip with us to an adorable coffee shop in our town, The Electric Coffee!
It’s such a cute spot with a fun seating area to chat, work or read a good book!
I just feel like I can take a deep breath when I get myself ready for the day, get outside in the sunshine and have an iced coffee in my hand. It sounds so cliché’ I know but in my life it really is the little things that make me the happiest.
So let’s talk about 5 ways to make yourself get out of the house and call up your mom friend because who says kids are the only ones who get to have play dates!?
Go for a walk.
One of the easiest ways to both enjoy your kids and friends is defiantly taking a walk. Find a trail to get some exercise. Walk your downtown area. Grab the bikes or rollerblades to make it extra fun for the kids.
Visit your favorite coffee shop.
Coffee dates are the best, chatting over coffee is one of my favorite things to do. It’s so relaxing and it is a great way to meet up with your friends and catch up.
Wine tasting.
Something I love as much as coffee? Wine! Wine nights are so fun and if you enjoy wine, I feel like wine tasting is the perfect moms night out!
Workout together.
Take a workout class together! Yoga or Zumba are always fun. Take a hike somewhere you both enjoy walking. Join a gym and plan weekly workouts.
Start a book club.
I love reading and so do a lot of my mom friends! So why not start a book club? You get to do what you love and share your favorite or least favorite parts with your friends.
So make sure to connect and make some time for yourself and your friends. They are so needed to survive this crazy adventure of motherhood.
Most importantly enjoy your favorite cup of coffee at your local coffee shop and chit chat a little, I promise you will feel refreshed! 🙂
A fun fact about me, I am a huge true crime junkie. So why not make it into a blog post?
Also though? I get super scared during scary movies. Like jump out of my seat and eyes are covered scared.
Kind of funny but oh well.
I have been loving podcasts lately, as a busy working mom, they are so easy to turn on while I am cleaning around the house or even during a long drive while the kids nap. Specifically True Crime Podcasts so I am here to share my favorites that I have been listening to lately.
There is just something about a voice that keeps you hooked.
Plus I love that during a lot of True Crime Podcasts they shed light on cases and give families potential to get justice or to even get unsolved cases solved.
Here are my top 3 favorites I have been hooked on.
Crime Junkie
Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, these girls will make you feel like you have met new friends! I love Ashely’s voice and her story telling is phenomenal. They banter back and forth and I love how they exchange their theories to each other. These two girls have a soft spot for the cases they talk about though and I love how they advocate so much for the victims discussed on their podcast. By far my favorite to listen to and if you aren’t already it just might make you a true crime junkie as well. Listen here.
True Crime With Kendall Rae
Hosted by Kendall Rae, the passion she has for the victims she talks about and their families is remarkable. Another thing I love about supporting Kendall’s podcast though is she is always raising money for good causes and she truly connects with her fans. On top of all that goodness though she really knows how to hook you during her podcasts. I first started out watching her Youtube video’s which are amazing as well but I was so happy to hear she brought her stories to the podcast world because now I can bring her along on the go. Listen here.
Crime Weekly
Hosted by Derrick Levasseur and Stephanie Harlowe. So I first decided to listen to Crime Weekly because I absolutely love Stephanie Harlowe! She first created YouTube videos as well and she is awesome. When I heard she was on a Podcast though I was so excited and her and Derrick make a great team! Derrick is a retired police detective and private investigator so it is awesome getting his take on the stories they talk about and he gives great tips!Listen here.
Of course Serial and My Favorite Murder are favorites as well and are just iconic that first started the fame of true crime podcasts, I love finding ones I can really connect with and that tell stories just as well. These three are defiantly worth listening to and I look forward to their new episodes every time!
For a patient person, my patience is thin and you know what? It’s ok.
Do I feel guilty about it? Sure.
Do I wish that every day could just be rainbows and butterflies? Absolutely.
This motherhood journey is not all rainbows and butterflies though, and boy don’t we know it.
The other day both my kids were crying. One because he couldn’t have a snack right before dinner and the other just because her big brother was crying and she thought she needed to as well.
A glass of wine and a bathroom break with the door actually shut and not being opened or pounded on sounded so amazing at that moment.
I feel like sometimes the pressure just builds up for us with every cry or every tantrum and it’s tough to not be bothered.
Throw in a long day at work and I am just exhausted thinking about it.
It’s hard to keep your head up as a mom.
I think sometimes we just feel beat down. Weather it be a rough night of sleep, a bad potty training day, a crying baby you just can’t seem to soothe, a guilty day of work when you just wish you were home, a sick kiddo that has you feeling miserable as well.
The list goes on and on.
It’s all ok though and I really hope you know that when you feel this way, how great of a mom you are.
It’s the toughest job in the world that you show up for every single day. But the reward? It’s the greatest of all time.
Keep your head up, make sure you take the breaks you need.
Take time for yourself, use your tribe of people when you need the help and DO NOT feel guilty about it.
Take a deep breath and know that the guilt will subside and there will be far more better days than bad ones.
Just know that you’re a wonderful mother and we are all in this together.
I think if you asked anyone though, they would all have something different to say about what happiness and success means to them.
For me? Happiness is a slow Saturday morning with my family. Breakfast, coffee with my husband and a morning routine that went as smooth as a babies bottom. Success would be living simply but being able to provide for my family everything they need and be able to give as much as I can to those in need.
Everyday life though, It can defiantly take a toll on how your mind perceives things. One thing I don’t like is negative thoughts! I like a clear, free, happy mindset and it’s defiantly hard to accomplish but it’s one thing I take pride in having.
I try to do little tasks that help get me there and I am even trying to incorporate new ones this year to help keep my mindset positive even more. I am here to share with you 6 ways to help change your daily mindset to be your best self each day.
Positive Morning Routine.
I am starting off with one I am still working on. Mainly I am just not a morning person. I have found though that your morning really does set the tone for the whole day.
Create a relaxing morning routine that helps bring positivity to those early wake up’s. Make your favorite breakfast, sip your coffee slowly. Plan out your day.
Or even make this into your evening routine if you need to.
Do A Weekly Or Daily Brain Dump.
These help so much. Get out your favorite notebook and write down all your thoughts or things you need to do or want to do. Sometimes my mind gets so boggled with ideas and I love putting pen to paper and jotting them all down.
It does not have to be pretty, it’s just a way to help you get things off your mind and put into perspective what you want to accomplish. I love brain dumps.
Get Outside.
Need to clear your mind? I always say the best way to do it is to get outside. Fresh air is just so good for you.
I love a long walk to help alleviate stress or negative thoughts.
I love getting outside and playing with my kids, it feels freeing for myself and for them I am sure. Fresh air is a wonderful cure of a mindset that needs some clearing.
Less Is More.
Another work in progress for me is decluttering. I never realized what a toll clutter can take on you.
It creates so much stress, always having to pick up things or move things or organize things. It takes up so much time and energy.
I am going through one room in the house whenever I get the chance and it has felt so freeing creating a less is more atmosphere in my home.
Find A Hobby You Enjoy.
This is a big one. I love hobby’s. They are such an outlet to a more positive mind.
Find something you enjoy doing and use it as a way to be happy.
I love reading, writing and doing fun DIY crafts with my kids. They make me happy and I always feel better after finishing a good book, writing up a storm or making something fun with my kids.
Find something you love.
Erase The Negativity.
Remove negative things from your life. It may be hard sometimes but it’s worth it.
Listen to positive Podcasts, life yourself up with encouraging words.
Give yourself the strength to end the negativity and bring only positive into your life.
I think this is something we could all work on as human beings in general.
Your mindset is so important and I hope this has helped you find something to help make you happy!
If you have your own ways to stay positive and keep the joy flowing in your life please share them below with us all!
Do you ever remember the rejection you felt when you were younger and someone didn’t want to play with you or sit with you or even just talk to you?
It was the worst getting your feelings hurt or feeling left out at recess or not having a partner for a fun activity.
I think about that way more often now that I have children.
I wish someone would have told me to make sure you play with them whenever you are asked. That advice is actually worth getting.
When I’m busy and feel like I have so much to do and a little voice comes up behind me and says “mommy, will you play with me?”
A far too usual reply ends up being “in a minute, let me just finish this really quick”
Sometimes do you even look behind you at the little face so eagerly waiting for you to be done when you are busy with your tasks? I’ll be honest, not always.
I feel like we think because they are so little, they won’t understand. But trust me, they do.
A bad day or a sad day could easily be cured by simply sitting down on the floor with your children.
Let them take the wheel, trust me their imaginations are enough to sweep you up into their worlds.
Sit on the ground and be present.
Let them bring you things, let them dance around you and zoom across the living room.
The laundry can wait to be folded and put away.
The dishes can stay dirty for a little while longer.
The floors don’t need to be swept right this minute.
The housework never goes anywhere, but these little moments with your children do.
Give them your attention.
Let them make you laugh and be silly.
You need it just as much as they need it.
My favorite is when my son tells me he had the best day ever with me when all we did was play for a little while or went out and about as a family.
So the next time you hear that little voice come up behind you asking you to play or to talk or to sit with them.
I know for me rainy days can sometimes be a blessing and relaxing! I love curling up with a good book or finding my favorite movies on TV. The gloomier the better!
But for kiddos!? Not so much! Spring/Summer time can be tough to keep these little ones from going crazy with all the back and forth weather. I know here in Michigan it’s 80 degrees one day and then 40 degrees the next!
So I’m sharing 7 rainy day activities that kids will love!
Build An Indoor Fort.
My son is obsessed with this lately. He loves building blanket forts and playing with his toys in them. For older kids it’s fun to build one and read in them or even play games or watch a movie on a tablet. So many possibilities!
Paper Airplanes/ Crafting.
Who doesn’t love making paper airplanes? You can either have a paper airplane toss or even make those paper footballs and click field goals. Anything paper crafting is so fun for all ages!
Board Games.
Always a classic. My kids are still very young but I always say I can’t wait for the days until we can have family board game nights! Something I always enjoyed as a child and even as an adult.
Play-Doh or Sensory Bins.
This is geared more towards the toddler age like my son but play-doh and sensory bins can keep him busy for a while! Kinetic sand is always fun as well.
Library Day.
If you must get out and about, I think the library or a bookstore is such a great rainy day activity! Nothing better then finding a good book to bring home and read the rest of the day! Plus sometimes your local library has fun things going on.
Indoor Bowling.
So fun! If you have some plastic cups laying around and a ball you are good to go! I love bowling in general and bowling toys or making your own are so fun.
Baking.
I love baking and I plan to get my kids involved when it comes to baking and cooking as much as possible! It keeps you busy, plus it’s just fun and the outcome is delicious of course.
I hope these ideas help you for the next rainy day coming your way this Spring.
What are some of your favorite rainy day activities?
Quirky Workin' Mom's 