Tag: Mom Blog

Guest Post- Easy Ways To Manage Quarantine As A Mom.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 12 Comments

So, here we are back in quarantine. Yes, many things have opened in America, and now we have a third COVID spike happening in a lot of places. There are several reasons why you might have to quarantine, and it’s not necessarily because you have COVID-19. So, it’s something that we should all be prepared to deal with.

With this in mind- I am going to try to make this quarantine better than the last one. We all went a little crazy with the last one, didn’t we? Especially those of us that had to work at home. (Here is my post about working from home with kids.) I know that so many people have been stuck inside for unknown periods of time, and it can be such a struggle. But, do not give up yet! We can make this work for us and our families!

Here are some easy ways that you can manage quarantine as a mom:


1. Take a Break- I know this is easier said than done. Trust me. I know. But, part of being a good mom, a BIG part, means that you are in a good place mentally. If you’re annoyed or overwhelmed- then you need to find a way to take a break and regroup. But what do you do if you need someone to watch the kids? If you are uncomfortable with allowing someone else in your house, that is understandable. Then, the only option that I can think of is to put the kids to bed early. Make them run around for a while, give them a large dinner and send them to bed at 7pm. This way you can have a couple hours to yourself. I know that this may be impossible some days, but keep trying! You need and deserve time to yourself to do whatever you want!

2. Support Squad- Get yourself a support squad (that you can talk to about anything). Make sure that you have your besties ready in a group chat, Marco Polo, FaceTime, SnapChat, email- whatever! You do not need to be doing this alone. I would advise you to keep your friends and family separate. You may feel like you’re close to your MIL, but what about when you need to vent about your partner or talk about sex? See what I mean?!

3. Time Block- You don’t necessarily need a set schedule if you’re not that type of person. And honestly, a daily set schedule can get stressful in quarantine. But, do make sure that you have parts of your day blocked off for certain activities: play time, movie time, reading time, or everyone in their separate rooms- quiet time. Even a little structure is good for your kids. It will also help your sanity. Having a schedule, or some kind of plan, will give you hope when you think you just can’t take one more second, you don’t have to! Move on to the next activity!

4. Set Boundaries- This can be any type of boundary that you need. Maybe you limit snacks, time or spaces. Whatever works for you. But, let me tell you, you cannot live a free for all and have everyone make it out alright. It’s just not going to happen. With my husband and son, I make the kitchen off limits when I’m cooking dinner. They cannot come in for snacks or to bug me during that time. They can go anywhere else, just not the kitchen while I’m cooking. It’s a time that I look forward to every day.

5. Special Celebrations- When you don’t know what day it is in quarantine, and everything seems to be running together: no one’s showering, changing clothes or deciphering between meals… Then it is time for you to shake things up. You need something special to do! This may sound like extra work, but it does not have to be. Make it simple, but different. You could have a special movie marathon, like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones- anything in a series works. Or, you could have a fun theme for the day. Just make some kind of doable plans that will get your family excited. It’s always important to have something to look forward to!

6. Refresh and Revitalize- This sounds a lot like a shampoo commercial, but I think it’s something that the whole family needs to do often (daily if possible) when in quarantine. A great way to refresh is to go outside. I know that this one is a hassle, and it’s getting colder. I get it, but you will not regret the fresh air. Also, think about having family yoga or taking an online exercise class together. Do something that gets the blood flowing and raises everyone’s spirits.

Quarantine is definitely a time to let things go- but not too far! Don’t lose yourself or your sanity. Make a point to keep some law and order- or invent new tactics if you need to. When everything shut down in the spring, I didn’t have a plan for quarantine. I didn’t know what it would be like or how long it would last. 

Now that I know how dark things can get, I don’t want to go there again. If I find myself in the same clothes for 4 days in a row eating lasagna while my 2 year old is watching the Simpsons naked at 3am, then I know I have let quarantine get the best of me. This is not the kind of mom that I want to be.. again. 

Get a little bit of structure and spontaneity in the mix if you can. Stay positive and know that if we all follow guidelines and quarantine rules- we will be okay!

Connect with Karin!

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The Imperfect Mom.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 24 Comments

Wow, it feels good to be back on the blog this week!

I took a much needed break from the blog, and the socials. We have had a lot going on these past few months.

A lot of hard decisions were made regarding school, and work. I don’t necessarily regret decisions That I’ve made, but if I could go back and make those changes I probably would.

However, I am learning things about my expectations aren’t necessarily attainable or something I can make a reality. I’m trying to form this “perfect” life that is an Instagram highlight reel.

Having a clean, perfectly organized house was something that I have always strived for. Now don’t get me wrong here, my house is far from it. However, I do think that having a well organized house, definitely helps with having a happy environment. It is so nice that when we go to do a craft or want to play with our Barbies, that I know exactly where to go to find the stuff we need for the activity.

I’ve recently reminded myself that my daughters are not going to remember how organized, or disorganized at the moment, the house was, they’re going to remember how warm and joyful our home was.

I’m also trying to stop comparing myself to other moms or women in general on social media. Amanda has touched on this subject before, and she said it so well in this blog here. She also wrote a good one about Expectations v. Reality!

Let’s face it, our faces (no pun intended) are in our phones and iPads more now then ever. I find myself constantly scrolling through social media saying to myself how I wish I could have all those clothes she has, or I wish I was as skinny as her, or even asking myself why would someone need that many hand bags?!

The world of social media is a wicked one. People post the good, not the bad. I am trying my hardest to not compare myself. I’m taking more breaks from social media (and our blog apparently). I am enjoying the quality time I have with my family.

Being a mom is rewarding and hard as hell. Every mom will tell you that. There is no “perfect” mom. We all have our spectacular mom days, where you are exhausted because you did all the things your kids wanted to do that day, but we also have our imperfect mom days where you sat on the couch watching The Home Edit while they played (argued) for four hours in their room. It’s called balance, ladies and gents!

So, drop the hard expectations you have for yourselves and be the mom you want to be. Create the childhood you want your kids to remember.

I couldn’t leave the blog without wishing you all a Happy & Safe Halloween! It is hands down our favorite holiday. We are too excited! I will post our costume on our Instagram and Facebook, so make sure to follow us on there, but here’s a pumpkin picture!

Thanks for reading, and I’m glad to be back! ❤️

Five Ways To Have A Low Key Halloween!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 17 Comments

Hi Friends! I hope you’re doing well.

I can’t believe it’s already Halloween week! I love this Holiday. It’s just so fun and creative, plus all the activities are my favorite.

I think as the holiday’s keep coming, I am enjoying them more and more now that I am a mom. Even though my son is still little, it’s exciting to watch him learn new things and have fun.

We had our first family pumpkin carving this weekend and I love watching bub get curious about what we were doing and have him help us and do his own thing.

Although, I am probably the worst pumpkin carver. I totally did the stencil wrong and mine was a flop….ooops.

Of course my husband laughs at me, but then he attempted a tough stencil and his fell apart too sooooo…. ha 😉

I am thankful my son is still very little, so this year won’t be any different but my heart goes out to all the parents that have trick-or-treating aged children and are just trying to make the best of it!

For all of you that are trick-or-treating I pray you have great weather and a fun and safe time!

In case you aren’t though, here’s some fun ideas to have a fun but low key Halloween!

Have a movie night!

Put on your costumes or your Halloween pjs and watch some spooky movies. Don’t forget the candy and popcorn!

Game night for the win!

I absolutely love game nights and you can even make it fun by creating your own Halloween games.

Pumpkin carve/ Halloween crafts

It’s always fun to get crafty! Plus save your pumpkin carving for Halloween night.

Visit family

Trick-or-Treat at your family’s houses. That way you feel more comfortable and the kids can still get some candy.

Baking day!

Make some fun spooky cookies. Bake an apple pie or pumpkin bread. Have fun with it!

There’s so many things you can do that will still make this year a memorable and special one!

I hope you all have a fabulous Halloween week!

I hope it’s full of fun and adventures and as always, thanks for reading!

Happy Halloween 🎃👻

Motherhood Takes A Village.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 20 Comments

I want to start out by saying you mama’s or dads who have to do it alone… you are pure super hero’s.

This raising kids thing? It takes a village.

What a scary week we had last week.

There is nothing worse when your little is sick and they have no way to tell you what is wrong. My heart was literally breaking last week when my bub got sick. Thankfully we are on the mend but holy cow.

You know what though? I literally have no idea what I would do without my husband, my family and my friends and that is where this village thing I am talking about comes into play.

When I’m feeling overwhelmed and on my last straw, Elle Woods break down throwing chocolates at my TV screen, I am so happy for my husband. My rock. My shoulder.

When I have no clue what I am doing on this new mom life adventure, when I have so many questions and just want a seasoned mom by my side I am so happy for the ladies in my family and in my life (they know who they are!) coming to my rescue.

When I just want to talk about something other than motherhood, when I want to gossip and girl chat and send funny memes and talk about just life in general I am so thankful for my girl friends!

It just really takes a village in this motherhood game.

You need your people. You need those breaks. You need that support. You need a glass of wine or two every once in a while. You need a date night without the kids. You need to take care of yourself.

You need it all to stay sane. To not lose yourself. To keep that little fire that makes you, you.

These littles of ours deserve our unconditional love 24/7. So that’s why I’m telling you, create your own little village to help you be the best you can possibly be! And to help them too.

Lean on your partner.

Reach out to family.

Message that old friend.

Join a mom group.

Do whatever it takes to be your best self.

Because motherhood sure does take a village.

Pumpkin Crafting Fun For Toddler/Kids!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 26 Comments

Happy Monday my lovely friends!

I have always been a crafty person. I love doing crafts and DIY’s and I think they are the best type of presents you can give someone. Even better? Becoming a mom and doing crafts with my little man. It brings an even more special meaning to these cute little things we create.

As we come up into the holiday season, I will be sharing tons of crafts and DIY’s that you can do yourselves and with your little’s so I really hope you enjoy!

Today I am taking you along with me and bub on a craft we made the other day. A little pumpkin. We are working on his sensory and fine motor skills so lots of coloring is involved.

What you will need-

  • Empty paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls.
  • Pumpkin shaped paper.
  • Washable crayons (I highlight washable because….toddler mom life)
  • Hot glue gun

This is such a fun project that requires minimal effort and supplies and it turns out so cute. The empty toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls I had because I knew I wanted to do this craft. The pumpkin shaped paper I bought at the Target dollar spot.

I lightly colored the majority of the pumpkin and then for each one I let my little man scribble around and dot it all up. He was loving it!!

Once he was done coloring all of them I heated up my hot glue gun and got my paper rolls ready and then hot glued each piece of paper to the front of the paper rolls so they stand up.

They turned out to be the cutest décor!

We handed them out as cute little Fall gifts to some of our family and it was a hit.

So simple but I love it and I think it’s the perfect craft that you can keep and make more each year!

Please let me know if you do it with your little’s. I would love to see your pictures of the final piece 🙂

Since the holiday’s are coming up, I thought I would share a funny story with you all.

My husband and I are HUGE National Lampoons Christmas Vacation fans. It’s one of our favorite movies to watch each year. Almost 9 years ago when we started dating, we still lived at home at the time. So of course we would store our Christmas gifts at our separate houses.

Well my husbands dad went into their attic the other day and he found a Christmas present wrapped up, all dusty and the tag read to Amanda, From A.J.

He pulled a total Clark Griswold when he is stuck in the attic and finds a mother’s day gift to his wife from like 10 years ago.

We were both cracking up and the date of the gift was from 2012!

We just thought it was the funniest thing and even funnier since it happened in one of our favorite movies! So I had to share on here 🙂

Do any of you have funny lost gift stories? Please share in the comments!

As always, thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed my post, until next Monday!

Marissa’s Apple Crisp!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 9 Comments

It is full on fall in Michigan right now. The crisp air, the leaves are beginning to fall and change colors, and unfortunately the days are getting shorter.

We do a TON of baking during the cooler months. My favorite is when we use our fresh apples from the orchard. I mean, why would I go to the local grocery store and spend $5 on apples when I can go spend $100 at the apple orchard?!

I made some apple pies, and those are delicious. It makes me reminisce about my grandfather that LOVED apple pie, with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was his favorite. Every year for his birthday, my mom would bake him a fresh pie.

I still think apple crisp is easier, and in my opinion SWEETER! I still enjoy it with vanilla ice cream, but occasionally I’ll have some for breakfast.

I’m going to share my recipe with you today. I have a secret ingredient… still debating if I’ll share that!

First, you peel your very expensive apples. I picked them with my family, so they taste better, right?! I peel about 6-8, depending on the size. I feel they were a bit small this year so I went with 8! I then slice them, thinly. I had to hand the knife over to my husband. I almost chopped my finger. I’ll spare you the details, and pictures.

Second, you want to stir all your dry ingredients together: flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg! Yup, that’s my secret. I know it’s a very common spice, but to me it made the difference!

I then add the dry ingredients with my thinly sliced apples. At this point I also add a little bit of vanilla. It just makes the flavors a little more rich. I let those sit and “marinate” while I make the “crisp”!

Mix your oatmeal, brown sugar and cubed butter. I let my girls do this part and get messy.

I put mine in a smaller dish, then a 13×9! I used a 9×9. Not exactly sure why, it was just a pretty dish I guess! Then I plopped it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

I let it cool slightly, then served it warm with a pile of vanilla ice cream.

My whole family loved it. Well after the decided they weren’t afraid to try something mom baked.

I’m gonna share the recipe below! Enjoy, and let me know if you tried it!

6-8 apples, peeled and chopped

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup old fashioned oats

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

1/2 tsp vanilla

pinch of kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.  Butter a baking dish, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, add chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp of the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and flour. Stir to combine, then transfer to prepared baking dish.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, add topping ingredients (brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, salt, and diced cold butter).  Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the oat mixture, using a slight downward twisting motion, until mixture resembled pea-sized crumbs.  Alternatively, you can use two forks or even your hands to cut butter into the mixture.

4. Spread topping over apples in baking dish, and gently pat to even it out.  Bake 40-50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

5. Serve warm and enjoy!

In full transparency I used a Pinterest recipe, but I tweaked it a lot to my liking! Isn’t that what cooking and baking is about, though?!

I hope if you make it, you enjoy it as much as my family did!

Also tag us on IG, or Twitter if you make it!

Fall Crockpot Meal & Bake With Me!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 31 Comments

Hello loves! Is anyone else’s tree’s changing?? I am so in love!

I hope you are all doing well! I have a fun post today and I am excited to share it with you.

Fall cooking and baking has been on my mind with the weather cooling down and ever since I decorated it makes It even more fun.

So I thought today I would share with you a new favorite crockpot recipe that is SO easy and yummy!

Plus take you along with me while baking and hanging with my little man. I love day in the life type of posts so I hope you enjoy 😊

Crockpot Baked Penne Pasta.

What you will need-

  • 1 tsp of garlic salt, pepper and parsley
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 28oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 jar of marinara sauce
  • 2 cups chicken stock or water
  • Penne noodles
  • Parmesan cheese

Cook your ground beef and then add it to your crock pot. Sprinkle your seasonings over the ground beef and stir it up.

Then add your tomatoes, marinara sauce and chicken stock and stir together.

Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.

Once your time is up, add your noodles and give it a good stir. Put the lid back on and cook for another 25-30 min.

Serve and sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese.

It was so yummy! And SO EASY. Defiantly a family favorite and the best part is that it was toddler approved. Bub ate two small servings of it! I love when I can find meals that all of us will eat. Then I can actually sit down and enjoy it instead of having to find something my son will want to eat as well.

I think my favorite thing about crockpot meals is it gives you the whole day to do whatver you want. Spend it outside, spend it away from home. Plus it frees up your oven and stove space to do lots of baking.

Which is exactly what I did on this day. If you have not tried this cinnamon swirl crumb cake yet you need to! It’s perfect for a Fall treat 🙂

Meanwhile, I had an overtired toddler eating lunch who would not take a nap. I guess lunch must have tired him out though? I turn around and see this little ham passed out.

Fall days like these are why I love this season so much! Just full of beautiful weather, beautiful colors and it’s crockpot season. Like what could be better!?

What are some of your favorite crockpot meals? Or baking recipes you can’t wait to make this season?

Plus, what’s your favorite thing you have done so far now that it’s officially Fall?

We have yet to go to an orchard but I think just spending time outside with our leaves changing and snuggling up on the couch during chilly nights.

I really hope you enjoyed this post! As always, thanks for reading 🙂

Top 5 Ways To Add Fall To Your Home.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 34 Comments

I have to say, Fall decorating is my favorite. I love the coziness it brings with it and all the colors are just absolutely gorgeous Our tree’s are starting to change here in Michigan and I have been enjoying my walks around the neighborhood even more these days.

I don’t go “too” crazy with Fall decorating 😉 but I love to add the colors into my home and touches of it here and there, so today I thought I would show you ways to add Fall into your own home as well, with it not being too overwhelming.

Fill Your Vases.

Vases are such an easy way to add touches of each season. I love adding a mixture of pumpkins, pine cones and other fun things to my vases that I leave out all year round and just switch up for the different seasons.

Tiered Trays.

Another easy way to decorate and probably my favorite thing to decorate! You can stick a tiered tray anywhere and I think that’s why I love them so much. I used mine as my center piece for my kitchen table.

Pillows.

I love pillows, I might have a slight obsession with seasonal pillows but it’s ok. They are just so cute! I love to use pillows and blankets to brighten up a space and bring a cozy vibe to a room.

Pumpkins.

We all know pumpkins are Fall all the way. I have a questions though, pumpkin or apple? which one do you choose?? You can stick pumpkins wherever you want though and you already have a Fall vibe going in your home.

Candles/ Smells.

So many candles have such cute packaging and really bring a cozy vibe to your house. Plus the scent pots on the stove or crockpot are the best! Also, diffusing essential oils helps as well with bringing you Fall scents to bring you coziness.

I am so excited for this Fall season with my bub, he is at the age where we can enjoy more of the outdoor things our community has to offer. Here is a sweet picture of him helping me decorate outside over the weekend.

I hope taking a trip into my home has helped with coming up with ideas to add some seasonal Fall décor into your home without it being too much!

Now that I am a mom, I am excited to do more fun Halloween things though as well so I will keep you all updated on the new items I add over on our Instagram! Follow us if you haven’t already, quirkyworkmoms.

Let me know which pieces are your favorite and what your favorite things are to decorate in your home.

My Fall Bucket List!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 19 Comments

I love fall, y’all!

Pumpkins, apples, Halloween, THANKSGIVING! It’s my favorite time of year.

I love waking up on a chilly morning with coffee in my hand, taking the pups out for a morning run (the dogs, not me!). I go check on the chickens, and Pauly our rooster let’s put his cock-a-doodle-doo!

Fall mornings seems like everything moves a little slower for me.

My youngest had me print out our fall bucket list! I’ll insert it below!

I created my own bucket list for fall. Mine is going to look a bit different.

Slow down

Enjoy the little things. Enjoy the way the leaves turn, and enjoy how the air gets more crisp. Enjoy family time with the hubby and my daughters. They grow so quick, so enjoy the little moments.

Make time for my husband.

We get so lost in taking care of the kids. We do everything we can to make sure they are happy and healthy. We often lose sight of what started it all, our love. Making time to enjoy each other is essential. Wether it’s date night, or just a quiet night on the couch.

Prepare for Winter

Winter is dark and depressing, honestly. It is not my most favorite time of year. I’m going to enjoy and mentally prepare for the dark ahead. Start taking care of my body, and my mental health. Do things for me, to make winter a little more bearable.

Get more organized

I can’t stand clutter! My goal this fall is to get more organized. That should always me my goal, but like I said, I hate winter. Hopefully being more organized will make me enjoy the winter months a little bit more!

Little changes can make a big difference. Hopefully my bucket list for fall will help me enjoy it just a little bit more!

Don’t get me wrong, my youngest girls bucket list sounds fun too!

Keeping busy while social distancing!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 19 Comments

We are still trying very hard to social distance.

It’s been tough not surrounding ourselves with the many people we love, but also trying to find things to keep our girls occupied!

I’m gonna share some of the things we’ve enjoyed doing.

Crafts

Painting, modeling clay, slime making, bracelet making! You name it, we’ve done it! We love doing crafts, it’s been something the whole family can enjoy. Our favorite has been the clay, though. The girls love making little sculptures, and painting them. I’ve already gotten a few new jewelry dishes. 😉

Lots of Reading

Who doesn’t love curling up with a good book? I know we have really enjoyed it. A lot of our summer reading is done outside in our hammocks. It’s our favorite spot to chill. My youngest (A) loves the Mercy Watson series, written by Kate DiCamillo. My oldest (C) loves The Never Girls series! I will read anything, but I’m a true die hard Twilight series fan. I know 🙈

Video Games

I know what you’re thinking, video games?! Really?! But we honestly enjoy playing so many video games as a family. Minecraft is one of our all time favorites. We also enjoy all of the Super Mario games: Mario Kart, Super Mario World, Mario Party, etc. I also started getting the girls into Animal Crossing, although that’s not a multi player so we don’t play it often.

Outside Play

Sprinklers and pools were a huge part of our summer fun! Riding bikes, scooters, roller blading, swinging on the tree swing, playing fetch with the pups! So much fun stuff to do outside, and the fun is honestly endless when you’re outside. We also have a wooded area on our property which is fun for nature hikes and scavenger hunts! In September all the mushrooms around the yard pop up, and it’s fun to go around and identify some of them.

It’s definitely been an interesting year for us all. Trying to find things for the whole family to enjoy can be challenging.

Hopefully this gave you some ideas if you needed them! ❤️