If there is one thing I’m kind of loving about this social distancing lifestyle, it is the loungewear. Give me allll the comfy clothes!! Now I’m all for a good pair of pajamas, but when I say loungewear, I mean the cute put together matching sets you could get away with wearing in regular allowed to leave your house life. Haha. I wore a set on my Instagram Stories the other day and had so many loving it that I wanted to share some of the favorite comfy cozy picks I have found!
You can never go wrong with a matching set or a cute jumpsuit! I love these because they still give you a chic vibe while feeling just like pajamas. I definitely think you can dress them up for going out with the right pair of shoes, or keep it comfy indoors!
If you know me you know I love a good pair of joggers! They are one of my favorite things to dress up by pairing with flats and a leather jacket, or keep casual with some cute sneakers and a graphic tee! The key to buying joggers is to watch the fit. You don’t want them to be wearing you. Find a fit where the legs aren’t too loose, and the crotch isn’t low. You want them to fit tighter but still comfy so they aren’t looking too casual.
And of course we had to throw in some cozy tops to go with it! From my favorite crewneck sweatshirt to a go to graphic tee, these are my favorite lounge tops that are easy to dress up or down.
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I hope these options help keep you quarantine comfy! What are your cozy loungewear go to’s?
You guys! Somehow in all of this madness, Easter snuck up on us!! It is just a couple of weeks away!! It might feel like an added stress, but I think it is going to be just the distraction and fun we all need! We had this post scheduled a little bit later, but with all the shipping delays right now and things selling out, we wanted to get you the ideas early so you can shop now!! So below you will find ideas for everyone from toddlers to teens and some perfect candy free ideas for stuffing those Easter Eggs!!
Ok first up is the younger kids! They are so fun to think of Easter Basket ideas for because they just get so excited about everything! One thing that helps me stay organized when buying and to not overbuy, is to break it down into categories. These are the ones we are doing this year!
:: CLOTHES
I know clothes sound boring, but think of spring + summer and it gets way more exciting! Maybe a new pair of sandals or just a fun basic tee. We love getting some cute bright pajamas sometimes too!
:: ARTS + CRAFTS
We all know that we need allllll the things to keep our little people entertained while we are stuck at home. I love finding ideas that keep their brains thinking too, and they double as great Easter basket stuffers! We already got this Paint By Sticker book and they are all loving it! These how to draw books are an awesome affordable idea that sparks their creativity too.
:: SWIM + BEACH
While we can’t escape to the beach quite yet, we can still start dreaming of summer! And we cannot wait for it to get warm enough to spend all our days in the pool. Swim/Beach ideas are usually so affordable too! From goggles + floatiesto a new swimsuit + flip flops, we love this category!
:: OUTSIDE
We could all use some fresh air right now, so finding small affordable activities that get them outside and moving make for great Easter Basket ideas. We love the go to bubbles + sidewalk chalk, but are excited to switch it up with some more interactive ideas this year, like the squirt guns or catch game.
Now let’s talk teens Easter Basket’s. When you first think about it, they seem hard, but they are actually so fun to fill! I honestly feel like I’m just thinking of ideas I would love! We broke this one down into some categories to help simplify too!
:: SELF CARE
We could all use a little self care, especially during this crazy time. I think it has got to be so hard for teens to be away from their friends and normal every day life. Self care can be anything from a favorite new lip gloss to their favoritenail polish.
:: LEARNING
I’m sure they are all getting plenty of learning in with all the online school and homework. But I thought this was a fun category in a different way. More focused on learning about themselves. This could be a how to book or gratitude journal.
:: TECH
You cannot go wrong with tech for teens! This one is so simple. You could do some new headphones or a cute new phone case. We love this camera at our house too and it makes for some fun memories.
:: OUTSIDE
Last but not least is outside! They need to get away from those screens and enjoy some fresh air too. It can be as simple as some new sunglasses or maybe a new swim suit!
Last but not least is the egg stuffers. We don’t love giving our kids a basket full of candy. We love to do things like goldfish crackers or fruit snacks for the treats. Another fun idea a friend gave me that we are going to try is filling them with coupons. Things like “get out of laundry”, “chore free day”, “stay up an extra 30 minutes”, or “ice cream run with mom”. Simple things they will love in coupon form!
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I hope these Easter Basket ideas were helpful for you, and help bring a little bit of excitement and joy into a crazy time of life! What are your favorite Easter Basket ideas?
The world is kind of a crazy place right now, I’m sure you will agree! From sickness + quarantines to surprise earthquakes, I kind of feel like I don’t know what to expect next!! It is hard to not let yourself get mentally and emotionally caught up in it and feel overwhelmed. For me, one of the best ways to clear my head and focus on the positive is serving others. With the social distancing we are living in right now, it can seem a little trickier to serve so today I thought I would give you 6 ideas of how you can serve those around you from a distance.
:: CARE PACKAGE
Care packages are such a fun way to bring a little sunshine to someones day. Maybe it is for a girlfriend that is feeling like this is all too much. Fill it with your favorite treats, beauty products, or whatever makes you happy! Maybe it is for a relative or friend that lives alone. It honestly does not matter what you put in the package, the thought alone and a heartfelt note will instantly brighten their day. If you sign up for our newsletter, we will be sending out a fun printable card you can include!
:: NEIGHBOR SURPRISES
Neighbor surprises are one of my favorite ways to get the kids involved. If you know us, you know how much we love doorbell ditching. Social distancing is the perfect way to combine a way to serve with mastering your ditching skills! Haha! We love putting together handmade cards and cookies for the neighbors just to bring a little sunshine and let them know we miss them!
:: GROCERY DELIVERY
With all the craziness going on, most grocery delivery pickup/service options aren’t available right now. That can be really hard on the elderly or those who really are in more danger of going out. Give them a call and ask what you can grab for them at the grocery store and drop it off for them. It is such a simple way to serve but again will mean so much.
:: MEAL ORDERS
Meals are another great way to serve. Whether you just double up on your own dinner and drop it off to a neighbor or friend in need, or have the meal delivered for them, it can take such a burden off of people.
:: SURPRISE MAIL
Surprise mail is a new idea the kids and I had to serve some of the neighbor friends. They pick out little $5 surprises off of Amazon that they would love and have them shipped directly to their little friends. It is so simple but reminds them that they love and miss them. Rad and Happy offers their $5 Color Happy subscription that we love as a gift as well that you can send straight to a friends inbox!
:: MAKE CARDS
Last but not least is one of my very favorites. A simple handmade card. Who doesn’t love getting a cute card from your kids? Have them make some to drop off at the hospital for the hard working doctors, grocery store for those putting in the extra hours, or the elderly in your area. It is a guaranteed way to brighten their day and serve by showing your gratitude.
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As you will see here, none of these ways to serve are big and grand. They are all so simple and easy to do, but will have the biggest impact on the recipient. I would love to hear the other ways you and your people are serving those around you during this crazy time!
How is everyone surviving quarantine mode? Are you liking the break social distancing brings? Or do you crave the outside world and some interaction? While most of our in store shopping options aren’t possible right now, retailers are helping us out by offering SO many amazing sales online, from the comfort and safety of your social bubble. So if you are like me and are feeling the need for a little retail therapy/social distancing shopping spree you’ve come to the right place!! My assistant and I went through all the best sales and narrowed down pages and pages to show you our very favorites on sale! And the best part is, it isn’t all just of season picks. Most things are perfect for upcoming Spring and Summer!
Nordstrom is one of the biggest retailers offering major deals right now! Just about everything on the site is up to 25% off, which means there is something for everyone! We’ve gone through and given you our favorites in Women’s Clothes, Women’s Accessories, Women’s Shoes, Beauty, Boys, AND Girls! And don’t forget Nordstrom always has Free Shipping AND Free Returns!
. . . WOMEN’S CLOTHES . . .
. . . WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES . . .
. . . WOMEN’S SHOES . . .
. . . BEAUTY . . .
. . . GIRLS . . .
. . . BOYS . . .
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:: MADEWELL
You know I am a huge fan of Madewell! Right now they are offering an extra 40% off of sale items and 25% off a bunch of other amazing items!
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:: ABERCROMBIE KIDS
I love getting high quality basics for my kids from Abercrombie Kids. They have my favorite styles of jeans + shorts, as well as some great basic + dress tees for Hudson.
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:: STEVE MADDEN
Who doesn’t love a new pair of shoes? Steve Madden has some of my very favorite options, especially when it comes to fun new styles for Spring! From sneakers to heels, and even cute styles for kids, I love them and the whole site is 25% off!
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I hope these sale round-ups are helpful and get you that little bit of retail shopping therapy you might be needing right now! Love you all for being here and supporting each other!
With the current quarantine status, a lot of us are taking this time to tackle some of those projects that have been put on the back burner. I’ve been getting a lot of questions on where to find organization tips I’ve shared here on the blog, so I am going to make life easier and put them all here for you in one easy to access spot!!
In addition to getting you all the posts here in one place, I wanted to share some of my most AFFORDABLE organizing products. If there is one thing I want you to know it is that you do not have to spend a lot or have the fanciest baskets and bins to organize your space. Take inventory around your home and you will be surprised at what you already have that will work perfect. But in case you need a few things, below you can shop my favorite organizers all under
I hope these tips and tricks help you tackle all the organizing projects around the house you’ve been putting off! I promise you are gonna love the end result and it is all 100% worth it! Plus having your kids home right now is a great way to teach them some of your tips + tricks and get them involved in taking care of their own space!
Welcome to Day 1 of Quarantine Life!! I hope you are doing your best to find the positive in the craziness around us right now, and focus on what matters most, LOVING YOUR PEOPLE! Speaking of them, with the quarantine change most of us are living in right now, it can be kind of an adjustment having your kids home with you all day long. Finding the balance between a strict schedule and a free for all, and keeping everyone happy while you do it!! I decided it would be fun to put together a round up of some of our family favorite screen free boredom busters! I hope they help bring your house some much needed joy!
:: BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR KIDS ::
**click directly on picture above to shop **
:: AIRFORT
Ok how fun does this look?! We ordered it over the weekend and cannot wait for it to get here!! If there is one thing I love it is open ended toys that really push my kids to use their imaginations, and can be played with in a variety of different ways! I am so excited to see what they come up with for this one!
:: DOTTERS
These have been a family favorite for years!! They give your kids the joy and creativity of painting a masterpiece, but leave you with little clean up. Love them and they are so affordable!
:: BRACELET KIT
This is another one we just ordered mostly for Hayden. I love that it comes in a kit to keeps things organized. It has colored beads as well as letters so they can write their name or maybe a motivational phrase like “Be Happy”. So fun!
:: MAGFORMERS AND MAGNET BLOCKS
Theseare another thing we have loved for years. The quality is amazing and they really just let your kids imagination go wild. Everyone from Harper to Hunter enjoy playing around with them, and they will last you for years and years so they are worth the investment. These blocks are another favorite!
:: SPOT IT
Our family LOVES this game!! It is so simple and easy to learn so the younger kids catch on, but has a variety of versions you can play so it can still be competitive for the bigger kids and even Joe and I. It really gets your brain and reflex skills working which I love!!
:: MAGNET LETTERS + NUMBERS
I am all about toys + games that double as teaching methods. I just got this for Houston and he is loving spelling out different words on a cookie sheet with the magnets. We bought these printables for him to follow along with too.
:: PUZZLES
Houston has a new obsession with puzzlesso he has been all about those to keep him entertained. We love these big floor puzzles to switch things up, or all the varieties of the classic style.
:: PLAYDOH
You can never go wrong with kids and playdoh! Something fun to get the kids involved is to pick an object that everyone in the family has to make and see the fun varieties they come up with! You could even have a judge and prizes!
::PAINT BY STICKER
These are such a fun play on color by number for bigger kids. They have detailed drawings numbered out and then you place stickers on by color. Hayden is already loving it!
:: CRAFT PAPER + MARKERS
We love this tried and true classic. Something about having a giant roll of paper instead of your typical notebook or coloring book with markers makes it so much more fun. We love to roll this out outside or in the kitchen and just have a big coloring free for all. Some fun ideas I have seen is to draw out a city with roads and stores and then play with toy cars on them, or to trace your kids and let them decorate their faces and clothes.
:: SIDEWALK CHALK
If the weather is warm enough, take the drawing outside with sidewalk chalk! The same classic as paper and marker but they can switch it up and draw hopscotch or other fun games.
:: BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR TWEENS + TEENS
:: CARD GAMES
I am loving that my bigger kids are at the age that they are getting in to different card games that are fun for Joe and I too. We just ordered these two to add to our collection after great reviews from friends!
:: RUBIKS CUBE
Hudson loves doing these and is actually pretty amazing at it. I love that this set comes with some different shapes to give him even more of a challenge.
:: REFLEX BALL
Ok this looks like some kind of torture advice, but it is actually amazing for hand eye coordination. I promise your big kids will love it, especially if they are in to baseball or softball.
:: BRACELET KIT
I secretly want to do this kit myself too because I think these are so cute! You can totally customize them to your style and preference which is my favorite thing about them.
:: LETTERING BOOK
Another fun one for the bigger kids to have as they doodle is this lettering how to book!
:: STRING ART KIT
I don’t know about you guys but I think these string art designs are so awesome. I love that they are working on their coordination and fine motor skills and it something they can keep to display too.
:: KIDS COOKBOOK
I love getting in the kitchen with my kids to cook and bake!! Some of our favorite things to make are the Cake By Courtney cakes! We found this fun new recipe book for them to try out too!
:: BOP IT
Who doesn’t love this old classic game?! It brings out the crazy competitor in all of us!
:: RIPSTICK
This is a great way to get your kids outside and give them a challenge at the same time! So much fun!
:: SCRATCH ART BOOK
Another fun book kind of like the sticker by number above is this scratch art book. They start out looking like nothing and turn into some awesome designs.
:: CARD TRICK KIT
How fun does this look for your bigger kids?! Plus you could add magic show to your days schedule!
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Here are a few more free online options we are loving or are excited to try!
:: Art For Kids Hub
This is an AWESOME YouTube channelthat teaches kids how to draw so many different things. The end results are amazing but he really teaches them in such a cool way that it is simple for them to catch on and so much fun!
:: Rad + Happy
We LOVE our Rad + Happy Color Happy Subscription! It is only $5 and you can print the page as many times as you like. Each month comes with 3 pages, but she is adding a bunch of free extras to this months that starts today so sign up soon to snag that! I promise I love it just as much if not more than my kids! And you can gift it to people too via email! Such an awesome way to spread some sunshine without the physical contact.
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I hope these ideas help spread some light and sunshine into your homes and bring lots of family fun!! We love you guys so much and are so glad you are part of this community!
Is there anyone out there that actually gets excited about doing laundry? For most people it is one of those things we dread and try to put off, which only makes it worse!! Having a family of 7, laundry is an unavoidable pretty much daily task, and if I let it can get out of control. But as the kids get older, we are slowly figuring out a system that not only gets them involved, but helps me to stay on top of it too and not feel like I live in the laundry room! So today I’m sharing some of those little tips + tricks we use to help take away a little bit of your laundry day dread!
:: ONE STEP AT A TIME
When it comes to laundry, and most things, my mom really spoiled us growing up. We never did our own laundry, and some of us didn’t even know how until we got married and had to figure it out! Ha! While I don’t want that for my kids, I still haven’t fully handed over the reigns to them because I don’t want them to ruin their clothes. But that definitely doesn’t mean I haven’t started easing them into the job in steps. Not only do they learn better, but they aren’t overwhelmed with a new huge chore they don’t understand.
My biggest tip to getting your kids involved in laundry is to do it in steps. Start simple with the toddlers just helping move things from basket to washer or washer to dryer. Then move on to showing them how you separate whites from colors. For my bigger kids, they have started helping with stain removal from sports and things. I will spray the cleaner and they will help scrub. Folding or putting away are other steps they can ease into without making them do everything at once.
:: GIVE UP ON PERFECTION
As a mom of 5 littles, I have quickly learned if I want to teach them to contribute to household chores, I have to give up on my need for everything to be done exactly perfect like I would do it. Kids are kids and even trying their very best isn’t always going to result in your idea of how it should be done. But redoing it for them is only going to hurt their pride and give you double the work!
One of the biggest aspects I have tried to put this in to is putting clothes away. If you’ve seen our kids closet post, one of my tips is to utilize baskets. I want things to look clean and uniform in their closet but it just doesn’t always happen. Baskets give the clean look, but whats inside doesn’t have to look fancy. They are still separating and putting away their own laundry, but out of sight out of mind helps calm the mom anxiety.
The same goes for sorting their own clothes. It isn’t going to be perfect every time, but they are learning the responsibility and that is all that really matters. Patience is key in helping them contribute.
:: MAKE A SCHEDULE
My biggest tip to keep your laundry from taking over your life is to make a schedule. Just like you would appointments and family activities, having your laundry on a schedule keeps it from being something you are constantly doing. I know some people do it by room in the house, or by people groups, saving a specific day for towels and bedding. Find what works for you and try to stick to it so you aren’t getting overwhelmed with a mountain of clothes at the end of the week.
:: THE LAUNDRY ROOM IS FOR CLEANING
I know, you are thinking duh Kailee. But the Laundry room often becomes a giant pile of dirty stinky clothes and does not scream “clean place”. Nobody wants to think about doing laundry when that is what comes to mind. Keep the dirty clothes in their designated rooms until you are ready to do that specific load of laundry, instead of letting it all pile up in one place. On the same note, don’t let it become a habit to have your clean clothes pile up there. Think of the laundry as one task not separated into wash, dry, fold, put away. If you are going to do a load, try to commit to the full process!
I hope these little laundry tips + tricks help you get the whole family involved! And help you stay on top of a not so exciting task. If you have some great tips for tackling this chore, let me know in the comments over on Instagram!!
You guys, the Utah weather is finally giving us a tease of spring and I am crossing my fingers it will stay forever!! With spring in the air, we have been refreshing the kids wardrobe! I really try to stick with a minimalist approach when it comes to season stock ups, by picking pieces that can transition through the year and are classic timeless options. We have been loving the amazing deals and fun selection we have found at Walmart, so I wanted to share some of them with you today, + a few tips to help you narrow down the best options for your own spring update!
One of my biggest tips for both Spring and Fall fashion is to remember the layers!! Spring weather is kind of a tease, especially if you live somewhere like Northern Utah. We can have a sunny 65 degree day on Monday, and be driving in a blizzard on Tuesday. So I really try to take that into consideration when stocking up for Spring by picking layers. I love cute jumpsuits like this one or this one for Harper in the Summer but it can work great for Spring too with a denim jacket. Same goes for a little dress like this. Great to last her through summer, but can be paired with some leggings for Spring and Fall.
Another thing I really try to remember when stocking up for my kids is basics are best. Finding classic pieces like a good basic tee or denim shorts can work with a variety of outfits and dressed up or down. I love the versatility of those basic pieces. Walmart is an amazing place to stock up on the basics for such a steal. They often times have packaged t-shirt deals or multiple shorts for under $15. I love knowing that my littles look cute and comfortable for the new season, but I didn’t spend an arm and a leg so I’m not stressing over some wear and tear and actually letting them be kids!
So now that I’ve shared a few tips to remember when doing your shopping, let me show you some of my favorites!! From cute leopard sandals and jumpsuits for Harper to adorable button ups and shorts for Houston, I really love all their fun options!
I hope you find some fun spring staples for your littles that you love! But I wanna know, what is one thing you always stock up on in their wardrobe this season?
Are you more of a vacation always kind of person? Or do you prefer the staycation? I have ALWAYS been a vacation girl, until the last year or so. We have started adding in staycations and instantly fell in love! It is so fun to explore the place you live and take in some of the sights and sounds you normally miss in the rush of things. Plus who doesn’t love saving time, money, and sanity on traveling with your whole family!! Our favorite local spot to spend our staycation is definitely The Grand America! The perfect location + so many family friendly amenities! So today I thought I’d share 3 of the reasons why our family loves The Grand America, + what makes it the perfect spot for your Spring Break adventure!
:: FAMILY FRIENDLY SET UP
One of our very favorite things about The Grand America is how family friendly it is. You will notice it from the second you walk in. The lobby is connected right to so many fun things including a little toy store/gift shop the kids love to check out, as well as some yummy treats. The employees are all SO good with kids and make my little people feel so special.
When it comes to room options, this is probably hands down the thing we love most about the grand. If you have a bigger family, you know how difficult it can be to find a hotel room that works without spending an arm + a leg, or having to separate your family in to different rooms. The Grand America has this figured out. You are able to get connected suites that are PERFECT for families. We do the King Suite connected to the 2 Queen and it is giant!! It is like staying in a big condo all together, you aren’t down the hall from each other, but you still have the option of shutting the inner room doors for privacy too. We love that the closet/hall space is big as well to accommodate a pack n play if needed. So so nice for big families.
My whole family gets SO excited when they find out we are going to The Grand America because there are so many fun things to do. Hands down their favorite is the pools. They have both an indoor and outdoor pool, making it perfect for questionable spring break weather. Both are big and so nice/well taken care of. My little people would spend our entire stay there if we let them!
They also have a cute toy store and bakery type place on site as well. We love checking out the unique selection and of course stocking up on yummy treats like macaroons.
The spa is so dreamy. We usually don’t take advantage of all it has to offer with the kids in tow since its for adults, but if you can I highly recommend it! Maybe convince your hubby to take the kids to the pool while you escape for a massage and facial. It is very high end and a great quality service.
:: LOCATION
Location is a major perk when staying at The Grand America. It is within walking distance to amazing shopping at City Creek Center, and so many yummy restaurants and treat stops. We love that we don’t have to pack everyone up to go out to eat or to grab some ice cream, we can just take a quick walk together. We love that it is in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, but you feel totally secluded and private within the resort.
I hope this little review helps give you a little peek into why we have come to love and really look forward to our staycations. If you are looking for the perfect local spot for a Spring Break stay, check it out!!
Spring cleaning is in the air and you guys, I secretly LOVE it!!! There is just something about a clean + organized space that brings me so much JOY! Since this time of year is known for Spring Cleaning and getting everything refreshed in your home, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk all things CLOSETS!!! Do you dread cleaning out your closet or your kids closets? Well today I have 6 tips that will not only make it so much easier, but will make it last longer too! So whether you are tackling your kids closet or your own, check them out for some sanity savers!
:: TAKE EVERYTHING OUT
First things first, take EVERYTHING out of the closet! Yes every single thing. I know it seems like such a pain, but I promise you it is the key to really doing a thorough cleaning and not having to do it all over again in a month. Seeing the big open clean space is also pretty motivating to not fill it all back up with unnecessary items.
:: PICK YOUR FAVORITES FIRST
Now that you have everything out, go through and pick out your absolute favorites first. Those jeans that fit you just right. The top that is so easy to dress up or down. Or if it is your kids closet, maybe it is that outfit you find yourself constantly dressing them in. Find everything you 100% know you wear often (like once a week) and put it back in the closet.
:: ANALYZE THE REST
This is one of the trickier steps. You really have to put on your big girl pants for this and stick to your guns. For everything else you’ve taken out of the closet, I want you to analyze it. Ask yourself the Marie Kondo question, “does it bring me joy?”. When was the last time you wore it? Is it still in style? If its been a while since you’ve pulled it out, ditch it. “Fillers” that we tell ourselves to keep “just in case” are the biggest closet destroyers. If you haven’t worn it in the last month or so, chances are you probably won’t any time soon. Save the space for something you’ll love instead.
:: QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
When you are finalizing your choices, keep “quality over quantity” in mind. Instead of keeping 10 pairs of jeans you kind of like, pick your favorites that are the best quality and will last for years instead. Pick the highest quality basic tops and layering pieces, instead of having 6 black tees. We are trying to simplify so quality, timeless pieces is what you are looking for.
:: DON’T FORGET THE MAINTENANCE
Once you’ve cleaned and organized your closet and it is looking great, don’t forget the maintenance. A lot of people get in the mindset of “I just cleaned out a garbage bag worth of clothes, I need to go buy more.” Wrong!!! If you or your kids have sized out of something, then restock as needed. But always keep maintenance in mind. If you buy something new, take something old out. That will keep you from overloading the space again.
:: SEASONALLY SAVES SANITY
Last but not least is seasonally saves sanity when it comes to cleaning a closet. I know everyone gets all excited and motivated for Spring Cleaning, but a closet should be something you clean seasonally, especially for kids. By cleaning seasonally you know items they have grown out of, or are worn out and don’t need to hold a spot in the closet just to be thrown away later. It also gives you space and a fresh start to know what you do or do not need to shop for new that season.
I hope these little organizing tips and tricks help you tackle your closet with ease in this years spring cleaning! If you have some amazing spring cleaning hacks, I’d love to hear them!!
If you’ve been around here for a while, then you know I love a good sale! One of my favorites to watch for is the seasonal sales on Shopbop. Instead of just a big dump of clearance items, EVERYTHING on the site is 25% off. Which means you can find some great in season on trend pieces for a great deal!! But Shopbop’s site can be overwhelming with 1000’s of options in just about every category! So I went through and picked out my tried and true favorites, most of which I own and love, or am planning to get for myself during the sale, and have linked the very best for you below. Happy Shopping!!
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:: TOPS
From my go to Madewell Basic tee, to my absolute favorite brand of graphic tee’s and sweatshirts, you will find plenty of great tops to choose from! Remember use code SPRING for up to 25% off!
:: SWIMSUITS
Are always so hard to find. So I linked a bunch of my favorites I have or am wanting. Plus a few beach vacations must haves!!
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:: JEANS
Is there anything better than finding that pair of jeans that just fits you like a glove?! Part of the sale includes a few of my very favorite jeans! This style from Levi has been in my weekly rotation for YEARS and is still in amazing shape. And you cannot go wrong with a High Rise from Madewell! I am loving all the jean options. Same code SPRING for up to 25% off!
:: SHOES
A girl can never have too many shoes right?! From my new favorite Sorel boots to my favorite classic heel I’ve owned and loved for years, the shoe selection for the sale is pretty great too!
We’ve reached one of my absolute least favorite parts of parenting. The dreaded POTTY TRAINING stage. If the thought of it doesn’t send a chill through your spine, you probably haven’t experienced it. Haha!! Or you are wonder woman! You would think that I would be some kind of seasoned pro with Harper being my 5th, but it is no lie that every single kid is different and brings their own challenges when it comes to potty training. I reached out to you guys to share some of your best tips + tricks to getting through it, and we are (almost) officially there, so I thought it would be the perfect time to share my best potty training tips with you, as well as some of the top ones you shared!
:: TIMING MATTERS
My very first and absolute biggest tip for potty training your little one, is to remember timing matters. Like so so much. I promise your experience will be 100 times better if you are willing to wait until they are ready. The times I was willing to do that were the times that we got it done quick and they caught on the fastest. And remember by timing, we are talking your childs own personal timing, not what is “expected” of you by the books or friends/family. There is no rush. Hudson basically potty trained himself at 18 months, and Harper + Houston have been a little after 3. So make sure your focus is on your child’s readiness and not comparing to someone else.
:: PREPARE THEM BEFORE YOU START
Just like adults, kids like to know what to expect before starting something new. Potty Training is no different, and if we keep everything hush hush, it makes it a scary experience. Talk about the process before hand. Let them be involved in picking out their training seat, new undies, and prizes. Let them watch you go to the bathroom or see that their older siblings wear undies. Making it familiar to them and helping them to realize it is normal and not scary for people they know helps make it a smoother process and something they actually look forward to.
:: BE COMMITTED
When you are ready to dive in to potty training, prepare yourself too. You need to be all in, or they aren’t going to be. Pick a time that you are able to stay home and really focus on it with little distractions. Set aside a good 3-4 days where you can be home, and consistently setting a timer every 30 minutes reminding them to go so they get the hang of it. If you try and do it right before a vacation or busy time in your life, you are going to find yourself reteaching them repeatedly. Part of being committed means being prepared as the teacher too. Have washable/disposable mats around the house in the areas you are going to spend your time. Load your fridge with lots to drink, and stock up on treats to help encourage them. Focusing hard on those few days will be SO worth it in the long run.
:: KEEP IT POSITIVE
As hard as it can be when you are literally surrounded by the accidents, keep it positive!!! This is a huge change for your kids and they aren’t going to get it the first day. For some maybe not even the 10th day. But it is SO IMPORTANT to keep it POSITIVE. If you associate being in trouble or bad behavior with them having an accident when they are still learning, they in turn are going to associate fear with it and not want to try. So do your best to stay positive.
Along that same note, PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE!! I cannot stress this one enough. Put yourself in their shoes trying something new. You are much more confident and motivated if someone is right there encouraging you and rewarding you for doing your best and making progress. I give Harper a treat (think small like a few m+m’s or skittles) every time she goes potty, a bigger prize for number 2, and then we have a goal prize that she picked out that she gets when she goes a certain amount of days with no accidents.
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Those are my tried + true tips, but again remember, every child is going to be different. So I asked you guys for some of your best potty training tips and these are the ones I loved the most!
** 3-3-3: For 3 days in a row, put your child on the potty every 30 minutes, even if they say they don’t have to go. If they don’t have the hang of it by day 3, try again in 3 months.
** Buy them a new sippy cup they are excited about using so they want to drink lots and lots of water during your training.
**Skip diaper like training pants. They are too similar to diapers and just add another step when you switch to undies.
**Put the ball in their court. Toddlers love to show how “big” and “independent” they are, so ask them to remind you to take them potty every 30 minutes (even though you are still watching the clock). Making it seem like they are in charge gets them really excited about it.
**Buy yourself treats and drinks to get through it too! Haha!! You deserve it!
I hope these tips + tricks help you (and me) survive potty training!! If you have any other great suggestions, leave them in the comments over on my Instagram Post so everyone can see and we can add them to the post!
