Category: about me

about me

Homeschool Parent Teacher Gifts

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Hey Loves!

So, I felt I needed to follow up my previous post with one for the homeschool parents. 

Listen, while I know the position we have to choose to teach our kids from our home or wherever is a privilege, that privilege doesn’t detract the mental and physical work that you put in. It most certainly does not detract from you deserving to been and shown gratitude. 

Thus, I’ve compiled a short list of gifts that I feel are an investment in you and will enhance your ability to wear the five million hats per day that you do, every day. 

Spa Day- I know, I know. You do your own manicures, pedicures, eye brows and whatever else in the few minutes you can a day. Maybe go get an actual manicure, invest in the at-home gel set you’ve been wanting, buy some skin care. The point here is to invest time in your body that is just for you. 

Books- I am incredibly guilty of spending an insane amount of money on books for my kids but will wait 12-16 weeks for a book for me from the library. Sad, I know. I know I’m not the only one. I’m legit considering finally getting an audible membership. It is so hard for me to commit to spending that on me per month for books!!!! But I loooove them!

Teacher supplies- I mean, you desce your own pens, scissors, journal, notebook…

Hydration station- this is personal for me as I need a travel coffee tumble and a new water bottle. I’ve needed them for a while and have yet to invest in me for the two things I look forward to every day-coffee and water (most times in that order.)

So, the best gift to you is to invest in you and then make investing in you a habit. 

Until next time

about me

Summer Reads for Parents for Any Mood

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Hey Loves!

Summer is in full swing and I live by a good book anytime of year, but there is something about summer that makes reading incredibly nostalgic. Here’s a few book ideas for whatever you are in the mood for!

Romance: Alisha Rai’s modern romance series was a 3-book series I finished in a couple of days! I loved how the author discussed other issues like harassment, anxiety and grief while providing steamy romance with some relatable laughs. 

Self Improvement: The Lazy Genius Way is worth gold. Legit. The book 13 amazing principles that will really help you enjoy this thing called life. 

Parenting:  Adventuring Together by Greta Eskrudge honestly changed so much of the things my kids and I experience together. It’s has helped shed fear and shame and allow us to embrace adventures in all sizes. 

Faith: Try Softer by Aundi Kolber is really good for anyone who has experienced or knows someone who has experienced anxiety and/or trauma. The clinical knowledge and biblical truth combine to give the reader a fresh approach and sweet joy!

You can find all these books here! Hope the recommendations make it to a book shelf near you!

about me

MomCation- The Worship

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Hey Loves!

If you are new here, you should know I am fully in love with Jesus. So in love that I knew this time needed to involve sweet communion and fellowship with Jesus.

I worshiped. Not just Listening to some songs to get  through but  legit marveling at all of the love, grace, blessings and provision.

I prayed. Well, I guess it was more like non stop talking about all the things but it was faith restoring.

I reviewed sermon notes. That sounds kinda shallow but I take a lot of notes and the goal is to absorb and apply. I was missing that last step quite often.

This time also allowed for meditation on our homeschool word and verse for the current and for next year. This girl is excited for what God is doing!

about me

MomCation-The Work

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Hey Loves!

So, I would love to tell you this time was spent pool lounging and at the spa but, le sigh, work must be done. You would think working would be the antithesis of vacation but, in this case at least, the mental freedom paired with an empty “to do” list made for an amazing working experience.

The mental clarity allowed me to see the proverbial Forrest and not just one tree. I could plan out blogs for the next quarter, review my goals and essentially pivot. 

However, I still had to go slow and not get sucked into getting it all done to maintain the refilling. 

So, I wrote a ton of blogs, happy reading.

I edited some videos. Happy watching.

I shot and edited lots of self shots for content.

I also created my media kit and worked on a brand partnership.

Was it everything I wanted to get done? No. Am I pleased with the way I balanced work and rest? Yes. Very.

about me

MomCation-The Sights

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Hey Loves!

Just so we are clear, before I even begin this blog, I understand the incredible privilege I have to have been able to enjoy and share this experience. I do not take this for granted and I totally understand if even reading this series is too much for you right now.

So, I was burnt out. I don’t know the term for this level of exhaustion but it was stirring up some serious anger. I needed a full entire break. So, I took one. 

I chose a location that was stateside but still touristy and where friends or family wouldn’t be vying for my time. It sounds selfish but I did not have the capacity for meet-ups.

Here’s the problem with choosing a touristy location-There is so much to do and see and experience! I needed this to be a refilling experience so I had to decide immediately that I might do 1 tourist attraction. I gave myself permission to not to do anything more and be ok with that.

This was actually difficult as I typically do the most when traveling. I want to see, do, and experience it all. That’s not what mattered most. I made the mental adjustment. 

It just so happened my lodging was in the most touristy part of this city so just walking to eateries and shops, I could experience culture, history and architecture.

That was enough for me. This isn’t a “how to see the sights” blog, it is more of a “how to not be overwhelmed by the sites” and honor what matters most. 

about me

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 Hey Loves!

If you haven’t heard, I flew myself out with some vouchers and took a much needed MomCation. Just me. Not a girls trip, not a family trip, not a BaeCation-just me and, y’all! If you haven’t done this, I invite you to do so. 

Let’s get to the purpose of this blog and discuss what matters, the food!

Do you have any idea how freeing it is to choose a place to eat based solely on what you want? If you can imagine that you can also imagine how overwhelming it was considering I never know what I want to eat in my own city.

So, I decided once- I was going to eat locally, no chain restaurants. Then, I narrowed it down to mostly walking distance as my hotel was in a touristy area and there were lots to choose from. Then I used my resources (Google Maps) and simply chose places that were in the above parameters and saved them. This prevented overwhelm and provided a great experience.

If you know me, you should know I typically eat pretty clean and intermittent fast regularly. That did not apply on this trip. I did not “eat to live ” I ate what I wanted, when I wanted because I could. That didn’t mean my IG tract was pleased though so I made sure to bring and take my probiotics.

I also enjoyed a nice beverage with every meal. Again, the same rules applied.

Most importantly, I savored each bite. I ate slowly. I took my sweet time and I delighted in the peace of not hurrying. Say it with with me, YUMMY!!

about me

12 Days of Gifting-Ideas for Everyone In Your Life: Mom Stocking Stuffers

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My dearest Loves,

We made it! Can you hear the bells ringing? Day 12 is here and I love that I am ending this series with my people-my biggest supporters, best friends and target audience, MAMAS. Whether you fill your own stocking or wake up to it filled, here are some ideas you can buy or ask Santa for.

  1. Spa Treatment- CAN NOT GO WRONG! anything from a manicure to a massage without kids will suffice.
  2. Quality Pens/Stationery- I feel like this is a staple.
  3. Devotional- Again, a staple for me but you will have to do some research here Not all are created equal. This one is everything.
  4. New book or Audiobook- Because moms deserve it. Also, I am famous for pre-ordering or spending $20 on a book for my kids but will go without or wait 7-14 weeks for the library loan to be available for a book I want.
  5. Personalized necklace- Her name, monogram, initial, kids’ names, mama- they all work!
  6. Kindle unlimited gift card- One month, three months, 40 months-again, mama deserves it.
about me

All About Wonder Crate Jr.

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Hey Loves!

I am back with another great review for you. Again, while this product, Wonder Crate Jr., was a complimentary received product, the views and thoughts below are all of my own. (Read: I am not here to lie to you!)

OK, here’s the thing, I have been burned several times with subscription kits. That’s the short-end and honestly me telling you all of the details would take far too much time that neither of us have. Just know I was incredibly skeptical about this product.

That means you get a very thorough review. Starting with the customer service and the shipping. I mean, I kind of feel like all companies should provide quality customer service, however Wonder Crate goes above and beyond. I was honestly impressed. Their shipping was very fast and my package was not damaged. If you know anything about USPS you know that is highly unlikely. 

Next the packaging – So part of the reason that I have been burned on subscription crates in the past is because I physically have had to do way too much for a subscription crate that was supposed to be for my children. I just don’t feel like they should require 90% of parent involvement and direction. So, I opened this box fully expecting that. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

For those of you not familiar with Wonder Crate, they are a kid-based subscription that focus on inspiring change-makers from Civil Rights leaders to Artists and allow kids to learn about them through engaging hands-on learning like completing a couple of quality crafts and a book relating to the said person’s life. The box we received was all about Frida Kahlo and I don’t know why this worked out so well for us, but she is the next artist we’re going to be studying. (Note, I planned this in May of 2021. I didn’t change plans based on this box.) 

Per their website, each box comes with a biography book, hands-on activities, parent guide and reusable tote in the first box. “Wonder Crate Jr. introduces kids ages 5-7 to inspirational role models, sparks curiosity and connects them to their own possibilities. Possible role models include: Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, Alan Turing, Greta Thunberg, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall, and MLK Jr.

I also love that this product was created by a mom who felt defeated after the 2016 Election and turned her pain into passion to make change in the next generation.

I personally am thrilled about this and plan on adding to Christmas and birthday wishlists. You can find out more and purchase it here. Check out what my fellow Melanted Gold Squad Review Member thought about Wonder Crate Jr. here.