Homemade Hot Cocoa on the Stove Top
A hot cocoa recipe worth the effort of a three minute stove top stir, I promise! This is our go to for those cold winter days when the kids want something to do… and something sweet to eat! Whipping up a fresh batch of homemade hot cocoa is a regular request in our home, and I’m not complaining about it! Made with everything you already have in your pantry, you won’t find any fancy random ingredients required in this homemade hot cocoa. Rich. Decadent. Sweet. Delicious. Creamy. And OH SO GOOD. Hot Cocoa Nostalgia, party of two. I previously shared this homemade hot cocoa recipe on my Instagram page when…
Tips For Toy Storage and Independent Play Time
Plus, how toy rotation can benefit your home, too! Does your child get easily overwhelmed in their toy space? Is tidying up after playtime always like pulling teeth? Do you walk into their toy storage and feel overwhelmed as the caretaker? Then your home could benefit from some toy storage and rotation! Simplifying toys will get you far when it comes to organizing your home. But even after decreasing the quantity of toys, organizing and displaying them in an inviting way will set your child up for success and encourage independent play! Tips For Toy Storage + Improved Independent Play Time Today I’m going to walk you through a quick…
Going Simple: Toy Organization and Decluttering
Week Four of The Going Simple Challenge, we declutter + toy organization. Plus a FREE Printable to get you started! Week four, TOYS! One of the most impactful weeks for a home with children. When we first decided to go simpler in our home, we were overrun with toys. Decluttering toys that had become unwanted and outgrown, and establishing functional toy organization are two great ways we will bring more peace (and joy!) into our home this week. Decluttering toys and improving toy organization benefits our kids most. Too many toys can be very overwhelming for a child. Does your child get easily overwhelmed in their toy space? Is tidying…
Encourage Independence in Kids with Daily Rhythms
including this free printable pack! When I first started out parenting, I always told myself I’d never be that parent that hangs little charts up (and you know how I feel about those ‘nevers’). It seemed too formal and forced. But once I realized my child was craving independence around two, I realized maybe those charts weren’t so bad after all. In our home we introduced a simple morning and evening routine by placing visual charts up in our daughters’ room. By giving them an easy reminder of the steps they could take on their own, we saw them bloom in independence. They know what was expected of them, and we get to relax…
Simplify the joys of motherhood: Ditch the guilt with One Good Mom Thing
In early motherhood I was so stumped how other mom’s were doing it. How they were happy and thriving. I often felt so lost in how to actually connect with them, without feeling like a failure. I didn’t connect with my kids on anything because I was so overwhelmed with the thought of doing everything. As they got older I grew more comfortable in my mom shoes (figuratively, and literally, I’m lookin at you, sensible loafers with arch support 😉 ). Because I felt the need to love ALL of motherhood, I was missing out on finding joy in the parts I actually did like! It is okay to not…
Simple Morning + Evening Rhythms for Kids
With a free printable to get you started! When I first started out parenting, I always told myself I’d never be that parent that hangs little charts up (and you know how I feel about those ‘nevers’). It seemed too formal and forced. But once I realized my child was craving independence around two, I realized maybe those charts weren’t so bad after all. In our home we introduced a simple morning and evening routine by placing visual charts up in our daughters’ room. By giving them an easy reminder of the steps they could take on their own, we saw them bloom in independence. They know what was expected…
How to Handle Hand Me Down’s and Gifts with Care
Isn’t it funny how someone’s generosity can leave us feeling overwhelmed? On our path toward Going Simple, one of the hardest hurdles to jump can be handling new things as they enter our home. Some of the links in the post are a part of the Amazon and Target Affiliates Program. This means I get a small percentage back from from any potential purchase. Thank you for your support, and for reading my blog! For more info, please visit my disclosure policies here. When we are trying to cut out excess, its easy to become reactive toward anyone trying to continue to add more in to our lives and homes. I…
PARENTING :: Morning Rhythms + Self Care
I love Love LOVED sharing my morning rhythms with you guys last year (find my Instagram story highlight here!). And I think I LOVED even more how many of you have since downloaded and used the printable! And I’m even more excited to talk all things self care during this week’s #simplifyyourlife challenge! Disclaimer!!! Before we jump into the chat of all things morning rhythm success + self care… This is a rhythm (not routine) of how I try to run my mornings. Key word TRY. Things happen. Life happens. Husbands happen. Kids happen. So remind yourself this when going about your day. Give yourself GRACE + SPACE to achieve…
Backpack Programs of Wisconsin
In the coming weeks, I want to encourage you to support community over self. I want to see us be the best, BEST version of ourselves. One way we can do that is by supporting our local food banks. Making sure the bellies of the children in our community are full. Here are some of the food banks in Wisconsin that support Backpack Programs. Backpack Programs ensure children go home with groceries during weekends and extended school breaks. Support your community Backpack Program. It can be as simple as a monetary donation. Click your community’s program link below to find the donate button. If you are in need of food…
Screen Time Resources
Upon much request, here are some resources, articles and research you can share with friends and family in terms of the effects of screen time on our youth! Current Screen Time Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics: For children under 18 months old, no screen time. For children 18 to 24 months old, parents should choose only high-quality media and watch it with their child. For children 2 to 5 years old, less than one hour per day of high-quality programming is recommended, with parents watching along. Articles, Research & Resources Screen Time and the Brain – Harvard Medical School Children and Media Tips – American Academy of Pediatrics Media…
