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February Favorites 2024 for Moms

Jordan N. — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:47:32 +0000

Spread the Love1 1ShareHello to all the multitasking mamas out there! February is charming as we embrace the last whisper of winter and anticipate the gentle nudge of spring. And what better way to celebrate February than by indulging in some seasonal favorites for moms? Whether it’s cozy reads, comforting meals, or self-care must-haves, this month has myriad treasures for you to discover. So, let’s dive into our “February Favorites” — your go-to list for reviving the joys in mom life! This post contains affiliate links, and I may get a commission from qualifying purchases using the product links. Thank you for your support. Affiliate Disclosure 1. Favorite Books for Moms Take a little time for yourself and curl up with a good book. Lose yourself in the pages of these thoughtful and inspiring reads, perfect for a mom’s well-deserved break: 2. Favorite Self-Care Products for Moms Because self-care isn’t selfish, moms, treat yourself to these pampering delights as February favorites: 3. Favorite Valentine’s Day Recipes Nothing beats a sit-down dinner at home. There is no need to book a space ahead of time, and culinary skills don’t have to be divine. Pick a recipe and get cooking together, or surprise your loved ones. Posts You May Like: 25 Wellness Gifts for Moms 30 Emotional Self-care Tips for You Affirmations for Moms 4. Favorite February Activities for Kids Keep those little hands busy and minds active with activities that are both fun and educational: 5. Favorite Valentine’s Day Ideas Don’t forget to nurture your relationship and make time for some romantic moments together: Wrapping it All up! There you have it, dear moms — a February favorites list created with you in mind. This month, find solace in the pages of a book, warmth in a meal shared with loved ones, laughter in your children’s play, calm in your self-care rituals, and reconnecting ideas with your significant other. What will be your favorite this February? Explore these suggestions and carve out some precious moments of joy! Spread the Love1 1Share

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Mindfulness for Mothers

Jordan N. — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 20:13:59 +0000

Spread the Love5 5SharesAre you trying to find a way to slow down the rushing and pulling of your mothering days? As a busy mother, you rarely have time for quiet time. However, practicing mindfulness for mothers is a simple way to reduce the daily rush and busyness. As mothers, we are prone to multitasking to keep the household going. We keep track of all the happenings in our busy homes. Our minds run as fast as 100 miles per hour and don’t even include the subconscious list that goes on. We may even ignore our needs for clarity and space as long as everyone’s alright. We face several demands of motherhood every single day. True, we don’t back down – we keep pushing forward. I experienced these days in my life and didn’t think mindfulness could be vital in helping me. But, as I delved into mindfulness as part of my self-care practice, I’ve learned much more and what it has brought into my life. I am more open to just being – facing each moment and choosing what I’m taking in. Letting go of any worries and realizing all I needed was to be still and mindful. As a result, I have released the things that clog my mind. Mindfulness is an effective way for mothers to deal with the challenges of motherhood. It can help you focus on the present moment and stay calm in difficult situations. When you need to collect yourself, mindfulness comes in. In addition, mindfulness can provide that when you seek silence and mental clarity. Why is mindfulness beneficial for mothers? There are many benefits to mindfulness that can be helpful for mothers. Mindfulness lets you focus on the present moment instead of letting your thoughts wander. It doesn’t place judgment on what you are experiencing or feeling. As a result, mothers can better handle whatever challenges come their way. Mindfulness can also help to improve communication with your children. You are more responsive and feel connected with them. Also, mindfulness can help you be more present with your children and give you better insight. You are more attuned to the home environment where your children thrive. You’ll notice more details in your everyday life as you go about your day. You might even find time to enjoy what you see. But unfortunately, our lives had become a scramble as we all went through the Covid-19 Pandemic. And now, we can begin to reset. As we adjusted to the things we took for granted, we became more aware of everything. In addition, mindfulness has been studied to regulate your body and mind. Both are linked, so when one is out of balance, the other will likely be. Mindfulness can help calm an overactive mind and body, helping you feel more centered. These benefits show that mindfulness can be your great ally as a mother. More on mindfulness at work for moms Here are some other advantages of mindfulness practice which you can appreciate. How can one start with mindfulness? 1. You can practice mindfulness in many ways, and finding a form that works for you is essential. You can try out different mindfulness methods. Popular methods for mindfulness: 2. When practicing mindfulness, it is essential to be patient with yourself. It is a process that takes time to learn and cultivate. As a result, there will be days when you need help concentrating or getting going in your chosen space. 3. There are many ways to do things regarding mindfulness. However, be patient and consistent in your practice; you will see the benefits in your daily life. 4. Set aside time during the day to get yourself centered and begin your mindfulness practice. 5. Take your time with your mindfulness sessions. Giving yourself enough time to focus and be in the moment is helpful. Start slowly to get familiar with how each exercise affects you. 6. If you prefer quiet practice, create space if you are easily distracted from your surroundings. For example, it may be simply closing the door of a room or stepping out for a moment. 7. Ask yourself — what you currently need at this moment. Clarity? Release? Silence? Focus on moving forward with your need. 8. Check in with yourself: What is happening right now? What is happening around me? What is happening inside my body? Why this feeling? 9. Slow down. Mindfulness moments can be simple. However, it is challenging to do that when children are involved. Take every opportunity. RELATED POSTS: 30 Emotional Self-Care Ideas for You: Tend to Your Emotional Well-Being Journaling for Wellness: Easy Steps To Start Affirmations for Moms as Self-Care Practice Specific Mindfulness Exercises you can try: What do studies say about mindfulness? You can read more on mindfulness in more in-depth. However, the benefits mindfulness has brought to the table weigh significantly regarding your overall health. How has mindfulness helped me? I have been reluctant to do mindfulness at first. I never even thought that this method could work on my mental health. However, it was worth stepping into, and I am grateful I gave it a chance. Yes, I acknowledge everyone is different, but who knows if you give it a try. Now, I’m more on practicing mindfulness with meditation to clear my thoughts during bedtime and to help me sleep. It takes repetitiveness to see results. It takes commitment from myself and being consistent about it. Check out Great Meditation from youtube is a good one to start with. The daily grind of motherhood is hard, and mindfulness has helped counter any challenges I face. Wrapping up Mindfulness For Mothers So, what’s a busy mom to do? Thankfully, we have plenty of mindfulness methods to choose from. However, it is crucial to find one that works for you and stick with it. We’ve explored the basics of mindfulness for mothers and how it can profoundly enhance your life as a busy parent. It’s not always easy, but with focus and practice, you can make it a daily activity that will give you a greater sense of balance, clarity, productivity, and more. In addition, regular mindfulness practice brings greater peace, which helps to provide joy and nourishment to those around you too. So if you’re feeling the call to pursue mindfulness as a mom—to honor yourself by making time for this small practice — trust that it is worth every second of your effort! If you’re looking for help starting or feeling stuck in the process, consider tapping into helpful resources like meditation classes held at local studios, mom networks built around calming moments together, or personal coaches who specialize in mindful living. Taking control of our reality as moms begins within us—consistency is key! You’ve got this—so take a step towards success and growth through mindful living for moms! In time, mindfulness will become second nature; you can use it as a self-care practice even when life gets hectic. So, what method of mindfulness do you plan on trying first? Has practicing mindfulness improved your busy mom life? Please share in the comments. Spread the Love5 5Shares

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New Mothers Quotes To Support You Through This Life-Changing Experience

Jordan N. — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 19:13:31 +0000

Spread the Love6 6Shares New motherhood is full of surprises. Besides the good, there are also the bad and the ugly. But through it all, there’s one thing that every new mom needs: rock-solid support. So we’ve gathered some of our favorite new mothers quotes to help you get through those first few months (and beyond). From the hilarious to the relatable, these quotes capture everything about this fantastic—and crazy—journey. The journey is both beautiful and challenging. There are so many things to learn as a new mom and discover through every moment. It can sometimes feel daunting, but it is also an extraordinary time for you. And yes, becoming a new mother can be an overwhelming experience. And it is only natural for new moms to feel lost and unsure of what to do. Many new mothers worry that these feelings of uncertainty are signs that they are not doing the right thing. However, it is essential to remember that these times are part of the adjustment process, and all new mothers go through them. Please take a moment and take it all in slowly. Finding your feet as a new mom takes time; each day with your little one will bring discoveries and new challenges. Challenges provide unique learning opportunities – look at each as an opportunity to grow in confidence and discover more of what you can achieve. With every success, you will gain understanding and eventually conquer the mommy puzzle piece by piece! Here are some quotes for new mothers that may open up hidden feelings, give some needed laughs, and all in between. NEW MOTHERS QUOTES FOR YOU Birth “Birth is the epicenter of women’s power.” – Ani DiFranco “Birthing is the most profound initiation to spirituality a woman can have.” – Robin Lim “In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves.”– Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn “Birth matters. It brings us into being, on many levels.” – Ananda Lowe “Birth takes a woman’s deepest fears about herself and show her that she is stronger than them.” – Unknown “A miracle is really the only way to describe motherhood and giving birth. It’s unbelievable how God has made us women and babies to endure and be able to do so much. A miracle, indeed. Such an incredible blessing.” – Jennie Finch Recovery “Just as there is no warning for childbirth, there is no preparation for the sight of a first child. There should be a song for women to sing at this moment, or a prayer to recite. But perhaps there is none because there are no words strong enough to name that moment.” – Anita Diamant “There is nothing like a newborn baby to renew your spirit and to buttress your resolve to make the world a better place.” – Virginia Kelley “A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” —Eda J. Le Shan “I begin to love this little creature, and to anticipate his birth as a fresh twist to a know which I do not wish to unite.” – Mary Wollstonecraft “There will be so many times you feel like you’ve failed. But in the eyes, heart and mind of your child, you are super mom.” –Stephanie Precourt “Postpartum is a quest back to yourself. Alone in your body again. You will never be the same, you are stronger than you were.” –Amethyst Joy “When the baby is born, all that pain (that was endured) vanishes in an instant. Love for that tiny baby makes one forget the pain, the fear.” – Hope Bradford Emotions “A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.” – Princess Diana “The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will find forgiveness.” – Honore de Balzac “Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically coaxed, or happened by surprise, one thing is certain – your life will never be the same.” – Catherine Jones “A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside; when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.” – Unknown “Nothing compares to becoming aware of the massive face of the universe hidden in a newborn’s stare.” – Curtis Tyrone Jones “A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day you die.” – Mary Mason Love “Love as powerful as your mother’s leaves its own mark…To have been loved so deeply… Will give us some protection forever.” – J.K. Rowling “We are born of love; love is our mother.” – Rumi “Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were here, I would die for you. This is the miracle of Mother’s love.” – Maureen Hawkins “Making the decision to have a child — it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” – Elizabeth Stone “A baby is born with a need to be loved—and never outgrows it.” — Frank A. Clark “I don’t remember who said this, but there really are places in the heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child.” – Anne Lamott “No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you’re the only one who knows the sound of my heart from the inside.”- Kristen Proby “Loving a baby is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop. The more you give the more you get and the more you get the more you feel like giving.” – Penelope Leach Related Posts: 21 Most Inspiring Motherhood Quotes Every Mom Needs to Hear First-Time Mom? The Honest, Raw, and Obvious Truth Ways to Boost Your Confidence as a Mom in Nine Simple Actions Challenges “To all mothers in every circumstance, including those who struggle, I say, ‘Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are.'” – Jeffrey R. Holland “Being a mother is the highest paid job in the world. Since the payment is in pure love.” – Amina Sambo “The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children” – Jessica Lange “You’re always going to wonder if you’re doing things wrong, but that’s what it means to be a mom, to care so much about someone else that you just want to be as perfect as possible.” – Naya Rivera “There are hard days in motherhood, but looking at your baby sleeping reminds you why it’s all worth it.” – Kara Ferwerda “Having kids – the responsibility of rearing good, kind, ethical, responsible human beings – is the biggest job anyone can embark on.” – Maria Shriver “Whilst challenging, you will find caring for your baby one of the best experiences of your life.” – Gina Ford Strength “Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.” – Barbara Kingsolver “Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.”- Linda Wooten “Becoming a mother makes you realize you can do almost anything one-handed.” – Unknown “I like to think of motherhood as a great big adventure. You set off on a journey, you don’t really know how to navigate things, and you don’t exactly know where you’re going or how you’re going to get there.” – Cynthia Rowley “In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves.”– Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn Lessons “When we encourage new parents to ‘treasure these moments because they don’t last forever,’ we need to remember to also reassure them that they will survive these moments because they don’t last forever.” – L.R. Knost “Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.” – Margan Harper Nichols “Everything has changed, and yet, I’m more me than I’ve ever been.” – Iain Thomas “Be patient with yourself. You and your baby are both learning new things each day.” – Unknown “You never understand life until it grows inside of you.” – Sandra C. Kassis “Don’t stand unmoving outside the door of a crying baby whose only desire is to touch you. Go to your baby. Go to your baby a million times. Demonstrate that people can be trusted, that the environment can be trusted, that we live in a benign universe.” – Peggy O’Mara “While we try to teach our children all about life, they teach us what life is all about.” – Angela Schwindt “Your most valuable parenting skill is learning to manage yourself first.” – Dr. Laura Markham Journey “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” – Maya Angelou “You’ll learn to lower your expectations about what you can accomplish in a day. Some days, it will be all you can do to keep a baby safe, warm, and fed, and that will be enough.” – Unknown “Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be.” – Carrie Fisher “A mother is always the beginning. She is how things begin.” – Amy Tan “Parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about, but the hardest thing in the world to do.” – Matt Walsh “All those cliches, those things you hear about having a baby and motherhood –– all of them are true.” – Penelope Cruz Humor “Motherhood: The only place you can experience Heaven and Hell at the same time.” – Unknown “I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.” – Phyllis Diller “People who say they sleep like a baby usually don’t have one.” – Leo J. Burke “Ah, babies! They’re more than just adorable little creatures on whom you can blame your farts.” – Tina Fey “I don’t want to sleep like a baby. I want to sleep like my husband.” – Nicole Fornabaio “Becoming a mom to me means you have accepted that for the next 16 years of your life, you will have a sticky purse.” – Nia Vardalos “Sleep is like the unicorn—it is rumored to exist, but I doubt I will see any.” – Unknown Beautiful Quotes for New Mothers New mothers have a particular time of adjusting to their new roles. Feeling clueless sometimes is normal, yet it also empowers you when overcoming a mom hurdle. As you embark on this motherhood journey, take a pocketful of quotes regarding new mothers. How you walk your path is unique to you alone. Growing and learning become your new way of life. Understandably, new mothers may feel out of their league when having a rough day. Learning new roles on the spot and managing new stress and anxiety levels can be challenging, especially when it seemingly doesn’t end. Knowing this is only temporary can provide new mothers with comfort as they bravely journey through motherhood. Although these rough days will undoubtedly test your limits, take heart in knowing that eventually, you’ll find new success and skill in each new challenge you face, growing stronger by the day. So if things seem too overwhelming today, remember to reach out for support, keep breathing and stay determined– things will get easier! We hope this post inspired, encouraged, and made you laugh and feel better. Please share this post or PIN it for later. Thank you. Spread the Love6 6Shares

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Simplify To Ditch Holiday Stress

Jordan N. — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 23:31:57 +0000

Spread the Love3 3Shares Holidays can be stressful for some people. Who can resist the hustle and bustles of the December festivities? But what if you can do something to lessen the stress of this beautiful season? Would you leap to simplify and ditch holiday stress? With over-the-top gift-giving expectations, endless shopping errands, and chaotic family gatherings–holiday stress can accumulate quickly. This season, simplify your holiday prep and permit yourself to let go of unnecessary stress by trying viable strategies that will save you time and energy. Impact of Simplifying During the Holiday This post is primarily written for moms who want to minimize stress during this time of the year. You may think I’d instead do more than be bland, and it’s not about that. When you simplify things, you already know and feel a breath of relief thinking of a holiday to-do list cut down to a minimum. You regain control of the household or free up calendar days to relax. You may find more time for a couple of nights in because you don’t have to go anywhere. The core of reconnecting with the people most important to us becomes the center point of celebrating the holidays. Come Back to Enjoying The Holiday Thinking about the holidays, moms tend to cringe over the preparations. Let’s turn it around, shall we? Let’s get in the holiday spirit without breaking our backs and dragging our heels around town. Getting stressed over this time is expected. No one says you can’t be stressed or feel it down to your bones. But let’s focus on how to enjoy the holiday without adding to our already stressed-out mom life. Beautiful moments are out there for grabs without overcomplicating things. Ten Ways to Simplify The Holiday and Ditch the Stress Stop overbooking yourself. Prioritize. Ask yourself if this is worth your energy and time. Skip a Christmas event? Do you get joy in doing more and more activities for the sake of holidays? Pick the top activities you want to partake in with your family and stick to them. When overbooking the December calendar, the power to intentionally reconnect might not happen. Instead, you or your family end up drained and stressed out for being everywhere instead of lavishing these times on three or four great holiday activities. Order what you need 1-2 months prior. If you think your menu will be the same for the Holidays, you already know what to get. But on perishables, this isn’t the number to read. I’m talking about food ingredients that you can store. So you don’t go out last-minute shopping when holidays can extend check-out lines. Also, what about presents? Now we’re digging deeper into getting ready for what to buy for kids if you plan on multiple presents under the tree. Order the gifts ahead of time; most likely, your kids had been hounding you about it five months ago. Waiting until the last minute might cost you more, such as hiked-up prices and shipping costs; worse, the item might be available later. Nothing like a good sale on an item when you can get them in the summertime for December presents if that’s you go for it. Plan accordingly and get ahead of the game. Say no to frazzled gift shopping. Use ready to put together meals. If you don’t have time to make food from scratch, by all means, don’t. However, don’t open that can if it makes your stress level skyrocket. You can buy already pre-planned, pre-packed ready-to-cook items for holiday dinner. You can even order your food from your local stores or even the neighbor down the street whose food advertising her service. Christmas cookies? Making them down to the last details from scratch is fun with the kids. However, it’s still fun to get them ready to bake cookie dough and go all out on decorating those cookies with them. Instead of making five different Christmas cookies, ditch the stress, and you may have to cut down on one or two to simplify the holiday baking. Stay focused on what you can accomplish and enjoy holiday cooking/baking time. Say no to clutter. Cut down on Decor. Is it time to clean and declutter again? Maybe or not. Once you decide on your theme for the Christmas Decor, you may purge out your Christmas boxes full of decorations from the past holidays. I’m all for saving decorations if I know I’ll use them yearly. We’ve only got three themes going for the last 13 years since our son was born. A traditional red/green/gold theme, pink/blue, and silver theme for when our children were born that year. The tabletop decorations, the wreath, and the Christmas ornaments stayed about the same in circulation. And guess what? You can have the same tree year after year – if you don’t use real Christmas trees. Talk about saving. Unless you plan on spending more and gathering more decorations, you don’t need to buy a whole Christmas theme every year. Instead, you may change the ribbons or some look. Less clutter, less stressful. Fewer decorations to store, less stress. Reset the Gift Giving. The joy of giving comes from the giver. The person who gives feels the pleasure of sharing. If you feel that this year may be a bit tight on finances, there isn’t a significant rule that you give to everyone in the family, relatives, friends, and more. When money is an issue in a household, you may feel guilty about not giving to everyone. But, at the same time, you don’t want to incur debts to provide a gift. When you are stressed about what to buy, who to buy for, and where the money will come from. Stop. Get some fresh air. Even if you don’t buy everything for everyone, you still honor them for not getting worked up and stressed about all of these. Secret Santa can be a great one to do. Pick one name in the group and place the unnamed gift together with everyone’s gifts. Check out the rules of Secret Santa. So, if the gathering group is 20-plus people, it may be hard to dive in and buy 20 gifts for everyone on a tight budget. You decide how you’re going to do the gifting. Be practical and take control of the stress of giving. If you are still in the spirit of giving, you may have to plan to save for it. For example, you are cutting costs on extra things and saving that money to buy for someone. Related Posts: Holiday Gift Guide for Learning Toys December Family Bucket List Be present. It’s natural for everyone to get all festive and spread cheers everywhere. If you want to do that, be present. Not just for the sake of holidays, as I’ve said, but for the connections, you are trying to make. It’s for the moment to treasure and not for picture-perfect holiday photos only. Kids will ask you to do more for them, especially during these holiday breaks. You may feel touched out after all the holiday preparations and invites. Please take a moment and rethink what my kids remember about the holidays when they’re grown. The mom is running around tirelessly doing everything, or the mom who sat and engaged with them in a burst of time or moment. Meet their need for reconnections, and the tantrums may send that signal – it may be time to slow down and be present. Quality time over things and extra stuff – wins all the time. Return to Traditions you love. Having newer ideas to do during the Holidays can make you feel like you’re really into it. Being merry and bright. However, doing the family traditions, your family loves to do every year can be as magical as a new one. This year, your kids are one year older. So they can participate in the traditions you’ve shared from past generations. Older traditions may need to be readjusted or skipped if they don’t apply to your family anymore (after consideration). Your family traditions are yours. If you opt to include some of your childhood traditions, let it continue if it’s not adding more work for you. Find newer ones that simplify and represent your family – the traditions that value your family celebrations. It’s about bringing the family together to celebrate and memory stamping to enjoy. Remember What Matters. Family matters. You. Your Spouse. Your kids. Each member of the family matters. It may also extend to relatives and friends. Getting together for a simple celebration is what family connections stem from. It doesn’t have to be extravagant for it to happen. Sharing a meal with the people you love is what matters. The joy of the holidays can be overshadowed by the weight of the stress hanging over your shoulder. Simply, remember what matters. Check on your Stress Gauge. As for moms, it’s always good to check your stress level. You can tell when something is getting out of hand or too much to handle. Step back and reassess your priorities. Get some suggestions and accept help when needed. You may have to decline some holiday invites or may do a virtual one for relatives who are far and not travel this year. Do what brings you joy this holiday season. Say yes to the priorities you’ve set on Operation Holiday. Say no to the ones that may add up to the stress gauge and bust it all up. Your emotions are also an excellent giveaway to your current stress level. Stop unrealistic Holiday Expectations. Simply lower the expectations around this time of year. There’s too much to do if you love the holidays, and nothing is wrong with that. Yet most times, you don’t want to get tangled with all the chaos that comes with it. It’s time to reflect on what makes your life simpler. You don’t have to hop on a comparison train. It’ll suck the joy out of you for not meeting those expectations. Do what your family loves, what you can do, and nothing more. Enjoy the cheers and happy feelings around the home. Breathe, ditch the holiday stress! There isn’t one way to fix all holiday stress. Yet, you can minimize the impact of getting riled up during this festive season. Adjustments on your holiday calendar can make a difference once you’ve freed up some space to be present. You can swap some holiday activities to do a much simpler one and still be able to engage with the whole family. It will be to enjoy a lot more during the season and lower the stress around you. You don’t have to put much pressure on yourself to meet expectations around the holidays. You can simply be – do what makes you happy, less stressed, and everyone enjoys. What are your strategies to keep holiday chaos at bay? Share in the comments. Spread the Love3 3Shares

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25 Best Wellness Gifts for Moms

Jordan N. — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 07:05:41 +0000

Spread the Love8 8SharesFinding the perfect wellness gifts for moms can be tricky, but with some thought and creativity, you can find something that will make them feel special and appreciated. Like most moms, you are always looking for ways to improve your health and wellness, and this gift list is for you, too. And if you’re looking for a wellness-themed gift, here are some ideas to get you started. This post includes affiliate links and I may get a commission from qualifying purchases using the product links. To check out the product, click on the image for more details. Full disclosure. Here are wellness gifts for any moms in your circle or yourself! Majestic Pure Massage Oil Moms may feel worn out and tensed. This relaxing massage oil can help release tightened muscles and help her feel calmer. Choose this lavender-scented massage oil as part of your self-care gifts to a mom. Massage gun I can say great things about this Renpho massager, but to experience it is a real review. This massager will quickly ease any discomfort from feeling pain and tight on any body part. Help moms get the relief they need when it comes to aches and discomfort. Ihealth thermometer It’s always good to be prepared for any illness at home. Moms have too much on their minds when someone or themselves is sick. Having the proper health tools can ease any mom’s mind. She may not overthink a thermometer, but this one is easy to use and accurate. Eye massager Unless she has eye problems like glaucoma, eye surgery in the past, cataracts, or retina problems, this one may be a welcomed gift from you. An eye-relaxing gift may help with puffiness or even dryness. Please check with a medical professional before using this product. Reminder Binder Moms get so busy with everyday hustle. So, give her the gift of getting organized through this particular binder. I have been using mine, and it helps me get everything under control, especially when I have a lot on my mind. For example, keeping track of appointments and school activities, this one got me through hectic schedules. Mental Health Journal What do you need to get peace of mind? Release of stress and worries? This mental health journal walks you through documenting everything that helps clear your mind. You can use it to track your mood, mental state, goals, etc. Resistance Bands For fitness-enthusiasts moms, here are some fitness bands she can incorporate into her fitness routine. Easy to use, has different levels of resistance, and is added to any exercise that requires engaging the muscles. For example, working out for moms will be a powerhouse with these resistance bands. I use this on my workout routine, and I’ve been loving them and hating the burn! You got the idea! Humidifier This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier takes her wellness goals to another level. It keeps the air from drying in winter and is used yearly at home. Health comes first; give her the gift of supporting her health. It may help her sleep comfortably, and it’s quiet while running in the background. We have had this humidifier in our home for a long time now; so far, it has been an excellent product and easy to care for and maintain. Face Mask Before you say or think something weird about this mask, let me ease your concern. This egg mask takes care of the skin plenty. For my weekly skincare routine, I have enjoyed this mask that takes care of elasticity, wrinkles, tone, moisture, etc. There’s no scent to this mask; after 10-15 minutes on her skin, she’ll feel it tight, and then time to wash it with warm water. Supple and smoother skin, YES! Face Serum Are you looking for an inexpensive yet effective Vitamin C serum? This is the one! It’s a brightening facial serum that doesn’t irritate the skin. Each person has a different skin profile, yet this serum may pass the brighter and smoother skin checklist. Include this in your self-care wellness gifts for moms. She will love it! Face Roller This beauty tool is all about taking care of the skin. Gentle facial massage with the jade roller or the Gua-Sha can help skin feel lifted and depuffed. Let this beauty duo do the work for the benefit of skin pampering day or night. Body Scrubber What can I say about this scrubber? It lives up to its name and 25,000 reviews! This body brush can be used wet or dry. A gentle exfoliator for the entire body that brings out skin smoothness and banishes dullness. Time to pick this beauty tool for a wellness upgrade! It has become a permanent beauty tool for me as well. Cleanser I have an ever-gentle facial cleanser in my skincare arsenal. I have been using this cleanser for years, and I always return to it after trying other skin cleansers on the market. It lives up to the skin pampering expectations – gently cleanses, non-drying, and removes makeup too. Get this for the mom in your life or even for yourself. A holy grail of all the cleansers! Teas What a great bundle of teas your mom friend can try. These teas are formulated for wellness and comfort. Brew one or two a day, depending on what she feels or needs at the moment. Pick these tea bundles for the moms in your circle. Check with any medical professional before taking this product. Heating Pad Who doesn’t have aches and pains nowadays? This heating pad would be perfect to complement any relief therapy. Let her feel supported and comforted with this healing tool through the hard and good days. When using this product, be mindful of the skin contact time. Related Posts: Tips for Moms Dealing With Stress 30 Emotional Self-Care Ideas for You: Tend to Your Emotional Well-Being Journaling for Wellness: Easy Steps To Start Bathtub caddy Relaxing, calming bubble bath in her self-care checklist? Then this tub caddy is excellent for carrying what she needs during bubble baths. Give her the gift of relaxation with this carry-all caddy. If you want one for yourself, it’s time to get one now! Plush Robe If she wants to feel luxurious and comfortable, time to give this plush robe a chance. She can use this around the house while sipping her morning coffee or tea on a lazy rainy afternoon. It has pockets for her phone and other gadgets for convenience. An ideal gift for a mom who is a homebody. Electric Toothbrush Personal hygiene gifts for moms include this electronic toothbrush. A practical tool to keep the teeth properly cleaned and taken care of. Easy to carry for travel and effective in cleaning those pearly white teeth. Adding to her perfect smile every day. Unique Bath Bombs Does she like surprises? Then this one-of-a-kind gift for mom is something to give. Let her relax during her regular bath time, and viola – a mystery surprise! Body Wash There is nothing but goodness in this body wash. It has no harsh ingredients, is gentle on cleaning, and moisturizes the skin. If you haven’t try this soap, now’s the time to grab a 2-pack. One for you and one for another mom. Lip Mask Do you suffer from cracked lips? Does it happen no matter how you hydrate during the day? Then look no further than this heaven-sent lip mask. It only requires a little on the lips, but it packs a punch! It conditions and nourishes the lips while sleeping. Promising supple and soft lips upon waking up using this lip mask. Now add this to your wellness gifts for moms. Hair Eraser Can you believe there are beauty tools that provide results such as this hair remover? It’s not a gimmick or what – when used properly and accordingly, you can achieve hair removal with no pain and no shave cuts. I had to try for myself before recommending this wellness gifts list for moms. I can say I am impressed! It does work. Smooth skin to boot! Hair Oil Repairing hair isn’t easy at all. Dryness and dullness come with everyday washing. What if a hair oil helped reverse common hair issues? Let this hair oil shine like a superstar in her hair regimen. No regrets, only healthy hair. Steps on how to use Olaplex bonding oil. Electric Mug As a busy mom, reheating your coffee or tea may be a norm. Now, not to worry, this mug will keep any warm drinks to its temperature anytime of the day. What a fancy technology to help moms enjoy their cup of coffee or tea even when they’re up and about. Tea infuser As for our tea-lover moms, nothing cuter than these tea infusers steeping in your favorite mug. Buy the set and give them to your mom friends and chat over tea. I especially love these tea infusers I bought for my daily tea time. These are the infusers I’ve been using for years. What are you waiting for? Give these wellness gifts a chance to pamper moms in your life with empowered self-care, improved health and well-being. If you enjoy this type of post or it has been helpful, please share or pin. Thank you. Spread the Love8 8Shares

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Summer Wellness Reset for Moms

Jordan N. — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 05:21:04 +0000

Spread the Love9 9SharesAre you ready to reset your wellness during summer? Will you devote some quality time to yourself? It can be hard to get time for yourself, especially now that school is out for the kids. I get it. Summer schedules are packed, but it can be forgiving. Routines can be flexible and may be geared towards giving yourself more time for a summer reset. While the rest of the household can do what they intend to do this summer, you can slice a part of your day for quick summer rejuvenation. A wellness reset can become your best asset to regain your composure and physical vigor. So to renew your vitality this summer – say YES! We all have our share of aches and pain from the day-to-day grind. But, as moms, we can either ignore and push through or pause and do a 180 reset. A time to rejuvenate yourself before the next school year starts. Let’s do it! **This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from the affiliate links, I may earn a commission from your purchase. You have no extra cost if you decide to click and buy. Thank you for your continued support of this blog. Full Disclosure** Things You Can Do for a Summer Wellness Reset Start Inward with Yoga When you crave inner stillness, yoga can become your ally. As your body moves and holds a position, let your mind focus inward on what you are experiencing. Boho Beautiful has been a pivotal inspiration for me and can be yours too. Check out their channel for great yoga sessions that cover most yoga needs. Schedule a Reading Time A book can take you anywhere but where you are. A peaceful period lets your mind travel along with the book’s character. The reader tries to appreciate the storyline and experience. Books may grant you an escape when travel isn’t on the summer schedule. Grab something different from what you usually read from the library or the bookstore. Check out the Kindle Unlimited library for several best selections of books. Search for Nature Escapes When time permits and kids are in summer camps, do something that requires you to be in nature. You go for a trail hike, a bike ride, and a river kayak. Choose which nature adventure invites you to immerse and recharge. Soak for Calm Rejuvenation Most times, the evening can only be our time for ourselves. So take the opportunity to prepare a calming bath, soak and relax. Let an hour be your time and nothing else. Then, check out these bath bombs for you. Also, here are stress relief products you can try. RELATED POSTS: Journaling for Wellness: Easy Steps To Start 30 Emotional Self-Care Ideas for You: Tend to Your Emotional Well-Being Tips for Moms Dealing With Stress Summer Fitness for Reset Who needs a gym when you can take your fitness inside the house. There are plenty of summer fitness challenges you can choose from. Some of my favorites are Hana Milly, Annie Taylor, Holly Dolke, and Josie Liz. Quick 10-20 minutes exercise plus warm up and cool down can be what you need for a reset. Don’t forget about stationary bikes, treadmills, and even total gym equipment. Never discount the power of dumbbells, kettlebells, and exercise balls. And if you prefer the gym setting, go for it. What’s important is where you can focus on your fitness and where you can give your best. Switch Up Your Plate Take on summer vegetables and fruits. Then, depending on your medical needs, talk to your doctor or nutritionist about what you can spice up in your diet. If you don’t have any restrictions, you are open to discovering any delightful summer recipes. From whole foods to vegan or balanced meals – food can take you from here to new heights. Sleep to Recharge Parenting and sleep are significant challenges, that’s for sure. But, unfortunately, whether you have a newborn or teen, sleep isn’t what you can get quickly. Let a summer routine for sleep take a new face. Prep for your sleep time. Create a calm sleeping mood with a clutter-free environment and soft sheets for comfort. Cool down the air and turn on the humidifier. Quiet down. Scribble down your thoughts in a journal. Silent mode on your phone. Turn off the TV before sleep time. Diffuse some essential oils. For a deep sleep blend: 1 drop of lemon, two drops of peppermint, two drops of eucalyptus, and four drops of lavender. Set your sleep hours. Set your sleeping time and waking up time. Aim for your sleep goals this summer. Summer Skin Care Nighttime summer skin care. Opt for fresh and rejuvenating skin care products. You can even make your DIY skin serum for evening relaxation. I tried this DIY serum recipe, which has been amazing on my skin. So simple to make, and you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Daytime skin care during the summer requires more from you. Simplify the process with moisturizers, light serums, and sunscreen. Reset for Summer Wellness This Year Find your reset button this summer. Moms can partake in a summer recharge with any of these recommendations above. You can squeeze in any other summer activities that you think may rejuvenate you and revamp your wellness. Most importantly, have fun with your summer reset. The best thing you can do for yourself is to prioritize yourself. Don’t overthink or strictly plan for your summer this year. Instead, mom, start this season and take the reins to a beautiful summer wellness reset. Thanks for stopping by the blog today. What are your best summer wellness tips? Spread the Love9 9Shares

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30 Emotional Self-Care Ideas for You: Tend to Your Emotional Well-Being

Jordan N. — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 22:41:52 +0000

Spread the Love6 6SharesHey mom, you look like royalty in that hat! I know it’s been tough lately with balancing work and home. We’re always taking care of everyone else and trying to juggle a million things at once, but we often forget to take care of ourselves. Emotional self-care is one of the four pillars; now, discover some ideas to boost practicing self-care. Would you agree that moms deserve some TLC, too? After all these years of sacrificing everything just because we wanted nothing more than a happy family. Moms are notorious for putting their own needs last. I’m a testament to that. This scenario can lead to emotional distress and feelings of overwhelm. This blog post will discuss how you can take care of your emotional well-being. We’ll talk about self-care for moms and provide some helpful tips that you can use in your everyday life. No matter what you do, the most important thing is that you make time for yourself and find activities that make you feel good. Taking care of yourself is an integral part of overall emotional health. Why is Self-care important for your emotional well-being? Self-care is essential for your emotional well-being because it allows you to take a break from the stressors of everyday life. When you take time for yourself, you can relax and recharge, which can help you feel better mentally and emotionally. Self-care is important for all people, but it can be especially for moms who feel overwhelmed, ragged, stressed out, and exhausted. When you take care of your family, take the time to keep your upkeep yourself. What is emotional self-care? Emotional self-care is the practice of taking care of our emotional well-being. Caring for how we feel and what makes us think – raises the awareness of ourselves. Let the nurturing of yourself take center stage. Intentionally choose yourself to prioritize your well-being. There are many different ways to practice self-care, mainly focusing on your emotional well-being. When it comes to self-care, moms can become overwhelmed with where to start. It is important to remember that self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant or time-consuming. You can do many small things each day to help take care of yourself emotionally. Here are no-frills ideas for emotional self-care: 1. Acknowledge your feelings. Let it sink in. It’s a process, and it takes practice. When you give space for your emotions, you can freely feel them at the moment. It may hurt, bring joy; whatever it is – acknowledge its presence. 2. Connect with nature. Spend time outside and take in the fresh air. Lie on the grass and look at the sky. Notice the things around you that are changing with the seasons. 3. Connect with loved ones. Spending time with loved ones can help boost your mood and raise your sense of belongingness. Spend time with your friends and family, and take the time to connect with them. Develop friendship and solid emotional support. 4. Do something you enjoy. Take some time for yourself to do something you love, whether that’s reading a book, taking a walk, or painting. 5. Prioritize moving your body. Exercise releases endorphins which can help improve your mood. 6. Reach out for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help from a friend or family member. 7. Set up and enforce your boundaries for self-care. It’s important to set boundaries for yourself to make time for the things you need and want. It might mean saying no to invitations or requests from others, setting limits on how much work you take on, or scheduling regular self-care activities. 8. Write down your emotions without criticism from you. Let the words flow. When you’re constantly taking care of others, it’s essential to take some time for yourself to focus on your own emotions. It can be helpful to write down how we’re feeling without judgment or criticism. Writing it down will help us understand and acknowledge our feelings, which is an essential step in emotionally caring for ourselves. 9. You can say NO. Some days you may feel touched out, and that’s okay. If you prefer to be left alone and reset, then do that. There are no wrong answers when it comes to self-care. Some days you may feel like you need more touch and interaction, while other days, you may want some time alone to reset. That’s okay! There is no wrong way to take care of yourself emotionally, as long as you’re listening to what your body and mind need at the moment. 10. Positive thoughts can also help you tune in your emotions. It can become linked together so that when you think positive thoughts, it, in turn, will make you feel good emotionally. 11. Set your emotional self-care routine. Luckily there are many different ways to practice it! Incorporating some of these ideas into your daily routine can help you take care of yourself emotionally. 12. It’s okay to step back when emotions are big. It can feel like we’re falling apart when it’s hard to control any boiling anger, sadness, or fear. The key is to remember that these intense emotions are temporary and will eventually pass. Use relaxation techniques that help you calm down. Practice these techniques that may work for you. 13. Get enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults need around seven to eight hours per night. Sleep ultimately helps your physical, mental, and emotional health. 14. Take a break. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take some time for yourself. It might mean taking a break from work, canceling plans, or just spending some time alone. Prioritize the rest in your calendar. Not adding more activities into your mom planner. Write down — REST. 15. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness practice involves focusing on the present moment and becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings. A method that can help you center yourself and be intentional within and around you. You pay attention to what you are feeling. You process the feeling as it is and even accept your own reaction. Check out this study about brief mindfulness meditation (BMM). 16. Practice self-compassion and prepare to forgive. When perfection gets in the way, or you’re hard on yourself, it’s time for some self-compassion. Oh yes, it means being kind to yourself, even when you don’t feel like it. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and know that you are capable of growth. 17. Talk it out. Sometimes talking through your feelings with a friend can help manage them. Talking to a friend lets you release what’s eating you up externally; letting off steam can be the best tool in your emotional self-care kit. 18. Know your emotional triggers. Everyone has emotional triggers or things that set them off and result in a strong emotional reaction. Once you know your triggers, you can start to work on managing them before they manage you. 19. Look for healthy coping tools. When life throws you a curveball, it’s important to have healthy coping mechanisms. Now, it could be anything from taking a 5-minute reset, deep breathing, closing your eyes, or stepping out of the emotionally charged space. 20. Be open to welcome compliments. Compliments are a great way to boost your emotional well-being, but they can be tricky to accept if you’re not used to them. Often, we brush off compliments or find ways to negate them because we don’t believe that we’re worthy of the kind words. However, allowing yourself to soak in and accept compliments can positively change how you see yourself. 21. Stop apologizing ALL THE TIME for everything. For others, doing this is tough, as women are often consorted to being more apologetic than men. However, over-apologizing can take away your power and make you feel small. Instead, try to notice when you’re apologizing unnecessarily and work on cutting back. 22. Consider joining Mom Support Group. A support group can provide invaluable emotional support and learn from others trying to find balance in life. 23. Enjoy the music for what it is. Let it take you away for a bit, even if it’s just for the song’s length. 24. Practice gratitude every day. Consider writing down three things that you’re grateful for each day. Then, as you reflect on those top three on your list, take that moment in and enjoy it. 25. Compliment Yourself. Believe it or not, giving yourself compliments can help boost your self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. Watch how you talk to yourself, your language, and your tone. In addition, it can be very validating when you allow yourself to receive compliments from others, as in #20. 26. Try Counseling. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you can’t seem to get your emotions under control, talking to a therapist may be the best step for you. A therapist can help you understand and manage your feelings healthily. 27. Do something you are passionate about. Reroute your energy. When you’re feeling down, it can be helpful to do something that makes you feel good. Pick an activity or hobby that interests you and dive in. You list down what you like and enjoy doing that helps you bring back the joy in your life. 28. Take a break from social media. Social media can be a huge source of comparison and leave us feeling bad about ourselves. So if you’re struggling, take a break from the tentacles of social media. 29. Pause. Respond. Consciously taking a step back before reacting can help you avoid saying something you might regret. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this is a helpful practice to remember. 30. Talk to your partner. Discussing your feelings with your partner can help foster better communication and understanding in your relationship. Talking openly with your partner also allows your partner to provide support when needed. Taking Care of Your Emotional Well-being I hope these emotional self-care tips for moms have encouraged you to prioritize your well-being. It’s not always easy, but it is so important. Allow yourself to move through your emotions and respond to yourself, others, and your environment. Regulate your thoughts, examine your feelings and look for ways to manage them. The most important takeaway for putting your emotional needs front and center is… — for you to say YES – to your emotional needs. Saying YES to care for yourself now. Let the ideas in this post help you get started on prioritizing your emotional self-care needs. What are some things you do to practice emotional self-care? Are you trying to get started on self-care? Here’s a 7-Day Self-Care Challenge Worksheet you can DOWNLOAD below. Spread the Love6 6Shares

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First Blogging Anniversary

Jordan N. — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 23:15:29 +0000

Spread the Love1 1ShareI can’t believe that the blog has reached one year old! I am thankful to all readers, commenters, subscribers, and blog supporters for staying connected with me for a whole year. Now we’re celebrating the first blogging anniversary! Growth and learning have been the arrow that propelled this blog to develop and expand from its course. I had the most fun and inspiring year writing all the content of this blog to share my views on motherhood, open up about my experiences (the good and the sad ones) and learn from your stories through comments and messages. Without your continued support, this blog wouldn’t have grown to what it is. With this in mind, I am more moved to create content that serves to inspire and move you as you navigate your motherhood journey. So I’ll continue to write posts that might help you along your way in any way I can. I don’t have all the answers to your pressing questions all the time. I am also learning as I walk my path in this mom life. However, we share a common bond in supporting each other regardless of our age, status, circumstance, race, preference, and culture – that matters to me. This blog will always embrace a mom – YOU. Whether you’re about to be a new mom, an experienced mom, or even a loss mom, you are all welcome here. This community is for YOU. I may not be able to meet you in person and have a friendly conversation about everything relating to motherhood, but having you in the community makes it so that we’re still connected. You can always send me a message and connect with me here or on my social media accounts: Pinterest and Instagram. You can also subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates, discounts, etc. Now back to the blog turning 1 I will answer some questions relating to my blog and the flow of blogging in general. When I decided to start this blog, I was apprehensive. How much do I share? What are the pros and cons of blogging? Will I be able to sustain the writing on top of my busy schedule? I was second-guessing myself. Who wouldn’t feel uncertain about new things and new transitions? What was it like running this blog? It’s not all about writing content. I wished it was. At first, I thought, okay – I’ll be setting a writing schedule for when I will research blog post topics, then do the outline, draft the post, finalize it, and more. But to my surprise, I’d also be sourcing out images, keeping track of my outbound links that are credible and don’t get me started on promotions. I’m the type to write and publish. So I haven’t thought about promoting these blog posts other than on my website. As I learned more about blogging, I quickly adapted and chose two platforms (Pinterest and Instagram) to share with the public. I knew it wasn’t a straight road to success. It required consistency in all angles. Time and dedication are on my hands to connect with all blog readers. Writing and posting became a little smoother process for me. It was all coming together as I learned how to start and run a blog. In my experience, blogging presents a whole new world of information, and there is so much to learn. I am networking with other bloggers, marketing, and so much more. So every turn, I need to know, adapt and get it together. What made me decide to start a blog? In all honesty, I didn’t plan on starting a blog. However, a major transition in my life happened, and I became a stay-at-home mom. When becoming SAHM, I felt lost. But, do you know what helped me with my transition? I was reading blogs of other moms who made the change—an opportunity to see firsthand how they made their transition. I didn’t think that becoming a SAHM needed preparation, but as I read more, it was clear that I had to prepare. But boy, I wasn’t or maybe halfway prepared. The pandemic struck, and the kids had to be home in the Spring of 2020. The school was canceled in person, and yes, my husband and I were scrambling to make it work. A year passed from the 2020 Great Resignation; as I was prepping for the day of homeschooling and checking off my list of to-dos, it dawned on me – maybe I’ll start a blog. I realized that mom blogs who were there for me helped me get on this path and transition. It was possible. Maybe it will work out. I was inspired to write. Writing about my transition, motherhood, experiences, and homemaking as I go through it every day. That’s when I said I will, and here we are after a year. Posts you may also like: 13 Simple Habits of a Happy Mom 12 Survival Tips for Working Moms Journaling for Wellness: Easy Steps To Start This post contains affiliate links, if you purchase anything, I may earn a commission. See disclosure. What was the hardest adjustment when I started blogging? I’m not a techie. I didn’t know how to start a blog from the ground up. What do I need? What points do I need to check off to get the blog going? When I got a blogging course to help me get started, I was thankful for the guidance – Adventures in You (Blogging Fast Lane). I would have been lost without the course’s step-by-step setup of the website, the ins and outs of blogging, behind-the-scenes, the content management system, SEO, and all other blogging road map pitstops guidance and support from Anna and Tom – Adventures in You. Although their blog and inputs are geared towards a travel blog, I got the benefits of the roadmap for a beginner blogger. The course creators provided the methods and strategies in detail, and their video lessons were easy to follow. In addition, both blog coaches are there every step. All of those were the hardest for me to start a blog and the technical side of blogging. My husband would hear me groan when the website speed test showed it sucks or trying to set up another caching plugin and more. OMG! I didn’t sign up for these. Yes, I did. Once I was able to surpass those tech hurdles, I could breathe. But crossing fingers, errors, or technical difficulties may turn up to a minimum; I can handle it. So for now, I’m okay. What motivates me to write? I write because I love writing. Fair enough? But what made me write is the innate call to help others, especially new moms. Every single piece of content I put out is for my readers. I strive to help by writing about my experiences as a mother. It may not apply to all my readers, but somehow, a mom is reading, looking for answers – I am here to help. My family motivates me in a way that they’re supportive through and all. And I don’t write about personal things I haven’t cleared with them. I’m grateful for every support I received starting this blog from family, friends, readers, commenters, and subscribers. What were the challenges? My fears of starting this blog were enormous and plenty. Some sounded like – what if no one would read my posts? What if someone leaves a rude comment? Plenty of doubts and what-ifs flooded my writing days. I felt I wasn’t experienced enough in motherhood compared to others. But then, it hit me, my journey has nothing to do with other moms or is comparable to their stories. Yet it is my journey, experiences, lessons, and growth. Overcoming many blogging challenges made me more confident. Yes, the tears and sweat included – all-nighters or when downtime on the weekend, I worked on the blog here and there. I am not a blogging expert. Nor an SEO expert for ranking on google. I am a mom who writes about her journey and the lessons along the way. A mom who wants to help another mom make her life easier, less stressful, and put together. What can you expect for the second year of The Motherly Heap? As we celebrate the First Blogging Anniversary of The Motherly Heap, commitment is renewed to provide content that helps you. Tips and strategies for facing motherhood challenges, getting organized in homemaking, prioritizing mom’s self-care, etc. These points are the center of The Motherly Heap’s content. It will continue to address motherhood issues and daily concerns that you’ll probably encounter. It will continue to send exclusive tidbits to all our monthly newsletter subscribers. Connecting with all the subscribers helps me pivot the content to what my readers deem helpful in their lives. I am thankful for the opportunity to build this motherhood community. The huge support that The Motherly Heap has received since the beginning. Thank you for taking the time to read, support, purchase from the links, send feedback and messages. Now we are celebrating the First Blogging Anniversary of The Motherly Heap – many thanks to all of YOU! If you are new here, I invite you to subscribe to the newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. I would love to have you join The Motherly Heap family. Spread the Love1 1Share

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NICU Must-Haves for Moms: 20 Items To Bring

Jordan N. — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:21:19 +0000

Spread the Love273 273SharesYou are about to leave the house, and you head to the hospital where your precious preemie is. Make sure you have your packed bag with all the must-haves for NICU moms. Spending most of your hours inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit aside from being worried, you can also feel different, maybe aching, and sometimes lonely. Your preemie baby may be your primary focus during visits; you might forget to bring the essentials for you to survive those NICU hours. I’ve been where you are right now. We may not have the same journey, but I was also the mom who sat on that recliner chair and spent as much time as I possibly could with my preemie daughter (12 weeks early). Sometimes, it was only me visiting. My husband works full-time, and my son goes to school. So it became my routine to go to the NICU right after dropping off my son in school. There are times we all visited at night or when my husband was also off. But during my NICU time, I am thankful I have these things in my NICU mom bag that I consider my NICU mini lifelines. So through listing them here, I’m hoping it helps someone be as comfortable as you go through NICU life. **This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from the product links, I may earn a commission from your purchase. There’s no extra cost to you if you decide to click and buy. Thank you for your continued support of this blog. Full Disclosure** 20 NICU Must-Haves for Moms 1. Lip balm You may experience dry, cracked lips because of the hospital air. Carry a lip balm in your bag, and remember to use it every couple of hours or after drinking/eating. 2. Notebook/Journal I carried my little blue notebook in my NICU bag, along with a pen. It helped me write down all my daughter’s health updates and medicines. It also became a pumped milk ounces tracker and breastfeeding session time tracker. Your preemie’s weights, vital signs, and any progress you want to document – you can write them down. You may also use your notebook to journal your feelings or thoughts at that time of the visit. Writing may help you lessen the stress and worry you are experiencing as a NICU mom. 3. Pumping bra There are plenty of pumping bras out there. Pick quality and practical design over any other specifications. I got some strapless bras, and here they are from the brand Kindred Bravely. You can check out these pumping bras if you’re looking for one yourself. 4. Breastfeeding top or pumping accessible top I couldn’t help but be thankful for tops designed for moms who pump or breastfeed their babies. Aside from the modesty of the top so you won’t get exposed, it gets highly rated for the practicality that makes pumping and breastfeeding much easier for any mom. 5. Insulated Tote Since pumping for preemies can come before you can directly breastfeed your baby, it’s great to invest in an insulated tote to carry around freshly pumped breast milk or frozen ones. Make sure it lasts longer to keep your breastmilk safe and not get wasted. 6. Water Bottle Let’s get real: a pumping or breastfeeding mom will need more fluids than ever before. To replenish your body’s water needs, you don’t want to get dehydrated and feel dizzy when you don’t drink fluids enough to keep up. So have your water bottle close by. 7. Hand Cream You will be washing your hands a lot when you stay in the NICU. So it’s helpful to have a hand cream handy to prevent cracked hands. 8. Hair Ties / Headbands When you’re holding your baby skin-to-skin, you want your hair out of the way and not touching your baby. Bring a pack of hair ties to keep your hair in place. Headbands are also helpful to get the hair out of your face. 9. Sterilizing bags You can use these sterilizing bags to keep your pumps clean and sanitize while you pump in the NICU. However, you want to make sure that these bags are microwave safe; it’s dangerous when it gets melted in the microwave along with your pump parts. If you don’t have any of these bags, it’s okay – NICU staff will provide you with approved cleaning liquid to wash your pump parts and bottles. Of course, bring your needed pumping parts and extra bottles for NICU use. You may be renting or using the hospital-grade pump at this time. 10. Robe If you can bring a comfy robe to your NICU visits, that would be perfect for when you need to pump, and you get cold. Drape one over you, and the problem is solved. You may also use it when it’s skin-to-skin time with your preemie baby. Easy access, and it covers you during the session. 11. Nursing pillow The pillow is to help you reposition when breastfeeding your preemie. They’re tiny, and you may need extra support to get them to latch and stay comfortable throughout the feeding session. It was helpful for me during our nursing sessions in the NICU and at home. Do not leave or prop your baby on the pillow unattended if you continue to use the pillow at home. 12. Something to read or to do It could be a book, kindle, or a tablet for easy reading. There are times when your baby will stay in the isolette more than being held. You want to have something for you to do while spending time with her. You can read to your baby or enjoy reading for yourself. There’s plenty to choose from which book collections or genre you can start with. Plus, if you just want to hang out and listen to music with your earbuds on, then do so. 13. Snacks Quick and grab snacks you can munch in between NICU breaks. After you go to the bathroom, get lunch or get fresh air. Make sure you carry your mini snacks to help you keep going in between main meals. Choose something that helps with energy. 14. Coins and dollar bills Get a small purse to carry your coins and small bills. You may need those changes when you pass by a vending machine or need something to drink besides water. 15. Extra swaddle blankets or scent loveys You know, when you go home, the nurse may offer to give you something that your baby has used and has their scent on. For example, smelling your baby’s scent on the blanket can help you connect with your baby when you’re pumping at home. 16. Your phone and charger (long cord) You won’t be using your phone during kangaroo or breastfeeding. However, during the in-betweens, you may need to look up something on the internet or call your spouse or someone if you need anything. So, while we are in this number, why not throw in a pair of earbuds for you to use. 17. Mini postpartum supplies You are still healing from giving birth. So, in a small pouch, carry some nipple pads, cream, sanitary pads, etc. Also, wear abdomen support (for CS mama). Have these items to help you while visiting your baby in the NICU. 18. Masks and sanitizers The hospital will have these items on hand. However, it’s still great to make sure you have your own, which you can use anytime and don’t have to ask the staff. Sanitizers are everywhere in the NICU. Every corner, every isolette, will have one. So, small pocket sanitizers aren’t a hassle to have for your personal use. With COVID-19 still pretty much around, there may be changes to the NICU visitation policy. Ensure to check with the hospital on limitations and what’s allowed. Follow protocols for preventing the spread of Covid-19. 19. Camera We snap pictures with our phones most of the time. Yet, having a small, reliable digital camera you can carry is a good bonus when you need more photos and videos to remember your NICU journey. It’s easy to transfer those precious captures, create collages in your NICU scrapbook, or compile videos for your NICU journey. 20. Mama Bag Your bag to carry it all. Hahaha. Make sure you choose the ones that fit your needs. If you’re looking for spacious and sturdy bags for all your NICU must-haves for moms, I can recommend a mom bag/diaper bag. NICU Resources for Parents: Getting it all packed These were the must-have items I had during our NICU journey; it gets replenished, washed, stocked, and cleaned every day. These items might not be what you’ll bring every visit. But, having them on hand as to when you need them and anticipating that need will make it easier for you and your NICU stay. Your baby may stay for a short while or may remain in the NICU for a few months; know that you’re doing your best. Let this list guide you in preparing to visit the NICU and for the long days to come. Each NICU mama story is different, so change or add to the list what you think you’ll need. Tell me what else you would add to the NICU moms’ must-haves. Share something that helped during your NICU stay with your baby. What would you bring to the NICU that’ll keep you comfortable while visiting? Spread the Love273 273Shares

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13 Simple Habits of a Happy Mom

Jordan N. — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 06:28:15 +0000

Spread the Love36 36SharesWhat if there’s one thing that you can do about being happy in your life? What is a happy mom, and how can simple habits help you feel happier? Anything can wear out a mom’s bandwidth. These days, it’s easier to get caught up with matters at home, work, and out in the community. Moms are stretched to the limits and barely surviving. You may be working during the pandemic and figuring out kids’ daycare/school needs. Or you’re navigating homeschooling for the first time or working from home with kids not yet able to attend school. Overstress is enough to get your emotional state at a crisis. So how can you give when your tank is almost empty? Are you frustrated to the point of wanting to burrow up beneath the sheets? Do you feel like piles of housework are engulfing you? You are not alone. Many moms who feel at the brink of exhaustion. No denying that they may surrender any small glimpse of joy for themselves can become burnout, weary, and even unhappy. You all must do what you know is best for your situation. However, you can adjust some aspects of your life to accommodate some that help brings you joy. It is time to think about what drove you at this point? What did you let go to make space for others? Everyone has their definition of happiness in life. We can’t argue that we see life through a different lens and mood. We might seek happiness in every milestone related to our personal, home, and work-life almost every day. It’s validating for us. It holds reality in check. Yet, you don’t have to wait until we meet these monumental moments to feel happy. Instead, you can create habits into your daily routine that help you feel happier, no matter what life throws at you. 13 Simple habits you can incorporate daily to be a Happy Mom Get enough sleep and make physical health a priority. I know, I know. So why do these have to be the first one on the list? Less sleep and decreased recovery mean you’re tired or become moody. What about your immune system and heart health? These two can become affected when your sleep schedule isn’t great. Invest in a calming bedtime routine after the kids have gone to bed. Select bedtime rituals that encourage your body to slow down and relax. A study suggests that sleep and happiness are linked. So why not create better schedule for sleep to happen, whenever possible. Trust that your body will get you through the day. Fuel your body with a balanced diet and moderate physical activity. You are more than capable of practicing habits that keep your body in a healthy state. If you’re battling a chronic health condition, it’s more critical to regularly see your doctor and make use of the individualized plan to manage your condition. When you’re sick, take care and don’t push yourself. As moms, we tend to continue the grind even when we’re sick. Let others help you. You need to rest and recuperate. Go outside. Even for just 30 minutes, a short walk around the neighborhood can reset your mind from the daily grind of motherhood. Even on your workdays, stepping out to get 10 minutes of air from outside can help you flourish. Set a calendar day to go hiking in nature and take in the fresh air and the calming benefits of nature sounds. Or visit a public garden and sit in silence under the trees. Spend time with the people you love. Your spouse may also crave some time alone. Let it be the norm to spend time together. If you both work outside the home, set aside time to communicate and connect. Plan a fun evening for the two of you and refrain from talking about the kids. Instead, refocus your attention on what makes you love the person you’re with. Spending one-on-one time with your kids can do wonders in their emotional development. They become the focus of your time, not a household chore, not errands. They see you cut out time to be with them and intentionally connect. Kids feel safe and loved when parents are mindful about reconnecting. RELATED POST: Intentional Motherhood: Mothering with Purpose Do things with purpose. Work with purpose. Being purposeful takes practice. We are all prone to auto-pilot. With that, you have your schedule of chores, appointments, and activities. However, there’s an opportunity to slow down. Take the time to indulge in the moment of what you’re doing. When we love our job at work, we don’t feel the drag. We feel passionate and motivated to do our best at work. Do your work with purpose. Answer the why; why you’re doing what you’re doing. Do you feel happy about your job? There’s a thin line between happiness at work and because you need to work. Search for your purpose when you aren’t feeling fulfilled in where you are right now. I don’t mean, quit at once. Instead, reset and rethink what benefits you and check your happiness gauge. Aim for simple, realistic self-care. Self-care is this and that. Everyone tells you what to do. Please take it as your guide for starting on self-care. However, what method you use or choose to take care of yourself – depends on what keeps your spirit up. You don’t want to be lifting three times a week when your heart isn’t in it. Or gardening on the weekends when you want to read or relax. Choose what makes you happy. Choose something that fuels your mind and body. Indulge in self-care that refuels you and your joy. Practice gratitude. Being practical doesn’t mean being dull. On the contrary, things and people in our lives bring us joy in moments. What sets gratitude apart is that it comes from within. Your inner voice tells you that “I’m grateful for small things, for the challenges that made me grow, for the supportive people in my life, and more.” It helps you see things in a different light, and you become grateful for what you have. Decrease media time. In a world full of instant access, media is helpful when you’re looking for information. But when you dwell on negative news every single day, it takes away your peace of mind when you take in what’s happening in the world. Take little at a time. Maybe listen to the morning news and shut it off afterward. Social media scrolling, if it triggers you – skip the ones that don’t serve you. Get home in order. I’m not referring to the type of HGTV home organization-level and simply illustrating getting clutter and chaos out of sight and creating a cleaning routine that fits your schedule and lifestyle. It can’t be something that forces you to do every single day. However, homemaking brings joy to those who do it with purpose. Getting overwhelmed with chores can become stressful enough that it disrupts your happiness. As a result, you become whiny, short-tempered, and even unhappy. Share the load. Everyone shares the homemaking load. Remember, it isn’t only you who use the space at home. You have the whole family. So let them pitch in with what they can appropriately do. The kids can do chores that can quickly be done and delegated. You can check out my post on the chore list by age. Sharing household management with your spouse or significant other can lighten up the load on you physically. However, taking into account how it can liberate your mental load when you know that some home care isn’t just your responsibility, but everyones’. Reach out when it’s all so overwhelming. RELATED POST: Declutter Before Organizing Positive mindset. Positivity in all the things you do can become taxing. I get it. You can’t just happily skip around town and stay positive. But intentionally reminding yourself of what matters and remaining positive can help you reframe your mind and feel happier. Talk it out with someone if you feel you can’t get past an event or are causing you undue emotions that aren’t dissipating. Release the negative thoughts. Seeing the brighter side of life takes patience and reminder. Acknowledge the not-so-good part and move forward with what you can do and control. You can decrease the mental load of motherhood when you focus on what makes you a happy mom and simple habits that you can change along the way. Keep a routine. Either doing an early morning routine, having a journaling schedule, or getting your kids’ routine down with them, it gets easier for you to navigate life. When you spend time doing personal rituals that make you happy or keep you motivated to stay happy, you’re more likely to keep them up. Setting up and implementing routine needs discipline and flexibility to adjust to anything. But, it doesn’t have to be done or anything. Seek out what you can do; joy becomes the focus, not perfection. Learn to manage your time. Don’t you have enough time to do everything at home and work even? Prioritize and have a plan for everything. As mentioned above, routines for kids can help you streamline the things that need to be done. They’re aware of what they expect to do at a given moment. And as your kids do their daily routine in the morning or evening, you have that window to do other things to help everyone get out the door or get ready for bed. You can’t be cleaning all day. Start creating a time block for your cleaning routine. You don’t have to multitask all the time. Permit yourself to do one thing at a time to give your brain a break from processing multiple information. Assign time limits if you can, so you are not stuck to one task for a long time. As a work-from-home mom, I do timer for my focused daily tasks. I already have a set schedule to homeschool, my kids. I can block out times for other priority tasks around those times. When I put time for my freelance health writing, I batch tasks in an hour or two, like researching or creating content. As for this blog, tasks needed to keep it running and writing blog posts draw priority. These are somehow a loose schedule for all work-related tasks. Nothing is written in stone. However, I value the time when I can focus on one task at a time and be flexible enough to adjust when I need to. Breaks are essential to keep you on track with your scheduled tasks. Set prayer as part of your day. Let it lead you to seek solace in times of trouble and sadness. Those challenging times draw that grace from prayers when you question your worth. Seek the strength from Him that gives life and perfect refuge. It isn’t temporary joy. When you give your all and lead a prayerful life, you open up your heart to find happiness in His love and mercy every single day. Final Words of Simple Habits to do as a Happy Mom Ultimately, being a mom is hard work yet comes with beautiful moments to treasure. So you tuck those moments somewhere and draw joy from remembering them. Making time on your daily habits as a mom will help you feel happy and fulfilled amid the chaos of mothering and managing the home. As moms, we draw our strength from within. We give love without expectations. Start small and add on what you can. Starting a habit doesn’t require you to completely overhaul your life. Instead, let these steps help you become a happier mom in the days to come. Take a small step to change and weave it into your day-to-day journey of becoming a happy mom. Liking this kind of post? Please leave a comment to let me know about what you do to stay a happy mom?...

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