Nanny to Mommy

If you can't relate to this title, then we know you're lying. You probably establish that you were going to need a helping hand from the moment you have birth. In those few weeks of having a newborn, you realize what having a baby is actually like. They only grow to depend on you more, so the stresses of being a mom can actually make the job really hard. And a job is exactly what it can be described as. You're working around the clock to care for your little human, and you're not getting paid for it! But there will never be a job on this planet that us moms love to do more, it's just that sometimes we need a bit of a helping hand. Whilst some of you might be fortunate to still be with your partner and have good family around you, some reading this will be doing the single mom dance. For those who are, that need of a helping hand will definitely be stronger. So, we're going to show you the ways that you can access that helping hand, without feeling like you're relying on others too much.

Heading abroad - or within the US - with elderly relatives is something that many people do each year, and it’s a perfect way to get all of the family together whilst enjoying a new (or well-loved) place. However, it’s important to remember that the needs of your kids and the needs of your elderly relatives are going to be completely different, although most things can still be enjoyed by the whole family. We’ve put together five tips for those vacationing with grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents… whoever it may be!

I received a complimentary copy of ABOMINABLE from Dreamworks Animation to provide this post. But, as always, all opinions are my own.

If you have been following me on Instagram, then you know my daughter had a slumber party for her 9th birthday. She had so much fun! We played games and made ornament crafts, but the hit of the night was getting to watch ABOMINABLE.

ABOMINABLE is “an epic, colorful journey home. Beautiful and exhilarating to behold” (Glenn Kenny, The New York Times). From the studio that brought you How to Train Your Dragon, this heartwarming and humorous story follows teenage Yi (Bennet) as she encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in China, she and her mischievous friends, Jin (Trainor) and Peng (Tsai), name him “Everest” and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. But the trio of friends will have to stay one-step ahead of Burnish (Izzard), a wealthy man intent on capturing a Yeti, and zoologist Dr. Zara (Paulson) to help Everest get home.

When you are in the process of designing your children’s bedrooms, you might be surprised by how many issues you run into, and how difficult it can all turn out to be. You will need to spend a lot of time planning to ensure that it ends up being how you want it to be, and that is something that is absolutely worth thinking about as best as you can. To help you out, we are going to take a look here at some of the things that your kids’ bedrooms really need. As long as you are aware of these, you should find that you can create the ideal bedroom for them, and so ensure that they are happy at home.

The holiday season means bringing the family together and many couldn’t imagine a gathering without their pets. The problem is, the chaos of the holidays can be stressful for an animal to deal with, especially if you take them to a strange place or have lots of people staying over. Here’s how to take care of your pets during the busy holiday season.

There’s nothing better than presenting your loved one with a gift, watching them open it, and then seeing them break into a beaming smile. But of course, you’ve probably also experienced the opposite: understanding that on some level, you just haven’t quite hit the right mark. This becomes especially obvious when a few months have passed, and it hasn’t yet been taken out of the box. While there will always be times when you don’t get things quite right, there are things you can do that’ll nudge you in the right direction. Below, we take a look at a few tips that’ll put you on the right path towards getting the perfect gift, every time.

With RSV season in full force, I thought I would share an incident that happened earlier this year, September 13, 2019 to be exact. Such a crazy coincidence that it was a Friday the 13th.  And It was very scary, but at the time I didn't understand how big of a deal it was. I want to share my experience in hopes that others can know and do better.

It was a Friday and my son had told me he didn't feel well that morning. He felt hot, but wasn't running a fever. He tells me all the time that he doesn't feel good because he doesn't want to go to school, so I sent him on in because I thought it was just another of those times. I get a phone call about eleven o'clock from the school nurse. He is running a very low fever and he told her he felt like throwing up. So I go to pick him up. There is a fever policy at their school. 99 or above and you aren't allowed to attend school for 24 hours. His was like 99.2. I honestly didn't mind because I didn't want him to be miserable at school.

This post is a sponsored conversation brought to you by Flavor Your Life campaign and Moms Meet. All opinions are my own.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.... when you have to bring an appetizer or side dish to an umpteenth event. I have a super easy one for you that will really up the wow factor. You can organize it into a wreath if you have the right dish wear and then you'll be extra fancy.

If you are like me and looking for a super easy yet fancy looking recipe, here is how you make these yummy Easy Caprese Salad Bites Appetizer.

This easy DIY hostess gift idea was created using complimentary wine I received from Winc. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

During the holiday season it can be hard to come up with gift ideas. I personally like getting the Winc Wine Subscription as a gift even if it is just one month because you get four personalized wines sent to your door. And then, during the holidays, you always have wine on hand for events or as the easiest hostess gift.




To personalize your super easy and perfect hostess gift, all you have to do is add a scarf and tie it up ribbon, then voila! You have a gorgeous and easy gift idea! I will say that wine is one of those gifts that you want to know a little about the person, that's why Winc is a great gift idea because they can personalize their own wines. 

Here is what you need to create this easy hostess gift:

Everyone would like to be creative, of course, but once you’re an adult, it’s kind of already decided whether you have a creative mind or not. That’s because, first, our brains are more “set in their ways,” and two, because we don’t have as much time as we would like to train our mind to be more creative. Creativity isn’t a gift; it’s trained into your brain. The best time to do this is when you’re young. A person who is creatively stimulated when they’re in their early years will carry that way of thinking through into adulthood. So it’s a good idea to feed your child’s creativity. We show you some ways how to do it below.

These Rae Dunn or Frozen 2 inspired homemade ornament craft for kids were created with products received from Oriental Trading. Although complimentary products were received, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

If you have been following me since 2014, then you know that I have enjoyed collaborating with Oriental Trading off and on even though I have been a huge fan of theirs for years. I love the variety of products they provide whether it is birthday decorations, educational toys, costumes for the entire family, or crafting supplies. They even have home décor that you can check out as well.

My daughter celebrated her 9th birthday today and we held a slumber party over the weekend. While thinking of activities to include, I decided on having the children make homemade ornaments. I didn't want anything too involved or messy, so we settled on these Rae Dunn or Frozen 2 inspired ornaments. The writing reminds me of Rae Dunn collection pieces while the inside reminds me of Frozen 2. I loved the idea of making ornaments for a winter slumber party because it was a great activity plus they got a little party favor to take home.

If you are new to Elf on the Shelf or considering it for the first time, this list may or may not be for you. I was forced into the tradition of Elf on the Shelf. My mother-in-law gifted us the little creature when my daughter wasn't quite three years old. It was annoying to deal with as it was just another thing for us to deal with during the holidays aka our busiest time of year. Then my son was born and became mobile, so I realized I was gifted this wonderful incentive to help him behave because no child wants to send a bad report to Santa himself aka the big guy.

My husband and I tend to forget to move our elf so we tell our kids "Annie (or elf) must really like that spot". But unfortunately, we can't do this for 25 straight days. So, I have created the lazy easy elf on the shelf ideas for parents who are like me and don’t like messy are super involved mischiefs for their elves to get up to.

My friends have been getting together more frequently during the holidays. It can still be hard to get everyone together especially since most of us are married with children, but we still feel it is important to spend time together. This year we did our first Thanksgiving and for the past few years we have been getting together for a Christmas/New Years shindig. This year, I suggestion we do an Ugly Christmas Sweater party because honestly? Themed parties are so MUCH FUN!

I personally love the variety to choose from at UglyChristmasSweater.com. Whatever you like, they have something for you. Rick and Morty, a variety of Disney, plenty of different Christmas movies, etc. Plus they have onesies, leggings, and more on top of sweater options. They even have ones that light too.

About Pavilion Books: "Pavilion Books is a thriving independent London-based publisher specialising in illustrated books for the UK and all international markets. We publish around 150 books a year under our range of established imprints; Batsford, Collins & Brown, National Trust, Pavilion, Pavilion Children’s, Pitkin and Portico. Our high-profile authors include Millie Marotta, Oz Clarke and Gennaro Contaldo and we specialise in managing brand-led publishing programmes with brands and organisations such as The National Trust, Good Housekeeping and Mollie Makes. At the core of our business are specialist lists such as craft, cookery, children’s and textile art."

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year as the song says, it is also very, very exciting for children. Perhaps a little too exciting and as the Christmas decorations go up in the town so early these days, the supermarket shelves are full of Christmas it can seem a long time for children to wait for Christmas Day. However, it doesn't have to be, this can all be part of the fun of preparing for Christmas, so how can you do that without your child expecting it always to be Christmas tomorrow?