Nanny to Mommy

Potty Training. I said once the new year hit, we were going to buckle down and get it done. But how do you teach an unwilling student? Seriously. I am researching and trying every trick in the book. In all my searching, the number one tip is to be prepared! Be prepared that they'll have accidents, be prepared to clean up, and be prepared to reward as well. So I have compiled a list of products that make potty training easier and help make you more prepared.

Let’s be honest, getting back into a healthy routine after the holidays can feel a bit like trying to run through molasses. The sweets, snacks, and casseroles were fun at the time, but after weeks of indulging, I found myself feeling sluggish, low on energy, and just not my best self.

So, in our home, we’ve been slowly working our way back into healthier habits. Notice I said slowly. I’ve done the all-or-nothing approach before and burned out fast. This time, it’s about balance, grace, and small, manageable changes that feel sustainable.

I’ve picked up Beachbody's P90X again, but with a gentler approach. I’m giving myself permission to modify, to start where I am, and to build strength back gradually. And just as importantly, we’ve started focusing on what’s going on our plates.

Healthy Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

We are excited to bring you this Happy Healthy New Year Giveaway coordinated by Mommy Scene and featuring some fun products to help your family be a little healthier this year!

When my husband and I bought our old house over nine years ago, I don't think we ever thought we would live in it as long as we did. But then the market crashed months later and we were stuck. Our first house was a great starter home, but not so great for our growing family.

I am not a real estate agent. I do have family members who are and we did consult with them before we decided to put our house on the market. But since we have finally completed the process, I thought I would give my tips to sell your house and make your home more marketable for buyers.

The holidays are over and done with and went by so fast! My daughter's birthday was 12/9. I cant believe this was her 6th birthday! We celebrated the weekend before. I was going to rent a bounce house, but of course it rained the day we planned her party. I felt selfish for not wanting it to rain when we really needed it. SweetPea ended up getting a stomach virus on her actual birthday and had to miss a day of school. Anyways we decided to have her party at our house and we invited a ton of people, but our new house did very well. And everyone LOVED the Pokémon theme.

We bought her pull apart cupcake cake at Kroger. I think the Pikachu turned out great. We played "Catch the Charizard" game seen above. Which was like pin the tail on the donkey. I loved all the decorations that we got from Oriental Trading. What I love about them is that you can get SO MUCH without spending a ton. Her shirt was made by my mother-in-law since she loves Togepi.

Ringing in the New Year is totally different for us now that we have kids. But that doesn't mean that it can't be fun. The countdown is on with a tradition we started last year. And I'm so excited because this year we will be joining some of our friends and their kiddos to celebrate the end of this crazy year!

This year, the most famous 10 seconds of the year are back on Netflix with 10 new countdowns based on some of your kids’ favorite shows: Word Party, Puffin Rock, Luna Petunia, Beat Bugs, All Hail King Julien, Skylanders Academy, DreamWorks Trollhunters, Project Mc2, Fuller House, and Chasing Cameron. Start your party anytime, anywhere by searching New Year’s Eve Countdown on Netflix.