Craft Time Fun: Create DIY, Colorful Sensory Tubes for All Ages!
Summer is almost here, and you know what that means? Keeping the kids entertained with activities everyone enjoys! My children’s ages range from 6 to 12 and finding something that sparks everyone's interest can be a challenge. Thankfully, I've discovered a lifesaver – sensory tubes!
Sensory tubes are the perfect activity! Easy enough for a preschooler to create with minimal help, and still engaging for preteens. Heck, I even enjoy creating a swirling,calming, glittery galaxy at age 44!
Sensory tubes are a lifesaver for non-crafty moms like me. Simple to put together, they look fantastic and keep the kids entertained.
Here is a list of items you will need to make your own DIY Sensory Tubes:
*Disclaimer: As an Amazon associate, I may make commission on qualifying purchases *
1. .Plastic Bottles with lids
2. Hand Soap
3. Water Beads
4. Gems
5. Gorilla Glue
7. Water
The magic begins with the water beads! Before assembling your sensory tubes, follow the easy instructions on the water bead packet to watch them grow. The beads will need to be prepped 4-8 hours before they are enlarged and ready to be used in the sensory tubes. I normally prep them the night before so we are ready to craft without waiting.
Supplies prepped and water beads fully grown? Let's get crafting!
Start by adding 1-2 inches of water to your plastic bottle. This controls the movement! More water means the glitter and treasures rain down quickly, while less water creates a slower, mesmerizing cascade. Choose your adventure.
Next, it's time for the fun part! Let your children add their favorite treasures to the bottle. This is their masterpiece! Let them unleash their creativity and fill the bottle with as much sparkle, colorful gems, and water beads as their heart desires.
Now that the artistic genius has finished their work, let's make it functional! Fill the remaining space in the bottle with hand soap, about half an inch or less from the rim. This prevents air bubbles from forming, which can disrupt the mesmerizing movement inside the tube.
For the final step (best left to an adult), we'll add a little extra security to the lid. Apply a thin layer of gorilla glue around the outside of the bottle, where the top screws on (along the threads). Be careful not to use too much – a little goes a long way! Excess glue can ooze out and cloud the bottle. Once the glue is applied, securely screw on the top and wipe away any excess glue that may have escaped with a damp cloth.
According to the gorilla glue package, it's best to wait at least a few hours (24 hours is ideal) for the glue to fully dry. Patience is a virtue, but trust us, the wait will be worth it! Once the glue is set, your creation is ready to mesmerize and soothe with every shake.
Congratulations! Your sensory calming tube is complete!
Tip: The first time you use your sensory tube, the treasures might settle at the bottom and seem a little sluggish. No worries, a little coaxing is all it takes! Simply flip the tube upside down and back a few times, then gently tap it on your palm. Once the magic gets flowing, it'll be a mesmerizing display with every shake!
These captivating crafts are a blast for everyone, from toddlers to tweens (and even grown-ups!). The best part? They're inexpensive, easy to make, and young kids can even help. Get ready for mesmerizing swirls of glitter and colorful water beads that will keep everyone entertained for hours. Time to ditch the stress and craft some summer magic!
Sweat Smarter, Play More: Must-Have Workout Essentials for a Fit and Fun Summer
This blog post is your guide to getting summer-ready, both physically and mentally! We'll explore some of my favorite workout gear and equipment that will help you reach your fitness goals and feel amazing while doing it.. Get ready to sweat, get strong, and get ready to conquer your summer!
Summer's calling, and the sunshine is getting warmer! With longer days and endless possibilities for adventure, I'm feeling motivated to get more active and fuel my summer fun. Imagine crushing those hikes, completing long bike rides with ease, and soaking up the beach with extra energy.
But let's be honest, summer is also about feeling confident and rocking those cute outfits and beachwear.
To help you (and me!) make the most of our pre-summer sweat sessions, I'm sharing some of my favorite fitness essentials that keep me feeling great and ready to conquer anything summer throws our way!
Check out the product pictures in this post! I snapped these myself to show you how much I genuinely love these products and that I truly do use them in my workouts.
*Disclaimer - As an amazon associate, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases.
Finding the right sports bra can be a game-changer for your workouts! For a long time, I struggled to find one that fit well and provided the support I needed. Some felt too constricting, while others offered little support and left the strap loose on my shoulders.
Then I discovered the Yvette High-Impact Sports Bra, and it's been a lifesaver! It provides amazing support without sacrificing comfort. This bra offers complete adjustability, with straps that can be customized on both the shoulders and around the torso for a perfect, personalized fit. Now I can focus on crushing my workouts, not worrying about adjusting my bra.
Yvette high-impact Sports Bra
My most used workout accessory has to be my Fitbit Sense 2 smartwatch. I wear it every day to track my steps and ensure that I hit 10,000 steps every single day. It's like having a mini wellness coach on my wrist, keeping me accountable and feeling my best! It not only tracks steps but monitors heart rate, sleep and even your menstrual cycle. With a built in GPS it easily tracks the distance of your walk or run. I love this watch! It's a game-changer that helps me feel my best every day.
Fitbit Sense 2 advanced fitness smart watch
Dumbbells and kettlebells are my go-to tools for building muscle and getting lean. They offer a versatile, full-body workout that's perfect for home gyms or the smallest of spaces.
I love how durable the dumbbells are, with a comfortable grip and a hexagonal design that protects my floors and makes them easy to store.
The Kettlebells are sturdy, made of solid cast iron and built to last. The textured, wide handle ensures a comfortable, secure grip.
Hex Dumbbell Rubber Encased Dumbbell
Let's face it, working out is more fun when you enjoy it! This weighted hula hoop is a great way to keep things interesting. Jam out to your favorite playlist and get your core engaged between weight sets – it's a guaranteed mood booster and will leave you energized for your next round!
Sports Hoop - Weighted Hula Hoop
There's nothing quite like the feeling of a good run! It’s one of my favorite workouts. Whether I'm hitting the pavement or the treadmill, lacing up my shoes is the best part of my day.
Ever see the shirts that say, “I run to burn off the crazy.”? That’s me, it calms my mind and there’s nothing quite like a runners high!
The struggle is real for runners with high arches and wide feet! For years, finding comfortable and supportive shoes felt like an impossible mission. But then I discovered Brooks running shoes, specifically their Ghost 15’s, which was a perfect fit for my needs. Now, every run feels amazing, and I can finally focus on enjoying the miles, not my aching feet.
Brooks Women’s Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe
While some people prefer the outdoors, I absolutely love getting my run in on a treadmill. For busy moms that can't leave kids home alone, I feel a treadmill is a necessity!
This year, after nearly two decades of loyal service, my old machine finally decided to retire. The hunt for a worthy replacement was on!
I didn’t think I could love another treadmill the way I did my trusty sidekick but I fell hard for the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
It has so many bells and whistles on it, like flex cushioning that softens the impact on your joints with a simple turn or simulates a real road running experience with another turn. SMART- response drive system with a robust 3.75 CHP motor that powers you through the toughest interactive training sessions.
This treadmill has a built in screen and with an ifit subscription, that supplies you with limitless training options from running on a sandy white beach in Costa Rica, to hiking a mountain in the Rockies. The NT1750 automatically changes incline and speed to either the trainers program or your fitness level (it’s your choice). You won’t be bored with this treadmill and the various workouts it has available to you.
Another reason I love this treadmill? Amazon offers convenient financing options, allowing you to spread the cost over several installments. This option makes this high-quality treadmill more accessible, and you receive the treadmill right after the initial payment!
NordicTrack Commercial Series 1750
I’ve covered everything from finding the perfect supportive sports bra to versatile free weights and the ultimate boredom-busting weighted hula hoop. Plus, for the treadmill enthusiasts (like myself!), we explored a fantastic option that offers a variety of workout programs and immersive experiences.
Remember, feeling confident and comfortable is just as important as getting active. So, lace up your favorite shoes, grab your new gear, and get ready to conquer anything summer throws your way!
10 Things You Can Do Today, To improve Your Relationship With Your Husband
Life with a partner can be a beautiful whirlwind – shared laughter, teamwork through challenges, and the comforting presence of your favorite person. But let's be honest, even the strongest bonds can become worn amidst daily routines and hectic schedules.
The good news? Rekindling the spark doesn't require grand gestures. In this post, we'll explore 10 simple, playful ways to keep your connection strong and the love flowing, reminding you why you fell for each other in the first place.
1. Tell your husband you are grateful for what they provide for your family.
If they work long hours, express how grateful you are for how hard they work to provide money for the family. If they are the sole caregiver to your kids and house, tell them how much you appreciate them for how well they handle everything in the household and still get dinner on the table every night.
Showing appreciation goes a long way and not only will your husband feel loved and valued, but actively searching for things to be grateful for will deepen your own feelings of appreciation for him and your relationship.
2. Send your husband a loving and/or flirty text.
Life gets busy, and sometimes the spark in your relationship needs a little rekindling.
Remind your husband that he is loved and that you still want him.
Life with kids can get hectic, and with the daily todo list that comes with adulting,
romance sometimes gets pushed aside. This is a sweet reminder to your husband that
you still see him, you still love him, and the flame is waiting to be rekindled.
3. Take one of your husbands “to do's” and do it for him.
Let's be honest, sometimes marriage can feel like a never-ending to-do list. I can definitely catch myself thinking, “why should I do one more thing? I already do everything for everyone!”.
You get to a point where you are tallying up all you do in a day and comparing it to your spouse’s list. This tit for tat isn’t good for any relationship. Partnerships are stronger without scorecards.
Instead, think of how you can take something off your spouses plate as a small way to say 'thank you' for everything you handle. We're in this together." How happy would you be if he did that for you?
This is just a nice gesture that shows your husband that you aren’t keeping score. That
you see he is doing what he can handle and you want to make his load a little easier
and how much you care about him.
4. Prioritize your own self care.
Make sure you are filling up your own cup. Exercise, read a good book, treat yourself to a massage, or grab drinks with friends. Find activities that spark joy and leave you feeling energized. When you take care of yourself, you have more to give to your relationship and everything else in your life.
5. Plan a date night.
Keep the spark alive with intentional date nights! Plan (at least) a monthly escape – a favorite restaurant, a concert, a weekend getaway – anything that reignites your connection. Location doesn’t matter as much as the quality time you spend together. Even a cozy night in can be special but make sure you are kid free in order to concentrate on your connection and intimacy.
6. Let’s talk about sex, baby!
Let's be honest, after a long day with the kids, sex might not be the first thing on your mind. It's completely understandable to feel touched out! But here's the thing - intimacy with your partner can be a form of connection and stress relief.
I know you are constantly meeting everybody else’s needs and this sometimes feels like it’s ‘just one more thing I have to do and one more need I have to meet.”
I hear you, I’ve been there many times but, you need to stop this narrative in your head. Sex is not a chore. Sex is connection, love, and stress relief. Trust me, once you get into it, you will be happy you did! No one has ever said, I wish I didn’t just have that orgasm!
7. Stop doing that thing that annoys your husband.
We all have those little habits that drive our partners crazy. For me, it was leaving empty seltzer cans scattered around the house. My husband would pick my single seltzer can out of a disaster on the counter, and it used to drive me crazy! I felt enraged that he'd focus on one can when the whole place was trashed.
Then, I had a realization. I wouldn't want him to shrug off a habit that bothered me, so why should I do the same? We're a team, and a little effort from both of us can make a big difference.
Now, I make a conscious effort to toss those empty cans directly into the recycling bin. Most of the time, at least, unless he’s annoying me! (kidding of course)
What's your "seltzer can" habit? This story is a reminder that small changes can make a big difference in our relationships. What little habits could you or your partner adjust to create a more harmonious home environment?
8. Think about what you would love if your husband did for you and do it for him.
Spicing up your relationship doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes, the sweetest moments come from surprising your partner with something you know they'd appreciate.
Think back – what makes you feel loved? Maybe it's a compliment, a heartfelt hug, or taking a chore off your plate. Now, flip the script! What small act of kindness could brighten your partner's day? It could be anything:
Offering a back rub after a long day.
Picking up their favorite after-work drink.
Scheduling some "alone time" for them to relax or pursue a hobby.
Let them watch their favorite sports game without interruptions
The key is to be thoughtful and show you're paying attention. Chances are, your partner has similar needs and will appreciate the gesture. These small acts of love can spark a positive cycle of appreciation and strengthen your bond.
Remember, this goes both ways! Talk openly about what makes each other feel loved and valued. Little surprises can go a long way in keeping the spark alive.
9. If you are having an argument, try and see if from your husband’s perspective even if you know you are right.
Arguments are a normal part of any relationship. The key is managing them constructively. Here are some tips:
Take a time-out: If emotions are running high, it's okay to take a break and cool down. Go for a walk, scream into a pillow, heck, beat it up if it'll make you feel better, go into your car and blast music, or do whatever helps you calm down.
Focus on solutions: When you're calm, come back to the issue with a goal of understanding and compromise. Avoid blaming language and focus on "I" statements ("I feel frustrated when..." vs. “ always..."). Truly try and see it through your partner's eyes.
Acknowledge your part: Even if you feel justified, consider if there's something you could have done differently.
Keep it respectful: Maintain a respectful tone throughout the discussion.
Work towards a solution: Focus on finding a compromise that works for both of you.
Remember, a healthy relationship isn't about "winning" arguments. It's about open communication, respect, and a willingness to find common ground. And last, but certainly not least. Have amazing make up sex!
10. Have fun!
Try and sneak in fun in everything you do. The smallest acts of fun and connection can make a big difference!
While making dinner, put on your favorite music, grab your man and start dancing. Make sure you are connecting whenever you can.
Your husband is sitting at the dining room table helping kids with homework. Walk over to him, wrap your arms around him and snuggle into his neck. Give him a small kiss and off you go.
Leave silly love notes for each other or send a flirty itext while in the same room. These actions don’t have to be huge outpourings of affection, just little contact throughout the day to keep you connected, having fun and showing your love for one another.
Spicing things up with these small gestures will keep your relationship feeling playful and connected, even amidst the daily grind.
Remember, every couple is unique. Find what keeps the spark alive and the laughter flowing!
Shifting Gears: How to See Self-Care as Essential, Not Indulgent
The definition of “mother” could easily be “caregiver”.
Your role as mother encompasses not only providing for your children’s basic needs, but taking care of their mental, emotional and physical well being. As well as, maintaining their schedules, sign ups, school work, extracurriculars and sports, all while fostering well-rounded individuals.
But the demands rarely stop there. Many mothers also serve as caregivers for their spouses, juggling their needs and busy schedules. This can involve everything from emotional support to managing household tasks and appointments.
The circle of care can extend even further, with some mothers supporting aging parents or even living with them to provide 24/7 assistance.
And amidst all this, mothers find the strength to nurture their friendships and relationships and show immense care for their friends and loved ones.
Mothers excel at nurturing others, but prioritizing their own well-being is often neglected.
You are so used to taking care of everyone else that you feel guilty when you prioritize yourself.
Even a simple coffee break with friends can trigger "mom guilt." After pouring your energy into everyone else, prioritizing yourself can evoke a pang of undeserved guilt.
But why? What causes you to feel mom guilt when prioritizing yourself?
Maybe it is societal expectations that often portray mothers as selfless martyrs, sacrificing their own needs for their family. Or possibly, some mothers might have grown up with caregivers who neglected their own needs, leading to a subconscious belief that self-care is wrong.
You may have special needs children or a child who requires extra attention that causes you to view other moms who take time for themselves as selfish, because of how essential your care is, all hours of the day.
Internalizing this belief makes you feel like a horrible mother every time you take 5 minutes for yourself. This conviction couldn’t be further from the truth. Engaging in self care isn’t selfish; it actually empowers you to be a happier, more present mom.
These feelings are often deeply ingrained that make prioritizing yourself seem unnatural. So how exactly do we change our ideals and these deep rooted beliefs?
I am going to tell you how.
You actually already excel at self-care, you just don’t realize it yet.
Self-care is merely being a caregiver to yourself.
When it comes to nurturing and empowering your children, you're a pro. Their well-being and growth thrive under your care. You are amazing at caregiving. It is innately inside of you.
Since you are a master caregiver, simply extend that same love and care towards yourself.
Think of yourself as another child you are nurturing.
What values do you hold as important when it comes to your children?
You likely prioritize fostering a well-rounded life for your children. This might involve ensuring they receive a quality education (learning), eat nutritious foods, socialize and have quality friendships, get enough sleep, participate in physical activities, and prioritize their emotional and mental well-being.
Shift your perspective: Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential for you to be an amazing mother and the best version of yourself. You deserve to be taken care of, just like everyone else in your life.
Taking care of yourself isn't separate from caring for your family, it's part of the same journey. When you're well-rested and fulfilled, you can be a more present and loving mom.
The Survival Years
‘Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” - Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights.
This quote sums up the relationship I have with my husband, Brent. And yet, there was a time when we didn’t know if we would make it.
Within a few months of dating I knew we were going to be together forever. We had a deep love for one another and a romance that I had always hoped to find.
We honeymooned in France and daydreamed about future romantic getaways around the world, galavanting together, immersed in one another. We also couldn’t wait to start a family. I had always dreamed of being a mother and couldn’t wait to see Brent father our children.
Our wish of growing ar family came quickly. A short six months after getting married, I was pregnant with our oldest son. We were overjoyed to become parents. I was told I may not be able to get pregnant so this was a true blessing.
Even though we were ecstatic to become parents, I have to admit, we were a little bummed to postpone our trip to Italy we were planning. Surely, Italy could wait a year or two!
Fast forward to the birth of my son (let’s call him W). The first night we brought him home, he slept a total of 45 minutes. The nights following weren’t much better. Our son fought sleep like the plague.
“W” was exclusively breast fed and had acid reflux which caused him to spit up most of his meal leaving him hungry and wanting to constantly eat. He would eat every 45 minutes. My body was no longer my own, it was given to my son to help keep him healthy and happy.
At this time, I also owned my own business that operated 7 days a week while still caring for my son full time. My husband was busy with his high demanding sales career and trying to navigate our new family dynamic on minimal sleep.
As “W” grew, he wasn’t hitting developmental milestones, he was having massive meltdowns and unable to communicate his needs to us. “W” was a flight risk, he would run any chance he got. We had to always be “on” to keep him safe, understand his needs and navigate how to take care of him. “W” was finally diagnosed with autism, (after years of raising concerns to doctors) a couple of months before his 3rd birthday.
Then came therapies, special schools, hours of researching all while running on fumes from years of not sleeping. “W” would never just sit, he was constantly on the move and engaging in dangerous behaviors.
I forgot to add, his sister was born when he was 22 months old, so not only was I taking care of a special needs toddler I was caring for and nursing a newborn and (without realizing it at the time) I was dealing with postpartum depression.
My husband and I were in survival mode to say the least. We were functioning on years of no sleep, 2 very high needs children, our demanding jobs, and trying to understand autism and help our son thrive. Naturally, something had to be put on the back burner and by default it was our relationship.
We began to take our frustrations out on one another and the lines of communication shut down. The only things we would discuss were our children, if we spoke at all because we were too immersed in taking care of the kids. When they were finally sleeping for 1-2 hour stretches, we would race to bed in hopes of getting a wink of sleep before being woken by a needy child.
Our sex life was pretty much non–existent. I would never even think to initiate anything and if Brent did, I would normally shoot him down because I was exhausted to my soul and “touched out” to the point that I couldn't bear the thought of being intimate and taking care of another person's needs.
We rarely had date nights, no one could handle our kids and we were too tired to actually go out for a long duration anyway.
We would do a lot as a family but it was always stressful because “w” couldn’t handle many situations with his sensory issues and it was hard for us to keep him safe. Our friendships started to fade away and we felt like we were stuck on an island at home, full of stress and exhaustion.
We started unknowingly keeping score. Who got less sleep. Who ran “W” to his therapies. Who did the laundry. Whose work is more demanding. Who got 5 minutes of alone time without taking care of one of our children's needs.
There were days where I thought, what’s the point of this relationship? I do everything, I never get a minute to myself, it’s like I’m living with a roommate and he just adds stress to my life.
All we do is fight and we aren’t on the same page. Where is the romance? How does he expect me to have sex with him when he barely says 3 words to me all day?
We would be in fights for days because I would turn down his advances. I would see it as, all he can think about is sex. He doesn’t care about me! He just wants to get off.
When he’s thinking, she doesn’t love me anymore. She can’t stand when I touch her. She doesn’t want to make love to me or have any kind of connection with me.
We were not only on different pages, we were in 2 completely different books.
We had lost sight of our relationship and it was extremely close to sizzling out.
Writing this narrative of our survival mode years makes me uneasy.
We loved each other immensely and therefore recognizing the truth of what our relationship had become was painful.
I believe that most of my friends and family reading this probably had no idea we were in such a hard spot. I’d even say Brent probably wouldn’t admit it. We do always view the past with rose colored glasses. I can, however, remember how hopeless it felt.
We did have good times amongst just surviving because we fiercely loved one another and adored our children but it was a struggle. It was the hardest period of our lives and our relationship held on by a string.
We never lost sight of our love for our family or our gratitude for being blessed with happy, healthy children. We did, however, lose our connection and our romance. While forming the family of our dreams, we lost sight of us.
Our “story” isn’t uncommon for many marriages with kids, especially those with a special needs child. For many couples, this is where the story ends, but luckily for me and Brent it was just the beginning of the journey back to “us”.
Be on the look out for part 2, where I share our journey back to one another and how our relationship has thrived over the years!
Cleaning Made Easy!
I pride myself on many aspects of my life. My role as mom. My relationship with my husband. My short term rental business. My health and wellness group for women. Being an advocate for my son who has autism.
I am not, however, very proud of my role as housekeeper.
My house is normally an unorganized, messy, disaster.
If I am pointing fingers, I would like to blame being a good mom and wife for not being able to keep up with my house.
Instead of doing that load of laundry, I will snuggle with my kids and watch a movie.
I will linger at the dinner table talking with my family instead of doing the dishes.
On a Saturday morning, we will snuggle in bed instead of cleaning the bathrooms.
I think you get the point. I prioritize my family over cleaning. I prioritize most things over cleaning.
That’s obviously not the only reason, there is more.
We have too much stuff!
I am not good at organizing.
I have 3 kids, a husband and a dog, all of whom are messy individuals. I don’t get a lot of help.
I work from home, a few different jobs and feel like cleaning falls to the bottom of the list.
The problem with cleaning failing to the bottom of my list is that It gives me extreme anxiety when my house is a mess.
I am moody, distracted and at times even depressed when my house is in shambles.
Realizing this, I knew I needed to get organized, a good cleaning routine in place and keep the house tidy for my sanity.
But, I was never good at cleaning, it always took me forever and it never seemed clean or organized enough to satisfy me.
That is until I acquired some products that helped save me time, clean with ease and tricks to get organized and stay organized.
Through trial and error, I'm learning to clean more efficiently, finding amazing products that help make it easier, and getting into the habit of keeping up on it.
Here are a few of my favorite products that make cleaning easier and more efficient.
*Disclaimer: Being an Amazon Associate, I receive commissions on qualifying purchases
Reusable, Microfiber Mop Pad for Swiffer Sweeper
These microfiber mop pads attach with velcro right onto your swiffer sweeper and are machine washable.
I use these for all types of cleaning. I especially love them for washing my windows. A few swipes of swiffer with these pads attached and my windows are perfection.
I also use these to clean my bathroom mirrors, kitchen cabinets, bathtub, shower, walls and floors.
The pads are durable, thick and absorb a lot of liquid. Easy cleaning, multiple uses and then toss in the washing machine for easy clean up.
Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray - 32 fl oz - Unscented
This is a great compliment to the microfiber mop pads I just talked about.
This spray is great for everyday cleaning.
I can clean up spots on my kitchen floor with ease and without needed to mop the entire floor.
This spray helps with easy keep up and maintenance between major floor cleans.
I also love that it’s unscented as some cleaners odor can be quite off putting.
FURemover Rubber Broom
This broom removes cat hair, dog fur, and dirt from practically any surface including hardwood floors, tile, carpet, rugs, linoleum, concrete, and upholstery.
The rubber head attracts the hair keeping it from flying all over the house.
If you have animals this product is a must!
It's amazing at removing the pet hair and also a great broom overall. I have replaced my standard broom with this one.
Here is a picture of the dog hair I removed from my area rug AFTER I had already vacuumed it.
Speaking of dog hair, this next product is great for removing dog hair and lint from carpets and upholstery.
Pet Hair Remover Tool
Powerful lint and pet hair remover - Deep Cleaning Tool, pet lover's #1 CHOICE to remove stubbornly trapped pet hair.
I mainly use this tool for the carpet on my stairs. Its amazingly pulls up all the dog hair and lint trapped in our carpet.
When I want a real deep clean of our area rugs, I use this tool and surprised at what it pulls up on a carpet that I believed was already clean!
Chemical Guys - Foaming Citrus Fabric Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
I bought this for my car seats that my kids had destroyed and it was a miracle worker. Check out the before and after.
This cleaner pulled up stains that have been on my car seats for years.
I even used it on my family room throw rug and helped bring it back to life, lifting the ground in stains.
This is a definite must for hard to remove stains in your car seats!!
I don’t want to overwhelm you with a hundred different products, even though I could probably list quite a few more, so I will end with this next product.
HAMITOR Toilet Bowl Brush
This is a really great toilet brush, I just wish it came with a holder. That’s the only downfall that I would note.
The shape of this brush is perfect for under the rim of your toilet and down in the bottom of the toilet.
It’s the first one that I found was able to clean in the hard to reach areas. Very durable!
Never in a million years would i think I’d be raving about a toilet brush but it is pretty great and makes it quick and easy to clean the entire toilet thoroughly.
My house is by no means spotless but these products along with schedules, tips and tricks and organizing solutions has made my house cleaner and more easily manageable.
My anxiety and depression from the mess has decreased and I feel much more at ease and actually enjoy keeping a tidy house now.
Finding the perfect products for my needs was the change that helped me get my house in shape and I hope these products help you too!
Unloading The (Eye) Baggage
I have had dark circles under my eyes for as long as I can remember. Always chalked it up to allergies or heredity but no matter where they came from, I was constantly searching for creams and make-up to help the appearance of my unwanted baggage.
After having children that avoided sleep like the plague (seriously never slept), my under eye problem got worse.
In my 30’s, I was able to use any cover up or foundation and disguise my tired eyes but now that I'm in my 40’s most make up just settles into my fine lines causing me to look tired and old!
I was determined to find products that helped the appearance of my dark circles and fine lines under my eyes. I tried everything that promised to help and although many fell short on their promises, here are my favorite picks that transformed my “sophisticated” (mature) skin around my eyes to look younger, brighter, glowing and refreshed!
Disclaimer: As an amazon associate, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases.
To help combat my fine lines and aging under eyes, I found Ogee skin care after falling in love with their organic make-up.
Ogee Natural Retinol Bakuchiol Serum 2% Elixir
This little orange bottle is like a magic youth elixir. It makes my skin glow and appear youthful by softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while reducing the look of pores. It also improves the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots from the rich antioxidants.
I now have glowing, youthful skin which feels soft as butter. This Elixir gives you the perfect canvas for a beautiful, even application of your make-up.
Another amazing product from Ogee:
Ogee Botanical Eye Balm - Certified Organic Brightening
This miracle worker helps with fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles!! It is also very hydrating.
My favorite ingredient is antioxidant-rich turmeric root extract, which improves the appearance of dark circles and protects against environmental damage
Next, to cover up those dark circles with makeup that won’t settle into the fine lines. I have tried many different types of color correctors and concealers and here are my favorites!
What a difference these products make on my mature skin compared to products made for 20 year olds!
Until recently, I have never used a face primer. Let me tell you, a good face primer is a game changer. It's like using photoshop on your face.
It fills in pores and fine lines making your skin uniform and silky like velvet. Make-up glides on so much easier and looks flawless when using this as a base.
I tried a few other brands that didn’t impress me before I stumbled upon this piece of magic!
Elizabeth Mott - Thank Me Later Face Primer
Get this primer into your daily routine, and you will “Thank Me Later”.
After my primer I apply 2 color correctors to my dark circles and on the sides of the bridge of my nose. Both color correctors are from the Bobbi Brown collection.
Bobbi Brown Corrector - Light Bisque
Bobbi Brown Corrector is great coverage and has a matte look. It blends in and neutralizes the dark circles. It is a little tacky/dry but with the Thank Me Later Primer, it glides on smoothly and looks very natural and doesn’t settle in creases.
Bobbi Brown -
Skin Color Corrector & Brightening Concealer Stick
You may be wondering why I use 2 color correctors.
This brightening stick isn’t the same as the other corrector I mentioned. Bobbi Brown's brightening stick is more sheen and shiny.
It brightens in a shimmery way and adds a glowing effect reflecting light and illuminating the darkness around your eyes.
Last but not least, I unify the look with:
Ogee Sculpted Complexion Foundation Stick
This complexion stick I glide on my entire face, including under my eyes to blend the correctors and make a beautiful base for the rest of my make-up. So creamy and doesn’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. I love that Ogee products are organic and I can wear them daily with no concerns of harsh chemicals.
I have considered everything from fillers to plastic surgery to fix my tired, aging eyes until I found this amazing combination that refreshes my eyes, gives me confidence and makes me feel beautiful.
If you are looking for help with your bags and dark circles and would rather not spend thousands of dollars or have invasive surgeries, I suggest giving these amazing products a try!
10 Tips for Workout Motivation and How to Keep Showing Up Consistently
1. Don’t depend on motivation
You're probably asking yourself, how is this a tip geared towards making me motivated to work out?
- It is one of the best tips I can give you because motivation isn’t always going to
be there pushing you towards your goal. That is when you need to do it anyway.
You need to turn your motivation (on days you have it) into habits that will
automatically kick in when your motivation is waning.
2. Start off small and exercise at your level.
If you don’t work out and barely hit 5,000 steps in a day, don’t try an hour spin class to train to run a marathon.
Start with walking for 10-15 minutes. Or a leisurely bike ride. Try dancing to one or 2 songs. Don’t over do it when you are just beginning. You will burn out quickly and become discouraged, not wanting to continue.
3. Schedule your workout like it's an appointment - plan ahead!
Plan a specific time frame and mark it on your calendar along with all your other appointments.
Regard this appointment just as highly as your other appointment. Don’t cancel on yourself!
4. Lay out workout clothes and equipment ahead of time.
Put your workout clothes and equipment (weights, mats, etc) in a place where you see them and are more accessible.
Walking past your sneakers multiple times in the morning will make you more likely to lace them up than if they were tucked away in your closet.
5. Find a workout buddy!
One study showed that 95% of participants that started a weight loss program with a friend completed it compared to only a 76% completion rate of those who went it alone.
Buddy up for walks/runs, a work out class, going to the gym, a bike ride or whatever interests you to get moving.
6. Have fun and do what you love!
If you dislike running, don’t run. If the thought of swimming makes you cringe, don’t do it!
Participate in exercise that you love! That is fun and enjoyable! That you are excited to do. That makes you feel good in your body.
We aren’t punishing our bodies, we are showing them love.
7. Music Playlists!
This is my go to! I love making fun, upbeat playlists that make me move!
Put together your favorite songs that you can help but get up and go!
8. Incorporate exercise into your day.
Park far away at a store
Take the stairs whenever possible
Do squats while standing at the stove making dinner
Dance with your children before bed
9. Find a challenge group or a charity exercise event to join
Compete with others in a challenge group - like minded participants with healthy competition to fuel your motivation.
Raise money for your favorite cause by vowing to exercise for donations. Choose a charity near and dear to your heart that will inspire you to work hard to raise the most money for that organization.
10. Don’t set unrealistic goals
Setting smaller, more attainable goals helps keep your motivation high.
If you set a large goal that will take a long time to achieve, you may become discouraged and feel like you aren’t making progress
Taking it one day at a time and setting smaller goals will help you feel successful and will push you towards bigger goals gently.
The goal is to increase activity in a fun, loving way to keep your new active, healthy lifestyle sustainable. Hope these tips get you moving and increase motivation for your goals!
Good-bye Resolutions!
It is mid January, how many of you are still keeping up with your resolutions?
If you are still going strong, is it hard and daunting? Are you feeling deprived?
Here is the thing about resolutions, they are meant to better your life, better you, but they don’t.
They are normally some outlandish resolve with a lot of restrictions and rules. There is a considerable amount of telling yourself no to things you really want and trying to take on this new lifestyle overnight.
You cause your body and mind to feel whipped and overwhelmed. You feel bad or like a failure if you slip up. Why do we do this to ourselves?
This year I decided that instead of resolutions, I will set an intention. No more rules, no more unrealistic goals with deadlines, no more pushing myself around with things I don't want to be doing or not doing.
No, this year is different. I entered this year with an overall intention.
Release!
That may sound strange to some of you. I get it, but it completely resonated with me and for once, at the beginning of a new year, I felt calm and hopeful. Excited too.
When I think of my intention of release, many things come to mind.
Releasing extra weight.
Releasing stress.
Releasing timelines of when goals should be accomplished.
Releasing people who cause drama or unneeded stress in my life.
Releasing worrying about the judgment of others.
Releasing emotions (I tend to push everything down)
I could really spend all day writing things that my intention pertains to but I think you get the idea.
Intentions feel more loving and well intended to me. I don’t feel stressed out or worried about failing like I do when I make resolutions.
Give it a try. Sit with yourself and come up with your own intention for the year. You can borrow mine or find one that better suits you.
Say good-bye to your resolutions and hello to your intention and see how quickly your mood and mindset improve.
Love Is All We Need
Lonely, depressed, anxious, sad, worried and hopeless are only a few words to describe how the world is feeling about all that is going on in Israel. Innocent men, women and children are being murdered. It's scary to realize that this genocide is a current day holocaust situation.
Everyone is carrying around a lot of emotional baggage these days with evil seeming to be lurking everywhere you look. If it's not the senseless killings in Israel, it's the reaction of some believing that these attacks are justified. The threats happening around the United States towards the Jewish communities have been frightening. Frightening isn’t profound enough. Stomach turning, unnerving, disconcerting, nauseating are only the surface of feelings that come to mind.
When scary things like this happen in life, it’s easy to fold inward and get wrapped up in all your emotions. You keep watching the news and reading the articles, slipping further and further away from being ok. You lose all hope in humanity and believe the majority supports the evilness in this world.
The truth is, people are so wrapped up in their hopelessness that they forget that a little love goes a long way. I truly believe there is much more love than evil in this world but evil is heard like a catastrophic explosion, where love more often is soft whisper.
When you are sitting in the overwhelming emotions of hopelessness, sometimes it is hard to think outside yourself and support others. Although, this is exactly what we need to be doing. We need to reach out to our family, friends and neighbors and let them know we are there for them. Help them believe in the good even if they are too weary to see it. We will show it to them first hand and it won't be so much of a whisper anymore. Outpour love to others and you will feel a little less scared and hopeless yourself. Remember the good, be the good and spread love.