by Shelly on December 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

Easy Mom Hairstyles 3 Ways

I am working with Eva NYC on this beauty series but all thoughts and photography are my own.

Easy Mom Hairstyles- Moming is hard no matter if you have babies, tweens, college age kids, you stay at home or you’re working out of the home…it’s all just hard. The thing I’ve learned over the past five years of being a mom, is that getting ready seriously improves my day. The first thing I do when I wake up, no matter what, is to make my bed. One tiny task accomplished first thing sets me up on a good path for the day. After having breakfast with my family before my husband heads off to work, feeding the baby and unloading the dishwasher it’s finally ‘me time’ while my baby naps. I take advantage of this time to speed shower, put on normal clothes and do my hair.

In this season of my life I’m often wearing my hair up keeping it out of reach of the super grip of my babe. While a ponytail is super easy and quick I felt like it was so boring! recently discovered Eva NYC and have been using them while doing my self love care as well as my daughter’s hair. I really love the 10-1 Primer because it’s light on my hair but has so many benefits like detangling, reducing frizz, strengthens hair, softens, cuts drying time, adds shine, nourishes, smooths, and protects against thermal and UV damage. I always use the primer when I blow dry and straighten my hair. Lately I’ve been using the dry shampoo to help hold my style. I have thick hair but once I blowdry and straighten it can fall out of a style easily. The dry shampoo helps give it some texture to hold any teasing or braids I put in my hair.

Once I’ve got my hair prepped I usually resort to one of three hairstyles that will keep my hair out of my face for my day ahead.

High Bun (playful style that you can switch up with different bows)
Braided Crown Pony (perfect for hair that needs washed)
French Braided Bun (can be used to transition to a girls night out)

High Bun

The High Bun couldn’t be easier. If you have fine hair you can always use a bun sock to make your actual bun bigger. I like to use wraps or bows to something extra to this classic look. Sometimes I’ll pull out a few strands and curl them if I’m going somewhere nice.

Braided Crown Pony

This could not be easier and it’s incredibly hard to mess up. Mine is not a true crown braid as I do not wrap the braid around but rather start at a very exaggerated part and braid down both sides of my head. I then pull the braid to make it bigger, wrap an elastic making a low braid and wrap extra hair around my elastic.

French Braided Bun

If you’re nervous about braids, don’t be. As you can see, mine are rarely perfect but they still do a great job holding my hair back and get lots of compliments. Practice while you’re watching TV and soon you’ll get really good. My biggest tip is to not use a mirror. With this braid I simply teased the top of my hair, braided it back down my head and wrapped the end in a bun. Stays secure but doesn’t give my the headache that I sometimes get with a high bun. I will wear this style in lieu of a french twist because I still can’t get that one down.

I think the Eva NYC mini healthy heat pro-power dryer and mini healthy heat ceramic flat iron are the cutest things ever. They’re so perfect for when we travel to Chicago every other month to visit my in-laws. I love that the blow dryer comes with a diffuser as well as a director. The tourmaline-infused ceramic components radiate far-infrared heat and emit negative ions, which lock in moisture, eliminate frizz and speed up the drying process. Also, finding Eva NYC couldn’t be easier. They’re now at Meijer! Super easy to pick up more of my favorite Eva NYC products while I’m shopping with the girls. I’m actually planning on getting a few sets of these travel sized tools to give to my girl friends for Christmas!

by Shelly on December 5, 2018 Leave a Comment

Prepping for Kindergarten with Playmobil

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlayWithPlaymobil #CollectiveBias

Prepping for Kindergarten- I loved playing with Playmobil as a kid and they have continued to put out great toys for our kid’s generation. The school bus toy is getting my daughter excited for her year at Kindergarten next year and I couldn’t be more pleased for her.

Hover over the image to shop for the School Bus play set

Playmobil makes toy sets that are perfect for kids 4+. My daughter is 5 and she was able to follow the instructions to put all the stickers where they go and put the backpacks on the little students. Her favorite part of any toy is getting it set up. The Playmobil School Bus had the perfect amount of set up for her to not get frustrated before she got to play with the toy.

Prepping for Kindergarten

There are three things we’re doing to prep Sophia for kindergarten next year.

Making sure we know what they’re teaching in her grade. The Indiana Department of Education lists out exactly what she’ll be learning next year so she’ll be confident in what she already knows.
Working on meeting friends and all that comes with friendship. As she has been an only child until a couple months ago we wanted her to have lots of interaction with kids to learn sharing, compromise, empathy and kindness.
Preparation of what’s to come. She’s most excited to ride the bus so we pretend play with her Playmobil school bus. Her favorite thing is to take it outside on the driveway, make chalk roads and drive it along waiting for the real school bus to drop off the neighbor kids. The bus drivers in our neighborhood know her name because she has now made friends with them all in her excitement to start school next year. I’m so glad she’s excited about going to school. When I ask what she’s most excited for, her response is always ‘RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS!’ Her enthusiasm for school will hopefully make it less difficult for me to watch her ride off on her first day.

Walmart carries a large variety of the Playmobil sets for very affordable prices. We found sets from their City Life, The Explorers, Dinos and Family Fun lines. I love that they have sets that you can build onto to make as elaborate as your imagination can dream. You can see lots of different ways kids and their parents play with Playmobil here.

Playmobil Makes a Great Gift

Playmobil has been making toys in the US since 1974. My parents saved the Playmobil farm set my sister and I played with as kids and now my daughter and nieces love playing with them! The high quality characters move easily and all of the toys are manipulative. On this school bus the lid can be taken off and the lights work. It’s the little details that make kids love Playmobil sets so much. At 5, my daughter is the perfect age to begin playing with the school bus and we’ll be getting her the playground set to go along with it for her birthday because they’re perfect for helping to develop her cognitive and social/emotional skills.

What are some other ways you helped prep your little ones for Kindergarten? The school bus seems to be the thing she’s most excited for so, for now, I’m milking it for all I can!

Tips for a Smooth Back to School

Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis

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by Shelly on November 30, 2018 Leave a Comment

5 Simple Upgrades for a Spa Bathroom

This post has been sponsored by Quilted Northern®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 Simple Upgrades for a Spa Bathroom- Turn your drab bathroom into a peaceful place you want to get ready in when you wake up. Add a plant and crystals, minimize and de-clutter counter-tops, add a candle, and have the highest quality comfort in toilet paper with Quilted Northern.

1. Luxurious Toilet Paper

Here’s the key to a spa-like bathroom: Comfort. Comfort in your towels and robe, yes, but also in your toilet paper. Especially when there are 3 silky soft layers that are both cushiony and absorbent like Quilted Northern®. Their Ultra Plush® is the ultimate comfort for a luxurious experience. I get mine through Walmart’s Grocery Pick Up, making it super easy to get my necessities for the week without taking the girls inside. You can learn more about how amazingly soft Quilted Northern® is here. As their tagline says. “It’s just really nice toilet paper.”

2. Add a Plant

Have you ever been to a spa and not seen plants? There are several benefits to having plants indoors, including reducing carbon dioxide levels, reducing levels of certain pollutants such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide, and reducing airborne dust levels. Plus, I find bathroom plants to be the easiest to remember to water because they’re close to a sink.

3. Calming Crystals

Believing crystals have powers is woo-woo, but I still love having them around. They’re beautiful and if they have special added powers, why not use them in decor? You can choose whatever type of crystal you like in your bathroom, but I use amethyst for my spa bathroom. Amethyst is said to bring peace and tranquility in the home as well as calm the mind.

4. Hygge Candle

Candles always give a special comforting feeling, so the bathroom only makes sense. Hygge is a Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfort with feelings of wellness and contentment. You don’t need a specific candle to achieve this feeling, just something that makes you feel content. For me, that’s the beach. I wanted something that reminded me of escape and being calm.

5. Minimize Clutter

Even if you have little storage space in your bathroom, there’s always a way to hide your products. We don’t have drawers on our vanity, so our counter could easily fill up with toothbrushes, toothpaste, face wash, shaving tools, etc. because we use them multiple times per day. Personally, I tend to feel anxious when there is clutter on surfaces. With all the clutter around our home from having two little kids, the bathroom is a space I can manage easily because they don’t use it.

See what products are necessary to keep on your counter, and find a way to make them look nice if they need to be there. Place them all on a tray or buy matching accessories to hold them. Walmart has a great selection of accessories for your toiletry needs.

You can do this quick spa-like update by picking up these items at Walmart on your next shopping trip in the store or through their grocery pick up. I hope this small update helps you start and end your day with some calm.

Candlelight at Conner Prairie and Other Holiday Events

2018 Candlelight at Conner Prairie Brings New Spin on an Indianapolis Tradition

Explore Six Unique Events from November to January with Holidays on the Prairie

Conner Prairie by Candlelight

Conner Prairie by Candlelight is back this year, new and improved
for six nights in December. New this year visitors can tour 1836 Prairietown where
it’s the night before Christmas at their own pace. Also new this year, visitors can
warm up with hot chocolate, and adults can try a variety of adult beverages.
“We invite your family to start a new tradition or build on an existing one with
Candlelight,” said Norman Burns, president and CEO at Conner Prairie. “By changing
the format of Candlelight to allow visitors to tour at their own pace instead of on a
guided tour, more people will be able to enjoy this holiday experience.”
During this family-friendly event, visitors will meet a variety of characters in their
homes without feeling the pinch of time and learn how new settlers to Indiana’s
frontier carried on their holiday traditions. At the end of the night, visitors will either
join Dr. Campbell at his home for dancing and singing as his family rings in the
holidays, or join the ‘rowdies’ and carolers to sing around the bonfire.
Conner Prairie by Candlelight will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. starting December
7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.

In addition to Candlelight, Holidays on the Prairie features five other special events.

Breakfast and Dinner with Santa: Eat a meal with the best Santa in town
and tell him your Christmas wishes, take pictures and decorate cookies.

Gingerbread Village: See a variety of gingerbread masterpieces created by
both amateurs and professionals.

Holiday Cheers: Enjoy an adults-only evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine, craft
beer and spirits as you take a candlelit stroll through 1836 Prairietown.

Tales at the Holidays: Letters from the Civil War: This two-person play
uses song, dancing and puppetry to tell the intriguing story of brave mail
couriers during the Civil War. Also discover a carefully curated exhibit that
leads to our version of today’s Santa Claus.
Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy short craft activities at holiday-themed
Make and Take stations.

Conner Prairie Store

The Conner Prairie Store is also open throughout the holiday season featuring
Conner Prairie-made pottery and textiles, and Indiana-made food and gift items.
Located inside the Welcome Center, the store is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday to Sunday, and during special events including Candlelight.
“Whether you’re shopping for your child, friend or family member, we have locally-
made gifts for everyone on your list,” said Elaine Molin, retail manager at Conner
Prairie. “The pottery made on site is always a best seller, and you truly won’t find it
anywhere else. We also make one of a kind corporate gift baskets.”
Visit connerprairie.org/holidays for more information and tickets to upcoming
holiday events.

ABOUT CONNER PRAIRIE

Spanning more than 1,000 wooded acres in Central Indiana, Conner Prairie
welcomes more than 400,000 visitors of all ages annually. As Indiana’s first
Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically-
themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history
and art with science, technology, engineering and math to offer an authentic look
into history that shapes society today. Conner Prairie is a 501(c)3, nonprofit
organization – accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – that relies on
grants and philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations and foundations
for sustainability and growth. Visit connerprairie.org or call (800) 966-1836 for
admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate and volunteer.

by Shelly on November 15, 2018 13 Comments

24 Days of Christmas Books

24 Days of Christmas Books for Kids- We love celebrating the holidays. Sophia and I are usually begging Jeffrey to put up the decorations before Thanksgiving. We just get so excited to watch all the holiday movies, snuggle in our jammies, drink cocoa and read lots of Christmas books. We now have almost enough Christmas books to read one per day in the month of December leading up to Christmas! Whether you’re buying new books and wrapping them as an advent calendar or checking them out from the library, here are 24 awesome Christmas books to read with your kids. We own or have read each of these and think they’re all wonderful.

24 Days of Christmas Books

Book links are Amazon affiliates.

December 1

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas– Spend the holidays with your favorite blue cat! In this rockin’ spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.

December 2

Bear Stays Up for Christmas– Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!

December 3

The Christmas Wish– Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa’s elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa. A generous trim-size, matte cover, extraordinary photographs, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season.

December 4

The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving– In The Berenstain Bears and The Joy of Giving Brother and Sister Bear can’t wait for Christmas and all the presents they’ll open. But during the Christmas Eve pageant, something special happens! The Bear cubs learn a very valuable lesson about the joy of giving to others.

December 5

Pick a Pine Tree– Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. With style and warmth, debut author Patricia Toht and Jarvis, the author-illustrator of Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, evoke all the rituals of decorating the tree — digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts.

December 6

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!– “Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old.

December 7

Disney Christmas Storybook Collection– Celebrate the season with favorite Disney and Disney• Pixar characters! This updated edition of the top-selling storybook collection includes new stories with popular characters from films like Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, and Tangled. This enchanting volume of 18 tales brings the magic of Christmas to life with over 250 beautiful full-page and spot illustrations plus silver-gilded pages!

December 8

A Christmas Carol– Follow miserly Scrooge as he is whisked through the night by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come in order to face his selfish treatment of Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. Families will enjoy reading this shortened version of Dickens’s story together, with its warm illustrations that capture every twist and turn.

December 9

The Nutcracker– Join Marie, Fritz, and the intriguing Nutcracker himself on a magical Christmas Eve adventure. Behold the frightful Mouse King, the elegant Sugar Plum fairies, and the entire Land of Sweets in this dazzling, gorgeously illustrated holiday classic. With spare text based on the story in the ballet, this book offers a front-row seat to the enthralling tale that is a perennial favorite of adults and children alike.

December 10

Secret Santas and the Twelve Days of Christmas Giving– Children everywhere are learning how they can become members of the real-life, Secret Santa Team! With every page turned an exciting new adventure awaits, showing your child how he or she can spread kindness and cheer throughout the Christmas season. This tradition of hope, joy, and love paves the way for families to introduce their little ones to the joy that comes from giving to others in a magical and exciting way.

December 11

Christmas Cookie Day!– Christmas Cookie Day! celebrates the beloved tradition of making Christmas treats and even features a special Christmas cookie recipe for you and your child to create. The bright illustrations by Pauline Siewert and sweet, rhyming text by Tara Knudson are sure to capture the wonder of young readers and parents alike. Perfect for building new memories, this board book has a beautiful, glittery cover.

December 12

Zetta the Poinsettia– Zetta discovers she is more than just holiday decor in this tale of hope and self exploration.

December 13

Polar Express– A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . . Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.

December 14

Elfie the Elf– Granny has a bedtime story that her grandkids will never forget. When a little girl befriends an Elf in the north pole, the two learn about friendship, standing up for each other, and achieving your dreams. With a cast of characters including reindeer, elves, and Santa himself, Granny’s story seems larger than life. But is it?

December 15

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas– It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep!

December 16

The Littlest Christmas Tree– There are only five days until Christmas, and the Littlest Christmas Tree is still waiting for a home. All it wants is for a family to take it home, decorate it, and sing its favorite song, “Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches…”

December 17

Stick Man– Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.
But one day, Stick Man is carried off by a mischievous dog who wants to play fetch! Things go from bad to worse as Stick Man is carried farther and farther away from home. Lonely and lost, Stick Man wants nothing more than to be home with his family for Christmas. And when he helps Santa Claus out of a bind, he finds the perfect ticket home!

December 18

The Little Reindeer (The Little Animal)– When a jingling sound wakes her from her sleep, a little girl’s dreams come true when she meets a lost reindeer in the forest. They set off on a magical adventure and it becomes a Christmas never to forget. Nicola Killen’s evocative illustrations are sure to enchant in this beautiful book with die cut pages, foil, and flashes of festive red.

December 19

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree– Christmas is here and Mr. Willowby’s tree has arrived! There’s just one big problem . . . the tree is too tall to fit in his parlor. He cuts off the top so it will fit, but little does he know that the top of that tree will travel clear across the countryside, bringing holiday cheer to the homes of bears, rabbits, mice, and more! This heartwarming story is the perfect way to start your yuletide season, and the perfect addition to your family’s festive holiday traditions.

December 20

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story (Picture Puffin Books)– This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.

December 21

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad– Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter is getting ready for Christmas in this classic, funny, and heartwarming book. Whether he’s making wreaths, eating gingerbread cookies, or putting the star on the top of the tree, both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season!

December 22

The Story of Holly and Ivy– Ivy, Holly, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones all have one Christmas wish. Ivy, an orphan, wishes for a real home and sets out in search of the grandmother she’s sure she can find. Holly, a doll, wishes for a child to bring her to life. And the Joneses wish more than anything for a son or daughter to share their holiday. Can all three wishes come true? This festive tale is perfectly complemented by beloved Barbara Cooney’s luminous illustrations, filled with the warm glow of the Christmas spirit.

December 23

Red and Lulu– Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each other again. Luckily, it’s just the season for miracles. . . . From Matt Tavares comes a heart-tugging story combining the cheer of Christmas, the magic of New York City, and the real meaning of the holiday season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.

December 24- Christmas Eve!

The Night Before Christmas– Since it was first published anonymously in 1823, “The Night Before Christmas” has enchanted children with the story of St. Nicholas climbing down the chimney and filling all the stockings before springing back to his sleigh. Many families read the poem every year, and now they have an edition to treasure. The cherished verse, faithfully reproduced here, is accompanied by Charles Santore’s lavish illustrations.

Shelly

High Bun

French Braided Bun

1. Luxurious Toilet Paper

2. Add a Plant

3. Calming Crystals

4. Hygge Candle

5. Minimize Clutter

2018 Candlelight at Conner Prairie Brings New Spin on an Indianapolis Tradition

Explore Six Unique Events from November to January with Holidays on the Prairie

Conner Prairie by Candlelight

In addition to Candlelight, Holidays on the Prairie features five other special events.

Conner Prairie Store

24 Days of Christmas Books

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