Life Archives • Page 8 of 26 • diy mama

by Shelly on January 13, 2018 1 Comment

Less Stuff, More Fun

Last year’s words were ‘minimal’ and ‘health’. I did much better at learning and applying the minimal lifestyle, although I am still a novice. This year’s word is ‘mindful‘ and with that comes being mindful of what footprint I am contributing to this Earth. In 2018 I will focus on 12 months of less stuff, more fun by being intentional with what I’m bringing into our home and what will be going out.

Reasons why I’m choosing Less is More

Budgeting for Baby- We’re expecting our second baby in July (yay!) Although we’ve saved a lot of the big purchases from when Sophia was born, there are still consumables and doctors bills that we will be adding to our budgeting sheet.
My Values- I got hooked on The Minimalists when their documentary came out on Netflix and have been an avid listener to their podcast ever since. Their recipe for intentional living is one that I am applying more closely to my life.
Organization- Did you know I do personal organizing as a side hustle? I have a car magnet and everything. I became passionate in helping others organize because I could see the benefits in my own life. There are tidiers and scrubbers (as Young House Love says) and I am a tidier. I have issues with anxiety when things are not clear from surfaces. I also realize that with less stuff there is less mess!
My Impact- We recycle, leave the heat/AC at a reasonable temp, use smart appliances, use stainless steel straws, have one high efficiency vehicle yadda yadda yadda. There is SO MUCH more we could be doing. I will never live a zero waste lifestyle like my friend Polly but I can really get behind the movement and do what I can to come closer. It starts with less.

I know that once July hits my mind will be begging for nothing but sleep but that will pass and I’ll be feeling the itch to consume. I’ll be replacing that itch with travel. I’m doing a series on the blog this year of One Tank Trips from Indy and am excited to choose fun over things.

by Shelly on January 3, 2018 2 Comments

I want to be Mindful

It’s that magical time of year when you’re allowed to wipe the slate clean and start fresh with the new year. I’ve done monthly goals, yearly goals and words of the year. This past year I had two areas to focus on. Health and being more minimal. I was successful in the latter with being more conscious of the things coming into my home as well as the things going out. This year I’ve written 1-3 goals in each of the three areas of my life (family, self and work). Although I have goals, which I use more as guidelines, I’m going to focus on one word that will touch every aspect of my life.

Mindful

My word for 2018 is ‘Mindful’. I will be focusing my thoughts on being more mindful towards myself and others.

Self- We are expecting a baby in July and my biggest priority will be to be mindful of my body. To exercise, nourish the baby and pay attention when my body is telling me to slow down.

Family- I want to be more in tune with my daughter since we will be having an addition to the family making sure she feels helpful and heard.

Work- Two things I’ve had to learn and re-learn over the past 4 years of having this blog: 1. Have high standards but low expectations.
2. Consistency with valuable content is key.
I want to be mindful of these two main lessons and let the numbers fall where they will. I’ve lost passion for blogging because of the focus on numbers, algorithms and trying to keep up with the changes. This year I’m focusing on my two key lessons.

Others- be mindful of others in my community and around the world. Keep them in mind when things get too self-centered. When I’m active in the community with volunteering or being aware of how others think/feel I’m much more compassionate and thoughtful.

Will you be doing goals or using a word to keep your focus in 2018? Haven’t gotten on board yet because you’re too busy? Jan 1 is not a magical number. Do it whenever it feels right to you!

by Shelly on September 21, 2017 Leave a Comment

Disney Pixar Coco Coloring Pages

Is your family looking forward to Disney Pixar’s Coco – in theaters November 2nd? Download and print FREE Disney Pixar COCO Coloring Pages today!

PIXAR’S COCO

Are your kids begging to see COCO every time they see the trailer or a poster like mine? I can’t lie, I’ll be the first in line for tickets whether she wants to go or not. I’m positive Pixar won’t disappoint. Their movies tend to be some of my all time favorite movies!

In the meantime I’m excited to be able to download and print out these adorable COCO Coloring Pages for us– plus there are a couple of bonus activities! Simply CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD the coloring pages today!

About the film:

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Like COCO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarCoco
Follow COCO on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pixarcoco
Follow COCO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixarcoco/
Visit the official COCO website here: http://movies.disney.com/coco
COCO opens in theaters everywhere on November 22nd!

For another favorite Pixar post, check out my Inside Out Memory Orb Cake:

Inside Out Memory Orb Cake

by Shelly on September 14, 2017 4 Comments

Friday Night Mom Win

Friday Night Mom Win- This post has been sponsored by Red Baron®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My day began at the sound of my alarm. It’s set a half hour earlier than necessary thanks to my recent motivator, ‘The 5 Second Rule‘, which has been a great boost to me since I started. I had time to read a book, listening to nothing but the birds chirping in the trees. Those 30 minutes were the only peaceful minutes that I had until my head hit the pillow that evening.

As Moms, we wear many different hats (but usually the same ‘uniform’ several days in a row). For instance, there are many ways that I earn money: freelance writer (for multiple publications), YMCA Play & Learn friend, and as a local influencer. The job I choose to work hardest at is the one that pays in smiles and hugs. Motherhood is also the job that keeps me up at night and has taught me the invaluable lesson of patience.

Kids Are Fun

Earlier this week, I asked my three year old who she wanted to invite to her Birthday Party. Thinking that she would name every child she knows and I would have to explain that we need to narrow it down to her favorites, she completely surprised me. She insisted that ‘everyone with a red car should come.’ She proceeded to point out every person she saw in a red car all week and asked to add them to the list. I’m going with it until only a handful of her best friends shows up to the party. I’ll then explain that the other red cars were busy and couldn’t make it.

‘I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure – which is: Try to please everybody.’ -Herbert Bayard Swope

One Thing the Entire Family Can Agree On

I have a small family but I’ve learned that I can not please all of us all the time, (or even half of the time). In our family, the one thing we can always agree on is Pizza Night. As I’ve preached many times, Kroger’s Click-List and meal planning for the week is the best way to keep our spending down and healthy habits up. Adding ‘pizza night’ a few Friday’s per month gives our whole family something to look forward to.

For me, a ‘Mom-win’ is to have my picky 3 year old eat all of her dinner, play outside, take a bath and be in bed for stories at 7:30. By Friday we’re all pretty exhausted and pizza with a salad is the perfect break that leaves me more time to spend time with my family. I love being able to toss our favorite Red Baron® Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza in the oven while Sophie and I color with chalk on the driveway, waiting for Daddy to come home. That wonderful pizza smell welcomes us all into the house for an evening of fun.

Pizza Night

“Pizza is a secret weapon the whole family can agree on and has the power to bring peace, especially at meal time. The Baroness is the embodiment of support moms need during these moments of chaos at mealtime and beyond.”- Red Baron®

Add Pizza Friday to your meal plan. Next time you’re at Kroger, pick up your family’s favorite Red Baron pizza. Become your own #wingmama by joining the Red Baroness campaign, created for moms by moms. The Baroness is a mom who may not always do things by the book, but she does get the job done to ensure her family is well taken care of. She’s a mom in the real world, and is proud to be perfectly imperfect.

Typically, moms don’t get rewarded for the wins. We [Red Baron®] liked that the patches can be a fun way to celebrate other moms from the sincerest, to the most ridiculous parenting moments. Do you have a parenting “war story” you’d like to tell? You can earn your very own Mom Badge on Twitter when you share your story! Be sure to use #wingmama and tag @Baroness when you share!!

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by Shelly on August 25, 2017 1 Comment

Kings Island with Little Kids

Kings Island with Little Kids- I was invited by Cedar Fair to attend Kings Island-Largest Amusement & Waterpark in the Midwest , but all opinions and photos are my own.

The days of easily spending 12 hours thrill ride hopping are over but with it comes a new way of visiting amusement parks. We let our three year old be the guide while at Kings Island and were pleasantly surprised by all there was to experience. We spent most of the day in Planet Snoopy while still having a little time for Soak City Waterpark in the middle of the day. Here are a few tips and suggestions that we learned from our trip:

How to Save at Kings Island:

Tickets– one of the biggest ways to save is through tickets. The best place to find discounted tickets is online or at Kroger. If will be visiting the park more than once in a year it would be beneficial to buy a season pass. Right now you can save big on the 2018 season pass.
Food- In the past we have always eaten a hearty breakfast before our drive, packed a lunch in the car and had dinner in the parks. We always travel with our Camelbak full of water and refill at water fountains throughout the park. This year we decided to try out the All Day Dining Pass which allowed us a meal every 90 minutes for $30. We got only one, knowing that our daughter eats very little, and we could buy a snack if needed. The Dining Pass is only good for certain meals at certain locations. We also purchased the refillable souvenir cup where we were able to refill with lemonade or pop whenever we wanted. You can also get free ice water at any vendor. The downside with this plan was the limited food options (pizza, fries, burger, chicken fingers, hot dogs). The food did not fuel our family well enough to stay energized for the long hours of walking around and sensory stimulation.

TIP: If your Dining Pass wristband is loose, have them put on another. I lost ours when it slipped off at Soak City after only two meals. Set a timer on your phone for 90 minutes to remind you when you can get your next meal to maximize your value.

Time- Time is money if you’re visiting Kings Island for one day. We spent a lot of unnecessary time walking to and from our vehicle. Knowing we wanted to do rides, go to Soak City to cool off during the hot afternoon and then back to the rides meant we had to change clothes. Our suggestion is to get a locker near Rendezvous Run at Soak City ($15) at the beginning of your day. Having your swim gear in that central location between Planet Snoopy and Soak City will eliminate the long walks to the car.

Tips While at Kings Island:

Lunch and a Show– get lunch and a great viewing spot of the shows ahead of time. Planning your meal around a show gives you a mandatory break to eat, cool off and rest while viewing awesome entertainment. I recommend getting in line for food 45 minutes to an hour before the show starts.
Kings Island App- like most amusement parks, Kings Island has their own free app that has a map, car locator, wait times and other info. A major improvement would be for them to add which rides are closed. We went at the end of the summer when things were slowing down and there were many rides closed due to low attendance. For example, at Soak City, 1/3 of the attractions were closed because of predicted low attendance. This meant the lines for the other attractions were still long despite there being ‘low crowds.’ It wasn’t worth our time to go over to experience only two attractions.
2 Days- If you have kids who love the water park (check out the cabanas) or are able to go on bigger rides, I highly recommend getting a hotel and splitting your time between two days. If we were able to do more at Soak City we would have wanted to do two days.

Overall we had a blast at Kings Island and I’m so happy to report that it is just as fun to go as a parent as it is as a teenager! If you’ve got any other ways to save or tips, please share them! I would love to know for future trips and to share with others.