What You Need For The PERFECT Downstairs Baby Changing Station

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

Before Moses I never really saw the value in a changing table. You know, cause that's one of those items that you can do without. Or that's what I thought until I had three kids to chase after, clean or change. I would literally have diapers stashed all over the place.

Then the messiness of that got the best of me and I decided to get a changing table for downstairs. 

Because this has been such a huge help to me I'm going to share what you need to make a downstairs changing station of your own. I love having this alternate place to change the baby for a few reasons...

1 - No more pee accidents on the carpet, couch or my bed. If the baby happens to pee during a change I no longer have to worry about cleaning up the mess that creates. No more impromptu loads of laundry, no more pee on the carpet. If he goes during a change I can just wipe down the changing pad. Easy peasy.

2 - No child should go unsupervised. Having this table has limited my trips up and down the stairs during the day. If we're all playing in the living room and someone needs to be changed I don't have to make a trip to the nursery to get things I need.

3 - Getting in/out of the house has been made so much easier. I can change him right before we leave the house before errands and if he's messy when we get home I don't have to trek the mess all the way through the house and upstairs. 

Here's how you make a station of your own. First pick an alternate spot for your table. Pick a space that is used frequently. I chose the living room because we spend the majority of our day playing there. You may have a designated playroom, basement or some other space that works best for you.

Next you'll need to pick a table. Make sure your table has some sort of shelving or storage space.

Stock your table with the obvious must-haves like diapers and wipes. I like Huggies Little Movers Plus. They come in sizes 3 to 6 and they have double grip strips to help with fit which is perfect for babies like Moses that stay on the go. Huggies Little Movers Plus (and Huggies Little Snugglers Plus size Newborn to 2) are only available at Costco so grab them during one of your trips. I like buying my diapers at the beginning of the month. These diapers are a smart choice because they are super absorbent and you get tons of them in a box for the price. 

If you're a deal watcher like me know this:

• Little Snugglers Plus (Sizes 1 & 2) – $37.49, $31.49 after $6 discount and Free shipping (this offer valid 9/1 to 9/25)
• Little Movers Plus (Size 3, 4, 5, & 6) – $42.99, $36.99 after $6 discount and Free shipping (this offer valid 9/1 –to 9/25)
• In August Little Snugglers Plus became available in size Newborn starting - $29.99 available in select warehouses and online at Costco.com

Now that you've got the basics taken care of add a few blankets to your table. If your baby spits up or if you like having a blanket on the floor for your child to play on having extras on hand will keep you from running to the nursery if something gets messy. 

The same goes for a change of clothes. I haven't met a baby that didn't require an outfit change at some point during the day. Save your legs and keep these in your changing station.

I also like to keep a couple baby friendly toys on the table. This way if the kids are arguing over a toy I have a couple back ups to bribe someone into "sharing".

That's it! I also like to keep sanitizing wipes close by. Now that Moses is crawling and digging I no longer keep them on his table. They are close by in the kitchen if I need to wipe his changing table down. You might have a bathroom or laundry room that would work for you.

Here is a checklist of everything you need to grab during your next trip to Costco to make your changing station. Feel free to print!

Do you have an alternate changing station in your house? 

Goodbye Summer 2016

 

Next weekend is the unofficial end of Summer and beginning of Fall, yay! I know I show Fall a lot of love but I do enjoy Summer. I'll miss watching the kids running through the sprinkler while waiting for the ice cream truck.

Two treats from the ice cream truck costs about five bucks. That lady is making a killing. 

So much has happened this Summer. We moved from Texas to Washington. The kids seemed to have grown so much this Summer. Savannah is all legs and Mikey is almost just as tall as she is. Moses is crawling and eating everything in sight.

They all seemed to handle the move and the new time zone just fine. Once school starts next week and the cooler rainy weather rolls in we'll see how they handle not being outside as much. I've got some indoor activities lined up for them that should keep us all nice and busy until the sun comes back.

This Summer made me realize how much fun it can be to start new adventures. As a military family we start over a lot but I always forget how fun it is to be somewhere new. The first 90 days that you're in a place really does feel like a vacation because you experience so many firsts.

We have found quite a few new favorite places. The fountains and the waterfront in Seattle is a top pick of ours. We also hung out at a waterfront park that was absolutely breathtaking.

Savannah lost her first tooth this Summer. The other tooth came right in so for now she still has a full set. I expect her to lose the tooth next to it pretty soon.

And so here we are. We managed to survive a lot of changes. This time last year I was pregnant, tired and trying to manage everything. He was working full time, completing his practical for grad school and working part time at a hospital. 

So when I mean to tell you we have loved every bit of this Summer - we have LOVED it!

The end of the year is always a busy time for us with birthdays, the holiday season and our wedding anniversary is right at the end of the year. Between now and next June whenever I feel exhausted I'll think back to this Summer and how easy it was.

I know the sun will take her hiatus here soon. I will miss her and the simplicity she brings to our days. Goodbye, Summer. It was real. It was fun. It was real fun. See you in 2017. I already have big plans for you.

What was the highlight of your Summer?

Diaper Bag Must-Haves

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

I have always considered myself to be a low maintenance Mama. It has been a challenge to remain that way with three little ones under six. When we go out for errands or longs days I make sure that I plan ahead and pack the items we need to survive the day.

Packing my diaper bag for a busy day takes just a few minutes. It has always been my motto that I can make it thru a day of errands without carrying around a million things. Let's keep it real, when we go to my daughter's soccer games or out for fun in the city or to the splash pad I absolutely carry more than what you see listed here - but when I'm solo with my mini squad I don't carry more than I have to.

And you shouldn't either.

These diaper bag must-haves keep everyone happy while we're out and about. Wrangling three kids is hard enough so I never leave the house with my Mama tool kit.

Ready to make a Mama tool kit of your own? Everything you see here is available at Target.

To start building your kit you'll need to start with a bag of your choice. It can be a diaper bag or a roomy tote, whichever you prefer.

Now think about your day. What time will you be out? If you're like me and you have a baby you never leave the house without bottles. I grabbed these Playtex Baby™Ventaire® bottles during a recent Target run and they have been great. Moses is holding his own bottle now and I like that these have an anti-colic bottom vent that prevents air from mixing with his milk. He can feed himself while I shop and I don't have to worry about him sucking in tons of air, winning!

One of my secrets to carrying less is that I do not carry food or snacks with me unless we'll be out close to mealtime. I do allow them to bring along a bottle of water. If I feel that Sav or Mikey need a little "hold ya over" snack I'll grab a few fruit snacks or a banana for them.

Now that you've taken care of everyone's tummies don't forget diapers, wipes and a pacifier if you use one. I use my diaper bag as a purse so my wallet is already in there waiting for me along with my keys.

Once everyone is wrangled, I grab my phone and I start loading everyone into the car.




Another great tip that I learned early was to keep a Mama tool kit in your car too! Always have a change of clothes, a pack of wipes, a few diapers, a blanket and a clean (dry) bottle in the trunk of your car. You never know when someone will lose a bottle or drop one in the parking lot at Target.

Don't forget to use the Target Cartwheel app to save on the Playtex Baby bottles of your choice! The offer is good 8/21 to 9/3.

What are your Mama must-haves for days full of errands?

Spring & Summer Daily Beauty Routine

Hot weather season is here. I'm not sure that it was ever cold weather season here in Texas but it is officially time for tank tops, shorts and sleeveless dresses. I'm excited!

For a lot of Moms this time of year makes them cringe. With all the outdoor and water related play that's sure to fill up our schedules we know that those type of dates involve lots of skin exposure. Bathing suit season is upon us, ladies. I’ve partnered with Dove to tell you all about their New Dove Dry Oil Collection featuring their Dove Dry Oil Beauty Bar and Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash.

I use both of these products in my daily beauty routine to keep my skin looking and feeling great during Spring and Summer. My daily beauty routine is quick, easy and it keeps me ready for days at the pool with my kids.

A shower in the morning does wonders for me. It gives me time to think and prepare for the day. That quiet time in the morning is very important to me. I shower using the new Dove Dry Oil Collection. The new Dove Dry Oil collection helps nourish and protect skin from dryness in the shower by effectively cleansing without leaving skin feeling dry and features a nourishing formula infused with Moroccan Argan oil beads to gently cleanse while helping to replenish nutrients to the skin.

I also use the Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash when I shave. You know that itchy feeling you sometimes get after shaving? Using this body wash has set me free from that itchy feeling. When I'm done shaving my skin is soft and smooth. I also like that I'm not fumbling around with tons of different products in the morning. It makes getting ready for the day so much easier.

Once I'm nice and clean I spend time at the sink. I go ahead and brush my teeth, do my hair and put on makeup if I'm wearing any that day.

Having a daily beauty routine helps keep me confident when I'm out Mom'ing it up with my friends. Softer, smoother skin is something every woman desires, however 1 in 3 women suffer from dry skin and 98% of women feel more confident when their skin is moisturized vs. dry. I know I do.

So another Mom hack that comes in extremely helpful for me is keeping a travel size bottle of the Dove Dry Oil Moisture Body Wash in my pool bag. When our time at the pool is done we head straight to the showers to clean up. I quickly wash us all down, dry us off and do diaper changes before I load up the car. This way, if all the Summer stars align and the kids fall asleep on the way home I know we're all clean. They'll wake up ready for the next part of the day with super soft skin.

Finally at then end of the night after everyone is in bed, before I cuddle up next to my husband I take a shower to wash away the day. It helps me to relax. The Dove Dry Oil Beauty Bar cleanses my skin leaving it with a radiant glow. I feel so refreshed after a long day of hard work. Consider adding this new collection from Dove to your daily beauty routine this Spring.

What's your daily beauty routine for Spring and Summer?

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove, but all my opinions are my own.  #DoveDifference #ShowerAwayDrySkin #DovePartner http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Easy Spring Hairstyle for Girls & Fun Easter Basket Idea

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

Spring has sprung! It has in Texas anyway. I know I have said it over and over again but every time the season gets a bit warmer outside I realize my need to learn to braid Savannah's hair. I've been working on it. My two strand twists have actually gotten a lot better.

Savannah loves wearing her hair in big puffy ponytails though so I kind of get away with not being an expert at protective styles. My concern for her edges will keep me working at it though. So with Spring and Summer on it's way I feel that now is a good time to share one of my favorite hairstyles for Savannah.

I have always used Goody Hair accessories on myself and Sav. The Goody Ouchless Elastics (40% OFF elastics 4/22-4/23) and I have become besties due to Sav's love of a good pony. Due to my love of saving a dollar I shop at Target for our hair styling tools and use the Cartwheel app to save money. (then I drift to all the other aisles in Target and spend said savings)

STEP ONE - For this hairstyle we start with freshly washed hair. I use the Goody Ouchless Brush for detangling. The FlexGlide bristles on the brush are strong enough to get through matted and super tangled hair without pain. The brush retails for $8.99 and you can save 20% OFF Goody Hairbrushes 3/13-3/19 using the Cartwheel app. 

STEP TWO - Make a temple to temple part across the front of your daughter's head...

STEP THREE - Two strand twist or braid this section of hair anyway you like...

STEP FOUR - Section the remaining hair by doing one large vertical part... (Or you could do one large puffy ponytail or a top knot bun if you'd like to stop here)

STEP FIVE - Brush each section of hair into a ponytail and secure using your Goody Ouchless Elastics. These elastics don't contain any metal so you don't have to worry about them snagging your baby girl's tresses.

STEP SIX - Accessorize your style with kids accessories from Goody Hair. Save 20% on Goody kids accessories 3/13-3/19.

I loved all of the bright colors for Spring! When I was shopping I literally restocked all her hair accessories because I was able to save using the Cartwheel app. Savannah was so happy to get all of her new headbands, clips and bows.  

During your next Target run visit the Goody Hair section and scoop up some of these items for your little girl. They are a great addition to her Easter basket this year. Don't forget to download the Cartwheel app to save on the items I mentioned. There are even more savings on the app that you can use that I didn't mention here! 

What do you think about this Easter basket idea?

Thought Bubbles 3102016

Something is happening with my milk production and it's making me sad and scared...

Savannah loves walking home from school. Mainly so she can do this...

I have a new love affair with Costco. Sorry Target, I've been cheating on you in bulk...

 Today I managed to go in there and not buy any chocolate chip cookies from the deli...

Why are bell peppers so pricey?...

Pretty sure I should've put another bunch of mustard greens in tonight's soup...

All of your thought bubbles are about food when you're hungry...

I recently decided that I like wearing my haircut more straight and less curled....

But when I wear it that way I look like I stole Kris Jenner's haircut, the struggle...

The trees on my workout route are so pretty...

Potty training is killing me. Buying diapers for two is killing me....

Mikey does have a hot potty success song though...

I talked to a lady that I didn't know for ten minutes about Hunter rain boots today...

This is what happens to all of my drinks lately....

But catch Moses mean mugging behind Mikey though...

I'm watching a grocery haul on periscope and it's so real...

Her house sounds just like mine when I try to record something...

Thank you for supporting the sponsored content that you see here...

Looking forward to some fun stuff coming up soon, stay tuned....

Moses just woke up for a feeding. That's my cue...

Easy Workout for Moms

For the past few weeks I've been experimenting with different workouts during various times of the day to see what works best for myself and my little ones. I initially started with going to the gym at 5am to get my workouts in before anyone was awake.

But due to the baby still not sleeping through the night and my pumping schedule I just couldn't do without those last hours of sleep. Once 5am was ruled out I tried working out during the afternoon right before school pick up and that is where I found my sweet spot.

What kind of Momfriend would I be if I didn't share my newest workout with you? I've teamed up with Dove to share my everyday workout with you and tips for getting it done.

Here are my best tips for making sure you are prepared to workout...

Find a time that works for you. 
What are your fitness goals? How many days of the week do you want to exercise? Which days during the week would you like to workout? Consider experimenting with a few different days, times and workouts to see what you can commit to on a regular basis. I found that Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays work best for me and I schedule my workout for the hour leading up to school pick up. If you'll be bringing kids with you think about scheduling your workout during their happiest time of the day. Nothing ruins a workout like cranky toddlers and fussy babies.

Dress for your workout. 
Dress for your workout when you wake up. Your yoga pants will actually get to do some yoga on your workout days, yay! Use your Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant to keep yourself dry during your workout and the activities that are sure to follow. Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant goes on instantly dry so it's perfect for Moms like me that get dressed quickly. Your underams will be moisturized resulting in softer smoother skin and you'll be protected from odor and wetness which is perfect for your workout! To learn more go to  Dove.com/trydry. #TryDry

Plan your meals.
Make sure you've prepped your meals and have snacks packed for the kids if you're bringing them.

Gather your gear.
Grab your sneakers, resistance bands, yoga mat, headphones (make sure your music device is charged!), water bottle, stroller and you're ready to go. I like leaving all of my workout items in the basket of my stroller. When it's time to head out all I need to do is grab a bottle of water and I'm set.

Now that you're ready here is my daily workout that any Mom can do with her kids in tow...

Stretch - Get your body warmed up!

Cardio - I speed walk but feel free to run if that's your thing.

Toning (Bicep Curls - 3 sets of 15 reps)

Yoga - Choose a pose of the day or find an app to guide you.

Cool Down - I stroll home from school pick up.

Easy enough, right? I hope my tips and easy workout has inspired you to #TryDry. Remember the new Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant is the latest beauty trend that you must try. I personally love the Soothing Chamomile scent. It's light, feminine and it keeps me cool and dry.

Will you be trying my workout and the new Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant?

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #instantlytrending #DovePartner #TryDry http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV