Teacher Gifts

Before becoming a mommy, I had the 2nd best job in the world...I was a teacher. 

I loved my job. And I loved those kids. 

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year...and the busiest for teachers and parents alike.

With the list of everything that has to be done in December, it was always so nice to be remembered by my students and their parents. I had the best parents and always felt loved, appreciated, and very spoiled!

Now I'm on the other side...I'm a mom with the best teachers in the world. 

A gift, no matter how big or small, is a way to say....

-thank you for everything you do in the classroom. 

-thank you for being patient because I know it isn't easy.

-and...I want you to know that I know you don’t get paid nearly enough for all that you do!!! 

This year, I have two teachers to purchase for...they are the loveliest people. Always with a smile and truly full of joy. They make every day merry and bright!

Teachers are definitely not in this profession for the big bucks. They teach because they love kids and want to make a difference. With that in mind, I knew I wanted to do gift cards. 

And...I love a good theme! 

Merry & Bright Teacher's Christmas Gifts:

-Christmas Books (Five Busy Elves & Don't Push the Button)

-Sharpie Markers (you could also do pens, highlighters, etc.)

-And...Target Gift Cards!

Kraft wrapping paper, ribbon, and Drew's special touch make these the perfect and most beautiful gifts. 😉❤️🎄

Christmas Gifts: Want, Need, Wear, & Read

I love Christmas and I love keeping Christmas simple. 

I know I've said this in previous posts but simple does not mean less special. It means feeling the magic and remembering what's actually important...the true meaning of Christmas, spending time with your family & friends, and making beautiful memories. 

Years ago when I was teaching, I came across an awesome idea that I knew I wanted to incorporate into our home one day...a simpler gift giving idea. 

Instead of a stack of gifts...each child receives 4 presents Christmas morning...one they want, one they need, one thing to wear, and one thing to read. AND...Santa brings each child a large gift and fills their stockings. 

It’s so simple. So meaningful. So perfect for us.

• Something you WANT: this is a fun gift. Something they asked for...or something you know will bring a HUGE smile to their face. For us...it's a toy. 
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• Something you NEED: this is something that your child needs...whatever that may be. It could be shoes, dishes, towels, bathing suit. We do shoes.  
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• Something to WEAR: This can be clothing, accessories, hats, shoes, backpack, etc. We are doing robes.  
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• Something to READ: this is always my favorite...books! I try to find interactive books that go with what they are into right now. Usborne has a FABULOUS selection of interactive and engaging books. 

I love how this method of gift giving brings a sense of intention...each gift is incredibly thoughtful, since you are only getting 4! There aren't any random things or trinkets you buy just because you need to get something. 

We want our little sugar plums to focus more on all of the joy and magic of the holiday season....not just the gifts.

In the wise words of Charlie Brown, "It's not what's under the Christmas tree that matters. It's who's around it."

❤️

In keeping with my December Christmas Song theme...closing with "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!" This is a family favorite and pairs perfectly with the idea of simple gift giving. 😂 Jk. 

Elf on the Shelf & The Elf Box

One of my favorite traditions that we have started in our own home is Elf on the Shelf.

In our home, Elfie comes on December 1st and leaves on Christmas Eve with Santa! I love the magic and joy this little elf brings. 

The Elf Box makes this so easy. It's a box full of props and a photo flip book to help stage your elf. The box is absolutely precious, captures the spirit of Christmas, and is just the right amount of fun and magic...without any of the stress. 

This box helps you kill it....Elf on the Shelf style.

I received The 7 Day Elf Box yesterday....

• Pizza Night...complete with an elf sized pizza box and pizza! 
• Movie Night...comes with popcorn and 3D movie glasses! 
• Hot Cocoa Night...comes with an elf sized coffee cup. 
• Superhero...complete with cape and mask. 
• Beach Day...comes with an elf sized beach towel, mini umbrella, and SAND! 
• Bowling...comes with little bowling lane, pins, and bowling ball. 
• Cookie Making Set...complete with dough for sugar or gingerbread cookies, elf sized cookie cutters, elf sized rolling pin, and flour. 😍

My favorite part about this is that each day you can incorporate a family fun activity to go with your Elfs visit....pizza party, Christmas movie night, hot chocolate and driving to see the Christmas Lights, superhero dress up day, family bowling date, and cookie making day!!! 

I truly believe the joy of Christmas is in making memories with those you love. I hope my kids' memories of this season are filled with laughter and joy. I hope they remember the magic and excitement of looking for Elfie each day.

And...if one day they become parents and choose to continue this tradition, I hope they have as much fun making this season magical for their children as I do every night while they are snuggled up in their beds. 

The Elf Box made our morning extra merry and oh so bright. If you could have seen the look on Drew's face...Christmas Magic at its best. ❤️

Be sure to watch my circle stories on Instagram for Elfie's daily adventures and check out The Elf Box for more fun!!!

Last Day to order 2017 Elf Boxes is December 17th!  

Pre-Orders for 2018 are 20% off and use code FREESHIP18 to waive the shipping fee. 

In keeping with December's theme, I'm closing this post with my little sugar plums' favorite Christmas song...."Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer!" 

*Disclaimer: The 7 Day Elf Box was gifted to me in exchange for a review. All opinions in this post are my own.*

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...Part III: For Him

The most challenging person to shop for on my list is Andrew, my husband.  

Whether you have a boyfriend or a husband, trying to find the perfect gift can be the BIGGEST challenge. 

Andrew tends to be minimalist and refuses to help me with a wish list. If he needs something, he gets it. And he's always content with what he has...while that's difficult when shopping, it also is what makes him a keeper. 

I think I have nailed a few gift ideas over the years. Here are a few of my favs and a few ideas for this year...

1. Headphones

We like to travel and these noise canceling headphones are heaven while watching a movie or taking a snooze! They are comfy, easy to pack, and really do cancel out the outside noise. 

2. Hydroflask

These have been a hit with Andrew. And...hydroflask has it all! Drinking tumblers and coffee cups to wine glasses and beer pints. 

3. Jord Wood Watch

This watch is the perfect piece...beautifully crafted, masculine, classic, and a must have every day staple. It's the perfect gift. 

Jord is offering my followers 25% off until December 19th!

4. Slippers (or 'House Shoes' as Andrew refers to them 🙄)

Slippers are the best for lounging around the house...and slipping through the house on cold hard wood or tile floors. 

5. Wireless Speaker

A must have...connects to your phone and despite the size is a party in a box! Andrew use his camping, at the beach, tailgating, and while we are out in the yard. 

Hope this guide was helpful! ❤️ 

In keeping with December's theme, I'm closing this post with another forever favorite Christmas song...."Baby, It's Cold Outside!"

Family Christmas Traditions

"These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives!" -Sleigh Ride

By nature, I am an insanely sentimental person and I love traditions...especially Christmas traditions. ❤️

When Amina and Drew were babies, I decided I wanted to create simple family traditions. Things that don't cost much but are meaningful and easy to continue even as my kids grow older. Traditions that they could one day continue with their own families. 

Simple does not mean less special. It means finding the magic in the little things. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I want to remember to slow down and enjoy these special moments, make memories, and cherish traditions.  

As a little girl, my favorite Christmas tradition was picking out our Christmas tree, playing this Kids Christmas tape we had, and decorating our tree. I loved looking at every ornament. I loved the stories that went with each one. We'd drink hot chocolate, sing, dance, and deck our halls. When I think about those moments in our little apartment, I get that warm fuzzy feeling inside. 

I want my little sugar plums to look back and be filled with the magic of the season and know they were so loved. 

Here are some of my favorite traditions with our little family...

• Christmas Tree
• Special Christmas Ornament Every Year
• Seeing the Christmas Lights
• Matching Christmas Jammies
• Elf on the Shelf

I wish you all a simple and calm holiday season...filled with special moments with those you love. 

In keeping with December's theme, I'm closing this post with another forever favorite...."Sleigh Ride!"

All photos are courtesy of my sweet and oh so talented little cousin, Kylie. 

Leaving on a Jet Plane....with Toddlers.

Let's be real here....Traveling with toddlers is freakin' stressful! 

There is nothing more terrifying than being in a confined space on an airplane with little ones and for us....3 little ones!

This past May, we traveled to New York with 3 littles...yup, you read that correctly. We conquered the concrete jungle, traveling with 3....ages 3, 2, and 8 months. 

We were slightly bruised, battered, and worn....but we survived!

Tomorrow, we leave to Savannah, Georgia, y'all. 

We lived, we learned, and we know what to do better! 

So to help alleviate some painful moments during our flight these are my must-haves items...

1. iPad & iPhone:

Load that bad boy up with apps and a few favorite movies and TV Episodes. We love the "Smart Baby" and "Endless" apps. 

2. Headphones:

These are a must...whether you are plugging into an iPad or your personal in flight tv. You want headphones that are comfortable for littles to wear and control the volume. These are my favorite...they fold in so they’re easy to pack and so comfy. 

3. Books:

Our personal favorites for flights are Look & Find books and "That's Not My" books for the baby. They are entertaining and time consuming. The. Best. 

4. Crayola Color Wonder Markers and Coloring Pad:

These markers only write on Color Wonder Coloring Sheets and are PERFECT for our messy little artists. All the fun without the mess. Win!

5. Puzzles:

We love the Melissa & Doug little puzzle boxes. Each box come with 4 small puzzles. There are 4 different puzzles in each box and each has  a different shape stamp on the backside so you can sort them appropriately. I put each puzzle in its own ziplock and in the kids' backpacks. They takes up very little space, are so durable, fun, and time consuming! 

6. Snacks: 

While the airlines have snacks & we have always had the BEST stewardesses who check on us constantly and give the kids everything their little hearts desire, I always pack a few favorites. Things that are easy and not too messy...cuties, Veggies Straws, Yum Earth Gummy Bears, and squeezable apple sauces. You can literally never have too many snacks. Bonus...they double as entertainment.  

7. PlayDoh:

I feel like I say this a lot but...I LOVE PLAYDOH! It's so fun for the kids (& momma), entertaining, and contrary to popular belief...mess free! I usually pack 2-3 small Playdohs for each little. 

8. Small Toy:

Cars, Dinosaurs, or Dolls. Self explanatory. 

9. Wipes & Tissue Packs:

Must Haves. Great for spills, runny noses, sticky hands, and....for sanitizing your littles area, tray, arm rests, and tv. I may be a germaphobe but better safe than sorry. 

10. Change of clothes:

Accidents happen! I pack a gallon ziploc bag for each little with pants, shirt, undies, and socks. If I need to change them, the soiled clothes are put in the ziplock and you don't have to worry about about the mess getting on anything else. 

A few tips that make travel easier...take one thing out at a time, save getting out of seats as a last resort, and when it doubt...get out the snacks.

In keeping with my December promise and all that is merry & bright. Closing this post with not one of my favorite Christmas songs but the perfect song to accompany travel with toddlers..."Run, Run Rudolph!" ❤️

Winter Bucket List

It's the most wonderful time of the year! 

Although winter isn't officially here...I feel like the 1st of December marks the change in season and spirits!

Just writing this gets me feeling all holly & jolly. 

The lights. The music. The smells. And...the magic of the season. 

I've always loved winter and December in particular. Now that I have littles, everything is extra magical through their innocent little eyes. 

My favorite thing about each season is making bucket lists with tons of family fun. I love these lists because we get to spend quality time together and create memories with our little sugar plums that will (hopefully) last a lifetime. 

Here are 7 Winter Family Fun Activities on our bucket list. 

See the Christmas Lights 

Decorate our Christmas Tree

Write a Letter to Santa

Visit Santa

Have a Hot Cocoa & Christmas Movie Night

Bake Christmas Cookies

Go to a Christmas Parade

Make it a December to remember. 

In honor of this season and all that is merry & bright. I'll close each post this month with one of my favorite Christmas songs. This week is... "Man with the Bag" by the lovely Kay Starr. An oldie but a goodie. ❤️

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...Part II: Gifts for Kids

It's the most wonderful time of the year...especially for your favorite little people. 

I love seeing their faces light up as they soak up the holiday magic and I know everyone loves adding to their joy by spoiling these little lives. 

Here are a few of my favorite kid's gifts...

1. IKEA Easel 

Only $19.99 (on sale this weekend for $14.99). This easel is an absolute steal. Chalkboard on one side and dry erase board on the other...kids can explore their artistic side with various mediums. Perfect for encouraging creativity. This is an absolute favorite in our home!

2. Melissa & Doug Puzzles

These thick wooden puzzles with jumbo wooden knobs are perfect for easy grasping. I love these puzzles. They are great teaching tools and are perfect for developing hand-eye, fine motor and visual perception skills.

3. Books

The "That's not my..." book series have been favorites in our house since Amina and Drew were itty babies.  These books are bright, have colourful illustrations, and an interactive hands on aspect with a variety of different textures to touch and feel on each single page!! They are engaging, helps develop important language and sensory skills, and fosters a LOVE for reading. 

4. Large Foam Blocks

These colorful blocks are the perfect sensory learning quiet activity for little minds...encourages creativity, imagination, helps improve their motor skills, and builds vocabulary as well as math sense! The blocks are waterproof   Blocks are safe and soft while passing the children's choke test along with exceeding all CPSC standards. Made from non-toxic material, non-recycled EVA, BPA free, lead free.

5. Melissa & Doug Play Food

I am a huge fan of toys that are wonderful for encouraging pretend play. My personal favorites are the wooden Melissa & Doug Play Food toys. Toddlers love mimicking mommy and daddy! A few great pieces to start with are the 

6. Memberships or Subscription

There is nothing more special than quality time with littles. With that in mind, there are so many experiences you can give children as Christmas gifts!! Non toy gifts are also VERY appreciated by parents. I have come up with a few ideas we love that will encourage memories and fun...without adding another toy to the pile. 

• ZDough : This is a monthly subscription for homemade scented play dough in vibrant colors and natural scents...the coolest part is every month, you receive a different colored and scented playdough. My kids love them and often need reminding that the playdough is only for smelling...not eating. 😉 (Use code VERYMERRY is valid for $10 off orders of $40 or more 11/24-11/27!)

• Baby Boy Bakery : You can purchase a monthly subscription or an individual box. These boxes contain a fun and child friendly recipe, fun cooking tools, and coloring sheet. (Use code BLACKFRIDAY20 for 20% off)

• Membership : If there's a museum, zoo, or aquarium in your area, gift a special little or littles a membership so they can attend these fun and education places regularly. They will get to explore over and over again! 

*If you like the idea of a non toy gift but like to see your favorite little people open a gift, you can pair it with a book or puzzle!! 

Hope these are helpful! Xo.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...Part I: Gifts for Her

Today, I've rounded up a few of my favorite gift ideas for the special gals on your Christmas list.

1. Chenille Sweater

Everyone loves a cozy sweater and this chenille sweater from target is my favorite. It's the absolute coziest while still being super cute and trendy. 

2. Starbucks Tumbler

No explanation needed. Duh....Coffee done in style. Anything better?! Nope. 

3. Saranoni Blanket

Happiness is Netflix and a comfy blanket. Ask anyone!! This blanket is our family favorite and the perfect size. It's warm, comfy, and luxuriously soft! 

Bonus: This Black Friday, Saranoni is having a 25% sale!

4. Jord Wood Watch

As a mommy, it's not always practical to wear tons of accessories so you choose a few staples...this watch is beautiful, classic, and a must have every day staple. It's the perfect gift. 

Jord is offering my followers 25% off until December 19th! 

5. Candle

These candles (and specifically this scent) are delicious. Seriously. They smell like dessert and are super cute. They are clean-burning and hand crafted from all-natural, food-grade ingredients. Anthropology for the win!! Under $20 and an extra 25% off online!

Hope this is helpful...happy shopping ❤️

Psst....(keep an eye on my Instagram for a fun Saranoni giveaway coming soon!)

Meal Time Fun with Re-Play Recycled

As a momma, my goal is to provide my littles with the best healthy and earth conscious options. I'm trying to raise good humans. Humans that are empathetic and care about our environment and other people. 

When I came across Re-Play's Instagram page, I was instantly intrigued by their products and what they stood for. When I was given the opportunity to work with them, I was ecstatic. Not only do I love the products, I love the company. 

Re-Play is a family owned company dedicated to providing sustainable, durable, functional, safe, and affordable products, while following responsible environmental and social business practices. All Re-Play products are made from recycled milk jugs. These eco-friendly products are free from BPA, BPS, PVC, lead, phthalates and melamine. The source plastic is specially selected and cleaned to meet FDA & EU strict purity standards. As of 2017, Re-Play has saved 20 million milk jugs from the landfill and Re-Play products can be recycled again! 

All Re-Play products (plates, bowls, utensils, snack stacks, and cups) come in a variety of bright colors and...they are dishwasher safe. Woop woop! Mom win! 

The plates come either divided or flat. Perfect for a well balanced meal or a pizza night! It's about balance, people! 😉 The bowls are the best size for  ice cream and cereal...our favorite foods! The plates & bowls have deep walls that are perfect for toddlers just learning to use utensils! And perfect for momma....less mess equals less stress! 

The snack stacks are so great for on-the-go! They are probably my favorite part of the collection. The stacks can be used individually or stacked on top of each other. The lids screw on so you never need to worry about snacks spilling all over the bottom of your diaper bag. That is the worst. AND...you never have to worry about plastic baggies that not only leave you with a bag of barely edible crumbs but contribute to the trash in our landfills. 

I love the entire Re-Play collection. I love this company. 

These products can be purchased through their website or on Amazon! 

Let's make the planet a better place for our children and future generations with Re-Play!

Head over to my Instagram for a Re-Play GIVEAWAY! Enter to win a Complete Toddler Feeding Set! Giveaway will run through Sunday, 11-12 @ 3pm. Good luck!

*Disclaimer: The Crayon Box Collection was gifted to me by Re-Play in exchange for a review. All opinions in this post are my own.*

In keeping with the theme of thankfulness....This week I am thankful for the opportunities this blog has brought me. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the most amazing companies and thankful for you...thank you for taking the time to read my posts. Xo. 

Halloween Monster Mash

A little bit of spooky and a whole lot of FUN!

Every year, we host a family Halloween party to get all my nieces, nephews, and babes together!

This year may have been my favorite...the kids are old enough to love the spooky fun that comes with Halloween. And...EVERYONE stepped up their costume game!

It wouldn't be a party without....

Spooky Decorations 👻

My Favorite Little Monsters 🖤

A spooky spread...

Monster Cupcakes...

A Wicked Dance Party...

This handsome devil 😜🖤

And treats....never tricks here!

Hope everyone had a Spooktacular Halloween. 🖤👻

Thankful for all the family fun and memories October brought us. 

All photos are courtesy of my friend, Kaycee Castillo 🖤