Thursday, October 5, 2017

I'm back!

I'm back after a LONG time!  It's hard to find time to post here with two kiddos, two kids is NO JOKE.  Mamas with two kids out there, I give you props - how do you find the time to do anything?!!

And, the girl who redid my blog design years ago, Whitney, didn't update her Photobucket so I had error images here forever, it was just ugly.  Now, I'm back thanks to a stranger from IG, I would thank her but got a new phone and lost her name/number.  If you're reading this, please comment!!

I hope to be posting here regularly and I hope you'll follow along!  We also updated our YouTube channel and would LOVE for you to subscribe if you have the chance, you can find it at Adventure Ready Family

I know many of you have been following me for a long time and I think that is just SO COOL.  I'm here to make this a fun place again, hope you'll continue to stick around!  :)

This is where I spent most of the summer . . . what about you?



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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

M is for Mealtime - Babies R' Us & Nuby Giveaway!

**Giveaway closed!**

Throughout March, Babies R' Us is having a sale on select Nuby mealtime products on their site!  In collaboration with them, and Nuby, I am giving away BOTH a Nuby BPA Free 360 Degree Two Handle Comfort Cup (in a boy or girl color) and a Nuby BPA Free Keepeez Sipper Gripper (in a boy or girl color).  Read more to find out how to enter to win!




You can also purchase your own Nuby mealtime products during the Buy More, Save More Sale at Babies R' Us! Great savings on Nuby infant & toddler feeding products at Babies R’ Us stores & onlineBuy 1 Get 10% off, buy 2 get 20% off, buy 3 or more and get 30% off!  The sale includes bottles, cups, mealtime, bottle accessories, & bottle dish soap.  It runs from 3/2-3/26 and you can view the details of the promotion here.  

In our house, dinner time is both my favorite time and the most hectic time.  It's hard to find ways to keep the kids entertained, and find time to prep and cook dinner.  But as you know, we like to incorporate them helping into our dinner time routine, as much as possible, and this fosters Lemon's love of cooking (and hopefully Indy's one day!).  So, even though Lemon wasn't into making spaghetti, she got up on her kitchen stand and helped!

But first, play time outside to wear them out a bit (after we got home from work):



They took baths outside and then we snuggled a bit because the hose water is still a bit too cold, even in 93 degrees!


When making dinner, if Ian is running errands, I usually wear Indy so that he feels like he's still snuggled and supported, while we are focusing on meal prep.



Then, if he gets bored (or isn't tired) we put him in his high chair so he can still be part of the action.  We usually give him a snack (tonight it was the core of an apple) so that he is entertained while we finish dinner.


The 360 cup is so cool for babies learning how to drink from cups!  You don't have to tip it in order for them to get water.  It has a part inside that brings the water up, like a really flexible straw, from no matter where they are holding it!  It can be flat on a surface and they'll still get water.  It is our FAVORITE cup! 

This cup strap is AWESOME.  Babies (especially this boy) love to throw their stuff off of their high chair, this Nuby strap keeps it still attached so he can easily pull it back up to take a drink!




Then dad comes home from the store and things get crazy (as always):





Success!  Tonight she wanted spaghetti with meat but no sauce, cheese and butter.  Easy!

The purple water bottle pictured is Nuby's New Thirsty Kids Flip it Water Canteen.  We LOVE it, perfect for your active toddler and Indy can drink out of it too!  It is BPA free, no spill, and has an easy press button for opening.  A great addition to your cup collection and perfect for attaching to backpacks and taking on adventures!


Indy will eat whatever we put in front of him and LOVES spaghetti night:

(Seriously, how did I get spaghetti sauce on my foot?!)

If you want to win your own Nuby 360 Comfort Cup and Keepeez Supper Gripper Cup Strap, head over to my Instagram to enter to win!  For an extra entry, comment below on how this cup and strap would make dinner time easier at your house!  (Giveaway ends on 3/26 at 11:59pm, US Residents only, winner will be announced on here and on Instagram post.)


Our dinner time routine probably looks a lot like yours.  We are all just barely hanging in there by 6/7pm at night, us included.  Thanks for following along, love to all of you!  :)


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Spring Break on Coronado Island

We headed to our fave vacation spot this past week to spend Spring Break - Coronado Island.  We had the BEST time just focusing on family and enjoying being together.  It was a much needed vacation and we came back recharged, refreshed and connected - I loved it.  Check out our adventures (and subscribe to us on YouTube!):



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Friday, March 3, 2017

Best Toys for 1 Year Olds - Diapers.com Gift Card Giveaway!

I am partnering with Nakturnal to offer you a gift card for $50 to Diapers.com!  Read my post to find out how to enter!  (Contest ends 3/12/17 at 11:59pm MST.)

I am exploring the best toys for 1 year olds, for Indy's birthday coming in May.  I have found a couple of articles with toy suggestions, like this one from My Kid Needs That and this one from Parents Magazine.  His interests are so different from Lemon's, and he is so bored with all of her baby toys that we saved for him, ha!

Indy's favorite is still playing with tags, or anything that has hanging parts/pieces.  He explores everything with his little index finger sticking out, it's the cutest thing!  We also just bought him his first "car," a musical fire truck, it's so cute how much he loves it.  He also just learned to army crawl, really fast, so he likes to get into everything; something Lemon never did.  I watched him touch a plug about 10 times the other day, he knocked over the dog's water dish (all over himself) and got stuck in the crack of the bed (awake) while just playing around.  Boys!  I feel like I need to start bolting everything to the wall, just in case.  Ugh.

This Squeeze n' Squeak lion, upper left, can be found here.

We love B Toys!

Anything with parts is fun for him, not for me to clean up!

Toys for teething are great for a 1 year old, and the Nuby Nana Nubs is one of Indy's favorites!  (Nuby also makes a similar product that is available here.)  Anything with bristles to use as a gum massager is perfect for him, he'll drool and chew on it for hours.



We also love this Blooming Bath flower that you use to bathe your kiddos in the sink.  It's so comfy and fluffy, he loves it!  (Not a toy but a great gift none-the-less.)

Bath toys are also a favorite at our house, for both Indy and Lemon:

This yellow toy submarine is available here.


Anything that plays music, pops up or that he can put in his mouth, he is definitely entertained by:


Spoons and cups are always a hit with babies.  I sometimes wonder why we even buy toys at all!  Along with remotes, water bottles and keys you kind of already have it all when it comes to "toys!"  Ha!

This kid LOVES water, and cups.

Comment below with YOUR child's favorite toy, and their age, for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Diapers.com!  Your comment will count as your entry for this giveaway.  For additional entries, view my Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal, with a prize of a gift card to Diapers.com.


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Monday, February 27, 2017

Lemon Goes to Kindergarten

Lemon got into our dream school, but it's a private school.  We started a Go Fund Me Campaign so that we can send her there.  Please check it out!   :)

Allison


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Friday, February 10, 2017

Dear Indiana

Dear Indiana,

I am sorry this is the first letter I've written to you, my beautiful baby boy, but life has gotten away from me.  In caring for you and your sister, I've let the past 8 months slip by - where did they go?  I have SO enjoyed this time with you, and never knew I could love a baby so much.  You have made me whole, complete and now I want to have a million more babies all just like you.  I never knew a baby could be so easy, thank you for showing me how to have fun, as a mama of a newborn.

You were an easy baby from the beginning, you loved to sleep and loved your mama (and her boobs) even more.  You still love both of these things, you go to bed nursing every night.  You don't mind being held by anyone, and are just so easy going and laid back.  You are so good at playing by yourself, entertaining yourself and are just content sitting and watching.  You are so observant, always watching and looking around, soaking in this crazy family of yours.

I love it when you complain.  You never cry, just complain, and when I hear it in the middle of the night, roll over and comfort you, I just smile.  I will miss your little complaining, whimpering noises when you grow out of them, oh so much.  You only cry at night, or right before nap time, when you've finally had enough, you're tired and you want me all to yourself.  You are so good at sharing me with your sister all day, but I love our one on one time, laying together the most.

Thank you for being an easy baby.  I never knew what it was like to enjoy being a mama to a baby, until now.  You are so snuggly, cuddly and just want to be with people (and lay on them), or sit with a boob in your mouth.  You also love watching movies with a boob near you, so you can watch, then nurse, then watch, then nurse.  You love movies, just like your sister.  I will never forget taking you to Trolls for the first time, you yelled/screamed so loud the entire time and were up watching the whole movie - you loved it and it was SO funny.  You crack us up all day long.

I love that when you're excited you kick your legs, both at the same time, kind of like you are swimming in the air.  You have the biggest smile on your face, whenever we look at our talk to you, and especially when I get home from work.  You get SO excited to see me and want me to hold you, you complain if I walk by you to first wash my hands.  The love you have for your mama is like no other, I never knew what it was like to be loved and needed so much.  The love your sister has for me is the same but different, love from a little boy is something new/special altogether.

You have said "ma ma ma" for a couple of months now, whenever you're tired or hungry.  You babble other things constantly like "da da da" or "ba ba ba" but still don't know what they mean.  We have been trying to teach you to wave, and some sign language, but nothing has stuck just yet; and I'm just enjoying these last couple of weeks of being a mama to a baby baby, and not necessarily a baby that's learning or doing too much just yet.  I'm not ready for you, my last baby, to grow up.

I was reading this blog the other day, about your sister growing up, and by 8 months she was crawling and pulling herself up to stand.  You aren't doing either of these really, just this last week you started trying to pull yourself up on me (your Nani helped teach you this new trick), but you haven't mastered it yet.  You are definitely just a happy little bear, content with how things are, not trying to do too much just yet.  And, I'm happy this way, happy to snuggle you forever.  I am not looking forward to a crawling, walking, talking boy.  I love my little baby boy oh so much.

When you smile it lights up a room.  You smile with your whole face, ear to ear, and those two little teeth make it that much cuter.  Your eyes are intoxicating, big and brown, and your long eyelashes - ugh.  You have the same chubby cheeks as your sister (and me!) and you are just a chubby boy all around, I love all of your rolls and round belly and head.  I love to kiss your cheeks, chin and neck and tickle you just to hear you crack up.

You are so tolerant of your sister and her poking and prodding you.  It takes a bit for you to complain and really get "mad" at her.  I feel bad for you, always being messed with, but you have such an even temperament, it doesn't really seem to phase you much.  4 year olds just don't know how to show their love, you can't blame her.  She just can't wait until you can play with her, she loves to kiss, hug and snuggle you so much.  You've just gotta learn to get away - but not yet!

You are really good at eating, you pick things up, love trying new things and you even take bites and chew with those two bottom teeth.  The other day you ate curry cauliflower and mushrooms, and your favorite food is dried pineapples and cottage cheese.  I've fed you more things than I thought a baby could ever eat, and you normally enjoy them.  You hate noodles, and Tylenol the most.  It's so fun watching you take fist fulls of food, then take bites and work it around in your mouth.  And, you love water, you'd drink water all day long if you could, you just suck it down.  I have never met a baby who loves water so much.

Laying down to nap with you, and going to bed with you at night, is my favorite.  I've loved having you sleep with me, the past couple of weeks (since you've had a stuffy nose), and wish I could sleep with both you and your sister every single night (but she would definitely wake you up).  You starfish out on the bed, both arms and legs out in all directions, and have just started to roll around in your sleep a bit more.  Sometimes I find you on your side and when you roll on your tummy, you don't go back to bed, but instead complain until someone finds you and helps you, or sticks a boob in your mouth.  You never unlatch, you haven't since you were little, you would stay latched all night if I didn't ninja roll away from you.  You are such a mama's boy and I love it.

I wasn't sure that I wanted another baby, but you completed me as a mother and our family.  You were meant to be here, and I don't remember life without you.  We often get in the car and say "Do we have Indy?" because you are so good, quiet and content; you never make a peep.  We are so lucky to have you in our lives, I can't imagine my life without you.  I never thought I wanted to have a little boy, man was I wrong.  Boys are the best.  I would say that I can't wait to see you grow up and become who you are going to be, but I can.  I loved watching Lemon grow and loved every new age she came into; but with you, my last baby, I want time to stop.  I don't want my baby to grow up, I don't want you to learn, grow and become a little person.  It has been so much fun to have a baby around, I want to have a baby around, you as a baby, forever.  Please never grow up.

We love you Indiana.  I'm sorry I haven't written more letters, posted more blogs or remembered to take monthly pictures for the past three months.  But, it doesn't mean we love you any less.  We are busy living our lives with you, spending time with you, snuggling you and soaking in every minute with you; too busy to write about it.  I would cuddle you all day long if I could, and you would let me.  You are the best baby, thank you for completing my life and teaching me to just have fun and relax, as a mother.  You have forced us all to slow down and focus on our family more, and for that I am forever grateful.  Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives.







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Thursday, January 12, 2017

Lemon's Affirmations

I posted a video on Instagram today (and Ian posted one a couple of days ago) of Lemon doing her nightly affirmations, and we loved reading all of your positive comments!  You guys are so sweet to us!

I thought I'd post them here so you could download them yourself, and then modify them to fit your kiddos.  We have seen a change in Lemon, after doing them for a month, when it comes to her not wanting to do things.  When she says, "I can't do that," or "That's too heavy," we just remind her that she is strong and she can do anything she puts her mind to.

It's funny because now these are just a part of our nightly routine (and she has almost memorized them) but they do give her no excuse during the day.  She remembers to be a nice friend and to be kind and helpful, it's the best.  I think after another couple of weeks I'll probably change them up a bit too.

Anyway, here they are for you to have, and modify however you wish!  I want to give a shout out to my girl Bradey (@bradey) on IG, who I "stole" this idea from.  Her little girl Adelaide is around the same age as Lemon and she was the winner of my very first giveaway on here, 4 years ago!  Crazy!  Anyway, give her a follow, she now has two beautiful babes and is adopting another!  :)

Thanks for following along on our adventures, we love you guys!


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Monday, January 9, 2017

Moms on Mondays - Rachel from Logan + Lenora

 photo IMG_2712_zpsaff387e1.jpg

Today on Moms on Mondays I am happy to feature Rachel from Logan and Lenora!  This mama makes the cutest, no nonsense, waterproof bags for moms.  They are super lightweight, durable, no stress, stylish and cute.  I don't know about you, but it seems like my purse always ends up weight - from a sippy or a wipes pack that opened up.  This mama has the perfect solution, in a variety of super cute bags.  Read about her company below and then go shop!





What is the name of your shop and how can we find you? 

Our shop is Logan and Lenora and you can also find us on Amazon (and at Nordstrom soon!).

Tell us about what you make/sell in your shop. 

I design waterproof bags for moms - awesome and stylish "wet bags" that are designed as Hobos, Clutches, and Totes. Every mom can use "low maintenance" bags that are waterproof, washable, and versatile for all the stages of parenthood.







How/why did you start making these products and open this shop? 

I started designing waterproof bags in 2010 when I had my first son and decided to cloth diaper. I discovered "wet bags", and as a bag designer at my former job, I began sketching ideas for transforming the typical wet bag into a stylish accessory I would love to carry.

How long have you been in business? 

Officially since 2013. From 2010-2013 I was on Etsy.

What is your background (college/career/etc.)? 

I studied art in college, and then for 6 years worked with a refugee women's stitching project based in Kenya and Rwanda, designing bags and accessories. At heart I am an artist, and my favorite part of my job is designing new bag styles and prints.

Tell us a little bit about your family. 

I'm married to my best friend, Ben, who also works at Logan + Lenora now as the COO. We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary, and I'm so thankful to be able to live life and work alongside someone I love so much! We have three kids: Logan (6), Greyson (4), and Willow (1). Our life feels very full, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

How does this company help your family? Or you? 

Now that Ben and I both work for Logan + Lenora, our family is 100% supported by my business. I never would have imagined that happening back when I first started designing and selling these bags in 2010. Aside from financially, L+L has allowed Ben and I to both be around our kids more and have a healthier work/life balance. And we love our work!

Did you ever think you'd be doing this?​ What did you think you'd be doing instead? 

I always dreamed of designing my own products, but I never thought it would get this far. For awhile I thought I'd still be living in East Africa, but who knows. Maybe that will weave back in at some point.

Does anyone help you with your shop? 

My husband is COO, Sophie runs our customer care and warehouse, and we work with a team of sewers here in Denver to make all the bags.

How do you find time to run your shop and create products? 

With a lot of help. We have an amazing nanny who plays with Willow while we work during the day, and then Ben and I trade off afternoons once the boys are off school. And sometimes, I put in more hours once the kids are in bed. Having my own business means always being on-call, the work is never-ending.

What do you love about this business? 

I love designing for other moms. I know how crazy life can be with kids, and the importance of maintaining a sense of self while caring for other human beings. Those are themes that are woven into our marketing and bag designs - focusing on mom and designing for her, while keeping in mind things like waterproof and washable that help simplify her day-to-day.




What is the most challenging part of this business? 

It takes a lot of time and energy to create something new. And with a young family it can feel overwhelming. I have to be patient with myself and allow myself time to be a mom first, entrepreneur second.

Where do you see your shop in the future? 

I hope to see Logan + Lenora become a mainstream brand that moms love and respect, and go to for everyday bags to help organize and simplify mommyhood.

Tell us your favorite product or your most favorite thing you've created?

I love our Waterproof Wristlet Clutch, and now with the little gold tassel. It just makes me happy, and I carry one all the time.


Do you have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs? 

Follow your dreams, and if you have an idea try it out! But remember it’s a learning process, and it’s good for your ideas and designs to evolve as you begin executing. It may end up looking very different than you originally thought. And, it all takes time.

What are some of YOUR favorite shops/products, besides your own? 

I love Urban Oreganics, Marley's Monsters, Mama and Little, The Blueberry Hill, EZPZ, June and January, Sloomb, Fawn Design and Briar Handmade - just to name a few.  :)

Thanks Rachel, loved having you!   :)


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