Essential Maternity Basics You’ll Love

It’s true – I’m a creature of habit with the clothing items I love! Especially when I am pregnant, and even more so when I have found the perfect level of comfort! After two pregnancies, I can confirm that these items are my very favorite go-to’s. Most of the items are shown in black but most do come in other colors as well – I just tend to wear a lot of black when pregnant! Black tends to be a bit more slimming while lighter colors and patterns add to the cause. 🙂 All items are linked below, trust me, these are the very best – I wouldn’t steer you wrong!

Aerie Real Me Boybrief Undie

Comfort Slip On Memory Foam Slippers

Surplice Front Jumpsuit

Full Busted Seamless Nursing Bra

Play Real Me High Waisted Legging

Pure Body V-Neck Long Sleeve

Pure Body V-Neck Short Sleeve

Maternity Tank Dress

Maternity 3/4 Sleeve Dress

Ruched Waist Sleep Shorts

Secret Fit Shaping Panty

Jill & Joey Maternity Belt 

Here are some images of me wearing these items over the past 9 months:

I’m so basic 🙂

Which items will be you be grabbing? What am I missing from this list? Let me know which items you try!

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5 tips for Transitioning from Crib to “big kid” bed seamlessly

Hi Mamas! If you are here – that PROBABLY means you are about to go through the infamous crib to big bed transition. I was dreading this day for so long. The crib was the last form of confinement we had, and I was so nervous to lose that! But….we got a bit lucky! Calvin lasted in his crib until he was over 2.5 years old! He is a crazy, persisent, outing child, but has never been a HUGE climber. Probably because he is so big! When I first witnessed him scale his crib to perfection on the first try, I think I literally yelled, “NOOOOOO!!!” lol…. while I was glad that he learned how to do it safely on his own, I knew we were about to turn over a new chapter and likely lose some sleep.

To our surprise, the transition went extremely well. Knowing what I know now, I would tell other moms, it’s not nearly as bad as you think and as long as you have a good mindset and set some expectations – you will be fine! Although I didn’t read any tips (I’m more of a wing it type mom), I am here to share mine, ease some fears and give you some ideas to make the transition that much easier.

1.) Hype up the BIG bed

We decided to go straight from the crib to a big bed that my mom had saved for Calvin. Although taking the side off the crib first is another option, we just pulled the band-aid off all at once. We didn’t want to have another transition for him in a year or less, we wanted this to be it for a while. Plus, we are lazy and wanted to keep the crib in tact for baby #2 and just move it out of the room (no, I’m not preg!) Once we got the plans in place to put his big bed together (it is a double bed but pretty low to the ground), we let him know. He watched us put it together, bring the mattress in, etc. He knew that this was going to be his big bed. We did this as opposed to just putting it together, removing the crib, and then saying, “here’s where you’re going to sleep now!” He watched the whole process and was more than ready when it was his first night to sleep in the big bed.

2.) Pick a room theme or bedding your LO will LOVE

When I picked out Calvin’s new “big boy” sheets, I made sure to get something he would love. Although he didn’t come with me, he was sooo excited when I came home and showed him his new dinosaur bedding, new pillows (he had never used pillows) and SUPER comfy new blanket. While we’re talking about blankets, I have to share that this isn’t just any blanket, it is a MAGIC blanket – I feel like when we put it on him, his eyes just start closing. It is SO SOFT and affordable, and now he associates it with sleeping in his big bed. Once we lay him down it is the first layer we cover him with, and you can just feel him settle down. This gray blanket is the one…go get it!!

3.) Continue your normal routine or establish one ASAP!

Bed time routine – this one is different for every family but our bed time routine is the same every night and has been for about 18 months. Bath and/or diaper change, jammies, movie of his choice on the big tv, brush teeth, sip of water, kiss from mommy and then daddy takes Calvin into his room. Then Calvin turns on his noise machine and nightlight before we lay him down. Yes, we tend to do a movie instead of a book before bed…sorry, not sorry. It is one of my favorite times of the day because Calvin gets so calm and snuggly and we do it as a family. If your routine has previously included your child getting into bed with you, make sure that you start to develop a consistent routine where they are now going into THEIR bed. Do the same thing each night before you take him/her in so there are no surprises. We did change ONE thing about our routine, which I’ll talk about below, but only for a few nights.

4.) Use the Certified Cantor COMFORT and then COUNTDOWN method

The first couple of nights in the new bed, Calvin would cry hysterically when we tried to lay him down and leave him. He never cries at night when he is ready for bed, so we knew that he really was genuinely scared when he said he was. It wasn’t a whine cry, it was a what’s happening, I’m terrified cry. We decided to lay with him and comfort him for 30 minutes the first night, 20 minutes the second night, 15 minutes the third night, and so on. Almost like sleep training, but he didn’t keep crying when we left. We then started saying we will lay with you for only 5 minutes, buddy. Now he basically asks us to leave so he can sleep. He doesn’t want us to lay with him at all, and we don’t. 😂 I know a lot of people believe in the cry it out method but this was so new for him – and honestly the days where he needs us to comfort him are so limited. We didn’t mind laying with him for a week or so until he got used to the new, open sleeping arrangement. We knew he needed our comfort for a few nights and that is OK with us. We would have drawn the line had he asked to sleep in our bed night after night or had he wanted us to keep laying with him for 30+ minutes every single night. We call this the “comfort and countdown” method, I’m not sure if we made it up or not. But basically we will comfort him and then say okay you have x amount of minutes left and he takes it so well. We also do this with iPad/TV time, meal time, bath time, etc. We let him do what it is he wants to do but we set boundaries with the timing of it. (Ex: you have 5 minutes left, you have 4 minutes left, etc.) Its a give and take method that really seems to work with our persistent, strong willed child who needs boundaries but won’t comply if we just try to take something with no warning. I don’t read many parenting books because of limited time, so everything we have figured out has been trial and error – including this method. It is probably named something else, but this is what we have discovered to work!

5.) Become a story teller

Sometimes if Calvin is having a hard time calming down for either nap time or bed time, we talk about all the fun things he’ll get to do and people he’ll get to see when he wakes up. We talk about how he won’t get to see those people if he’s tired or play with those toys if he doesn’t sleep first. Because he naps later in the afternoon, I usually use the daddy bribe. “Daddy will be home from work to play with you when you wake up, but only if you take a nap!” Now I will say you have to hold true on those after nap promises if your child has the memory of a steel trap, like ours does. That way, the next time you say it, they know you are telling the truth. It’s all a mind game, my friends!

These tips tend to work MOST of the time. There are nap times and nights here and there where he won’t nap or he keeps climbing out, but 99% of the time they do! Once of the nice things about his big bed is that he can get out on his own and come up to us, we don’t have to go get him out of the crib now. Mini perk 🙂

Let me know if you try any of these tips – I know that this transition is one of the biggest in the toddler years, so I hope they help! Good luck!

 

Our Fall Home Refresh with Big Lots!

This blog post is written in partnership with and sponsored by Big Lots.

Hello, Friends! I am so so excited to bring a new element to the blog – some home decor convo, items, photos, and inspiration! It’s about time!

Most of you all know that we purchased our first home back in March of this year! 3 months prior to this, I made a career change and have been staying at home with my 2.5 year old, Calvin. Sooo needless to say, things have been a little chaotic – and decorating and making our place just how we want it hasn’t been our #1 priority.

About a month ago, it started giving me a lot of anxiety. We had done NOTHING to make our house feel like home, and I just wanted to spruce it up a little bit and make it feel cozier for fall. We didn’t want to totally break the bank but we wanted quality items for our otherwise boring decor situation.

I am so happy with how our “Fall Refresh” with Big Lots turned out. We were able to make our MAIN living area and dining area feel like FALL by adding some decor, storage solutions, and a bar/snack cart! I didn’t have to sacrifice my personal style for price, and I will no longer be embarrassed to have guests into our home this season. It feels so cozy and welcoming!

When I hung up these prints from Big Lots, Calvin told me that “I did a great job with decorating.” 🙂

I had a blast picking everything out in the convenient, re-designed store just a couple of miles from our home.

Big Lots’ new store layout is open and organized; you can easily find everything from furniture to decor to home organization to food, snacks, and drinks. There are items for every room in your home, as well as for both your indoor and outdoor needs.

I went back to the store a few times because I kept thinking of more things I wanted! Each day that I went back, the store was re-stocked, re-organized, and the employees were just as welcoming every single time. You HAVE GOT TO go check a re-designed store out for yourself!

^I was extremely impressed by both the furniture selection AND area rug assortment!

The first area of our home that I really wanted to refresh was our main living area! We had no rug, no table, old pillows, nothing on the walls, and no extra decor! We were able to get ALL of these things and more. All of the decor pieces in the below photos are from Big Lots.

^These pillows and blankets are sooo soft! After Thanksgiving, I can just replace the pumpkin pillow with a Christmas or winter themed pillow and keep using the others!

^These signs took me approx. 30 seconds to hang on my own!

^these bins are what I call stylish storage!

The second area that we wanted to “refresh” was the area behind our table in our dining room. We decided to make a snack and beverage station with all of our favorite fall treats. ALL of these items are from Big Lots including the yummy edible items!

So what do you think? I still can’t believe the selection and how in line with my personal style these items that are picked out, are! I love everything we chose so much. Now that our fall home refresh is done, I will definitely be going back for items as we decorate my son’s new big boy room later this month.

One huge perk to shopping at Big Lots, is the BIG Rewards program. You can start earning rewards on your very first purchase – such as credit rewards, VIP shopping days, furniture bonuses, birthday surprises, and saving more each time you make a purchase. This is not a credit card – but more of a rewards program only. Sign up and create an account here!

Please let me know if you go check out a remodeled store near you – and let me know what you get! I would love to see your own fall home updates!

Thank you again to Big Lots for sponsoring this post.

Feeding our Toddler On the Go {with Bentgo!}

*Product in this post is provided by Bentgo – but all opinions expressed are my own*

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from having a toddler, it’s that they’re ALWAYS. HUNGRY. How does such a tiny body fit so many snacks? I can’t think of anything worse than being stranded on an outing with a hungry little Calvin. A snack solves (most) problems or tantrums that occur with our son. Being prepared with a well packed diaper bag and being ready with a meal or food for our toddler is EVERYTHING.

I was so happy when I discovered Bentgo Children’s lunch box, the all-in-one solution for on-the-go meal time. Bentgo is passionate about families leading healthy, balanced lives – and doing so efficiently. This is everything my blog and brand stands for, so I had to give it a try. The lunch box is portable, compact, keeps foods cold and separate in their different dividers. Although we are pretty lenient with our toddler’s snacking (I’ll admit we often give him anything that will make him happy #firstchildprobs), planning ahead and bringing foods from home allows us to avoid snacks such as french fries or cookies while on the go most of the time.

Our toddler seems to survive on two main food groups: fruit & cheese; so I made sure these were included on our outing to the park! Along with the fruit & cheese were crackers, steamed carrots and some turkey lunch meat.

Other outings that we will be bringing our Bentgo on this summer are:

The Zoo

The Mall

The Pool

Splash Pads

Parks

Grocery trips

Road Trips

I also love how the sleek Bentgo sits right in Calvin’s lap, or slides right into the diaper bag without taking up too much room. It doesn’t matter if it is turned upside down or shaken up a bit – the design of the box allows the foods to stay separated either way. They are also insulated so keeping them out of the fridge for a period of time is no problem.

Last summer, Calvin was only drinking breast milk so we did not have to think ahead about what to pack him on the go. I remember someone warning me that soon it would take much more effort for feeding our child. I’m so excited to have the efficient Bentgo in my mommy arsenal just in time for a fun-filled, activity packed summer with our little toddler!

Check out the Bentgo Bento Lunch Box site for additional bowls, accessories, and products.

All orders over $35 have FREE SHIPPING – you can also use my code RUN15 for 15% off any order through 6/26!

Enjoy, mamas!

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Rompers are a Mom’s Best Friend!

Hi Guys! Happy Tuesday. I hope you all had an amazing long weekend<3

I posted earlier last week that I took about a week off of posting on Instagram, and that sometimes real life needs you more than social media does. Do you agree? This is not to say that social media isn’t real life, but it is only PARTS of a person’s life, and that’s okay. It felt good to take a break from posting but …I am back because I have wayyy too many blog drafts started for my own good – time to crank out some shiz just in time for the warmer weather!

Let’s start with a discussion on my favorite Spring/Summer fashion necessity: ROMPERS. Are they not a Mom’s best friend? I’ll tell you why.

Have you ever tried chasing a toddler in a dress? The amount of bending over, squatting, and running around just does not mix well –enter: Romper. Still flowy and loose, but with built in shorts! I also feel as if choosing one piece to wear is easier than choosing two. Lastly, there is something so comforting to me about having something around my waist. Is that weird? I was like that before Calvin, but feel like a waist band (or at least spanx) are 100% necessary after having a child. Makes me feel more…secure? lol

Gimme all the affordable MOMpers in the world.

I found this affordable and gorgeous romper at no other than a Mom’s 2nd best friend…Target! I am obsessed with both the color and the sleeve cut.

I’m not a huge clothing shopper to begin with, but when life gets crazy, I don’t shop hardly AT ALL! It’s nice to find something affordable and quick for the weekend when stopping for diapers, groceries, or running errands. I highly suggest checking out Target for more affordable romper finds such as these:

Aztec Queen Ruffle Cold Shoulder Romper

Women’s Double Stripe Romper

Women’s High Neck Lace Romper

Women’s Off-the-shoulder Romper

What is your summer go-to? Where can I find? Please catch me up – need to get my mama style together! 🙂

10 Diaper Bag Essentials + How I Pack It {With JJ Cole}

Hey Mamas! It’s been too long since I wrote on here!!! I am usually pretty good about posting at least ONCE a week, but it’s been crazy ya’ll. I started a new business endeavor and it’s been on fire this week. In a good way – like, a lot going on. I will post about this next week.

In the mean time, I wanted to share my diaper bag essentials. Getting out and about with a little one is KEY but it’s also important to make sure you are prepared at all times with a well packed diaper bag. Funny story, the first time we ever took Calvin out of the house, we went to a mexican restaurant and left the diaper bag under the table when we left! LOL. Craig had to drive back to get it. Having a diaper bag in tow is definitely a change – and it’s important to have the RIGHT one with you as your go-to.

You all KNOW I am passionate about a great diaper bag – I have written several posts about ones I love. Here I wrote about diaper bags for the cool mom and here I wrote about having a good multi purpose bag for work. BUT I recently got a chance to try out the JJ Cole Caprice bag and let me just tell you — all the heart eyes. It’s aesthetically pretty (v. important to me), light weight (and not in a cheap way) and has 10 pockets to store all the things. Additional features…

• easy-access exterior pockets for wallet and cell phone
• zip-top closure protects and secures contents
• spacious interior with multiple organizational compartments
• 2 insulated side bottle pockets
• includes coordinating wipeable changing pad
• optional padded shoulder strap offers stylish, hands-free carrying option
• includes no-slip grips™ for easily attaching to a stroller or shopping cart

What do I put in this caprice bag?

1.) Diapers – duh

2.) Pack of to-go wipes – make sure you buy the ones with an easy open, resealable top like the ones shown above

3.) Stuffed animal – Calvin is oddly obsessed with soft stuffed animals. He calls them ALL “ee ah” because we used to sing an annoying “ooh ee ooh ah ah” song to him when playing with his stuffed monkey.

4.) Books – not like our child sits still long enough to read a book yet, but we always have them with us in case, for distraction. He does like books with anything furry to touch.

5.) Sippy cup of water and/or milk – sometimes we bring both, but since we no longer do bottles (except 1 at night) we always have a drink with us

6.) Bib – because 1 YO’s are messy.

7.) Children’s Tylenol – no we don’t drug Calvin all the time but he constantly has teeth coming in and sometimes some relief is necessary.

8.) An extra outfit – because #blowouts. These don’t happen much anymore at all but when they do, you don’t want to be without extra clothes.

9.) A blanket – again, with the furry theme, Cal loves thick, soft blankets but for diaper bag purposes we usually bring a thin cotton blanket just in case.

10.) (Not pictured) – an extra pacifier!

^all of our items fit into this bag like a perfect little puzzle piece

One of the best features of the caprice bag, is its ability to attach easily to a stroller or shopping cart with these subtle hooks.

^Shop this bag @ your local babies R us!

^runaway nakey baby!

^the caprice bag has a long strap OR shorter shoulder straps

Guys thanks for being patient with me as I (per usual) bite off more than I can chew. Will try to get back to regular posting as the weather warms up and we are able to get out and take more #momblogger shots! 🙂

PS – We have our engagement pictures next week and I am soo excited. It’s funny – I’ve done a million “blog” photo shoots, having a “vision” in mind and coordinating outfits but I am really struggling with our “look” for these special photos! Will let you know what I come up with and post on here for you all to see ❤

 

 

Family Pumpkin Patching (in Free People!)

 We finally made it to the pumpkin patch yesterday – which means it officially feels like fall! The past two weekends have been rainy and dreary here, so this was the first weekend we’ve had in a while where we could even make it outside. We took full advantage….I think all of central NJ was at this same orchard!

I said we were going to get Calvin’s first pumpkin, but I really wanted to go for the apple cider and donuts…duh! We waited in line 45 min for a bag of donuts, but there was no way I was leaving without them. Craig had never had warm, orchard made, cider donuts (aka he has never lived) and he said the wait was #worthit.

I wasn’t originally going to do a post on our pumpkin patch adventure but we ended up getting some great photos that I wanted to share in one spot. I can’t get over Calvin in his plaid and jeans. I also realized that both the top and jeans I wore are some of my favorite ‘Free People’ items that I own, so I linked below and left some tips on where and when to find this brand on sale.

I LOVE Free People clothing – the material is so soft, quality, and comfy! BUT I never buy full price…watch for this brand at Nordstrom Rack and in the sale sections of Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom. You can absolutely get items discounted year round! The shirt I am wearing is originally $98 and I got for 54% off at Nordstrom Rack. The jeans are originally $78 and I got for $25 at Nordstrom Rack. The cheapest I found online right now is at Macy’s for $32 (but they have 25% off sitewide!) I highly recommend sizing down (this is a Small and it’s big!) & Free People as a brand in general, but do not recommend paying full price 🙂

Free People Purple Hi-Lo Blouse – Purple

Free People Hi-Lo Blouse – Black (54% off!)

Free People Purple Top – Similar (40% off)

Free People Relaxed Skinny Jeans (on sale!)

Large ‘K’ Pendant Necklace 

Kayla Sunglasses

Craig’s Plaid Flannel

What are some other fall family activities we could do with an infant? Any ideas!? I loveee seeing all of your fall family pics, keep them coming friends!

PS – I am also still loving Snapchat (as opposed to instastories) and I need some new friends! Follow us @greenskm:

We are off to meet our friends’ new baby today, get some blog shots for upcoming posts (some exciting partnerships!) and I want to make some chili for football! Have a great Sunday…talk soon!

Our {Mommy & Me} Fall Fashion Favorites + a GAP discount code

Hi all, how are we? I’m back, back again – I have to write about the sweetest thing that has started happening with Calvin lately. I wrote about this on a previous instagram post, but he has definitely started WANTING me and showing preference to who holds him, and when. This is new in the last few weeks. When I get home from work he is basically reaching and lunging for me to hold him and just pick him up and squeeze him. If I go in the other room, he now notices, and if I put him down before he wants me to, he’ll grip onto me harder. If we’re sitting on the floor he tries to crawl up my legs. I know that this will probably get old but for now I am just enjoying him wanting to spend time with and love his mom! He shows he needs me and I know I need him, too.

Anyways…it’s a new season, a new month, and guess what? I’m still obsessed with neutrals. I’ve enlisted the help of a particularly cute baby model to help me with this post 🙂 I’m thinking I will do a ‘Mommy & Me’ type fashion post every so often going forward.

Last fall I was preggo and wearing pretty much all maternity clothes, this fall, I get to match with my little dude – so fun!

So because of this year’s change in size, I was feeling like I needed some new things… and I found myself going for all of the brown, tan, cream basics per usual. Am I boring? I’m such a brown, goldeny wearing girl. I love wearing these type of shades, and this always translates into my make-up and accessories as well. I talked in my everyday makeup routine about this and I will be showing you all my newest neutral favorite fall/winter accessory from JORD watches next week!

My fall necessities as always are sweaters, jeans and boots. #basic huh?  I love me a good pair of brown boots, a soft comfy sweater and perfect fit pair of jeans. Obviously I had to get Calvin the same items – brown baby booties, a comfy knit henley onesie and the cutest little baby jeans.

What I’m wearing:

Boots

Sweater

Jeans (Similar)

What Calvin’s wearing:

Booties

Onesie (similar)

Jeans

Both of our jeans are from GAP – all of my best, comfiest, and longest lasting pants are from here. I’m so happy I can pass my love of GAP JEANS onto Calvin so we can match. He’s totally going to hate me for this later on in life so I’ll just do it now while I can get away with it!

Use my code below for 35% off a GAP purchase through 10/8:

35% off! Includes sales styles. Use code WANT at Gap. Restrictions apply. Ends 10/8.

Shop some of mine & Calvin’s other fall favorites:

^I’ve had a pair of Aldo knee high brown boots for 3 years – more pricey, but the best!

We are going to a beer festival tomorrow during the day with our friends who have a little baby boy as well – yes, we’re taking the little guys! Can’t wait to relax and have some fun on this October weekend.

Love you all! Thanks for reading – I hope you can find some comfy & casual fall picks for you and  your babes ❤

Mom/Life Hack #1: Easy (Minimal Ingredient) Crock Pot Meals

You all – I will be the first to admit that cooking is NOT my thing. It’s not something I really find fun, relaxing, or a hobby at all. I love food as much as anyone – but I definitely am a person that eats to live, not necessarily lives to eat. You get my drift? We do make homemade dinners about 4-5 times a week but I very much consider myself a lazy cook. I love finding new recipes but if it has more than like 5 ingredients and I don’t know where to find one of them in the grocery store – I pretty much completely shut down and give up on the recipe altogether. Enter: Easy peezy (and minimal ingredient) CROCKPOT meals.

I have been wanting to write this post since I started blogging because it is my FAVORITE life hack – and I feel like these recipes are coming just in time for October, Fall, Football, chilly weather, etc!

I can throw the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning when I am packing my lunch or making Calvin’s bottles (aka being a mixologist) and turn it on all before work. After a long day, there is (almost) nothing more satisfying than coming home to a great meal that’s ready & waiting for you.

These are the 4 meals I find myself making over and over in the crockpot – you know it’s easy if I have all of the ingredients and instructions memorized. You’ll prob notice I call for mostly organic ingredients – I’m not a psycho on this type of stuff but I try to buy organic when I can and always buy organic meat. Creepy meat =  😖

Fiesta Chicken (‘aka Taco Mush’)

1 can organic corn
1 can organic black beans
1 large can hunts tomato sauce
1 package chicken breasts or tenders
1 taco seasoning packet or fiesta chicken seasoning packet
1 can hunts diced tomatoes (chose one with some seasonings for extra taste)
1 cups rice

Combine all ingredients except rice in the pot and mix together. Cook on low 4-6 hours. Take out chicken and shred with two forks. Put chicken and 1 cup rice back in the pot and cook on high 15-20 min. Enjoy!

Chicken Noodle Soup

1 package organic chicken breasts or tenders

2 cups chopped carrots

1 white onion chopped

2 cups chopped celery

1 box low sodium organic chicken broth

A few dashes of Rosemary seasoning

A few dashes Salt & Pepper

1 package egg noodles

Combine all ingredients except noodles in the pot and mix together. Cook on low 4-6 hours. Take out chicken and shred with two forks. Put chicken and 2 cups egg noodles back in the pot and cook on low another 15-20 min. Enjoy!

Rotini”Casserole”

1 package organic ground turkey

1 jar pasta sauce of choice

1 box whole wheat rotini noodles

Seasonings of choice (salt, pepper, oregano)

Combine ground turkey & pasta sauce in crockpot. Cook on low 4-6 hours. Chop up cooked turkey. Put in 2 cups of rotini noodles and cook on low another 15-20 min. Sprinkle on cheese, duh! Serve with a side of steamed veggies and a piece of buttered bread.  Enjoy!

Brown Sugar/Barbecue Pork Chops

1 package organic pork chops (thin)
1 bottle barbecue sauce of choice
A few sprinkles of brown sugar

Put a layer of barbecue sauce on the bottom of the crock pot. Place pork chips in pot. Cover with another layer of sauce and sprinkle with brown sugar. Pork chops cook quick so 3-4 on low (if they are thin and defrosted) is all you need. Serve with a side of steamed veggies and a potato side. Enjoy!

Seriously can’t stress enough how much you need to get on the crockpot train if you aren’t already! Did I also mention we always have leftovers from these? Perfect for lunch the next day!

I recommend one with a timer if you work all day so that you don’t burn your meal.

If you want quick, easy, minimal ingredient recipes check out these books for some ideas!

I know my meals are so #basic – any suggestions on simple additions or improvements to these meals? What are your all time crockpot or quick dinner faves?

Happy First Weekend of October – let me know if you try any of these meals ❤

How FX New Series ‘Better Things’ relates + A Mom Survival Kit Giveaway feat. Ray Ban & BAGGU

When we moved to NJ, we decided to be super cheap and not pay for full cable so that we could save some $$$. Turns out JUST internet here is more expensive than our whole cable and internet package in OH – awesome! haha BUT we were missing some of our favorite sports channels and others such as FX, Bravo, USA, etc. Craig now subscribes to a streaming service called Sling and it allows us to get all of these channels. It also allows me not to hear Craig complain about only seeing the Jets, Giants and Eagles on our channels week after week. Has anyone used this before? Do you like it?

With our new service, I discovered  ‘Better Things’ which premiered this month on FX, and is a raw depiction of a working, single mom doing her best to raise her 3 daughters. The main character Pamela Albion, plays Sam, who is hilarious, unfiltered, and also stars in Californication. I rarely have time to watch tv, but the episodes are super short (27-28 min), quick, relatable, and I can watch or turn on in the background at night while feeding Calvin. I didn’t grow up with a single mom, but I did grow up with 2 sisters and some of their interactions are eerily familiar.

I am a huge fan of TV, music, podcasts, books, etc, that are relatable –at one point in the first episode Sam’s youngest daughter is begging her to lay down in bed with her until she falls asleep. Sam ends up falling asleep and waking up in the middle of the night, panicked, confused where she’s at, and feeling like she got nothing done before she fell asleep. This is ALL too familiar – I’ve written about this several times, but I lose so much time laying or cuddling with Calvin at night, which causes me to fall asleep before preparing enough for the next day. Us Mom’s can only do so much in a day before the energy tank runs out! Am I right?

To help promote and encourage convo surrounding the first few episodes of the series, I partnered with FX to receive a Mom Survival Kit containing the following items:

• Ray-Ban Sunglasses (I wrote here how sunglasses are a mom must have)
• Chipolo bluetooth keyring (for when we’d lose our head if it weren’t attached)
• BAGGU Leather Clutch for mom’s things (perfect for the diaper bag or work bag)
• Emergency Beauty Kit (duh)
• Hypoallergenic travel pillow (perfect size)
• Ultra-Soft travel pillow protector
• Essential Oils Blend Mini
• Skinny Lip Balm
• “Credit Card” Mints

Of course I wouldn’t talk about this if I didn’t have one to give away for a reader as well! To win, visit this link to check out a few show clips and leave a comment below on which item you’d be most excited to win by 11:59PM on 9/28. Winner will be chosen randomly on 9/29 from blog + instagram entrants.

Happy watching & happy entering, friends! Have a great rest of your weekend 💙

{Month Seven} + Thoughts on Having a Baby Away from Family

We are officially to seven months!! How? Why? What’s happening? I have had 2 people in public say, “he’s almost one year!” Whoa people, let’s slow it down – he’s still my little cuddly baby. That is one exaggeration where I’d rather people round down. I’m so excited for our future but wanting to cherish every moment that I can. Every night after Calvin eats and falls asleep, I still hold hold him on my chest for about 30 min – 1 hour (and I wonder why I have no time to do anything) but I know that these moments will be gone so quick so – IDC!

I mentioned in my Instagram yesterday that he is seRIoUsLy giving us a run for our money! He is teething, not sleeping through consistently and extremely crazy rolling everywhere. The teacher at daycare told me that he loves taking the full bin of toys and pouring it over his head. I’ve never heard a more true metaphor for my life, LOL! I’m frightened for when he full on crawls, walks and then runs. #notready

In Month 7, I am officially feeling the stress of having a baby while living far away from the help of any and all family. {We do have friends here, but coincidentally (in a positive way) they all have babies or are pregnant themselves!} The first few months were great while I was on maternity leave and I had all the time in the world to focus on Calvin, while still getting personal items taken care of. Months 4-7 have been a bit of a different story. I’ve shared my working mom woes, but I think I have realized why the past few months have felt so challenging and straining. We have no help or moments of “relief.” It hit me like a ton of bricks this past weekend.

For a while I think I thought we were invincible and that we could do anything we set our minds to – which we can, BUT it would be better with people to help. Do a lot of people successfully raise their children away from family? Yes, and we are successfully doing it too, but it really is much harder. Our personal endeavors are very few and far between – and our time for each other is limited. Legit, I sometimes struggle finding time to shower. I am exhausted at night and he’s up between 5-6am each morning. Even if we only get “behind” on life a bit each week, it starts to add up. Before we know it, we have 6 bins of laundry waiting to be folded (we have to re-dry things like 3 times or they’re wrinkly as shit), I haven’t worked out in 2 months (more on this later), we’ve eaten dinner “out” 4 days in a row, and it looks like Hurricane Katrina has gone through our living room. While I know that this stage of our lives is short and fleeting – it is still extremely overwhelming and unlike anything I have experienced in the past.

All I want are mom-made casseroles and cookies on demand, and someone to do all my household ‘chores’ -is that too much to ask?

In true fashion to my writings, I want to also talk about the positives we have experienced while on our little Cantor family adventure away from home. While it’s been challenging, there has been no shortage of amazing moments that we are extremely grateful for.

*Craig, Calvin and I have become so much closer because of this. Even though Calvin doesn’t know it yet, I think he will be proud of the fact that we took a chance on moving away, getting out of our comfort zone, and then overcoming to provide as much love as we can to him in his early stages of life.

*We have learned to do everything on our own through trial and error – the best form of learning.

*When we DO have help, it’s such a blessing. Something we might have overlooked or expected while living close.

*This is only preparing us for our future and the challenges we may face with more than one child. Yes, we plan on sibling(s) for little Cal.

*Because this area is very full of “transplants”, three of our best couple friends are also going through the same thing – having new babies far away from family.

*Calvin goes with us everywhere and has become Mr. Social Butterfly. He’s so good when we get him out of the house!

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Calvin Updates

Likes:

• Not sleeping all night

• Waking up early

• Showering himself in toys

• Bath time

• Being tickled

• Holding Mom’s cell phone

• Eskimo Kisses

• Toys that rattle

• Soft blankets

• Rolling everywhere!

• Riding on Dad’s shoulders

Dislikes:

• When Mom leaves the room

• Chunky baby food

• Sleeping in

• Naps

• Getting his face wiped off

• Being constrained in any way

7 month photo update:

Who else lives away from family and is feeling some of these challenges? I definitely want to connect – feel free to send me a message in any way 🙂

Stay tuned this week – I’ll be talking about one of my favorite new, quick, easy to watch, relatable shows and hosting a giveaway along with it!

Talk soon!

My Summer Post Recap: All things Baby, Back to Work, Engagement, Re-branding & Travels!

It’s been a summer for the books! So much growing, traveling, fun & so many firsts in our life! As I was rounding these up, I went back to re-read some of my posts – I need to take some of my OWN advice and remember why I wrote the things that I did.

The post that hit me the hardest was “The 5th Trimester: Learning to Balance Time & Give yourself a Break.” This post is very near and dear to my heart – definitely the most honest words I’ve written to date. If you are a working mom, or will be…check it out!

The most exciting thing that happened personally this summer, is that Craig and I got engaged! We are so official now!

The most exciting thing that happened blog wise, is that I re-branded from “Kayla Marie” to “Running with Strollers.” I finally found my niche and can’t wait to keep writing & bring great content to all my readers!

Here is a recap of this summer’s posts. I have re-linked for easy reading if you may have missed one in the craziness that summer can bring 🙂

Calvin Turns 4 Months + The challenges & rewards during this time 

Back to Work! + My Working Mommy Essentials

The 5th Trimester: Learning to Give Yourself A Break

*My favorite & most honest post of the Summer <3*

My Favorite Way to Order Prescription Glasses + Pics of this Baby Bear!

4th of July Inspired Family Photos

We got engaged! + Our Favorite Vacation Photos 

Calvin turns 5 Months + How Having a Baby Changes Your Priorities

Our Day Trip to NYC + Getting Out of your Comfort Zone 

Mom goes to Nashville + Increasing Your Happiness + How to wear Shorts & Boots

*Blog Re-Brand!!*

Flying with an Infant + Travel Necessities! 

Calvin turns 6 Months + Remembering to Live in the Moment 

Calvin Tries the MamaRoo!

Shirt Dresses: Perfect for the Transition to Fall

Here’s to a new season, more firsts, and finishing out 2016 strong.

So much love for all of you! ❤