Not Broken by Tanya Michelle
I finally had the opportunity to sing Not Broken and record it! It is very very emotional and I did my absolute best to sing through tears. Thank you all!
Have Baby, Will Travel
Little man’s first trip was to North Carolina when he was eleven weeks old. Since he was not vaccinated I cleared with my pediatrician prior to traveling. He stated as long as you are not passing him around the plane and no one back home was sick he would be fine. (Note he is a breastfed baby therefore receives passive immunity) To say I was nervous is an understatement! I had never flown with a lil one and I was getting ready to take a crash course. His second flight to California will be this week at now six months old! After researching several airlines, I learned that a seat…
Best Time To Travel To Peru
Peru is on our list of where we want to visit in the next 5 years! Jade Poleon (Original Post) has given amazing tips and with Baboo Travel you won’t find an easier planning site! They do it all, all you have to do is tell them where you want to go! Peru is a huge country so the time to travel varies from region to region, but it is important to know the main seasons to go and also the main times of the year that you really shouldn’t go. Here are is a lowdown of the best seasons to travel to Peru. This fantastic South American…
Survive Your First Family Vacation
Are you getting ready to plan your first family vacation? We just went to Disney for ours and wow! There is a ton of planning of course and you have different personalities to work with, but it can be done and enjoyable! So where do you start? Destination first! Like I said we went to Disney and by going through Undercover Tourist I was able to save money! I have have never used an offsite company to purchase tickets but so happy I researched and went with UCT. I saved around $130 and the purchase process was super easy! That is for another post though as this one is to…
God Created Them For This Moment!
“Don’t feel sorry for or fear for your kids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be. God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they’re in. Their life wasn’t a coincidence or an accident. Raise them up to know the power they walk in as children of God. Train them up in the authority of His Word. Teach them to walk in faith knowing that God is in control. Empower them to know they can change the world. Don’t teach them to be fearful and disheartened by the state of the world but hopeful that…
Fun Ways To Help Your Kids Learn And Develop
Parents play an integral role in the growth and development of their children. Education and learning at home have never been more important, with many parents taking a more active role during the pandemic. If you have kids, and you want to help them to enjoy learning and encourage healthy growth and development, here are some tips to make learning fun. Image Credit Pexels Get creative Creative hobbies and pursuits offer a wealth of benefits for kids of all ages, as well as adults. Creative activities are proven to boost mental health and reduce stress and they can also be a really powerful and effective learning technique. Many…
Your Perfect Date Night – At Home!
In all the crazy that’s been hitting the world, so many of us have been focusing on family (yep, as we should have been), friends – in many ways just as important, and on finding ways to generate income, keep everyone (especially the tiny humans and our parents) healthy, figuring out how to exercise at home, eat better…the list has been endless and at times, relentless. But for many of us, there is one sector we’ve been neglecting – ‘US’. We mean the royal us as in, the ‘me + 1’, us. So we’re going to help you get your and yours, back on track by inspiring the most…
4 Ways Adding A Fur Kid (Pet) Can Improve Your Family’s Health
The benefits of having an animal in the home are numerous, and those that do, know that just being around their furry family member can improve their mood and make them glad to be home after a long day. Why is this though? What is it about those sometimes crazy furry bundles of chaos that can make you feel so much better? It’s an interesting phenomenon, but it’s not the only wonderful thing about having a fur kid– pets can improve your health in a variety of ways. Photo by Christian Domingues “Note this is a collaborative post and I may be receiving compensation. Some links added are not…
How to Raise A Stable Child In An Unstable World
In an era before technology we were forced to be creative, inventive, and close to one another. We had a village to raise a child mentality. There were independent/critical thinkers. These are the people who have given us the world we have today. Who will be those inventors and creative people tomorrow when we have dumbed down and eliminated the human connection? Social media has taken over face to face relationships. Texting has replaced real conversation. We have TV’s as babysitters and iPad’s have replaced hands on teaching. We need to recognize how artificial our world has become and move forward to repairing it. Being a parent in this era…
7 Brilliant Banana Bread Variations To Try This Festive Season
The festive season is well and truly upon us, so it’s time to get your apron on and bake up some delicious treats for your loved ones. Banana bread might have been the lock-down favorite across the globe, but you can add your very own festive twist to this sumptuously decadent bake. Whether you’re trying to get into the Christmas spirit or you’re hosting a party and keen to show off your skills, these seven brilliant banana bread variations are sure to impress! “Note this is a collaborative post and I am receiving compensation. Some links added are not my own and if you follow they are to ad’s &…
How to keep your peace at Christmas with family members
Dysfunctional: a : not functioning properly : marked by impaired or abnormal functioning b : characterized by abnormal or unhealthy interpersonal behavior or interaction Since the 1980’s the word dysfunctional has been used to describe family dynamics. Talk show hosts paraded family members on screen for entertainment and the more obnoxious the better. With the Christmas holiday fast approaching I see many people talking about their family and using the word dysfunctional. I used to look at people and think wow they really have it together and their home must be amazing! Then they start telling me stories and I sit back and think holy smokes my family almost seems…
Get Yourself Truly Into The Christmas Spirit
It’s that time of the year where we’ve all got to come together and enjoy the company of our family and friends, and that should be something that’s easy to do! Christmas isn’t the same for everyone anymore, and it can be hard to get yourself into the Christmas spirit, which is why you’ve got to put the extra effort in! There’s no jollier time of year, and you’ve got to embrace it for what it is, which is Christmas! Of course, not everyone celebrates it, but that’s no reason to not be jolly! Everyone can partake in festive activities, as they’re great fun for all. “Note this is a…
Easy & Delicious Gingerbread Cookies!
I love gingerbread cookies! The spices and warmth of this gingerbread cookie is soothing and add hot tea or a glass of milk and it is heavenly! They are fun that you can cut any shape and frost or dust with powdered sugar. I hear Santa really loves gingerbread cookies too! Super easy and yummy gingerbread cookies! You can decorate them with icing or simple powdered sugar. Photo by Nicole Michalou from Pexels Need cookie sheets? Follow link here! Baking Equipment Want to make sure you never miss a post from us? Join the list and be the first to know! Subscribe Here!
The Best Cranberry Pie!
Need a unique dessert? Well this one is it! It is perfect and so easy! I am asked if you can substitute cranberries but I promise even a non-cranberry lover, will love this pie!!! Super simple and so yummy! Hands down the best cranberry pie recipe you will ever make! Even those that do not like cranberries, will love this! Want to make sure you never miss a post from us? Join the list and be the first to know! Subscribe Here!
4 Ways To Start Eating Healthier
Pexels Dieting usually doesn’t work and you might find you try it and are soon off course. Instead, you can take the approach of living a healthier lifestyle and eating healthier overall. The reason you may be struggling with this is that you aren’t sure where to begin or what to do differently. Below are four ways to start eating healthier today so you can improve your mood and physique and begin to love the way you look and feel. “Note this is a collaborative post and I am receiving compensation. Some links added are not my own and if you follow they are to ad’s & or Websites that are…
Different Ways To Explore The Outdoors
As most of you know we are a huge outdoors family! I can’t stand to be cooped up inside and love nature! We do everything from hiking, biking, camping and climbing and here are a few ideas for you to get outside! “Some of the links below are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” The outdoors are a great place to explore, and there are many different ways that one can do so. This blog post will take a look at the different types of outdoor exploration that people can partake in. It will also…
Viva Las Vegas! Once A Gambling Mecca Now A Food & Show Scene
Las Vegas, sin city where what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Well unless you are a travel writer and then it is a tell all! My husband recently had a work trip and I tagged along for a few days. I have been to Vegas on numerous occasions and have watched it transition into a food lovers paradise and some of the best shows you will ever see! This trip did not disappoint one bit! This post contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Lets start with the good stuff! FOOD! I had the pleasure of dining at SUSHISAMBA and…
Naples Florida, The Perfect Couples Getaway
We recently visited Naples for a very short weekend for my birthday. While it was not what I was expecting, I did enjoy the area and the food!After a super short flight from ATL we reached our destination RSW airport. As far as airports go this is one of my favorites! It is easy to get in and out of and the car rentals are on site. It took us about 35 minutes to get to our resort and from there the relaxation was on! We stayed at the Bellasera Resort. The lobby is beautiful and the pools are nice, but I am not sure I would consider this a…
Vacation Planning North Carolina!
I wanted to post this last week as a closer of our Summer Series, but life happens right? I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone so much over the summer and learning about different States and the Must Do’s! Thank you to everyone that contributed and I hope y’all have found inspiration for your next adventure! So as an end to the series I am doing North Carolina! A little more about me: I was born in Texas and lived in Florida for a short time then moved to North Carolina when I was 9 or so. While I am not a Born I am a Raised Carolina Girl…
Apple Zucchini Muffins! The Best Muffin You Will Ever Make!
I have made a ton of zucchini bread and muffins with different variations and have finally found THE BEST EVER! I have made this twice this week already and have requests for more. This recipe is perfect consistency, flavor and balance of spice with sweet. Of course you can always substitute things such as sugar, oil and spices but as this one is it really is perfect! This year I was blessed to use zucchini from my garden and it was amazing! I added an apple to the mix and I can’t begin to tell you how good these are! I made some with walnuts and some with chocolate chips…
Hilton Head Island! Our Go To Beach!
Hilton Head Island is quickly becoming our go to beach. The drive is under five hours from the Atlanta area and our four year old does well. Of course we still get “Are we there yet?” but that is any trip over thirty minutes. The beaches are amazing, the food spectacular and the island offers several shopping and other activities to keep you busy. This is our second time going to HHI and we stayed in the Coligny Area. “The Mama Life is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.” We rented a one bedroom condo through VRBO this trip…
How We Went To Disney World & Other Activities In Orlando For Under $1,000!
Okay I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal but if you have ever gone on a magical Disney vacation you know that it adds up quickly! The tickets alone for a family of 3 one day with no hopper will cost you around $400! So how did we do 4 days of travel, 1 day at Disney, 1 day at Sea World and Breakfast with Goofy and Friends for under $1,000? Points! I knew we were planning ahead of time and started saving every point possible. I have Expedia and am a Gold Member so I was diligent in booking all my travel (corporate) through them to rack…
Not My Childhood, How My Parents Have Made Me A Better Parent.
Charles Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Parenting is the easiest and the toughest job. Easy because it works on mutual love and instinctual care but tough because a single mistake can cause lifelong scars. With that said, these are things that my child will never understand: Sexual abuse: I am a product of sexual abuse that started at a very young age until I was 13 years old. I fortunately have a powerful God that kept me from becoming a statistic. I used it to make me an independent and strong person and not a victim. It also taught me a…
To the mom/woman that ______, I don’t See you.
To the mom/woman that ______, I don’t See you So many titles these days that have “I See You” and this may make me a bit unpopular but, I don’t See you. I don’t See the struggles you face with depression or anxiety every day because of your situation. I don’t See the difficulties of having a child with special needs. I don’t See the woman that has spent countless hours injecting herself with a cocktail of meds and praying this time will be her miracle and conceive. I don’t See the mama that is with the love of her life in the NICU, praying that she will get to…
A Weekend In Hendersonville NC
In December we decided to do a weekend trip sans toddler to Hendersonville, NC. Hendersonville is a city just outside of Asheville. Hendersonville is a quaint little town (okay second largest in Western Carolina) and has officially made it to the list of my Top 10 towns I love! We stayed at The Charleston Inn, an adorable B&B, within walking distance of town. We were visiting The Biltmore for the candlelight Christmas tour, but wanted to be further away from Asheville. Don’t get me wrong I love Asheville with all my soul, but the change of scenery was needed. After our 3 hour drive to get to Hendersonville we stopped…
Summer Series: Must Do In My State, Colorado!
Colorado, one of the greatest vacation destinations in the world! We had the pleasure of living there for four years and we loved every minute of it! We moved back to the East Coast last year so our little one could grow up with family but will definitely take him back to his birthplace and let him enjoy some of the great things we did while there. So there are the typical things that are a must do, but there is so much that is overlooked if you aren’t a local. This list combines the local spots as well as the touristy but in my mind are amazing and totally…
Healthy Living Advice For All The Family
Supporting the health of your family is a primary concern no matter what stage you’re at, but it’s even more crucial if you have a younger family with kids and teenagers. Encouraging them to live healthy lifestyles is part of your responsibility as a parent, so here is a good place to start. Image Credit Healthy Eating These days, many children, teenagers, and adults are overweight due to sedentary lifestyles. In fact, around one-third of Americans are obese, around 12.6 million children and teens. That’s not surprising when you consider the types of feed we consume and the lack of physical activity. In the past, the…
Looking To The Future With A Renewed Sense Of Self
When you change how you look at things, the things you look at change. Heaven and hell are not a place, but a state of mind. When you hear quotes like this, it’s easy to agree with them and then to move on with your day as if nothing ever happened. Now, that’s not to say you should be floored by a nice quote you see on a gradient background when posted to someone’s Instagram, but it can sometimes show us that there is a precedent for looking at things anew, and when we’re ready for the next chapter in our lives, it’s considerations like this that can help…
Mom’s Battle with Insomnia: Causes, Cures, and What You Need to Know
It’s no secret that insomnia is a common problem for people of all ages, but it can be particularly challenging for mothers. Due to the many competing demands on their time and energy, moms are often among the most sleep-deprived members of society. If you’re struggling with insomnia, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This blog post will discuss what insomnia is, the causes and cures, and what you need to know in order to get the best possible sleep. Via Pexels So, what is insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. People with insomnia often wake up feeling…
How To Set Up Your Family’s Long-Term Finances
Making the right personal finance decisions can secure your family’s future. Indeed, keeping the family comfortable means saving money at the least opportunity. This is even more crucial since you will not always be around. The statistics indicate that 54% of women in the country have families looking up to them. As breadwinners, there is so much pressure to provide. However, there are some ways to ensure your family is financially secure for a long time. Below are a few. Invest in long-term financial packages Image Credit Your family’s stable financial future depends on you. It is why you may want to consider long-term financial packages. This is financial planning that has…
Do You Know What The Family Is Going To Be Doing Next Summer?
Unfortunately, summer is nearly over and it’s time to start thinking about fall and winter. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t start planning your next summer vacation just yet. As a parent, you have a lot more on your plate when you’re planning a vacation for your family, so planning this far in advance makes sense. Not only that, but booking something now will allow you to save enough money for your vacation while also giving you and your family something to look forward to. Have a look at the following suggestions for summer vacations that are suitable for families and see if any of them pique your interest.…
Smart Tips For Preventing A Boring Road Trip
If you have never been on a road trip, you may want to have one planned before the year ends. It will be an opportunity to go on an adventure, have fun and make memories. Some statistics report that 64% of Americans believe road trips are perfect for experiencing unplanned and unrestrained fun moments. However, for a more purposeful trip, you will want to plan to prevent boredom and emptiness. Below is a list of fun activity tips that may make all the difference as you hit the road alone, with friends or family. Image Credit Take a moment to enjoy the scenery What is the purpose of…
Raising Healthy, Happy Kids: Simple Steps For Busy Parents
Raising children is one of the greatest privileges, but it’s also one of the most challenging tasks we take on. As parents, it’s natural to want the best for our kids, but it’s not always easy to promote healthy living and achieve a balance between parenting and other commitments. If you feel like you’re swimming against the tide and you’re not living up to the image of perfection presented by social media, don’t panic. In this guide, we’ll explore some simple steps you can take to raise healthy, happy children. Picture courtesy of https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-of-four-walking-at-the-street-2253879/ Active living Being active is beneficial for all age groups. Regular exercise helps…
Beaches Close To Atlanta
My family is definitely more beach life than snow and ski now and we are always looking at beaches under a six hour drive from the Atlanta area. Hilton Head is our go to as the convenience is tough to beat. We visited over Memorial Day and have more details and updates from my last post. I am also including surrounding beaches that are within a six hour drive. This visit we stayed north at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Club. To date this has been the best VRBO and location! In Folly Field our adorable one bedroom with bunk beds in the hallway was perfect for the three…
Want Well-Rounded Children? It’s All About Healthy Development
Researchers believe that the first five years of a child’s life are essential. If you can give them the right experience early on, they’re much more likely to develop into healthy teenagers and adults. You’ll avoid all the drama, tantrums, and emotional complexity involved in dysfunctional development. But what exactly should parents be doing? Nobody teaches us. Instead, we’re left with the same strategies our parents used on us, and heaven knows, they weren’t always ideal. In this post, we take a look at some of the things that professionals recommend – the result of decades of research, trial and error. Unsplash – CC0 License …
2 Tips You Can Use To Build The Best Home Office
If you’re like many others who used to work in an office and currently work from home, you might have noticed that it can be difficult to stay focused while working. Being surrounded by all of your home comforts can make it easy for you to be distracted, and it can be hard to separate your home life from your work life – which is very unhealthy! Instead, you should try to make a dedicated area for your work, and only use it when you have work to do; else you’ll struggle to make that clear divide that you need when working from home. Office equipment One…
