I have been wanting to get our kids a plastic playhouse (you know, the Little Tikes type ones) for a while but knew I wanted to get a used one to update and give a makeover, and let me tell you – that was less than easy to find. Now that I own one I get why people don’t just sell these things often. They are amazing. They pop together with no screws, and I love that we can take it apart and put it in the storage room over the winter (because midwest winters are brutal).
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To update a playhouse of your own, you really only need a couple of items.
Take apart the playhouse and clean it WELL. I used a degreaser because I knew that would really get the dirt off. I then used a wet cloth and wiped the whole thing down one more time to get any leftover cleaner off.
Next paint – Go with thin coats, and know that it will likely take a lot of paint.
Assemble and play…I know guys, super tricky!!
The kids LOVE this thing, and I haven’t been worried about how it weathers, because I know I can touch it up each year when we get it out!! So if you have a sun faded playhouse, or you’re just looking for the one you have to have a cute “mini house” look, now you know how easy it is to do your own playhouse makeover!! I would love to see your finished product if you try this out!
I swear if I say ‘birthday’ one more time this month I might burst..and Sam’s birthday is tomorrow, so I don’t stand a chance haha!
A couple of weeks ago we did a joint birthday party for the kids and their friends, as well as some of ours, and I wanted to post how we did it. First of all finding a theme for kids who are different genders is hard. They love different things, and if I had gone with a TV show theme I promise you they would have been mad that I went with that show by the day of the party. So my solution was to do something gender neutral, simple and cute. I went with a fall theme, knowing that the 340 pumpkins I have as decor around the house would work, and I wouldn’t need to buy much.
This post contains affiliate links for more information you can read here
My main focus for decor was a backdrop wall, but knowing that I wouldn’t ever do this again, I wanted it to be inexpensive. I will break down how it was done below. Aside from that wall, the only decor I had was a bar cart with a runner of paper on it to tie it all together. I truly kept it super simple. The main expense for the party this year was put into entertainment, and that was a bounce house and pumpkins for each kid to paint. I wanted them to stay busy and have fun, and it was well worth the money. The bounce house was SO MUCH fun, and I loved watching them jump all day.
So off to the wall breakdown – the wall was done for $10 DOLLARS! now I have a Silhouette so it Made it easier, but regardless it was super inexpensive. (and if you’re thinking about a Silhouette, get one, they are amazing and I use it all the time !)
Leaves – I bought a pack of scrapbook paper for $5 from Walmart and cut leaves in colors to hang in an ombre pattern.
Poster Board – I used a trifold because I wanted. BIG board, but you could certainly go with a normal size one. This was less than $3 at Walmart
Letters – Cut from the same pack of paper as the leaves
Balloons – I bought one big bag of white balloons for $2.50 from Walmart and tied them around a string to make a balloon arch.
To hang everything I used command hooks, command strips, and painters tape, all of which I had.
For food I kept things simple with caramel popcorn that was homemade (this is my favorite recipe) and smart pop, which was a huge hit. We did Cake pops for the cake, chicken and waffle bites, because it was morning, Soft pretzels and dip from a local place, and a veggie and dip platter. I did hollow out a pumpkin for the veggie dip to tie things together and I loved that touch.
We had water, soda water, and juice boxes to drink, and caramel apples for everyone to take home.
For the pumpkin painting instead of letting things get super messy I bought paint pens and it was such a great decision. The kids loved it, but they were too messy to send home…so now we have lots of small pumpkins haha.
All in all it was such a great party and the kids had SO much fun! Feel free to comment with any questions you have!!
Instead of just popping in with an update on Walker this month, I decided I would group all the updates in one! Incase you don’t follow me on Instagram, or have missed my last couple blog posts, Jack recently turned 5 (FIVE….yeah that was a tough pill to swallow), and Avé turned 3 a few days later. As a mom, I feel like birthdays are so bittersweet. On one hand I feel so blessed and lucky to have healthy children who are celebrating another trip around the sun, and love seeing their excitement. On the other hand the fact that their baby and toddler years are flying by, and I can practically feel Jack getting older daily is painful. I always felt like I was born to be a mama, and I am having to remind myself that just because they won’t always be babies, it doesn’t mean my job with them is done, or even close to done. I just think that when you’re in the thick of it with babies and toddlers its hard to see the parenting side much past the wiping of butts and preparing meals. Anyway, enough about me, on to the updates about those sweet babies!!
Jack at 5 years old:
He lost his first tooth a few days post birthday.
He LOVES animals and is SO SMART
He can write all his letters and numbers and do some basic spelling and reading.
He is so sweet and kind and really loves being a big brother. He is so proud of telling people that he has TWO babies (Avé and Walker).
He remains fairly compliant, but has his fair sure of meltdowns and moments where he chooses not to listen – aka his is a kid.
He loves to sing, and we have really loved to see that he’s developing a strong grasp of faith, and prayer in the past year. Something that is so very important to Sam and I.
He is totally an outdoor lover. He loves to get dirty and play in the dirt and grass all day. God has a funny sense of humor for this indoor lover!
Still struggles a lot with his language understanding, but has gotten so much better, and is really thriving and working hard!
Would eat pizza, Oreos and ice-cream for all meals if given the option (so would I haha).
Is becoming more adventurous with food!
Avé at Three years old:
So sassy, articulate, and smart.
LOVES jewelry, makeup, princesses, dolls, and anything small.
Very opinionated and less compliant than her brother.
Shy in social situations until she feels safe.
LOVES dance, and is so fun to watch. She really pays close attention and HAS to be closest to the teacher.
Would love it if we let her take her blanket or lovey everywhere with her.
Cake pops are one of her favorite things. but only the pink ones, and otherwise she isn’t a big sweets fan.
Loves all things chip/cracker related.
Got her first hair cut and thought it was the greatest thing ever!!
Walker at 4 months:
Super smiley and happy but wants to be held while standing ALWAYS
The most drooly baby I have encountered…SEND HELP ha.
Sleeps well at night
Sleeps like crap during the day haha
His laughs are my favorite but you have to really work to get them
He loves baths with country music in the background
He is bursting off the charts in length and holding middle ground on weight – but for this family is huge!
Overall he makes my world go round and I thank God everyday for that sweet soul!!
Incase you missed it on my Instagram, my sweet Avé turned 3 this past week, and I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about a few things she got, a few that will be making an appearance under the Christmas tree, and a couple of items she already loves!
This post contains affiliate links and product in exchange for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. You can read more here.
Toddler Girl Gift Guide
Ikea Doll House/Wall Shelf – We love this!! The kids can play with it for hours, and it’s not an eye sore….that is a mom and kiddo win in my book haha.
Fawn Design Mini – Okay mama Loves hers, and I have been eying a second, but I think this Christmas a matching one for Avé will certainly happen! I love how functional these are, and the cute factor can’t be beat!
Balance Bike – I love this one, and will definitely be getting one for Avé to keep up outside!
Cuddle and Kind doll – She got Lucy for her birthday, and there are some cute new ones that need to come home for Christmas. If you haven’t heard of Cuddle and Kind, they are the cutest, softest stuffed animals and for each one you buy, they donate meals to children!!
TrioKid Stroller – I LOVE that this stroller folds up and it will be a must have for Christmas this year!
Primp and Pretties makeup – girlfriend loves my makeup, so some play makeup of her own was a MUST, and she LOVES all her cute stuff from Primp and Pretties!!
What are your go to gifts for Toddler girls? With a birthday in October and Christmas coming I can always use other ideas!!
Christmas is around the corner and I have been trying to come up with some gift guides for everyone in your life! This round will be for toddlers and young boy gift guide. I am basing this off of Jack, and things he loves now and has loved for the past few years!
One thing that I have learned over time with my kids is that: A – less is more, and B – I am better off getting them similar items in many categories so there are less arguments. So if you have boy girl siblings and are looking for great gifts that they can share this is a great place for you to start, and I will link the guide to my girl guide next week, and here is the baby guide if you have a babe in your life!
this post contains product in exchange for review and affiliate links. All opinions are my own – read more here
The Gift Guide
Usborne Wipe Clean Activity Books – I talked about my love for Usborne books in my baby gift guide, but these wipeable activity books are amazing. I like to buy them in sets and then give them to the kids one at a time. (as a side note – dry erase markers are NOT washable, so buy a set of these off Amazon and save the headache haha).
Green Toys Cars – I love these. We have some for the car, and all over. I let the kids take them outside. They are great. But honestly, any cars are pretty great for boys!
Micro Kickboard Scooter – My kids LOVE to scooter, and these with the 2 wheels in the front are the way to go.
Toymail Talkie – We got this for Jack this year for his birthday and it’s SO CUTE. He can send us voice texts through the little animal, to an app on our phones and thinks it’s the coolest thing! We can also reply back, which has been especially fun for Daddy while he is at work.
Teepee – We are planning to get the kids one for Christmas. I love watching my kids use their imaginations, and things like this totally foster that. I love the Tnee’s Teepees if you are looking for one!
Legos – enough said. They are such a timeless great toy.
Cuddle and Kind doll – I have this on all my other lists too (see Baby gift guide) and put one in Walker’s room when he was born. They are an amazing company, and you will be shocked by how soft these sweet friends are when they arrive. Jack got one for his birthday and him and Noah are instant best friends.
Tri0Kid Wagon – We also got this for Jack for his birthday, and the kid Loves it. It is currently in the middle of my living room full of so many animals and books I don’t know how he can pull it. I love that it folds flat, so its a great space saver, while still being fun for the kids.
Muffin Bub Felt Food – we got the kids some of this adorable handmade felt food for their birthdays, and it is as cute as you might imagine!! They are IN LOVE!
When it comes to buying for a baby, I am really big on buying more practical items. They are too little to understand, and I have learned from experience that you’ll wish you didn’t get them every toy for Christmas! Below is my baby gift guide for ages 0-12 months, but much of it would really easily go all the way up to two years old or older!
this post contains affiliate links and products in exchange for my honest opinion
DockATot Grand – we LOVE our deluxe size, but by spring Walker will be ready for the Grand, and Christmas is the perfect time to buy it!
Board books – Books are the only thing I think you can’t have too many of. I love the Sandra Boynton books and Usborne Books are my favorite for sure!
Slumberkins – Walker is obsessed with all things soft and these are just the cutest little lovey animals!
Joovy Spoon Walker – We live in a much less ‘open concept’ home than we did when our older two kids were babies, so I knew I needed something more portable that Walker could sit in. This walker is functional, simple, and stylish (which is super important to me). I love how big the tray is to put food or toys on!!
Cuddle and Kind Doll – We are obsessed with these! Cuddle and Kind dolls will be under the tree for all our kiddos. They are SO soft and the company is amazing, providing meals for kids with each doll purchased! We got one for Walker, and put it in his nursery, and I will forever be hooked.
Wooden Playgym – This has been one of my favorites for Walker so far. I love how cute it is, the fact that it folds up flat, and that I can add any toys I want to it! As a bonus its a super sweet family who owns the company!
Freshly Picked Moccasins – hands down my favorite baby shoes. They are worth the money, and my go to gift for my babies!
GoPod – I have posted about this before, but seriously this is such a great gift for the babies in your life. It is portable and provides a place for them to play inside or outside. By far one of my favorite baby gear items out there!!
Saranoni Blanket – We love blankets around here. Both Walker and Avé have Saranoni blankets and they are amazing!! It’s a great gift for babies that they will love for years. But be prepared to want your own. haha.
Check back in a few days for gift guides for older kids, and please feel free to comment and let me know if you have any must have ideas for gifts for Walker this year! I’m ready to start stocking up on presents! I hope this guide helps you when you’re buying for a baby in your life!
I get asked all the time where I buy Avé’s dance clothes, so I decided I would compile a post with some of my favorite toddler dance clothes! There are fairly wide variety of items, But I can vouch for the quality of all the leo’s I list, which I feel is the number one thing that so many of us mama’s wrestle with when buying from online shops!
Tights: I buy her tights at target or anywhere cheep. Kids RUIN tights. lol
Leg warmers: She has a few pairs, these from target in the dance section have been cute on her since about the time she turned two, but I LOVE these Cat and Jack ones too. They are super fun and we get so many compliments on them.
leo: Remie Girl Bow: livlovecreate
Leotards: This is obviously the most fun part! I will list them below, as well as caption some photos with a few (as well as where the bows I have paired them with are from).
Alice and Ames – super cute skirted leo’s that are a little longer, so they are great for wearing to more than dance. (they run small so SIZE UP. like I bought Avé a size 4 and she is still barely a 2t)
Remie girl – LOVE these. They are well priced and such good quality. Avé is tall for her age, but again I sized up.
The Magpie Co – super cute and their skirted Leo’s, similar to Alice and Ames can certainly be worn elsewhere!!
Morgan and Mae Co – Love their leotards AND added bonus is that you can get them with snaps.
leo: target, cat and jack leg warmers bows: Pippa and indy
Dance Bag: We only have one, because I wont lie, her Dance bag is my favorite thing ever, and there is just no need for others haha!! – we have this one, and I actually purchased it at a small shop but I found it on Amazon for you all!
What are your favorite toddler dance clothes shops or trends? I’m sure this will be ever changing for me – I can’t get enough of dressing her for dance!!
Our sweet Walker boy is 3 months old and growing like a weed. He is a master sleeper averaging 8-11 hours for his first stretch of the night and then going back down until 7 ish. He moved to his own room this month and sleeps in a the “swaddle up” swaddle now.
He rolls from tummy to back sometimes, just started belly laughing like crazy, and he has the best smile ever!! This boy definitely loves his mommy!!
He naps like crap, and getting him on a good day time schedule with the constant drop offs and pick ups from schools has been a struggle, but I’m trying to remember that isn’t not his fault.
He is strong as an ox and reminds me so much physically of Jack as an infant. Already weight bearing on his legs and so much head and neck control.
He went to Florida for the first time to stay at Grandma and Papas new house this month, so that meant his first plane rides, and also included his first trip to Disney World!
We love you so much sweet boy. I can hardly remember life without you!!!
I have fallen more in love with baby wearing with each of my babies. I think that’s partially due to finding better products, but even more so due to the fact that I haven’t figured out how to grow extra hands to take care of these children. I recently was asked to do a Lillebaby Carrier Review, and I love it! I have been using the Lillebaby carrier with Walker for the past month or so and I only continue to love it more!
One thing I was struggling with our previous structured carrier was the use of the infant insert. I found it really hard to get Walker in on my own and he seemed to struggle with getting comfortable. The fact that the Lillebaby Carrier works from newborn to toddler with no need for an insert is HUGE for us. The added back support has been a selling point for my husband, and the fact that in only a few seconds I can change the seat width to go from Avé (who still loves Daddy to wear her) to Walker is amazing. So far our Lillebaby carrier has helped us survive countless zoo outings, some small family outings and even DISNEY WORLD (check it on my Disney world must haves list). One of the reasons I found it to be such an asset this past month is that you can unzip the outer fabric to a mesh that is more breathable. We went to Disney World when it was roughly 300 degree’s out so anything that could help that booger to not overheat was a huge win for us.
I also probably sound like a broken record here in my little blog land, but I am a HUGE sucker for stylish baby gear. Its 2017 and I don’t see any reason for anything I use with my kiddos to not look as cute as the clothes I buy for myself and them. Lillebaby Carriers come in SO many amazing prints, it was super hard for me to pick one, but this black and white with the gold hardware won me over. I get more compliments on it from my girlfriends…and if you’re a mama like me, that goes a long way!
Are you a baby wearing fan? If so whats your preferred method? Definitely Check out the Lille Baby Carriers and report back to let me know what you think!!
*product was received in exchange for my review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. Read more about that here.
Alright, people. We did the unthinkable, ( and totally exhausting) and headed to Disney last weekend with a 4-year-old, 2-year-old, and 2 month old. It was a bit of a last-minute trip, but I thought I would talk about some of my Disney favorites for our trip, including everything from fashion to gear to help us survive. Some of the ‘favorites’ are things we didn’t bring that I meant to and in hind site wish I had followed my gut and done so.
First I’m going to talk about my favorites when it comes to gear. This would honestly be a great list to reference whether you’re hitting Disney World, the local zoo, or anything in between.
Backpack or Diaper bag backpack: I love my Ju-ju-be BFF
Universal stroller side organizer: This was such a lifesaver for us, and allowed for extra storage that was quickly and easily accessible for things like the map that we wanted often.
Stroller Alarm: This was the item I wish I brought and didn’t and I REGRET IT. We brought a nice stroller, and I would have been much more comfortable leaving it with an alarm.
A ring sling or wrap: I brought my Wildbird Ring Sling and it was amazing to have something tiny that fit in my bag for when Walker got fussy.
A clutch of some sort: I love this Ju-Ju-Be Be Quick because its roomy. I kept my ID, tickets, cash, phone, and credit card as well as wipes in this. I could grab it when we went on rides to keep my valuables safe, and it hung over the handles to the stroller while we were walking, or slipped in the side organizer from #2.
Universal cup holder: I added another cup holder to the stroller because with 4 people (and a baby) it never hurts!
A rider board: We have rider boards for two of our strollers, and my favorite is easily our Orbit Stroller and rider board, but that is discontinued. Any rider board is so helpful
Stroller Organizer: Having an added space for things close to you and cup holders is NEVER a bad idea. This one from Skip Hop is amazing.
Our Lille Baby Carrier: So I know I said we Brought a ring sling, but we also brought our Lille Carrier because it was a great way to be able to carry either Walker or Avé if she got tired. I love that the Lille carrier fits newborn through toddler so it is a single piece of gear that works for all the kiddos.
Okay so on top of gear that keeps kiddos and parents happen and things moving well through the day, I also had so much fun shopping for the kids for the trip! Here are some of my Disney favorites! Some we got for this trip and some we will get for next time!
I did homemade Mouse ear bows for Avé that I already had, but I also love both this bow or this one for cute black and white bows!
Baby Gap had SUPER cute clothes for Walker, and even for the big kids, and so does Zara for bigger kids!
I got Jacks cute shirt at Old Navy for super inexpensive and both kids had Mickey and Minnie PJs from there for the night before!
LOVED this blanket for Walker. I knew he would be in a stroller all day and I wanted a thin blanket to keep the sun off him. This one was sooo cute, but Avé did try to claim it as her own.
Next time we go I am hoping we have more time to prepare and I’m sure I will have even more Disney favorites and fashion up my sleeves.
If you’re new here, we just welcomed baby 3 to our family a couple months ago, and I was quickly reminded YET AGAIN how much I love sleep, and how I will do anything to get a good nights rest. I have been super blessed with overall great sleepers as babies, but I feel like I have gotten some new baby sleep favorites along the way.
On top of ‘stuff’ to help my babies sleep well, this time around I am lucky enough the amazing Newborn Sleep Survival Guide from Sleep & The City. I am telling you that if you are looking for some help on getting your newborn to sleep well without harsh methods like CIO she is your gal, so CHECK IT OUT!
So on to my favorite items:
Love to Dream Swaddle Up: We recently transitioned Walker to this swaddle in preparation to unsaddle him. This thing is AMAZING. I love that its teaching him to sleep less restricted at this age while still partially swaddling him.
Playskool Favorites Lullaby Gloworm: I know – this is so 90’s…but all of my kids have used this. infant we have gone through 3, and this thing is AMAZING. we LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.
Dock-a-tot: I wasn’t a believer, but I did a full review here, and truly think this little miracle worker is MORE than worth it.
Lulla-vibe: With Jack and Avé I used a pack and play that had a vibrate setting, but this time ours doesn’t, so I bought the lulla-vibe. This time I bought this to solve that problem, but I use it all over the place. It is amazing.
Solly Baby Swaddles: I love these swaddles. We LOVE swaddle blankets, but these are the best ever!! They are tight, but they give them room to move, so were our go to for the first week or two.
Ollie Swaddle: Okay, so again I did a full review here, but if I could tell you to buy one thing off this list it would be this. It is NEEDED!!!!
HoMedics Sound Machine: I love that this is electric or battery operated. It has a few sound options and great volume!
Infant Sleep Gowns: Seriously the only way to go when you’re doing night time diaper changes!! It’s amazing to not have to undress them at all!
I can assure you that between the sleep guide and these products you’ll have a much easier go of it with your newborn! Are there any products you swear by to get your babies to sleep?
I have flown with the kiddos a handful of times now, and by no means do I think I’m a pro, but I have somehow gotten through all flights without any meltdowns, and minimal stress on the parts of myself or the kids ( well there was that one flight where Jack threw up all over my brother in law…but we can pretend that didn’t happen. Unless your my brother in law…he will NEVER forget ha). Flying with a baby and toddlers doesn’t have to be super stressful, and I have a few tips that have helped me!
Ad. Products were exchanged in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Read more about that here
So anyway. I feel like while packing for our flights this week I have taken some of my favorite aspects of past travels as a family, as well as an awesome tip from a fellow blogger, Kate from The House Mix Blog. She recently did a post about travel with her kids and talked about how she utilizes a binder for each kid and IT WAS GENIUS. You can check out her full post here with an amazing printable to help you! I loaded each kids binder with items from the dollar spot at target to keep them busy both on the way there as well as during the trip.
So my must haves always include food, because nothing shuts kids up better than food or technology….and no one appreciates quiet kids quite like a full airplane. I have learned from the puke fest flight, that healthier options might be best (because peanut butter cups…not so great). My kids love these NuturMe cocoa cookies, and I love that they are a healthy egg free option for my kids, but especially Jack with his egg allergy. I also LOVE traveling with pouches. Aside from applesauce my kids don’t really eat them at home anymore, but when we travel I feel like they get a lot of crap food so at least that’s an easy and portable way to get them some nutrients. NuturMe makes pouches full of everything my kids need, but they just think its applesauce! Such a mom win.
It should also go without saying that when flying with a baby you need to have clothing on that makes it easy to nurse or bottles readily available!!
I have posted about my love for Re-play Recycled before, and they made my toddler travel must haves list I posted a few months ago, but it’s because they really are the best!! The Snack Stacks are honestly the best thing. We have several sets so when we travel I typically have 2-4 ready for each kid with snacks open so that I’m not constantly opening fruit snacks or crackers. I have also recently fallen in love with their No-Spill Cups. Avé and Jack obviously use normal cups at home, but if they want drinks away from the table and aren’t drinking water these are the best! They don’t spill at all. I prefer to travel with them now over any other cup because they can have milk or juice in them, instead of water only.
Aside from food and drink I loaded the binders that Kate recommended with dollar section ‘legos’, colors, coloring books and work books from the dollar section, an iPad and headphones. It’s so important with kids to have plenty to keep them entertained, but also the essentials. In my diaper bag I keep an extra outfit for EVERYONE, diapers, wipes, and bottles for the baby, chargers for all technology, and an emergency treat for kids – like a sucker or something!
What do you travel with when you’re flying with a baby and toddlers? We will likely be flying more and more with the kids now that they are getting older so I would love any tips and tricks you have!
