Lifestle | Kylee's Korner

April 10, 2020 1 Comment

Boosting Your Energy Without Caffeine

As a mom of three (soon to be four) little ones, I need to have a lot of energy during the day to keep up. There never seems to be a dull moment in our house and I am always running after someone, doing household chores or playing with my kids. I know a lot of people’s go to on keeping up with their busy life and kids is caffeine, especially coffee! I can see the appeal and I love the smell of coffee brewing. However, I personally do not drink caffeine. Mind blown, right? Most mama’s I know thrive on those hot (who are we kidding- lukewarm on a good day) mugs of tastiness every morning and I understand why. Caffeine can keep you going and give you that extra boost when you feel your feet dragging. Since, I choose to live a caffeine free lifestyle , I am always on the hunt for things that will give me a natural boost of energy. I am not superwomen disguised in leggings- I too need that energy boost whenever I can get it. Check out some of my favorite ways I boost my energy throughout the day without the use of caffeine. Maybe you can add one of these to your routine and keep yourself energized to the max!

Exercise

Making sure your body gets enough activity during the day can play a huge role in how you feel and how much energy you have. It can be hard to make yourself workout on days you are feeling extra sluggish, but try to push yourself. By going on a 15 minute walk, doing some light stretching or even climbing up and down your stairs a few times, you are getting your heart rate up. This will help give you a natural mood boost and feel more refreshed when you are done.

Eat More Protein

Having a diet that consists of lots of healthy protein is key to providing your body with the fuel it needs. Protein takes longer to break down during the day than eating foods that are high in fat. This means you are giving yourself something that provides a longer lasting energy source. Try some new recipes off of Pinterest to see what protein sources are your favorite or look into adding a protein powder to your shake or drinks during the day.

Take a Power Nap

We are often led to believe that taking a nap throughout the day is considered being lazy or unproductive. However, there have been many studies that show how good a short power nap can be to your health. On the days that you feel yourself really dragging, let your body give into what it is craving and catch some zzz’s for a little while. As long as you don’t oversleep during your naps, you should wake up feeling more rested and with an extra pep to your step to finish out your day!

Drink a Glass of Water

I know a glass of water does not sound as appealing as your latte or mocha. However, if you are not intaking enough water throughout the day, your body can become dehydrated which can result in you feeling sluggish. Make sure you are staying hydrated all day long. It not only helps your energy levels, but can also help with weight loss! If plain water is not for you, check out my blog here that I wrote on 7 water infusions that will naturally boost your energy!

Add Superfoods to Your Diet

Just like adding protein filled foods to your diet is beneficial, so is adding what experts call superfoods. Superfoods are known to be packed with healthy nutrition that help support the immune system, your stamina, mental healthy and energy. Some of my favorites that I like to add into my diet throughout the day are blueberries, avocado, salmon and oats!

Take Your Vitamins

I feel like as a parent I am always mindful of my kids taking their vitamins every day. However, this is definitely an area that I need to practice what I preach. I am trying to make sure I am getting better at taking vitamins every day. It is so important to make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients that it needs and a multivitamin is the perfect way to accomplish that. When your body isn’t being deprived of key nutrients, you naturally feel better and have more energy!

February 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

How To Get A Better Night’s Sleep

Sometimes I would love to go back in time and take all of those naps that I refused when I was younger. When you are five and busy building forts, playing with dolls or playing dress up and dancing around like a princess, you hardly have time to waste on naps. If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self, “What are you thinking-take that nap”! There are days where I find myself dreaming about how great a nice long nap would feel. I try to eat healthy and stay active, which definitely helps me stay energized for the most part. But, as a busy mom of three kids who are always on the go, I would love to catch a few extra z’s sometimes. There are times I will try to lay with my kids if I need a power nap or they are being extra cuddly with me. However, I usually use their nap time to get things done around the house. Since my napping days are much more limited, it is critical that I try to get the best night sleep possible. As a Mom, that statement sounds a bit contradicting. Mom duty is a 24/7 job. There are plenty of nights that someone isn’t feeling well, a monster showed up uninvited and has to be asked to leave or my bed is the only place that will due for sleep; which results in me dodging a hand or leg to the face for most of the evening. However, I try to make getting a good night sleep an essential part of my beauty routine and overall wellbeing routine as often as I can. Check out some things that I try to be mindful of during the day that can help me catch the best night sleep possible every night so I am able to hit the ground running in the morning!

1. Follow A Bedtime

Pick a bedtime and try your best to stick with it every night. By going to sleep at the same time every night, your body clock will adjust quicker to your new and consistent pattern and will fall into a sleep routine.

2. Avoid Electronics

I am definitely guilty about wanting to pick up my phone at night before I go to bed or if I can’t sleep in the middle of the night. However, research shows that this can be one of the worst things to do to fall asleep. Light exposure from your phone or other electronics make you more alert, making it harder to sleep.

3. Keep The House At a Comfortable Temperature

It can be hard to find a comfortable temperature if you live with other people. My husband and I are usually on a different page of wanting it warm or chilly when it’s time to turn in for the night. However, there have been a ton of sleep studies that suggest keeping your house on the cooler side during the night can help improve your quality of sleep. I know I like to be a bit on the cooler side and then have the option to throw on a blanket. I find if I am to hot I toss and turn throughout the night which results in a restless sleep.

4. Stay Away From Caffeine

Research has shown that caffeine can affect your sleep for up to ten to twelve hours after drinking it! Even though it is easy to get hooked on having that coffee during the day to keep up your energy, it can be causing a lot of issues to your body’s sleep at night. Try to grab natural things that can add a boost of energy without the caffeine, like my favorite infused water recipes that you can find here.

5. Wind Down

Try to give yourself an adequate amount of time to decompress every night. Your body and brain need time to wind down and relax after running at full speed all day long. Let yourself watch something relaxing on tv, read a book, take a hot bath or do some light stretching or meditating.

December 21, 2019 Leave a Comment

How to Keep Your New Years Resolutions

Does anyone else like to come up with a few New Year’s Resolutions every year? During the month of December, I catch myself doing a lot of thinking about what things I would like to set as goals for myself for the upcoming year. I think a lot of people get overwhelmed when someone asks them what their resolutions are going to be, since a lot of us tend to be hard on ourselves and can list plenty of things we want to change or fix. However, this is where I’d like to remind you to show yourself some love and patience. We should never aim for perfection because it is simply not attainable. We are human and still lovable despite whatever our flaws may be. My suggestion to you this year when coming up with resolutions would be to only pick three to five things that mean the most to you and focus on them. When I was younger, it seemed that after the first few weeks of the new year had flown by, I found myself forgetting about the resolutions I had made and they got pushed aside until December rolled around again. I have discovered some things that have helped me keep my focus and achieve my goals as I’ve gotten older. I encourage you to try to see if any of these tips help you have a more successful year in achieving your goals and resolutions. Happy New Year- I hope 2020 is your best year yet!

Plan Ahead:

Try not to wait until January 1st every year to start thinking about the things you’d like to work on for the upcoming year. Give yourself some time to really think about the goals you’d like to accomplish this year and what is most important to your happiness and well being. Jot down things as you think of them and go over it until you decide what are the most important things you will focus on this year.

Be Realistic:

When you are setting goals for yourself for the new year, try to set goals that are realistic in being able to accomplish. If you have a large amount of weight you’d like to lose, try setting a small goal first. It is easy to get overwhelmed if you are focusing on only the end result, instead of the journey you need to take to get yourself there. By keeping goals that are attainable, you will be more likely to have success.

Track Your Progress:

When you have reached progress on one of your goals, write it down . This is a great way to be able to look back at your journey over the next year and see the steps you took to meet your goal. When you are physically able to see the progress you have made, it can be very inspiring and encourage you to keep trying your hardest so you can reach the next step of your goal.

Don’t Give Up:

Changing habits that you have done for years can be really hard and take time. Studies have shown that it can take at least three weeks to get yourself into a new routine. If you have an off day, don’t beat yourself up. Again, perfection is simply not an attainable goal. We are going to have hard days and busy days that might steer us off track a little bit. The important thing is to not give up or beat yourself up. Tomorrow is a new day and a fresh start. Move past the hiccup and keep going!

Share Your Goals:

If you have someone in your life you trust, let them be a part of your journey. Each of you can sit down and share your goals for the upcoming year. Just like having a workout buddy, a goal buddy can also help. You can have someone to celebrate your victories with, lean on when you need some extra support and help keep you accountable.

November 19, 2019 Leave a Comment

My Top 15 Favorite Giving Experiences

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing. I have slowly started to make my shopping lists and start to grab things when I find them out. I have always been someone who loves to give to others. I thoroughly enjoy watching my children’s faces when they open up that one present that was on the top of their wish list that year. However, as I was making my shopping lists, I couldn’t help but think of how many times my child actually ends up playing with most of the toys Santa delivers. They always seem to have their favorite couple of presents that they cling to more than others, but most of them are inevitably thrown to the bottom of the toy chest or closet by the end of winter break. While I still want them to have the experience of opening presents on Christmas morning, I also know I want to cut back on how many presents will eventually get ignored. I decided this year I want to try gifting my children with experiences in addition to a few special gifts. This also made me realize that instead of putting pressure on myself to find other loved ones the perfect gift, I could pass along experiences to them as well. I feel like we lose the magic of Christmas when we are stressing over the perfect gift for everyone. I also love that when giving someone an experience, you can often share the moment together. The gift ends up being enjoyable for everyone and will create memories to last a lifetime. Check out some of my favorite experiences I thought of and heard about from other folks. Let me know if you decide to participate in any of them with your own family this year!

1. Have a “Yes” Day

I totally stole this idea from Jennifer Garner. She has revealed in interviews that she has one day a year where she says yes to any of her kids requests (obviously, she sets boundaries beforehand). However, for the most part, she says yes to her kids all day long. How fun could it be to have one day a year to have ice cream for breakfast and go do all of the fun and goofy things your kids love to do? I am sure you would be one tired Mama at the end of the day, but I think it sounds worth it!

2. Theatre or Movie Tickets

We love to go to the movies, but it can get quite pricey as a family of five. However, it would be more affordable if we cut out on a few toys this year and replaced it with a fun night out. If you want to give the experience to the adults in your life, try seeing if there are any fun theatre shows nearby instead of a movie. It can be fun to switch things up!

3. Sporting Event

There are always sporting events all year round in most major cities. Even if you do not live close enough to go to a professional team event, see what is going on at your local high schools or colleges. Sporting events are always a great way to kick back and show some team spirit, no matter what the sport or team is!

4. Paint Night

Paint nights can be a fun girls night out. Not only do you get to spend time being silly and catching up with your friends, you also get to take your artwork home with you. With this gift you are getting the best of both worlds- an experience and something to hold onto forever!

5. Cooking Class

Cooking class can be a great gift for adults or children, depending on the age restrictions of the class. Check out what your area has to offer online. You can sometimes find these types of classes being offered at your local community college, library or restaurants.

6.Spa Day

Spa days are a great gift to give someone who needs some R & R time. Depending on how much money you are looking to spend, there are a ton of different options to choose from. If an entire day is out of budget, look into a mani/pedi option or an express facial or massage. I personally love getting pampered for any amount of time and with any service!

7. Movie Night In

A movie night can be just as fun from the comfort of your own home! Check out what popular movies are trending or grab one of your favorites that you already own. If you’re able to, take time to splurge and do a few extra things to make this movie night stand out from others. You could build a blanket fort, make a popcorn and hot chocolate bar, order pizza, or make huge ice cream sundaes with all of the toppings!If you are feeling extra creative, you could even set up a fake concession area and create fake tickets for admission!

8. College Non Credit Class

Most community colleges offer non credit classes each semester. These classes are usually way more affordable than credited classes and don’t require books. I have seen some really fun things being advertised and open to the public to sign up for like photography, cooking, second languages, fitness and dance classes. See if anything in your area would be a good fit for one of your loved ones!

9. Comedy Show

The gift of laughter is one of my favorite gifts to give! What better way than to get tickets to a comedy show? Get online and see who’s coming to your area and grab some tickets for a fun date night out with your loved ones!

10. Skating

Skating always makes me nostalgic, no matter what kind it is! Pick a night and take the whole family to a local ice rink or roller rink for a fun night of laughing, falling and silliness.

11. Monthly Yoga Pass

A lot of yoga studios offer one month passes which can be a great way to see if it is something you enjoy doing before fully committing. If you have someone in your life who could use a little “Me” time, think about giving them a pass to try yoga. It could help them relax and feel better after the stresses of the holiday.

12. Dinner Date

I know that dinner out can really add up as well, especially when it is a family going. If you have a fun new restaurant in your area, think about getting a gift card for a family or couple that are on your gift list. It can be a missed experience for someone who doesn’t get to enjoy going out very often.

13. Amusement Park Tickets

Amusement parks are fun for the entire family. There is always something that can be found at an amusement park for any age! Check out Groupon or other sites online to see if you can score a good deal on tickets. Once the weather gets warmer outside, head to your local park to soak up some sun and fun with your family!

14. Concert Tickets

Any music lovers in your life? I always love going to a good concert and enjoying a night out listening to my favorite tunes. There are also a lot of local kid concerts that are offered in most cities. It is a great way to introduce music to your kiddos and have an excuse to break out your dancing shoes!

15. Photo Shoot

A fun photo shoot is probably my favorite experience idea of all! I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t love to get pictures taken with their families. Check out local photographers and see what kind of holiday specials they are offering. You can often find someone who offers mini sessions at affordable prices. It’s a great way to grab a few awesome pictures that your family will be sure to cherish for years to come!

November 14, 2019 1 Comment

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Mom and Dad

Christmas is right around the corner you guys! Even though I am not sure how it is already mid November, I know I need to start getting organized and start buying my Christmas presents ASAP. I don’t like to wait until the last minute to get my shopping done because I feel like a lot of things get sold out quickly during this time of the year. I never have a problem figuring out what I want to buy for my kiddos since they drop not so subtle hints all year long! However, sometimes I do find myself struggling on what I want to get for my parents and in laws. I feel like my parents never have a want or need for anything specific. And, any time I ask them for ideas I am usually met with “We really don’t need anything”. Anyone else hear that from their parents? I know they mean well but I am left racking my brain trying to come up with something they don’t already have and would find useful or fun! I have been doing some searching this year and have found some awesome and affordable gift ideas that would be perfect for any adult in your life. Check them out below and snag some before they sell out!

Kindle

Kindle prices have started to drop over the years. This one from Amazon gets great reviews, has free shipping and is under $100! It also comes in two different colors and has a long battery life. It is a perfect gift idea for the readers in your life!

Electric Tea Kettle

An electric tea kettle is a perfect gift to use for the upcoming chilly weather. They are faster than using a standard kettle or microwave. I love the stainless steel color that will match any kitchen and the auto shutoff. This one is currently on sale at Target for under $20! Grab one before they are gone!

Meat Thermometer

I love Williams and Sonoma kitchen gear, but some times their prices can be a bit high. This meat thermometer is a perfect gift and gets a five star rating. It is also super affordable and under $25. It has large numbers that can be read easily and quickly and will be a perfect addition to any chef’s kitchen.

Sherpa Blanket

Sherpa material can be found everywhere this season. I am in love with this cozy, warm and soft sherpa blanket from Macy’s. It is the perfect size to cuddle up with while reading, watching a movie or taking a nap. It is also reversible so it offers two different color patterns that can be switched up. I am crushing on the buffalo plaid color which is also trending right now!

Scrabble Deluxe

This scrabble deluxe game is a great edition to a classic game. I love that it is made from a beautiful wood case that can be easily folded up so it can be taken on the go. Family game nights are one of my favorite ways to spend time with my parents and in laws. This game would be a perfect addition to our evenings and is under $40 with free shipping!

Mug Warmer

I seem to be notorious for giving out mugs for Christmas every year. I know my parents use them daily and my Mom always loves getting new ones. However, I wanted to change it up a bit this year. I found this awesome mug warmer on Amazon that is getting great reviews. It is also only $10.99 which makes it a really fun and affordable present.

Instant Pot

Instant pots have seemed to take the kitchen and cooking world by storm this year. They make cooking so much quicker and easier, especially on nights when you want to relax and save time. Walmart has this one on rollback right now and it is over $50 off!

K Cup Variety Pack

Drinking the same thing every morning can get boring. How fun is this variety pack for Keurig’s? This pack allows you to try over 30 different drinks and see which flavor you like best! It is sure to give your morning routine a little variety and change!