May 28, 2019 Leave a Comment

Summer is More Fun with FabFitFun!

There are so many things I love everything about summer—warm days full of sunshine, afternoons at the pool, flowers in bloom, snow cones—I could go on for days. But one of my favorite things is the colorful new FabFitFun package that lands on my doorstep because to me, that means summer is here! I’m partnering with FabFitFun to show you what’s in their new summer box and to give you a gift code for $10 off your first box!

Use the code KKBLOG here.

Summer Is More Fun with FabFitFun!

FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box that I’ve been getting for a few years now. It’s like getting the coolest gift on your doorstep four times a year. (Who doesn’t love gifts?)

Each box is packed to the brim with full-size fashion, beauty, fitness and lifestyle products. It’s the best surprise ever! Every box is beautifully designed to make your day.

Every single FabFitFun box is worth over $200, but you only pay $39.99 with the code KKBLOG. That’s a crazy bargain!

This is the summer box; let me show you what’s inside.

Inside the Summer Box:

Every season I think, This is my favorite box yet, and this season is no exception. Check out all of these high-end goodies!

My sister has been raving about this Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (plus, it has the best name!). There’s also the SOL Janeiro Brazilian shower cream gel, Grace & Stella Spray All Day rose spray, the coolest silicone wine glasses (yep, they are squishy!), and more.

I can’t want to try the 111Skin moisturizing mask because my face tends to get dried out in the summer.

The thing I love about FabFitFun is that it lets me try out all kinds of new and popular beauty and lifestyle that I normally wouldn’t for a fraction of the price. It’s such a fun thing to find on your doorstep.

Wanna try it? I promise, you’ll love it! Get your first FabFitFun box for $10 off with the code KKBLOG. You can customize some of the items in your box so hop over there and check out all the options. (There was a gorgeous lotus beach towel that I eyed, along with a fun letter board.) You’ll have a tough time choosing like I did.

Again, many of the items in this box are worth more than the ENTIRE BOX combined! It’s a great deal, a fun surprise to gift yourself or a friend, and a lot of times I end up sharing some of my FabFitFun goodies with my girlfriends for birthdays.

So go ahead…give FabFitFun a try! Use the code KKBLOG to get $10 off for an even more amazing deal on a fun summer box!

April 12, 2019 Leave a Comment

5 Self-Care Secrets That Will Save You in the Trenches of Motherhood

The trenches of motherhood—I’m there. I understand sleepless nights when the baby is teething and crying all night long, and the second you finally get him to sleep, and crawl into your own bed, your toddler wakes up crying from a bad dream.

I get days when you don’t brush you teeth because quite frankly, there were a million other more pressing things, like changing a blowout diaper or passing out fishy crackers, and then vacuuming crushed fishy crackers from the carpet. Motherhood is hard and comes with very little recognition, but it is also amazing when your baby smiles, I mean really smiles at you for the first time because he knows you’re his mama.

When you’re in the trenches of motherhood, self-care is vital. It will save your sanity and give you the strength to mom on. If you’re not already making these self-care strategies part of your routine, now’s a perfect time to start.

5 Self-Care Secrets That Will Save You While in the Trenches of Motherhood

1. Proper Nutrition

Whatever you put inside your body directly affects the way you feel. Period. As tempting as it is to get a quick spike of energy from a candy bar or soda, you’re much better off sticking to proper nutrition and upping your water intake. Plenty of fruits and veggies will give you the natural vitamins and minerals your body needs to tackle each day. Nuts like cashews, raw almonds, and pistachios are a perfect snack and will give you a protein boost.

My favorite way to get a punch of nutrients and protein in one yummy snack is my famous green shake. I’ll have one for breakfast or lunch and stay full and energized for hours. Try this delicious shake to set your day off on the right foot

Famous Green Shake Recipe:

12-14oz of water
2 big handfuls of organic spinach
3/4 C wild blueberries
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1 scoop
1 scoop
Ice

I call it my “green shake” because of all the organic spinach in it, but the blueberries will actually turn the shake a brilliant shade of purple! Blend all the ingredients together in your blender and enjoy! I blend mine up in a Blendtec.

2. Take Time To Exercise

If there is one thing you should never, ever stop doing, it’s exercise. No matter what type you prefer, make exercise a habit. Don’t use the “business” of motherhood as an excuse to skip a workout. Only you can make it happen. Moms who exercise regularly are happier (thank you endorphins!), healthier (exercise does wonders for your heart, brain, skin, bones, and muscles), and have more energy to help them get through the day.

Weight training is one of the most effective activities you can do to boost your metabolism, lose weight, and increase strength and muscle tone, especially as you age. After gaining over 50 pounds with my third baby, with the . It’s basically like having a personal trainer on your phone who walks you through a weight lifting routine each day. It’s great for people like me who don’t always know what to do when they get to the weight room.

One thing I love about Ladyboss is that everything is right on your phone. Daily gym workouts, resistance training to do at home if you can’t make it to the gym that day, meal suggestions, and grocery lists. Literally everything you need at your fingertips to live a healthy lifestyle.

Catch our body transformations in our weight loss Facebook group. (It’s private, but just request to join and we’ll let you in!)

3. Nourish Your Natural Beauty

There’s just something about pampering yourself that makes all of those dirty diapers and mommy-sacrifices worth it. One of the greatest things you can do for yourself and your skin is an at-home facial. Let’s face it, moms rarely have the time to go to the spa, but here are some things of the top self-care treatments you can do at home to feel papered and nourish your natural beauty:

Do an exfoliating mask. This Aztec mask is amazing. I rave about it all the time and with over 16,000 reviews, I’m not the only one.
Take care of your skin now. Start now with daily SPF, and anti-aging serums and moisturizers. The best thing I did in my late 20s was start a consistent skincare routine.
Give yourself an at-home manicure. My hair can be thrown in a top-bun and I can have zero makeup on, but if my nails are done, all is right in the world. Cute nails make you feel good and sometimes that small detail is a big deal. These new nail dashes are so much fun and so low-maintenance.

4. Feed Your Passion

When you become a mom, it’s easy to push aside passions you had before motherhood. Moms put everyone else first and tuck away those dreams they had of starting a business, running a marathon, or writing a novel. The result is that feeling that every mom has felt—that feeling of “losing yourself.”

One big secret that will save you while in the trenches of motherhood is to feed your passion. Moms who don’t end up feeling lost, unhappy, or like they’ve missed out on life. No matter what your passion is: running, reading, yoga, traveling, etc., create a space for it in your life.

5. Experience Daily Silence

Quiet moments are few and far between when you’re a mom. Even the bathroom isn’t a safe place! Kids will find you wherever you are and that’s why it’s important to not only carve out a little time for silence, but to also recognize and relish that silence when it happens.

Take a few minutes each day to be quiet—write in a journal, meditate, pray, or just take a drive alone. The silence can be therapeutic, even if it is fleeting. I like to find the cleanest room in my house (#momlife) and use a meditation app called “headspace” to bring focus and center myself while the baby naps or at the end of the day.

Mothers, your job is the most important in the world and your family depends on you to be healthy, happy, and strong. You are beautiful, you are amazing. You got this mama!

April 4, 2019 Leave a Comment

Outdoor Fun This Spring

Anyone else excited for warmer weather and longer days? I love Spring time- it’s not hot out yet but it is finally nice enough to be outside doing things with my family. My husband and I have always loved to be outdoors, and we are glad we are passing that love down to our three children. It is important to me that they step away from screen time and appreciate everything the outdoors has to offer them. I love watching them engage with each other while exploring nature. I am always trying to come up with some new and fun activities for us to enjoy as a family when we are on one of our outdoor adventures. I have listed some of our favorite things that have worked in the past, along with some things we are excited to try this year! I have also saved some of these ideas on my pinterest page– be sure to check it out! Let me know if you have a chance to try any of them with your family- I’d love to hear about your ideas and adventures, too!

1. Flying Kites

I love to fly kites on a nice windy day! There are so many amazing kites to choose from- I have gotten some really fun ones from Amazon and Target!

Flamingo Kite

Shark Kite

Large Octopus Kite

2. Scavenger Hunt

Who doesn’t love an outdoor scavenger hunt? I feel like this is one of the best things I can plan to get my kids creative juices flowing. Pinterest is loaded with fun ideas and lists that are already made up. I have linked two of my favorites below!

Color Scavenger Hunt

Backyard Scavenger Hunt

3. Lawn Games

I am loving these jumbo sized lawn games! Not only are they perfect for older kids, but they are fun for adults, too!

Jumbo Checkers

Jumbo Connect Four

Jumbo Jenga

4. Picnic

One of our favorite things to do outside is go on a picnic lunch. We always make sure to pack a large blanket we can all cuddle up on together. I also love this collapsible and affordable picnic basket to store all of your goodies in!

Collapsible Picnic Basket

Extra Large Picnic Blanket

5. Campfire

Building a campfire is always a night time favorite of ours. If you are unable to build one, you can snag one of these fire pits instead. You can still sit around and sing, tell stories and roast treats together!

Folding Fire Pit

Smores Caddy

Roasting Sticks

6. Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses are a great way to get your kids up and moving while having fun! Pinterest has a ton of great ideas on different courses you can design for your kids. Some of the easier ones to design only need pool noodles and rings which I have linked below!

Outdoor Obstacle Course

Pool Noodles

Rings

7. Chalk Drawings

I love to draw outside with my kids on a warm and sunny day. It is also a great way to get my older kids to practice writing their letters while having fun!

Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk

Chalk Stencil Set

8. Classic Games

I sometimes forget how fun the classic games from our past can be. Pinterest for the win, again! Try playing some of these oldies but goodies with your kids this year!

Classic Games for the Kids

9. Bubbles

Try saying bubbles angrily- I dare you. You can’t do it, right? Who doesn’t love bubbles? It’s such a simple and chill way to get some fresh air with the kiddos!

Bubble Tubes

Big Bubble Wand

10. Fishing

Fishing is such a fun thing to do in the Spring and Summer. It gets us by the water which we love and allows us to relax together. I love these cute kid accessories for fishing, too!

Kids Fishing Pole

Tackle Box

February 5, 2019 Leave a Comment

Making Valentine’s Day Special for All Your Valentines

How is it already time to start planning for Valentine’s Day? Is it me or does it feel like we just celebrated Christmas and the New Year? Even though Valentine’s Day is a more informal holiday, I still enjoy planning different things throughout the day to make it a special time for my family. However, I try to keep the spending under control since we are coming off the heels of Christmas. Instead of only focusing on gift giving, I also plan activities that will be fun for the kids.

Below, I have listed some of my favorite activities (which are also linked on my Pinterest Page under Valentine’s day) that I have done in years past and turned out to be a big hit with my family. I have also included some small gift ideas for my hubby, kids and even myself! Happy Valentine’s Day!

GIFT GUIDE

For the Kids:

Valentine’s Day Onesie

This onesie is so sweet for a little girl or boy. It also comes in black and is available up to 18 months.

I Steal Hearts Shirt for Boys

What little boy doesn’t love dinosaurs and steals the hearts of all those around him? This is such a cute t-shirt and is under $15 with free shipping!

Heart Tutu Skirt

I love this tutu skirt for girls. If it’s a chilly night you can pair it with tights and leggings for a fun look!

Valentine’s Day Mailbox Kit Unicorn

Valentine’s Day Mailbox Kit Dinosaur

I am loving these fun mailbox kits for kids! They can be used at home or school to store all of their Valentine’s Day cards. Plus it doubles as an activity for them to do to keep busy!

For Him:

Keychain

This has got to be one of the sweetest keychains I have ever seen for your man. Plus, it gets great reviews, is under $10 and has free shipping! Win!

You Are My Human Shirt

This is such a fun and silly shirt to give your guy. It combines sweet and funny without being overly mushy!

For You:

2 Pack Mug Set

These mugs are so adorable and I am digging the pretty pale pink color and sweet saying on them. A perfect way to start your morning off alone or with your Valentine!

Coordinating Family Shirts

How fun are these matching shirts for the entire family? It would make the cutest photo session and they are all reasonable prices!

ACTIVITIES TO TRY

Valentine’s Day Pancakes

This mini stack of pancakes is super cute and easy to make!

Mini Heart Shaped Pizza

We have set up a create your own pizza station with our kids before and they love it! All you need to do to make it different for Valentine’s Day is make the pizzas into hearts!

Heart Shaped Caprese Salad

This is a fun, easy and romantic appetizer that you could share with your Valentine.

Handmade Valentine’s Day Card

My kids love making cards for everyone they know! I love how these are personalized with their handprints!

Dog Craft

This is another easy craft idea for the kids to make. They could also be used as cards or as a gift for someone!

Tic Tac Toe with MMs

This game is super easy to create and keeps the kids busy for a while, if they don’t eat all the game pieces!

Musical Hearts

This is a great game to get the kids to burn some energy and move around! It can also be customized to make it easier or harder depending on the age range!

Popcorn Mix

We have made this snack mix a ton in the past and it is always a hit in our house!

January 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

4 Resolutions That Will Calm the Crazy This Year

The new year is a time to regroup, reenergize, and resolve to make a change. You may have one major goal in mind or a series of smaller ones. There may be new ideas to adopt or old habits to toss out. The truth is, if you’re craving more zen in your daily life, here are a few things to try.

4 Resolutions That Will Calm the Crazy This Year

1. Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity.

To quote Henry David Thoreau, the writer and philosopher who left his life behind and went to the woods to get back to simple living:

“Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb nail.”

Today, many of our affairs are a hundred or a thousand. We say yes to every favor, responsibility, and extra-curricular activity, skyrocketing our stress level and taking time away from the people and things that matter most.

This year, live by the mantra, simplicity, simplicity, simplicity. If this means saying no more than you say yes, do it. If it means missing spring soccer tryouts, that’s fine. You will be happier when your accounts fit on your thumb nail than on a mile-long to-do list.

2. Get rid of a bunch of stuff.

This year I am purging my home and my life of all the things that have accumulated over the years. I’ve found that “stuff” does not bring happiness, and on the contrary, too much of it invites turmoil.

When I can’t take two steps into my kids’ rooms because of excess toys scattered around, I get cranky. Cluttered closets and bursting junk drawers make me feel just as disorderly on the inside as things are on the outside. This year I’m tackling every room in my house, picking up every item, and asking myself:

Does someone need this to live?
Does this bring true joy?
Would I be okay if this was gone from my life?

3. Meditate every day.

Cartoons may depict meditation as sitting cross-legged, arms outstretched chanting “Hmm, hmm,” but there’s nothing loony about it. Meditation has been around since around 1500 BCE and everyone from Buddhist monks to modern-day moms can use it to de-stress and live each day with more focus and intention.

Meditation takes many forms. Beginners can meditate for a few minutes, then work up to greater lengths of time; some pros can meditate for hours!

For me, I’m striving for ten minutes of meditation daily, mid-day while the baby naps.

4. Positive affirmations…because you can.

Affirmations are positive statements that silence the inner critic that says, “You’re not good enough. That’s too scary to try. Someone else could do it better than you.”

It’s self-talk that can get you out of a slump, get you to try something out of your comfort zone, and realize that you have a ton to offer. This year, incorporate positive affirmations into your daily life. Replace I can’t statements with things like:

I have the creativity it takes to do this.
This is hard, but I can get through it.
I am really good at what I do.
Here’s what I bring to the table.

Allow room for simplicity and positivity this year and you’ll notice a huge difference.