Tag: Adult time

8 of the Best Podcasts for Parents

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date March 1, 2020
10 Comments on 8 of the Best Podcasts for Parents

podcasts for parents, parenting podcasts, best podcasts, top podcasts parenting advice, advice on parenting, talk about parenting, parenting experts

Podcasts are my new favorite thing. I can listen to them no matter what I’m doing, and I take full advantage of that. In the car, while I’m cleaning, and even as I sit here and type this blog post (Crime Junkie, anyone?). The best part is, there are literally hundreds of podcasts for parents.

These podcasts for parents can help with any type of parenting style you may have, and you can find something for any situation you may be going through. It may take some time to find the ones that fit your life perfectly, but I’ve put together a list that you can use to start your search.

My favorite parenting podcasts show the real side of parenting. The hosts don’t sugar coat anything and they discuss any and all topics. They truly make me feel like I’m not alone in this crazy world of parenting, and they make me feel like my kids may be …. normal. Crazy thought, right?

Best Parenting Podcasts

1. The Mom Hour

This podcast is hosted by two moms named Meagan and Sarah. They discuss all topics pertaining to parenting, and they do so in a light-hearted way.

What makes this podcast great is that the moms are experienced. Between the two of them, they have kids in all age ranges, meaning they’ve been through it all already and are still going through it all with the rest of us.

They discuss many parenting topics, but they also have two “More Than Mom” episodes each month that are about non-parenting topics.

2. Coffee and Crumbs

Listening to this podcast is like sitting down with a couple of best friends to chat about life. The hosts are three friends named Indiana, Ashlee and April. This is a good podcast to listen to while you’re doing other things like cleaning, driving, walking or putting on makeup.

It’s hard to go into detail about this podcast because all I can come up with is that they just get it. They get how hard parenting can be and they fully understand that parents are not perfect, nor are we supposed to be.

Their personal parenting stories make me laugh, cringe, and shake my head because I’ve done the same things. Other times I’m like, “I’m so glad that didn’t happen to me!! OMG!”. But seriously, there hasn’t been an episode that I’ve listened to that I haven’t liked.

3. One Bad Mother

Hosts Biz and Theresa get real about parenting, so be prepared for a little swearing. They’re totally relaxed during the podcast and they invite guests to discuss parenting issues.

If you’ve ever felt alone, these ladies will make you feel like every other mother has been in the same situation. They truly make you feel like we’re all in the same boat, and there is absolutely no judgement.

4. What Fresh Hell

Two funny moms named Margaret and Amy host this hilarious parenting podcast. Their tagline is “Laughing in the Face of Motherhood”, which is all that you will do while you listen to their show.

The two moms are completely different from one another, which gives different perspectives on the parenting issues that they discuss. They also invite experts on the show to weigh in on crucial topics.

One of the best parts of this podcast is that they aren’t afraid to call each other out when they disagree. The experts they invite on the show don’t always agree with them, either, which just makes it so real. I don’t know about you, but I love listening to two moms who aren’t perfect and aren’t afraid to show it.

5. The Parent Experiment

These moms discuss everything pertaining to marriage, parenting, and living the life. One of my favorite episodes is one where one of the hosts buys a new washer and dryer and yells at the delivery men when they make a huge mistake. It seriously reminded me of myself.

6. The Longest Shortest Time Podcasts for Parents

This is the perfect podcast to help other parents feel like they aren’t alone. The host, Hillary, talks about parenting kids of all ages, from babies all the way to adults.

She brings on guests who tell their own parenting stories. They discuss topics like adoption, not wanting to have kids, and so many other serious topics.

There are also light-hearted and humous moments throughout the podcast, making it the perfect mix of all parenting feelings.

7. Little Sprigs Podcasts for Parents

This parenting podcast discusses how to parent without using bribes or punishments. The host also talks about how to raise confident kids, taking care of yourself, and intentional parenting. She also brings on parenting experts and authors.

8. Mom and Dad Are Fighting

This is a hilarious podcast by hosts Allison and Dan, who are both parents. Between their funny comments, to their honest discussion about parenting issues, this podcast is perfect for real parents who face parenting issues daily.

Fans can even call into the show to ask parenting questions, getting answers from some of their favorite parents. You can also look forward to guest hosts who weigh in on parenting and current events.

Final Thoughts on Best Podcasts for Parents

There are so many podcasts for parents and they each are a little different in style, so you have plenty to choose from. Do you already have a favorite parenting podcast? If so, tell me about it in the comments! If you don’t have a favorite, which one on the list do you want to listen to first?

A slightly unrelated question… I’m also interested in podcasts that aren’t related to parenting at all, do you have any that you recommend?

Tags Adult time, adulting, big kid, funny, little kid, Parenting, Teenager

Adulting Marriage Parenting

The Relationship Challenges New Parents Face After the Baby Arrives

Post author By Emily Graham
Post date August 24, 2019

new parents, relationship challenges, relationship challenges new parents face

Parenthood can test the strength of many relationships. According to Psychology Today, numerous studies show a decline in marital satisfaction for new parents. Couples often find themselves arguing about money, disappointed in losing their freedom and spontaneity, and too exhausted for any type of intimacy. However, it’s important to open the lines of communication and have patience with each other as you adjust to your new roles as parents. With these helpful tips, you can reconnect with your partner or spouse and still have time for your little one.

**Emily Graham is the creator of MightyMoms.net which offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life.**

How to Ease the Relationship Challenges New Parents Face

Call a Meeting

For the first several months after your baby is born, it might seem like you and your partner rarely see each other. And when you do, it’s all about the baby. Although it’s great that your wee one is your top priority, there are other things in your life that matter too. So, make arrangements to have a brief meeting once a week over coffee in the kitchen or a glass of wine before bed to get on the same page about finances, household chores, doctor’s appointments, and other family issues. If you take a few minutes to talk about these things once a week, you won’t find yourself bickering about them later. Talking about these things at your meeting will also allow your date nights to be free of these types of discussions.

Schedule Date Night

Speaking of date night, it’s important to make plans with each other once a week as a couple if possible. Date night doesn’t necessarily mean getting a babysitter and going out on the town (though that’s great, if you can swing it). As Kindred Bravely explains, a date night — even at home after the baby’s in bed — can give you the opportunity to spend time together and strengthen your bond. Ordering takeout and snuggling on the couch while watching a movie is a simple date night idea that will help you stay connected with your partner. Put date night on your calendar and treat it as a regular appointment; don’t cancel unless your really must.

Give Each Other a Break

You are both really tired, so give each other a day off. Plan one Saturday a month where your partner is completely free of any baby duties. Then, they should reciprocate on another day where you can have a baby-free day off. This type of “me time” will allow you to sleep in and then handle your errands, relax with a pedicure, or just veg out on the couch binge-watching Netflix. A true break will give you the opportunity to recharge your batteries, and you’ll find yourself becoming a happier and healthier parent and partner.

Meld Your Parenting Styles

According to Verywell Family, couples often disagree on parenting choices. Maybe you think the baby should nap on a specific schedule every day, while your partner firmly believes the nap schedule should be more flexible. Instead of arguing, you need to communicate and negotiate with each other to figure out what’s best for your family. Try your best to avoid criticizing and playing the blame game. If you begin to repeatedly argue about how to raise your baby, don’t snap at each other all the time or start to feel resentful. Instead, Everyday Health recommends taking a parenting class or seeing a counselor to learn how to meld your parenting styles.

Final Thoughts On Relationship Challenges New Parents Face

Having a baby is wonderful, but becoming new parents can also be exhausting and damaging to your relationship as a couple. A lack of sleep, little or no sex, and conflicts over parenting strategies and other issues can leave new parents feeling disconnected and drained. According to the American Psychological Association, if you are not satisfied with your relationship with your partner, it can also have negative mental health consequences on your children. However, by communicating openly and carving out couple time, you’ll be able to build an even stronger relationship and become the best parents you can be.

**Photo via Pexels

Tags Adult time, adulting, marriage, Parenting, relationship

Adulting For the Home Gifts Holiday

12 Amazon Prime Day Must-Haves

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date July 13, 2019

Amazon prime day must-haves, must have electronics, must have kitchen gadgets, must have home items

Amazon Prime Day (AKA: Christmas in July) happens only one time per year, and Amazon offers TONS of amazing deals you can’t find any other time. I love Amazon all year long, but I’m even more fond of it in July. Prime day is on the 15th and 16th of this month, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Since I am an Amazon Affiliate partner, I get early access to Prime Day deals and a sneak peak of the deals to come. It would just be rude if I kept all of this awesome info to myself, so I’m going to share it with you, too!

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Amazon Prime Membership Perks

There are literally SO MANY benefits for Amazon Prime members, it’s probably impossible to list them all. Just so you can get an idea of some of the best benefits, though, I’ll give it my best to list as many as possible.

Free shipping (sometimes same day!!)
Awesome deals that aren’t available for non-members
Watching movies and TV shows
Free games
Ad free music

How to Join Amazon Prime

It’s so easy to join Amazon Prime. All you have to do is click the image below, and you’ll be taken straight to the sign-up page. You can do a free trial at first to make sure you love all the awesome features and exclusives that come with it.

You can cancel at any time, so there is no commitment if you sign up. It’s super easy to cancel, too. You won’t have to deal with calling anyone or waiting a certain amount of time, you can simply cancel right on the Amazon website (although I’m certain you won’t want to cancel).

Must-Have Prime Day Deals

Fire TV Stick
Instant Pot
Bosch Drill
Robot Vacuum
Laptops
Amazon Echo Dot
Kindle Paperwhite
Phone accessories such as this wireless charger
Xbox 1
PlayStation 4
TVs
Air Fryer

Final Thoughts On Amazon Prime Day Must-Haves

There are going to be SO MANY awesome deals on Prime Day, and there are even some offers leading up to the actual even, so the sooner you sign up the better! What items are you hoping to find for a good deal on Prime Day? Tell me about them in the comments!

7 Father’s Day Gift Ideas That He Will Love

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date June 10, 2019
14 Comments on 7 Father’s Day Gift Ideas That He Will Love

Father’s Day is one week away, can you believe it?! If you’re anything like me, you haven’t done your shopping yet and need some Father’s Day Gift Ideas. Luckily, if we order on Amazon, it’ll still be here on time.

Amazon is literally my go-to for shopping. They offer a wide variety of products, and they suggest new stuff to me based on my past searches. I can also find tons of items that I can’t find in the store, and it’s generally a better price, too.

Then, the best part is…. you can get free 2-day shipping if you have Amazon Prime. You can sign up for a free trial, but I know you’ll love it so much and want to keep it. It comes with TV shows, music, books, free shipping, and many other perks.

Anyhow, moving on. Let’s take a look at my Father’s Day Gift Ideas so that we can all have something for our guys to open on Father’s Day.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

7 Father’s Day Gift Ideas

1. Panasonic Electric Shaver and Trimmer for Men

I am highly considering this electric shaver and trimmer for my husband. You can use it wet or dry, it comes with 5 blades, and it has a pivoting head. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a cool shaver/trimmer.

2. Compact Circular Saw with Laser Guide

This tool is awesome because it comes with everything you will need to cut through many different materials. It’s not too large, so it is easy to move around when needed.

3. Echo (2nd Generation)

My husband is a huge fan of Alexa. We have the Echo Dot right now, but it’s a couple years old. He’s been hinting that he wants a bigger one, so this might be the perfect gift for him.

4. Nest Thermostat

Your guy will be able to control the temperature of the home from anywhere. The Nest thermostat learns your habits after about a week of use, so it will adjust itself without you having to do a thing. If you decide to change your day up a bit, you can still adjust the temperature of your home to save energy while you are away, even if it is a time you’d normally want your home cooler.

5. Olympic Curl Bar & Weights

My husband has been asking for a curl bar and weights for a while now, so I’ve actually already ordered this one for him. Going this route for exercise equipment saves space as opposed to a full size weight bench, too.

6. Quick Dry Hammock

This hammock can be hooked up between trees, on a patio, or on a deck. He’ll be able to use this anywhere, giving the dad in your life a chance to relax. Another bonus, it holds two people and is easy to travel with.

7. Apple AirPods

My guy is definitely an Apple guy, so he would be excited to get these Air pods for Father’s Day. These wireless headphones connect to an Apple device via Bluetooth, and any sound is paused when the Air pods are removed from the ear.

Final Thoughts On Father’s Day Gift Ideas

If you’ve waited until the last minute to do your Father’s Day shopping, I’ve got you covered with this simple gift guide. These Father’s Day gift ideas will at least get you started on your search, and if you hurry, the gifts will still arrive on time.

What gifts did you get (or plan on getting) for the Fathers in your life? Let me know in the comments!

Tags Adult time, adulting, Dad, Gift Guide, gifts, Holiday, Parenting

Adulting For the Home Home

5 Home Maintenance Services Every Homeowner Needs to Schedule

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date June 1, 2019
6 Comments on 5 Home Maintenance Services Every Homeowner Needs to Schedule

Being a homeowner is so exciting. The sense of freedom that comes with owning your own home is pretty amazing, and you may feel like nothing could go wrong. Lots of things can go wrong in your home, however, unless you schedule home maintenance services.

The worst part of being a homeowner? The moment you realize that there’s more to it than you expected.

Home maintenance services protect your home from unwanted and expensive repairs, and they can just improve the look of your home. These services also improve the way certain parts of your home function. While some of the maintenance can be done by you (or your spouse), others will require a professional.

Home Maintenance Services To Schedule Now

1. HVAC Maintenance

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Each spring you should have an HVAC technician come to your home and inspect your air conditioner before using it for the year. They’ll likely clean it (if necessary), and they’ll make sure it’s all running efficiently.

Even if repairs aren’t necessary, an HVAC professional will do the routine maintenance that ensures your unit doesn’t require costly repairs in the near future. This maintenance can also keep your utility bill a little lower, since your unit will be running efficiently.

Furnace Maintenance

Likewise, in the fall, you should have an HVAC technician inspect your furnace before the first use. They’ll do the routine maintenance that has all the same perks as for the air conditioning maintenance, but it’ll also help prevent a house fire caused by a glitch in your furnace.

2. Hot Water Heater Maintenance

An HVAC company may be able to do your hot water heater maintenance, as well. Two birds, one stone if you hire a company that can do both your A/C and your hot water heater.

Hot water heater maintenance will ensure that your water won’t unexpectedly run cold at an inconvenient time.

3. Gutters Cleaned

Having your gutters cleaned isn’t just for appearance. There are quite a few reasons to make sure they are regularly cleaned out.

First, it helps get water away from your home so that it doesn’t all settle around your foundation. Next, it prevents trees and weeds from growing out of your gutters, which also protects your home. Another reason is to reduce the number of mosquitoes and other insects that breed in your space.

4. Power Washing

Your home can become stained and built up with grime and pollutants. Each spring, you should power wash your home to remove all of this. It can prevent your home from becoming permanently stained, reduce the number of allergens found around your home, and it will make your home look better.

This one can be done on your own but, if you don’t like doing this kind of stuff, you can always hire someone to do it.

5. Lawn Maintenance

BOOOOO lawn maintenance. Does anyone else hate mowing the lawn as much as I do? OK, I’ll be honest, I have NEVER mowed my own lawn.

Now, this isn’t out of laziness, I swear. My allergies get SO bad when grass is being cut that I can hardly breathe sometimes. So, when my husband mows the grass, I take a Zyrtec and settle myself inside.

So anyhow, you have to do lawn maintenance for a couple of reasons. Of course, maintaining your lawn just makes your house look pretty on the outside and everyone wants that.

Second, it eliminates pests. Insects and large pests alike love an unkempt yard. You’ll find that your outdoor events are swamped with mosquitoes if you don’t keep up on this maintenance.

This is another maintenance that you can easily do on your own but you can also hire a professional to take care of the job for you. Hiring professional maintenance services for your lawn care can save you time and make sure the job is done well each time.

It’s also worth noting that the property itself isn’t the only thing you can maintain and restore. You can do the same thing with your furniture and other belongings. By using contents restoration services, you can have your furniture looking as good as new. If you’re giving your home some TLC, why not look after the furniture?

Final Thoughts On Home Maintenance Services

A home is one of our biggest investments. It’s also the place where we spend a ton of our time and where we raise our families. You may not think there’s much that needs to be done to keep your home running smoothly and looking good, but there are certain home maintenance services you should schedule ASAP.

Many of these maintenances should only be done by a professional, the others you can likely do yourself, but you could save yourself some time and headache if you just hire a professional for all of it. So, get your home maintenance services scheduled so that you can sit back and relax, knowing your home is taken care of.

Tags Adult time, adulting, Home, Plans, Things to Do

Adulting How To Parenting

6 Step Morning Routine that Will Make You Want to Wake Up Before The Kids

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date May 24, 2019
9 Comments on 6 Step Morning Routine that Will Make You Want to Wake Up Before The Kids

easy morning routine, 6 step morning routine, morning routine, make your day better, morning routine that will make you want to wake up before the kids

Mornings are hectic if you wake up at the same time as your kids. You won’t be able to have even a few minutes of quiet time before the morning craziness begins. Getting kids ready for school, daycare, or wherever you go that day can lead to stress. This is why it is important to follow a morning routine that will make you want to wake up before the kids.

If you take time to yourself in the mornings you can avoid feeling stressed during the day. You can have a cup of coffee and read, write, or check your blog stats before beginning the morning requirements. This will set you up for continued productivity, less stress, and just a better day overall.

With five kids, I need to make sure I’m taking this time in the morning to set myself up for a great day. My morning routine allows me to have some peace before the kids wake up, and I can get myself ready instead of scrambling around at the last minute.

1. Wake up at the same time every day

There are many reasons why waking up at the same time each day will benefit you throughout the entire day. First, you will have time to get stuff done before your kids wake up (which is the point, right?). You will also have an easier time falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning, you’ll take fewer naps, and you will feel less sleep-deprived.

Some other perks of waking up at the same time include:
⦁ being more alert and focused
⦁ having better short-term memory
⦁ being in a better mood
⦁ feeling less pain
⦁ feeling an increase in your immune system
⦁ performing better at your job
⦁ driving more safely and alertly

2. Make your bed

The best reason to make your bed as soon as you wake up is that it will keep your mattress and sheets clean and only allow the outermost layer to become dirty. The second most important reason is to start your day off on the right foot. By crossing something off your list the minute you wake up, you’ll feel accomplished and motivated from the start.

Making your bed also makes your room seem cleaner and less cluttered, which can reduce your stress levels. This benefit at the beginning of the day can make a huge difference.

3. Drink a big glass of water

Your body will be pretty dehydrated after sleeping for 6-8 hours. Coffee may be your go-to, but it leads to further dehydration. Before you caffeinate in the morning, drink at least one glass of water.

Aside from hydration, drinking water in the morning can help you be more alert and focused. Additionally, drinking water first thing in the morning increases the function of your immune system and helps your metabolism kick in sooner. If you’re not fond of water because of the waste, that could be because of the pollutants in it, which is why having your water come from American Water makes sense – it’s much purer and great for your health.

4. Eat a nutritious breakfast

After fasting for an entire night, your body needs nutrients. Without nutrients shortly after waking up, you’ll likely feel groggy all day. Studies have shown that eating a nutritious breakfast in the morning leads to higher cognitive function and energy levels, helps maintain or reach a healthy weight, prevents heart disease and diabetes, and can also help you maintain or reach a healthy blood pressure level.

5. Get yourself ready for the day

It is so much easier to get motivated when you get cleaned up and ready for the day. Don’t sit around in your pajamas or you’ll be more likely to be lazy. When you feel good about yourself, you feel good about what you can do.

6. Plan your day

Get your thoughts organized, and write down when you need to do each thing on your to-do list. Having a plan helps you get focused and makes it easier to get things crossed off the list that day. This clears your mind for a more enjoyable day and ensures you have time for everything.

What to do Next if You Still Have More Time

Then, if you still have time left before your kids wake up, practice self-care. Do something you love or something that will help you relax a bit.

My favorite thing to do in the morning is to read a book. It’s my quiet time, and it gives me a chance to do what I love BEFORE beginning the real-life stuff.

Having quiet time or self-care time in the morning also helps me stay focused at work instead of constantly thinking about what I’d rather be doing at home. If I already did something that I’d “rather” be doing, I don’t think about it so much at work. It’s the perfect way to end my quiet time in the morning.

Unfortunately, I don’t ALWAYS have time for it, but I’m working on giving myself more time in the morning to ensure this self-care time. When I don’t have time, however, I make sure to get some self-care time before bed each night. Bonus if I get the chance to do it at both of those times. 😉

Final Thoughts on a Morning Routine that Will Make you Want to Wake Up Before The Kids

A well-planned morning routine that makes you want to wake up before your kids is important in ensuring that the rest of your day runs smoothly. Every parent needs a chance to wake up, focus, and gather their thoughts before the craziness of parenting kicks in.

You will find yourself happier and in a better mood, too. So, wake up early, drink some water, and have a cup of coffee while the house is still quiet, plan your day, and do whatever else you need to get done to have a productive day.

What is your favorite part of your personal morning routine? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Tags Adult time, Goals, Home, How to, Me Time, Our Life, Parenting, Plans, Self Care, Things to Do

How To On My Mind

9 Ways to See The Good In Each Day

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date April 27, 2019
1 Comment on 9 Ways to See The Good In Each Day

“Every day may not be good… but there’s something good in every day.”
Alice Morse Earle

This quote from Alice Morse Earle, an American Historian, is one of my all time favorites. It is the best quote for when I am struggling to find the positive aspects of my life. We all (I think) struggle with being a negative Nancy on some of our bad days, but it is so important to remember that there is still good in each day, even on the worst days.

Since we all need some help finding the good in every day, and even the best quotes can’t always pull you out of the funk, I decided to put together a list of ideas to help you (and me) recognize the good in each day. I’m going to print the list and pin it above my desk so it is always in sight, giving me the reminder that even the bad days have good parts.

How to See the Good In Each Day

1. Start your day with a positive thought.

This can be a favorite quote or your own personal mantra, as long as it’s positive and it reminds you of good things, it’ll do the trick. Whatever you choose, it can help set you off on the right foot each day. It’ll be your beginning of the day reminder to look for all of the good things happening in your life and around you.

2. Change your routine.

If you are struggling to get through a bad day or if your bad days begin early in your day, think about your routine. Sometimes your morning or afternoon routine is causing you to only notice the bad things that happen.

By waking up earlier or having a cup of coffee in a quiet, calm environment, maybe you could think about the good part of your morning routine when something bad happens later.

Think of 2 positive things each day.

For me, it is most beneficial to write these positive things down in my planner each day. That way, when I open my planner in the morning, I see the good things that happened the day before, as well as the rest of the week.

It is awesome to have a quick reminder of all the good parts throughout the week as I remind myself of my current day, and I have the chance to positively reflect on each day while I plan for the next day.

3. Visualize yourself succeeding.

If you are anything like me, you may think of yourself as a failure when you mess up or when you are having a bad day. Try to change your own mindset by envisioning yourself succeeding in the future instead of dwelling on your mistakes. Remember, you WILL be successful if you keep being positive.

4. Go for a walk.

Going for a walk can help you see the goodin your day in more than one way. First, walking outside and seeing the natural beauty of the world can be an amazing way to remember all of the good in your life consistently. The plants growing, the birds chirping, the fresh air… all of that is GOOD.

Walking also gives you a chance to think clearly with little distraction. It is easier to think things through and remember all of the good when you are on a leisurely walk. Trust me, it’ll help.

5. Live in the moment.

Put your phone away. It’s hard to remember the good in your life when you are constantly staring at a screen.

I make excuses as to why I can’t ditch mine… the kids or my parents might call, I might need to take a picture, an emergency could occur, etc. I’ve been working on just leaving my phone out of sight, however, because 15 years ago I didn’t have a cell phone glued to my body and I got by just fine.

I find myself enjoying life more and really noticing how awesome life is when I put my phone away and just live. This is also something I’m trying to teach and model to my kids.

6. Find something to laugh about.

If you notice that you haven’t laughed at all in a day… seek something to laugh about. Watch a comedy on TV, call your bestfriend and ask to hear something funny, or even write your own funny story.

Laughing can make you feel SO much better. Plus, if nothing else happened that was good, at least you laughed.

7. Remind yourself that you are enough.

You really, truly are ENOUGH. Your kids want you more than they want anyone else in this world… your spouse CHOSE you over all the other people in this world, and you are on this earth to leave your mark. You matter and you are definitely enough.

And even if you aren’t married or have no children… you are still enough. You are still on this earth for a reason, even if it is to only lead a happy life and bring happiness to others. No matter what your destiny is, you are enough.

9. Make time for self care.

This is seriously SO important. At the end of a “bad” day, skip the cleaning and other household chores and just take care of your mental health. Find something that you love to do and spend time for yourself. If you need some self-care ideas, check out this blog post.

Final Thoughts On How To See The Good In Each Day

We all have bad days. It’s a basic part of life, although it doesn’t seem so basic when it’s happening. Turning your bad day around and remembering the good in your life is possible, however.

Finding a way to remind yourself that there is good in each day can turn your mindset around completely. Who knows, you might be able to turn your entire day around and end your bad day in a positive mood.

What is your favorite motivational quote? When do you find yourself needing reminders of the good in your life? Share in the comments… I’d love to hear about it!

Tags Adult time, Home, How to, Me Time, Our Life, Self Care, Things to Do

Big Kid Big kid fun Family Activities Holiday Home How To Our Family Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

10 Memorable Easter Ideas To Make This Year Special

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date April 16, 2019
4 Comments on 10 Memorable Easter Ideas To Make This Year Special

easter, make easter memorable, easy easter with kids, easter egg fillers that aren't candy, non-candy easter egg hunt, easter dinner, easter traditions

In the past, Easter hasn’t been a very memorable holiday for my family. We celebrate with one side of the family the week before Easter, and then not at all with the other side of the family.

We would do Easter baskets in the morning, and then our big kids would head off to spend the day with their mom’s side of the family. The rest of us would just hang out at home and eat “normal day” foods for dinner. We always made it a fun day and spent lots of time playing with the littles, and we would make sure to do a small Easter egg hunt, but it was never an Easter worth remembering.

This year, I am looking forward to something completely different for Easter. I want this Easter to memorable and exciting, so I have spent the last few weeks searching for ideas and preparing for the big day, and I can’t wait until we get to celebrate!

10 Memorable Easter Ideas to Make This Year Special

1. Start the day with an Easter-themed breakfast

While the highlight of Easter morning is normally seeing what goodies the Easter bunny brought, breakfast could be a close second. I found the cutest Easter bunny pancakes while I was browsing Pinterest and immediately added them to my list of Easter festivities.

Since my little Liam is allergic to egg I will have to use my own recipe or substitute for the egg, but the idea will still be the same. I can’t wait to see my kids’ reaction when they see their Easter breakfast!!

memorable easter — Image from DIY Candy (click here for the link)

2. Decorate with fresh flowers

I am absolutely in love with having fresh flowers displayed around my home. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add a fresh scent to the air that can’t be faked in any way. Love, love, love it.

For me, Easter is the day when I really start to feel like Spring is here (or near). I am hoping my family all feels that way on Easter, and having flowers decorating the house should help with that.

3. Cook a traditional Easter dinner

I know many people cook on the grill on Easter but, for our family, that doesn’t seem very Easter-y. I mean, we cook on the grill so often during the spring and summer that I feel like it just makes Easter seem like any other day.

Having a traditional Easter dinner will make the day seem more festive and special, so my menu this year consists of ham, scalloped potatoes, Easter bunny shaped rolls, asparagus, carrots, and a variety of fruits.

4. Fill plastic Easter eggs with something other than candy

My kids get a ton of candy at our family Easter egg hunt so I hate buying them more candy for our own hunt. In the past, I have done it anyway and ended up with more candy than any family needs in a lifetime.

This year, I am going to fill the plastic Easter eggs with non-candy items instead. At first, I struggled to come up with a variety of items small enough for plastic Easter eggs so, in case you’re like me, I’m including my list of ideas for the Easter egg hunt.

Non-Candy Easter Egg Fillers

Tattoos
Plastic rings
A necklace
Pieces of papers with numbers that correspond with a specific larger item (kite, bubbles, chalk, activity book, etc.)
Un-inflated balloons
Tiny figurines (Dollar General has Paw Patrol characters that are small enough to fit)
Fingernail polish
“Coupons” (stay up 30 minutes past bedtime, have an extra 30 minutes of screen time, choose your favorite snack at the store, no chores for a day/week, etc.)
Coin money
Paper money
Hotwheels cars (I had to open the package to fit the car in the egg)
Goldfish crackers
Raisins

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5. Have an “Easter egg hunt” for adults (AKA: Beer hunt)

Easter isn’t just for the kids!! Get out there and have some fun. You deserve it after all the careful planning you did for Easter!

Have a non-drinking adult hide the beer around the yard, and then the rest of the adults all rush off to see how many they can find. You keep (and drink) whatever you find, of course!

6. Do memorable Easter crafts

Easter crafts can be done anytime leading up to Easter, so you can get extra creative with this ideas. This is handy because you won’t have to squeeze all of the fun stuff into one single day. It also makes it possible for you to help your littles with their crafts, or you can take the time to talk about the meaning of Easter while working on crafts with them.

On the actual day of, you can plan a craft that the kids can do all on their own since you’re likely to be pretty busy that day.

Image from Fun Learning For Kids (click for link)

A fun idea for a craft during the Easter day celebration is coloring pages. Kids will be able to do this at their leisure, and they won’t require adult assistance.

7. In the week leading up, do Easter-themed activities

This might be my most favorite part of any holiday. Easter is the most fun because of the plastic Easter egg idea, though. You can use plastic Easter eggs for so many activities, learning concepts, and sensory play.

Image from A Little Pinch of Perfect (click for link)

Some of the other Easter activities I want to do with my kids this week include:

8. Make a special dessert (or 3)

Dessert is my favorite part of the meal, so I plan on making it extra special. Just like with the adult Easter hunt, adults cannot be forgotten at dessert time, either. I plan on making a few desserts; one that the adults will love, one that the kids will love, and one that everyone will love. This way, no one will be disappointed.

Image from The Domestic Rebel (click for link)

9. Have fun Easter treats throughout the day

You can help your kids get by until dinner with yummy Easter treats. I plan on bringing out one treat when we first start our celebration preparation, one while the food is cooking, and one later on while the adults are catching up. I want these treats to be Easter-themed, but also kind of interactive and fun.

10. Easter “Nailed It” challenge

I am so, so, so excited about this part. This idea came from the TV show on Netflix, and if you haven’t watched “Nailed It” on Nexflix, I highly recommend it. I already bought Easter cookie cutters and we are going to make sugar cookies in the shape of eggs, flowers, bunnies, and other Easter or spring inspired shapes.

Once the cookies are baked and cooled, we are going to choose a couple design ideas from Pinterest and have a challenge to see who can come closer to nailing the design.

Final Thoughts On Memorable Easter Ideas

Easter tends to be a “forgotten” holiday in our family. We don’t ignore the holiday or anything, but we have never gone all out before. This year, I plan on changing that. I want to make this Easter memorable for everyone in my family, adults included.

Tell me about your Easter plans!!! What traditions does your family follow? What new ideas do you want to implement?

Tags Adult time, big kid, big kid activities, craft, Family Activities, Holiday, learning, Meal Plan, Parenting, Plans, Preschool, Recipe, The Barkleys, Things to Do, toddler activities, tot school

Holiday On My Mind

28 Life Lessons in 28 Years

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date February 24, 2019

I turned 28 on the 11th (and my baby turned 2 the same day!!) and I spent quite a bit of time reminiscing and reflecting on the past years of my life. With the reflection came some of the life lessons I have learned along the way. There have been so many events in my past that I always think I would want to go back and change but, if those events never happened, I wouldn’t have been able to learn these lessons. So, I guess I should say that I am thankful for the “bad” events in my life since they have guided my learning and living.

I want to be able to remember and recall these lessons quickly if need be. When I am having a bad day or beating myself up about something, I would love to be able to come back here, reference this post, and remember all of the things I’ve learned along the way. So, without further ado, here are 28 life lessons that I have learned in the past 28 years.

Life Lessons I Have Learned

1. You have to learn to love yourself.

2. You have to learn to admit when you are wrong.

3. If you realize something isn’t working for you, it’s OK to change your mind.

4. The opinion of others SHOULD NOT MATTER.

5. You have to say no sometimes.

6. You must communicate with your partner.

7. Being “ready” is impossible.

With all things in life, you will never be completely ready. For a baby, marriage, a new job, etc. You just have to have faith and jump in, ready or not, when life throws huge events your way. If you spend your time waiting until things are perfect or waiting to feel completely comfortable, you will never be able to get things done.

8. Friends are important, even if you are in a relationship.

9. You are harder on yourself than anyone else is.

10. Your past doesn’t define who you are now.

You should consider this when you are thinking of yourself, but also when you are thinking of other people. Everyone deserves a second chance.

11. Mental health and self-care should be a top priority.

I cannot stress this one enough. I spent too much time putting everyone else first when I desperately needed to think of my own well-being. Spending some time taking care of myself and doing things that I enjoy, as well as doing things to promote positive mental health (such as supplementing with natural remedies such as turmeric) all helped along the way.

12. Be honest with yourself and others.

Speaking of mental health, mine stands in the way of my honesty sometimes. I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes when I say that I am “busy”, I’m really not. I sometimes despise myself for this, but it is easier (at the time), than saying that my depression/anxiety is standing in the way of my social life and that I just want to hibernate in my home until I’m feeling better.

Taking the easy way out may seem like the best option, but it really isn’t. People who truly care about you will understand what you are feeling, and they will respect you for being honest about why you can’t hang out or show up to an event.

13. Stop comparing yourself to others!!

14. Don’t lose your cool when people are looking.

15. Stop wishing your life away.

16. Appreciate the people who are honest with you.

Even if you don’t want to admit the truth.

17. Having kids is HARD, but so fulfilling.

18. There comes a point in life when age really is unimportant.

My husband is 11 years older than me, and we are truly perfect together.

19. Don’t settle!

Jobs, relationships, big investments, etc. Be patient until you find the perfect one for you.

20. Help others whenever you can.

21. You have to be your own person outside of your relationship.

Continue pursuing your own hobbies. Don’t let go of everything you love to do what your partner likes to do.

22. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

23. Avoid debt of all kinds.

24. Follow a budget!!!

25. Co-Parenting is HARD, but it does make life easier.

Happier kids, less stress, and just a more relaxed situation overall.

26. Never take out a student loan.

I learned this a little too late, and my job doesn’t even require a degree. I would take a pay cut if I took a job that I would need my degree for. Now, I have student loan payments monthly for pretty much the rest of my life.

27. Simplicity is key.

28. Children’s artwork DOES count as home decor.

Life Lessons From My Husband

My husband wanted to offer some of his own life lessons, which are really helpful. Or something.

Don’t zip your pants zipper too quickly.
Do not lick a frozen pole.
Don’t go chasing waterfalls. (Courtesy of TLC)
Don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys. (Courtesy of Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson)

Final Thoughts On 28 Life Lessons in 28 Years

Most of the lessons I’ve learned in life were learned the hard way. I’m sure many of you can relate to at least some of my mistakes.

I know that I’m missing some key lessons, so I’m sure I can relate to some of yours as well!! Leave a comment and let me know some of the life lessons you’ve learned in your years on this earth.

Tags Adult time, Birthday, Holiday, learning, marriage, Me Time, Our Life, Self Care, The Barkleys

Family Activities For the Home Holiday Home How To Organization Our Family Parenting

Achievable Goals For The New Year

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date January 1, 2019

The New Year is already here, and I just sat down this morning to figure out my New Year’s Resolution. I wanted it to actually be achievable goals for the New Year. It was a tough call because I can honestly say I won’t be going to the gym every day (or even once a week… I have 5 kids LOL), I also won’t ALWAYS eat healthily so I’m not going to restrict myself there, either. Every resolution that I considered just didn’t seem right.

I instead thought about what areas of my life I wanted to improve in, and things that I wanted to learn about. It seemed that everything I desire fits into two categories:

Finances
Home improvement
Routine
Family

Why This Didn’t Work For Me

Instead of heading into the rest of the year with vague resolutions to improve finances, improve our home, and focus on family, I decided to make a list of how I can accomplish all of those things.

I didn’t go overboard. There are so many more things I could have added to my list, but I wanted to start with an achievable goal. I figure that I will be more likely to follow my goals through when I actually have a goal that seems possible, instead of a vague idea to work toward the goal.

I didn’t want this: Spend more time with family.
Instead, I wanted something specific: Dates with kids weekly.

Then, I even went further into it and wrote:

“Dates with kids weekly. One kid each week, rotating schedule. After 5 weeks of individual kid dates, one big family outing. Then start over.

Not all of my achievable goals for the New Year were that long, either. That was probably the most complicated one. (List of all 10 of my goals for the New Year will be listed at the end of the post).

Later tonight I plan on sitting down and making a concrete schedule of dates with the kids. I may make and print out a calendar of the whole year and write it on there. Then I can put it into a binder so that the kids can always look and see when their next date is.

Plus, it might be fun to put a memento from the date in the binder afterward. Then, next year on New Year’s Eve we can look back at all of our date memories from the year.

I wanted to figure out a plan to implement each of the things I wanted to achieve. Once I narrowed it all down and wrote out my detailed list, all of the fun ideas came naturally when I began typing up my plans. The “date binder” was one of those that just came as I was planning.

So – back to the achievable goals for the New Year. Instead of just choosing one or two vague ideas of which areas I wanted to improve in, I came up with 10 smaller achievable goals.

10 Achievable Goals For The New Year

Follow chore/payment chart (blog post about that is coming soon so check back!!)
Start seeing a larger increase in the savings account.
Hire someone to do the yard work. (so serious. we can never keep up and I’m sick of stressing about it.)
FREAKING LAUNDRY. (and yes, this is how I wrote it on my list. I guess this one might be vague but I will be typing a schedule for everyone in the house to follow.)
Dates with kids weekly. One kid each week, rotating schedule. After 5 weeks of individual kid dates, one big family outing. Then start over. (We have 5 kids, hence the 5 weeks. If you have less/more, adjust the number accordingly).
Crunch numbers for vacations for the year before January 14th. Come up with a savings plan and a plan of when to make payments by February 1st.
Post a new blog post 1 time per week.
Make $150 on TextBroker every week.
Lose 40 pounds. 10 pounds every 3 months. First goal: Lose 10 pounds by March 1st.
Buy “clutter baskets” for each person in the home. Put anything they’ve left lying around the house in those baskets and distribute accordingly after school.

Final Thoughts On Achievable Goals For The New Year

All 10 of these goals are achievable goals for the new year. I won’t have to make a HUGE change in my lifestyle, I’ll just have to plan a little better and look for ways to cut costs while also making more money. Plus, I just need a plan to contain all the freaking clutter that my family accumulates each day.

I never follow through with my New Years Resolutions because I never come up with a list of ways to actually accomplish my goals in life. This time is different.

It may sound crazy to have 10 New Years Resolutions, but if they really are achievable goals for the new year, you can hit your goal sooner and see all the progress you have made. Plus, when you do accomplish one, you can come up with an even bigger goal next time.

Did you set any goals for yourself for the New Year? Tell me about them in the comments!

Tags Adult time, Date night, Family Activities, Goals, Holiday, Home, How to, learning, Make Money, Making money online, Organization, Our Life, Parenting, Plans, The Barkleys, Things to Do