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Before our son was born, we ate nearly every meal around the coffee table, soaking in the news and whatever else was on TV. It was our routine that helped us unwind from our days but we knew it was bad habit to get into. We decided once our son was able to sit up, we would get him a high chair and we would start forming some better dinner time traditions.

Here are some of the ways we are practicing making dinner time family time:

1. Get them involved

Our son either sits at the bar in his phil&teds Lobster Highchair*or I wear him on my back in a carrier while I cook. I show him what I’m cutting up, I give him bits to nibble on, and I tell him what I’m doing as I do it. He’s only 9 months old so he can’t help but he is certainly paying attention to everything I am doing and soaking it all in. If they are old enough, give them little age-appropriate tasks like setting the table, unloading the dishwasher, washing the veggies, etc.

2. Meal plan together

On Sunday we write out what meals we would like to make for each night. This makes grocery shopping a lot easier, too. I’m able to run in, grab what we will actually use, and get out. This also helps when it comes to budgeting. When you run into the store last minute to grab things, you usually end up spending way more money and getting items you otherwise wouldn’t have bought. Getting the whole family involved in the planning process also means everyone has a chance for input, so no complaining (ha ha)!

3. Make the table a screen-free zone

And that includes mom and dad! I am so guilty of checking my phone at the table. Having the TV on or my phone in hand means I’m not actually engaging my family. I mean, I haven’t seen my husband all day long and now is the time where we both have each others un-divided attention where we can discuss important family matters or just joke around. I miss all that if my nose is buried in my iPhone.

4. Engage each other

This is our opportunity to get to know what is going on in each others lives. Not such a mystery when it comes to our 9 month old as I’m pretty aware of what he’s got cookin’ in his world but as he grows up, this will be the time of day where he/they will share what he/they did at school and he/they will be able to ask us questions and learn from us and us from him/them.

5. Start early

It’s never too late to build healthy habits like this but it’s also never too early. From the time Oliver could sit up, he’s been sitting his phil&teds Lobster Highchair* at the table. At six months we began Baby Led Weening and he loves the time we spend at the table talking to him and teaching him how to eat his foods. I swear he was more confident with eating because he had been sitting there for 3 months watching us eat. It was as if he already knew exactly what to do!

Suppertime in our home will always be the time of the day the kids will be able to count on having either mom or dad (hopefully both, not always possible) to chat with, confide in, and vent to. It wont always be possible because of extra curricular activities and eventually jobs but I want them to know we are here for them when they need us.

Does your family have any suppertime traditions? How has it changed the family dynamic at supper hour?

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When you’re a first time mom, you hear it almost daily from a self proclaimed “veteran mom” who quite frankly has “been there” and “done it all”.

“Oh, you just wait…”

Hands up if this has been said to you before. *raises both hands enthusiastically*

and how did it make you feel?

Nervous? Scared? A little taken aback?

When my baby-less friends ask me about becoming a mom, I am honest with them. The honest truth is that it’s all so much fun. Being a mom is the coolest thing on the planet. And if they are really close friends I’ll share the gory delivery-room-details.

Some times when I’m wearing my breast-milk-stained v-neck and my yoga pants, drinking my cold cup of coffee, rubbing my tired, blurry eyes, I am able to step back and see my life for what it truly is. I have to smile and laugh at what I see because I honestly have dreamed of this period of my life since I was a little girl. As a little girl I don’t remember it looking so un-glamourus, but that’s likely because Pinterest didn’t exist. But it is just as amazing as I always dreamed, maybe even more so!

“Oh, you just wait…”

Wait until what? Until your baby smiles at you and makes you fall in love all over again? Until that sweet little angel lets out their first belly laugh? Until they take their first steps toward you?

I think it goes without saying that motherhood has it’s challenges. Most rewarding things in life aren’t without their challenges. I don’t think many people delve into parenthood thinking it’s going to be easy (read: poop). and in my opinion, one can’t ever truly be “prepared” for becoming a mom. You can read all the books in the world but nothing can prepare you like rolling up your sleeves and diving right in there.

In the weeks leading up to the birth of my son I started to panic because I’d been focusing on pregnancy for so long, I thought I had no idea what to do with an actual baby. I quickly watched YouTube videos on how to bath them, how to dress them, how to feed them…but this crazy thing happened when I had the baby! He was my whole world. After a day spent tending to his every need, I just knew what he needed. Before I left the hospital, I was confident that no one in the world (besides my husband) knew him like I did or could do a better job taking care of him.

“Oh, you just wait…”

So let me finish that for you.

“Oh, you just wait! That little baby is going to make you the happiest woman on earth! The moment you lock eyes with that little one will change your world forever. Oh, you just wait and see! You think you love them already? JUST WAIT! Some how you will fall more and more in love each and every day. Oh, you just wait!”

THERE. How’s that?

Take that, self proclaimed “veteran moms”!

 PS: I’ll be sharing this post on these fab blogs!

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With a partner in the military, I’m often left to parent on my own while my husband is out to sea. Our schedule is quite unpredictable and we usually don’t know when Daddy will be back. I’ll admit there are times I just. can’t. even. The baby didn’t sleep well, we are late for play group, I haven’t showered (because WHEN), and I just feel like crumpling on the floor and crying my heart out. Solo parenting ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Solo parenting ain’t easy. Here are some tips on surviving it alone!
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If your partner goes on frequent business trips or is in the military, there are some ways you can make things just a little easier on you and your family.

BE PREPARED

Before my husband leaves, I make sure to have a day to myself. I head out and get everything done I need to like grocery shopping. Running out of essentials like toilet paper or laundry detergent while my husband is away is my biggest fear since having a baby. I usually will head to the gym to clear my head and prepare myself for what’s to come.

BE THANKFUL

The sacrifice my husband makes for our family is huge. He’s out there without the two of us, bobbing around in the ocean getting sea-sick, I’m sure. He’s up all night working, sleeping in a tiny bunk bed, and eating food he probably doesn’t want to eat. I make a point of thanking him daily for what he does for us and the sacrifice he makes.

BE STRONG

When we were childless, I was awfully selfish and felt sorry for myself when he sailed. I cried, I pouted, and I stomped my feet. But now that the baby is in our world, I have to be strong for him. Half of his world is gone out of his life for an unknown amount of time. His world is essentially turned upside down. I can’t afford to be a mess, for his sake.

BE RESOLUTE

I’ve got this. I can do this. I’m the strength behind the uniform. I need to stay positive for my family. I like to send my husband emails telling him all I’ve accomplished without him being there. Instead of jealous he is proud that even though I’m going it alone, I’m still keeping it together and keeping our family and the household going.

BE POSITIVE

I always remind myself it could be a whole lot worse. There are plenty of families where mommy or daddy is gone for months and months at a time. That doesn’t make it easier for our family but it definitely keeps us from feeling sorry for ourselves. Each day that goes by means we are that much closer to being reunited!

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Dear Pregnant Mom,

I spent the last three months of pregnancy drifting between extreme happiness and extreme depression. Most of the time I felt sorry for myself. My body was stretching beyond recognition and I still couldn’t stop eating brie and olive & rosemary loaves. Plural. I tried to read articles about how I was a goddess with a miracle taking place inside of me but I couldn’t buy it. It was no miracle, it was a lot of hard work. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into creating that little life.

So many veteran moms told me, “enjoy being pregnant,” or to “enjoy the peace and quiet,” and I totally disregarded them and thought they were a$$holes for wishing something so awful on me. I just wanted this little thing out of me by any means necessary. Mostly I wanted to hold my damn baby but I also wanted to be able to sleep on my stomach again, (hah).

If I could go back in time I would tell myself this:

Enjoy peeing every half hour because soon there just wont be enough time to stop and pee.

Enjoy your hot cup of coffee.

Enjoy grabbing only your debit card and keys to leave the house.

Enjoy lingering at the mall.

Enjoy reading.

Enjoy your crumb-less floor.

Enjoy being able to go out for dinner with your partner.

Enjoy meeting your child-less friends on a whim.

Enjoy plane trips.

Enjoy driving in the car with your music up. LOUD.

Just enjoy the time you have with that little child right there in your tummy because in a few short months that little peanut will be too big to cradle in your arms and will try to wiggle out and go exploring. You’ll get some time away from your baby and you’ll instinctually clutch your tummy but baby wont be there.They grow so fast and time just wont stop ticking.

As much as you should try and enjoy the time before the baby comes, enjoy the time after the baby comes into your life. Embrace those sticky floors and those cold cups of coffee. It wont be long before you’ll have your old life back and your kids will be grown up and doing their own thing. You’ll only know what they are up to because you’ll follow them on Twitter because you’ll be a cool mom that had Twitter since it’s inception.

No matter what stage of mother hood you are at, enjoy it. It’s all wonderful and beautiful. Now go shovel more soft cheeses into your mouth and enjoy that late night drive thru Wendys!

PS: You’re a goddess

Love from,

a mom with crumbs on her feet…

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I’m so excited to introduce you to my blogger friend Sarah from Glam Granola Geek. She’s going to teach you how to get all glammed up for the holiday season. I think it’s important for new moms to still take time for themselves and get dolled and surely you’ll have some opportunities over the next few weeks. 

PSST…Hop over to Glam Granola Geek for a sweet Pacifica Beauty giveaway!

The festive season is upon us, so find that crumpled post it note that has your babysitter’s phone number on it and CALL NOW because you will definitely want to get out and celebrate when you see how easy it is to look glam for New Year’s Eve festivities!

I must start by telling you the not-so-secret must have for your glam New Year’s look – a SMILE! Hands down, the most alluring thing you can wear is a smile, so relax mama! Really enjoy the celebrations, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere and most importantly the company. And a bonus is that the joy you feel from flaunting your beautiful smile is part of your look that you won’t have to scrape off at the end of the night. Unlike the eye liner.

Step 1 – Cleanse & Prep

Cleanse your face with a cleanser suited to your skin type, or even plain old body wash or soap will do. No big deal. Next swipe some toner over your entire face & neck. Choose a toner that is suited to your skin type or an all natural, home made variety (it will be gentler). Immediately moisturize with your usual facial moisturizer. If you usually use a BB Cream for moisturizer (like me) skip that and use a non tinted moisturizer if you have it available. Let that sink in for a few minutes (brush those chiclets!) and then smooth on a primer (I like Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser). Concentrate on the eye area and any places that need some extra smoothing. I don’t wear primer on a daily basis, so I can let go of the fact that it’s probably toxic and just enjoy some smooth skin when on occasion I do use it.

Step 2 – Apply Foundation & Concealer

I recommend applying foundation with a foundation brush (like Danielle Naturally Bamboo Collection Foundation Brush). For years I just used my fingers or a foam wedge and those work too, but I do find it goes on a lot more smoothly with a brush. Don’t be hesitant when applying the foundation. I find that a thicker base really helps you look more polished on special occasions. Be sure to blend down your neck and into your ears a little to avoid the mask look. Then apply a concealer to any problem areas. Usually these include: under eyes, blemishes, age spots, & redness (mine is typically on the nose). Blend the concealer in by gently patting it in to the skin with your ring finger (or any finger, that’s just the one I use!). Try not to smear the concealer around as this tends to just wipe it off, rather pat it in to the skin as this also has a blending effect and more of it will stay on.

Step 3 – Use Some Colour

Apply a blush that has a bit of shimmer to the apples of your cheeks with a brush and blend upwards a bit. Follow this with a dusting of translucent powder using the largest powder brush you can find, and focus on blending the blush using the translucent powder for a more even look. Make sure you dust the translucent powder over your eye area as well as this makes a fabulous base for applying eyeshadow.

Step 4 – Create a Smoky Eye

Apply a shimmery light shade across your entire eyelid up to the eyebrow using a wide, dense eyeshadow brush (this kit has a good one, plus other useful brushes).

Then apply a thick line of black eye liner along the top of the lid, and line the inner waterline of the lower lid as well as run the liner through the lower lash line. On the lower lids, blend the eyeliner with a smudger or liner brush from the inner corner of the eye outwards. On the upper lids, blend the shadow out and up slightly creating a smooth, thick line. Blend both to meet at a tapered point just past the outer corner of the eye.

Now take a dark, shimmery shade (think charcoal, chocolate brown, etc) and apply with a brush or your finer tip to the crease of your eyelid. Blend the darker shade downwards and overlap with the black eyeliner. You may need to go back for some more eyeshadow to get a nice smokey eye. Don’t be shy with it because we are going to add another layer of colour for blending purposes so it will be toned down a notch in the next step.

Next, take your wide, dense shadow brush and sweep a golden, sheer hue gently across the whole eye area to lightly blend the light & dark shadows. Add two coats of black mascara and eyes are complete!

For lips I would suggest layering a lip gloss over a lip stick. Apply the very minimum amount of lip gloss needed, it will stay on longer that way!

About The Author:

Sarah is the quirky lady who writes about beauty, babies & life as a Mom over at her blog Glam Granola Geek. She is a stay-at-home Mama to two sweet little girls & one grouchy chihuahua.

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With the Christmas season coming up quickly, what better time to share my favourite home based businesses all headed up by moms.

If you aren’t familiar with the term WAHM, I’ll break it down for you. It stands for WORK AT HOME MOM. It’s an amazing thing, to be able to make money and spend time with your kiddies. While hearing these women’s stories they all had one thing in common: they wanted to stay home with their babies but still needed a way to bring in some cash for the family. It takes some serious time management & hustle to pull off a home based business like these. These women are fashion designers, entrepreneurs, social networking gurus, & sales women, and that’s all before nap time! Take a peek at some of these amazing women and show them some love.

By day Lindsey is a teacher for the deaf and by night she’s a Cutie Clip maker. Ryan and Rose blossomed from Lindsey’s hunt to find the perfect pacifier clip for her daughter. She says they were either too long or unattractive so she started making them herself using gorgeous materials. She posted her creations on Instagram and that’s how the “Cutie Clip” was born. Ever since Lindsey has been selling her designs online.

From now until December 31st 2014, my followers can save 15% off your purchases from Ryan and Rose! Just use the coupon code MOMMYZOID at checkout!

Meet Johannah — The brains behind Little Big Horn Baby. She makes some of the happiest little leggings around. Her bright coloured pieces brighten up my day whenever I check instagram and shed what she’s been up to. I can’t get enough of her metallic leggings. So rock and roll!

Stacie started AhoyAmigo when she couldn’t find cute graphic tees for her daughter that didn’t have characters or glitter all over them.  She was shopping for her daughter in the boys section without much luck because those all were about football or sports! So she taught myself to screen print and AhoyAmigo was born!

Lindsey and her husband had just had their son when she decided to quit her job to be home with the baby. She says she watched a friend have great success with an Etsy shop and wanted to try her hand at something like that to help out with medical expenses at home. She fell in love with the moccasins and baby shoes she was seeing all over Instagram so she created her own pattern with the help of her mom. She thought she would be happy enough if she managed to just sell one pair a month but by her second month she was already extremely successful and Moccs By Robin was born!

Cassandra is the mommy behind Wild Little Comfies,  an organic infant apparel line for the raddest modern families, using bold, ‘coastal street-style’ threads exclusive to their brand. She has created a unique line blending comfort with fashion for your spirited little by hand-making all items using organic cotton and bamboo fabrics of the highest quality available. I’m in love with the monochromatic colours. So bold and so fresh!

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ModCloth has done it again. They’ve compiled a one-stop-shop guide for you so you basically can tick everyone off your list in one place. Husband, quirky Aunt, your pet…They have it all. Let’s not beat around  the bush though… if there’s something you want, just get it for yourself. I’m not one to make lists for people because that’s not what the holidays are about in my books. But if there’s something I want, I TREAT MY SELF. Or let the hubby treat me by borrowing the VISA! It’s all good!

Without further ado, I present you my Top 9 ModCloth Must-Haves in no particular order!

Pour & Shoot Mug | $14.99

Myth Perfect Jewelry Holder | $59.99

Crazy Stupid Lovely Tee | $54.99

#HashtagADay Journal | $9.99

There’s a Map For That Necklace | $19.99

Discerning Palette Coffee Maker in Vintage Blue | $34.99Beautiful Balance Vase | $17.99

Aim of the Game Throw Blanket | $89.99

Bookshelf Bandit Tote in Caterpillar | $19.99

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