10 Things You Didn't Know You Needed...For Great Skincare on a Budget

  1. Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser is my go-to cleanser perfect for all skin types and seasons. It doesn’t leave the skin feeling stripped or tight.

  2. I’m From Rice Toner This leaves a nice glow and helps with the dreaded “maskne.”

  3. InstaNaturals Retinol Moisturizer Anti Aging Night Face Cream This is the perfect starter retinol cream and is perfect for clean beauty fans.

  4. COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask I am obsessed with this moisture-locking overnight mask that also brightens and tones.

  5. AquaSonic VIBE Series Ultra Whitening Pink Electric Toothbrush This is my new favorite toothbrush with tons of settings and long-lasting battery life.

  6. Heimish All Clean Balm If you aren’t doing the double cleanse or are still using makeup wipes (please stop, they’re awful) try this cleansing balm for makeup removal before using a foaming or gentle cleanser and promise me you’ll never buy a makeup wipe again.

  7. Alpha Skincare Care Renewal Body Lotion Anti-aging isn’t just for your face. Using this body lotion promotes cell turnover and diminishes the appearance of sun damage.

  8. Purito Centella Green Level Sunscreen This is my newest sunscreen obsession. It works great with no drying alcohol or bothersome white casts.

  9. Hanskin Real Complexion Hyralon Skin Essence This stuff feels like a luxury product at an affordable price. I gently pat it into my skin and allow it to dry before applying serum or sunscreen.

  10. KLAIRS Freshly Juice Vitamin C Serum If you’re looking for an effective vitamin C serum that helps with skin brightening, diminishing scars, or dark spots and improved pores, this is your jam.

Disclaimer: I am not a skincare professional. Just a skincare enthusiast.

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed

For Great Skincare On A Budget

10 Things You Didn't Know You Needed for a Better Night's Sleep

Who doesn’t love the way we feel when we get a good night’s sleep?

  1. Satin Pillow Cases: Not only do they feel luxurious, but they preserve the integrity of your hair health and allow your skin to slide around on the pillow, thus helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and the goddesses know we don’t need more of these.

  2. LUSH Sleepy Lotion This lotion smells so good, and it usually puts us to sleep in about 20 minutes.

  3. A Salt Lamp I am not an expert on salt lamps, but I enjoy the glow and find it conducive to rest.

  4. Plants Having houseplants is soothing and creates a calm and relaxing setting and contributes to healthy air quality and ou need all of that for your beauty sleep.

  5. Melatonin Sleep Soak A hot bath and this bath soak will help with becoming restful and relieves aches and pains from the day, which allows the body to fall asleep faster and better.

  6. Pure Beech Sheets These sheets feel like you’re sleeping on silk.

  7. Calm App This app helps with meditation and clearing the cluttering thoughts from your mind.

  8. Air Filter by Molekule This is the most fantastic air filter on the planet. Its an investment, but you only change the filter once, and it improves air quality better than any other product I have used. During allergy season, it has been a godsend.

  9. Sleep Mask Blocking light and te light pressure will help ease you into a state of calmness.

  10. Comforting Room Spray This spray just smells decadent.

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed

For A Better Night’s Sleep

10 Things You Didn't Know You Needed for a Tidy Home...or to Fake a Tidy Home

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  1. Baskets: I also call these the “F#%k it bucket” because it's a great way to quickly hide toys, remotes, or just random things that end up in the living room or out in the open, stylish. Which baskets can be expensive, like these stunning Big Sur Baskets from Serena and Lily, or less costly like these Milk Crate Water Hyacinth Baskets from Target. Price doesn’t have to be an issue while trying to get organized.

  2. Steam Mop: These are amazing for quickly sanitizing and cleaning floors like tile, wood, BUT did you know that you can drag this baby into the shower and steam the floors and walls and even the glass! I use a moderately priced but well-reviewed steam mop from Amazon.

  3. Fabuloso: Maybe I have lived in Florida too long, but it isn’t clean unless it smells like Fabuloso. But real talk, this is a great disinfectant and also great for cutting grease, mildew, and soap scum. For a quick freshen up around the house, I pour a few caps full of the purple Fab (its the best scent, ok…fight me) in the toilets. One flush and the bathroom smells clean even if you didn’t do a full scrub down.

  4. Ruggable: I know you’re hesitant to try these washable rugs, but I am telling you, it is AWESOME! I love a light-colored area rug, but with a kid and a dog, they tend to get pretty disgusting. With a Ruggable area rug, I can wash and dry it easily. FOr the cost of a professional carpet cleaning company or to rent those awful machines, you can just buy a Ruggable and make an end with the fuss.

  5. The Baseboard Buddy: You will be shocked at the difference it makes when the baseboards, trim, and doors of your house are clean. It’s kind of a super pain in the a$$, so I have this Baseboard Buddy that works miracles.

  6. Clear Containers: In the pantry, for your makeup, in the refrigerator, and glass bowls on the counter, clear containers are a great way to help yourself stay organized, for the space to look and feel tidy, and to keep yourself accountable for straightening up. I highly suggest investing in some Container Store selections, but on a budget, I always trust Target.

  7. Laundry Baskets: The Great thing about laundry baskets is that they are way more useful than just for laundry. Use them for sorting and storing toys in the play area, bath toys, extra linens, or out of season clothes. Depending on the storage area, you can usually find a laundry basket to fit.

  8. Microfiber Everything: Mops, cleaning clothes, fan brushes, wands, whatever. I just need microfiber for all of my cleaning needs because it whisks away dog fur and dust and makes it look like I took a reasonable amount of time to clean when I was probably watching IG reels for longer than it took to dust.

  9. Squeegee: Yes, its awesome for glass in showers and windows…but it also removes dog hair from carpets and upholstery, puts up wallpaper, cleans up counter spills, and helps when fine dust (like flour) is spilled and needs to be vacuumed up.

  10. A ritual: Try to have a daily, weekly, and monthly routine of cleaning or tidying.

    Start the morning with making beds, emptying the dishwasher. End the evening with a loaded dishwasher and a tidy couch or shared family space. Wipe down the bathrooms when you’re brushing teeth for bed, and try to walk around a few times a day and place items left around the house into the “F**k it buckets” or laundry baskets. Having a tidy looking home doesn't mean you have to frequently clean like a mad person. It just means getting into a habit of clearing the chaos.

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed for a Tidy Home…

Or To Fake A Tidy Home

Hello, World!

10 Things You Didn't Know You Needed for Pandemic Living with Kids

Well, here we are after months of COVID living, trying to deal with this “new normal” and everything that was thrust into our parental laps. I am going to give you my shortlist of what has been extremely useful up to this point, and I will continue to keep handy because 2020 is a fickle b**ch.

  1. These mask lanyards are great for kids. My son recently told me that before we used a lanyard, he dropped his mask in the toilet, so just trust me, you need this.

  2. The kid's scarf that has filters! I love this for a day outdoors because the filters are interchangeable, and the material is very washable.

  3. Google Nest Security Camera to see when deliveries being dropped at your door!

  4. JBL Wireless Headphones for Zoom meetings and listening to rap music with cuss words while your kids are distance learning!

  5. Target’s contactless shopping is great! You pull up, and they load it into the back of your car!

  6. Crocs…hear me out. We are a shoeless house, and we sanitize our shoes quite often. Crocs are great for kids because you can wipe them down often without ruining the integrity of the shoe.

  7. A monthly house plant subscription to House Plant Shop! Their monthly subscription has been HUGE fun for myself and my son. We both love opening the boxes each month, and the plants are still alive, so that cool too.

  8. Ruggable area rugs have been a lifesaver with the amount of cleaning and outdoor time we have had. Our old rugs needed professional cleaning way too often. For the price of all of that cleaning, we replaced ours with Ruggables, which are easy to wash in your washing machine. Trust me, it works.

  9. Instantpot Blender to the rescue. This thing does everything. We make smoothies every morning, and this also makes great soups, shaved ice, and purees for those gourmet meals you’re whipping up with all of your extra time at home.

  10. Dr. Teal Melatonin Sleep Soak is everything. These bath salts will have your homeschooler or highly stressed home school teacher both feeling stress-free and relaxed in the evening. BUY IT NOW, and trust me, you will LOVE it.

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Needed

For Pandemic Living with Kids

10 Things You Need for Your Next Netflix Binge

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It’s the freakin’ weekend and it is time to binge watch your favorite Netflix shows. Here’s some must haves to get your introverted party started.

  1. Weighted Blanket: It’s like a boyfriend’s hug, but better… because it’s not going to tell you that you can’t watch 6 hours of Grace & Frankie.

  2. Tea Tumbler: Relax with some tea or infused water while watching the latest season of YOU. You’ll be needing to calm those nerves.

  3. Popcorn Bucket: Snacks are essential, but cute snack containers are LIFE!

  4. Luxurious Tray Table: You’ll need a place for your wine, phone and snacks to live while you get into your murder documentary rabbit hole.

  5. Hand Mask: Multi-Tasking doesn’t have to mean turning of the boob-tube. Try a hand mask for a little glow up on your digits and watch that AJ and the Queen, honey.

  6. Aromatherapy Diffuser: This diffuser is David approved. (Also, If you haven’t seen Schitt’s Creek, do that right NOW!)

  7. Be on brand with this snazzy t-shirt!

  8. Protect your peepers with blue light blocking glasses. These are super cute! and you’ll need them if you’re going to watch all 3 hours of The Irishman.

  9. A microwavable neck and shoulder wrap can help release the tension so you can watch The Witcher and marvel over the glorious Henry Cavill.

  10. And this mug that sums up your weekend plans…

Leave me a comment and let me know what you’re watching on Netflix! Am I missing anything great?

DisTips: Make Your next Trip To Disney Magical...Not Miserable

Listen up, folks! Disney is the happiest place on earth, but for parents it can be miserable…if you’re not following my DisTips. As an AP holder and regular at the parks, I’ve seen way too many parents hauling around sad faces and miserable kids. you don’t need to feel this way! Let me highlight some of my best tricks to making magic on your Disney day.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

  1. You’re taking too much crap with you into the park. Keep it simple. You really don’t need to take everything but the kitchen sink into the parks with you to feel like you have everything you need. You’re a parent, not a pack mule. An essential is a great backpack. This keeps you hands free for photos and handholding and just general ease and comfort. You’re going to want something fashionable, yet functional. Not too big, yet not too small.

  2. Instead of spending money on bottle of water or hauling around cups with no lids that spill and make messes (Disney has a not lid policy) try investing in a good collapsable water bottle. Ice water is free at the parks and you can just fill up one of these babies and go about your merry way without spending your money and creating more waste.

  3. Only pack the “bear necessities” (see what I did there) in your bag. You’ll need hand sanitizing wipes, a small wallet to carry cash, your credit card and your AP card for the discounts. Sunscreen sticks are perfect for easy application and lip balm is always a must. Ponchos can be purchased online or in the parks and a reusable plastic pouch for stashing phones on rides that have water (think Splash Mountain) is a great little thing to have on hand. Do yourself a solid and pack 3 regular sized bandaids for each member of the crew, too. You just never know when someone is going to skin a knee or something random.

  4. I highly suggest getting a Disney Visa through Chase and linking it to your Magic Band. Carry some cash for tipping servers and drivers (more on this below.)

  5. Let’s real talk about strollers… Ditch them! If you don’t need the stroller, don’t take it! They are a serious hassle and let’s face it, too many older kids are being pushed around while parents are legit over it before the adventure even begins. They’re a bitch to get on the tram and monorails, you can’t just park them anywhere with all of your belongings, and why is that kid napping in the stroller when they can do that at the hotel in the A/C! Either wear the the kiddos or have them walk. If you chose not the heed this advice or just can’t go without a stroller, at least take one that simple, small, and easily toted from place to place.

  6. Think about what you’re wearing. First of all, comfortable shoes are a must but don’t forget SOCKS! I have seen many busted up feet at Disney. Remember those strollers we talked about? We’ve been victim to a few stroller vs. heel accidents, hence the bandaids. Also, face the fact that maybe chub rub is a thing. Don’t feel attacked. Hear me out. Hours of sweating and walking in 120 degree heat and the typical Florida humidity will cause almost all of us to have some chaffing or discomfort, I’m just honest enough to tell you about it before it happens at the “happiest place on Earth.” There are solutions to the problem, but do yourself a favor… wear low maintenance clothes that breathe and fit. You can still serve looks and still stay comfortable.

  7. Learn when to leave. If you are expecting to do a Disney day from rope drop to closing with a happy and complain-free crew tagging along behind you…think again. Everyone needs a break. Plan on heading to the parks when it suits you. And by plan, I actually mean plan. Get fast passes, know what you want to do for the day, know where you want to eat all the snacks (because Disney and snacks is a must) and know when you want to take a break. Sometimes starting early in the morning is great (have you heard about Extra Magic Hours in the morning) and sometimes you just want to head to the pool after a good breakfast and hit the park in the afternoon when it cools off and you can catch fireworks. I can’t stress this enough…don’t feel pressure to go balls-to-the-wall all day. Disney has a lot to offer, even f you’re not riding every ride and seeing every character. Disney Springs is a good chill spot that parents will enjoy, too.

  8. Take the Skyliner! Trust me, its a great break from the noise and chaos of the parks. The breeze moves thought these mazing gondolas as you take a smooth rid through the air with beautiful views and some back stage, behind the scenes looks at new projects coming to Disney! Also, it’s FREE!

  9. GroPros for video or capturing cute moments are an added bonus and I highly suggest investing in one! I like to clip mine to my kiddo to get his perspective. It’s so fun to go back and watch these videos! We have some awesome footage of rides, character meetings and fireworks from our GoPro! They are also sure easy to stow away in your backpack.

  10. Don’t forget those Disney threads created by Disney fans for Disney fans! Some of my favorite small shops are: Hundred Acre Hood, GladRacket, Lemony Oswald and Jacob’s Goods Supply. All of these shops offer the dopest Disney gear on the market!

    Bonus tip: Download the Lyft App and use the Minnie Van option to get around the Disney properties and to and from the airport! Car seats are provided and there are specific waiting areas for the Minnie Vans. This is a faster, easier way to get the whole family from place to place. (You can use my Invite code WENDY76379) You can tip drivers both on the app or in person with that cash I mentioned above.

Sh** I Can't Live Without

Being a single mother means limited time and resources to handle life properly sometimes. There are definitely days I sit back and think to myself, “How in the f*%& did I survive the last few years without these things?” But to be perfectly honest, I am a skeptic. There really isn’t a magical Harry Potter wand to make more hours in the day, turn back the evidence of time marching across my wrinkled face, make my butt firmer or make my kid not act like a wild animal…but there are a few things that I have been trying that I think make life-ing slightly less of a mess. Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links.

  1. Instapot Yeah, yeah. I know. You’re probably rolling your eyes and saying “I’ve heard it all over social media” but I am telling you, if you have kids, this thing is genius. My little will come home and do homework, play outside, run around like a crazy person and then scream “MOM! I’m starving” and I am elbows deep in bill paying or laundry or work. With this little pressure cooker thingy I can have dinner on the table for both of us in under 30 minutes. Most often times, its much less. Fresh, healthy and delicious food that we can both eat and isn’t processed? Sign me up.

  2. Air Fryer Okay, so I’ll admit that the only thing I made in the air fryer for weeks was French fires or chicken nuggets, but after some hardcore Pintresting I have some great recipes for things that my kiddo absolutely LOVES and actually EATS. (I know, right?! Imagine your kid eating a dinner you made that wasn’t bullsh*t.)

  3. Acorns This is an app for investing and saving without writing big checks. Acorns allows you to save for retirement by investing small amounts and spare change. YOU control the amount and YOU adjust how often to add to the portfolio. Just imagine setting yourself up for a future nest-egg right from your phone without the complicated jargon.

  4. Poshmark Whether you’re buying a cute new pair of shoes or selling those designer duds that no longer fit (thanks, mom-bod) this online market is a cool place to earn extra cash or just spend a little to treat ‘yo self.

  5. Beauty Addicts Mini Fridge I love a little fridge for my beauty products and masks that is a dedicated place for all of the things that make you feel good, without searching through the stacks of snacks that have piled up in the kitchen fridge.

  6. Beats by Dre Headphones that cancel the noise, bumps the beats, connects to your phone and looks good , too? Yes, please.

  7. Inventors Box from Target This thing has legit EVERYTHING that your kiddos need for tinkering. By everything I means…EVERYTHING!

  8. Velcro Rollers ‘Cause your girl here can’t manage to wash, style and look fabulous everyday, but with some velcro rollers I can manage to look a little better in half the time. Just remember to take them out before you get to your final destination. I have def gotten into an Uber with one still chillin’ in my hair.

  9. Lush Sleepy Lotion This stuff is almost guaranteed to get you or your little to sleep in about 15 minutes. It’s magic potion lotion.

  10. CBD Oil I have been taking CBD Oil for anxiety, moody blues, stress and all of those things that all moms feel for a little over 8 months and I have to say that it has really changed my life and perspective on CBD and health. I’m not a doctor, but I do think it helps. If I could pour this shit all over my whole life, I would. It doesn’t work that way, but it could help with some of your issues. No judgement, we all got ‘em.

  11. Pottery Barn Kids Easel This is the most well-made, sturdy, and easily assembled easels I’ve seen on the market. It really is well worth the money. One side is chalk board, one side is white board and it holds a ream of paper for painting. a MUST for little artists, practicing handwriting or leaving cute notes for the fam.

  12. Collagen Peptides If you want glowing skin, healthy hair and stronger nails you NEED to get this collagen in your life. The body naturally stops creating its own collagen after a certain age and supplementing helps plump and invigorate skin for that “I just got carded at the bar” look.

  13. Sunrise Alarm Clock I was really tired of dealing with a cranky kiddo at 6 in the morning so we have been experimenting with the sunrise alarm clock to gently wake us up instead of the blaring horn noises from the other alarms that would just startle the crap out of us each morning. This has been working like a charm. We both wake up less irritated that we have to be at school drop-off so early.

  14. Sephora Sheet Masks These are pack a lot of punch for the price. I keep mine in the fridge for a refreshing start to the day or a cool calm down before I put on any makeup.

  15. Food delivery services We just want to formally thank UberEats and DoorDash for making dinner much easier these days.

  16. Talkspace Single moms don’t often have a chance to vent to a therapist in an office setting so I have been in LOVE with this app that makes seeking mental health solutions easily accessible from home.

  17. Electric Pressure Washer Satisfy your OCD tendencies with this little baby that is easy to use and works like a charm.

  18. Sambazon Acai This scoopable açaí in a frozen pint is our breakfast savior. Little dude isn’t too into a full breakfast of the morning but this health alternative makes making an açaí bowl a breeze.

  19. Disney AP If you live in Orlando and have kids, its well worth the money to get a Disney Annual Pass. Weather you head to the park for a full day of fun or just open the evening walking around Disney Springs, you and your family will be making memories that last forever.

This Single Mom's Bucket List

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1. Let's just get the sleep portion of this bucket list out of the way: I would kill for a 48 hour opportunity to soak up uninterrupted REM cycles, preferably in a hotel where I can order room service, wear a fluffy robe and make a mess that I don't have to clean up. 

2. Go on a date and NOT have to wear Spanx.  Seriously, it's just impossible to actively listen to anyone speak when you're realizing your control top panties are slowly rolling down, creating a that-much-more unflattering silhouette and also trying to find the most opportune time to yank those suckers back up to where they belong without looking like a completely unladylike slob of a human being.  

3. Show up at a school event and NOT feel like the black sheep. 

4. Go on a vacation without my son and NOT feel guilty about it.  

5. Create a massively successful business that allows me to spend the majority of my time working braless/pantless.  We are all more productive when we don't have to worry about those formalities, right? 

6. Hit the gym more often and with less insecurities.  I see these people in the gym looking all carefree and unencumbered by years of "fat kid" trauma.  When I go to the gym I am constantly aware of how red my face is, how jiggly some of my parts are and how I'm constantly trying not to cuss like a sailor.  I'd like to just go in there and go full-beast mode and give zero fucks.  

7. Trust more freely and with ease.  This is a big one, and maybe it's an unattainable goal, but I would love to be able to just be the kind of person who makes friends or meets people and isn't constantly questioning motive.  Thanks, anxiety. 

8. Find the perfect haircut.  I know, I know...It's a lifelong journey for some of us.  

9. Roll around in a clean car for more than 3 hours.

10. Have a professional organize my house...and maintain said organization.  I feel like sometimes we live in the center of a tornado made up of toys, laundry and never-ending "to-do" lists.  

11. Meet a man who appreciates the fact that I may not have a perfect body or look flawless 24/7 but I can hold a conversation about world issues, literature, art, music and design...and those characteristics make me sexy AF.  

12. Take a ride out to the beach on the back of a motorcycle or in a convertible just to feel the wind in my hair and feel free for a small amount of time before I get back to worrying about school projects, taking out the trash or hustling to write this blog while balancing my life.  

13. Have someone send me flowers just because they know it would make me smile.  

14. Have a spa day where I am pampered from head to toe.  This is different from when you get enough time to shave both legs past the knees, or commit to blowdrying your hair.  This is the full deal where every part of your body is luxuriated upon, while someone brings you cucumber water and you walk away feeling like you did before you procreated.  

15.  Do all of the laundry without having to run the dryer twice because those clothes have been in there for 2 days.  

16. Leave the house for a night out with matching and even eyeliner for once. (You gals know what I'm saying.) 

17. Eat dinner at a grown up restaurant past 6:00 pm. Preferably someplace that has a longer cocktail menu than a kids menu.  

18. Walk through my house and NOT step over legos, action figures or random articles of clothing. 

19. Convince my child that he does not have to crawl into bed with me at 2 am and proceed to kick, slap or punch me in his sleep.  

20. Meet a partner who can accept and/or relate to the list above.  

 

MLR Fave Rave: Spring has Sprung

Spring Break is upon us.  Many of you are escaping the cold (yuck) and heading to warmer weather.  Many of you are balancing work and having the kiddos home for an entire week.  Some may have camps to go to, others may be enjoying a little staycation.  Either way it goes, Spring has sprung and here's a little list of some of my favorite survival gear for the season.  

1. Coola Sunscreens This stuff works! It smells great and it doesn't leave you or your kids covered in chalky-white residue at the beach or at the pools and theme parks.  The sprays are legit, too.  No messy hands when reapplying! 

2.  Adidas T-Shirt Dress You NEED to own this dress.  You can wear it a million different ways, and to pretty mush anything.  I recently bought this dress to have as another alternative to shorts and a t-shirt.  It looks great on, isn't clingy or tight, pairs with leggings for chilly days or over a bathing suit for the beach.  

3. Coconut Face Mask If you get a little too much sun on those cheeks, try this mask.  Its soothing and calming and will help heal stressed skin in 20 minutes.  

4. Going to an actual "nice" dinner with the kids? If yours are like mine, they hate to wear fancy clothes.  Especially boys.  Try this Moana dress shirt. It looks so adorable on, washes well, and doesn't require a 45 minute fight to get the kid dressed.  

5. Bug Repellent Slap Bracelets are genius! No DEET, repels mosquitos, and a toy all in one.  My son wears his when we are playing in the backyard.  

6. Kid's Peace Garden is an awesome way to get the kids hands dirty, learn about how plants grow, and its super cute when it grows! 

7. Need a great way to make those little ones tired? I highly suggest this Little Tikes 7' Trampoline !!!!  I will be honest and just tell you this thing is my saving grace on beautiful spring days when I am up to my elbows in multi-tasking.  He bounces for hours and gets really tired doing it.  

8. Need a new backpack to haul the family's crap around for them? Yeah, I hear you.  I am totally in love with this Le Sportsac Voyager Backpack. Its washable, has all these awesome pockets, is light weight and looks cute with anything.  If your wardrobe is anything like mine (all black everything) it's the perfect addition.  

9. Every Mom should have a good denim jacket.  Warm days and cool nights are what spring is all about.  A denim jacket can layer over a sundress or yoga gear, and make you seem like you've actually put some effort into dressing yourself when we all know you don't have that much time on your hands.  

10. Well, if you're going to throw on that cute jacket, why not add some pins? We love these Meme Pinz. I am currently rocking the boombox.  

 

Enjoy the change in season, Rebel Leaders and Domestic Warrior Princesses.  You deserve a little sunshine and a few smiles in your life.  

 

10 Things About Children's "Entertainment" That are Ruining My Life...

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1. Is it me or is the Hotdog Dance song from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse causing a Pavlovian response to want to choke the life out of Goofy? 

2. Thanks to Elmo for saying once (like 2 years ago) that broccoli is gross and now my kid refuses to even try it because "Elmo said its yucky." Frankly, I don't care if Elmo gets some kind of colo-rectal issue, but I'm over here trying to teach my kid how to eat to live in a world full of diseases from genetically modified food and the damn puppet is veggie-blocking me.  

3. I'm not sure Little Einsteins is creating a culture of classical music officiandos as much as its just angering parents and care givers who must now explain that one cannot simply start a vehicle by clapping.  If you have ever argued with your kids on these types of things you know that a root canal is preferable. 

4. "Dog With A Blog" is a show where an actual dog has more blog followers than I do. 

5. I have a hard "No Calliou" rule.  It's legit whinier than our current administration.  

6. Why in the world do children's movies allow the words "stupid" and "dumb"?! I have had to do damage control since Monsters, Inc.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Disney movies, but hearing the word 'stupid' coming out of your 2 year olds mouth is a bit disconcerting, to say the least.  Honestly, I would rather he drop an F Bomb. 

7. Have you seen these YouTube Kids reality shows? There are several.  All they do is show videos of their everyday life, only in the MOST annoying way possible.  Now my kid thinks sending a cute video to his grandparents should include the words "don't forget to subscribe and 'Like' this video at the link below..." 

8. While I'm on a YouTube Kids rant...just the background music in the app hypnotizes my kid into some sort of stopper and he can't seem to pay attention anyone or anything else.  Case in point: he walked into a wall the other day and bounced right up like something out of the Walking Dead.   

9. What in the actual F*&% is going on with that SpongeBob Squarepants and his gang of weirdo cohorts? I mean, really.  WTF?? 

10. I am totally annoyed that in most children's films the male characters is either a prince who is completely void of any depth and complexity, or a cad, a thief or a complete asshole.  Why? Let's not even begin to discuss the gender roles and age issues of these movies but I mean, come on.  Don't little boys deserve some sort of relatable protagonist that starts out a good person and makes good decisions and doesn't need a to be jerk to get the moral of the story conveyed to the audience? Just a thought.  

 

What annoys you about whatever shows or movies your Little Rebels are geeking out over these days?

MLR Fave Rave: February is Sunny Vacays, Love and Birthdays!

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Hey Rebel Leaders and Domestic Warrior Princesses! I haven't done a Fave Rave since August because, well...I keep forgetting! Oops! Honestly, I have so many new products that I am totally obsessed with that I am feeling the need to share, but also just want to include some tips and tricks of how I get through some of the stuff we have planned for the next few weeks of crazy.  February is my birthday month, annual family vacation to Key Largo, FL (a 6 hour road trip) and Valentine's Day...all of those either being really exciting or super depressing. I'm not sure which, yet. Here's an idea of what I am gathering up for all of this years festivities.  

First of all, I am a huge fan of the "at home spa day." So as my 37th birthday (yes, I said my actual age) approaches I wanted to share some of the new products I have been tinkering with on the rare occasion that I get to indulge in some beautification between loads of laundry and packing lunches.  I love all things Bliss for the best in DIY spa days with high quality products.  Recently I have had all the feels for the Mask-A 'Peel' Radiance Rubberizing Mask! Just mix with water, slather on, let dry and peel. And before I get ready for vacation I like to use a Hot Salt Scrub and Self Tanner because literally no one wants to see my pasty legs without a little sun-kissed glow. When it comes to my hair, I have a serious crush on the Olaplex at home treatment.  It's easy to use, you can get about 4 treatments per bottle (depending on the length of your hair) and it's legit a miracle for color treated tresses like mine. Can we say godsend?!

We all know I am single AF, but that doesn't mean I don't do a little Valentine's Day splurging.  This year I am making a little gift basket for my son with some fun little surprises, like awesome bath bombs, a sweet new shirt to wear to school and my little man's FAVORITE candy.  Don't judge, but may I report back after the most humiliating holiday of the year that I sent myself flowers...and carbs.  Let's face it, I will probably eat a whole pizza that day. That being said, I'm also really into taking ownership and loving my own body this year.  I am getting up there in years and have always battled with weigh issues. I have always worn a one piece bathing suit...but this year, NO WAY! I am learning to LOVE my body for Valentine's Day and letting it shine on our sunny vacay.  This year I will be lounging poolside in a bikini and reading my new favorite book by Ashley Graham.  

 Also, it takes me a good month to plan for a 6 hour road trip down to the Keys, or anywhere for that matter, so this year I am preparing a few weeks in advance by getting the car super organized and making sure we pack light and save plenty of room for all of the ridiculously amazing road-side crap you can find in Southern Florida.  One of the things I am pretty adamant about it not eating junk food along the way..  It's just not a good idea.  Sour bellies and sugar cranked kiddos don't make for an easy coast down state.  I try to pack healthy snacks, and meals for the backseat where B and passengers can grab something easily.  When we make a pit stop I am fully prepared for the horror of public restrooms.  Trust me and always have these items in your car at ALL times: Trash bag, Gallon ZipLoc Bag, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper.  You never know when these will be needed and you DON'T want to be stuck roadside with no way to clean and contain messes or mishaps.  This has happened to me and they only thing I can say is that if it weren't for my make-shift hazmat kit, I would have been totally screwed.  

So, wish me luck.  Another year closer to 40, another adventure, and another single Hallmark holiday to come and go.  This year its about ME! Time to love myself, own my life and be grateful for every wrinkle, dimple, disaster and triumph.