tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58256834375990744712024-03-15T19:09:42.788-06:00The Freckled FoxThe Freckled Fox is a Hairstyle Blog with other bits of fashion, recipes, things to make, photography, and so much more!Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.comBlogger1144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-68876402796551260962020-02-19T08:00:00.000-07:002020-02-19T08:00:05.812-07:00Dressing Your Truth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="border: none; color: #444444; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 961px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank"><img height="961" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/pcXIjjWnycF8tLBtqD-7pA_oo6_FV78T3utF4ZVEcYKbUK1G1TOjVbNGspk3iDOQU8gEff7fBmX_cuu6o3-lsh5M5w_v_EEpi4DlWn-R_2qer938rY5bdzYJPpUSUW1Qa1jTEpUt" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrsadriannawebb/?hl=en" target="_blank">All photography by Adrianna Joy Photography</a> -</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Find AJ on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrsadriannawebb/?hl=en" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a> and on her <a href="https://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank"><b>website</b></a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"> Happy Tuesday loves! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">So I have a couple questions I want to ask:</span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Have you ever put on an outfit just to take it off again because you just didn’t feel like yourself?</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Have you ever bought clothes you thought were really cute and then never wore them more than once or twice? </span></li>
<li class="li1"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">How often do you finish getting ready and walk out of the house feeling totally confident in what you’re wearing?<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"> Today I’ve partnered with <b><i><a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank">Dressing Your Truth</a></i></b> to share a few quick thoughts on the power in discovering what type of beauty you express, the freedom of developing your own personal style, and some tips on how to get there today!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"> If you were like me as a little girl then you loved dress-up, and if you’re like me <i>now</i> than you still do.haha The thing I loved most about playing with costumes as a child and even today is that just by changing my outfit I am transported to a different time or a different lifestyle, and if you think about it, it’s the same with the clothes we wear every day! </span></div>
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<span style="border: none; color: #444444; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 959px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank"><img height="959" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Qvhmnd7WMfcRIyGqbfQ06xk-fsjB9L600PCBsQxg32KnvpuBW7GHJHSKARGwyzOnohRDQ1cNQEJtY162PawTzSO8U-L3NLxwIvhgk5QdqnmcVZJnqcNEkn8TnI2D_Ty9lpvef1oa" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="border: none; color: #444444; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 961px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 641px;"><a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank"><img height="961" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PtySZNLa2jEA6PeVDx_mIjV-3e3K1rGXskV55qvJj-Rtymzw-suCevVJSjDbXGie04Jk9DPnjfN1RFYDUp48xt5VweQB6cp9Z5nQInuRRn5q4IhqHwovgA56lf1GZt2PnGxUq37Y" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="641" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="border: none; color: #444444; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 961px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 641px;"><a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank"><img height="961" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/TdMtLdHByNYeg18-OsoA1rRviIUNrO6gf86G7kJih5zvgYqv0lJoaR5rzbKpVEjUmhi8iRhqLAi13jb6GjkRp-xhsD6SFjAANqG5RfrStJBg-PuasL78YoqQd0_7GiqpSPWzqPuM" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="641" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"> You can probably think of clothes you have that help you feel comfortable or fancy or maybe productive, but more often I think we put on clothes and find that they make us feel out of shape or self-conscious, shy, or like we’re trying too hard.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"> I used to stand in front of my full closet and look around my room feeling like I had nothing to wear, and it’s taken me so many years of frustration and experimenting to finally feel confident in what my personal style really is. So, you can imagine how excited I am to share a way that <span class="s1">you</span> can discover your unique type of beauty and style starting TODAY, and that’s by using <a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank"><b><i>the Free Beginner’s Guide</i></b> from <b><i>Dressing Your Truth!</i></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"> The free guide begins with helping you find out which of 4 different beauty types is the most dominant for you, and then is followed up by hours of free tips and information for each of the 4 types. Things like choosing haircuts for your type and hair-styling tips, the most complimentary makeup shades for you and, of course, lots of guidance about picking clothing that will help you feel excited to get dressed every day and leave the house loving how you look and feel. </span></div>
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<a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="961" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/DMs1PV9uTNO1Gp3zmrWg71brAIIbyTTWTNch0rhnLxWsudPwXicqY6OhOyWQ5UQsyuPoOB1NakVeZB7z53jjD0xP4S_AeKINlv2gMz1__NCSg7T9CEO-7WYZOCtl635VhPRZVMcr" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="641" /></a></div>
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<span style="border: none; color: #444444; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 962px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 641px;"><a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank"><img height="962" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/mBZnwIUi1nc5MwAa8nYMYCmF43GyhbJD97jDEFIq62hjpLny6WK0WFQr5sixsHM2lxVjynIZAUVczadLSNiANeu_vkTUD88gjJd7VlkKlczvsLQddHXyt8mmjvMK3pukb5EpveIh" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="641" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrsadriannawebb/?hl=en" target="_blank">All photography by Adrianna Joy Photography</a> -</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Find AJ on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrsadriannawebb/?hl=en" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a> and on her <a href="https://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank"><b>website</b></a> </span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Find out what type of beauty is your dominant type, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Finally learn how to pick clothes, hair, and makeup that truly highlight you, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Learn how to stop the battle with your closet and the dressing room mirror, </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">and discover real answers about how to look and feel like the best version of yourself.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://dressingyourtruth.com/freckledfox" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b> to view the free guide from start to finish</a>, and then come back and tell me which type you are! I felt pretty giddy when I found my type (I’m a 3!), and I was surprised how much I quickly identified with and related to other type 3s and their testimonies. I’ve had so so many of you ask for advice on how to look and feel more confident in what you wear and how you style yourself, and I really believe this fun and simple tool holds so many answers and can be life-changing in many ways!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thanks so much for reading, and have a great rest of your week!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">P.S. Are you someone who loves personality-type tests like I do? I go big and dive into my type and learn all I can. It’s so fascinating to me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>xoxo</span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-66738374624180718482019-11-16T09:30:00.000-07:002019-11-16T10:53:38.433-07:00#AllWhoWander ... Are Not Lost<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey beautiful friends, thank you so much for visiting today! I'm currently in Nashville at the one and only Blissdom Conference (more on this later), but this week was the newest boho bridal label launch called <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.essensedesigns.com/all-who-wander/?utm_campaign=aww_launch&utm_source=freckled-fox.com&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">All Who Wander</a>, </b>and I knew I had to share more about it with you guys here on my blog!<br />
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The collection has 17 gorgeous bohemian-inspired styles and I had the honor of wearing <a href="https://www.essensedesigns.com/all-who-wander/wedding-dresses/emery/?utm_campaign=aww_launch&utm_source=freckled-fox.com&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">the Emery Gown</a>. I mean, how incredible is this dress??! It was so hard to pick just one favorite that I wanted to feature, but this dress just spoke to me with it's clean lines and drappy silhouette. My draw dropped when I first unzipped the bag and carefully took out the hanger. The lace bodice and cap sleeves are so flattering I think, and the open back leading down to a line of buttons on the silky train is just so elegant and etherial, I didn't want to take it off!<br />
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My favorite part about this dress though was, funnily enough, the passionate Spirit Statement behind the whole collection and how much it resonated with me:<br />
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"For every free spirit in pursuit of a dream.</div>
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For every adventurer craving anything but ordinary.</div>
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For the fearless heart, embarking on an epic romance that begins with a single "yes".</div>
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Discover a gown that embodies your beauty, sings to your soul,</div>
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and reveals a part of you that is never lost.</div>
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<a href="https://www.essensedesigns.com/all-who-wander/?utm_campaign=aww_launch&utm_source=freckled-fox.com&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">For All Who Wander</a></div>
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I don't know about you but that is such an epic way to start out on your new journey with your spouse. So I hope you go check out this <a href="https://www.essensedesigns.com/all-who-wander/wedding-dresses/emery/?utm_campaign=aww_launch&utm_source=freckled-fox.com&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">Emery gown HERE if you love it</a>, and also you can view the rest of the collection in the <a href="https://www.essensedesigns.com/all-who-wander/wedding-dresses/?utm_campaign=aww_launch&utm_source=freckled-fox.com&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">Dress Gallery HERE</a>. The Finn gown and the Rowen gown are my other top favorites so check them out for sure!</div>
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Thanks so much for visiting today, and I'd love to hear a sure sign that someone has wanderlust in the comments, and also I'd love to hear your favorite All Who Wander dress- or both!<br />
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Lots of love me people,<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. this is not a sponsored blog post, however, I have done paid content on Instagram</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> for this </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">launch and all words and opinions are mine!</span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-81754848239742277462019-10-30T23:30:00.000-06:002019-10-31T00:05:36.170-06:00A Haunting We Will Go :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy All Hallow's Eve Eve my dears!!</div>
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Tomorrow is Halloween and it's been the best year yet as a family preparing for it! We've been able to do all of our old family traditions (which isn't a very big list yet), and still keep October relaxed and super fun, and we've added in a few new things that we'll definitely try to keep doing moving forward! Doing a spooky photoshoot might become a new tradition because executing this vision by our dear friend Roxana Baker was magical:) </div>
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You guys know that I love having so many opportunities to work with different people through this job, but my favorite part of it is when a photographer or artist or creator has a vision in mind of something they want to shoot and then a handful of incredibly talented people get together to make it come to life!</div>
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As I said, for this shoot our amazing photographer friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/roxanabphotography/" target="_blank">Roxana (@RoxanaBPhotography)</a> had the vision of this shoot and invited us to participate, then we were so lucky to have <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fringewithbenefits801/" target="_blank">Tara Johnson of @fringewithbenefits801</a> do some awesome makeup on us, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nataliewynndesign/" target="_blank">Natalie Wynn</a> of <a href="https://www.nataliewynndesign.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Wynn Design</a> (who I've had the honor of modeling for on several other times) made this absolutely <b>incredible</b> dress that fit like a freaking glove and was just way too ethereal to believe, and then this awesome bouquet was created by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/connernesbit/" target="_blank">Connor Nesbit of Leuca Floral</a> who makes absolutely gorgeous bouquets and arrangements! I'm always stunned at what he includes and how fantastic it all looks together.</div>
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Well anyways I hope you have a fun and spooky holiday tomorrow! I can't wait to share what we've been working on for our costumes over the last couple weeks. We've had years as a family where we could go mostly all homemade and then years where we ended up rushing to the store last minute to grab some, which is totally fine either way of course, but the process of sewing them is my absolute favorite and it's been a blast. I just love us all sitting down and plann ing/picking everyone's favorite characters, going to the store together and picking out fabrics or digging around in my stores, then the different days spent one on one as I do fittings for each kiddo and the little conversations we get to have just the two of us. We're creating memories that are so special-even if the sewing/art room looks like a bomb blew up in it.hahaha</div>
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Would you share some of your family Halloween Traditions in the comments? I'd love to get some more ideas to start doing!!</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-6718875965370384422019-09-01T23:45:00.003-06:002019-09-02T00:48:39.886-06:006 DIY's We Want To Try<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy September my people:)</div>
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This is my favorite month of the year, and I am so excited to watch the seasons change from Summer to Fall here at our home in Utah. We've been visiting Utah for many years for work and to visit family and such, and the Fall was always the most magical time of year here. </div>
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Now that the older kiddies are in school, our family has settled into a pretty good routine and rhythm, and our favorite part of that is after the kids come home and we're able to jump into activities altogether once again. We like to write up a big list for each season of the things that we'd all love to do together, and then we either plan loosely what we'll do each week or we might pick an activity on the spot. </div>
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Lately, it's been hot enough that we have to wait till early evening to do any outdoor activities, so we've been <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/thefreckledfox/do-it-yourself/" target="_blank">exploring my pinterest to find random and fun DIY's</a> that we can do, especially without having to go buy any supplies:) Here is a list of 6 fun projects that we want to try creating this week!</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqj-zVMxf7kHph8WL2H3yXSW8C0oC9-GtsGJCMqZZpeWZDncFCuVTAtX6asX8dZ5JU5x5a1QeudQxY9c709mQT6urc2kHmiRTFli-4fvYsAPT1A9M8BjdFBXMEkIzakma-X7a0CPRo6Q/s1600/The_freckled_fox_diys_to_try_1.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. <a href="http://themerrythought.com/diy/diy-earring-stand/" target="_blank">DIY Earring Stand</a> - </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. <a href="https://apairandasparediy.com/2015/01/diy-hanging-hat-rack/?crlt.pid=camp.wEUoQinT5hOe" target="_blank">Hanging Copper Hat Rack</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. <a href="https://thelovelydrawer.com/a-pocket-full/#_a5y_p=5636678" target="_blank">Hanging Organiser</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. <a href="https://sugarandcloth.com/diy-wooden-polaroid-gift-set/" target="_blank">Wooden Poloriod Gift Set</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. <a href="http://almostmakesperfect.com/2016/01/28/diy-gods-eyes/" target="_blank">DIY God's Eyes</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. <a href="http://themerrythought.com/diy/diy-herb-drying-rack/" target="_blank">Herb Drying Rack</a></span></div>
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Aren't those projects so cute?? I absolutely <i><b>love</b></i> seeing the focus and determination on my children's faces when they are creating, and that incredible gleam in their eyes when they excitedly call us over to admire their progress. My favorite part of the process though has might be when they announce their work and produce it from behind their backs with a grand flourish, then shyly grin and/or giggle as we express our surprise and gratitude for such priceless treasures:)</div>
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That love of making and creating was instilled in me growing up, and nurturing it in my own kiddies has been a sweet experience. </div>
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I hope you can take some time to create this month in whatever way helps you feel most alive, and if you have kiddies than I hope you can pull them into that mindset with you! I'd also love for you to share any favorite hobbies or activities you like to do on your own or with your family to help inspire the rest of us, and I hope this post has maybe inspired you a little as well.</div>
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Have a beautiful week ahead!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-35897421458803392402019-08-01T19:51:00.000-06:002019-08-01T19:51:12.889-06:00Our favorite Family bonding activities at home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-32406e7a-7fff-5686-befb-71a2f8bb0259"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="991" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VEHGS-jK97Cq1TE3Jpj1NVVfwpijSTCusPlqnsrCm4v9fcN_UfxduDLtQ2UPW8W_eJOtVk_FkkdFhpt9LVn06lVSMTByIYOupvx72mIx1yD_74aPYcD2frYd_fdwY_2VYr0o7UVR" style="border: none;" width="660" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="991" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1vSjEWjVZmMffZ8qs7PEXXxmb4iUBRUYM706FXHut2qTGrA7OR8KXx1db6BegYU7w_s1aEuK2o1UkcTJg9pMcR7MmB2JttMwX7d6N7UbaNBXacoZRqmS09G08PmU2jsXBjiM5Rcz" style="border: none;" width="660" /></span></span><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> Hey gang, thanks for visiting!</b><br />
I've been asked a lot lately about managing family time and how we handle big trips together, what we have left on our Summer bucket-list, etc, so today I've partnered with <b><a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMY2" target="_blank">Pampers Pure</a></b> to answer the questions about what we like to do as a family while we're at home!<br />
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The weather has been SO very hot for us back home in Utah for the last month or so which has meant that between the hours of about 11 and 6 we rarely even go outside unless we have to. That being said, being subscribed on PampersPure.com and having our favorite diapers and wipes delivered to our door before we realize how low we are has been a lifesaver! Also now that we have the <a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMY2" target="_blank">Pick Your Prints option on the website too</a> it's been fun to let the older kids pick their favorite prints for Alice and see them get excited.haha<br />
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Also, if you want to check out the prints and sign up as a subscriber then you get $7 off your purchase! Ordering is super simple too, all you do is:<br />
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<a href="http://also%20as%20you%20guys%20know%20i%27ve%20been%20a%20member%20of%20the%20/#PureTribe%20for%20since%20before%20Alice%20was%20born%20and%20I've%20been%20advocating%20for%20them%20ever%20since," target="_blank"><b>1. </b>click this link HERE to visit the page, </a><br />
<a href="http://also%20as%20you%20guys%20know%20i%27ve%20been%20a%20member%20of%20the%20/#PureTribe%20for%20since%20before%20Alice%20was%20born%20and%20I've%20been%20advocating%20for%20them%20ever%20since," target="_blank"><b>2.</b> select your diaper size, </a><br />
<a href="http://also%20as%20you%20guys%20know%20i%27ve%20been%20a%20member%20of%20the%20/#PureTribe%20for%20since%20before%20Alice%20was%20born%20and%20I've%20been%20advocating%20for%20them%20ever%20since," target="_blank"><b>3. </b>pick out your favorite print for each pack, (we're expecting tacos and the cute sloth next), </a><br />
<a href="http://also%20as%20you%20guys%20know%20i%27ve%20been%20a%20member%20of%20the%20/#PureTribe%20for%20since%20before%20Alice%20was%20born%20and%20I've%20been%20advocating%20for%20them%20ever%20since," target="_blank"><b>4. s</b>elect your order frequency (every 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or 4 weeks), </a><br />
<a href="http://also%20as%20you%20guys%20know%20i%27ve%20been%20a%20member%20of%20the%20/#PureTribe%20for%20since%20before%20Alice%20was%20born%20and%20I've%20been%20advocating%20for%20them%20ever%20since," target="_blank"><b>5. </b>and check out. </a><br />
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<a href="http://also%20as%20you%20guys%20know%20i%27ve%20been%20a%20member%20of%20the%20/#PureTribe%20for%20since%20before%20Alice%20was%20born%20and%20I've%20been%20advocating%20for%20them%20ever%20since," target="_blank">That's it! Let me know if you have any more questions about how it all works, and now let's get into the family activity list:)</a><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ce93e213-7fff-afba-42f0-b1c6da2b2550"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="991" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/tUsNS0ACEVYne2NBz3TcnqAxJI8Petu3SPsnfQqPWUveKgYWUe9UBlRs6NMYCfR7_tzTmw0gOnHgk7bSbTfyfloSr-nYKlgJShGmbwA8qq-hNethUtiNdYOeaEBJT8qKcWsA-fBT" style="border: none;" width="660" /></span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-dadc91cb-7fff-0ef3-7158-74606445f0a1"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="991" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/uWQbloERLS93Mu8Qx0tPp1SUwW1I12w8ZnJ7mmPuSUNaen-Ij6OhnznCmzbeUlESJnng9XJj-Rvkr5T2fGdd7Mwgw4hZVxo6mrGSPZhexjX6epe9LL5-sx5N26g2tah1CatPdCDh" style="border: none;" width="660" /></span></span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-d46b290a-7fff-c928-c7e5-43bddf90b5c8"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="989" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ClSQWGRFVaCDsS6BIhBIEX8g1W61Xvx7SO5oNt2IYP8t_q9Wtp2fAR7HVmVZE_zeEhQ8jmhU3go8jgjBGKgvjeOONQQaZAgM4XWTevbu8uDrGW3Z3JoSPi-SgTTQeFCe95gGFoHf" style="border: none;" width="660" /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">40 Family Bonding Ideas for Home</span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-03b3084a-7fff-fe64-030f-d04af6ebf784"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Institute family journaling time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a living room picnics</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make homemade personal pizzas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Look through family albums and tell family stories</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Color together</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Put on a mock cooking class</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Decorate and have a family dance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Play family dress-up</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fill an envelope with drawings and letters for a distant friend or family member</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Go on a walk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Plan sardines or hide-and-go-seek</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make a blanket fort</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do a science experiment off Pinterest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make a home-movie of the day</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Learn a new song together</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Snuggle up together and have a 'quiet contest'</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Set up a relay race or a scavenger hunt in the house</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Get together to plan a dream vacation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Write a short story, taking turns to decide the plot direction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Each member of the family gets an hour to decide what activity the family does</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Take your bikes or scooters around the block</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If your kids are the right age, make a dessert ONLY giving <i>them</i> directions, no touching</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Play Disney song trivia </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a BBQ complete with s'mores</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">make banana splits or ice cream sundaes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Collect old toys/clothes/books, etc to donate together</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Celebrate someone's half-birthday, or un-birthday</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a family talent show</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let each child choose a story-book for you to read in succession</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tell a choose-your-own-adventure story</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Decorate sugar cookies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Plant a tree or flowers together</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blow bubbles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make a family fun calendar, everyone picking somewhere local they'd like to go</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Play a movie in the back yard</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Video chat with distant friends or family</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Play in the sprinklers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a staring contest tournament with prizes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have a karaoke night</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wash the cars together</span></li>
</ol>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-1e45712f-7fff-a8a2-e9e1-98d7bda1ef58"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="991" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WD9V0rQ-eHmtXH7-_ZGHwrVxmQzm6Rg1sAuMZbSw4MW4q7qRvFMlceYKg4Zb3Z2nzV-W7B6om9uS7HnuCPe9SoiYTPbm1dd9ulIAkMeedft9EMeqLeBFCWc3evrLPIO6Tr7aYg2g" style="border: none;" width="660" /></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="991" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/oopjfY2YxJxU1eOT_dkrd8HXLPgjul299ANj8ugw82Lo2ZyNx5q5VbR9UN2B0bZyWNEjs2tPzr1tWY2I06fRu2C0cMMuw1uIo-G7bJ6B0cGe05db9gpN6XTReuGDikHqXXvjuhgU" style="border: none;" width="660" /></span></span></div>
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Well, that's our collection for now, but let me know if you have any questions about any of the activities, and whether or not you'd like family road-trip tips or our Autumn bucket-list next! I'm so excited about this post though and I hope you found it useful, particularly since Summer is almost over and many of us will be having lots more time at home than we did during the vacation months.<br />
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What are some of your favorite at-home activities for bad-weather days or lots-of-laundry-days, etc?</div>
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As always, take care!</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-58647382349304926562019-07-30T00:36:00.000-06:002019-07-30T19:57:51.734-06:00A weekend that changed my life (& can change yours too)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey loves!<br />
I can't believe we have just a few weeks until the first day of school. This year we'll have the older <i>five </i>kids in school with Lydia starting Kindergarten and Evie in preschool, and while I'm so super excited for them of course, I'm going to miss my babes being around me all day every day. *<i>sniff sniff</i>*<br />
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Anyways, today I want to share some quick thoughts on one of the most life-changing experiences I've ever had (NOT sponsored:)), and details on how you can have the same opportunity! I'm talking about my time at the <b><a href="https://www.radiantandrooted.com/retreat-details" target="_blank">Radiant & Rooted Retreat</a> </b>and the incredible impact it's had on me. Considering that I attended the retreat that was last March, I feel bad that it's taken me so long to get this post written, but even now I don't feel equipt to write well enough to do it justice. There are emotions I felt that I can't quite put into words, and spiritual breakthroughs that I feel are too sacred to even try to share, but I'll start with a little break-down after these pictures:<br />
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<i><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kallie.porter/" target="_blank">All images by Kallie Porter Photo for Radiant & Rooted</a></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kallie.porter/" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">All images by Kallie Porter Photo for Radiant & Rooted</a></b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.radiantandrooted.com/" target="_blank"><i>Radiant & Rooted</i> Women's Retreats</a></span><br />
A 3 day retreat to renew your soul and ignite your life!<br />
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The retreat I attended in St George last March was in a peaceful secluded spot with just a handful of other women (as opposed to a really large group) so I couldn't 'blend into the background' or be overlooked. They had comfy beds in an incredible house and truly AMAZING food all day long. There were tons of awesome 'swag'/gifts from awesome companies. The team included energy workers and healers to help guide and teach, and I was encouraged (not forced) to explore my doubts and fears, address my limiting beliefs, discover my inner power and the energy that holds me back and holds me up. There was morning yoga, guided meditation, gorgeous hikes, swimming, time to connect with the other attendees and find our commonalities, time to be on my own, but most of all I just had lots of fun, and lots of crying.haha<br />
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Also, I just need to add that the incredible group of friends behind these retreats are some of the most caring and compassionate souls you'll ever meet. They have nothing but pure love and compassion in their hearts and truly just want to help empower women to be their best selves and to unlock their incredible power and potential. They've dedicated SO much time and ENDLESS effort to create what I consider to be a sacred environment and atmosphere that is dedicated to helping you feel safe and understood, valued, appreciated, and absolutely full of life and hope.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When and Where:</b></span><br />
Again, the retreat I attended was last March in St George, UT, but the next one is coming up <a href="https://www.radiantandrooted.com/retreat-details" target="_blank">THIS WEEKEND<b>!!!! It's from Friday, August 2nd to Sunday, August 4th and it's in Island Park Idaho.</b> The link to purchase is right HERE if you want to click over and snag one before the last sell out</a>:) Please please <i>please </i>consider investing in yourself (and by extension everyone you come in contact with) and just go.lol I can't recommend it enough. And no once again, I don't get anything by anyone purchasing a ticket, I just believe in these retreats with all my heart and my guts.haha Okay moving on.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why go:</b></span><br />
Because investing in yourself is a powerful and immensely rewarding course of action,<br />
because you deserve to step away from all the hustle and comparison and laundry and noise and to find some clarity and connection with other like-minded souls who are searching for many of the same things you are,<br />
because now is the perfect time to gain some amazing new friendships and perspective, and to find some answers and peace, because <a href="https://www.radiantandrooted.com/retreat-details" target="_blank">Radiant & Rooted</a> is the catalyst you need to move into the next phase of your life, no matter where you're at right now, should I go on? haha<br />
That's what it ended up being for me at least. I honestly pulled up a little late and was hesitant to get out of the car to go inside. My insecurities were eating at me that I didn't have anything to bring to the group and that I was in too dark of a place to receive any sort of enlightenment, but I was so wrong. I was shocked at just how safe it felt there and how vulnerable I was able to be with women that I'd just met, but once people started opening up it was like a trickle turning into a flood of connection and understanding and all of us being reminded that we are all in this together. It was incredible.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What I Didn't Like:</span></b><br />
I can't think of a single thing that wasn't perfectly thought out or planned or beneficial, etc, but if I have to pick something I do wish that it could last longer.haha Mostly because I didn't want it to end! I knew that that amazing feeling would start to fade as soon as I got in my car to leave that group of women and I was so sad at the thought, but I also couldn't wait to see my family again and be able to start applying the things that'd I'd learned and watch the transformations happen in our life. Also, we started a little facebook group and have kept in touch pretty well which is great.<br />
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<i><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kallie.porter/" target="_blank">All images by Kallie Porter Photo for Radiant & Rooted</a></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Favorite Part:</b></span><br />
I was so happy and touched to see that Kallie caught a photo of me (directly above) during this moment right near the end of the retreat because this was during one of those unforgettable experiences that I wish absolutely everyone could have! It's hard to describe exactly what I was feeling, but this is me <i>surrendering</i>. This was during a sort of meditative exercise that involved connecting with our younger selves, and maybe you can't tell but I was just <i>Sobbing. </i>I don't want to spill too many details, but a part of the exercise was to face the sun with our eyes closed as other members of the group would take turns whispering special words to us, and before we were five seconds into it the walls just came down, and I was shaking and audibly sobbing after having kept my composure pretty well since the beginning of the retreat.<br />
I was just overcome with adoration for all the women out there in the sun with me and their amazing strength in adversity, I felt such tender love for that little Emily who once was consumed by worthlessness and loneliness, and my heart broke as I pictured <i>so</i> many young people just like I was who have no idea of their value and potential.<br />
I saw how many lives and precious time is wasted with comparison and jealousy, gossip and selfishness. All the pain in our lives and in my own life seemed to stack up then and I felt crushed under it all, but a whispered phrase of support from one of my new sisters and that weight quickly turned into immense pride at how far I've come and how much I've survived. I felt my angels surrounding me and an assurance of our divine nature, and I felt so much peace with my life, the choices I've made, and the purpose ahead of me and my little family.<br />
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There were a couple other incredibly sacred moments that happened between then and when we had to actually leave, but I'll save those for later I think:)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Would you recommend?</span></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span><br />
✩ One Ba-jillion Percent. ✩</div>
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I'll wrap up with a quick reminder that the next retreat is this weekend but you can still jump in at the last minute if you hurry my dear!! I would be so all over this but we had a family reunion planned for the same time since last year, so it was not in the stars.<br />
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<i>Update: The <u>next</u> one is going to be in Costa Rica in March of 2020! And I'm definitely gonna be there:) So if you guys would like more info as they release details just let me know and I'll do my best to keep you updated, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/radiant.rooted/?hl=en" target="_blank">or you can also <b>follow them on IG right here. </b></a></i><br />
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One last big massive uncomfortable hug to all the marvelous souls that shared their hearts with me that weekend, and to Amy and Bri and Rach, y'all are angels and I love you forever. Thank you thank you for the work you do.<br />
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Have you ever been to a Radiant & Rooted or another similar retreat or conference before? Have you had some other type of moment that changed or impacted you in a hugely positive way? I'd love if you could share in the comments:)<br />
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xoxo</div>
Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-90534883296219949302019-07-23T14:59:00.002-06:002019-07-23T14:59:55.926-06:005 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Day <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey there loves, I hope you're having a great week so far! We're about a month into our Summer break at this point and I'm happy to report that we're settling into a pretty smooth rhythm. Part of establishing that rhythm or schedule is giving ourselves space and the time we need to breathe, to <i>really</i> prioritize, and then to simplify everything down as much as possible.<br />
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<a href="https://pamperspure.com/pick-your-print?utm_source=IG&utm_medium=igstory&utm_campaign=tribePYPLaunch&utm_term=EmilyM">Today I partnered with <b>Pampers Pure</b> to share a few quick ideas for simplifying your day, and I hope that they offer a little inspiration for you!</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Plan out the week's meals: </span></div>
We've all been to that point where it's 5:00 and it's too late to start the dinner we had planned, so we get frantic and have to toss something quick together or get takeout. That cycle can end when you plan out your week in advance, and then decide when you need to start prepping to have meals ready on time. You'll be amazed at how much having scheduled meals will add structure to your whole day, and mealtimes will become more intentional family time instead of a haphazard mess.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Prepare the night before:</span><br />
The biggest thing that helps my day go smoothly is making a list of my to-dos the night before, but there are a lot of things when you think about it that may take little effort today but shave off lots of time tomorrow. Things like picking out your outfit, packing lunches, tossing smoothie ingredients into a bag ready to be blended, etc.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Create a morning routine: </span><br />
I used to think that a morning routine was unattainable with so many little ones and variables in our day, but as long as you can be okay with not achieving the routine perfectly every day, establishing goals for your morning and putting them somewhere you can see them will help you to focus and greatly increase your productivity! Checking off boxes in the morning will set the mood for the whole day, and instead of feeling like you're playing catch-up you'll feel ahead of the game from the get-go. I can share our routine later if you'd like, but it's just a list on the fridge of morning goals and it works great!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Limit TV time:</span><br />
I don't want to discount how important some downtime is for the soul sometimes, but when you have a schedule to keep or a deadline to meet, you have to set some limits so the day doesn't get away from you. One trick that helped me a lot was committing to only watch shows while I was exercising or folding laundry, etc. Normally I don't think multitasking is a great idea, but in this case, it helps me get more exercise in and the menial tasks go by a lot faster too.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Automate as much as possible.</span><br />
If you don't already have your bills set to autopay, that's the place to start. Getting those off your plate and out of your mind is a huge stress reliever and time saver. In addition to automating your bills you should be using the subscribe and save option on Amazon.com to have lots of your groceries and essentials sent every month, you can join co-ops to have fresh veggies and fruits delivered, and if you're mama you need to be a subscriber on <b><a href="http://pamperspure.com/">PampersPure.com</a></b> to have your diapers and wipes delivered every month! Pampers Pure actually recently launched a new option called <i><b><a href="https://pamperspure.com/pick-your-print?utm_source=IG&utm_medium=igstory&utm_campaign=tribePYPLaunch&utm_term=EmilyM">Pick Your Prints</a></b></i> on their website as well as tons of new adorable prints to choose from! I'm showing just a few below. My favorite is the croissants and jam:) What's yours?<br />
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<img border="0" height="440" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/XD6BgEH9KWM73XmWlEUz1Arg9gbzfd8hE9fKMmgvXRGGb_kORojeNkduFSzBKZFtZ1RnySQ9SlbAkPLRFkYcGyU0b1oev78Cad6yROpABwTl5cKl5kwESN-u7Qy1EsWHv1AVvfVM" style="border: none;" width="660" /><br />
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And that's all for today! Thanks so much for visiting and I'd LOVE if you could add a tip or two of your own that you feel helps you simplify your day.</div>
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Take care gang, </div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-83593745657292423442019-07-15T21:51:00.001-06:002019-07-16T12:01:13.924-06:003 Fast & Easy DIY projects Using Sola Felt Tiles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello my people! How is your Summer going? Can you believe we have just about a month left before school starts again? I honestly thought we'd be spending much more time on the road than we have, but then I realized that most of our reasons for traveling so much in the past has been to attend get-togethers and events with my family here in Utah, but now we don't have to! It's been pretty surreal to be so close to so many of my siblings and their families, aunts and uncles and cousins, etc, and we've already seen them more in the last few months than the last several years combined at least. The kids especially love having over 20 of their cousins right here around us, and with so many exciting and new things to do as well we are pretty contented staying right here:)<br />
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Less time driving has meant extra intentional family time going on hikes, making treats, swimming at the pool, etc. Personally, I've loved the time to catch up on house projects and getting more settled into our place, and today I've partnered with <a href="https://sola-tile.com/" target="_blank"><b>3Form Home</b></a> to share 3 simple DIY projects that I did all in under an hour using <a href="https://sola-tile.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sola Felt Tiles</b></a>!<br />
<img height="995" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/JMIOL2kKKkwihnPWCDgAiF9HenYJ6Ktav3VQk386rqXkk-JMTPfJqQsMLzG7fA5Xsr03K3hWOIcxVVVzE_Yl0xo3sBui5A0b-66kkQD3jLxmMIOj-zbDbZPbelyKrryEw9QV5Myx" style="border: none; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;" width="648" /><br />
I was really intrigued when I first heard of <a href="https://sola-tile.com/" target="_blank">Sola Felt Tiles</a> and the endless possible uses, but I knew I was sold when I read that every box of 6 12x12 tiles is made with 50% recycled post-consumed plastic materials, and contains the equivalent of a 24 case of single-use water bottles. How cool is that! We throw away many millions of plastic bottles every day, and I'm so happy to support a company that is turning that waste into something so useful and beautiful.<br />
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The tiles look soft and feel like wool, they function like a sturdy corkboard, and they attach securely to any clean flat surface with peel and stick adhesive on each corner. The squares are totally configurable with 15 colors to choose from and 6 different shape designs that you can mix and match all you want, or you can purchase one of their cute pre-configured packages.<br />
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<i>Now</i> I'm going to quickly show you how I created our Paint Tube Organizer, the White Mood Board of my dreams, and a simple and beautiful Necklace Rack.<br />
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<img border="0" height="972" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/r3Na8NHdNM3z1W_efc89aNbuZa-dhyjPPB96U3lk3ficZ-ClaZNe4PhUpzAzeibs-aPKRVLY9_PjZ79-6rqPSfvyEaUq88ZbWLnBFOwH1VyiuIknPQ4DfHUxtR3axfJXLZuiz2b0" style="border: none;" width="648" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">MOOD BOARD</span></div>
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<b>Time spent: </b>This project took about 15 minutes, 5 for the tiles and 10 for collecting inspirational pieces.</div>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
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- For the mood board, I used 6 of the 'Cross' tiles in the color 'Zinc'</div>
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- a pack of push-pins or tacks</div>
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- old magazines or photos, etc that you want to put on your inspiration board. Other ideas could be small artwork, printed quotes or photos, pages from a book, sentimental items, flowers or other pieces of nature, washi tape, pieces of fabric, paint swatches, ribbon, etc.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">STEP 1:</span> The first step is taking your tiles out of the box and arranging them on the floor in the design you want, then holding a tile or two up on the wall to decide height placement. (Tip: marking lightly with a pencil would be super helpful for a larger design)</div>
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<img border="0" height="432" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/LQKcOdhgpQNxwxu9zXeSUoCGRBrDtDQXKSzS0ClC2BSFdAkS4N5qdlSzxfv6KR2oJmcKJ085nUCzYdmrcytq4xkIZSItWpqQOUmOHPvacgNY51ofp2iQ5yfUHC0oUArMRgvsiRh2" style="border: none;" width="648" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">STEP 2:</span> Next, peel off the paper tabs covering the adhesive tabs on the corners of your first tile and use a level (I used the app on my phone) to make sure you have it straight before pressing it firmly on each corner to secure it to the wall.</div>
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<img border="0" height="432" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cz8x0N1EDgVi8F43Tazgtiosv24ACMp8fbsjozSrEzfzD1OaKC32hpSVS8awOP0u6dYf57KbXy3UyMqM56I2onKe8a5xCVVefvWG-HRnfc9ryPp0dpQX9TsWfNWvsH7s22aeGREK" style="border: none;" width="648" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="432" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/jrnoGRPLUa1GfFfR2x7qlc9kf9XOzMUIk_REoLbd44Bw_H3C8YWKXhg7XIzUI0nHJgQyueJ7JHVL9Wo15Y-d5xw0s9WLfPXRVCG_OKEZzBqpStBpWREhfOeNdZ-vs1UNwIvjC5Af" style="border: none;" width="648" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">STEP 3:</span> Once you have the first tile in place, it takes only a couple minutes to peel and stick the other tiles around the first, lining them up snuggly together so the seams disappear completely.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: large; white-space: normal;">STEP 4:</span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"> Lastly, you can get creative in gathering your materials for your inspiration board, but I simply took some clippings out of a few old magazines for my first go at it. Just make sure that you put up photos and words etc that speak to you and make you feel whatever mood you're going for (i.e. peaceful, motivated, happy, fierce, etc), just have fun with it! xo</span></span></div>
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<img height="972" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tXmnnDqCXn7VJaXO5GoJZyBy9dvtC75-aRghpW9Lf3YIOQVfBkQnR3V03oozed4jXsPhJQOk4mzUJ2D5TObRJt6_fw8V9mqDsQcBd_YNXqoSLihJsdNUyf_njggD9uRGnRyWv7GQ" style="border: none; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;" width="648" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">PAINT TUBE ORGANIZER</span></div>
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<b>Time spent:</b> about a half hour including attaching all the binder clips to the tubes.</div>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
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- For the organizer, I used 6 of the 'Parallel' style tiles in the color 'Cashmere'. </div>
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- 1 pack of push pins</div>
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- 1 pack of small binder clips</div>
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- 1 pack of medium binder clips</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Set-up:</span> Repeat the same steps as for unpacking and placing the tiles as with the mood board, then I gathered all my paint tubes together and put the binder clips on all of the tops. Place your rows by starting with the top row, then the bottom row (for symmetry), and then fill in the middle as evenly as possible!<br />
<i>Side-note:</i> When I first ordered the tiles I was pretty confident that my big tubes wouldn't hold up, but when they arrived I was happily surprised at how dense and strong they actually were and even my big full tubes hold up awesome!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">NECKLACE RACK</span></div>
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<b>Time spent: </b>This one took under 10 minutes from start to finish!<b> </b></div>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
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- For the rack I used 3 of the '4 Square' tiles in the color 'Nickle'.</div>
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- 1 pack of push pins</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Set-up:</span> Once again you'll repeat the same steps as for unpacking and placing the tiles, except after placing my first two tiles one on top of the other, I cut along the indentation on the third and added one half securely to the right of both the top and the bottom tiles, being careful to put the clean edge on the outside. After that, it's just staggering your push-pins wherever you want and placing your jewelry:)<br />
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And that's all for today! I really hope you enjoyed these simple little DIY's and that you're inspired to try out the tiles in your own home, and if you are you can use the code: FIRST30 on the website <a href="https://sola-tile.com/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> for 30% off for the first 30 people! and free shipping :)<br />
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I've already decided I need to order more to do a command station in our home office, bulletin boards in the kid's rooms, an art display in the craft room, maybe some sound barrier panels in the music room, and the list goes on. You can't beat buying a product that is so versatile and beautiful that's also helping to make such a difference in pollution.</div>
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As always let me know if you have any questions, I'm curious to know which project you like the most? Thanks so much for visiting loves,</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-33287460515552636482019-07-05T19:00:00.000-06:002019-07-05T19:02:13.438-06:00Friday Finds #106<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Hello loves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you had a great Independence Day if that's your thing:) and if not then I hope it's been a good week to you and welcome to the weekend! I'm pretty happy to be sharing another <i>Friday Finds</i>, which many of you will recognize well since it's been an on-and-off feature since the very beginning of my blog. Anyways, let's get into it:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YAzIaP" target="_blank">1</a></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2YARta3" target="_blank">2</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2FTLXrG" target="_blank">3</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2FSF2Pm" target="_blank">4</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2FVZz5v" target="_blank">5</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2YA4VuH" target="_blank">6</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2FW1VRQ" target="_blank">7</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2FVLwwZ" target="_blank">8</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2YCwRxS" target="_blank">9</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2FTEZTi" target="_blank">10</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2YBMQw6" target="_blank">11</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2YGngq8" target="_blank">12</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2FW7qQH" target="_blank">13</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2YBMQw6" target="_blank">14</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2YAzIaP" target="_blank">15</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2FQsmZp" target="_blank">16</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2YDuY4k" target="_blank">17</a> </span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YAzIaP" target="_blank">This hat! I used to be scared of wearing hats because I thought they looked super dorky on me, but now I think it mostly depends on the style. haha I've been adding to my collection slowly and getting more and more comfortable in them, and now I can say I really adore and appreciate a great hat like this one</a>. </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YARta3" target="_blank">This is such a sweet earring set and I think the price is awesome too. About 95% of the time you'll find me in little tiny earrings or stud earrings because they're simple and dainty and they go with just about everything.</a> </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2FTLXrG" target="_blank">I came across this beautiful textured quilt set this week and instantly saw them in the big girls room. They'd be an investment for sure but they're the perfect mix of modern and vintage looking, and the faded blush color is exactly what they are loving in there right now. So pretty!</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2FSF2Pm" target="_blank">I think I found my dream laptop bag. The color caught my eye immediately, but then the detailing was so pretty, and I especially love that it's a backpack! I've been using a big leather messenger bag which I love but it's overkill really and too hard on my shoulders. This bag though is exactly what I've been dreaming of.</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2FVZz5v" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">I've been looking all over for the perfect wire bins for some pantry storage, shelves in the girls room, high shelves in my closet, and this week I finally found them! They're sturdy and super inexpensive and perfect:)</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YA4VuH" target="_blank">I love these frames so much. We put together a big eclectic gallery wall in our old house, but when we moved here I started putting the various photos around the house and really loved where they ended up. I imagined a neat square grid wall instead with big white mats, and this frame is exactly what I pictured. </a></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2FW1VRQ" target="_blank">Dry shampoo is maybe my best friend (and probably yours too.lol) but this stuff is a step above with a charcoal detox at the same time, and works so well! Click through to read the rave reviews if you don't believe me, but I give it five stars and this week I reordered my third can.</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2FVLwwZ" target="_blank">I've loved Becca products for years and I'm really excited to try this face primer. I like to switch it up when I need a new primer and I've heard such good things about this one! I don't do more than a handful of steps for my usual makeup, but when I decided to primer for the first time it was actually pretty shocking at how much better my makeup applied and looked and lasted. Give it a try!</a> </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YCwRxS" target="_blank">Metal straws are amazing! Have you switched over to the light side yet?? Seriously though, we do LOTS of smoothies and juicing and such around here, so when I first heard of metal ones I decided to order up a pack and a brush to try them out. Needless to say, we all love them and they're perfectly easy to clean, and every year or so I order a handful more (some get lost and some get bent because toddlers were using them as swords, etc), so I thought I'd pass them on:)</a></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2FTEZTi" target="_blank">I love love the style of these baskets and could use them for so many different things don't you think? Can't you see a little tree sticking out of one?</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YBMQw6" target="_blank">I'm sure it's hard to tell from the size of the necklace in the collage, but it's a zodiac charm! I actually thought of the two big girls with this one too, we've been playing a lot lately with personality tests and horoscopes, etc, so I think they'd love it! What's your sign? I'm a Capricorn:) </a></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YGngq8" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This super cute jumper looks so crazy comfortable, and comes in black too! It's actually on clearance to so wait a minute for me to buy the one in my cart and then hurry and get one before they're gone.haha </span></a></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2FW7qQH" target="_blank">This miracle cream has been raved about by everyone and their mother's guinea pig for the last while I feel like, and since I've been dealing with some hormonal skin issues lately I thought I'd at least take a look. All-in-all I think it'll stay in my shopping cart for a little while, maybe until I get desperate.haha But it might be just what you've been looking for so I wanted to share!</a></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YBMQw6" target="_blank">I've never bought cute luggage and I'm not mad about that, but I randomly stumbled on this really classic looking suitcase set and kinda fell in love with it. These will probably stay on my wishlist for a while since we have a couple perfectly functional black canvas bags (that blend in with everyone else's bag ), but they're on sale if you're in the market!</a></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YAzIaP" target="_blank">I know I'm pretty late to the platform wedge sandal party/bandwagon, but that's usually how I roll.lol At any rate, I saw this pair and instantly loved how they looked more casual and sporty with the unique sole, and I think I'd get much more use out of a sandal like that! They come in so many different colors too, go check them out:)</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2FQsmZp" target="_blank">I'm so excited about this curling iron! I was really wanting to try some smaller curls and so I decided to look around for a 3/4 or 1/2 inch to see if they even existed, and I found this puppy for really cheap and from a brand I already love and trust!</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2YDuY4k" target="_blank">You can't tell by looking at them but these are anti-bluelight glasses! Maybe you've heard of them, maybe you haven't, but I have a couple different pairs now and this is my favorite. I just ordered another pair because <i>somebody</i> snapped mine:( But they're low in stock so go check them out! I have really felt a difference using these as someone who works for many hours on devices and was having lots of headaches. I try to use them especially before bed and I've been able to go to sleep faster too. Highly recommend!</a> </li>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> ...And that's all for today! Let me know what you think about the post and if you've seen the evolution of my Friday Finds over the years:) Also if you'd like to see a certain themed set of favorites I'd love to hear about it! I've had a few requests already and I think it'd be fun.</span></span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-8089306719235072112019-07-03T11:00:00.000-06:002019-07-03T11:00:06.130-06:00♡ F O U R ♡<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b><a href="http://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank">Photos by Adrianna Joy Photography</a></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;">Jumper and blouse by <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/hum_stitchery/?hl=en" target="_blank">Hum Stitchery</a></b> for <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/saltandhoneymarket/?hl=en" target="_blank">Salt & Honey Market</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555;">・ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-align: left;">・ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-align: left;">・ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-align: left;">・ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-align: left;">・ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-align: left;">・ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; text-align: left;">・</span></div>
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I'm so obsessed with this little lady! Evie's actual birthday was about a week ago, but we celebrated her through the whole month of June and even into July!:) Birthday month is one of our favorite traditions in our home that we've been doing for a few years now, mostly because we have just one birthday a month, we started extending birth-DAYS and increasing all the fun over their whole birthday month! We have multiple celebrations so different friends and family members can be there, we give the birthday child extra special treatment, we give little surprises throughout the month, and every fun activity we do is in honor of them that month. It drags out the excitement and the joy so much more than if it was just on one day, and the kids think it's the best thing in the world.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> To our little Evie-girl,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I can't believe you're 4 years old! You've been through so much in your little lifetime without even realizing it, but you also don't know the amazing impact your sweet smile and little red curls (and your eyebrows:)) have had on so many, most of all on me. You were my comfort before you were born, giving me little kicks right when I was feeling so lost and alone, and you brought so much clarity and perspective to our family when you were finally born (2 and 1/2 weeks late), and the light and love you exude every day since are a testament to me that our efforts to have a love-centered home are succeeding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> You are SO smart and tough, SO kind, SO beautiful, and you bring SO much joy and endless smiles to anyone and everyone who comes in contact with you (although we do need to work on stranger danger). You make us all so proud baby girl! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Happy Happy Birthday my sweet Evelyn ♡♡</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Love Mama</span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-71850825900503327212019-06-10T20:34:00.001-06:002019-06-17T11:33:36.727-06:00#LoveTheChange<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey gang! Thanks so much for stopping by:)<br />
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With Father's Day coming up soon and dads already being celebrated in different ways I thought it'd be the perfect time to partner with <b><a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersCT">Pampers</a></b> in sharing about an awesome new initiative they're doing to support all the hands-on dads out there!<br />
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Gender roles are changing, and in this day in age with so many stay-at-home moms picking up side-hustles and earning money for their families (blogging, essential oils, photography, makeup, press-on nails, etc, etc, ) more and more fathers are sharing in greater responsibilities with the home and children, with many choosing to stay at home full-time(when it's right for their family). We <b><i>love</i></b> the change and so does <a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersCT"><b>Pampers</b></a>, that's why with only 1 in 10 men's restrooms being equipt with changing tables, <i><b><a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersCT">Pampers</a></b> is partnering with Koala Kare to provide 5,000 changing tables for men's restrooms by 2021, so more dads and babies can #LoveTheChange together when they're out and about! </i><br />
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Working primarily online like we do, we meet and interact with many other husband and wife teams like ours that work together to balance and juggle the home and kids and business, which we think is awesome! Even though we know that it's not what every home wants or can manage, it often seems so natural and common for us that we're usually surprised whenever people ask if Richard is going to 'babysit' the kids while I go to a conference, or when Richard is asked what he does for work but not me. We're proud to tell them that we work from home together, even though mothers are often shamed for choosing to work and dads are guilted for being at home. It's time to recognize the change and celebrate it:)<br />
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It's time to give dads credit for being <i><u>dads,</u></i> and not <i><u>babysitters</u></i>.<br />
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It's time to celebrate dads being able to spend more time with their children, and we love that <b><u><a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersCT">Pampers</a></u></b> is giving so much to advocate for <i>just that</i>. Personally, I think it's funny to hear about all the creative places Richard's had to change the babies diaper when he's out running errands or doing activities with all the kids, but it'd be pretty great if it wasn't necessary don't you think?<br />
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Richard does most of the diaper changing around here, but he never complains and just says that it's a special bonding time for them.lol It's always a challenge to keep Alice from getting distracted and from emptying every wipe pack she can find. It's really her favorite thing in the world, so I loved capturing a bit of that in these photos and in the short video that you can watch on my IG stories. I really appreciate that he has a different activity for each of the children that they just can't wait to do with him whenever they get the chance. </div>
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In wrapping up I'd love to hear of any special dad/child bonding moments you'd care to share? I personally have fond memories of my dad brushing my hair before bed that always make me smile:)</div>
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Take care, and have a great rest of your week!</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-67577757768772623752019-05-03T21:38:00.000-06:002019-05-22T13:49:08.986-06:005 Tips to Encourage Healthy Habits in Children<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>This post is sponsored by Burt's Bees Toothpaste</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Hi loves! Thanks so much for visiting today.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I’ve been getting an extra influx of parenting questions lately (which I love) and this post is hopefully going to answer a bunch of those all in one go! Being a mom is my favorite thing in the world, and sharing pieces of my motherhood journey here with you guys in all it’s big full chaotic goofy messy glory is really rewarding and inspirational for me, and I appreciate your support and feedback and friendship more than I can say.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> So today I’m writing directly to you parents who have expressed a lack of inspiration or motivation when it comes to encouraging your children towards healthier habits and activities.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I’m also happy to share that this post is in partnership with <b>Burt’s Bees</b>, who recently launched their new line of <b>toothpaste</b>! I’ve relied on and trusted products from <b>Burt’s Bees</b> since long before I started having children, so I was excited about trying this new daily staple for myself, and it’s become just that! I'd never been happy with the simpler ingredient options before, so we mostly thought we were out of luck and didn't put much thought into it. It took a company that I've loved and trusted for nearly 15 years to help us easily make the jump towards the best possible oral care for us and the kids, and we're pretty happy about it. I knew right away that I'd love it and the kids are more excited about brushing their teeth than ever! Lydia and Evie love the great <a href="http://bit.ly/2J7Q2uD" target="_blank"><b>fruity flavor in the kids' formula</b></a> - it makes them want to brush! Alice will definitely be using the toothpaste as well once she hits the 2-year mark!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They have three formulas for adults that focus each on whitening, enamel care, and freshness. They also have two kids formulas - both adults and kids have fluoride and fluoride-free options giving you the freedom to choose! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In True Burt's Bees fashion, their toothpaste is made with simple and effective ingredients that really work, and without any artificial flavors, sweeteners, plastic microbeads, etc. Everything you want in your toothpaster and nothing that you don't:) It's available now at Target so be sure to check it out for you and your family!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">5 Tips to Encourage Healthy Habits in Children</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>#1: Teach by example.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don’t know about all children of course, but my kids (and most others I know) love to be wherever their parents are, ‘helping’ with whatever they’re doing at all hours of the day. Utilizing this excitement to be with you is why this is my number one tip, because, in order to show your children what making healthy choices looks like, you have to make healthier choices. Win-win! You’re becoming your best and making better health-conscious decisions for yourself in order to be that role model for your children, and it really pays off big time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’ve gained a love and a passion for exercise and healthier eating and meditation, etc, because I have <b>felt</b> the difference in my day-to-day as a mom of so many little ones, but I also really <i>have</i> to stay active constantly in order to take care of them all well. Our lives will change when we’re teaching our children how to do a jumping jack or how to choose ripe fruit, and don’t forget to call them over whenever you can to include them in your health and fitness choices. For instance, let them help you cook and talk about the ingredients and what they do for your body. Always let them know when you’re going to the gym or out for a run and explain what you’ll be doing and how it’s good for your body. Let them join you whenever possible! They love asking questions and they love learning, and they love copying and finding out ways that they’re just like you:)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>#2: Treat self-care as a privilege and not a chore.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Something that I’ve always felt was important is to never make personal chores into something negative. I didn’t want them to associate things like saying their affirmations or brushing their teeth with work that they wanted to avoid, so while it can be a fine line, try to never send them off to brush their teeth (for instance) with a stern voice or an upset tone, but instead always try to keep it positive. If you have chore charts, maybe consider not having consequences for unfinished chores, but lots of extra positive reinforcement for chores completed. Brushing our teeth in particular is something that everyone associates as a fun and happy activity around here, partly because we always turn it into a group experience with lots of jokes and giggling, partly because we always have a happy and encouraging attitude around it, and partly because they have fun toothbrushes and <b>yummy toothpaste from Burt’s Bees</b>! Haha<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>#3: Have the <i>Good - Better - Best</i> conversation often.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> One approach we’ve taken from the beginning with the kids is teaching them about moderation and what I’ve called the Good-Better-Best method, instead of teaching them that certain foods being <b>all</b> bad or <b>all</b> good for you. And they’re learning! It’s really important to me that my kids have a healthy relationship to food, and that they are never scared of any food to the point of feeling guilty about eating it. I want them to think of food as fuel for their bodies, and that what they put into their bodies effects how their bodies will work (like putting the wrong fuel into a car), but we also love teaching them that food is delicious and fun to make and experiment with and that it makes life wonderful! So instead of teaching them that foods like candy and soda and doughnuts are bad for them, we just teach them that there are many other options that are <i>better</i>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pulling tip #1 into this, teaching them by example is so powerful here too. Let them see you making the little decisions every day, like deciding to make a smoothie instead of pulling out the ice cream, and explain to them that ice cream isn’t horrible and <i>bad</i> for you so much as the smoothie is just <i>better</i> for your body. Give them little quizzes to help them think about it and tell <b>you</b> what is a better choice over something. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>#4: Limit electronic/screen use.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> This can be a pretty personal thing and everyone has different rules and needs for electronics in their home, so I won’t go into rules or absolutes too much. I will say though that I believe keeping electronic use to a minimum with children especially (adults too, but we’re talking kids right now) keeps their minds sharper and more creative, and makes for happier, healthier kids overall. We do have some educational games on the iPad and some that are purely just for fun that the kids take turns playing here and there and I definitely see the benefit in occasional use, but we keep it super minimal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> As for TV use, we always had our family TV right in the living room up until about 2015 when we moved into our last house in Idaho when we had 5 kids in five years. I realized how much I was running the TV throughout the day as a babysitter, and when we moved across town and inherited my grandpa's big old farmhouse table from my parents, I decided that we’d not even put a TV on the main floor at all and instead we schedule special family movie night once in a while instead. The result was a massive surge of outside play and curiosity and sweet interaction with and creativity in all of the children. We also decided to get rid of all their toys not long after (and that’s a whole other post for another time), but without the TV and other electronics freezing them in their tracks and turning them into zombies, they started reading like crazy and coloring on that big old table every chance they could get, and their little minds have done amazing things in al that time! Remember, TV and electronics aren’t bad by any means (and as we work online we do try to teach how good they can be:)), but yes, there are better things to be doing much of the time! :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>#5: Incorporate healthy choices into your daily routine, and have fun!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Overall we have pretty consistent days around here, but things are always kinda flexible at the same time. For the things that we try to always accomplish or get done though as a family, I want my kids to see that those are things that are good for our bodies and our minds. Those things that we make sure and do every single day (or as close as we can get it) are the things that are going to keep us strong and healthy in body and mind and heart. I challenge you to take a minute and write down staples in your day as a family. Your list might include things like ‘wake up early, eat breakfast together, wash face, brush teeth, go for an afternoon walk, have family prayer,’ etc etc. For just about everything on my list I can count on these three little tots hanging on my legs for.haha But my point is that no matter what your day might look like, I encourage you to write next to it if it’s good for your mind or for your body or for your heart/soul, even if it’s in a roundabout way. Then I want you to share that with your kids over the next week! Try to include at least one thing (if not many things) for each category into your every day, and then when you’re eating breakfast together, talk about what you’re eating and how it’s important for your bodies. When you’re brushing their hair, talk about how the vitamins in the fruit they ate help their hair grow shiny and long, and how the sunshine that put those little freckles on their faces. When you’re on a little walk after school, tell them about the different muscles and bones they’re using to climb, and on and on. It might sound like a lot of work, but it’s so rewarding to whittle down the staples in our day to be beneficial in some way, and talking about the reasoning behind it all will come more naturally than you think.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Well, that’s it for now, and if you have a minute I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to share any thoughts you have or favorite tips for integrating healthier choices with your family, and if you’ve tried the new <b>Burt’s Bees toothpaste</b> please let us know what you think! You can get it all over, but I buy ours from Target - and I highly recommend :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Take care loves,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Quick Links:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2J7Q2uD"><b>Kid's Burt's Bees Toothpaste</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2J4u6Re"><b>Burt's Bees Purely White Toothpaste</b></a></span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-7817677718161360302019-04-19T09:21:00.000-06:002019-04-19T09:21:20.048-06:001 Year Trusting Pampers Pure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey loves, I hope you’re having a great week so far! I’m going to keep today’s post short and sweet, but I just really wanted to share these pictures of Alice and the big mess she made with the diapers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Most of you know that Alice had her first birthday a few weeks ago, but you might not know that the <a href="http://bit.ly/2Grn4TL" target="_blank">Pampers Pure collection</a> just turned 1 as well! So not only has it been a big wonderful year of growth and milestones for her(obviously), but it’s also been a solid year of relying on <a href="http://bit.ly/2Grn4TL" target="_blank">Pampers Pure diapers and wipes</a> to keep her delicate skin protected and dry and as healthy as can be. My only regret is that I couldn’t have this awesome duo when all my other kids were babies! I think about all the blow-outs and ruined clothes, not to mention the total peace of mind I’ve gained in the last year by using <a href="http://bit.ly/2Grn4TL" target="_blank">Pampers Pure</a>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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It might seem like a simple or silly thing, but babies wear diapers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have more diaper changes than they do meals during the day, and besides the food they eat I don’t think there’s really anything we parents put more research and care and thought into when looking for the very best than I we do into the diapers they’re wearing all day every day. I feel good about how I did for the first 6 or so years of choosing diapers for my kid’s little butts, but it was impossible to contain my excitement to try the <a href="http://bit.ly/2Grn4TL" target="_blank">Pure collection</a>, and then a clear no-brainer to join the #puretribe and shout my love for them from the rooftops this last year. Why? Because as a mom of 6 who’s tried dozens of brands and has changed roughly 3 million diapers on my children, the <a href="http://bit.ly/2Grn4TL" target="_blank">Pampers Pure collection</a> has been a game changer. Full stop.</div>
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We love you<a href="http://bit.ly/2Grn4TL" target="_blank"> Pampers Pure!</a> And your boxes are kinda fun to play in too apparently.haha</div>
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What are your thoughts on the<a href="http://bit.ly/2Grn4TL" target="_blank"> Pampers Pure collection</a>? I’d love to hear!</div>
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Thanks for visiting today,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-5817820199829063212019-03-11T22:17:00.000-06:002019-03-12T08:34:13.388-06:00What I Wore // 8 Ways To Be Happier Right Now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank">ALL PHOTOS BY ADRIANNA JOY PHOTOGRAPHY</a></div>
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<a href="http://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> || <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrsadriannawebb/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || <a href="https://www.facebook.com/adriannajoyphotographydbq/?pnref=lhc" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </div>
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<b><i>wearing:</i> </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/2THniP1" target="_blank">hat</a> || <a href="http://bit.ly/2VNhDnS" target="_blank">coat</a> || <a href="http://bit.ly/2u1IfFW" target="_blank">shirt</a> || <a href="http://bit.ly/2u2n0nr" target="_blank">jeans</a> || booties (</b>out of stock, but I found similar loves <a href="http://bit.ly/2ET78Zu" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/2ES4yDd" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://bit.ly/2F4xM1R" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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Tonight I felt like I needed to write a bit about being happy and positive, even when life is extremely difficult. One recurring theme in questions from you guys is how I'm so positive all of the time and how can I help you to be. Before I get started with a few tips, I want to stress as strongly as I can is that I am <b><i>not</i></b> positive all of the time. I have always prided myself on my ability to spin any negative situation into something I can learn from or use to better myself, but I am currently (and have been for some time now) fighting against severe anxiety, panic, depression, and other strong mental blocks that make constant happiness impossible. <i>(edited to add that I developed these issues after my husband was given a few months to live, and since then I have recognized that I needed help navigating my trauma, sought professional help, started receiving proper treatment, and am currently doing pretty darn awesome:)) </i><br />
I don't believe that positivity is something that comes naturally to anyone, especially not in the world we live in today with social media constantly telling us that we're not good enough. I believe that the default attitude for all of us, in general, is to constantly see the things in ourselves and around us that need fixing or changing, to see the broken things, the struggles, the pain, and the setbacks. Seeing the bright-side is something that you have to work at <b><i>constantly</i></b>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> <b><span style="font-size: large;">So, here are a few ways to be happier right now:</span></b></div>
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<b>#1:</b> Spend as little time as possible in the past. Don't dwell on situations that happened years or months or even weeks ago unless it is positively beneficial in some way. It's easy sometimes to look back on our mistakes and forget all of our victories, and the past can easily put us in a big funk. Someone once said something along the lines of ‘No amount of time spent dwelling on the past can change the past, and no amount of anxiety for the future will change the future’, or something like that.haha It’s true though. Put your efforts into TODAY.</div>
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<b>#2:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Nurture your relations with those friends and family who truly support you. Those people who give encouragement and love (and accept it from you), and who leave you feeling better about yourself and your potential and about the world around you. They are your tribe, and there's no reason to waste time or valuable energy on people who hurt you or make you feel crappy, or who have ever selfishly and purposely brought you to a dark place. Life is too short to spend your efforts trying to ‘help’ negative people be more positive. That’s not on you. Move forward.</div>
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<b>#3:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Along with #2, getting rid of all unnecessary negativity will instantly increase your happiness and peace of mind. If you have control over it, lose it. Unfollow pages and people who complain constantly or pull others down. Anyone who is focused on the negativity around them or go out of their way to find it in the world will never uplift or inspire you to be happy. Spending your precious time around them will only bring negativity to your life. Even if it's not directed at you it can have a huge effect on your mood, and consistently being exposed to that can have lasting effects.</div>
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<b>#4:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you feel the urge to have a good cry, find a quiet spot and make it happen. It'll work wonders. Pushing emotions away will not make them disappear, it’s only putting off the inevitable. I know from experience that letting yourself sit with your emotions and try to learn from them is healthy and necessary. Yes it’s hard and vulnerable and scary, and yes it can hurt like hell, but I promise it’s for the best.</div>
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<b>#5:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The person who is probably putting the most pressure on you is yourself. We are our own worst critics, and you’re always doing at least a little better than you think you are. So take a deep breath and give yourself some credit for being where you are, accomplishing what you have, and think about how far you've already come.</div>
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<b>#6:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Don't let social media and the internet get in your head too much, it's a beautiful world full of filters and clean corners, and there's no possible way that anyone can share their entire life online, so if they have to pick and choose doesn't it make sense that most of social media are the highlights of people's lives? That means that you miss out on <i>most</i> of the normal messy stuff, and it's so so easy for our brains to believe that those things don't exist to them at all. I promise, they absolutely do. Never compare your story to someone else's page 82.</div>
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<b>#7:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Create something or exercise a talent that you've left dormant for a while. It's a lot easier for us to gain a little more self-love and to feel happier when we see that we do have skills and can hold something concrete to be proud of. I believe that Mother’s especially cannot expect to feel fulfilled every single day from motherhood. Being a parent is mostly thankless and monotonous, constantly doing the same chores over and over again, and it can be difficult on the tough days to feel like you have anything to show for all your efforts. Don’t give up, go pluck at the piano keys a bit or pull out your brushes, etc, it’ll do wonders.</div>
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<b>#8:</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Get on the floor and start stretching. Nothing has helped me find stillness and calm as much as starting yoga has, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone as the greatest physical act of self-love and self-care that I know of. I am not very good at it, and because I took too long of a break I can’t even touch my toes right now when I lean over, which is why I say just to ‘stretch’, instead of telling you to take a yoga class. Don’t wait till you’re wearing the right clothes or till you have the right equipment, just look up a simple yoga flow or sequence on Pinterest and do it in your jeans on the rug for all I care.lol Just watch your posture, take slow and deep breaths (stretch on the exhale) and don’t push yourself into any position that causes pain. It’s amazing.</div>
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Well, I want to keep going with these, but I need to run and help Ellie with a posterboard project for school tomorrow and the timer is beeping that the bread is done.haha If you enjoyed these tips though or found them useful and would like a ‘part 2’ of this post, let me know! Also please share any additional thoughts or tips of your own in the comments for the rest of us to benefit from:)</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-29384966771718282312019-03-01T15:50:00.000-07:002019-03-01T16:00:55.690-07:00We have some exciting news!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /> We have a little announcement we'd like to make…. our little family is moving to Utah!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> This feels like big huge news for our family in some ways, but also like pretty small news in others. On one hand, I’ve lived in Idaho for the last thirteen years or so and have so many dear friends and special places that are close to my heart. On the other hand, Utah has been like our second home all this time, not to mention that Richard lived here on and off since about 2005 until he left everything to come to Idaho, so the move isn’t <i>completely</i> full of change and newness like it might be under other circumstances.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> I also know there are <i>tons</i> of you that will be surprised only because you thought my family <i>already</i> lived in Utah! haha Everytime I would meet one of you in Idaho you thought I was visiting, and I would explain that it was because we’ve spent SO much of our lives here(Utah) between all the work/blogging events and collaborations, visits to all of my family and friends that live here, Martin’s old school friends, and now many of Richard’s friends (and family too) since he lived here for so long. We just know that after years of commuting here oftentimes week-after-week that it’s time to make it official, and we really couldn’t be more excited!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> It’s been nearly 10 years now since my late-husband Martin and I started our lives together, and after we were married and moved into our first house we felt pretty fortunate to be able to stay in southern Idaho right near both his and my parents, mostly because that’s a pretty rare thing for new young couples, especially when I was just starting college.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> We’ve always felt very led in our decision making, and as much as we loved our friends and neighbors in Idaho, we loved talking often about all of the fun new places our lives might take us. It was just a few years later when what had begun as my little online journal started becoming a bigger source of income that he and I started talking seriously about the different areas of Utah that would make work and adventure so much easier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>After he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2015 and it looked like we were going to pursue chemotherapy at The Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt Lake, we were once again looking for homes there and trying to decide if it was the right time to move. We were given a prognosis of just a few months left for him to live, and he wanted to make sure I was near my closest family and also many supportive friends that would be able to help me move forward with our five young children once he was gone. We ultimately decided that he should start immunotherapy in Mexico and that we should stay in Idaho for the time being, but we still knew that we needed to at least leave the neighborhood where we were living. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> We very quickly found the house that we’ve lived in for the last 3 ½ years or so, and that home has been good to us, so leaving it has been bitter-sweet. Leaving the house where he passed away is bitter-sweet. I received a lot of advice after he passed away that I should move away from the home we'd shared and the place where he'd died, but I'm glad we stayed for as long as we did.</span></div>
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<i><a href="http://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank">These photos were taken by our wonderful friend Adrianna Webb and don't really have </a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank">much <span style="text-align: center;">to do with us moving, but I figured that there's still plenty of snow on </span>the </a></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank">ground and Harry Potter pajamas are always appropriate, so why not?! haha</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> We feel so much excitement for the bright future ahead, but Idaho will always be such a special place to our family and to me especially. It’s where all my sweetest years with Martin were spent as well as the hardest years of my life. It’s where our three homes are, where our children were all born, and the bench where Martin proposed to me. It’ll always have my favorite sushi restaurant and the Thai place where the owner knows our order. It’s also where I held his hand and watched him pass away, and it’s where his body is buried.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> Richard and I plan on taking the family back often to visit the landmarks that are so special to us, the relatives that we’re close to there, and of course to see all of our friends and neighbors that are so much a part of our family. All of the people that carried us during those impossible years especially will always stay in our hearts. All of the adopted grandparents that read the kids stories before bed and that brought us dinner over and over again. The friends that drove across town at 2am to sit with me while I broke completely, that held my hand when the coroner came to take his body, that sat on the roof on the fourth of July and cried with me, and on and on. I love feeling like that whole life from beginning to now is all secure and safe in a little town in Idaho, and that now we have a wonderful chance for a fresh start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The kids were elated and then jumping with joy at the mention of a move to Utah, and they started rattling off people and places that we love visiting here and how we could see them all the time! They have nearly 20 little cousins here that they love to visit, and the idea of living right near them was mind blowing I think.haha Ellie especially was thrilled, because before we’d made the decision official, she had suggested that a move might be really good for our family and good for her in particular. Naturally, she thought Richard and I had just taken her advice and she was elated at the prospect that she was responsible for all the fresh new excitement.haha<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> Overall we've been pretty caught up in unpacking and painting and such since our first trip down and have sort of lost track of time, but every day has been filled with fun experiences and family scooter rides and already SO many visits with people we love and have missed. It feels like a dream to be so close to so much, living in a such a populated area, while also living right in the mountains with gorgeous scenery all around and so many trails to explore, etc. Richard actually found our home on a solo visit, and we both knew it was the one almost immediately. He's been so excited about the potential we have here and has already taken the kids out on so many little adventures. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">He has always loved being as active as possible outdoors, and that lifestyle will be able to be much more fulfilled here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Well, I’ve gone into way more detail than I thought I would in this post, but feel free to ask any questions you may still have in the comments and I’ll get to them in the next post! All-in-all it’s just pretty incredible how things work out sometimes, and already we’re amazed to see how our family is thriving in our new home. We’re still just a reasonably short drive away from our old stomping grounds, and we’re back and forth quite a bit still as we wrap up affairs and such there, but it’s already making such a difference with work and family time, and the kids especially are making so many friends(and getting more party invites than they know what to do with) and doing <i>so</i> well in school, it’s so sweet to see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>A big thank you to <i>everyone</i> who has been <b>so</b> supportive and encouraging, and helpful in the packing and moving so far, it means the world to us! We feel like we’re taking all the best things and relationships with us, while also being able to leave everything negative behind, and I have to smile a little to know that Martin’s close by constantly and is excited to see that our family is moving along the path that he and I dreamed about all those years ago.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> Thanks so much for reading, and cheers to the future!</span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-17519397251630594762018-12-26T23:21:00.003-07:002018-12-26T23:21:25.707-07:00Silent Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Silent night, holy night</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">All is calm, all is bright</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">'Round yon virgin Mother and Child</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Holy infant so tender and mild</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Sleep in heavenly peace</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">- Silent Night by Franz Gruber</span></i></div>
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I hope you've had a beautiful Christmas! These photos are probably my most prized possessions in the entire world at this moment.haha! It was just such an unexpected turn of events that led to us being able to do this with the kids, and they were just in heaven all dressed up and proudly posing in their roles for the Nativity scene for us as we took these. </div>
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I don't share very often about my religious beliefs as a personal preference, but here's a bit of background: I was raised in a Christian household where we were taught to not write letters to Santa and think about the gifts we would be getting, etc, but instead about how we could help others and serve around Christmas, as the Savior did. Part of my late husband Martin and my efforts of having a Christ-centered Christmas was to spend our Decembers delivering pieces of the nativity scene in secret to other families with our few little babies in tow, taking treats and sending out cards to loved ones, performing daily good deeds and random acts of kindness for strangers and the community, etc, and we always read through the chapters in The Bible about the birth of Jesus Christ. The last time we did it before he passed away the kids were 4, 3, 2, 1, (and Evie was half-baked.haha) so while we put in a good effort to act it out, we really looked forward to the years when our children would be old enough to dress up in little homemade costumes and really play the parts to get into the spirit of the season like so many other families love to do. </div>
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Well this year we finally got to do it like that, and I know Marty was proud:) It was sweeter than I ever thought it could be, and having these photos to remember it mean so much to be! Long story short, I mentioned the above story to a dear friend and expressed regret that I'd not been able to do it yet. She encouraged me to not only make it happen this year but to reach out to another mutual friend of ours who puts on a big nativity production on her property every year, and ask to borrow her stable! Because I mean, isn't it the coolest?! And Evie's face in this next one especially. haha</div>
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All in all, the kids started cheering and jumping up and down when I told them we were going to dress them up and that they were going to get to be in a <i><b>real</b></i> stable with a manger and hay and everything, and their excitement was palpable as we got ready quickly and tried to get through everything before it was too dark to see. It was such a wonderful experience for us that we'll remember always, and I just can't get over how darn adorable they are:)<br />
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For the record, that's Evie and Alice as little humble shepherds on the left, John was pretty excited that he was a shoe-in for Joseph, Lydia is the beautiful wise-woman on the right, Ellie wanted to be an angel with a flowy white dress, and Sophie jumped at the chance to be Mary and hold the 'baby Jesus', which -fun fact- is a baby doll named Benjamin my parents gave to me when I was about 5 years old.<br />
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Anyways, thank you so much for being here and for reading this through, and I hope you've enjoyed this post as well as all the other posts lately! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts more and more, and once again I just hope that you have some peace and stillness in your heart this season and happiness in your home!<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas,<br />
xoxoxo<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-39919731251387047742018-12-25T18:29:00.000-07:002018-12-25T18:35:32.536-07:00We wish you a merry christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
May the simple joys of Christmas warm your heart, fill your home, and last a lifetime. ♡<br />
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<a href="http://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank"><b>PHOTOS BY ADRIANNA JOY PHOTOGRAPHY</b></a></div>
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<b>website || instagram || facebook</b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wearing: <a href="https://theshineproject.com/" target="_blank">My dress is from The Shine Project by Ashley Lamieux</a> - Richard's suit and shoes are from Mr Mac, John's suit is from Macy's, all of the girls dresses and the kids shoes are from Target, and yes I'm wearing my converse:)</span></i></div>
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We've been spending our Christmas with some of my family making lots of soups and treats, playing outside, singing hymns, gifting throughout the day, coloring, nail painting, hair braiding, and overall just feeling so calm and at peace. No really! haha It's been a beautiful day here, and we've also been able to celebrate little Alice a bit reaching her 10 month mark! We can hardly believe she's so grown up already, but then again, all the kids are growing and changing so much don't you think?!</div>
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Well, I hope you've have a fun rest of your week planned, and that you've been able to spend a little time either with your favorite people or doing your favorite activity, or eating your favorite things!</div>
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From our whole family, we love and SO appreciate and wish the very best for every single one of you!<br />
xoxoxo<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-79766513107955332092018-12-21T15:08:00.000-07:002018-12-24T22:23:44.073-07:00Cold weather days call for fun Family Activities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Today's post is a fun one and a pretty quick read, and it includes a </i></div>
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<i>kinda fascinating experiment that the kids and I did together!</i></div>
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Thanks so much for being here! For those that don't know, I'm 27-years-old and my 6 kiddies are 8, 7, 6, 5, 3, and 8 months. Life is always moving <i>fast</i> and a little upside-down and backward too for sure, but every day that I'm faced with new hurdles to get over, I am also hitting milestones with my gang that I treasure so much, so it all evens out! That being said, there are so many things we use every day that can either make our mothering easier or harder depending on how well they work for us. I've been through a whole lot of products in my years as a mom of 6 and I love sharing my favorites with you guys, so I'm happy to be partnering with <a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersDemo" target="_blank">Pampers Pure</a> again (as a die-hard fan and member of the #puretribe) to show why they rock in a fun little experiment by the kids!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, a little back-story:</span></div>
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For the last year or so, the older girls have been asking to do <b><i>everything</i></b> with me all day long, and it's truly been SO sweet. There are days when I need quiet and time to focus for sure, but I love teaching them and learning from them simultaneously, and when they ask questions that I don't know the answer to, it's really fun to figure it out together as a team. This is one of the bitter-sweet milestones; having them really talk about growing up and chasing dreams and having families</div>
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Today's post comes from a conversation the other day when I was teaching Ellie about diaper changing. She asked why we use only <a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersDemo" target="_blank">Pampers Pure </a>diapers and wipes over all the other kinds of diapers. I explained to her that they were extra soft and made with simple and pure materials that were gentle on the baby's bums, and that they didn't have lots of potentially dangerous ingredients. I also talked about blowouts and how other diapers don't protect as well from leaking, and how the <a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersDemo" target="_blank">Pampers Pure</a> diapers absorb really well. She asked why anyone would want to put the other 'bad' diapers on their kid's bums instead of using <a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersDemo" target="_blank">Pampers</a>, and I had to laugh a little at such a cute question. I had to just explain how we all do the best we can as parents with the information we have, which is why we love to talk about good things as often as we can! </div>
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There was a lot more to our conversation, but in the end, we were excited to try a fun experiment of sorts on a couple diapers with all the other kids who wanted to participate too, and I'm excited to share how it went down!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Setting it up:</span><br />
- We started out by getting a diaper from another popular company in the 'clean' category in the same size as Evie is wearing in Pampers.<br />
- We filled two identical cups with water and used a little blue food coloring to help us better watch what happened.<br />
- We took the two diapers (one from Pampers Pure and one from the other company) and opened them up next to each other, being careful to treat them the same.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Now for the fun part:</span><br />
While John and Lydia help the two diapers open, Ellie and Sophie slowly poured the blue water onto both of the diapers at the same rate, and then I stepped in after a minute or two to do the last step! Placing a folded paper towel over both diapers, I pressed my hands down (pretty hard actually) onto both diapers equally for a few seconds, and that was it!<br />
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Our whole family crowded around the table to see what had happened, and I was actually surprised at exactly how much more the Pampers diaper had locked away. As soon as I started pressing on them, the competing diaper immediately soaked the paper towel (you can see my very blue handprint on the left diaper above), while the Pampers diaper on the right barely let out a couple drops! You can see the indents of my hands from the pressure, and yet, almost no blue at all:)<br />
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"WE WON!" John shouted jumping off his chair, and we all laughed.<br />
Each kiddo wanted to take a turn pressing on the paper towels to see if the results would change, and then Sophie pointed out that while the competing diaper was very blue, that there was a kind of white layer inside the Pampers diaper over top the blue water that would seem to protect the baby's bum better than the other one. I also thought it was really neat that while the Pampers diaper didn't seem to swell more than a very slight amount after absorbing the water, the other diaper had swelled up to nearly tripled it's height, even with the water that the paper towels had taken out!<br />
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All in all, we really did 'win' by choosing <a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersDemo" target="_blank">Pampers Pure</a> with no compromising! hahaha </div>
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The kids are making lists of other little inside activities and experiments that they want to do together, and I'd love to hear your thoughts not only on the little test (and/or if you use and love <a href="http://spr.ly/EmilyMeyersDemo" target="_blank">Pampers Pure</a>), but what other activities you love doing this time of year with or without your family? Thanks in advance!</div>
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xoxo</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-34600201632544954012018-12-17T20:17:00.000-07:002018-12-17T20:17:18.210-07:0014 tricks to keep you motivated and productive<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">My list of simple ideas for things to add to your morning routine and incorporate throughout your<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">day to keep you feeling productive and motivated until your head hits the pillow at night.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">WEARING: Sweatshirt ||<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jeans<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>|| Alice’s Onesie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This post was sponsored by</i><a href="https://www.naturesway.com/"><span class="s2"><i> </i></span><span class="s3"><i>Nature’s Way</i></span></a><i>. Thank you for supporting the</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">companies that partner with The Freckled Fox blog and make it possible!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for being here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Something that I’ve always struggled with in the past was finding the drive within to keep myself motivated. These days I certainly still have times when I can feel the heavy weight of issues or stress and I just have to let go of my expectations of getting anything done(which is totally okay and healthy sometimes), I do wonder myself how I get so much done in a day with all the obstacles I work around.haha<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> One of the most asked questions I see on my blog and social media are variations of <i>“How do you do it all!?”</i> oftentimes paired with: <i>“and with 6 kids and your grief journey and owning your own business?!”</i> Now while this is extremely flattering and generous, I also am always left feeling both partially sad and excited to hear and read these questions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> I feel <b>sad</b> immediately because I know this person asking me is comparing a few clean photos of my family life to her every-day struggle and hustle and wondering what she’s doing wrong. She’s thinking that I actually DO have it all together (which hasn’t really been accurate since right before my late husband was diagnosed with Cancer), and that so many other moms/women do too while she struggles. She’s wondering if she’ll ever feel like she has control of her life any more and if any of it is worth it. She’s disappointed that she can’t seem to accomplish anything beyond keeping her kids alive every day and wondering if that’s okay.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Those are reasons I feel sad, but then as I said I also feel <i><b>excitement</b>,</i> and also <i><b>gratitude</b></i> when I read these different women's words, because I have the opportunity to set the record straight for them...for her. I’m picturing someone in particular right now:) I get to take that moment of her frustration and self-doubt and build her up a bit, and it makes me so happy. I get to tell her that we are <span class="s1"><i>so much more alike than she may realize</i></span>. ALL OF US. That we <i>both</i> undoubtedly have large heaps of laundry piled in our rooms and dishes spilling out of the sink onto the counter, etc. I get to tell her that she is so loved and so powerful and beautiful and good. I get tell her that <i><b>nobody</b></i> has it all together, and then I usually end up sharing a few things that I’ve picked up over the years through trial and error that <span class="s1"><i><b>really do make a massive difference</b>.</i></span> They help me keep energized and productive and they keep me feeling motivated throughout the day, and I’m so excited to be sharing my favorites with you today!!</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Disclaimer: all of these tricks are things that I’ve learned through trial and error over the last 15 years or so, and they have worked massively<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">well for me, that being said they are by no means meant to be a one-size-fits-all solution to productivity. Just keep in mind that while I believe these<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">are general and can apply to most situations to those reading, everyone is different and will have differing preferences. Etc. Thank you!</span></i></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>14 Tricks to Help Keep You Motivated and Productive</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 1:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Focus on today, and <i>only</i> today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Living with intention is something that I’ve worked hard at over the last year especially, and to me it is mainly about <i><b>living on purpose</b></i>. Focusing on the present moment, being aware of what is around us, of the season of life that we are in, and taking responsibility for our life and our choices. A big part of that as well is living in the moment, being aware of the moment that we are in. If our minds are in the past or the future, we are not truly able to live and achieve and succeed in the present. Does that make sense? If your main goal is to plow through your checklist efficiently and have the energy and clarity of mind to do it, the first thing you have to do is to create tunnel vision for today, so to speak:) Try to put any past worries or issues out of your mind, and don’t let yourself get distracted by trying to plan or purchase or schedule for the future. Today is all we have! Make friends with the day and enjoy it as much as you can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 2:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When you’re waking up, don’t hit the snooze button.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Don’t do it. As I tried to cover in my disclaimer, <span class="s1">everyone is different for sure</span>, but, I’ve talked to SO many people who have had the same experience that I have had where my one or two snooze allowances that I set for myself always turn into 4-5, and then I’m running late! Running late sets a tone for the rest of your day, and you’ll be so much less effective if you’re stressed and anxious and trying to play catch-up. Not to mention how poorly it can affect your mood, how you interact with other people, how you speak to yourself, and so on. Just simply set your alarm to a little before you need to sit up and get going so you have a minute to wake up your senses. Before you go to sleep you should make your peace with how much or how little sleep you’re going to get that night (for whatever reason) and let yourself sleep till you need/want to get up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 3:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">List your goals and be your own cheerleader (aka manifestation and affirmations)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I’ve learned from experience that if I want to have the most productive day possible, then I need to take a minute to plan my day realistically and list my most important goals. I like making a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate and sitting down once the older kids are off at school and the house is quieter, and I pull out my journal. Not only do I write out a checklist of to-dos, but I also use this opportunity to write down some things that I’m proud of and list some affirmations for myself. Little bits of encouragement can go such a long way, and those things may serve as your inner voice all day long instead of worries about failure to achieve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 4:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Give your body and mind some extra love and support </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Ever since training for my fitness competition (I competed in NPC after Lydia was born, about 5 years ago) and getting used to taking vitamins on a regular basis, I feel SUCH a difference in the way my brain and body function when I forget to take them. I don’t take quite as many now as I used to, but a few that I never leave out of my daily routine are some favorites from <i>Nature’s Way</i>. My best friend is the Ginkgold Max for mental sharpness, which helps me SO much with concentration and focus and with staying on task.* It also protects against free radicals and helps support memory and healthy blood circulation.*<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">I also <i>really</i> love the results I get from taking Ashwagandha, also from <i>Nature’s Way</i>. It’s really an <span class="s1">incredibly</span> beneficial herb that has all sorts of benefits for overall wellness, but primarily it’s classified as an “adaptogen” meaning that it can help reduce and manage stress, and it’s made such a big difference for me in a lot of ways! I recommend it to everyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">Number 5:</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Drink drink drink...water:)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">I’m gonna take a little guess that </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">you</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> reading this </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">right now</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> don’t always drink your minimum 8 glasses of water every day...because I know I don’t most of the time! I believe most of us live daily in early to mid stages of dehydration without really knowing it. There are so many symptoms of dehydration that we deal with so frequently that we think of as just a normal part of adult life, symptoms like fatigue and headaches, dry skin and mouth, dizziness and lightheadedness, being overly tired or sleepy, low blood pressure, lethargy, lack of motivation, nausea, etc. and we don’t go to water as a solution immediately. During my bikini competition (granted it was when I was exercising 5-6 days a week), I drank about one ounce per pound that I weighed. So weighing roughly between 130-145lbs I was shooting for about a gallon of water a day, and I have never felt more </span>clear headed<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> and naturally energized in my whole life! I LOVE the way my body and mind feel when I’m drinking seemingly excessive amounts of water.</span>haha<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> There is such a stronger clarity to everything I see and hear, and, so start drinking more water right now because you deserve it:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 6:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ground and center yourself.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">This is another part of my morning routine that is a game changer for me emotionally and mentally, but I never ever just jump out of bed if I can help it. I take a minute to take some deep breaths as I move to the side of my bed and sit up tall and straight before standing up. At that moment I stop and close my eyes, taking 3-5 long deep breaths as I spread my toes and flatten my feet on the floor. This is my way of grounding’ my body and my spirit, which is telling myself that I am safe and secure and that I can thrive today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 7:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stretch throughout the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">My nightly and morning yoga routines are basically just stretching flows, following where it hurts so good to stretch my muscles and test my balance.haha And while you don’t have to have a nightly and morning routine (although I can’t recommend it enough!) You’d benefit from even a minimum of five quiet minutes of stretching. It feels good because it’s loosening your muscles and relieving muscle fatigue and stiffness that may have come from work or chores where you’ve been sitting long hours(editing photos and videos) or hunching over (dishes and laundry). Stretching for at least five minutes has also been proven to quickly relieve stress and anxiety, to improve your overall posture, to improve flexibility and agility while preventing injury, and it contributes to you feeling happier and more positive overall! Can’t beat that:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 8:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Listen to something inspirational.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Over the last few years, I’ve had to avoid music somewhat as a motivation tool since music has had a funny way of pulling me into certain pools of thought and in turn slowing me down with distractions. My solution was to listen to lighthearted shows while I worked like ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Rec’ while I worked, which helped my brain focus on only a few things instead of running wild. I also got into podcasts and audiobooks soon after, and there are so many awesome choices if you just google a bit! Some of my favorite inspirational authors right now are Brene Brown, Rachel Hollis, Anthony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart Tolle, Glennon Doyle Melton, and Marie Kondo. A few favorite motivational podcasts are by Jenna Kutcher, Oprah Super Soul conversations, the Rise Podcast, Marvelous Moms, Women with Fire, and Rich Roll.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 9:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don’t keep your phone on your person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">This came about by accident (I started wearing yoga pants all the time and mine don’t have pockets :/ ), and then by my own butterfingers (accidentally dropping my phone or having it fall out of my stupidly shallow girl pockets), but I started just leaving my phone on the counter or table where it could charge and then I found myself wandering around the house doing chores and I’d most-often forget about it! I started to see such a steep incline in my general productivity when I didn’t have my phone in my pocket constantly buzzing with notifications and calls, etc, and my focus was broken SO much less from my current task.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 10:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Make an over-the-top-detailed To-Do list... on paper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Some people are list people and some just aren’t, so don’t feel badly if this doesn’t make sense to you, but for me and others like me, there is nothing so satisfying and motivating as when we get to scratch a line through or put a checkmark beside an actual task on an actual list, it’s the best isn’t it? I love lists and I love accomplishing things so I can cross them off those lists, but I could go hours doing things and still not get to scratch out one item. Here’s what I started doing that helped me SO much. I would check in with my list every hour or so (on a busy day) and even if I hadn’t gotten anything that I’d hoped I could get done, I would fill in things that took up my time anyways, and then cross them right off! No joke, I would come back to my list in the afternoon and had gotten maybe two things done that were written on it, so I started writing out the necessary things that had taken up my time, and all my discouragement just flew out the window. Sure, I hadn’t gotten that post finished or that call made, but I’d fed the baby and done 12 loads of laundry and talked to my mother, etc, which were all important for different reasons. Give it a try and see how you feel:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 11:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Take an exercise break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">This doesn’t have to be two hours hitting the weights with the meatheads at the gym, but any sort of physical activity that’ll bring up your heart rate for at even 20 minutes will help you reset and recharge you like you wouldn’t believe. Although I can’t deny the big differences I feel from a good hour and a half with weights or on the climbing wall, most of the time lately it’s just a walk in the neighborhood with the little girls and Diesel on a leash or a little jog in the garage on the treadmill. I don’t need to go into detail about the <i>overall</i> benefits of exercise breaks in general, but even if just for the happy endorphins alone, this is one of the best tricks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 12:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Flip on a motivational playlist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">You know the music I’m talking about. Not the stuff that makes you all lovesick or mopey, not the stuff that is screaming so loud that you ear-drums are pounding through your head and shaking up your brains, but any and every song that when it comes on makes you think things like ‘I can totally do this!’ ‘you’re so lucky to have what you have’ Today is going to be a great day.’ or how about ‘I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar!’ that’s a good one.haha You know, those songs that make you dance around a little and break out the embarrassing moves you only do at home. Those kinds of songs can shoot right through our souls and effect our minds in a really intense way. Choose wisely!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Eat something healthy (aka fruits and vegetables, whole foods, etc)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">This one really doesn’t need an explanation I’m sure, but I will say that most everyone reading this will probably agree that when you eat garbage, you feel like garbage, right? haha So if you’re on a mission to feel as energized and productive as possible, eating something loaded with nutrients and minerals, vitamins, etc, is going to help you do that while downing a 2 liter of dr pepper with a pint of ice cream and the rest of that pack of Oreos is going to halt you in your tracks. Moderation is all things, and in the end you know your body, but bottom line- go for some greens:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Number 14:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Breath, Trust, Relax, and Smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">This list really hasn’t been in any order of importance or effectiveness necessarily, but I DO know this one needed to be at the end. Because yes, some days I feel like a powerhouse superwoman that can take on the world, but those days aren’t the majority even now, and it’s taken so much work and effort and tears and crazy determination to get to the point where I have any of those days at all. I’ve spent weeks and months at a time where I felt like a failure every single day, and I guess my point is that at the end of the day, please don’t beat yourself up for what you didn’t do, and look at what you DID do. Remember that failure is proof you’re trying, and that anyone who is successful at anything started out right where you are. They learned what didn’t work before learning what DID, so let your failures motivate you towards your goal by remembering that you’re simply eliminating paths that don’t work for you. Allow yourself time to take a break and de-stress when you feel overwhelmed or need to recharge. Even just a change of scenery and taking a little time for some deep breaths can help bring a fresh new perspective and valuable enlightenment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Well I have lots more I want to share on this topic, but I’d better wrap this up for today! If you want to have a ‘Part 2’ at some point just let me know:) All in all I really don’t have it all figured out, I don’t ‘have it all together’either, but I do feel that I’ve learned a heck of a lot in my life, and I love passing it on! So I hope that you feel encouraged a little bit and excited to take some or all of these tricks and REALLY use them to help motivate yourself, because I promise that you will see such a difference in what you’re able to accomplish!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> So, never underestimate the impact that a few words of encouragement could mean to someone(and to yourself) and share a few of these tips (or the whole post!) as ways that they can start right now to get a little more out of their day! I hope you know how much I appreciate you being here and how much support it brings, and I hope you feel a bit more empowered to take on the day without fear or stress about all your to-do’s. Now I would truly would love to hear your thoughts on which word or two makes SUCH a difference to hear others say to you right now?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> What is your favorite trick in here that you’re either just considering or already use in your daily life? Comment below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> xoxoxo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. </span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-50244514734372027642018-11-29T19:47:00.000-07:002018-12-05T14:22:07.528-07:00My top 10 tips for the best sleep ever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">My go-to relaxation routine to help me achieve the best sleep ever, </span></span></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and a few alternate suggestions to help personalize it just for you!</span></i></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-9c1bfe20-7fff-aadc-b222-7cc8dc1cc2ea"><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Items Pictured: <a href="http://bit.ly/2Q77xjp" target="_blank">sportsbra</a> || <a href="http://bit.ly/2BGzuWp" target="_blank">shorts</a> || <a href="http://bit.ly/2KI4mbZ" target="_blank">yoga wheel</a> || <a href="http://bit.ly/2FMIUDO" target="_blank">headphones</a> || <a href="http://bit.ly/2DRYFXA" target="_blank">yoga mat</a> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 9pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a33f4a58-7fff-84f9-6038-77987425ca38"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>This post was sponsored by <a href="https://www.naturesway.com/" target="_blank">Nature’s Way</a>. Thank you for supporting the </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 9pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>companies that </i></span></span><i style="font-family: alegreya; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">partner with The Freckled Fox blog and make it possible!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Thanks for being here today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With how crazy life can get, you guys have been asking for a long time how I manage to do all that I manage to do, and how I get enough sleep to do it. But through all the ups and downs with my sleeping routines and schedules over the summer, I wanted to make sure that I had found the</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> perfect</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fool-proof nightly routine for </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the best quality of sleep</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> before passing it onto you guys, </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and here it finally is.</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I’m going to break these tips down to make them as simple as possible</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">because I can always go into more details down the road if needed. I do want to remind you briefly however that I've had more than enough craziness in my life during the last 10 years to ensure I never have a solid nights sleep again.haha So if these things can work for me than they're pretty likely to help you too! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I mean the obvious chaos that is our life from having 6 little ones between the ages of 8 and 8 months old, being a full-time mommy and also taking care of my late husband Martin during his cancer battle, working as the breadwinner (mostly through the night) during all that time, struggling emotional etc since then, and lastly I think just the pressures of the work I do online and the time spent trying to work/life balance can be so overwhelming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> There have been years where I couldn't rationalize sleep when I knew how behind I was</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and my poor brain and body have been and still are </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">constantly</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> exhausted and overwrought, but that doesn’t stop me from always having to keep going and going </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all the time</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The difference these days though is that I’ve been slowly working at implementing the perfect nightly routine until I’ve perfected it, and it’s completely turned my life around through getting proper rest. Sleep is probably number 1 in importance for our overall health and wellbeing, and a good night's sleep can make or break you, it really can. So quit messing around and let's get on with it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 16pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are my 10 best tips for the BEST SLEEP EVER</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #1: Begin your wind-down with stretching/yoga and easy meditation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Settle down for a bit of stillness and meditation, and some yoga/stretches. This is my absolute favorite part of the day. This is the first signal to my brain that I’m winding down. I love going onto the back porch as much as I can, but it’s been hit or miss with the weather lately. The leaves blowing around me though and Luna the cat joining me always make it a little more fun.haha </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I get some calm music playing and then just move slowly and flow with how my body tells me to. I twist a little this way and that, trying new positions from memory, taking deep breaths and focusing on the here and now, on the movements of my body, on the strength I feel. This is the moment that you start to push out all of the garbage that tried to camp out in your brain today. All the negativity, all the frustrations and failures and burned soups and forgotten car keys. I push it all away as I concentrate on where my body touches the mat and imagine all that junk leaving me with each exhale. As I said, it’s become an essential part of my wind down and I like to drag it out when possible, but it doesn’t have to take more than a couple minutes if you’re strapped for time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #2: Clear your mind.</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I’m in the middle of my stretching I like to keep a pad nearby so I can start emptying my mind as I go. This is essential to write down any important things that come to mind in order to be able to push them out of my mind while I’m trying to clear it, and not worry about forgetting them. I just keep a little running bullet list, and I’ve found that when I don’t take the time for this that my mind will keep reminding me of them long after the lights go out, and I’ll be paranoid about forgetting until the lights have to come back on again so I can write it down. Trust me, get it out of the way as soon as you can.haha</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #3: Hydrate and ensure a deep sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next, I like to drink a little warm herbal tea (especially in the fall and winter) or a big glass of water and I take my evening medications along with my favorite herbal product to support restful sleep called </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silent Night</span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It’s by </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.naturesway.com/" target="_blank">Nature’s Way</a></span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and after years of trying different things to help me sleep better, I really love that this has such a calming and almost smooth way of slowing the world down and just helping you relax and prepare you for a solid night's sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #4: Tidy up and put away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next, I move onto ‘buttoning up the house’ a bit. This is a fun term that my late husband Martin started using early in our marriage and it just stuck. I’m not talking about anything too OCD, but just putting away any last perishables on the counters, starting the dishwasher, making sure the kids lunches are ready for the next day, locking the doors, arming the alarm system, turning off the basement lights, blowing out any candles, checking on the kids one last time and tucking them in, etc. It’s a simple ritual, but effective and smart as well. It’s a really important (but often overlooked) part of helping your mind relax for sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #5: Plan for the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once moving into the bedroom we usually end up talking about the kids and funny things they said or did that day, ways we can improve and teach differently, activities we want to take them on and such while we change and brush our teeth, etc. Sometimes we watch a little of a favorite show together (though we’re trying to cut that out altogether eventually). We also look at our calendars a bit and compare notes about doctors visits, hair appointments, school performances, etc, just to get on the same page, and it really sets us up for success the next day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #6: Hair and skincare regimen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is more part of my nightly routine then something that really helps to promote deeper sleep, but I do feel much better when I lay down to sleep with a fresh clean face and my hair up in a loose bun. I can share more detail about what I use and such in a later post if you’d like, but taking the steps to wash my face with warm water and maybe doing a facemask or something always seems to help me feel more calm and relaxed. Maybe it’s just another little step towards being intentional and taking care of myself that helps me feel better in general, like my life is my own and isn’t being controlled by my hectic schedule, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#7: Turn off your screens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know this is a bit of an eye-roller for a lot of us, especially when we work on our phones and computers throughout the day, but not only does it help especially from the aspect of turning off our ‘work’ brains, but the quick delivery of information that comes from scrolling social media and such and the lights all serve to stimulate our senses so much and make it that much harder to quiet everything down enough to sleep well. If you like to play games on your phone to wind down after a busy day, you need to take into account that you’ll probably need to do a few more things to calm your brain and relax before you’ll be able to have a solid nights sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #8: Set up your bed and the room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re someone that can’t sleep in total silence, make sure you have a fan going or something that can create a little white noise. If there’s a weird clicking sound from upstairs, go get it figured out before trying to sleep. Make sure you have all the pillows you need:) If it’s too warm then open a window. If it’s too cold than toss on another blanket and put on some warm socks. If you know you get to sleep in a bit the next day, maybe cover the window with a dark blanket to help keep the sun from waking you up too early. See where I’m going with this? Haha Again these might seem like simple things, but they go a long way towards helping you have a really restful productive nights sleep. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #9: Practice a little body love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Something I’ve been doing for years as often as I can before bed is to put on some body lotion. It started when I first got pregnant with my oldest Eleanor. I started rubbing stretch mark cream on my belly every night before sleeping, and not only was it good for my skin, but something about the circular motions while massaging it in was really relaxing. These days I love rubbing some onto my legs and arms, my feet, what I can reach of my back, and my stomach still:) I know it has made a huge difference in the health of my skin and my circulation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 14pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #10: Read a book to drift off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you ever started reading a book and ended up falling asleep and waking up with the book on your chest? (or your face, true story.lol) Reading is such a great tool for helping you clear your mind in a simple and educational and almost hypnotic way. Even if you’re not into reading because it’s too boring or whatever, keeping this practice will just make you fall asleep all the faster.haha </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya"; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In conclusion,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm not a morning person and never really have been, but these tips help make whatever sleep I can manage really count! I LOVE my sleep and it is valuable and rare, and how I sleep dictates so much about my day and my mood, and how refreshed and alert I feel, my appetite, and subsequently how productive and happy I feel throughout the day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> What is something that you love doing to help you wind down and/or sleep better? Leave a comment and let us know!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "alegreya";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">xoxo, </span></span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-91836913225884824922018-11-14T23:30:00.000-07:002018-11-15T00:57:13.439-07:00Little Miss 5-year-old<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://katielynnnphotography.pixieset.com/" target="_blank">All photographs by KATIE LYNN PHOTOGRAPHY</a> </div>
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|| <a href="https://katielynnnphotography.pixieset.com/" target="_blank">Website </a> || <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katie.lynn.johnson/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> || </div>
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wearing: Lydia's whole outfit is from <a href="http://bit.ly/2Pil4UQ" target="_blank">Target kids</a>, and my dress is from <a href="http://bit.ly/2QyNoz8" target="_blank">Bohme</a></div>
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR LYDI-GIRL!<br />
She had her birthday last week on the 6th, but the treats and gifts and special little family activities kept going for the rest of the week or so like they normally do, and she certainly deserved it!<br />
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I tell ya, I never knew that I could feel so much joy from simply watching another person experience it, but it's my greatest gift as a parent I think, and my heart was so happy seeing Lydia's excitement as she enjoyed every big and little thing we did to celebrate her and her big day.<br />
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<b> Lydia,</b><br />
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I never want to forget the shy smiles you always give and your little giggle that is almost too perfect to be real. The day you were born was a day I'll never forget. Even though you already had 3 older siblings, it felt like a fresh new beginning to for me as well to hold you in my arms and imagine who you would become as I watched you grow. My heart is forever coated in an extra layer of happiness because you are mine.<br />
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You're the only baby I've ever had who has used the pouting lip, and you do it so well! haha It's hard to keep a straight face when I'm trying to explain or teach something very serious to you when you've made a mistake, but oh how I love teaching you and being taught by you. Yes, you teach ME! We do have our little struggles here and there, but no matter how sneaky you may be sometimes, you always have a pure and bright heart through it all, and everything in my life is sweeter because you are my daughter.<br />
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You are precious in every way, you are a little ray of sunshine no matter the weather, and you are a wonderful little and big sister to your siblings. You're blessed to have your daddy in heaven watching over you, and a bonus daddy here at home who guides and protects you and loves you so so much.<br />
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I can't wait to watch you this next year and see where you go, and I hope you'll let me hold your hand through it all. <3 and="" back="" darlin="" i="" little="" love="" moon="" nbsp="" p="" the="" to="" you=""><br />
Love Mama<br />
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-9594841457526699932018-10-03T01:03:00.001-06:002018-10-03T01:03:20.510-06:00My word for October<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy October loves!!<br />
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I'm just gonna come right out and say that I've had a few more rough days than usual lately, but thanks to a big day of R&R mingled with some family rock climbing and dessert pizza and singing together, I'm feeling pretty peaceful and inspired:) So this seemed like a great evening to share a few thoughts with you guys about something that's really been great for me this year in hopes of inspiring you to do the same!<br />
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Around the start of December last year I started seeing so many people sharing their 'word of the year' choice for 2018 that they were going to focus on, and I loved that idea of having a theme of sorts! The problem was that when I started putting together my own list of favorites, I couldn't decide on just one. So I saved my list in a draft, and instead I've chosen one for each month on the first day of that month, and it's been such a great way to <i><b>really</b></i> keep focused on my word and the '<b><u><i>why</i></u></b>' behind each one.<br />
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Here's the list of words that I've been choosing from each month:<br />
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I haven't been sharing my words so far, but I want to share my word for October, and it is: <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">REACH</span></div>
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Influenced greatly for sure by the rock climbing I've been doing nearly every day the last week or so since we bought the family membership. The metaphors for life right now in climbing have been so good for me mentally and spiritually, emotionally, not to mention physically (my arms are <i>killing</i> me.haha), and watching the kids excel at it too is so incredibly rewarding to watch!</div>
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I want to go into it more about our new family obsession sometime soon, but I just love every part of the climbing process from planning out the route from the ground, then as you take steps up the wall and shift your weight and change directions, etc. When you feel all your muscles kicking in to help you stay on course, and when your next hold is just out of reach and you know you may fall if you take the leap, but no matter how hard it gets, you keep going up towards your goal. And at our gym there's an actual hold that says FINISH on it, which is so satisfying to grab and know you did it!</div>
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Anyways, I need all the help I can get lately in convincing myself to just take that leap and reach for the hard things even though I may fall. I need to plan better to help increase my chances for success, but the real progress happens only when I actually start moving towards my goals. I want to keep trying for bigger and better things, but I also need to be okay stopping and taking a rest so my muscles don't give out completely and I have to start over. </div>
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So! If you feel inspired to choose your own word for October whether it's on my list or not I'd really <b><i><u>really</u></i></b> love to hear what you choose and why, so please share in the comments!! I wait till the first day of the new month to choose my word because it needs to speak to me based on where my head and heart are right in the moment. And if you do choose a word, I encourage you to print it or write it down and stick it on your mirror or fridge or bedside lamp (or all three), anywhere where you'll see it frequently and be reminded to get back on track with your focus and keep at it. Just promise to let it be something that inspires and encourages you through whatever may come this month.</div>
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xoxoxo</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-49083597970669641402018-09-17T23:43:00.000-06:002018-09-18T00:19:02.216-06:00A Yellowstone Sunrise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey there fam:) It's been a long while since I've woken up to watch a sunrise, but even though I can't remember specifics of the last time I do only have good memories and feelings associated with them. This particular morning was a special one. We were boondocking (living in campers without electrical or water hookups) outside of Yellowstone National Park, camped high up on a hill above a beautiful valley and a bright blue lake. Richard and I had been woken up by something outside the trailer, and after about 20 minutes or so of talking softly to each other (so as to not wake up any babies), I pointed out that it was starting to get lighter outside and suggested we go out to watch the sunrise. Richard volunteered to build a fire, and we began pulling on layers as quickly as we could so we wouldn't miss it. </div>
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Besides my pants, I had on a tank top and a t-shirt as well as a long-sleeved shirt and a sweatshirt but was still shivering. Richard gave me one of his beanies to wear and also helped me put on his hooded sweatshirt and one of his coats too. I couldn't believe how cold it was outside when we left the trailer! There were little patches of snow here and there on the ground, and I felt the cold air hit me in the eyes and they started to water. It was still so beautiful though. The smell of the air was pure and clean, and the whole sky was glowing.</div>
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Richard set to work bringing logs around from behind the trailers and soon had a warm fire going for us to sit by, meanwhile I walked around a bit taking these photos while Deisel bounded around happily in the tall grass and kept bringing me sticks to play fetch with. The sky started as a soft greyish blue with the morning haze, but as we watched the tiniest slivers of yellow and then orange began rising up over the edge of the hills by the water. I used to love to watch the sunset a lot when I was younger, often with my older sister. We'd climb out the bedroom window together and sit precariously on the slanted shingles talking about boys or friends or ideas as it grew darker. This was different though, the sunrise meant a new day was dawning, a fresh start, a bright beginning, and I realized that I liked the symbolism of the sunrise better than the ending of the day, even if it meant I was getting close to bedtime.haha</div>
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We'd come to visit Yellowstone for the first time after receiving the unexpected news that the kids had a 5 day break from school. We had some new friends staying with us that live in their RV full time (The Elmers, you can find them on <b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl_3AAj2pA-GvkxTS7-mxg" target="_blank">YouTube</a></u></b> and <b><u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/streaminfreedom/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a></u></b>!), and so we all decided to hit the road together with their Rv and our Camper trailer and play it by ear! It was fully in the spirit of the kinds of trips that our summer had consisted of, and so we felt right in our element again.</div>
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The whole area was beautiful and rugged, but the park itself had a sanctuary type feel about it. We loved our daily visits exploring, taking the walking paths around the guisers and pools and trying to spot as much wildlife as we could. And then in the evenings, we enjoyed so many great talks and different games back at the campsite, with the kids running around playing 'Harry Potter' and lost boys while we cooked dinner by the fire and passed out hot chocolate. Those late-night talks with Matt and Molly Elmer are some of the best memories from the whole summer, and the things they shared with us about their family and their adventures have already had a lasting impact on us. </div>
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Here's to good friends and spontaneous little camping trips, and bison spottings, and hot chocolate:)</div>
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Can you remember the last time you got up to watch a sunset? or stopped to enjoy one for a minute or two?</div>
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Take care,</div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-73092762199519275832018-09-01T23:37:00.000-06:002018-09-02T00:13:17.356-06:00Kicking off September - I need you!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://adriannajoyphotography.com/" target="_blank">PHOTOS BY ADRIANNA JOY PHOTOGRAPHY</a> </div>
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Hey loves!<br />
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I really hope that you enjoyed some beautiful weather today and that your September is off to a good start:)<br />
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We wrapped up our first week of school yesterday and everything is starting to run more smoothly at home already. It was a pretty fantastic Summer, the 'best ever' as the kids had been saying with every new trip and activity we introduced.haha Thinking back over the last couple of years and how incredibly hard and complex our last few Summers have been, this year is really the first one that the kids will remember doing Summery type things! I mean the last few months have been full of so many firsts for them, for me as a mother, and Richard too of course. Going camping for the first time, teaching them how to make their first-ever sand castles, visiting their first amusement park, using the heck out of the scooters we got them all for Christmas last year, our first time in a camper trailer, first homemade ice cream, and so much more.<br />
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I already miss the older three and as I said it's only the first week, but they're so excited about seeing their friends again and meeting their new teachers, and now it's time to open my email up again and to dust off my keyboard haha, and I'm just feeling really stoked for Richard and me to get back into a more steady and organized rhythm with home and with our work.<br />
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And this is where YOU come in!!<br />
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I shared on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thefreckledfox/" target="_blank">my Instagram</a> recently that I put together <a href="http://bit.ly/2B4EhCI" target="_blank">my first ever reader survey</a> for you guys, and if you can take a quick minute or two to fill it out (if you haven't already), that would help me help you so much moving forward! I've been working on <i>tons </i>of new and awesome projects and content for you guys, and your answers to the few simple questions will help me put them out in the best order and to also help me narrow down my overflowing list of ideas:)<br />
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<b><u><a href="http://bit.ly/2B4EhCI" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">The Freckled Fox Reader Survey</span></a></u></b></div>
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Thank you in advance for those of you who take the time to fill it out, and for the thousands of you that have already, I've LOVED reading your thoughts! I really have the greatest community here on my corner of the internet. Truly.<br />
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Talk soon!</div>
Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5825683437599074471.post-614799899412168752018-08-26T15:57:00.003-06:002018-08-26T15:57:47.355-06:0015 TIPS FOR MORE POSITIVE PARENTING<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Hey loves! Over the years I have spent a lot of time forming posts that answer as many questions as I can while sharing my thoughts on topics that I'm really passionate about. Today's post is about probably my biggest passion and goal in life, and that's raising truly happy kids.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> We parents go to extreme lengths to achieve our parenting goals in ensuring the best for our children. We want them to have the most love, the best care, great health, awesome friends, and a happy home. We want to make sure that what we're putting <i>on</i> their body's is the safest and most gentle, and that overall what we're putting <i>in</i> their bodies is the most nutritious and healthy diet that we can manage... most of the time:) So I’m really excited to be partnering with Pampers today to introduce their #puregoals movement! As I'm sure you know I am a proud member of the Pure Tribe, and moving exclusively to the new Pampers Pure collection when Alice was born accomplished a major mom goal of wanting cleaner, gentler diapers for my little ladies.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> So the following are some of our favorite and most fruitful ‘<i>parenting techniques’</i> if you will, as well as my #puregoals story about how long and hard I've worked to educate myself in more positive parenting. Just a few little tips and tricks that have been successful in my years as a mom of now six little ones:)</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">PLEASE NOTE: Just in case we’ve forgotten, this is one mom's opinion based on her own personal experiences and by no means does this post contain blanket statements that are meant for every family in every circumstance on every continent in the world. These are simply ideas that have worked well with all of our children and that I'm happy to share. Thank you!</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"> B</span></span><span style="text-align: justify;">efore I get to the list I’d like to share a little background as to where and how I formed my parenting style in the first place: Ever since I was young I remember looking ahead towards being married and having children someday. I really loved watching other parents in action and quietly observe how they talked to their children, how they listened to them, how they discipline them, what they let them get away with, how they showed love to them, etc. I read all the books and watched all the movies, I picked all the brains and googled every variation of the questions I had, but the best lessons still came from observing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Throughout our whole marriage, my late husband Martin and I kept continuously moving together along the path of discovering what kinds of parents we wanted to be. We knew that nothing was guaranteed and that there was no one size fits all approach to raising kids. We also knew above all that well-behaved children didn’t just happen by accident, and that if we wanted to achieve the kind of family and home life that we hoped for that we would need to be as firm and consistent as possible, that we’d have to work <i>hard</i> and love <i>harder</i>, and most importantly we had to stay close to God and to each other.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> It was wonderful and very important to see that Richard shared my same ideas and approaches to parenting (with many great ideas of his own), and these days with six young kids in the house, we continue to learn and grow as we teach them and they teach us. Communication with Richard is essential in making sure we’re on the same page in our exchanges with the children, with each child’s progression and behavior, as well as the attention they are or aren’t receiving. We spend most of our time together every day and night going over instances where cute questions were asked by John or the kind compliment Sophie gave to a cashier, how we can best approach Evie’s sassy attitude or the mature topics that Ellie is hearing about during recess.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>All in all, there are so many many different approaches to raising children, and as always it's up to us as parents to take in all we can and then choose for ourselves what's best for our families. So, here is a list of 15 things we do in our house that I'm happy to share, and I hope that even if some of them may not work for your child that they get you thinking of new positive ideas of your own:)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">15 Tips for more positive parenting</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"> 1. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Show your unconditional love</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> You might think it's obvious that you love your children, but it might not be so obvious to them, especially if they've been having an extra hard time staying on your good side. I've tried to always get down on their level at least once a day, look them in the eyes so I'm sure they're listening and focused, and remind them that I love them always and forever, no matter what. With the older girls too I will sometimes list off a bunch of things that I do every day to make sure they're happy and healthy, and it's all because I love them. They get this cute little wide-eyed expression. It's great:) I believe that spending quality time is the greatest way to <i>show</i> love to your children, and that is best achieved by putting your phone away, telling them stories, playing games, reading books, building with blocks or by asking them about themselves. It proves to them how much you care and will greatly strengthen your emotional bond.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"> 2. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Explain why you're upset</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Almost every single time I'm angry at my kids, it doesn't really have to do with <i>them</i> at all. Usually, it's just frustration with how behind I am, or how badly something didn't work out, or a culmination of things. The point is, when I find myself getting impatient or exasperated with my little guys, I stop and explain. It usually goes something like "You guys I'm sorry that I'm getting mad, it's not because of you, I'm just really tired and a little sad, and so I'm just not going to talk much, okay?" and understanding brings clarity and helps them to relax, and me as well. This is also a wonderful tool because they see through my example how someone can talk about their emotions and encourages them to feel that our space is one where they can share those kinds of things openly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"> 3. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Think about their point of view</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> There are many times when something that one of the kiddos does cause me to reflect, and I try to put myself in their shoes for a minute. I try to think back to when I was little and what I was doing at their age. I like to ask some obvious questions and let them walk me through things that I may already know happened. Then I have them tell me why it was wrong or good or exciting or disappoinging, what <i>they</i> could have done differently, and how <i>I</i> can help them in similar situations in the future. If they need time to think about some part of what we talked about I may have them go sit on their own for a few minutes, but I always have them come back to me so we can go over things again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> 4. </b><span class="s1"><b>Never give negative labels</b></span>.</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> From the very beginning of my family I never let myself say anything to my kids like "<i>you're</i> being so bad" or "<i>you're</i> wrong" or "<i>you're</i> mean". Instead, I remind them that they are a <i>good</i> girl or boy no matter what, and say instead something like "but that was a very <i>bad</i> <i>choice</i> you made", or "that was a mean thing to do" etc. I never want them hearing my voice in their heads giving them those absolutely wrong labels. I really believe they become what we say they are, and that the way we speak to our children becomes their inner voice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">5. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Get down to their level</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Just like when giving praise, when you're disciplining your child or explaining why their behavior was not okay, I really believe that you'll be more successful if (instead of towering over them in what I'm sure is a scary and menacing way) you kneel down so your eyes meet theirs. Try to really listen to them and work things out together. Let them share their frustrations and doubts and fears, and your communication will only improve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">6. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Teach them the value of work</b></span>. </span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">We decided that we were never going to give our children an allowance or a reward for doing nothing We have chores that we do around the house just because we all need to pitch in, and we have family cleaning days with dancing to fun music and eating treats, but there is also a list of extra things they can do if they want to earn money. The littles have been much less entitled because they have an expectation of <i>earning</i> things, and this has helped our family run more smoothly.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">7. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Teach them what to do with money</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> This kind of goes along with number six, but when they do earn money I like to go over their choices of how to save or spend or donate to charity, and what that means as they get older. We have little containers with different slots for different purposes, which makes it easy for them to keep the amounts separate. I left my parents house not knowing how to write a check, so I love how much they'll know as they grow by teaching them responsible money management from an early age. Plus they just love collecting all of their little shiny coins.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">8. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Help them be strong and resilient</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Like most of these tips this one is a very personal choice, but in our house, we don't do band-aids unless there is blood or broken skin. Whenever one of our kids pinch a finger or bump their elbow, instead of swooping them up and frantically yelling if they're okay, I simply help them to their feet as I calmly check for damage and then I'll usually say "wow, you're such a tough girl!" and they smile and say "yeah! I'm tough!" From the time they could walk and talk I would look at them in happy astonishment and say how tough they were, and they get so proud. Fostering this habit has meant that most of the time when they get hurt now they get excited to tell me how tough they are without even being prompted, and it's pretty rad:) I really believe that failing and falling is a crucial part of child development and preparing them for adulthood, but I also love that no matter how tough they get, that I'll be there to support them when they need me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">9. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Teach them confidence</b></span>. </span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Several of my kiddos have been bullied since starting school, and since I've been on the receiving end of that most of my life, I have enough experience to remind them that the cruel and hurtful things people say have nothing to do with them personally (especially if the bully doesn't even know them), but that it has everything to do with hard things that the bully is going through and that they're simply projecting. Explain to your kids how sometimes when someone is dealing with lots of anger or jealousy, that they think attempting to make others feel as badly as they do will help them feel better about themselves. So, instead of letting the bullies upset them, I like to teach my older kids that they can show compassion and try to help them, or if that doesn't work to simply avoid and ignore them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"> 10. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Say <i>no </i>more often</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> It might sound harsh, but saying yes to everything your child asks for or wants to do teaches them entitlement and ingrains this expectancy in their minds for instant gratification. In addition, once you've set a boundary or a rule, it's best if you stick to it! Don't set a rule one day and then let them break it the next because you're too tired to enforce. As soon as you start changing rules for convenience sake, how can you expect them to not test the limits with every expectation?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">11. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Say <i>yes</i> more often</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> Sometimes I find myself leaning too much towards the last step and saying no to many things that I could easily and conveniently say yes to just because I'm distracted or hurrying, etc, so every time I realize I'm falling into that rut I focus on saying yes more, especially when it's a simple request. It's all about balance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">12. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Show your kids more gratitude</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> I ask my kiddos to run things around the house for me often or to complete a little task as I'm sure we all do, but my favorite part of these errands is giving them a cheerful 'thank you Sophie!' when they're done and watching their face light up with pride. The more encouragement and praise you give them the more they'll want to help, and the better your relationship will be:) Positive parenting takes a lot more work and brain power, but it's so worth it. It's easy to remember to react and stop the bad behavior when it's happening, but I work hard every day at also remembering to recognize and praise their good deeds and choices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"> 13. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Ignore the naughty child</b></span>. </span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ever since I was little I heard my parents using the phrase 'attention at any cost is still attention' meaning obviously that when your child wants more time with you they'll go as far as to misbehave simply to force you to focus on them. To combat this tactic, when one of the kids starts to act up simply because they're bored or want attention, I like having them sit alone for a few minutes while I play a little more with the other children who were sitting quietly, etc. I congratulate the other kids on their good behavior within earshot of the naughty child so they can learn that being good is much more fun and rewarding.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">14. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Show an increase of love</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> This goes right along with the last one, but always after I've had to scold one of the kids for a bad choice or have sent them to a time-out, I always wrap up with hugs and kisses and telling them how much I love them. I remind them that we have rules to keep them safe and happy because we love them and that we only get upset at times because we care so much.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;"> 15. </span></b><span style="color: #666666;"><span class="s1"><b>Be the best example you can be</b></span>.</span></span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> I know that a parent is a child's first role model, but as they grow they will start to watch and learn much from other adults and friends as well. It's up to you from the very beginning to show them the kind of person they can be by your actions and your words, how you treat others and how you treat yourself so that they can spot the difference between good influences and bad as they grow.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Well so I've shared my own #puregoals story and some of my tips, and now I want to hear your story! Tell us about some of the lengths you've gone to ensure the best for your kiddos, and if you share it on social media don't forget to use the hashtag so you can join the movement!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Thank you so much for reading, and I would really appreciate any thoughts you may have on your favorite tip. We are always looking for ways to improve and have a happier home:)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> Have a great rest of your week!</span></div>
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Emily Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09302498123966365253noreply@blogger.com6