FALLING BACK INTO MY ACTIVE ROUTINE
FALLING BACK INTO MY ACTIVE ROUTINE

How is it already October?! Between starting school and going on vacation, it seemed like September just came and went! Now that we are finally falling back into our school routine, I have decided that October is going to be my month to focus on living a healthy lifestyle. Over the last couple of weeks, I have found three things that have really worked for me to incorporate staying active into our back to school routine. Keep reading for the three ways that I’m getting back to being active this fall!

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3 TIPS TO CREATING A MORE ORGANIZED OFFICE
3 TIPS TO CREATING A MORE ORGANIZED OFFICE

There are few things I love more in life then office supplies that help me be more organized and productive! Gold planners, pretty pens, and file folders are EVERYTHING. I can not work in a space that is cluttered and disorganized, it makes me crazy! I recently gave myself a much-needed office space upgrade and kept these three things in mind while organizing my space. Keep reading!

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5 WAYS TO END BEDTIME BATTLES WITH YOUR TODDLER
5 WAYS TO END BEDTIME BATTLES WITH YOUR TODDLER

Aimery was a super easy infant. He never cried, never fussed about going to bed, and was all together a pretty happy baby. Because of this, I never imagined that I would have so many problems with bedtime when he was a toddler. I sleep trained Aimery when he was 14 months old, and haven't had too many sleep problems besides the occasional bad night while teething or going through the normal sleep regressions. This all changed in April. It's been a hard six months, but I feel like I finally have figured out how to end bedtime battles with Aimery. Keep reading to find out the five ways that helped me end bedtime battles!

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GRAINHOUSE ENTRYWAY FOR FALL
GRAINHOUSE ENTRYWAY FOR FALL

The entryway in our home has been due for a much needed refresh. I loved decorating our entryway since it is the first place that guests are welcome into our home, which makes it my favorite spot! I wanted a space that was cozy and welcoming for this upcoming fall season, so I created an entryway that had soft pillows and neutral decor!

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One Pot Lemon Chicken Piccata
One Pot Lemon Chicken Piccata

Being a working single mom, I don't have a lot of time to cook. It's very rare that you will find me making a dinner using more than one pot and six ingredients! I love one-pot meals because they allow me to spend less time in the kitchen cooking and doing dishes, and spend more time with Aimery. My favorite week night recipe to make is Lemon Chicken Piccata! Not only is it a one-pot meal with just six ingredients, but it also takes less then 30 minutes from prep to clean up. Plus, this recipe includes my favorite pasta, DaVinci Spaghetti! 

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How to have a Lake Day with a Toddler
How to have a Lake Day with a Toddler

You guys know that I travel with Aimery a lot, especially during the summer! This year, we went to the lake very often, and we planned another trip during Labor Day weekend! Although I love traveling with Aimery, it wasn't always easy! Trips to the lake or the beach can be pretty overwhelming when you have a toddler. But once you are prepared and know what to expect, then vacations do get a whole lot easier and even stress-free! Yes, you can actually enjoy your vacation even with a toddler!

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Kalahari Resort - America's Largest Indoor Waterpark
Kalahari Resort - America's Largest Indoor Waterpark

Last month, we traveled a few hours to stay at Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains to celebrate National Waterpark Day! This summer has been a busy one for us, so taking a vacation at America's Largest Indoor Waterpark was EXACTLY what we needed. Being a single mom, I don't get a lot of time to give Aimery my undivided attention, so taking him to this family friendly resort was something I will cherish forever. Our entire experience at Kalahari Resorts was a total dream and we had the time of our lives!

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An Open Letter to Aimery on His Birthday
An Open Letter to Aimery on His Birthday

Over this past year, I've been waiting anxiously for Aimery to grow up and become more independent, and at the same time I also find myself grieving every time I think about him no longer being a newborn. I long for Aimery to stay small and innocent, but also watch in wonder of which new personality traits, development, and interests that Aimery will wake up with every day. Time flies by WAY to quickly when you are a parent. I feel as though I have to mentally take time every day to process the little moments or else time just slips away from me.

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Home Office on a Budget
Home Office on a Budget

If you've been keeping up our crazy life over the last year, then you'll know that Aims and I moved back in with my parents last October to small town York, PA. I was in the middle of a custody battle and a divorce, so it just seemed like the best thing for us to do. Like I wrote about in Aimery's nursery post, I definitely was not planning on staying with my parents this long. But I am so thankful my family has allowed us to live with them during this stage of life.

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Fun Back to School Lunchbox Ideas
Fun Back to School Lunchbox Ideas

Aimery is starting preschool this year and I can not BELIEVE he's starting school already! I found an amazing preschool in the area that allows children at his age to start early, and I was lucky to grab the last spot for him this fall! Although I'm going to miss spending summer days with him, I really am looking forward to getting on a set routine of knowing when he's going to school so I can plan work accordingly. I also signed him up for soccer practice on Saturday mornings, so our life is about to get real busy!

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Developmental Milestones for Two Year Olds
Developmental Milestones for Two Year Olds

Aimery's second birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and all I can think is "Wow, I made it." Although I'm officially in the terrible twos (well, we've been here a while!), I have finally made it through the hardest years of his life. Don't get me wrong, I have baby fever like crazy and miss the middle of night feedings and the days where he wouldn't run circles around me and yell "NO!". But I also love the little boy that he has become and I'm looking forward to this next stage of life with Aimery.

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7 Things Moms Should Pack in Their Beach Bag
7 Things Moms Should Pack in Their Beach Bag

My favorite part of the summer is heading to the beach. Some days, I really do miss living in Antigua and Florida because I had the opportunity to hit the beach every single day! Although we aren't living anywhere close to the ocean now, my goal was to take Aimery to the beach at least two times! Last month we went to Atlantic City and had a total blast! When I pack for our beach trips, I really try to pack minimally so I'm not lugging around 1000 things while keeping up with a toddler. I've talked before about what to pack for trips to the water with kids, but what about essentials for us moms? Keep reading for 7 things you MUST pack in your beach bag!

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5 Reasons "Me Time" Makes You a Better Mom
5 Reasons "Me Time" Makes You a Better Mom

Hey mama! YOU deserve a break today.

Actually, you deserve a break every freaking day. You deserve time alone. Time without your kids or partner or anyone else on the planet. You need "me time" at least once a day. When you take time for yourself, you become a better parent, and it does NOT make you selfish at all. A few minutes away from your family does not make you a bad mom and is not going to break your family. If anything, having "me time" might make your family stronger.

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3 Tips for Parents Wanting to Live a Healthier Lifestyle
3 Tips for Parents Wanting to Live a Healthier Lifestyle

Over the past six months, I have been on a journey to live a healthier lifestyle. Last year, my life was spinning out of control with our move and custody battle! I was completely burned out not taking care of myself. So when 2018 came around, I decided this year was going to be different. I decided to find time that I "didn't have" and go to the gym at least three times a week. I decided to make myself an actual breakfast instead of eating a half-eaten piece of Aimery's leftover toast while running off to work. I started drinking my coffee while it was hot, instead of after it's been microwaved three times and still finishing it cold. Does this sound familiar to you? 

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