7 Ways to Find More Time to Read

Reading is not only a great and inexpensive hobby, but it’s also a great way to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. Whether you prefer to dive into mystery, romance, or just reread the classics, it can be hard not to get lost in a good book. However, it can start to feel like there is never enough time to get lost in reading these days when it comes to time. Here are a few ways to help you find more time to read, no matter how busy you are.

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DIY At-Home Pedicure

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Amopé. The opinions and text are all mine.

When we found out we were having a daughter I was excited about getting to do all those girly things with her. I dreamed of putting bows in her hair {she ripped them out as soon as I put them in!}, dressing her in cute outfits {turns out she was SUPER particular and wanted to pick out all of her own clothes thankyouverymuch!}, and have spa days. I actually lucked out on that one! While I love going to the spa, it's not necessarily in my budget {times two!}, so at-home spa sessions have always been something my daughter and I have enjoyed since she was quite little.
It started with her sitting next to me as a toddler soaking her feet in warm water and has evolved over time. Sometimes we get a little crazy with egg white face masks, other times, we do each others nails and have an at home pedicure. Just because you do it yourself at home, doesn't mean you need to skimp on getting the same great end result. Especially when it comes to soft feet at home. I'm going to show you our favorite new at-home pedicure must have and share how you can have a DIY at-home pedicure just like the pros, but without the price! Plus, you can get a free printable gift card to give as well. 

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Giving Our Kids Roots and Wings-Parenting in the College Years

It was probably easier having a few busy weeks leading up to the final departure. It was a long summer that went by in a blink. Early this morning, our oldest son packed up a car and headed back to college for his sophomore year. He adapted last year to being far from home, made some great new friends and managed to keep himself alive without the watchful eye of his parents. I spent some time this morning reflecting on his departure as the roots that connect us get thinner and thinner. Sort of how I reflected last year when I wrote this after saying goodbye to him. 
This is the same boy who wouldn't separate from me as a toddler. Nursery workers would call us to get a screaming snotty kid who would work himself up so much that he was gasping for breath. He would instantly calm down as soon as I held him and he would scream and cling to me if I even came close to the vicinity of a drop off area. 
He would sit outside of my shower door playing with trains and would circle them around as I would dry my hair. In those moments I never thought he would go upstairs without me let alone hop in a car and drive 2500 miles away.

I kept thinking and reflecting after he drove away about the saying that goes something like this: 

 "The best thing parents can do for their children is give them roots and wings."

We've worked hard at preparing the soil and getting those roots to grow deep and strong but we also worked hard at giving him wings to fly. 

Giving our Kids Roots and Wings-Parenting in the College Years

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Taking Time for You Doesn't Mean You're Doing It Wrong

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Activia Probiotic Yogurt. All opinions are 100% mine.

You're doing it wrong. Why is it that those four words play on a loop inside my head? As a kid I could hear those words spoken when I was trying to fit in and as a mom I hear them any time I second guess the decisions that I'm making. I usually feel this way when I put myself first. For years, this was really hard for me as a young mom. I put so many people’s needs before my own that I was used to pushing my needs further and further down. We've heard it said that as moms, we need to remember the mantra that is spoken on the airplane; the one that says to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. Through the years I have learned that it's true that in order for me to truly mother well, I need to take care of myself first. It's something that I wish I had learned sooner.

It's not easy to come to that realization when we see that society doesn't cut moms a lot of slack. We are bombarded with images of the perfect mom and surrounded by reminders from our friends of their perfect families on social media. But what we are seeing is just a glimpse not reality.

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Benefits of Being a Young Parent

I'm not sure what age I would have been had we actually planned parenthood. I'm fairly certain it wouldn't have been five days after my 20th birthday, which is when my oldest son decided to make his appearance. I was a sophomore in college when I found out I was pregnant. Not much older than my son is now, which is why I'm not sure I would recommend young parenthood for most people, though we have found that through the years, there have been some unexpected benefits of being a young parent that we just couldn't have planned for. While there have been hundreds of articles written about "the right age" to have children, I'm not sure that I could fully agree with most of them. I don't know if there is a right age. Sometimes you make the best of whatever situation you are in. If that means you start raising a family before you intended or delaying parenthood until you have a grasp on your life, I think that there are benefits to every situation. However, this is our story. And these are the benefits that I have seen with being a young parent.

 photo credit Rebecca Anne Photography

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