Countertops: Cambria USA (company), design is called Brittanicca
Backsplash: Cambria USA (company), design is called Brittanicca Block
Fabricator/Installer: Granite + Marble Design Co. (214)356-7018
Farmhouse Sink: Sinkology
Faucet: Brizo
Pendant Lights: Goodman Pendants

​We bought our home in August 2018. The home was brand new construction, but also known as a spec home. What is a spec home? A spec home is a home that a builder builds more than once in an area. It usually has the same exterior, floor plan, fixtures and finishes with maybe a few minor tweaks from house to house. Builders keep things the same to save on time and money, which differs from a custom build (also new construction), where the buyer is able to custom pick everything in the house - from countertops to flooring to floor plan. Everything.
 
The great thing about a spec home is that you can (usually) get a better price on the home than you can on a custom build. The bad thing is that certain design choices have already been selected for you. This was the case for our home. We found the house after the builder had finished. Thus, he was in control of the design elements. Not us.
 
While choosing a spec home takes away the headache of having to choose and deliberate over every last detail, it also means that you might end up with design elements that aren’t your favorite. That was the case for our kitchen. As much as I loved and appreciated our home, I wasn’t head over heels about the kitchen. Was this the end of the world that I didn’t love the speckled gray granite countertops? Not at all. But! Did I always wonder about switching them out? You bet.
 
I gave myself two years of living in the house to make up my mind about the countertops/kitchen update. At the two year mark, I decided I’d start understanding costs, and began reaching out to countertop experts in the area for bids to see if I wanted to move forward.

​After having met with several granite and marble install companies, I had a pretty good understanding about cost. I knew that the countertop and backsplash install would be an investment, but I felt confident that if I used the right products that it would add value to our home in the long run, AND I would LOVE it while living in our home. The kitchen is the heart of the home, is it not?
 
I didn’t want to use just any material, I needed to understand the cost-benefit analysis between marble verses quartz verses granite, etc. I easily narrowed my choice down to quartz. Quartz is a manmade material. This means it is not porous, like most natural stone products, and doesn’t absorb residue. Quartz is also kid-proof and essentially indestructible. With three boys who like to eat, color and generally make messes, I needed something that looked nice, but could withstand wear and tear.
 
After I narrowed down the material, I needed to choose a quartz manufacturer. I quickly learned that some quartz products are better than others. What does this mean? Well, it means the “look” and construction of the stone is different in terms of quality depending on who you choose. After doing my research, I learned that Cambria USA was top of the line. 
 
Cambria is the only company that begins with all white and clear quartz. This guarantees that the final product will be consistent with what you see in a showroom. Cambria also uses up to 93% quartz in every slab ensuring a more natural look than most other quartz products. In learning more about the workmanship of their particular product, I was drawn to this excerpt from their website, which eludes to why I chose this particular product. It says, "From cutting to polishing, the stone is slowly transformed. Nowhere is that more evident as when a slab moves through the polishing stage. Like artisans perfecting gemstones, Cambria’s craftspeople soften the grit of the stone with each successive polish, coaxing out the natural luster of the quartz. With every pass, its innate brilliance shines more deeply, revealing a beauty that is not only pleasing to the eye but also—because quartz is one of the hardest minerals on earth—incredibly durable, suited to everyday wear and tear."
 
Not only that, y'all know that I feel strongly about supporting family-owned businesses and American made products. The company's mission statement was a huge draw for me personally. It states: "Cambria® is American-made by a family-owned company in Minnesota where legendary craftsmanship, hard work, and a relentless commitment to the highest quality are the cornerstones for everything we do. There is no second best. No exception. If it isn’t perfect, it will never carry our name." As such, I felt that Cambria USA hit all the marks.

​Now that I chose to use Cambria USA quartz, I needed to select a design. I worked with Laura Wendling, a Cambria rep, who has impeccable taste, to help select a design that would compliment my existing kitchen. I had dreamt of a predominantly white kitchen and hoped for a design with some pronounced, yet natural veining that exuded both elegance and style. I wanted to achieve the look of marble without all of the baggage and heartache that goes along with it.
 
This is when Laura introduced me to a Cambria USA best-seller called Brittanicca. Brittanica  offers a creamy marbled background of neutral white that provides a stage on which gray islands and peninsulas meander among intertwining ashen veins dotted with veiled charcoal speckles. Needless to say, I was sold the instant I locked eyes with it in the Cambria showroom.
 
While I wasn’t considering updating my grey subway tile backsplash, Laura mentioned that Cambria had recently launched a new design called Brittanicca Block that complimented Brittanica. I went back and forth about whether or not I wanted to also update the backsplash (since my subway tile was in perfectly good condition), but ultimately decided to update it, as well, to complete the look. Ultimately, this was a GREAT decision. The use of both Brittanica with the complimentary Brittanica Block transformed my kitchen entirely.

​Laura put me in touch with one of the most talented fabricators in the DFW area, Isidro. His company is called Granite and Marble Design Company. Not only is Isidro the nicest and most pleasant man to work with, his craftsmanship is incredible. Why is this important? Well, I decided to do things like include a 2 inch mitered edge, which meant that they’d make the countertop look thicker by adding a border to the existing edge to thicken it by two inches. In doing so, the fabricator must match up the seams of veining or it won’t look right. Izzy is a master at this! 

In addition to the mitered edge, Isidro went above and beyond to ensure that the job was done right, including a farmhouse sink install. Everything from demolition to install and caulking to cleanup, I give Granite and Marble Design Company an A+.
Instagram: @granitemarbledesignco_ 
Phone: (214)356-7018

​In addition to the countertops, I decided to add new pendant lights, a farmhouse sink and a new faucet.
 
The pendant lights you can find here.
 
The farmhouse sink you can find here.
 
And the faucet, you can find here.

Overall, I am beyond grateful for this beautiful kitchen. I really do think a kitchen update/renovation is TOTALLY worth it. It not only adds financial value, but also adds emotional value! For me , the kitchen has always been and will always be the heart of the home and creating a space that evokes joy and comfort is what Cambria USA provided. As a family, our kitchen brings family together together in a way that no other part of the home does. It is the space where we congregate in most often, and needs to be an inviting, open, enjoyable, happy place. We created this with Cambria USA.

And for those asking, here is a before and after shot...

As a stay-at-home mom, I've had to get creative with how I keep my day organized, productive and joyful. With three boys under the age of six, it can be a challenge. As much as I love my job as a mom and seek to yield the best results, so much of how my kids behave and how our day turns out is outside of my control. 

Through this, I've realized that the only thing I CAN control is myself. And I've had to find constants in my life to promote stability and self-care when my days at home with kids can be so crazy. What are these constants? Well, they are self-care practices that I do each day, preferably in the morning, that set my day up for success. Three of the constants I practice each morning include making the beds, working out and getting myself ready for the day. If I can do all three of these things, I consider my day a success. There is also a fourth item I practice all throughout the day. This is the use of Young Living Essential Oils.

I was introduced to Young Living Essential Oils, and quickly learned more about what differentiates the brand. Not only has Young Living been the leader and first mover in the industry, but they also promote the highest grade essential oils.

Young living provides: "Non-negotiable benchmarks for delivering a product that our customers can feel great about are multifaceted and exacting. We’re proud to offer an extensive line of essential oils and essential oil-infused, plant-based products that represent the best of nature—through the standards of our Seed to Seal program.

Young Living embraces a rigorous quality control standard to help ensure our products meet strict specifications. Seed to Seal is our set of standards that helps ensure that with every pure essential oil and Young Living product your family uses, you’re enjoying the benefits of our global resources, industry leadership, and over two decades of innovation. The result? A pristine final product that you know has been created with conscientious Sourcing, Science, and Standards—the three pillars of Seed to Seal.

As the leader of the essential oils movement, Young Living is paving the way for every other essential oil company to improve processes that protect our planet and ensure the highest quality standards."

Young Living has proven that they are top-of-the-line when it comes to quality and standards. Additionally, I love the variety of products they offer. Everything from laundry detergent to hand soap to lip gloss to baby wipes to roll-on oils, Young Living has it all. For the essential oil junkie or the mom dabbling in oils, your needs will be met with Young Living.

While I have many favorite Young Living products, I wanted to share my go-to favorites, especially for those just starting out. These are great for moms dabbling in the beginning stages of using essential oils.

First, I highly recommend the Aria Ultrasonic Diffuser. A diffuser is a device that breaks down essential oils into smaller molecules, dispersing them into the air for a pleasant or calming effect—depending on the oil that is used in the diffuser.

Using a diffuser is a low maintenance way of providing self-care throughout your day, while permeating wellness inside of your home and transforming your space into a tranquil abode! Again, diffusing certain oils (and I will tell you which are my favorites) will help evoke a certain mindset.

​If you're a mom and are anything like me, sometimes you need to be inspired. Other times, you need energy. Other times, you need to be calmed. Using a diffuser partnered with the use of essential oils is a quick way to get myself into a certain mindset that I may not be able to get into on my own.

Not only is a diffuser great at getting you into a good state of mind, but the particular Aria diffuser also acts as piece of jewelry in my home. It is made with natural wood with a delicate glass top. People compliment it all of the time! Simultaneously and possibly my favorite aspect, is the calming sounds that the device plays (at your selection) while turned on. Or, if you want personalized sounds, you can plug your device into the diffuser and play your own beats.

The great thing about using a diffuser is that you can mix and match different oils to fit your particular vibe or to evoke a certain mindset. Young Living recommends using five to twenty-five drops, but starting with five and then working your way up as you get used to using the oils.

A great way to start (and how I started) using oils is the use a scent you already love! That way you won't be overwhelmed by a new smell and your brain will associate the familiarity. For instance, I love the citrus smell, so I began using citrus throughout the day. Also, the Starter Kit is an absolute must. It is a great introduction to some of the best-selling essential oils. For moms on the go, I recommend the roll-ons. I keep them in my purse, in my makeup drawers and travel with them for an added pick-me-up throughout the day.

Back to using the at-home diffuser. After you get the hand of using your diffuser with one scent, Young Living recommends going to the next step: pairing two scents. Just like anything, think of scents that will pair nicely together as wine might pair nicely with food. What scent compliments the other? As a basic starting point, YL recommends beginning with these classic pairings:
​

• Thieves® and Lemon
• Peppermint and Lavender
• Cinnamon Bark and Orange
• Frankincense and Cedarwood
• Eucalyptus Radiata and Rosemary

​Below is an infographic from Young Living that might help you begin to pair and compliment essential oils...

The great thing about essential oils is that your kids will also get the benefits! Is your little one feel restless? Try a calming recipe. Is your little one distracted? Use the focus recipe. Is your little one feeling scared? Try the courage recipe. When using essential oils around your children please follow Young Living's recommendation here:

Question: Can essential oils be used on children?
Answer: Many essential oils are appropriate for use on children but should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use. Some Young Living products come prediluted with carrier oil, as indicated on product labels, and are intended for direct application on children. You can dilute 1–2 drops of essential oil such as SleepyIze™, RutaVaLa™, Gentle Baby™, and Peace & Calming® with a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of the feet.

There you have it! The possibilities are endless with essential oils, and especially with Young Living Essential. As I mentioned, Young Living carries everything from baby wipes to laundry detergent to makeup. The sky is the limit!  

​I believe that mothers need tools up their sleeve to be able to bust out in times of need. Essential oils are one of my favorite tools that help ensure a successful day!

As a mom, it's hard enough taking care of children let alone getting ourselves dressed for the day. But if you've been following me, then you know how much I prioritize getting up and getting DRESSED in the morning. And that includes getting myself dressed AND my kids.

Fundamentally, I believe that getting dressed sets the day into motion. It activates energy for the day and propels you into action. Alternatively, if I were to keep the kids in jammies (and myself in jammies) I would feel much less productive. This is the exact opposite of what I set out to do as a stay-at-home mom!

With that said, I understand how difficult it can be to find great outfits, especially for our baby, Beauden (6 months). When looking for baby clothes, I look for aspects similar to what I would want for myself. I want outfits that are both functional, yet cute; affordable, yet high quality; those that can be easily mixed and match. And if it's organic... well, I might as well be queen of the world.

But, it's not so easy to find baby clothes, is it? Even though it's my third child, I've still had a difficult time when it comes to searching for baby clothes. That is, until I found the Modern Moments Collection by Gerber. Functional and cute; affordable and high quality; can be easily mixed and matched. AND, made with organically grown cotton.

First off, Gerber is an iconic and well-trusted baby brand that has been around for years. There is something about purchasing baby gear from Gerber that brings back a bit of nostalgia to my own childhood, which I love. But, while Gerber is a deeply rooted baby brand, the company has also adapted to suit the needs of modern moms by providing fashion forward outfits and accessories.

A few things I love about the collection is the mix-it-up aspect. Because the outfits are made with similar coloring, silhouettes and designs, it is easy to mix and match the outfits without having to worry about the laundry or running out of options. For instance, if you purchase several sets of onesies, pants, shorts and socks, they can easily be mixed and matched with one another. Each outfit is designed keeping the mix-and-match aspect in mind, and includes modern colors (neutral tones: grey, beige, tan, etc.) and modern designs, making it easy for parents to combine outfits in multiple ways.

I also love that Beauden looks and feels comfortable. This is because the fabric is made with 97% cotton with organic fibers and 3% spandex. The organic cotton provides high quality comfort and the spandex provides the perfect amount of stretch. Beauden is able to move freely without being restricted, while also looking fashion forward. 

And you get all of this for an affordable value. Retail prices range from about $2.84 to $12.84. You really can't beat it!

The line includes all of the everyday, core layette apparel including bodysuits, coveralls, rompers, sleepwear and accessories that mom needs for baby’s first years. Sizes range from newborn to 12 months.

Walmart! Yes. Online or in-store, you can find the Modern Moments collection by Gerber.

Use the link, here to shop now!

Hey y'all!

Our family has been hit hard by sickness this season. This means that both Vance, our three year-old, and Beauden our baby, have been put on antibiotics. Like most mommies, I have a love/ hate relationship with antibiotics. I love antibiotics because they help rid my babies of sickness by stripping the bad bacteria out of their systems. But, while antibiotics strip the bad bacteria, they also inevitably strip the good bacteria, which is where my disdain comes in. If that good bacteria is not replaced, this is when little immune systems can become compromised. Although antibiotics may be necessary, you can keep your little one's immune system strong and replenish good bacteria with the use of probiotics.

Recently, I took Beauden to Urgent Care after four days of sickness. The doctor noticed that his ears were infected, and suggested an antibiotic to help speed up the recovery process. Like I always do, I asked her if the antibiotic was necessary. She told me that in this case, she felt that it was. I agreed to her counsel. We continued talking about the pros and cons of antibiotics, and being the curious mother that I am, I asked her about the use of probiotics in tandem with the use of antibiotics. She responded positively, saying that she absolutely recommended probiotics for use in babies and children, especially while simultaneously taking antibiotics.

The conversation continued and she told me that the best time to give my baby the probiotic was at lunch. He would be taking the antibiotic morning and night and if I gave the probiotic at the same time as the antibiotic,  the antibiotic would instantly kill the probiotic. By spreading out the dose of probiotic and by giving it at lunch, it would help my son get that good bacteria without the antibiotic killing it.

I thought this was great advice, and decided to follow her direction. In times past, I had noticed that my boys would develop a strong diaper rash as a response to antibiotic use. Why does this happen? Well again, when antibiotics strip the bad bacteria, they also strip the good bacteria. This good bacteria helps to prevent things such as yeast infections, but when it is stripped, yeast can grow and dark, wet places, like in a diaper. Thus, after using antibiotics, my kids always had to fight bad diaper rashes. As Beauden took his probiotic (while on his antibiotic), I watched carefully to see if the diaper rash in fact developed. I couldn't believe whent it didn't! Well, actually I could believe it. The probiotic truly helped Beauden maintain that healthy bacteria and healthy gut, preventing the diaper rash.

As with everything, I only want the best for my children. This is why I choose brands that are highly reputable and have research to back them up. This is a big reason why I choose Evivo when it comes to probiotics.  Evivo is the only baby probiotic clinically proven to restore the good bacteria, B. infantis, while reducing bad bacteria in baby's gut by 80%. Bad bacteria in baby’s gut is linked to higher risk of autoimmune and metabolic issues such as colic, eczema, diabetes, and obesity later in life. When more good bacteria are present in the gut, it creates a strong, protective wall and crowds out the bad bacteria. ​Evivo is the result of over a decade of research and clinical trials at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. Further, Evivo's breakthrough findings about the baby gut microbiome and infant probiotics have been covered in well-respected publications around the world.

Evivo is simple and easy to use, which is one of the reasons I love it. Evivo will ship the product directly to your door. Immediately put the product in the refrigerator or freeze for proper storage (remember probiotics are living organisms!). Each probiotic comes in a packet with the proper amount. Simply tear the top of the packet and pour the probiotic into the mixing Tupperware. Mix with breastmilk, and use the syringe to administer the product into baby's mouth.

What I've realized is that if you have children, it is inevitable that they will face sickness. And with sickness, they will need antibiotics every now and again. As mommies, we don't have to settle for compromised immune systems! The great thing about Evivo is that we can help keep our children healthy, especially our babies, whose six months of life are crucial to autoimmune and metabolic development. To help protect baby's gut, Evivo is the answer! Check them out and use this code for a discount. Talk to your pediatrician about Evivo and the benefits of infant probiotics, and don’t miss out on your chance to get $10 off your Evivo starter kit of 4 weeks with code BLOGD59NKV, or receive $20 off your Evivo starter kit of 8 weeks or more with code BLOGH78N29!

Hey y'all!

Today I wanted to talk about breastfeeding. Whoa. And I'm going to share a product that has made the process a heck of a lot easier on me, enabling me a little bit of independence while maintaining my feeding routine. Let me start by saying that with all three of my boys, I have been fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed each of them. That said, breastfeeding didn't always come easy. For starters with my first son, Rhett, my nipples cracked and bled, and I almost quit within a week. But my mom swooped in and encouraged me to stick with it. She told me that if I could give breastfeeding a bit more time that eventually it would become some of the sweetest moments I shared with my baby, as she reflected on those times with my sister and I. So, I took her advice, and persevered through the pain of breastfeeding - nipple bleeds and all. Soon enough, I found that was right. Eventually breastfeeding time with Rhett became some of my most cherished memories.

I nursed Rhett (my first), until he was about fifteen months, which was also about three months into my second pregnancy. So, yes, I was breastfeeding my first son while pregnant with my second son. Then, after my second son was born, I immediately picked breastfeeding up again. And it was a breeze! Vance, my second son, latched like a champ and because there had been only a few months of lag time between nursing my first and nursing my second, there was almost zero pain involved. Breastfeeding was finally easy.

That is, until I encountered postpartum depression and my hormones went crazy around six month postpartum. At this time, I was also retaining about fifteen pounds of baby weight while nursing (which I learned was very common) and it started driving me bonkers. With all of this to consider, I sadly stopped breastfeeding my second babe at ten months. Yes, I was proud of my ability to go ten months!!, but I also share this story to show that breastfeeding - while beautiful - does have its hardships.

One aspect of breastfeeding that has always been a challenge for me is pumping. After I had my first son, I returned to Georgetown Business School, which was a full-time business school program. This meant that Rhett would be with a nanny twenty hours a week. Because I wanted to maintain our breastfeeding routine (and my supply), that meant I would have to pump at school. Because insurance covered a simple Medela Pump, I ended up going with that. This was my first mistake (more on this later). Why was pumping difficult? It took me a pretty long time to pump out ample milk (for a student with not a lot of time). Also, insurance didn't cover the electric version of the pump, which meant that I had to be in close proximity to an outlet when pumping. Needless to say, this pumping experience somewhat scarred me and deterred me from wanting to pump with subsequent children. When I had my second son, I pretty much avoided pumping altogether. I didn't set out to find a new pump, and revolved my days around feeding my baby, and was never away from him for more than three hours at a time.

Yes, I managed to avoid pumping with my second son, and it worked for me. But, by the time I had my third son, Beauden, I realized there were going to be times when I needed or wanted to get away from my baby for more than three hours at a time. For as much as I want to be with him (and each of my sons), after experiencing intense postpartum depression after my last pregnancy, I knew that time away from my baby was important for both my independence and mental state. As such, I started researching breast pumps. After all, it had been some time (almost four years) since I had set out to find and purchase a breast pump.

I didn't know much about breast pumps, but I knew that I wanted certain things out of a pump that I lacked before. For starters, I wanted a pump that was more efficient than one of the leading breast pump brands. In my case, this was the Medela. I also knew I wanted the pump to operate without the need of an outlet; one that could be charged and then used freely. And lastly, I hoped that I could find a pump that would cut down on pumping time, while increasing milk output... because with three kids, who has time to sit and pump for an hour only to yield an ounce or two of milk?

After doing some research and given the space that I work in, (given the opportunity to review the very best, latest and greatest mommy products), I was introduced to Motif Medical, a company who recently launched the Luna Pump. What I found when Motif set out to manufacture the Luna Pump answered one of my biggest problems with pumping. That was, Motif had the goal of developing a pump that performed better than two of the leading breast pump brands. Bingo.

After reading more, I found that... 

• 5 out of 6 moms yielded more milk in less time with the Luna Pump. And,
•  9 out of 10 moms preferred the Luna over their current pump.

Since using the Luna Pump, my view of pumping has changed altogether. Instead of feeling like pumping was a chore and something that literally and figuratively pained me to do in order to gain time away from my baby; now, I feel relaxed and comfortable with the idea and actual exercise of pumping.

The Luna Pump is quiet; it doesn't have that annoyingly loud pumping sound. The Luna Pump also includes a nightlight mode that would allow a mama to pump comfortably in the dark. The Luna Pump is pain free due to the strength of suction and design. And of course, it comes outlet free (also with a car charger) and yields more milk in less time. 

This is BIG NEWS y'all. This not only means that I am happy to pump, but it also means that I have unlocked a bit of freedom for myself. And if you've been following along with my platform, you know how big I am when it comes to mothers taking time for self care. A big part of practicing self care as a mom is being able to take time away from your baby AND being able to do so comfortably and willingly. Investing in a breast pump that allows you to do both is worth gold. Liquid gold.

Since becoming a mom, I've gone through ups and downs with my ability to take care of myself. But now that I have my third baby, I've realized that taking care of myself is imperative. And one way that I like to treat myself is by taking good care of my skin. However, I don't like to use just any products. I am actually quite picky. First and foremost, I prefer products that are tested and safe for both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Anything that isn't, I try and steer clear of. Second, I like products that are effective. Truth be told, it has been hard to find products that are both safe for breastfeeding, but are also effective.

That is, until I came across Amar Botanica. 

You know what kinds of companies are my favorite? Ones that are started by completely normal women, who are trying to solve a need that ALL of us women share. This is how Amar Botanica was started. It was developed for two mothers. One, a Mount Sinai New York Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Mikhail, and her mommy bestie, AnaLiza Alba's, a beauty industry veteran, knowledgable in organic and cruelty-free products, when they realized the stretch marks were a huge concern amongst women during pregnancy. Not only that, women also wanted to take care of their skin, preventing things like acne while also maintaining a youthful glow. But as I mentioned and as we all know, it is difficult to find products that are both safe for use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and are also effective.

With their knowledge and desire to fill this void, they created Amar Botanica, and us mamas are LOVING it.

Amar Botanica is a skincare company that produces a stretch mark cream and daily + nightly acne treatments that are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mother. The products are 100% pure, organic, vegan-based formula backed by science with proven and all-natural ingredients.

The stretch mark cream is amazing. Lucky for me, I didn't get any new stretch marks while pregnant, however, I DID get some while yo-yo dieting throughout high school. Bummer. I figured there wasn't much that I could do to fade the scars they left behind, but boy was I wrong. 

Amar Botanica's Anti-Stretch Mark Cream can be used DURING pregnancy as a preventative measure against stretch marks, but it can also be used after stretch marks appear (as in my case) to help them fade over time. Not only that, you can also feel GOOD while using the cream, knowing that it is completely safe to use while pregnant and breastfeeding. In addition to using the product to help fade stretch marks, I also use it to help keep my skin moist and hydrated, especially during the winter months. It has been a lifesaver, and is now a staple beauty product in my regimen.

As if I didn't think I would love anything more than the Anti-Stretch Mark Cream, Amar Botanica proved me wrong with the creation of their Anti-Acne AHA Cream Kits. This includes two products (one for daytime use and the other for nighttime use) that help to brighten skin and reduce redness, inflammation and discoloration. Think a healthier version of Retin-A that is completely safe and effective during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Similar to Retin-A this product has a variety of uses including the treatment of acne, rosacea and hyper-pigmentation (me!). Don't be fooled with the word "acne", either, because these two products have a plethora of uses beyond acne (if so desired). Also, don't be fooled into thinking that these products are ONLY for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. Wrong. They are effective (and free of nasty chemicals) for anyone who so desires to use them, and once again, they are just as effective (if not more) as leading skincare brands.

Simply apply a pea-sized amount both morning and night, and you'll be hooked. Since using these two products, my skin has become more supple and radiant; my hyper-pigmentation has faded; my skin is softer and more even-toned; and my skin has a more youthful appearance to it.

I am thrilled to be sharing Amar Botanica with y'all! Us mamas deserve the best AND the safest for ourselves, and for our littles ones.

Take care! xoxo


This message has been sponsored by Amar Botanica.

This being my third baby, I have gone through my fair share of baby products. Whether it be different kinds of diaper bags, bottles, blankets, swings, cribs... you name it, I feel like I'm a baby gear expert at this point. One product category in which I feel I've only gotten more and more preferential with has been in the category of baby monitors. Getting the right baby monitor can be difficult. And it's something that I feel is very important. Not only does a baby monitor allow mama to get things done around the house while baby sleeps, it also ensures the safety of your little one.

When deciding upon a baby monitor this time around, at first, I thought I wanted a baby monitor connected to my phone through WiFi. I mean, it seemed like the simplest option, right? But ultimately, I realized that I didn't like having the baby monitor on my phone. What if I wanted to use my phone for something else, like Instagram, but I still wanted to watch the baby? What if the WiFi signal dropped? Yep, the WiFi baby monitor was a flop.

Then, I tried another name brand baby monitor, which I won't name here for the sake of name dropping. I thought that given the reputation of the name brand that this particular baby monitor would be the Bentley of baby monitors. But what I found to be disappointing was the quality of the picture shown on the monitor. If you're anything like me, picture quality is important. I want to be able to see if Beauden's eyes are open or closed, instead of having to guess if he is truly awake or asleep.

Because I have my Instagram platform, I am lucky in that I've gotten to try a few different types of baby monitors. The most recent baby monitor that I've tried out is called the VAVA Baby Monitor. You can purchase directly on Amazon here for $159.99. I am being super, duper honest when I say that this baby monitor is my favorite baby monitor that I've ever tried and here is why...

This baby monitor has several things that I love about it. Here are some of my favorite features:

• Crisp & Clear Real-Time Images: Large 5” 720P handheld display is 3 times more detailed than previous baby monitors; it boasts full color by day and greyscale infrared images at night to see all the delicate movements of your little one clearly
• Effortless Monitoring: LED noise indicators and an external thermostat keep you accurately updated on your baby’s wellbeing; set to the highest to alert even the heaviest sleeper or set to low volume to hear only loud noises with 7 volume levels
• Always Feel Connected: Turn on the VAVA monitor in a snap second to instantly check what’s happening when your baby murmurs; features 2X, 4X zoom and an auto-pilot panoramic mode to scan your baby’s nursery, no waiting around for any app or setup
• Up to 24hr Battery Life: Built in 4500mAh rechargeable battery lasts for 12hrs in display mode, 24hrs with the display turned off for full-day monitoring of your baby
• More Stable Wireless Connection: VAVA baby monitor delivers smooth video from anywhere in your house within a 480ft - 900ft range, to always keep your little one in sight no matter you're if you're in the study room or the kitchen.

All of this said, my favorite aspect of this particular baby monitor is the clarity of the image shown on the screen. There is no mistaking whether or not Beauden is awake or asleep or crying or smiling. The picture is so clear that I can see every little detail. Not only that, but the sound is crisp and I can travel pretty far from his crib and still have a strong connection.

I love this baby monitor SO MUCH that I am GIVING ONE AWAY! To enter, please see my latest Instagram Post here, featuring the VAVA Baby Monitor...

• Like my IG post
  
• Comment #VAVA #babymonitor on the post
  
• Follow VAVA's IG @letsvava
  
• I will choose a winner who is based in the USA

That's all for now, mamas! Be sure and check out the VAVA Baby Monitor below! 

For an exclusive 20$ off, use code PITHPFJ6

I'd like to consider myself somewhat well-versed in the realm of health. Like most children growing up, I had parents who understood the importance of exercise and a healthy diet. My mom worked hard to ensure that we ate at the dinner table as a family, which meant the majority of the meals I consumed growing up were home-cooked and wholesome. Further, I adopted exercise at an early age seeing my parents interested in things like running and weight lifting. Thus, the foundation of what it meant to be healthy was pretty straight forward, and instilled in me at a young age: eat healthy, whole food and exercise. The end.

After college, around 2009, however, my father was diagnosed with an aggressive stage of prostate cancer. During his journey to recovery, he became a near expert on the world of holistic health. At that point, our view of what it meant to be "healthy" was somewhat redefined, or magnified, if you will. Our family began to incorporate new, alternative practices. This included things like a vegan diet and eating raw foods. We also became well-versed in the world of supplements. Magnesium was used for calming. B vitamins and fish oil became essential. You could say that I knew more about holistic, or preventative health, than the average person.

One of the things that I have felt very conflicted about when it comes to the health of my children was the over-prescription and use of antibiotics. This was especially important in the early years of my kid's lives in which I felt that it was imperative to protect my baby's microbiome, or gut. I hadn't read studies or even done much research on the human microbiome, but with my limited knowledge of antibiotics it only made intuitive sense that when antibiotics was used to kill off bad bacteria that it would inevitably kill off good bacteria, as well. At the same time, I understood the stance of medical professionals. That in many cases, the use of antibiotics is often necessary. Antibiotics save lives and have been revolutionary for healthcare. But when your back is again a wall and it's necessary to take antibiotics, is there anything you can do to get back that good bacteria?

I'll give an example. Before my son Vance was born, he was diagnosed with inflamed kidneys. What does this mean? I really don't know except that I had to see a specialist, a urologist, and it was concerning as a parent. When it came time to deliver Vance, the specialist AND my pediatrician recommended that he go on antibiotics as soon as he was born to prevent any sort of UTI or infection that may arise because of his dilated kidneys. As you can imagine, I wasn't thrilled about the idea that my son would need to be on antibiotics from birth. Again, I knew how precious the microbiome was, especially in protecting it during the first six months of life, and wanted to preserve all of his good bacteria. The use of antibiotics so young scared me. So I did what all good moms do... I pushed back. I told the doctors I was concerned about the use of antibiotics. Responding to my concern, both doctors told me the bigger concern would be if Vance were to get an infection from the dilated kidneys at such a young age. Ultimately, it could be very dangerous. They said the dosage was extremely small, and that I shouldn't be concerned. I listened, reluctantly.

Following doctor's orders, I gave Vance his antibiotics from birth every single day. Every time I did, I felt guilty. I knew it was necessary, but I also knew what it was doing to his little microbiome and couldn't help but feel bad about it.  Simultaneously, really since Vance was born, I had noticed that he had the world's worst chronic diaper rash that no amount of Aquaphor could cure. I tried everything under the sun! My pediatrician even prescribed me an anti fungal cream. I had no idea what it could be from, until I considered the overuse of the antibiotics. BINGO. Because he had been prescribed those antibiotics, while they were stripping his system of the potentially bad bacteria, they were simultaneously stripping his system of the good bacteria. With the absence of this good bacteria, Vance now had chronic diaper rash. It all made perfect sense.

As I said, I tried everything to get Vance to recover from this terrible diaper rash, but after nothing worked, I went back to my holistic roots and considered the use of probiotics. I knew that using probiotics would help some of that good bacteria to grow back and proliferate, and his private area needed that good bacteria if I ever wanted to see the diaper rash go away. So, I headed to Whole Foods and sought out the most potent, expensive probiotic that money could buy. I used the probiotic as directed and what I discovered is that Vance's diaper rash slowly began to fade over time. True story.

I share this story about probiotics because today I am working with a company called Evivo. Evivo is a pediatrician recommended probiotic that has over a decade's worth of research and clinical trials behind it. Now, I am not a doctor. I have not thoroughly studied probiotics, however, after speaking with highly educated, experienced and credentialed physicians, I believe that the study of  probiotics and its positive impact on the micobiome are making significant headway within the medical community. In fact, MIT now has an entire center dedicated to the study of the human microbiome. It is called the MIT Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics. Similarly, I recently had a conversation with my sister-in-law, an infectious disease doctor, who is at the epicenter of where research on the human microbiome is currently taking place. She concluded that her pediatrician, whom she respects and trusts, supports the use of probiotics in babies and children.

I was diagnosed as Group B Strep during pregnancy, which means that during labor, my doctor required me to have a steady dose of antibiotics in hopes that it would go straight to my baby to prevent him from contracting the strain of bacteria, which could be harmful and even deadly. These antibiotics are often deemed necessary, and yes, they were given to me during labor. Thus, Beauden was likely exposed to antibiotics in utero, which makes him an ideal candidate to recieve probiotics. 

Our children need good bacteria! What is being uncovered is the fact that the first month's of a baby's life are crucial to immune and metabolic development. And because of the high rate of C-sections and antibiotics given, 9 out of 10 babies lack B. infantis, the key good bacteria that digest special nutrients in breast milk and protects baby's gut. What's the solution? Probiotics! Probiotics are living organisms and their purpose, whether in food or in supplement form, is to help improve the amount of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

When Vance was going through his diaper rash issue, I wish I had a trusted brand like Evivo for use as a probiotic. And here's why. Evivo is the only baby probiotic clinically proven to restore the good bacteria, B.infantis, reducing bad bacteria in baby's gut by 80%. Evivo is the result of over a decade of research and clinical trials at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. Further, Evivo's breakthrough findings about the baby gut microbiome and infant probiotics have been covered in well-respected publications around the world.

If you are curious about your baby's gut health and to see if you are a candidate for Evivo, I encourage you to first and foremost talk with your pediatrician! Doctors have a wealth of information when it comes to the use of probiotics. After doing so, I then encourage you to take the baby gut check quiz on Evivo's website - only three questions, that's it!

.
MYTH #1: Baby looks healthy so baby's gut is healthy too.  
FACT #1: 9 out of 10 babies born in the US have a low functioning gut microbiome due to the lack of good bacteria needed for a healthy gut.
​
MYTH #2: Babies will grow out of tummy troubles as they get older.
FACT #2 : The first 6 months are critical for proper immune and metabolic development.  Too much bad bacteria in the gut early in life is linked to metabolic and immune disorders such as asthma, eczema, allergy, Type 1 Diabetes and obesity down the road.

MYTH #3: Baby probiotics are only needed when symptoms appear.
FACT #3: Probiotics are not just for fixing symptomatic conditions. In fact, Evivo is the only probiotic clinically proven to repopulate baby's gut with the good bacteria they are missing 100% of the time, every time.

MYTH #4: There’s not enough science to prove probiotics are really helpful.
FACT #4: Evivo is the result of over a decade of research and clinical trials studying the importance of B. infantis in the gut, and the many benefits it provides to baby's gut health.

MYTH #5: All probiotics are the same.
FACT #5: Strain does matter. Evivo is the only baby probiotic clinically proven to be 100% effective in restoring B. infantis to baby's gut while reducing bad bacteria by 80%.

Decisions, decisions. When it came to how big Ryan and I wanted our family to be, we have pretty much decided as we went along. Or I guess, let me start by saying we knew that we wanted to have kids, first and foremost. To our surprise, we became pregnant with our first before we planned, although he was totally welcomed! Having one child was a joy. Then, when it came to having another, we assumed that we'd have two. I come from a family of two and Ryan comes from a family of five. Ensuring that our little Rhett (first born) had a sibling and buddy was a decision we made on auto-pilot. 
When Rhett was one and before we could even think about the timing of adding a second, we found out that I was pregnant again! Our second son, Vance, was born and we went from having one child, which we thought was difficult to having two, which was an entirely different ball game. 
How does the saying go? One is one, two is twenty. Yep. That is basically how we felt. Adding a second child to the mix felt like total chaos. I had just gotten the hang of managing one child, now I had to manage two and it felt like I was herding cats on the regular. Not only that, but Rhett was a Lone Ranger when Vance was a baby. What I mean by this is that because he was the solo older brother, he needed mommies attention still. Thus, I had the constant push and pull between giving Rhett my undivided attention and giving Vance my undivided attention; they were both babies after all! What I am trying to say is that the transition from one to two was hard. It was hard because I have two babies to raise; one twenty-two months and the other a baby; neither had a sibling to occupy them, so they needed me all of the time and were used to getting all of my attention. Further, I was still in that "new mom phase" where I felt like I had to give 100% of myself to my children. I felt like I had to be there at every moment, entertaining them, watching them, paying attention to them. This went hand in hand with the fact that they were young and didn't have a sibling to play with at the time (because a young toddler simply cannot play with a new baby), but also that I put a lot of pressure on myself to entertain my kids 24/7. 

As Rhett and Vance got older... I'd say when Vance hit two years of age, they finally started playing with one another. And let me tell you, there is nothing that makes your heart happier than seeing your two kids play with one another. Sure, they fight like cats and dogs because they are close in age and the same gender, but because of this, they also play like champs together. They are the best of friends! (and the worst of enemies) we like to say. Regardless, parenting two kids finally got easier around this time. That is because the boys had each other and could go off with one another and entertain themselves. This was not only fun for them, but it made my life so much easier! Now, I felt like I didn't have to entertain each one 24/7 because they had each other. I could finally get a little break or let them run off on the playground together and do their thing, while I stood back and relaxed. For me, this is when having two kids became fun.
Around the same time, this is when Ryan and I discussed having a third child. I think that me coming from a family of two prompted me to want to have one more kid in the mix. I loved having just one sister growing up. I loved that we were the same gender, and I also loved how close we were in age. That said, there were moments that I felt like it would be fun to have another sibling to play with. As the youngest child, my sister was often off and doing her own thing. She went off to school first and I was home with mom (which I LOVED, don't get me wrong). She also went off to college and I was alone. Again, I loved my upbringing and I wouldn't change it for the world. I think because my parents had only two kids, they were able to give us the world. They coached our teams, they came to every event, we could go on amazing family trips, they were abundant in giving us nice things. There were so many perks to just having the two of us... but again, maybe because I had this growing up, I wanted to make the decision to try something different.
So, Ryan and I had the talk; the big talk about whether or not we were going to add another little munchkin to the mix. And I say that we had "the talk". I think that we kind of assumed we'd have a third, but it more was a matter of timing about when we were going to start trying. Anyways, when Vance was almost two and Rhett was almost four, we decided that would be a good time to start trying. And it wasn't something that was preconceived. Our decision was made when I finally realized that I was ready... and it took me some time. I didn't want to do the 22 month gap again as we did with the other boys. I needed more time. 

It took a few months - maybe three or four months, and we finally became pregnant with our third child. Being pregnant this third time was a bit different than in time's past. The first time you are pregnant, you have no one to worry about but yourself. You think it is SO hard, but really, it's just your perspective making you *think* that it's hard. Looking back, my first pregnancy should have been a walk in the park, but I *thought* that it wasn't. Fast forward to my second pregnant... and my second pregnancy was a breeze (so is my second child).
This third time, was a bit different than the other two times because you really are carrying on with your life. You have two other children to care for and life pretty much resumes as-is. There were moments that I had to slow down and have TV days during the first trimester, but other than that, we really just carried on per usual.

When we finally had our third child, the newborn phase gave us a run for our money. Life was forced to slow down after we had Beauden. I had been so used to running off on adventures with my boys; so slowing down has been a bit of a change. But, what I like the most about having a third kid is that my older boys have each other. Unlike, going from one to two, I don't feel like I have to entertain them because they can entertain each other. Likewise, I don't feel that massive guilt pang because I don't feel like I am needed by three kids and pulled in so many different directions. Sure, I am being pulled a bit, but it hasn't felt as bad because again, my two older boys have each other. And giving them a little bit of independence has been fun for them! In fact, when I'm not always on their case about getting along, it's felt like they've been forced to figure it out on their own. Sure, they have their moments when one of them comes into the nursery crying because the other one did something mean. But overall, I've totally loved hearing my boys laugh and play as I rock sweet Beauden to sleep. I know that they are taking care of each other, and that has been the best thing of all.

To celebrate sweet Beauden, our third little boy, I have partnered up with Perry Mackin! I've been loving all of their baby accessories and essentials... so much that I am giving away some of my favorites! That includes everything you see in the photo - their organic bib, organic neck support pillow, silicone bottle (that easily transitions into a toddler cup), and silicone teether. Check them out by clicking the button below! They've got some amazing baby goodies. 

There is no doubt about it: Motherhood is hard. For some women, the hardships begin as early as conception. This includes the mere act of trying to get pregnant or possibly the length of time it takes to get pregnant. More than that, some women try for years or worse, experience heartbreaking loss. Then, comes the difficulties of pregnancy. Your newfound body, the constant aches and pains, and the first real introduction to anxiety... is baby okay? Next, comes the challenges of labor and delivery. The pain, the trauma, the recovery, breastfeeding. And subsequently, the newborn stage. Sleepless nights and the loss of independence. Your world is flipped on its head as you scramble to care for this tiny human being. And just when you thought you got the hang of motherhood, your precious baby somehow turns into an opinionated toddler. Where did my baby go? You wonder.

The demands of motherhood are real. On a daily basis, we are faced with challenges, adversity and moments that make us question our livelihood and ourselves. There is no harder job than being a mom, but, in the midst of these hardships, if you were to ask any mother if the juice is worth the squeeze, she would without hesitation answer, yes.

To me, this is the ​magic of motherhood.​ If you look up the word magic in a Merriam-Webster dictionary, you would find this definition: ​

Magic, as it is defined, is the perfect embodiment of how mothers are able to surpass the natural forces, or difficulties of motherhood, which are overpowered by the supernatural love they feel for their children. The minute our children are born, much less conceived, it's almost as if a mother is put under a child's charm, or spell, for life. Nothing can break the spell, and the magic continues to grow as the child grows. And in partnership with aden + anais, featuring their Harry Potter™ Limited Edition Collection, I wanted to capture the magic of motherhood told by real mothers, and also share my own favorite moments that depict the magic of motherhood.

Curious what my followers, thought, I took to Instagram to see what my mamas thought captured the magic of motherhood. Below are the 50 moments they cherished most...

It's hard to put into words what my favorite moments are and have been, but below are some that came to mind right off the bat...

Helping me celebrate the magic of motherhood, I have partnered with aden + anais featuring their Harry Potter™ Limited Edition Collection. Nothing says magic like Harry Potter. And this Halloween season, I love having a reminder that motherhood and childhood alike is full of magic. What are your favorite moments?

Click the button below to buy your own aden + anais, featuring their Harry Potter™ Limited Edition Collection.