Ashling Drew, Author at Joyful Messes

Best Jobs For Stay-At-Home Moms

“Hey, Ladies! I want to know what you do to earn money. I am looking for ideas. TIA!” How many times have you seen that question come up in a Facebook group or MeetUp? Like you, many moms are looking to earn extra income to help supplement the home, have a cushion, or pay for extracurricular activities. You scour old articles, ads, pages, and search results that make your eyes cross and your head hurt. There are so many things out there! Here are some work-at-home jobs that you may not have thought of for yourself. Writing Services Bloggers, editors, copywriters, and proofreaders are in high demand! Not only does it allow you to lend the flare that you have for communication, but you also glean tips, tools, tricks, and practices that you can use in your home. It can also be very entertaining and give you the creative outlet…

How to Organize Your Homeschool + Free Homeschool Supply List!

I would have to say that the question I get asked most is, “How do you organize your homeschool?” And this is such a great question! I want to take a few moments to offer you tips, tricks, and ways for organizing your homeschool. An organized teacher is an organized learner We all come to homeschooling with different intentions, purposes, and reasons, and I love that! We each get to bring our own teaching and learning philosophies to the table. However, I think the one thing we can all agree on is the importance of being organized. Make no mistake, an organized teacher is an organized learner. You’ve likely heard the phrase, “More is caught than taught,” right? Being an organized teacher is essential for raising and teaching an organized learner. Children watch adults’ every move and almost always mimic what they see, so it only makes sense to do…

Superfoods for Breastfeeding Super Moms

There’s an enormous amount of information available these days on the world wide web to help moms learn about how to feed their baby. How to bathe their baby, even how to burp their baby, but what you may struggle to find are articles on how to take care of and properly feed and nourish the mommy. Especially for moms who breastfeed. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy cheat sheet where some of the best superfoods available are all listed in one place? For you to review and choose from whenever you wanted to enhance your milk supply and build up production. Or ensure your milk is full of the utmost important nutrients your child needs? Well, have no fear, help is here! Looking for courses to help you? Take a look at this Ultimate Breastfeeding Class! Superfoods for Breastfeeding Here is a good starter list that includes…

Clever Gift Ideas for the New Dad on Father’s Day

Becoming a Dad is a huge milestone in a young man’s life! The new father-to-be is probably both nervous and ecstatic all at the same time. Learning to navigate the rising waters of financial burden, late night feedings, and diaper changes, providing loving care and support for his spouse or partner and meeting the daily demands at work to provide for his family while silently wishing he could curl up and take a nap due to exhaustion from all those late night walks bouncing the baby to sleep. Settling into this new position as a father comes with unique and complicated questions for the father-to-be … what should the baby call me? Dad? Father? Daddy? Papa? Pops? Figuring out how to keep some romance or spice in his life with his spouse/partner, but worried about how to support her needs as her body is still recovering and changing after having…

Spring Cleaning Tips for Moms of Infants and Small Children

Every mom with young children knows it’s important to Spring clean your house once in a while if you don’t want to wake up one day and realize something gross is lurking under your refrigerator. For us moms, it can feel impossible to find the time or focus to get it done. However, there are tips for moms with young children that will help you get your Spring cleaning done in record time, and with your sanity intact. You can learn to make it easy with the right shortcuts, tools, and products. For example, just wait till you learn all the things that are safe to clean in the dishwasher, and how a single appliance can practically clean your whole house! This is going to amaze you. Make It Easy and You Won’t Put It Off The big secret to making Spring cleaning manageable is to regularly clean in short…

Fitness Gear For Moms Who Love The Outdoors

Don’t you just love getting outside in the fresh air and enjoying the beauty of nature all around you? Isn’t it sad thinking that many people are stuck indoors all day working at jobs in an office without so much as even a view of the outdoors? If you are the kind of gal who jumps at the chance to get outside on your own and breathe in the wholesome goodness of that fresh air and sunshine, and maybe even get in a quick workout to shape and tone your body, then you’re in luck. This post is just for you! Whether it’s running, golfing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, or mountain climbing, you’ll find a bunch of affordable fitness gear products to assist moms (like you) who love the outdoors! Fitness and Sports Gear for Moms Who Love Outdoor Workouts Invincible Fitness Agility Ladder Training Equipment Set This equipment set helps…

The #FITMOM Trend: Why Its A Good Thing

Recently, the “What’s Your Excuse?” Mom was re-circulating through social media and the news with her recent weight-gain admission. It brought me to thoughts on the whole #fitmom trend, and where we go as mothers with it. My immediate reaction was, “how brave of her, to be honest, and brave to admit her mess when she subtly shamed mothers for not losing the weight.” She became humble and honest. We are all well aware of the #fitmom trend or dare I say pressure to be our own version of a #fitmom. Social media rewards and celebrates images of mom’s post-baby, looking fabulous and fit just days after giving birth. But, there are many moms also posting their scars, marks, and skin folds – triumphantly celebrating the birth of their baby. I think the whole #fitmom movement is fabulous because it encompasses so much of our desires as women, not moms.…

Gift Ideas for a New Mom’s First Mother’s Day

You might wonder what the best Mother’s Day gifts are for the new mom in your life. You know her best. She may not need another coffee mug, even if it says something cute. But I bet she’d love it if you put some thought into what might make a new mom’s life more liveable right now. The best gift ideas for new moms on Mother’s Day are things that address the struggles of exhaustion, fear, loneliness, doubt, and anxiety. Also, anything that makes her feel pretty. Some good ideas are flower subscriptions, spa gift sets, Mani/Pedi gift certificates, a pendant with the baby’s birthstone, a fun t-shirt that advertises new-mom status, paid membership in a new mom’s group, or a class that will teach her everything she needs to know about infants, sleep cycles, and breastfeeding. Pampering or Wearable Gift Ideas: Here are some gifts that will go a…

Meal Planning Made Simple and Bonus Printable

Do you love the idea of meal planning but find it overwhelming? Look no further! In this post, I offer a handful of tried-and-true tips to simplify your meal planning. What is meal planning? First, it’s important to understand that meal planning has a broad definition. It looks different for everyone, and that is exactly the point. Meal planning is a method of preparing food for you and your family that simplifies the process, alleviates stress and worry about what to make for dinner, and even keeps you on budget. Meal planning can be applied to any preferred method of cooking including the crockpot, Instapot, or lunches only. Why are you meal planning? Once you understand what meal planning is and what that may look like for you and your family, decide your purpose for it. Is it to save money? Eat healthier? Save time? Being able to identify your…

5 Ways You Must Pay Attention To Your Middle Child

It’s a special place to be the middle child, and there are some important ways you can give your middle child some special attention. First, Read Them Special Books Just as you maybe did with your oldest having a new sibling, your middle child can really benefit from being some books in being in the middle. Here are some great starters: My Middle Child, There’s No One Like You You’re All My Favorites The Middle Child Blues Little House on the Prairie Second, Give Them A Special Toy I remember getting a small toy when my younger sister was born. I’m actually the oldest, but the idea is great for the middle child. I gave each of my boys a special gift from our third baby in the hospital, so they could feel special. Some great ideas for this type of toy is a toy they can care for like…

Ashling Drew