Ashling Drew, Author at Joyful Messes

My Postpartum Recovery Plan That Helped Me Lose the Baby Weight By 6 Weeks

I completed this postpartum recovery plan after my third pregnancy, and completely lost the baby weight by six weeks with no affect to my milk supply. With my first two postpartum recoveries, I wasn’t focused on healing, nourishing and taking time to rebuild my strength. Finally, by third pregnancy I was in better shape, and developed a completely, holistic postpartum recovery plan to fully nourish your body for breastfeeding, regain strength and lose the baby weight. With my first and second babies, I was able to lose the baby weight fast through nutrition. I kept my milk supply up because I ate a specific, nutrient dense diet. Which I lay out with recipes and a meal plan in the program. I go over all the details on nutrient dense foods. as well as healing foods to help your body recover. One mamas just posted this in our private Facebook group,…

How To Put Together A Car Wash Activity For Squeaky Clean, Toddler Fun

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Dial2in1 #DialCompletesUs #2in1#CollectiveBias A car wash is one of my boys’ favorite activities!! It is a perfect activity for summer because they can splash and play, and it isn’t messy because it is just soap and water! My boys are super happy with simple bubbles. For some reason, driving in the soapy water, sending the cars down ramps and playing in the suds makes them super happy! When I set up my car wash, I make sure I’m using a nice, gentle soap. Because we are in the pool and at the beach a lot, the sun, chemicals and water can make all of our skin dry. The new Dial Complete® 2 in 1 Foaming Hand Wash gives you soft, smooth hands. Even after repeated washing. 2x moisturizing ingredients vs regular hand soap. Kills…

Host A Pajama Brunch Party for Snuggly, Easy Mornings

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveMyEggo #MoreEggo2Love #CollectiveBias I LOVE a laid back morning, where we stay in our pajamas too long and eat breakfast too late. Waffles are a big hit in our family, and my boys are a in love with the Kellogg’s® Eggo Thick & Fluffy Original. You can do anything with this flavor, add all the toppings, or keep it simple with just syrup. I don’t always have the energy on these long, quiet mornings to whip up a batch of home made waffles, so the Eggo Thick & Fluffy Waffles are a great solution for me. They are the perfect option for a simple, quick breakfast for your family, a nutritious breakfast for the health conscious, or an indulgent savory meal or complex dessert. You can sign up for Ibotta to get cashback too, which…

The Best Bagel Breakfast Sandwich To Take To The Beach

It’s no secret we visit the beach weekly, and sometimes it is easier to pack a bagel breakfast sandwich and eat it there, rather than spending a lot of time cooking, eating and cleaning breakfast in the morning. We would rather hurry and get to the beach to enjoy our breakfast there. So, I created a yummy little breakfast sandwich that we can wrap up and take in our picnic basket. These are super simple too, with things you will have on hand. Nothing too fancy. Just yummy and filling for long days of sand castles and swimming. David loves this sandwich, and my husband ate two this morning. If he approves, you know they are good. Here is what you need to make TWO of the sandwiches. Make extra 🙂 2 bagels pre-sliced (keep it easy) 2 eggs 2 TBSP butter Two slices of Mozzarella cheese (any cheese works…

Exactly What To Do If Your Milk Supply Drops To Pump It Back Up Fast

Breastfeeding three little boys, I’ve been through some ups and downs in my milk supply, and I’ve learned exactly what to do if milk supply drops, and you need to increase it back up fast. I nursed my last baby easily for 20 months, and I could’ve gone longer, but I felt like it was time to wean. In the years that I have breastfed, and even with my most recent breastfeeding stint of 20 months, I was able to keep my supply up and healthy, even if it dipped a bit. Here are the 5 steps I would take to increase my milk supply fast. First, Nurse, Nurse, Nurse: Get that baby on the boob. It is as simple as that. I recently took a course that taught me so much. There is a lot to know on breastfeeding including how to tell if your baby is getting enough…

Strawberry Pecan Overnight Lactation Oats With A Splash of Cream

There is something so yummy and convenient about overnight oats, and when they include lactation-boosting goodies, it can be a magical, milk makin’ combination of sweet and healthy carbs. Strawberries and pecans go really well together. For some reason, pecans and cashews are my favorite nuts. I didn’t have cashews on hand, but I did have pecans, so when I combined them with overnight oats and strawberries, I was super excited how they turned out. You can also make this recipe with instant oats if you don’t prepare it the night before. Just prepare your oats in the microwave or stove, then add the toppings right then and there. I’ll give the recipe for the overnight version, but feel free to make them the morning of too! I talk a lot about berries in my postpartum healing and weight loss program. They are so wonderful if you are postpartum and…

5 Ways To Nourish Your Toddler’s Brain Development

I received product and compensation from Mead Johnson Nutrition to create this post written by me. All experiences and opinions expressed in this post are my own and not those of Mead Johnson Nutrition. You can contact Mead Johnson Nutrition with product related questions or comments toll free at 1-800-BABY-123 (1-800-222-9123). There is a critical time period between 1 and 3 years, when your baby’s brain is growing and developing. They are soaking in all the feels and emotions with their parents and primary caregivers, developing language skills, learning important lessons and so much more. The brain is undergoing massive transformation and development, and there are ways you can nourish and encourage this important growth period. Here are 5 ways you can help cultivate and nourish your toddler’s brain development during this crucial time: First, Nutrition Is Key: I know for me, with an 18-month old, I am trying to…

8 Nifty Hacks + Things To Road Trip With Kids Like a Boss

It is the season for road trips, which can be a nightmare for families with small children, who can only sit for so long. BUT, I found some amazing hacks to make summer road trips smooth and painless…even fun for everyone, including the parents! First, we can’t deny the benefits of electronic entertainment, and if your car doesn’t have a DVD/ movie system, YOU CAN BUY THEM CHEAP!! They are on Amazon, and you just hook it up. So awesome. This one is only $130, the one pictured, and there are some options under $100 out there. A cereal box used as a garbage can. This is so wonderful because of all the trash that adds up with snacks. You can also grab one of these trash/water bottle holder containers on Amazon, which I like for more organized storage. Next, your kids can play on their own car seat tray,…

The 8 BEST Lactation Protein Shakes For Pumping Up Your Milk Supply While Losing The Baby Weight

Lactation protein shakes are a super healthy way to keep your milk supply up, while working on getting lean after having baby. Losing the baby weight is difficult, but worrying about losing your milk is even more stressful. I’ve rounded up the best protein shakes I actually make and drink to keep my supply up while losing the baby weight. In my little program, I go over everything you need to know to lose the baby weight without losing your milk. I have meals plans, healing foods, milk-boosting supplements, recipes, shopping lists and much much more. I walk you through healing your core, strengthening your pelvic floor and so much more. If you are looking for a more in-depth plan that goes over healing postpartum, properly nourishing your body for milk supply, a meal plan and recipes and workouts to lose the baby weight, please check out my new program, The Postpartum…

The 13 Best Beach Hacks and Tips For The Smoothest Family Beach Day Ever

These are the beach hacks and tips that actually work for me and my kiddos, and we go to the beach weekly all year! I’m a beach-mom veteran now, and I’ve experienced all sorts of beach situations, leaving me to learn what I actually need, and what I don’t. One thing to remember is you can always vaccuum out the car. The end of the beach trip can be the most stressful because everyone is tired and sandy. Clean up the best you can, get everyone home and rested, then clean the car. It makes for a positive ending 🙂 Baby Powder to Remove Sand: This is a popular trick that actually works to help the sand come off! We’ve tested it, and I was happy with how well it brushed the sand off their hands, especially for eating a quick snack! Baby Pool: Babies are often scared of…

Ashling Drew