Ashling Drew, Author at Joyful Messes

Summer Mocktails for Pregnant and Nursing Mamas

The temperatures are on the rise as summertime quickly approaches. Just because you’re pregnant or nursing does not mean you have to miss out on some refreshing mocktails during these summer months. Whether for special occasions like a baby shower or just looking to enjoy a delicious mocktail on a hot summer day, we have some great, easy mocktail recipes just for you. Summer mocktails are not only a tasty treat for your taste buds but a great way to stay hydrated and get some extra vitamin C from fresh fruit. Mocktails are also an excellent idea for the entire family. They are a fun, delicious drink and a great option after a strenuous day or while playing in the sun. We all know too much alcohol consumption is harmful, so why not serve Dad some mocktails in place of the real thing? don’t forget to serve your favorite non-alcoholic…

Fun Animal Baby Games for Kids to Play

Who doesn’t love baby animals? Do you and your family enjoy visiting the zoo? Do you remember going to the state fair and petting those tiny baby sheep and admiring how cute that baby cow was? Baby animals are adorable, playful little creatures that will make anyone smile. What better way to learn about animals than some fun, colorful baby animal games that can bring that same joy and laughter? This article will explore various baby animal games, including online, card, and board games. Hands-on Games As with most games, various animal-themed options exist for children of all ages. For babies and toddlers, think about what their favorite animals are. Farm animals, wild animals, or do they love a good adventure on a jungle safari? Do they like making animal sounds like a baby horse or a chicken? There are all kinds of interactive learning toys to choose from. We…

20 Spring Break Essentials-Your Travel Must Haves

Spring Break is just all around the corner. A lot of families now are planning for their best spring break getaway. The most popular spring break destinations? The beaches! You can now feel the light breeze of the waves, the coarse warm sands, and the coldest fruit juice ever. Each spring break destination requires essentials, a total preparation for the family vacation. I gathered a complete packing list of travel necessities for your next spring break trip. Relevant and worry-free vacation! 1. Water Bottle Water bottles are essential for beach getaways due to hydration needs under the sun. Packed bottles ensure easy access to clean drinking water, promoting wellness and enjoyment. It’s a practical companion for staying refreshed while soaking up. 2. Beach Bag A beach bag ensures convenience and comfort during your beach vacation by carrying essentials like sunscreen, towels, snacks, and entertainment. It keeps belongings organized, protects them…

Is it Possible to Start Baby-led Weaning at 5 Months

Are you ready to start introducing solid foods to your baby? Is your baby showing signs of readiness by mastering that cute little pincer grasp? This is an exciting, messy, and sometimes stressful milestone; however, it can be a fun family mealtime experience. The American Academy of Pediatrics has an online fact sheet with basic guidelines on when and how to introduce solid foods. Gill Rapley, the BLW pioneer, also has a website with a lot of helpful information, including links to recipe books and other resources. In this article, we will dive into the benefits of baby-led weaning and suggest ways to introduce a variety of foods to your baby. Before getting started, the most important thing to remember is to speak to your child’s pediatrician before introducing solid foods for the first time. All babies are different, so even if your friend started BLW foods with their 5-month-old baby, it…

How to Keep Baby Cool During the Summer Heat

It’s almost that time—our favorite time of year—summertime! Summer is full of fun activities like splash pad play dates, floating in the pool, and playing in the sand at the beach. While planning your summer activities, remember that our little ones need special attention when beating the summer heat. As parents, we must ensure our babies and children all ages stay cool, hydrated, and comfortable during those hot summer months. In this article, we have shared some tips and tricks to help keep not only your kids cool and happy but the entire family. TLDR If you are short on time, some quick tips are: Avoid peak hours of heat; play during the cooler times of the day, like mornings and evenings. 2. Dress baby in breathable fabrics. 3. Apply and reapply sunscreen to protect the baby’s skin. 4. Avoid the sun’s rays and play in the shade. Bring a…

14 Unique Ideas for Baby’s First Birthday Party

Tiny fists reach out for their food, leaving footprints wherever they go. Sweet laughter echoes from every corner of the room. These moments are nothing short of pure magic. Can you believe it? Your baby’s first-year celebration is now approaching! It is a milestone and as parents, we’re always on the lookout for the most unforgettable ways to make it special. Let’s make our baby’s first birthday unforgettable. We can explore fun ideas and create special memories. Looking for a great idea to make your baby’s first birthday party unforgettable? Choose one of these first birthday party themes. Create a celebration that your family will always remember. We have all the information you need to create the best 1st birthday party. Join us to find fun and heartwarming ideas for your baby’s celebration. Make their first birthday a memorable event that brings joy to everyone. Get inspired! Building Blocks Birthday…

Fun Ideas and Opportunities for Volunteering with Kids

The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that the essence of life is “to serve others and do good.” What better way to do that than to get the whole family involved and participate in some volunteer opportunities in your area? Now more than ever, our world, country, and community need some helping hands. Whether that’s simple tasks like donating to your local food bank or delivering care packages to your children’s hospital, a little of your time will go a long way. It may seem daunting to try and fit in volunteer time in your already hectic schedule, but there’s a good chance you can free up a little of your family’s time. There are so many volunteer activities that kids of all ages can participate in. This article will explore some beautiful ways to give back to your community. TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) – Here’s a quick list of…

35 Best Sleepover Games and Ideas for a Teens Party

A common sleepover is usually composed of a classic board game, pillow fights, and finger foods. From themed pajama parties to movie marathons and DIY activities, each idea is a chance for them to express individuality. Picture your kids excitedly requesting our permission to invite their best friends over! Nowadays, people tend to be more creative in making each teen party special especially sleepover parties. I created this list to understand the progressive changes in slumber parties potentially. Planning sleepover teen parties isn’t just about fun; it’s a gateway to fostering lasting memories and valuable life skills. These gatherings provide a safe space for self-discovery, laughter, and bonding, contributing to their emotional well-being. So, as we tackle this content of sleepover teen party ideas, let’s embrace the joy and benefits these experiences bring to our kids’ lives. So prepare the sleeping bags and the most fun games, so they can…

Easy and Adorable DIY Seashell Craft Ideas for Kids

Do you and your kids love going to the beach? Do you collect shells and other fun items found washed up in the sand? Do you have some arty, crafty kids? Well, spring is here. What better time to head out for a family beach vacation? Or, if you’re lucky and live near a beach and are on a budget, why not take a day trip to the beach for some fun in the sun? And what better way to capture and remember those great beach memories than creating seashell crafts? Crafting has so many invaluable benefits. In today’s fast-paced digital world, engaging in hands-on craft projects is a great way to foster creativity, learning, and exploration. In this article, we will walk you through some amazing seashell crafts that are great for kids of all ages. TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read) – If you don’t have the time or…

11 Easy Lunch Box Ideas That Kids Will Love, NO SANDWICHES

Are you in a school lunch rut because your kids are tired of the same old sandwiches for lunch time? Here are 11 new ideas and healthy easy recipes for your kid’s school lunch boxes that are NOT SANDWICHES. Whether it’s for school or camp, the idea of packing a lunch bag every day of the week can sometimes be overwhelming or even trivial especially if you have picky eaters at home. As busy parents, we want healthy school lunch ideas that our kids will like and that are also quick and convenient. Having multiple kids, I can attest to this! Taking into consideration your child’s or their classmates’ allergies or food restrictions can also make packing lunches tough. Last year was the first time we had to deal with that since my daughter was at a nut-free school. I was excited to learn of all the alternatives available for…

Ashling Drew