Mom Life – Joyful Messes

Healthy Kids

Road Trip: Non-Screen Entertainment to Bring For Your Toddler

There are a number of ways parents have found to entertain their little ones in the car on road trips over the decades. For instance, one dad enjoyed singing off-key really loud (not very effective by the way – kind of made their kid want to cry to make him stop), another couple constantly fed their kids snacks to keep them quiet (which led to lots of bathroom stops or a very smelly vehicle). All in all, the various methods and ideas are all random and based on individual parenting styles for the most part … until today’s generation of parents. We have at our fingertips the harmonious beauty of online shopping for securing the most enjoyable and affordable entertainment for our children that can be delivered right to your doorstep! How convenient is that? Try as we might, our tired minds simply cannot compare to the brilliance of a…

Baby Goods

Ultra Cool Gear For Moms and Babies with Budgets in Mind

I love a pretty baby/child item. We have so much gear to carry, haul and manage that it makes things easier if everything just looks pretty and stylish. I feel like the prettier something is, the less I see the mess! I have a great list of my favorite baby gear and mama gear pieces that are totally modern, sleek, and functional! Most are very affordable, and will absolutely make your life easier with functionality. Here’s my compilation of my favorite mommy gear must-haves to make you feel like an uptown designer mom, even when you have spit-up on everything, blowouts, and jelly stains. Ruvalino Diaper Backpack Skip Hop Diaper Clutch Upsimples Travel Bag Baby Bjorn Carrier Infantino Convertible Carrier Lillebaby 360 Ergonomic Baby Carrier Original Black Munchkin Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet 3 in 1 Diaper Bag Backpack Organizer Cozy Cover Alpine Baby Carseat Canopy, Nursing Cover and…

Mom Hacks

10 STEM Toy Gifts for Kids that Make Them Smarter

I can’t tell you all the toys I’ve purchased that sit un-played with just hours after they’ve been opened. Or, the toys I surprised my boys with, only to find that I was totally wrong, and they aren’t fun. I don’t buy many toys now, and this year for Christmas, I don’t plan to either. This is what’s on the list because they are toys that will challenge their minds, keep them quiet, help us engage as a family, and more. These aren’t toys at all, yet offer so much entertainment! This post contains affiliate links. Guess Who? We’ve been playing this ever since I found it at the Goodwill. A super simple game that we can play together. The 4.5-year-old plays one side, and the three-year-old helps me on my side. I can literally see my 4.5-year-old’s mind working as he tries to guess my card and sound out…

Baby Goods

9 Essentials You Forgot In Your Diaper Bag

Oh, the diaper bag. I’ve had a few now that I am a mom of three boys. I put together a list of nine items I have NEEDED at some point but never remembered to pack. This isn’t your usual diaper bag essentials list of diapers, wipes, binkies, and bibs. These are items you will want, that nobody mentions! I get bored of carrying a diaper bag, so I often switch back and forth between purses, backpacks, and diaper bags. It depends on my mood and where we are going. A backpack is often my go-to because I need to be hands-free with my little ones. this post contains affiliate links Packing the diaper bag is always the harder part. When you are a first-time mom, everything goes. Clothes, extra socks, and shoes, wipes and more wipes, extra bottles, toys, hats, burp clothes, 20 diapers…you know just the whole nursery.…

DIY

12 Gorgeous DIY Christmas Decor Tutorials

I love attempting to make my own gifts and decor. Even if it doesn’t turn out, I have a sense of accomplishment knowing I made it myself. I also love the process of creating something, so here I have some totally gorgeous DIY Christmas decor tutorials to really make your home magical this year! If you love DIY, you will also love my post, The 10 Prettiest DIY Christmas Gifts You’d Never Know Are DIY. That one is huge on Pinterest now, so make sure to save it for later! DIY: MINI CHRISTMAS TREE TOPIARIES by Joanna Gaines DIY PAPER BALL ORNAMENTS by Nalle’s House DIY SEQUIN PILLOW by The Proper Blog DIY HOLIDAY BAR CART GARLAND by The Merrythought DIY CLOCK ADVENT CALENDAR by Thrifty and Chic DIY ADVENT COUNTDOWN by Sisters Suitcase Blog DIY CHRISTMAS TABLE DECORATIONS CENTERPIECE by A Piece of Rainbow SHARPIE & DROP CLOTH CHRISTMAS…

Baby Goods

12 Designer Diaper Bags for Under $100

As a mom of three, I’ve been through a few diaper bags. I have even completely boycotted diaper bags for a while because I just wanted to carry a purse. I decided not to pack all the stuff and try to be minimal. Well, all the “stuff” just wound up on the floor of the car and on the way back. I was digging around the car, rather than a diaper bag, which is just too much. We mamas need diaper bags, and we need all the goodies to keep our little ones happy. I still haven’t bit the bullet and purchased one over $100. Because of all the spills, messes, beach trips, and parks, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. So, I’ve shopped lots of bags, and I thought some other mamas out there might appreciate a list of diaper bags that look designer without the designer…

Mindset + Motivation

Tips and Tools for Staying Organized and Focused in 2021

It’s the new year, and that means it’s time to get organized and plan for an amazing year! I’m motivated and ready– are you? In order to accomplish your goals this year, you need to get organized. So let’s jump in and learn about tips and tools for how you can stay organized and focused in 2021! Tips and Tools for Staying Organized and Focused in 2021 This simple organizational tips will help you find ways to stay organized and focused for this year and beyond! Plan In all things, plan. I know this may seem obvious, but it’s the single most important factor in whether a person meets his or her goals and experiences success. Success and achievement do not happen by accident. Planning takes many different forms and impacts every aspect of a person’s life. The first step is to have a planner. This can be a traditional…

DIY

Christmas Cookie Roundup – Festive & Fun Christmas Cookies

These fun and festive Christmas cookies are a delicious way to get everyone in the holiday spirit this year. These cookies are cute, easy to make, and super tasty. These holiday cookies are also a fun way to get the kids and the family involved with holiday baking. As everyone gathers in the kitchen to create and decorate their favorite Christmas cookies, just think of how many memories will be made! These cute Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just to enjoy as a sweet treat throughout the day during the holidays and festivities. Don’t forget to leave some out for Santa! 1. Christmas Wreath Cookies These Christmas wreath cookies are shaped and decorated like a beautiful red and green Christmas wreath. 2. Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Simple and delicious, these easy to make sugar cookies are cut out into holiday shapes and decorated with a…

Kids Activities

Gifts for Kids Who Love to Help in the Kitchen

Having kids who love to cook is a blessing. If you start teaching them while they’re young, by the time they are teenagers, they’ll be comfortable enough in the kitchen to be cooking for themselves on a regular basis. Part of helping grow their confidence is making sure they have their own supplies to use for their cooking adventures. Working side by side with you is easier when they have their own tools to use. If you are looking for holiday gifts for kids who love to cook, then you’ve come to just the right place! I absolutely adore having kids in the kitchen. In fact, I put a list together of some great gifts for kids who love to cook. Super Foods for Super Kids Cookbook – One of the best parts of cooking with kids is the opportunity to get them to try healthy foods. Just like with…

DIY

Simple Halloween Homeschool Crafts That Are Cute – Not Spooky!

If you’re looking for super simple Halloween Homeschool Crafts that are cute and not spooky at all, you’re going to love these simple craft options. With the Halloween season right around the corner, you can easily find a way to give your child that Halloween feels without giving them the worries as well. All of these Halloween Homeschool crafts are fun and easy to do and are great for a wide variety of ages. Crafting together is a great way to bond so find time to sit down with your child and craft away with them as well. They’ll love the time together and you’ll love the creative time! Simple Halloween Homeschool Crafts That Are Cute – Not Spooky! All of these simple Halloween homeschool crafts are ones that any age can do. Some might need a bit more assistance than others but that’s what you’re going to be there…