South Florida's Best Parenting Blog
Over 2 weeks ago, (before the Shelter-in-place order in South FL) we received the results of our 4th baby’s gender and were able to do a tiny gender reveal with our parents and 2 of our siblings. In the midst of everything happening in the world, we were able to share our joy with our loved ones via FaceTime and Skype (thank God for technology!). And now we are able to share it with you all – thank you for all your love and support. Watch below what our 4th bundle of joy will be:
There’s no denying, these past weeks have been the most difficult, on all scales – globally, nationally, locally, and personally for just about everyone. A pandemic like Covid-19 brings about feelings of fear, sadness, uncertainty, panic, and more, but it’s in these times that we need to find a silver lining. If we harbor worry, uncertainty, and fear, it will continue to snowball inside and make us feel anxious and stressed. I admit I too, have felt heartbroken by everything that is happening and knowing people are being also financially affected one way or another and felt worried not knowing when this will end. When these emotions weigh me down, I practice these few helpful ways to cope with our days of self-isolation and quarantine:
Gratitude transforms our attitude.
Hope you are able to apply these steps and see a positive change in your emotions and attitude for the days to come. And remember, this too shall pass and soon life will resume as we know it. Be safe and stay home. ♡
I have the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom of my 3 little ones and although it’s the most rewarding title, it is the busiest, yet now that I am pregnant with my 4th baby, there are moments that I feel drained. Even so, my husband and I try to unplug whenever we are together as a family. In a world like today, the use of technological devices is inevitable. We use our laptop and cell phone for work and play, however, we strive to not let it interfere when we are with our kids. For that reason, I’ve learned to avoid using my phone when I am with my kids during the day. I check my phone ever so often to see if my husband or family member has called. Nonetheless, as a blogger, I try to sneak video recordings here and there and my kids notice, which is why they think phones only serve the purpose of making calls and shooting videos/photos, hence they mimic me while playing pretend sometimes. However, please know that we are not against technology nor do we think it’s the “Devil” (in the words of Bobby Boucher’s mom from the Waterboy!). In fact, we love it and are grateful for it – we simply believe our children do not need tablets or cell phones especially so early in life. I once had a mom criticize our lifestyle as being unrealistic. People are entitled to their opinion, but the truth is, that it is realistic because it’s what’s real for us. It may not essentially work for all families but it has indeed worked wonderfully for us. The key is have a daily ROUTINE – it’s the only way I get things done and no tantrums are thrown in my house because my kids know exactly what to expect throughout their day. Here are a few tips that have helped me be a low-tech parent:
Tips for Being a Low-Tech Parent
Here is a look inside our daily M-F Routine that works well for us because it starts later and ends later so that my husband is able to spend quality time with them after work. Although it is not set in stone, this is how it usually goes:
A few things to note, when we eat with our children, we pray before each meal and we carry conversations with them asking them questions about their day, etc. Also, there are days I go out with them (aside from the park & stroll), like head to the mall, supermarket, or play dates with friends. On occasions when we have to leave the house, we aim to leave after 11am and be back around 3pm for their afternoon nap.
It is possible to raise low-tech children in this century! Obviously it will change as they get older. We realized that although it is currently the best way for us, it may not work for others due to different personal circumstances. In my case, I am able to stay home full time with my children and though perhaps giving them a phone or tablet may have been an easier outlet, I chose not to, which means I have my hands full 100% of the time they are awake. And I cherish it. Hope you can try it too and see how it works out for your family.
2020 is here! It’s time to conquer goals but also have a clear vision on how to accomplish them. Many people jot down dozens of new year’s resolutions, but as the momentum in January dies down, statistics show that only 8% of people actually reach them. Some write down habits they’d like to get rid of and habits they’d like to possess. Here are 5 attainable, easy habits to start the year right (some may already be a part of your lifestyle!).
1. Write down 3 reasons you are grateful. It’s hard to complain when you have a grateful attitude. If you wake up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes because you are tired or it’s pouring rain outside, instead of starting your day complaining, start by writing down 3 reasons you are grateful for each day. You will automatically notice a difference in your attitude and daily mood. Keep a notebook or simply write it on a dry erase board or sticky note.
“You only have one mind and one body for the rest of your life”
Warren Buffet
2. Drink more water. Warren Buffet says, “You only have one mind and one body for the rest of your life” and goes on highlighting the importance of taking care of your mind and body now. Drinking water is one surefire way to achieve this. We love drinking water instead of soft drinks in our house, and we are huge fans of smartwater®—particularly the new smartwater still subtly infused with hints of fruit and herbal flavors. Smartwater gives an overly refreshing sense of the “Spa Water” experience in a bottle. We head to our local Winn-Dixie and run to the water aisle to stock up. Save now at your Winn-Dixie by clicking BELOW.
Our current favorite flavors are the cucumber lime flavor and the watermelon mint. The best part is that they’re zero calories and unsweetened. I take a smartwater bottle water when I’m out and about, like at the park while I watch my kids play and catch up on reading.
3. Make your bed. Ok, here’s a little secret: When I was single, there were times I ran out of my house and headed to work without making my bed. Then, when I married my husband, I realized he would always make our bed every single day. I noticed that my mood would change when I returned home from work to a bed that was made. It made me happier! And now, I cannot go a day without making my bed because it simply makes my world an organized and better place. Plus, it will make you feel like you can go on to your next daily task.
4. Set specific short-term goals that will help you reach long-term goals. Oftentimes, people make a vision board filled with dreams and goals that tend to be long-term, but they miss a key component, which is short-term goals. For example, if your goal is to take a European family vacation, research when is the best season to travel, hotels, airfares, attractions, and itineraries, etc. This will help you create a budget. Once you have a budget, then set a date and write down how you plan to save for the trip. Be specific. Set short-term goals that will eventually lead to the bigger picture.
5. Be 100% present. In a world where technology is glued to our hand, unplugging can understandingly be difficult. Regardless, it’s important to put your phone down. As a wife and mom of 3 little ones, we truly strive to raise our kids in a low-tech home which forces us to put our phones down. When we are at the dinner table, our cell phones are out of sight—especially when we are spending family time. When we speak, we give each other our undivided attention from the oldest to the youngest member in our family. Don’t miss out on moments because you were distracted with tech devices.
If you aim to tackle at least 1 of these attainable habits every 3 weeks, you will develop 5 new habits in the first quarter of the year and thus, start 2020 off right! May you end the year accomplishing everything you envisioned for this year. You can do it!
It’s that time of year again! 2019 flew by with a quickness and Christmas is less than a month away! Holiday shopping for loved ones could be a breeze if you’re able to get all your gifts under one roof. This week, we were invited to shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods and experience the magic of their store. We were blown away by all their variety and most important, special deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We found gifts for the entire family – from gifts for her, him, and kids. To top it off, the entire store will be 25% off on Black Friday!!!
Since we’re in the spirit of giving and gratitude, we are gifting 3 of my blog subscribers a DicksSportingGoods.com item* of your choice (*valued at $50 and must be located in the continental U.S.) This is a 12 hour giveaway. Winners will be announced via email on Thanksgiving Day, 11/28 by 12 noon to enjoy Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals.
How to enter:
1. Make sure you are subscribed to my blog. (Not sure? Subscribe in form below)
2. Answer the question on my latest Instagram post. That’s all!
Check out our favorite gifts, specials and Black Friday/Cyber Monday details below and head to our Instagram page: HERE to view Stories of our in-store holiday shopping at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
