Leah Tackles

Traveling With Toddlers!

June 23, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Last week was our first of several trips this summer where we are taking our 18 month old and three year old on long car rides…yikes! This trip was just over 200 miles, which isn’t bad, but 200 miles with diaper changes, feeding, a new-ish potty trained kid, naps, entertainment, fits….ohhh, it can be bad without being prepared!! The other trips we have coming up are even longer, so this was a great trial run for us. Today I wanted to share some links to products that helped us on our trip and products that I will absolutely be taking with us next time! I hope that this is helpful and please feel free to comment with your own suggestions as well : )

Travel Potty Seat:

We have this Primo Folding Potty With Handles. This is so much more sanitary for little ones to hold onto and also a lot less scary! Also, they won’t fall in ; )

iPad (or other device to play movies):

We FINALLY caved and bought this iPad Car Headrest Mount Holder for our oldest for long trips.

Snacks:

The best thing I did for the trip was to seperate out snacks ahead of time so we could just grab a bag when we needed one. I really like these Munchkin Snack Catchers.

Insulated Bottle and Snack Carriers:

We use these for bottles, food that needs to be kept cold, and sippy cups. I like this one by Dwell Studio, this one by Skip-Hop works for everything, and a bottle bag like this is a must-have for us!

Dish Soap for Bottles and Sippy Cups:

I figured out pretty quickly after not packing this essential the first few overnights post-kids that this is a MUST HAVE! Just a little travel size bottle of dish soap like this or pouring some soap into a travel container for the hotel room to rinse out sippy cups and bottles easily! Also a dish towel or two is nice to have on hand.

Small Toys and Loveys:

I like to bring a few small toys that easily fit into my purse or diaper bag just incase the kids need some quick entertainment! I also always bring their loveys/any comfort item they may want. And while on the subject of the lovey, buy a backup! I am ashamed to admit how much we paid on eBay to buy a backup of our daughters “Baby” (of course she picked a limited edition 2011 small Christmas bear! hehe) but we have had so many times when we have been thisclose to loosing it….that money was well spent for our sanity!

Toddler Travel Bed:

Our youngest is still in a pack-n-play like this one and it works great for us. Sometimes hotels will provide you witha pack-n-play, but use your own judgement on if they’ll have up-to-date and safe ones. I also always take our own pack-n-play sheets. Our oldest now uses this amazing self-inflating travel toddler bed. It is AWESOME!

I hope that this post was helpful to anyone out there who is planning a trip with their little ones soon! I think the biggest thing that works for us is trying to keep the routine as normal as possible (especially naps and nighttime!)…and lots of snacks! Don’t forget to let me know what you’re favorite tips and tricks are for traveling with little ones by commenting!! Have a wonderful day!

A Day in The Life (Picture post!)

June 20, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!

My little family was out of town the past few days and I thought it would be a great time to show off some pictures of my loves!

Connor (1) and Hailey (3) just being adorable cuddlebugs in a bed in the hotel room : )

The hubster being a balance pro at The Hands On Museum in Ann Arbor ; )

Yours truly showing off my quick reaction time! ; )

Hailey “Hearing the Beat” : ) : )

Connor hanging out at a restaurant : ) : )

My Hailey doll getting a haircut!!!! Her FIRST haircut : )

Connor at a restaurant again ; ) He is just too cute not to photograph!

Hailey cruising at the mall!!

Thank you for letting me share my family with you! I hope that you enjoyed these pictures and that you have a wonderful weekend!! Thanks for reading : )

My Sunscreen Picks for Summer 2014

June 18, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Can you believe June is half over?! I feel like I will blink and it will be the 4th of July! Today I just want to share my favorite sunscreens for summer 2014 and 4 of the 5 are avaliable at drugstores, so no excuses!!! I think everyone should wear sunscreen! Even if you tan!! I do have an SPF built into my daily moisturizer, but it’s only SPF 15 and I like to add more sunscreen when I know I will be out and about or in the sun. I am also pretty picky about sunscreens, because I HATE feeling like I have tons of build up of product on myself, especially when it’s hot out…so these are all my picks for protecting myself and feeling clean : )

Note: The L’Oreal Sunscreen has changed name and packaging, but I am linking the new version of the same product : )

(Sunscreens numbered in the order they are mentioned!)

BODY SUNSCREENS PICKS:

Coppertone Clearly Sheer Spray For Sunny Days SPF 30:

I love this clear spray for when I need to ger my sunscreen on in a hurry!! It doesn’t feel sticky or uncomfortable feeling on the skin. It doesn’t have a strong smell, doesn’t make my clothes feel gross if I get a little on them, and sprays a large area of skin at once.

L’Oreal Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen SPF 50+ Crystal Clear Mist:

I like this sunscreen if I’m going to be out in the sun all day!! This one does tend to run out pretty fast, but it is VERY water resistant, and that’s great especially so I don’t constantly reapply. Overall I like having this sunscreen on hand on days when I’m going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.

L’Oreal Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen SPF 50+ Sunscreen Oil:

I love this when I want to feel like I’m wearing a nice suntan oil on my legs, except I get the *huge* benefit of added sun protection. I love this for if I’m at the pool or the beach! I also like to use this just on my legs (and a different sunscreen everywhere else) if I want my legs to look extra good in a special skirt or a dress!

FACE SUNSCREENS:

L’Oreal Sublime Sun SPF 50+ Liquid Silk Lotion for Face:

This is a very very liquidy lotion that blends in very easily. You should use 1 teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck, and that can seem like a lot, but this sunscreen doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. I have combination/oily skin and this doesn’t break me out of make my t-zone oily. This has added antioxidants, and while I haven’t noticed anything changing for the better with my skin, the antioxidants can hurt ; )

Doctor T’s Supergoop SPF 30 PA+++ Anti-Aging UV Damage Repair Complex City Sunscreen Serum:

The name may be a mouthful but the this product is awesome! This is a high-end product, and I know it’s a pain it isn’t avaliable everywhere and it more expenisve, but it is a great sunscreen for the face! This feels like a lotion or a serum, not at all greasy! I apply my regular moisturizer and then this and it doesn’t feel like I have anything extra on my face.

LIP SUNSCREEN:

Chapstick Sun Defense SPF 25:

I really like this because it doesn’t leave a thick or gummy feel on my lips. This is great to have on hand in the summer!

Hawaiin Tropic Lip Balm SPF 45+:

This feels thick on the lips, but if I know I’m going to be out in the sun for an extended period I like the protection that this offers. I also saw it advertised for sunscreen touch-ups on your face and it’s so true! I think it’s great to pick up an extra one of these to use for sunscreen touch ups in a pinch on your nose, cheeks, or neck!!

I know I probably can’t convince all of you to wear sunscreen, but if you just put a little on your face, neck, and chest (and the extra on your hands! those babies will age before anything else!) as part of your morning routine you can protect yourself in 1 minute against skin cancer AND aging!! What sunscreens do YOU like? Please comment (click the link by the title of this post) and let me know!! You can also now easily share my blog posts on facebook, twitter, instagram, or email by clicking the buttons at the bottom of this post : )

Get Unready With Me: My Night-Time Routine

June 16, 2014 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Today I am going to share my night-time beauty routine. I have created a Luvocracy page if you’d like more information on any of the products or would like to shop online : )

Step 1: Hair Goes Up

I put my hair up into a messy bun with a hair tie like this one from Lucky Girl Hair Ties on Etsy and use a towel headband to keep my hair out of my face.

Step 2: Remove Makeup

I usually use a Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipe and then another remover for my eye makeup. The Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Remover isn’t my favorite, but I am using it up currently.

Step 3: Cleanse Face

I wash my face with my all-time favorite facewash, Purity by Philosophy, and then dry my face with Kleenex Hand Towels to make sure that I’m not putting a dirty towel onto my just cleaned face. I also use a wash cloth just for my face after showering that I change out every couple of days to keep it as clean as possible.

Step 4: Use Toner

I do this most days, but not all. My favorite toner is an oldie but a goodie, Sea Breeze, and I like the one for sensitive skin.

Step 5: Use Moisturizer

I like to use Esteé Lauder Day Wear, sometimes even at night.

Step 6: Use Eye Cream

I like to use an eye cream and my current favorite is Eye Hope by Philosophy.

Step 7: Use Moisturizer

I use a body lotion, and my current favorite is SachaJaun in Shiny Citrus.

Step 8: Hand Cream

I use a hand cream by Juice Beauty and a Cuticle Cream by Burt’s Bees. I don’t always do this, but I try to make the time to do it.

Step 9:

I take my hair down, spray it with a little Dry Shampoo like one from TRESemmé on nights when I’m planning to have second-day hair the next day, and comb it out with Wet Brush.

What is your night-time routine like? What products do you swear by? I would love to hear from you! You can comment to let me know : ) And please subscribe if you’ve liked my post! XO

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX JUNE 2014

June 13, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friiiiiiday!!

Today I am very excited to be reviewing the June PopSugar Must Have Box!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too. The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box.

The box and insert have been revamped and I love the new look!

You can see my post on my May PopSugar Box here and if you have questions on how I ended up liking any of those products please comment to let me know and I would be happy to answer : )

JUNE 2014 MUST HAVE BOX:

Lemon Wet Wipes from You Smell

These probably aren’t something I would have bought, but they are in adorable packaging and I’ll happily carry them in my purse.

Hawaiian BBQ Chips from One Potato Two Potato

I really like these! They have a nice little kick and have a nice full BBQ flavor. I was worried they would be really sweet, but they aren’t much sweeter than a normal BBQ chip.

Beach Towel from Turkish-T

$32

This is so pretty and soft!! I love the idea of using it as a wrap or maybe even a sarong. Love love love!

The One & Only by Emily Giffin’s

$28

I have been hearing so much buzz about this book! I am hoping I can find the time to read it! I love to read, but can never seem to find the time to read! Maybe I’ll see if it’s on Audible : /

Basic Hair Ties from Lollies

These are SO cute!! And I think they’ll look adorable as bracelets, too.

Shiny Citrus Body Lotion from Sacha Jaun

$24

I started using this right away! I *love* fancy body lotions, and this one is lovely. It smells so fresh and wonderful!

Special Extra: $15 Gift Card from Native Union

This website has a lot of cool tech-y gadgets (although I don’t think any for $15!) and I am giving this to my husband : ) I like tech accessories too, but I think my sweet hubs deserves a little something too.

I am NEVER disapointed with my PopSugar subscription! This month added up to $104 not counting the $15 gift card. I STILL haven’t subscribed to anything else in the subscription box world, but I am sososososo close! I hope that you enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful weekend! And don’t forget to subscribe : )

Summer Jewelry Musts and Lusts!

June 11, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I *LOVE* pretty jewels and summertime is a great time to show it off! Today I want to share some of my favorite websites for getting jewelry, a picture of some of my favorites from my own collection, and some of the items I am lusting after : )

MY GO TO JEWELRY WEBSITES:

A PICTURE OF SOME OF MY FAVORITE MUSTS FOR SUMMER:

A FEW OF THE THINGS I AM LUSTING AFTER THIS SUMMER:

How gorgeous is this Bauble Bar bib necklace? I am DROOLING over the colors!

I love love love this monogram necklace in the clear with glitter also from Bauble Bar : )

I am missing out on all the gorgeous statement earrings like these from Bauble Bar because I usually just wear studs around my kiddos ; )

This hi-lo necklace from Express is so different and I adore the semi precious stone!!

How pretty are these tassel braclets from dAnnonEtsy on Etsy?!

I love the details on this Marc Alary for J.Crew braclet! SOOOO gorg!

I love these birthstone bracelets from Alex and Ani : )

Okay, I hope you enjoyed this quick little post! Now, I want to hear from YOU! Where do you like to shop for jewlery? I am always interested to hear about great places to find gorgeous things ; ) Let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post) and please remember to subscribe to keep youself up-to-date on my blog posts! Have a wonderful “hump” day!!

My Diaper Bag Packing Tips for Summer!

June 9, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! Now that it is summer I have been re-packing my diaper bag with some of my favorite items to have on hand. I am not going to over the basics that I think every mom has like diapers, wipes, clothes, bottles, and hand sanitizer…but I thought it might be helpful to share some of the other things I like to always have when I’m out with my kids. For reference, my daughter is 3 and my son is 17 months, so I don’t have any little babies…but I still always have a full bag!

MY SUMMER DIAPER BAG MUST-HAVES:

1) A water bottle! I have drinks for the kids as well, but I always have a full water bottle as well. I feel safer having this on hand so that we don’t run out of water and it can also be used in a pinch for cleaning stains, messy faces, or cleaning a boo-boo. My water bottle is from Life Factory.

2) A wet bag! I like for dirty clothes, swimsuits, or any other potential mess that I don’t want touching the rest of the bags contents. I like to keep my kids extra clothes in here so that it’s nice and organized in the diaper bag! This wet bag is from Ragababe and I love it!! We got ours personalized with our last name, which I think will be great as the kids get older for sleepovers, camps, or swimming class.

3) I always have lip products in my bag, but in the summer I like to have a couple of easy to apply but *bright* lip products with me! I like to have the bright colors because if we are out and about somewhere and we end up wanting to take an impromptu picture or run out to eat, I can quickly look put together even without much other makeup on. The coral crayon is a Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in 235 Coral Twist and the gloss is the Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in 235 Pink Pop.

4) Snacks for ME! I always have snacks for the kids, but I think it’s so important to have snacks for mom (and dad!) too : ) I always have gum, mints, breath strips AND at least one gronola or protein bar. I have Mentos gum, Tic Tac mints, a Luna bar, and a Nature Valley bar.

5) Munchkin Arm & Hammer plastic disposable bags! I like these for stinky diapers, old food, or if my wet bag is already full! I don’t use these that often, but when I need them I am SO glad they’re there!

6) A little bag with sunscreen, diaper cream, and lotion! I like to have this in a little seperate bag so I can find it easily, it makes me (and my husband!) much more likely to actually use the products and it saves precious time. This little tiny bag is from The Club House on Etsy! I love it! It has a handy plastic ring on it as well. The sunscreens are from Banana Boat and Baby Ganics. The diaper cream and lotion are from Burt’s Bees.

7) Evriholder Bibbies Disposable Bibs!! I usualy have a bib or two in the diaper bag anyways, but incase I forget this is a great thing to have with me at all times. I have had the same bag of dispoable bibs for over a year, but when I need them it is great.

8) Kleenex is another thing that I always want to have with me, and I always seem to need it when I forget!

9) A mini first aid kit! I have a large first aid kit in my car, but incase we are at the park or something I want to always have the basics! This little first aid kit is from Me4Kidz and they make great little kits that fit perfectly in the bag in a nice plastic case! I love the case because I can refill it as I use things.

I hope that this was helpful for other moms or dads out there who are prepping for summer! These things are especially helpful for all-day outings! What do YOU always have in your diaper bag? Let me know in the comments (click the link by the title of this post!) and maybe we can get some other ideas going! I would love any input : ) Have a wonderful Monday!

Homemade Baked Elephant Ears!

June 6, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!!

Today I want to share a recipe that I found flipping through Taste of Home Magazine (I know, again! I am not paid by them whatsoever, I just love the recipes they offer!): Baked Elephant Ears!! I think these would be so fun for any summer party! If you make these, I would LOVE to hear about it, so comment (click the link by the title of this post) to let me know about it!

Ingredients:

Dough:

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water between 110° to 115°

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold butter, cubed

1/3 cup milk

1 egg yolk

Filling:

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Dough:

In a small bowl dissolve yeast in the warm water. In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mix until crumbly. Stir the milk and egg yolk into the disolved yeast. Add the yeast mix to the flour mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough in plastic wrap and put into the fridge for 2 hours. Preheat you over to 375°. Punch down the dough and turn onto a floured surface. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll dough into a 18X10 inch rectangle.

Filling:

Spread the butter onto the rolled out dough. Mix the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter. Roll the dough up jelly roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch the seam to seal the dough after you have rolled it up. Cut into approximately 24 slices that are 3/4 inches thick. Cover the slices with plastic wrap until you are ready to work with each slice.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture on a sheet of waxed paper, top with a slice of dough, and top with another 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar. Press or roll the dough into a 4 inch circle.

Baking:

Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet that is coated in cooking spray. Bake 7-9 minutes or until golden brown. Cool onto wire racks.

Thank you so much for reading : ) If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe by entering your email into the subscription box on the right side of this screen! I hope that you have a fabulous weekend! XO

EASY DIY SUMMER WREATH THAT ANYONE CAN DO!!!

June 4, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

A lot of people tell me that I’m “crafty” and I do enjoy lots of different types of crafting, but I didn’t really get into it until after graduating from college. I started because I loved looking at other peoples projects, and figured I could give it a shot too. I know that everybody has different interests and talents, but I think that the main thing for a lot of crafts is just DOING IT! So, today I want to show you a DIY for a summer wreath that I *promise* anyone can accomplish! And what makes it even better is that it only uses a few easy to find supplies, and only takes 30 or so minutes. If you enjoy this, please pin it to your Pinterest account by hovering over any of the pictures and clicking the pink “pin” button that will appear : )

Ready?! Let’s get started!

SUMMER WREATH DIY:

What you’ll need:

Styrofoam wreath form (NOTE: Avaliable at craft stores or the craft sections of big box stores)

Wreath hanger

Fake flowers (TIP: I got mine at a dollar store!)

Ribbon

Wire cutters

Glue gun or other strong glue of choice

Step 1:

Use the wire cutters to cut the flowers so that there is only 1/2 inch to 1 inch of stem left.

Step 2:

Stick the flowers into the wreath to cover the styrofoam.

Step 3:

Wrap the ribbon around the wreath hanger and glue down the ends.

Step 4:

Hang up your gorgeous wreath for everyone to admire : )

That. Is. It!

I hope that you enjoyed this easy DIY project! If flowers aren’t your thing, I also saw an ADORABLE wreath using cocktail umbreallas! Don’t forget to comment if you have any questions or comments! And as always, please subscribe! Thank you and have a wonderful rest of your week!!

Our Sunday In Pictures : )

June 2, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! Connor, who is 1, got his second haircut yesterday : ) And his big sister, Hailey, who is 3, got to play outside for most of the day! Today I just wanted to do a quick post showing off my kiddos!

Somebody slept in!! SHHHHH ; )

YAY! It’s finally warm outside!!

Playground fun!!

Don’t worry, this is my *second* haircut….I’m a total pro ; )

Such a little looker!

After the haircut!

Thank you for reading this! I know not everyone wants these kinds of posts, but I want to share my family on here a little bit too : ) If you’ve enjoyed this post or like posts like this, please comment by clicking the link by the title of this post! Have a wonderful week!!

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