Mom Blogger – Page 3

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX | OCTOBER 2015

October 28, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Lately I’ve been doing first impression unboxing videos on my YouTube channel, but because I have so many videos that that need to be edited right now I decided to do this months box as a blog post. The PopSugar Must Have Box is a monthly lifestyle subscription box that has food, fashion, beauty, home decor, and exercise goodies for $39 per box. that If you like seeing PopSugar this way as opposed or in addition to the videos, let me know in the comments.

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE OCTOBER 2015:

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

$25

I absolutely love Mindy Kaling’s first book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me, and have listened it to on Audible.com more than once. I hate to admit that I already stored this in our basement, because realistically I don’t have time to read this right now, but I’m happy to have it!

Savvy Sleepers Luxury Satin Pillowcase

$36

I think changing your pillowcase often, and using a satin pillow case are two great ways to keep your skin free from breakouts, and the one I already have isn’t as nice as this one. I am very excited about this, and had just been thinking it was about time for a new one.

Easy, Tiger Brown Paper Liquor Bag Set

I wish I could say I was attending parties where I was bringing alone a nice bottle of wine, but realistically I’m not, however these are adorable and they’ll be saved with my other hostess and housewarming kitchen gear.

Belgian Boys De Stroopwafel

$1.59

This was such a fancy, fun little treat! I shared these with my husband, Stephan, with some tea over the weekend. I love that the waffle sits perfectly over a mug of coffee or tea.

The Honest Company Sea Salt + Sugar Body Scrub

$17

I used this the day that I got it and so far I’m loving it! It’s a great scrub to use before sunless tanning, too. I followed it up with my regular body wash and my skin was super soft!

Richer Poorer Hope Slipper Socks

$15

I absolutely love fuzzy socks, and can always use a new pair. I haven’t worn these yet, but they seem super cozy. It’s nice that some of the proceeds go to support women with breast cancer and that’s a great item for the October box.

Special Extras:

Danielle Stevens Monogram $40 Gift Card

I don’t count this because you have to spend more than it’s worth, but it’s still nice if that was something you were interested in. I do *LOVE* monogrammed jewelry, but I probably won’t use this.

It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product Sample

This is the perfect size for traveling and I already use this product every time I wash my hair! I am very happy to have this for (get ready broken record:) Disney : )

TOTAL VALUE: $102.59 not counting the special extras …cutting that “At least $100 value” a tad close this month, but I do think it’s a fun box. I am the most excited about the pillowcase, slipper socks, and body scrub.

Do you subscribe to PopSugar? You can click here to subscribe to PopSugar or find out more. If there are any other subscriptions you are interested in seeing on my blog, please let me know so I can check them out for you! Have a great weekend!!

Fall Fashion Lookbook!

October 26, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! And thank you, as always, for taking the time to read my blog.

In the past 5 years I have been pregnant or breastfeeding, and so my fall wardrobe needed some major re-vamping! I recently heard of Dottie Couture Boutique through a friend, and instantly fell in love with their clothes, and placed a small order. I got the items and am even more in love, and created this lookbook to share my finds with you. I love the tops I picked because they are all a tad oversized, and each one covers my bum so I can wear leggings…#MomLife!

Outfit #1:

Grey Lace Hem Sweater from Dottie Couture Boutique

Sweater Leggings from Express

Ankle Booties from Just Fab

Necklace from Express

Outfit #2:

Button Front Tunic from Dottie Couture Boutique

Sweater Leggings from Express

Boot Socks from Etsy

Boots from Just Fab

Outfit #3:

Maroon/Blue Multi Print Top from Dottie Couture Boutique

Sweater Leggings from Express

Boot Socks from Etsy

Boots from Just Fab

Bracelet from EllandEmm

Outfit #4:

Black and White Plaid Tunic from Dottie Couture Boutique

Sweater Leggings from Express

Ankle Boots from Just Fab

Bracelet from EllandEmm

If you are interested in more posts like this, please let me know! I think these are great looks that you can re-create easily from pieces that you may already have in your wardrobe. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share and subscribe!! xx

October 21, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Thank you for being here : ) Halloween is in 10 days, and like ir or not it is time to start seriously thinking about your holiday shopping! I want to share some gift guides with you, but would like to ask what you would like to see! So if there is a certain demographic you’re wanting ideas for, please comment and let me know! I love comments ; ) Today I decided to start by sharing one gift idea for each person in my immediate family, but I have a lot more ideas to share. If you enjoy this, please tell me and I will make it a weekly or bi-weekly series as we enter the holiday season.

Tarte Greatest Glitz Collector’s Set & Portable Palettes

$49

How gorgeous as this?! Any women in your life from teens on up would adore this! I love that you could even gift the palettes seperately as stocking stuffers or small gifts, or give the whole set for a fabulous gift for one lucky lady. This set has great pigmentation, and I love that it’s seperated into palettes that have colors that you would use together instead of a giant palette, because I think it’s less intimidating for those who may not be as comfortable with makeup.

Mantry Box

$75 for one box

Stephan got a 3 month subscription of this from my parents back in 2012, and we haven’t got it since because it *is* pretty pricy, but if you have a guy who is hard to shop for I think this is a fun idea! Both Steph and I loved these boxes, and we found our favorite pepperoni EVER, and some incredible fudge sauce that we have re-ordered. My only issue with this box is that the only really discount I’ve seen offered is they offer free shipping if you order a 3 or 6 month subscription. Still, very yummy and something different.

Sophie & Lili Handmade Mermaid Dolls

$20 for the mini

Hailey, who is almost 4 1/2, got a custom Sophie & Lili doll year and it’s so special! She calls her Hailey doll, and one of Santa’s elves worked very hard on her. This year I am hoping Santa will have that same elf make her a mermaid ; ) I love that they offer a mini one that’s half the price of the bigger one! She has adorable custom dolls, watercolors, and super hero boys! I just wish the boys could be custom and not only custom super heros. These are so well made, and she was great to work with!

ALEX Toys Little Hands String a Farm

$15

My 2 almost 3 year old, Connor, is really working on things that need lots of hand-eye coordination and finally I found a stringing toy that has a wood piece for the “needle” to make it a bit easier than floppy string. *Tip: Pipe cleaners from the craft section are also a great way to practice this and kids love it!

ALEX Toys ALEX Jr. My Busy Town Cube

$72

No, this post is not sponsored by ALEX Toys! I just have been loving their toys lately. We have so many big toys, but our baby, Logan, has Christmas and his first birthday coming up, and this is on our list for him. It gets great reviews, and has lots of activities in one. And how cute would this look under the tree!? I think the kids would all want to play with this! Zulily has stuff like this a lot, so I need to keep checking back!

Be sure to let me know what items are on YOUR list in the comments!! Have a great weekend!

https://www.leahtackles.com/2015/10/21/2704/

Simple Ways To Get Active With Your Kids!

October 5, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a fantastic weekend!

Hailey came home from school a couple of weeks ago and when I asked if she did anything fun in school she said, “Yes! Yoga!” I was amazed (how 2015!) but loved it! I think we all know that it’s important to teach kids to eat well and to exercise, but what does that really mean? Well, to me that should start as early as possible! Our kids see us exericse, and eat healthy (usually!) and we try to show them how fun being active can be. Today I want to share a few simple ways for you to get active with your kids, but these would work on your own too ; )

1. Have a Dance Party

This is without a doubt my go-to move with the kids when we are starting to get stressed, frazzled, or need a break! I turn on some music, and we all dance!

2. Walk While You Wait

If we are early to practice or have time where we would just be sitting, I try to do laps or walk around with my kids. It doesn’t always stop tantrums, but it usually helps and you sneak a little exercise in too.

3. Have Your Kids Teach You

I try to always ask what Hailey learned at practice, and sometimes I ask her to teach me. She gets much more excited about kicking a ball if she’s teaching me how to do it.

4. Play At The Kids Place

If you can bounce at the bounce house (HELLO calorie burn!) or climb through the tubes at a play place, do it! I still remember my dad crawling through the tubes with me and I did the same with Hailey a few months ago. *Sidenote: Dad! Thank you! My knees KILLED doing that, but Hailey was so excited.

5. Get Active Hobbies

Take your kids on a date (or your signicant other or friend!) to go ice skating, ride horses, or go hiking. You will have awesome memories and foster a love for physical activity.

6. Keep Up With Them

This is the simpliest of all, but it is so true! No, I am not at all perfect and sometimes I do sit back or scroll on my phone, but I try to make a real effort to play with my kids. If you have ever seen a kid run, jump, climb, and run some more, you know it’s a major workout.

Let me know your ideas for working in an active lifestyle in the comments! Thank you for reading : ) Please subscribe and share!

The Drugstore Foundations You Need to Know About!

September 16, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I love makeup! And I wear makeup most days, so while I *love* some of my high-end foundations, I don’t want to wear them all of the time because it’s costly. I have found 4 drugstore foundations that I consider my favorites, but keep in mind that I haven’t tried every foundation to ever enter the drugstore!

About My Skin:

I have oily/combo skin that is fairly clear from acne, but does have some discoloration and fine lines. My nose gets VERY oily, and my chin and forehead get some shine as well.

L’ORÉAL MAGIC SKIN BEAUTIFIER BB CREAM

This made me so nervous at first because it says “hydrates” but I find that it works beautifully with my oily/combo skin. I love this for days when I want to wear barely anything on my face, or when I’m in a hurry. It comes out white, but blends to a beautiful perfect skintone match. I like to apply this with my finger or with a regular foundation brush like the Sigma F60. This one costs about $10.

REVLON COLORSTAY MAKEUP COMBINATION/OILY

This is the drugstore version of my absolute FAVORITE foundation the Esteé Lauder Double Wear. I do find that this doesn’t wear quite as long, but it’s very very longwearing (not the 24 hours it claims!) and keeps me matte. This one is about $12. Has anyone tried the “Whipped” version of this? I want to! I like to apply this using my Sigma F60.

COVERGIRL OUTLAST STAY FABULOUS 3 in 1 FOUNDATION

People were RAVING about this about 2 years ago when it came out and I just didn’t get it…until I tried using this with my Beauty Blender sponge! This looks gorgeous and has buildable, medium to full coverage. I really love this! I do not use the “3 in 1” claims…I still wear a primer and a concealer with this. This one also costs about $12 at most drugstores.

COVERGIRL READY SET GORGEOUS FRESH COMPLEXION FOUNDATION

When this came out I was unimpressed because I thought the packaging was cheap looking but now I actually love the packaging because you can get every bit out. This foundation is FLAWLESS!! And crazy cheap at $6-8 at Ulta and most drugstores. I find this very easy to blend and it does last all day. I would say it’s a very nautral matte finish, and it is very full coverage.I like to apply this with my hands and then follow up with a foundation brush, usually a stippling one like the Sigma F60.

What foundation do you wear? Let me know in the comments!! Have a wonderful weekend! You can see what we are up to on our Daily Vlog channel.

VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train Toy Review

September 9, 2015 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I can’t believe I’m about to type this, but Christmas shopping is right around the corner! So, today I want to share the Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train with you because we have been enjoying it SO much in our house. Hailey is 4, Connor is 2, and Logan is 7 months old and all of them have been able to use it.

*Note: I was contacted by VTech and asked if I would like to review a few of their toys. I recieved four toys for consideration for honest reviews and was not paid to review any of them. Links are NOT affiliate links and are provided solely for your conveinence! A.K.A I do not get any money if you purchase ; ) Also, I apologize for the poor picture quality, but these are action shots!

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

-10 Activities that help teach letters, numbers, and colors

-Helps with fine motor skills with the storybook, clock, gears, and 13 double-sided letters that can snap into the side of the train to learn letters.

-The “caboose” converts into a wagon that can be filled up with toys and used as a pull toy

-Helps with gross motor skills when using as a ride on toy, push walker, or pull toy

-Target age is 12-36 months

$49.99

HOW MY KIDS USE IT:

Hailey, age 4, likes to use the letter blocks to work on letter sounds, and word formation. She also is interested in the clock and now wants to learn how to tell time!

Connor, age 2, LOVES to ride his train! He immediately claimed this as his (he is the only one of my kids who fits into the targeted age right now) and uses it all day long! I love that he practices his fine motor skills while not even knowing it, because he is a go-go-go little guy who usually gets bored pretty fast.

Logan, 7 months, likes to sit by the train and work on cause-and-effect as the lights and sounds go at the touch of a button. I know soon he will be walking behind it and riding on it!

PROS:

-Appeals to all 3 of my kids!

-So many toys in one! This is such a multi-purpose toy

-Easy to assemble and very sturdy

CONS:

-This is a large toy, so consider storage (I rotate our toys so the kids never get bored and my house isn’t overtaken!)

-It’s a somewhat pricy toy

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I really do love this toy! We already have the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (which I purchased long before I was blogging with my own money!), so I hadn’t planned on purchasing a new one for Logan, but I am THRILLED we recieved this! Connor especially absolutely adores this thing! Each one of the kids uses this daily and I love that it engages them all together! That isn’t an easy task! And like I said it *is* a little bulky, but how cute would it look as the “big gift” for a birthday or under ther tree? I think VTech does a great job because the kids seem to really love the toys, and because of that use them enough to learn with them.

Please let me know some of your favorite gifts for kids or what you have on your holiday shopping lists! If you found this helpful please feel free to share! Thank you all for your support!

My Family Pictures 2015!!

July 15, 2015 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We are lucky enough to have the hugely talented Brooke of Brooke Ashley Snow Photography take pictures for our family once or twice most years. Recently she snapped a few quick pictures for us as a family of five, our 5 year wedding anniversary and for Lo’s 6 month birthday. If you’re in Michigan and need photos done, CHECK HER OUT! She is awesome to work with, makes you feel so comfortable, and takes amazing pictures! Also, she can make any kid smile! She will do all sorts of *crazy* stuff to get a great picture…and she’s my friend AND family, so I’m allowed to say that ; ) Love you lots girl, thank you again! Your photography is on *fleek* ; )

FullSizeRender (19)

Have a beautiful weekend! I appreciate each of you!! xoxo

4th of July 2015! PIC HEAVY!!

July 6, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that each of you had a safe and happy weekend! If you are in America, tell me in the comments what you did for the 4th! I would love to hear about it : ) We had a wonderful weekend and I have lots of pictures to share with you. We also have decided to start vlogging as a family, and we want to launch a FAMILY VLOG CHANNEL soon!! If you think that’s a good idea, let me know! Also, if you want to watch our first video you can check it out here! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel if you haven’t already to give me more opportunities for fun giveaways and better review material for all of you : )

Our 4th of July Pictures:

Here are our 4th of July pictures from 2014!

Thank you for reading!! Have a wonderful week! Please, don’t forget to subscribe! xo

CONFESSIONS: MY 5 HOTEL HABITS?!

June 15, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Now, get your mind out of the gutter to which it probably went based on today’s title! Today I want to talk about funny things that people (or specifically myself/my family) do behind closed hotel room doors. Take a peek and be sure to let me know if you do any of these things, or what “secret” hotel confessions you have (let’s keep it PG people!).

#1 Take EVERYTHING!

Do you remember that Episode of “Friends” where Ross teaches Chandler how to steal EVERYTHING in the room as long as it isn’t nailed to the floor? [ Season 9 Episode 19] Well we don’t go *that* crazy…no remote batteries or raiding of the maid cart, but we do take what is offered that we may use. We stay in a hotel at least once a month, and the first thing we do every time we get to the hotel is take a bag and pack up everything we can to take home. Coffee, tea bags, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, paper towels, dishwasher detergent, kleenex, hotel magnents…we pack it all up ; )

#2 Organizing the Room

I love when things are neat and tidy, and I love that when we stay at a hotel room I can unpack everything perfectly in a short window of time! I set everything up just so, and I love it because I can do it so fast that I actually have time to relax because it isn’t like home where there is never ending laundry, dishes, chores, work, etc.

#3 Food Binge

We usually order food in (young kids + restaurants = not relaxing) and did you know calories don’t count when you’re out of town? (<-That’s a lie but I act like it’s true!). ALWAYS order the cheesecake when you’re staying at a hotel.

#4 TV Binge

At home we have wifi, Netflix, and Hulu plus, but no cable, so when we are at a hotel? We binge watch and it’s usually The Food Network, HGTV, or The Discovery Channel. And when you’re in a hotel room the TV can be on ALL.THE.TIME because like mentioned in #2 you aren’t home to do all the work that usually is staring you in the face.

#5 Imaginination Station

Even though sometimes traveling isn’t for fun reasons, and it’s a lot of work as an adult, I still like to make up stories and imagine I’m somewhere completely fabulous on a fancy vacation. Hotel rooms are lots of things, but also a tiny bit of that excited “OH MY GOSH MOM DOES THIS HOTEL HAVE A POOL?!!” always comes out of me when I’m there.

Do any of these things apply to you? Do you love hotels? Hate them? Talk to me in the comments! I know this post was pretty random, but I thought it would be a fun one : ) Thank you for reading.

EASY DIY NURSING CAMI/TANK TOP!

February 2, 2015 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Thank you as always for being here! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend!

As most of you know, I have a newborn baby, Logan, and 3 kids 3 1/2 years and under! I am nursing Logan, and need to be able to do so easily without fussing with my clothes. I own a couple of nursing tank tops from Motherhood Maternity and Target, but they are typically $25 each, and then you still need a cardigan or top to wear overtop. I need to have a ton of easy to nurse in stuff because every outfit I wear for the first few months especially has to be nursing friendly, so I turned to Google for some help! I found some tank tops by Undercover Mama, but they looked pretty simple to re-create, so I decided to google further for a DIY option. I then found the blog BabyBellyKelli and her tutuorial on how to repurpose an old cami into a nursing cami. Her blog is really cute, so be sure to check it out : )

NURSING CAMI/TANK TOP DIY:

What You’ll Need:

A cami style tank top

*TIP: I used some that I had from Forever 21. I like the ones *without* a shelf bra, but that is entirely up to your personal preference. If you don’t have any cami tanks you want to use, I definitely suggest the ones from Forever 21 because they are anywhere from $1-4 dollars each.

Thread (it’s nice if it matches the cami, but it won’t be seen by anyone but you so whatever you’d prefer)

Scissors

A Needle

A Clip Down Nursing Bra (My favorites are the Motherhood Maternity Seamless Bras or Sports Bras)

Step 1:

Lay the cami down and cut the straps at the back of the cami as close to the tank top as possible while being careful not to cut the cami itself.

Step 2:

On the front of the cami cut each strap so that about 2 inches of strap is left.

Step 3:

Using your needle and thread sew the 2 inch strap into a loop. I doubled up my thread and tied a triple not at the end. I started on the inside of the cami and pushed the needle out so that the string was on the inside. I did about 5-7 stiches per strap just to be sure it would be very secure! The last thing you want to worry about while nursing, especially in pubic, is that your nursing tank isn’t going to hold up! Do this to both sides of your cami. I made 5 camis in about 30 minutes, it was really fast once I got going! Please excuse my messy stitches on the gray cami, it bothers the perfectionist in me, but hey nobody else will see it!

Step 4:

Put on a nursing bra and then unclip it. Put on your cami. Put the loop that you made over the clasp of the nursing bra and then reclasp your nursing bra. Ta-da! How awesome is that?!

I wanted to be sure to test out one of these before sharing this tutorial with you, and I nursed in public without any issue! This is actually EASIER to me than my other nursing tanks, because I just have to unclip my bra instead of unclipping both a nursing tank and nursing bra. I am thrilled with these results and now I just need to find some great, affordable cardigans to go over them to get me through winter with a new baby who looooves to eat!! : )

If you found this DIY tutorial helpful *please* “pin” this post to your Pinterest or share it with one of the button links at the bottom of this post! It’s super easy, promsie!

Don’t forget to enter my DIAPER GIVEAWAY for your chance to win 140 diapers! Have a fabulous week!!

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