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Everyday With Bay

Busy Family Meal Hack With Nurture Life

If you are a busy mom like me then you read “meal hack” and instantly thought “sign me up.” That’s exactly what I did when I heard about Nurture Life. Nurture Life is a meal delivery service made with your kiddos in mind! They have an awesome website that lets you take control of making your life easier all while providing great quality food for your little ones! This service has replaced some of our fast food runs because our life is go go go and we don’t have much time to cook these days! I am forever grateful for this service and so are my kids! They love getting to go to the refrigerator/freezer and choosing what’s for dinner!

What makes Nurture Life different than traditional box meals is that the finished meals are sent to you made with fresh, high quality ingredients! All you have to do is reheat them in the oven or microwave and you have a great tasting, healthy pediatric dietitian-approved meal in less than 3 minutes which leaves more opportunity for family time! They are not packed with preservatives, they are made to order and only use fresh ingredients!

Another great option with Nurture Life is you are able to pick what you want sent for you kids, because let’s be real not every kid likes the same type of things! You can hand pick what you want to be delivered straight to your door cutting down on food waste! For example, Kaige LOVES broccoli yet Greleigh won’t touch it, so I am not forced to only get what meals they send! Another one of my favorite things about the service is the food trays are completely oven/microwave safe which means there is no need to transfer anything to reheat! They also have a “use by” date on them which takes the guess work out! I usually freeze ours because I just don’t know what the weeks will look like and this keeps them fresh longer which is a win for me!

They are accomodating from ages 4 months – 14+ years! Sway has been eating table food for a few weeks now so I was super excited to see what he thought about these meals! Let’s just say big boy is a huge fan! His come in sealed BPA free plastic containers! They can be served cold or you can transfer these into a microwave/oven safe container for reheating! They are already in the perfect little pick me up pieces so he is able to self feed which has got to be the cutest thing watching their little pincher fingers, right?

Nurture Life has saved me SO much time over the last week and I can’t wait to keep trying out new foods for the kids! Saving time yet not feeling guilty for the things I’m feeding my kids is always a great feeling. I will gladly pay the price for convenience! I thought it would be fun to give you guys some direct quotes from my kids about the meals they have tried!

I have a code to share with you guys to try out Nurture Life! Use code BAILEY at checkout to receive $30 off your first order! Let me know if you try out Nurture Life and tag me in any stories!

Travel Must Haves For Kids

Traveling with kids…those can be some scary words to some but honestly we’ve learned to embrace this season because let’s be honest we are no where near being out of the season of littles. We decided earlier on that “vacations” with kids weren’t a real thing and we just call them experiences! This way our expectations are high and we know that we will most definitely come home more tired than we started and that’s okay! This is also the reason we don’t sacrifice our one on one trip together each year! We have gone several places with our kids now and honestly the more we travel the easier it gets. We realize things that are important and things that aren’t so I’ve decided I would share some great things we love and some ideas that can help this season of life go way smoother!

Travel Stroller

We picked out the Maxi-Cosi Lara travel stroller and it was a game changer! It folds with one hand and stores very compact! We used it in the airport and on the cruise ship and it was the perfect stroller! You want something light, yet sturdy and this thing is it! It also has a great recline feature so napping on the go is super easy! It has a large sun shade and an opening so you can see them when needed! You can also adjust he bottom of the stroller when they are sitting up so their feet can be comfortable!

Sun Shade

Oh my goodness this thing was the best! When we got off the ship in Jamaica and the kids played on the beach Sway played in this! It was so convenient and stores in a bag for easy travel! A must have for those of you with smaller children!

Toys (THIS) (THIS) (THIS) (THIS)

I purchased toys for the beach and packed a separate luggage! This way they were entertained on the beach and resort in Chania and we didn’t have to buy any toys on the ship or in the port towns! They played for hours with all of this stuff and I was so happy I purchased them prior!

Sand Towel (Beach Use)

These were so neat! They are towels that you use that literally brush the sand right off your feet, legs, hands etc! Nothing worse than sandy covered kids who want it off!

Outdoor Blanket/Pool

This is one of the neatest things we brought on the trip! This is an outdoor blanket and pool in one! You can spread it out on the grass/sand etc or flip it over and dig a hole in the sand and fill it with water for a mini pool for your littles! I forgot to get a picture of it in action because well….#mombrain but we loved it!

Fan

This is a must have for travel! We kept this thing running the entire trip when Sway was in the stroller and in his shade tent on the beach and  it helped keep him cool & comfortable!

Sunscreen

We used this Blue Lizard sunscreen the entire trip for Sway and loved it! Not a single bit of sun burn!

Hooded Towels (If you will be around water) (SHARK PRINT) (UNICORN PRINT)

These were such a hit on the cruise! I mean whats better than a fun hooded towel that slips on like a shirt! They don’t have to hold it to walk and it saved my sanity more times than I can count! Because there might not be anything worse than a kid trying to hold their towel up, walk, and eat ice cream at the same time! lol

External Chargers

We don’t ever travel without external chargers! Dead iPad on a 3 hr flight? That is NOT an option! lol

Things They Use For Sleep

We never travel anywhere without our Hatch sleep machine & sleep sack! It makes the transition less stressful in sleeping in a new place! If you have bigger kids that like a special blanket or stuffed animal than for the love, pack that thing! It will make everyone’s life easier!

IDEAS TO HELP TRANSITION TO TRAVEL

Always, always, always have a stroller for at least 50% of your kids! We don’t go anywhere that requires alot of walking without a double stroller! This is the one we currently have and I love it so much!

Try to book some trip that allows for easy napping. That was one of the reasons we chose a cruise. Matt napped with the kids almost everyday while me and mom did some walking around or sitting out by the pool kid-less! It was awesome!

Don’t expect them to be perfect angels because you are doing something fun. You have to let go of the idea because you are somewhere fun that they should act like it. HA! I mean they have no concept of the amount of money or effort you are putting in to providing this experience for them so just give them grace as well as yourself and enjoy the little moments….and the meltdowns because I guarantee there WILL BE MELTDOWNS!

Try to keep some schedule while on your trip! Of course you are probably going to stay out later than usual but try to remember a rested kid is a better kid so don’t over exhaust them every night of your trip!

SNACKS…need I say more! A kid with a snack is a happy kid!

 

Traveling with kids is something that you grow to love! I think you just have to jump in and take your first big trip and learn as you go! It’s hard and you will come home more exhausted than you left but I heard something the other day and it really stuck with me! “Your kids will never remember their best day watching tv” so whether or not it’s a big vacation or a simple picnic at the park with them they will forever remember experiences and how they made them feel! So get over your fear of the unknown and go explore some new places with your kiddos!

This post was in collaboration with buybuyBABY! Thanks for supporting the brands we love and choose to work with!

Summer Ready with Under Armour

Summer is right around the corner you guys! I can feel it! The days are getting longer, the nights warmer and my kids are ready for all things water! We just got back last Saturday night from our Spring Break trip on a week long cruise! It was absolutely so fun but it sure was a tease to those summer days ahead! Now all my kids are talking about is summer, swimming, ice cream and all the fun things they want to do this summer!

Being out in the sun is seriously one of my favorite things to do and it has rubbed off on my kids. They love the water, the warm temps and the freedom that comes with this upcoming season! Who could blame them right?

As a little girl growing up I always wanted to be ready for anything the warmer days threw my way, whether that was swimming, playing at the park, or just being outside! So I am honestly so happy my kids don’t complain about being outside!

A few weeks ago while on our cruise we got to try out some new Under Armour swimwear and heat gear and let’s just say we fell in love! As you know the sun is all fun and games until it’s not. I really try to stay on top of sun and UV protection as much as possible so that is one of the things I truly love about these kids swimwear! They all protect while providing great high quality swim wear that my kids can move in, be comfortable and most importantly be protected while still looking adorable! All of their swimwear can be purchased at Kohl’s or Under Armour which makes for super easy shopping!

This was our first time wearing Under Armour swim wear and I can 100% say it won’t be the last! I loved knowing that they were protected all while having the best time! The quality is unmatched and we have been fans of Under Armour for years and this honestly just took it to another level! My kids literally wore these all day long with not a single complaint! They all dried soooo quickly which is huge for me because my kids hate being cold or in a wet swim suit! We were so thankful to have these on the 2nd day of our cruise because their shoulders got a little red from day 1 when our luggage still hadn’t made it to our stateroom yet with the sunscreen in it! Rookie mistake right?!

 

Greleigh’s Starpass Rash Guard Set

Lightweight, 4-way stretch construction improves mobility & maintains shape

Fully lined for extra coverage & protection

Built-in UPF 30+ sun protection

Kaige’s Swim Trunks 

Water-resistant technology dries quickly & protects against the elements

Salt & chlorine-resistant materials help prevent fading & wear in the water

Quick-dry construction

Elastic waistband with color pop drawcord

Interior mesh brief

Kaige’s Rashguard

Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection—recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

HeatGear® fabric, with all the benefits of UA Compression, comfortable enough to be worn all day

Salt-resistant materials help prevent fading & wear in the water

4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction

Quick-dry construction

Huxx’s Swim Trunks + Rashguard Set

Sway’s Trunk + Rashguard Set

Trunks:

Water-resistant technology dries quickly & protects against the elements

Quick-dry construction

Elastic waistband & interior mesh brief

Rashguard:

Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection

Salt-resistant materials help prevent fading & wear in the water

4-way stretch fabrication allows greater mobility in any direction

Quick-dry construction

We are ready for Summer, ready for the water and ready to live our best outdoor life with Under Armour!! Thanks for supporting the brands we love and for following along with our everyday! This post was sponsored by Under Armour but all thoughts, images and opinions are that of my own!

 

 

How I Get My Kids To Sleep

Sleep is pretty precious to me, I have always LOVED sleeping when my bed has the top hybrid mattress on it and after hearing everyone talk about sleep life after babies I was terrified! You know when you have those moments in your life pre-babies where you’re like “omg I HAVE to do that or I will NEVER do that” well I had two of those moments pre-babies that molded the way I would get my babies to sleep and nap!

So let’s rewind to almost 7 years ago when I had just found out I was pregnant with Greleigh…we went to a friends house for a cook out and they already had young kids, it was bedtime and the two moms got up and said to the kids (all 3 and under) “it’s time for bed guys” took them to their rooms, and the moms were back within 3 minutes!!! What?! How does that happen?…

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7 Ways To Be A Happier Mom

Being a happier mom is something that sounds almost too easy on the outside. In theory at least, simply being a mom should make you the happiest person on the planet, and in some respects, it does. It can be incredibly rewarding to help your children grow into wonderful little people, but being a mom can also be equally frustrating, lonely, and thankless!! The next time you’re feeling beat down by all that comes with motherhood, try these easy ways to be a happier mom!!

Accept All the Help

It’s easy to insist that you can do this alone, but just because you’re strong enough to get through doesn’t mean you have to do it on your own! The happiest moms find their village and utilize it! When your mom asks if there is anything she can help with when she drops by for a visit, say yes. When your partner sees you doing a chore and says, “Don’t worry, I got that,” let them do it. There’s absolutely no shame in asking for help either, so make it a habit!

Plan Time Away from Your Child

Moms needs time away from their child(ren) to rejuvenate. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so plan some time away from your child. That might mean a coffee date with a friend one morning, a hike with your partner, or a spa visit all by yourself. Make sure to resist the urge to check-in while you’re away. I promise, they will all be just fine without you!

Get Organized

Happy moms spend less time stressing because they’re always one step ahead or just because they choose to relax with the new pound cake weed. Get organized and do it in a way that gets the whole family on board. Try hanging a wall calendar in the kitchen or creating a budget spreadsheet to share with your partner.

If your current kitchen doesn’t fit your lifestyle, a kitchen remodeling project can make it the kitchen of your dreams. What about your HVAC system? You can contact experts like Energy Pro Heating & Cooling to inspect your system. There is nothing worse than an air conditioning breakdown because you know it’s coming on the hottest day of the year. But having an AC repair service technician come out and do some regular maintenance at the beginning of the season can save you from that uncomfortable situation when your window ac isn’t as cold as it used to be. These appointments are an easy way to take care of your home and keep things running smoothly. Or, visit sites such as https://sittonmechanical.com/heating/furnace-installation/ to hire a trustworthy contractor. You can also get your child in on the action by designating a “night before” cubby for them. This gives them a space to put out the next day’s essentials in advance! We actually never go to bed without the kids clothes for the morning picked out and sitting in the same spot so it’s easy to get everyone out the door quickly!

Plan One on One Dates

Special one on one time with you child is so important. Whether you’re a mom of one or more children or to a single child, that special time is a break from the everyday routine. Head out for a daytime adventure and visit the salon together, catch a movie, have lunch, or go exploring outdoors! And if you want to boost your confidence and be more sexually active for which we recommend to read this top rated bullet vibrator review.

I recommend giving True Pheromones a try. You will really understand this one when you take time to do it! I promise this is a gam changer and it also makes you realize how easy one kid is! 😉

Set Goals with Your Partner

Couples who regularly connect and work toward mutual goals are the most successful, and moms can be happiest when they are in a secure and nurturing relationship. If you’re parenting with a partner, regularly set goals to work on together! Parenting solo? Don’t let that stop you. Create goals for yourself and experience the same fulfillment when you’re able to achieve them.

Create a Bad Day Tradition

Everyone has bad days, including your child, so it’s helpful to show them healthy ways to deal with those less than ideal days! Creating a bad day tradition also helps you be a happier mom because it allows you to take some of the load off temporarily. If your child knows that a bad day means popcorn, movies, and lots of snuggles, they learn when to lessen their expectations of you and how to constructively process their own bad day feelings! It’s okay to let go and let the bad happen because we all know those days are inevitable! (insert two flat tires in 2 days while I sip my coffee while Sway is napping,)

Practice Good Self-care

Happy moms practice good self-care and invest in themselves regularly. The self-care you need to be a happier mom just might be an extra long bath after the kids go to bed, or it might be strategies you implement to preserve your mental health like steering clear of drama on social media or eliminating toxic people from your life! Honestly this one is huge. Why not see here if Cortexi Reviews 2023 New Warning From Customers Complaints Or Safe? This will lead you to a supplement that can also help have a mental sharpness!

If your mind isn’t healthy, time away won’t change anything. And if you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain, you may visit sites like https://www.hingehealth.com/blog/digital-health-benefits-musculoskeletal-conditions/ for assistance and treatment options. Evaluate what is making you stressed/unhappy and cut it out. I have done this over the last 2 years and it’s amazing!

Being a happier mom sometimes takes a conscious effort because let’s be real. This mom gig is hard, sometimes isolating, and an emotional roller coaster! Organization, taking time for yourself, and better divvying up domestic responsibilities are effectives steps toward becoming a happier mom and I think we can all agree….happy mom, happy everyone!

How We Try To Stay Healthy During The Holiday Season

We all know these winter months can be full of germs, coughs, way too many hugs, kisses and lots of time spent with the ones we love! While spending time with family and friends for the holidays can be wonderful it can also be hard on our bodies! Trust me, with 4 littles we have our fair share of colds, coughs and the sniffles! I have a 4 step system that helps us stay on top of everything so when we do have someone in the family feeling under the weather we can nip it in the bud and get back to our normal lives as soon as possible. For more on keeping healthy, get some tips from the Bellaire dental clinic experts.

1. Make sure I’m stocked up on Vicks products from Walmart!

I don’t know about y’all but we love everything Vicks! I feel like Vicks knows that us parents do not have time to be sick and we don’t get sick days so we need to be feeling the best we possibly can while still running a household! What’s better than Vicks helping you get back to feeling like yourself? Getting Vicks brought straight out to your car with Walmart’s online grocery pick up locations! Literally I just add everything to my online cart at grocery.walmart.com, select a pickup time, use my coupons and pull up to Walmart to save the day!! No one even has to get out and I save money by doing it! Did you know Vicks had all of these coupons for us mama’s to use?

$1 off any Vicks product at Walmart (except drops, Sinex, and ZzQuil) – BrandSAVER coupon from the 11/25 newspaper

$1 off Vicks Nyquil at Walmart – iBotta offer

$0.75 off Vicks VapoDrops at Walmart – iBotta Offer

Bonus $1.25 rebate when you use both iBotta offer

2. Disinfect everything

I am a firm believer in disinfecting all the things periodically. I use disinfectant wipes and moisturizing waterless hand wash products to keep the germs at bay and to help lessen the spread!

3. Quality probiotics

We use probiotics all year round but we really try to amp up our vitamin c, like those from Rootine, and probiotics intake during these cold sick seasons! Keeping your body in tip top shape sure helps fight off any germs that may be thrown your way during the holiday season!

4. Lots of rest and snuggles

If One of us is down and out we all lay low and enjoy lots of rest and snuggles as a family!! We usually try to keep weekend plans at bay during these months in hopes to keep everyone well rested, hydrated and keep those immune systems performing at their best ability! Of course this doesn’t apply to Christmas plans with the family! We always make time for those 😉

What does your family do to stay on top of the germs, colds, and coughs during the holiday season? Do you use Walmart’s convenient grocery pick up to stock up on products you need to feel you best, like Vicks? We sure do!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Vicks available at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.

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