Blog - Page 24 of 183 - Moments of Musing

Summer 2019 Golden Hour Family Photos

Filed Under: family, family of 4, family photos, motherhood // July 10, 2019

family, family of 4, family photos, motherhood, family photography,family photo shoot

When Tim was in the Navy stationed, and then deployed, thousands of miles away, he was my anchor.

He’d remind me that the time would pass and that one day we’d be together just as we’d planned. So, some days I still find myself wanting to pinch myself / tell younger me that he’s right and that these days will be worth all that distance… and more.

Our life wasn’t easy then and it’s not 100% easy now (hello marriage as parents is challenging.. and we could use a million dollars haha)… but it is 100% my dream come true.

When Lily of Lily Raya Photography reached out to work together, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to capture our little family at this time in our lives. Both boys are walking and talking — well, R’s only sentence currently is “I want milk” but still 🙂

Lily was great to work with. She was very understanding when we had to reschedule due to Tim’s recent back injury. She is friendly, scoped out locations prior, and was so good with the boys. Perhaps most impressive of all is that she managed to capture these beautifully photos just 5 minutes after the boys woke from naps during our 45 minute drive! Definitely contact her for your photography needs!!

Be Present This Summer

Filed Under: be present, motherhood, summer 2019 // July 8, 2019

NYC skyline, downtown Brooklyn, New York City, nyc, New York skyline, sunrise, sunset, summer, be present

Hi this is a friendly reminder to get outside. Enjoy the fresh air. Make memories with your kids + loved ones. Do what brings you the most joy. Take care of yourself.

Take a dip in the ocean. Wear the swim suit, C-section/postpartum pouch and all. Step away from negativity— both your own thoughts and of others.

And put a limit on your time spent on your phone and social media. (I’ve recently set my daily Instagram limit to 1 hr. 5 min. and though I usually go a bit over, it certainly keeps me in check.)

It might seem counterintuitive coming from a blogger/ “influencer” but I don’t want you to lose out on everyday, real life moments because you’re too wrapped up in your phone. Heck, I refuse to miss out on real life moments because I am too wrapped up on it.

What good would my messages of positivity be if they are causing that kind of negativity?

So, be present this summer. Enjoy your summer and each other. I’ll still be here, as will the rest of Instagram and social media when you get on it.

Hello July! (Already?!)

Filed Under: 4th of July, brothers, summer 2019 // July 2, 2019

This post is sponsored by Carter’s. All opinions are my own. #ad #CartersSunmerCuties

I can’t believe it’s already July! It’s time for the beach, bbq’s and … we are one month closer to Disney! Talk about excitement!

Between festivities and weekends away, we have quite the eventful month ahead. It’s easy to lose sight of the present while having so much to look forward to. The summer is fleeting so I want to make it last and hold onto it as long as possible. That’s why I am trying my best to be present during the normal, everyday activities, like days spent gardening or running around outside.

As for this week, we are laying low until the 4th of July. I’m not even quite sure what our exact plans are since my husband works but I’m sure we will make the most of it! I’d really like to go to the beach but we will see …

One thing is for sure- the boys will be wearing USA outfits. Growing up, we always dressed for the holiday. Now that I’m a mom I have continued the tradition. This holiday is no different. The boys are ready in their comfy 4th of July Carter’s outfits. Carter’s Patriotic summer favorites for little ones in sizes preemie to 14! They also offer swimwear with built-in UPF sun protection, which is convenient and important.

Ultimately, I hope to raise our kiddos to be good citizens. Though they’re little, they are watching so modeling good examples is important. I hope we’re doing just that by acknowledging America’s history, and celebrating its rich diversity and our freedoms. 🇺🇸

TO INFINI-3 & BEYOND! Birthday Party

Filed Under: birthday party, kids birthday, life, party decor, toy story 4 birthday, toy story birthday // July 1, 2019

Three years ago our world was forever changed for the better when our older son made us parents! When I started thinking of his birthday party, I figured I’d ask him what theme he’d prefer. A the time, he really loved Paw Patrol and I also thought up the Infini-3 and beyond theme since he’d recently watched the Toy Story movies.

When given the option, he chose “Woody” as his birthday party theme. So I ran with the Toy Story theme.

We had so much fun celebrating & will love our boy to INFINI-3 & BEYOND! ❤️

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birthday party, toy story 4 birthday, toy story birthday, toddler birthday, to infinity and beyond, 3rd birthday

Details

Cake: Truly Sweetness, Long Island

Decor: Tableware; Balloons; Banner

Games: Toy Story corn hole; Horse racing

T-shirts: Amazon

Kid favors: Toy Story Book (Take one & reach for the stars)

Adult favors: Homemade Funnel Cake (Sign says “Yum! Have some fun-nel cake!”)

Calcium Intake During Pregnancy + Breastfeeding

Filed Under: breastfeeding, calcium, pregnancy // June 25, 2019

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews. All opinions are 100% mine.

I recently alluded to something in my stories that might seem TMI and then thought about deleting it even though it’s a normal part of women’s lives! As a woman our bodies go through many changes and there are many things we have to think about.

When pregnant, we have to think about ourselves AND our little ones. Eating healthy and getting good sleep are pretty common knowledge …but did you know getting the daily recommended value of calcium is particularly important for pregnant women, too?

Here are a few facts from Viactiv about calcium intake during pregnancy:

Many prenatal vitamins provide only 20-30% of the recommended daily amount of calcium for women who are pregnant. (Viactiv provides 100% of the recommended daily amount of calcium.)

9 out of 10 OB/GYNs recommend Viactiv Calcium Soft Chews during pregnancy*.

Your baby needs the calcium to build healthy teeth, bones, muscles and heart. If you don’t get enough calcium in your diet when pregnant, your baby will actually draw it from your teeth and bones, putting your own bone health at risk.

Meeting your daily calcium requirements is important throughout all stages of life (including breastfeeding if you plan to).

With Viactiv, you can #BumpUpYourCalcium by having your calcium and eating it, too! One Viactiv Calcium Soft Chew (650 mg of calcium in each soft chew) taken up to twice daily provides most women with 100% of the daily recommended value of calcium, plus vitamins D and K. In addition to the delicious milk chocolate and caramel flavors, Viactiv also has 30% more calcium with half the sugar and calories compared to leading gummy and prenatal supplements.

Viactiv is available at major retailers including Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, & Rite Aid: https://viactiv.com/where-to-buy/.

*In a 2017 BrandPerx Survey of 1,000 OB/GYN practices, 8 out of 10 OB/GYNs recommend a calcium supplement during pregnancy and 9 out of 10 of these doctors recommend Viactiv.

FDA Disclaimer: ]Please talk with your doctor before taking any supplements. This post is not intended to address or diagnose any medical conditions. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.