Moments of Musing

Survey Says – 7 of the Best + Worst Parts of Motherhood

Filed Under: motherhood //

Mother’s Day is just a few days away … but really moms (and dads!) deserve to be celebrated everyday. 😉
In honor of the upcoming holiday, I thought it would be interesting to share with you findings from a Gifts.com survey of 1,000 moms.
Some of the biggest takeaways were: 
  1. The best part about being a mom is the unconditional love.
  2. Moms dislike the the never-ending laundry the most.
  3. Moms enjoy driving their kids to activities.
  4. Moms hate seeing their child upset or hurt more than anything else.
  5. Surprisingly, moms don’t feel as though they are missing out on activities with friends.
  6. Being a mom makes women feel proud.
  7. But moms don’t always feel brave or empowered.

Here are the full survey findings:
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If there are any moms reading who do not feel empowered, my hope is that this space will help foster your empowerment through connection and collaboration. Remember, we’re all on the same team.

I wish all of you great moms a relaxing, joyous Mother’s Day full of love.

5-Year Plan?

Filed Under: life //

I know we’re nearly two weeks in but I still can’t believe it’s May! I feel like I say this every month but time sure flies.

For some reason, the beginning of every month always has me thinking about life. Maybe it’s because it always feels like time is flying and I’m constantly wondering “How is it [insert month] already?!” But alas, here we are and this month is no different, in that sense. Let’s get to my dramatic life talk of the month, shall we?

When I sit in on interviews with job applicants, the question “Where do you see yourself in five years?” frequently comes up. I’ve recently been thinking about this A. LOT. It might have something to do with our recent vacation and just how amazing it was. It also might have a little to do with my parents’ talk of retirement plans.

Lately, I’ve been wondering what life with my husband and child(ren) will look like in five years. What we’ll be doing, where we’ll be living, what our family will look like, and so on. I think about where I want to be in life and geographically. What I hope to be doing. How many children I hope we’ll have. I start to make a plan in my head and then I stop. Don’t get me wrong–thinking about the future is exciting. But it’s equally scary.
So much is in our control. And yet, so much is not. Life is fluid. It changes every second. Do I want to live a life tied to strict goals or guidelines I set for five years into the future. Or do I want to live my life day-by-day and be present? Which is less stressful? But which is more responsible? Is making a plan even realistic? If I don’t make a plan, will my goals come to fruition?
These are the struggles I have with making a five-year plan. 
Originally, I wanted to come up with a plan (1. Become a millionaire, etc.) and live my life accordingly, so that the goals would be achieved. Ultimately, though, I’ve decided to make a sort of-kind of plan. A general idea of what I want to do, where I want to be, what I want and hope for. But it is all made with the real understanding that things can change and so, it can all be altered. I might not want those same things a year from now…
What I will always, always want are:
Happiness, joy

Health/ a healthy lifestyle (that’s more in my control)

Love and laughter 

So, whatever brings me the most of those — that’s the plan I’m sticking to most.

Monday Musing Mashup

Filed Under: monday musing //

Disclosure: Affiliate links are present. I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using any of my links. 
Happy Monday! This post is a little all over the place, which shouldn’t come as a surprise due to its title…
  • Have you entered my giveaway yet? Today’s the last day to do so!
  • On Friday, I worked from home with my son. By 9AM I had accomplished quite a bit but as the day progressed it became a bit challenging finding activities to keep him occupied while also doing work. Regardless, it was so, so great to be in his presence all day. And this mug is 100% accurate — you can get one here (in time for Mother’s Day thanks to Amazon Prime!).
  • On Saturday, I posted a photo onto my public instagram account and checked it on this supposed shadow ban check website. At first, it said my post was not banned. Then, a few hours later, it said it was. Hmmm, I thought. So I went onto my private account and checked two of the hashtags and alas, there was my photo. I’m therefore calling BS on that site.
  • I recently tried the Midnight Mint Mocha Frappuccino. SO GOOD. It tastes a lot like a Mint Java Chip Frappuccino but this new one has –wait for it– whipped cream in the middle! I love their whipped cream so that alone makes this a win for me.

  • Over the weekend, I hopped into my son’s playpen with him. He was whining while inside it so I figured I’d keep him company and he stopped the whining–for a little while. This is a perfect depiction of how our weekend went– a lot of relaxation and quality time, which was much needed after the 4:45AM weekday starts we’ve been having. 

Hope you all had a great weekend!

5 on Friday: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Filed Under: Uncategorized //

Disclosure: Affiliate links are present. I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using any of my links. 

Hi husband(s)/ wives/ partners/ spouses, 

If you’re out there reading, this one’s especially for you! And all others who are still looking for gifts to buy for the special mom(s) in their lives. 

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, you’re probably on the lookout for gifts to buy the special mom in your life. Here’s a tip: Listen to what she’s saying. Chances are hints are being dropped. My husband has already gifted my part of my present, which is similar to something I’d mentioned wanting, and I am SO excited both to use it to share. 

In the meantime, here are some gift ideas that won’t break the bank — and should arrive in time:

1. For the Mom who Likes to Wear (One of) Her Title(s)

          
2. For the Mom who Loves Photos

          

P.S. Speaking of photos, don’t forget to enter my Chatbooks giveaway! 
It ends on Monday!

3. For the Mom with Little Ones
         

4. For the Mom who Likes Makeup and Beauty 

        


5. For the Mom who Could Use a Spa Day (AKA Every Mom)

          

http://www.smidgeofthis.com/

10 Tips for Flying with a Baby

Filed Under: travel with baby, traveling //

So far, my husband and I have traveled on four flights and four 10+ hour car rides with our little one, with more trips planned this year. Before going away for the first flight, which was much more nerve wracking than driving, my husband and I researched and asked around a ton. Then, we traveled and figured out what works for us–and most likely will for you, too. 

I’ve compiled a list of tips that I think are most helpful if you are flying with your baby soon.  I hope you find them helpful. If any of you have additional tips, feel free to drop a comment!

1.     Bring your baby carrier/wrap. This makes it much easier to get through security because you can wear your baby through the metal detectors!
2.     On the subject of security, keep in mind that you are allowed to bring breast milk, ready to feed formula, and water for formula (we put it in a baby bottle) through security. I have also been asked whether I’d like it put through the X-ray scanner or not. *For more TSA traveling information, go here.
3.     Try to take flights around naps/ sleep time and/or feedings. This way your baby will be quietly asleep or feeding. 
4.     Make sure you have an “Infant” boarding pass for your little one because it’s required during boarding.
5.     Take advantage of early boarding, though if you miss it it’s OK. I missed the announcement last time we flew because I was changing Sebastian’s diaper and the gate attendants refused to let us on before our row was announced… Needless to say I was not happy with them or their decision, but regular boarding went fine.
6.     Give your baby a pacifier or bottle, or nurse during takeoff and landing to prevent ear aches.
7.     Have toys handy in the under seat storage to keep your baby occupied. If you have toddlers, here’s a link to some travel toys that are educational and fun for your toddler from a website that specializes in Montessori toys.
8.     If possible and safe to do so, walk your baby up and down the aisle to give him a way to release any extra energy he might have from this new experience.
9.     If you have the option of being on the same flight as family members or friends, do it. Extra people = extra hands = extra help.
10.   Be patient with your baby. I think we often forget so much of the world is still new to them and can be overstimulating. If your baby is crying or restless, try to soothe him and try not to get upset. People around you have likely flown with a baby before–in fact, some might have firsthand experience traveling with a baby. If you feel there are people judging you, that’s their problem. Yours won’t be the first or last crying child they encounter on a flight. Such is life. (Also, some people forget that they, too, were babies once…)
Something to keep in mind is the younger the baby, the more he will sleep and the easier it will probably be (this was the case for our first flight). Once the baby begins crawling or walking, he is probably less likely to want to stay still (this was the case for our most recent flights). 

Again, be patient. 

On our last flight, our little guy kept trying to reach over to my neighbor and touch him, grab his phone, head phones, etc. At the end of the flight, I told the young man I hoped he wasn’t too bothered [by the invasion of his personal space] by us and our little one. The young man replied, “Not at all. He made my day better.” 

I leave you with that story to let you know that there are good and understanding people out there who realize that babies are, well, babies. Cute, curious, and full of energy.

I wish you all a safe flight and fun trip wherever you are headed to next!