10 Tips For Breastfeeding

The breastfeeding journey is unlike an other journey you will experience. It to this day surprises me how wonderful and beautiful the human body works. By providing all that your baby needs to nourish them.

Although the journey is beautiful, at first it is much like a process. At times you may feel the need to just throw in the towel (or nursing pad) and call it quits.

If you do, than that's fine. Its totally your choice and you know what is best for you and baby. But if you are unsure of what you want to do, I say give it another try.

Here are my 10 Tips for Breastfeeding.

It Gets Easier

I put this as my number one tip because it is so important and true. It does get easier. And you will actually begin to enjoy it.

The first few weeks of breastfeeding are rough. You and baby are learning how to get through this new chapter with ease. Its painful, tiring, discouraging and overall not a good time.

But, please, hang in there. The rewards of getting through this tough phase are astonishingly amazing.

Try Different Positions

This is something I struggled with in the beginning with my first child. I wasn't aware of the fact that baby may not like to nurse in a particular position. Or that one position is way more comfortable than another position.

Between the cradle position, football hold, side-lying and cross-over hold - you and baby are bound to find one position that works best.

Sometimes, A Plain Ol'Pillow Will Do

Get ready to be completely surprised! A regular pillow? How could this be?

I struggled with many breastfeeding pillows with all three of my kids. I thought, maybe they'll like this pillow...or this one...

Nope. For me none of my kids liked the breastfeeding pillows. I had several different kinds. Nothing worked better than a plain ol' pillow.

My Boppy pillow did come in handy as a comfy seat for the babies though.

Everyone's Breastfeeding Journey Is Different

I constantly found myself asking others for their advice and using their shared experiences as an expectation of what was to come for me. It was frustrating and tiring.

With my first two children, I feel like this may be why I stopped breastfeeding so early. I decided not to compare myself or experience of breastfeeding when I had my last child. And my journey lasted much longer than the first two.

Remember, everyone is different. Therefore, everyone's experience will not be the same.

You Will Be Hungry

VERY, VERY hungry. Like, you may just eat your husband if he doesn't hurry up with your meal hungry.

I never expected that I would have an even bigger appetite than when I was pregnant. But its true.

And it makes perfect sense. Your body is using its energy and nutrients to create wholesome food for your little one. Therefore its using all of the resources in your body to do so. You need to replenish it. FAST!

Just be sure to take in as wholesome foods as you can.

Drink Lots of Water

Much like your need to eat to replace lost calories and nutrients, you also need to drink lots of water.

I mean lots of water. I would just carry a glass water bottle around with me everywhere to make sure I always had water. At least 64 oz/ day of water is needed to support your milk production. If possible, drink even more than that.

Don't Limit Yourself

Give yourself time to get used to breastfeeding. Setting limits for how long your going to try can make you feel overwhelmed. Which doesn't help at all.

Stock Up On The Essentials

Prepare for a successful start to your breastfeeding process by having the essentials near by. Check out my 5 Favorite Breastfeeding Items below.

Skip The Expensive Extras

If you search, "Breastfeeding Items", you will see an enormous list of "essentials" to successfully breastfeed.

Odds are, you don't need even half of the products that are listed. My advice would be to hold off on purchasing the expensive items to see if you will even have a need for it.

Nothing is more annoying than watching a $300 item collect dust in the corner of your room.

Enjoy The Process

Like I said in the beginning of this post, at first, breastfeeding is a process.

Just take a deep breathe, look at your baby, take everything all in and enjoy this lovely journey of motherhood.

What are your tips for breastfeeding? Comment below.

DIY Homework Station

If your looking for an easy way to stay organized this school year, a homework station is the way to go.

With all the notices, art work and documents that are sent home with your kids, it would be great to have a practical place to keep them. (Rather than piled up on the computer desk or kitchen table).

This DIY homework station is so easy to make. Even better, the cost of the supplies are so cheap!!

Here's what I used

Ikea Pluggis Magazine File (Set of 2), Ikea.com
Ikea Pluggis Bin w/ Cover, Ikea.com
Glass Canisters, 4,  Dollar Store
Folders (3 Pack), Target
Rust-oleum Specialty Metallic Spray Paint, Gold
Rust-oleum Painters Touch Spray Paint, Ocean Mist Gloss

First I started with my single most favorite thing to do, spray paint!! 

Seriously guys, this is my new favorite hobby. I'm constantly looking around the house for something to update or bring back to life with a fresh coat of spray paint. It's so fun!

Anyway - back to what I was saying - take the glass canisters and head outdoors. (I know that some people spray paint indoors with the windows open, but I don't recommend that). 

Place a cloth or large paper on the ground if you like. My backyard currently has a slab of concrete in one section that we are going to be getting rid of. In the mean time, I've named that spot my designated spray paint area. 

Line up all four canisters. I separated the canisters into two groups. You can go crazy an spray paint them in what ever pattern you like.

Spray on two coats. Allow 20 minutes between each coat to be sure that the paint has dried. 

Next take your Pluggis Magazine Files and Pluggis Bin.

Place the magazine files in the bin along with the freshly painted canisters.

Viola! A beautiful and fun homework station! Perfect for the entire school year. 

I think I'm more excited about this project than the kids. Mainly because I know I'm starting the year off with a plan to stay organized. Here's to a great school year.

Comment below with a picture of what you use to keep school paper work organized!!

My Top 3 Goals for 2016-17 School Year

Another school year has begun. And with this new school year, I wanted to start it out with new goals. Goals to make this a great year for the kids and for me as well.

It's not many, but the impact will be powerful. That's what matters.

Here are my goals for this school year.

Stay Organized

This is part of my slogan - and also part of who I am. But for some reason, during the school year, I lose this. I become overwhelmed with the mounds of notices, worksheets and beautiful art work that is sent home everyday.

I made it a point to handle this head on. I went out a bought items to create a "homework station" for the kids. There are space for all of their papers, folders and supplies. Now everything will have a place.

That's the main way to stay organized - create a "home" for every item. This makes cleaning up easy and effortless

Make It A Point To Not Be Stressed Out

Whether this means not getting too overwhelmed with the paperwork (because of my lovely homework station noted above) or just remembering to take a deep breath when dinner is running late or on the way to the kids after school activities - I have to make it a point to keep my stress at bay.

This is NOT easy. But its worth a try. It's healthy for the kids, my husband and myself. I can be a better parent by simply taking a deep breath and getting through a situation with a level head.

Feed Their Creativity

There are so many demands put on kids in school these days. While these demands will help them in the future, it can also hurt them.

It's so easy for a child to loose their creative side because of the stress of having to handle their many tasks throughout the day.

My goal is to keep the creative activities going and to feed their creative sides. Part of growing as a person has a lot to do with expression and creativity.

I'm determined to make this school year a great one!! What are your goals for your kids or for yourself this new school year? Comment below.

Click here to find out about my DIY Homework Station. Enjoy!

7 Things I Miss About Breastfeeding

My breastfeeding journey with Mason was sooo fulfilling. I honestly didn't expect it to last as long as it did.

I breastfed Mason for 11 months. That may not seem long to some mamas out there - but for me it was way longer than I anticipated.

The longest I breastfed Ava was around 6 months. And with poor little Ayden, our breastfeeding  journey lasted only 2 months.

Let me just say - I am in no way putting down the mamas out there that did not breastfeed their little ones. I believe that the choice to breastfeed is just that - a choice. You have to choose what works best for you and your little one. As long as you are happy and baby is happy and healthy, that is all that matters.

Now that the breastfeeding chapter in my life has come to a close, I can honestly say there are some parts of it that I miss. Don't get me wrong, there are a ton of things I do not miss about nursing. It was nice to get my body back to myself.

Yet, there were some aspects of the breastfeeding journey that I truly miss.

The Closeness

There is something special about breastfeeding that can't be compared to any other feeling in the world. The sense of closeness that I felt with my baby. There is nothing else like this.

Breastfeeding offers an extraordinary bond and allows for you to connect with your little one. Its the best feeling in the world.

Built in "Quiet Time"

If you have nursed in the past then you know the importance of getting into a good head space in order to produce milk. Breastfeeding and stressing out do not go hand in hand. If you are highly stressed, it may be difficult for the good ol' "let down" to occur.

For this reason its best to find a quiet room or space to settle into and try and relax. I looked forward to these times throughout the day that I could just sit down and breathe.

Knowing That I am Nourishing My Baby

Once again - this is not a blow to the non-nursing moms out there. But for me, I miss the feeling of knowing that what I am giving my baby is completely formulated for him. And 100% beneficial to him. The fact that I was producing food specially made for him was a thought that I will continually be grateful for and proud of.

 

Guaranteed Soothing Ability

If Mason was upset for any reason - teething, fever, tired, etc. - breastfeeding always did the trick. It was my guaranteed, fool proof way of getting him to calm down.

And I know - many moms don't believe in using the boob as a way to calm baby down. But hey- it worked for me.

The Sweet Milky Smell

It's true, breastfeed babies have a smell. And that smell is your milk. Not sure if that makes some people squeamish, but I LOVED the smell.

The smell of the milk mixed with sweet baby scent - nothing beats that smell! And now, I miss it. Oh, how I miss that smell so.

The Poop Smell Neutralizer 

And since were talking smells, lets talk about the obvious smell that breast milk influences - poop.   Breastfed baby poops smell tremendously different than formula fed. This is something that I remember vividly.

And by different - I mean less offensive. Just saying.

Ability To Eat Whatever I Wanted

Ok - I may have taken this "advice" a little further than I should have. But hey, I was feeding another human being. Being able to eat extra amounts, even after being pregnant was great. My doctor required me to take in an extra 500 calories a day to support my milk supply.

Breastfeeding will always be beautiful moment in my life. I'm grateful to have been able to perform this extraordinary duty.

What are some things you miss about breastfeeding your baby? Comment below.

My Favorite Baby Names 2016

If your like me (and most women), you probably have a running list of your favorite baby names. 

So do I. And this list changes on an continual basis. 

Even with three kids, I'm constantly updating my list of favorite names.

So I thought it would be good for me to share with you my (current) favorite baby names!

Names for Baby Girls

Ella  

I love this name more than words can explain! Its so cute. 

Its perfectly adorable for a 3 year old yet refined for an older woman. This name grows with the girl!  

Ella is short for both Eleanor and Ellen. It means Beautiful Fairy. Ahhhhhh. So sweet!

Sophia

Ok - let me just say that Sophia USED to be my ultimate favorite baby girl name. It was my everything. It was what I wanted to name Ava. But obviously, I went with Ava.

The reason this name is no longer my ultimate favorite it because of its increased popularity. This name is so beautiful, that everyone wants it. 

Sophia means wisdom. And duh! - I completely get it. Sophia sounds like a wise person. 

Marley

This name is completely unconventional in the sense that it is not a true "girls name". 

But honestly, who cares? I love this name for a girl.

It means from the march meadow.  While I'm not 100% sure what this actually means, it does sound interesting and cool.

Roman

Ok, Ok. Before you guys get all up in arms, I know this is another non-conventional baby girl name. 

But once again, I love it. And I think that a little girl named Roman would be the coolest girl in her class. 

Its completely different and for that reason alone, Roman has made my list.

Boy Names

Grayson

While I'm not in love with the meaning - son of the gray haired one - I still love the name. Its a very handsome name. Which grows with the little boy. 

This was on the top of my list when my husband and I were choosing a name for Mason. 

Tristan

Another name in which I'm not in love with the meaning - outcry.

Regardless, when I think of this name I see a boy that is the star athlete of the school. Very sociable and someone everyone wants to know. 

There it is. My short list of favorite baby names for 2016. 

What are some of your favorite baby names? Comment below.

5 Ways To Keep Your Pool Accessories Organized

Whats better than the summer sun?

Cooling down in a pool!

However -with a pool comes a lot of accessories. Towels, floating devices, goggles, toys.

Its very easy to end up with a pile of "pool fun" in the middle of your lawn.

Here are 5 ways you can keep your cool and have your pool accessories organized this summer.

DIY Palette Storage

There are tons of ideas and tutorials on how to make one yourself on Pinterest. You can personalize them to your liking to tie in with the rest of your backyard. Its easily holds pool noodles, towels and floats.

pinterest.com

PVC Pipe Racks

Ahhh, the many uses for PVC piping. This one is perfect for hanging your pool towels on. The cost is likely much cheaper than purchasing an already made outdoor towel rack. Best of all -you can customize it with paint!

Directions for this one can be found here.

ehow.com

Outdoor Shelving

You can use an outdoor shelving system to organize all of the different items for your pool. Purchase bins from your local dollar store and spray paint them with chalk paint. This will allow you to label the bins and change as the summer goes on.

onegoodthingbyjillee.com

Towel Hooks

This towel hook blends modestly into the decor of your outdoor living space while adding a sense of style all at the same time.

 
DIY link here.

Search, Purchase, Enjoy

I'm all about DIY. However, if DIY is not budgeted in your schedule this summer, you can purchase your way to an organized pool area.

blog.potterybarn.com

With these organizing ideas, you'll be enjoying the summer sun clutter free for the entire pool season.

What are some ways you keep your pool accessories organized? Comment below.

Dream Easy

Dream catchers, which originated from Native American cultures, is now widely used as a decorative piece.

Handmade by EZ Arts 2016

Traditionally, the dream catcher's purpose was to filter out your bad dreams and allow only your good dreams to come through.

My daughter has recently become fascinated by these beautiful pieces.

Handmade by EZ Arts 2016

I found a company that creates custom, hand made dream catchers, as well as an array other beautiful pieces. I loved their work so much, I ordered a few more for my two boys as well as gifts for other family members.

Handmade by EZ Arts 2016

If you are looking for beautifully handmade items, such as dream catchers or bracelets, check out EZ Arts 2016.

Handmade by EZ Arts 2016

Here's there information:

EZ Arts 2016
ezarts2016@yahoo.com
(571) 338-3078
Eduardo Zuniga

This is not a paid endorsement. I simply love the handmade items from this company.