STARS, STRIPES, & RED FOR FREEDOM

Romper J Crew Factory | Bag Kate Spade Outlet | Shoes J Crew Factory

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     Living in New York has been so different for me. I have had to adjust the way that I live and it hasn't been easy. I feel like I stay inside most days because of the rain. I didn't realize how wonderful tropical weather is until we got here; I always appreciated the warmer weather, but not the way that I do now. It can be so gloomy here and has random days where the temperature is cooler with no warning. One day I am in shorts and a tank top, and the next day I am sitting in the house snuggled up on the couch with my throw blanket; hello Doc McStuffins and Barney! Goodbye park and splash pads.

     Before New York, we were living in Hawaii and prior to that, I was living in Florida where the sun shines for days. I guess you could say I am crazy for leaving paradise, but thats life isn't it? You go where the Army needs you and you try new things to gain a better understanding of the world. I can't complain, because I am very fortunate to be able to see the world, but it doesn't make it any easier to pick up your life and leave your friends and family behind. 

     However, on beautiful sunny days, New York does have a lot to offer. We were able to enjoy a fun walk near the river and some bbq at a restaurant close by. The river atmosphere seems to be my favorite location thus far and exploring all shops and eateries near the water has been my summer life on the weekends. Thank you Lord for the Summer season. I admire the greenery and foliage that it has to offer. The air smells fresh and flowery and my skin feels warm and lovely. 

MY SUMMER IS BRIGHT

Top J Crew Factory | Bottoms J Crew Factory | Shoes Jack Rogers USA | Bag Kate Spade Outlet

     I still don't fit in to my old bottoms, so I have been going to pants that have an elastic waist; they are so much more forgiving. This isn't my favorite time to get dressed in clothes, but I am working on loving my body at every stage. There is no point in being miserable with the way I look, so I am doing my best to stay positive. 

     I have been told that yellow is the color of summer and I can't deny that it makes me feel happy. I plan on drinking lots of lemonade this summer and sitting in the sun with my sunscreen on of course. 

BABY WEARING & BREASTFEEDING

Ring Sling - Tula - Print: Lorelei Anthias

Structured Carrier - Tula - Print: Oasis

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     Meet Rachelle, mommy to Mason and Paige and a Hawaii native. I met Rachelle in Hawaii at church and loved watching her with her kids. She is an inspirational mommy and I am proud to call her a friend. Rachelle is a firm believer in Baby wearing and breastfeeding and feels very fortunate to be able to breastfeed her babies without any complications. She has the greatest sympathy for those that want to nurse and are unable to have the supply to feed their babies. 

     I asked Rachelle to give some insight on her breastfeeding experience and she had an even better idea; to share how she wears babies while nursing at the same time. I did a little 'Q & A' (question and answer) with Rachelle to find out more and here is what she shared:

Why is breastfeeding so important to you? "Breastfeeding is important to me, not only because it's natural and has many health benefits for the baby, but because it's an amazing bonding experience."

What kind of advice do you have for those that have a low supply? "I don't really have tricks or tips for milk supply (as I have never had issues), but if I had to say something about it, it would be to drink lots of water and eat steel cut oatmeal for breakfast. I do feel that when I eat steel cut oats, it boosts my supply. Also, keep taking those prenatal vitamins."

What positions do you prefer? "I tend to feed in the cradle position or side lying position. The cradle position also works well when baby wearing with the ring sling."

How long did you breastfeeding Mason? "I nursed Mason until he was 2 1/2 & plan to nurse Paige for at least a year or longer if she wants to and is willing."

What tips can you give for new moms? "Breastfeeding isn't always easy in the beginning. The first month is the hardest (while baby learns to latch properly), but keep pushing through it because it gets easier. Please seek help if you need it and don't be so quick to give up."

Why do you support baby wearing? "Baby wearing is really important to me, not only is it great for bonding, but it is also great for the baby's development and allows me to carry Paige hands free so I can tend to Mason too."

What should people look for when shopping for a carrier? "If you are looking into baby wearing, stay away from Bjorn type carriers. They can cause hip dysplasia. Baby should always be seated in an "M" position, with their bottoms slightly lower than their knees. Do your research to find what type of carrier is right for you."

Which carrier do you prefer to breastfeed in and how do you make it work? "Breastfeeding is easiest in my ring sling, because I can loosen the sling, lay Paige down in the cradle position, and nurse while using the tail of the fabric as a cover. Super easy & convenient. I have nursed her while walking and shopping many times."

How do you breastfeed in your up-right carrier? "To breastfeed in my SSC (Soft Structured Carrier), I loosen the top straps on the shoulders of the carrier and the shoulder straps a bit and I use the hood as a cover. It's not as easy as nursing in the ring sling for me, but it can still be done!"

At what age did you stop wearing Mason, your eldest? "I wore Mason in a back carry until he was 3 in a Tula toddler carrier. It was perfect to have on hand for when we had a lot of walking to do and was great for when he got tired and didn't want to walk anymore."

Is there anything else you would like to share with us? "There are a lot baby wearing groups around and in many areas you can try on different carriers and get help from experienced baby wearers. Sometimes, they'll even lend you a carrier to try before buying."

     

     Mahalo for sharing Rachelle! Have fun baby wearing my friends and try nursing in the carrier in an attempt to make your life easier. I know it has helped me with having two kids!

NAILS OF SUMMER

Blue "Saltwater Happy" | Purple "Play Date" | Nude "Barefoot and Topless"

    This mommy loves painted nails, but can not afford to go to the nail salon on a weekly basis to get them painted, nor do I have the time. I usually paint my nails when my kids are napping and I add a top coat to protect them so they last longer. 

LET THIS SUMMER BLOW YOU AWAY LIST

Top boutique in Florida | Bottoms LOFT | Shoes Jack Rogers | Bag Kate Spade Outlet

     Make a summer to do list that will blow your mind and leave you feeling invigorated. I plan on traveling the US this summer and doing things that make me feel silly and giddy inside. Structure is good with having kids, but I need to color outside of the lines a little and live the life God has given me to the fullest. Here are a few things I plan on doing this summer:

• Dance under the stars with my husband
• Read outside in the fresh air
• Swim in the sun 
• Go on a road trip that is more than 4 hours away
• Fly to at least one state
• Try a new dessert
• Roll the windows down in the car and sing to a song that moves me and makes me feel good
• Date day in NYC with my husband
• Go deeper with God and have some SELAH time with the Holy Spirit
• Pick flowers in a random field
• Find a bike to ride in a cute little town
• Kiss my kids and hug them often 
• Enjoy a family picnic outdoors
• Dance while running and pushing the stroller

WEEKEND TRADITION: PASTRIES

Top J Crew Factory | Bottoms Aerie | Happy Baby Wrap | Shoes Nike 

     Being a military wife certainly isn't easy and I won't be able to tell you much about it in one sitting, but what I do want to share with you is that having a tradition can be very important. With all of the moving and constant changes, finding something that feels familiar is my saving grace. We started the tradition of eating pastries on the weekend when I was a young child living in New York near family. 

     I have found that carrying the tradition with my husband and children has been a good way for me to keep some stability in my life. At times it can seem like the world is caving in on me and doing something familiar on a weekly basis makes me feel at peace. My favorite part of eating pastries on the weekend is the part where we walk to get them. We don't always buy our pastries; sometimes we make them, but when we do buy them, the walk is favorite part. I like breathing in the cool morning air, feeling the breeze on my skin, watching families hop in and out of their cars as they prepare for their full day ahead of them, and being able to talk with my husband and daughter. 

     Talks with my family on our walk feels so different from our talks in the car. It feels like for a moment, that time has slowed down to let us enjoy one another in a real way. I feel like we are always bonding in a new way each time that we walk to get our pastries. This summer I urge you to find the time to embark on a new journey with your family. Do something that you will be able to continue on a repetitive basis. I have found so much joy in this tradition and I think you will too. 

DEAL ALERT: TODDLER STYLE FINDS FOR CHEAP

Top Target ($4.50) | Bottoms Target ($7) | Shoes Converse ($25) | Socks Carter's 

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     I scored this get up from Target's clothing table for just $11.50 in the toddler girls section! You can't purchase this shirt online, but chances are you can find it in the store. Hurry, they are going fast. We scored a few other tops, but there really is a limited quantity. 

     Riley is growing so quick recently and we can't seem to keep up with her ever changing little body. She went from being petite to looking more like Ben and I; muscular. She is starting to talk more and her favorite words right now are "cheese" & "apple". She loves eating swiss cheese and chomping on my apple leftovers.  

AT HOME BALAYAGE HAIR COLOR

DO IT YOURSELF BALAYAGE

AFTER

BEFORE

THINGS YOU WILL NEED:

• AGE beautiful 40 developer by Zotos Professional
• AGE beautiful HLN by Zotos Professional
• AGE beautiful 20 developer by Zotos Professional
• AGE beautiful 7N by Zotos Professional
• Hair color bottle
• Mixing bowl
• 2 hair color brushes
• Foil
• Gloves

ZOTOS Professional Hair Products 

found at Sally's Beauty Supply

 STEP 1: Mix 2oz of 20 developer with 2oz of 7N in hair color bottle (1:1 ratio)

 STEP 2: Mix 4oz of 40 developer with 2oz of HLN & set aside until 'Step 8'

STEP 3: Section off hair in to 3 layers starting with your underneath hair (hair at the bottom by your neck)

STEP 4: Pull out pieces from the bottom layers and place desired amount of hair to color on foil

 STEP 5: Squeeze a small amount of hair color from the bottle near the root of your hair

 STEP 6: Brush on hair color from the root to about half way down your hair leaving the other half untouched by color

 STEP 7: Close foil & Repeat Steps 4-7 throughout the bottom, middle, and top layers (move quickly to not go over the allotted time in the directions for leaving the hair color on). **You need to have this darker color (7N) on while applying the lighter color (HLN) 

STEP 8: Paint on the HLN color from the bowl on to the ends of the colored pieces of hair; starting at your ends and using down ward brushing motions apply HLN to meet the 7N colored portions of your hair

STEP 9: Close foil and leave on hair for no more than 6o minutes (in the hair color directions) *I left my high lift on for about 15-20 minutes

STEP 10: Pull all pieces of foil out & wash hair thoroughly with 180PRO Shampoo & Conditioner for severely damaged hair

STEP 11: After you have washed and while your hair is still damp apply 180PRO serum on to your hair starting at your ends and fingering the rest through your hair

If you already have your natural hair color you desire, but still want the balayage look, skip steps 1 & 4-7. Your focus will be on the 'high lift' color only. Please feel free to email or message me with any questions you may have. I look forward to seeing your results! 

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