Small Fry

FRYday : Emily

I peeked back into the archives and realized I haven’t written a FRYday post since November! How did that happen? I’m feeling rusty, but let’s dive right in, shall we? Late last year, about the time we took a FRYday Holiday hiatus, I found myself back in therapy after several years. It’s funny because when I say that word, I can tell almost immediately who’s a fellow therapy-goer and who’s not. The Goer is like “That’s great! How is it going?” and the Non-Goer kind of winces and pulls in air through their teeth, ”Ssss. Are you okay?” I forget that it’s not a part of a lot of people’s lives, and for many it doesn’t need to be, they can figure it out on their own.

For me, my grandmother has been a therapist since I can remember, my parents encouraged and sometimes demanded that we all have someone to talk to, it was like part of my self-upkeep. My roots are showing, get a weave. My insides feel like a mess, go to therapy. So there I was, sitting on The Couch, listening to an echoing of something I’ve had to be reminded of my whole life. “You are enough.” You are good enough. You are intelligent, and kind, and lovable. You are worth it, you are worthy.

These feelings of inadequacy, they are so real in my life. I hate them, but out they come like weeds in a flower bed. They are a battle I fight everyday. Thankfully it doesn’t stop me from trying, but it sure is scrappy. When my thoughts drift, it’s always to the moments where I’ve come up short. With my man, in my home, in my community, with my loved ones. But especially for my boys. I’m certain I’ll never feel worthy to be a mother to such amazing little guys and the times I fail them is enough to make me sick and it often does.

But, every time I read those words “You are enough” I get choked up. And it’s not because I don’t believe it, it’s because I’ve forgotten. Somewhere along the way I convince myself that I am only as good as my worst moments. Do you do this too? Let me be the first to remind you: YOU are enough, too. We are the combination of all the good and hard, the inspiring and frustrating and no amount of either changes who we are and our worth. Being enough doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying… it means I won’t stop loving myself when I struggle. That right there might be my lifelong goal.

xo,

Emily

Find all of Emily’s FRyday thoughts here, and Nicole and Jenna’s here too.

•••

• It might be perfect timing considering the nature of today’s post, but Emily will be sitting in and fielding all the Q&A and discussions on an upcoming FREE! Positive Parenting webinar (a conference call + screen share) on March 26th at 9 pm EST. Sign up to join us right here, but here’s a quick summary on what to expect:

“Tired of the yelling? Tired of the whining? Tired of being tired?

You’re not alone. From toddler temper-tantrums to teenage talking back, parents wonder what it takes to get kids to cooperate. If you’re tired of nagging, reminding and yelling to get kids to listen – this session is for you! Small Fry is excited to partner with Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions & TODAY Show contributor to offer a FREE LIVE training webinar on 3/26/2014 at 9 pm EST. Discover proven tools for your most frustrating discipline dilemmas including the 5 R’s of Fair & Effective Consequences. This hour-long investment will lead to a lifetime of peace in your home! Sign up here.”

• And lastly, we have a Facebook-only giveaway that starts today for you locals! We are so excited about Tumbleweeds Film Festival, a film festival created for kids that is running March 14-16 in SLC! It’s all about fostering the idea of storytelling and creative expression, and we’re so looking forward to taking the boys! Find the schedule here and enter to win 4 tickets on our Facebook page!

Open Gym Adventure

Tomorrow, March 7th, is National Unplugged Day! Do you all remember when we did an entire WEEK unplugged as a Small Fry team? We have a whole week’s worth of ideas here, but we wanted to share our newest and best idea for making the most of your Unplugged Day: open gym!

Open Gym Adventure

Going unplugged was hard, but so rewarding. Many of you joined us and we have to admit, a whole week was tough! So we’re happy to join the Nation in this one day challenge, one day is totally doable. Easy breezy, no problem.

Open Gym Adventure

When we read on Gym Gab that most all gymnastic facilities provide an open gym day, or set of hours to non-members we were all ears! We have yet to commit the boys to classes, but what kid wouldn’t go ballistic for a foam pit, giant trampolines, balance beams, and springy floors? Find an open gym schedule by zip code right here!

Open Gym Adventure

To test out our theory we went to All American Gym (Lindon, Utah) and sure enough the boys had the time of their lives.

Open Gym Adventure

If daytime gym sessions aren’t possible for your family, many gyms host “Parent Night Out’s” once a month and around holidays where parents drop there kids off for several hours on a Friday or Saturday night. These events can include pizza or snacks and organized games as well as open gym time. If you live in the Seattle, WA area, The Gymnastics Connection hosts some of the most popular themed Parent Night Out’s (make sure you sign-up in advance as they fill up quick!) more info here.

Open Gym Adventure gym5

If you’re looking for a more formal gymnastics experience, and want to know how to get started, check out the Gym Gab blog! Written by gymnastics coach Makenna, she shares her tips and tricks as well as education and inspiration for parents of gymnasts. Don’t miss this“How to Do a Cartwheel Step by Step” post, it is crazy cute.

Open Gym Adventure

So, who’s going to join us for National Unplugged Day tomorrow? Find all our Unplugged ideas right here.

WHERE TO SHOP:

Camo leggings from Agnes and Dora

Hello Sweatshirt from Hello Apparel

Lucky Popcorn

Photos by Jylare.

Lucky Popcorn, that’s right! Are you superstitious at all? We couldn’t really think of any crazy superstitions we follow, except maybe not walking under ladders, or opening umbrellas indoors, but really that’s just common sense more than anything, right? But, any extra luck you can bring our way, we’ll take. So let’s eat some popcorn!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Popcorn, rainbow sprinkles, skittles and chocolate gold coins. We LOVE air-popped popcorn or you can make it over your stove, too! To do that you’ll add 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a cold pan, then add a cup of popcorn kernels to the cold oil. Turn it on medium high heat, and put a tight-fitting lid on top. Then start shaking the pan back and forth. Do this continually until the kernels start popping, this will keep them from burning. Then you can salt and butter your popcorn as you like!

For every batch of popcorn, you’ll add two handfuls of skittles and sprinkle the candy confetti. Then at the end tuck the gold coins in around the bowl and you’re good to go.

Toss to combine, and then enjoy!

Don’t miss last year’s Lucky Scavenger Hunt printable, it’s a fun indoor activity for the kids while the weather makes up its mind!

Check out today’s awesome photographer, Jylare Smith here.

Everyday Mamattire

We sent Emily over to Say Yes to share her favorite everyday “Momiform” or Mamattire as we’ve coined it here on Small Fry, as well as her thoughts on style as a mom. Check out the post, but first, hear all about Jenna and Nicole’s looks as well! It’s funny how the three of us shop at pretty much the same stores, even buying a lot of the same pieces, but we put them together so differently. We all have our own voice and that translates into our everyday attire as well as what we feel comfortable in day-to-day.

JENNA:

Everyday Look | Small Fry

I live for an all black look. It’s still winter here in Utah (boo!) so I’m holding on to this typical uniform of mine until there are brighter skies, which call for brighter colors! Black is so incredible because you can buy several different pieces and they all (obviously) go together like a dream. As a busy mom I’m often the last in the house to get ready and don’t have a ton of time or energy to worry about what matches and if I look put together. With an all black look I can be confident that my outfit will be both functional and stylish. I love to find embellished tops (this Zara – sold out! Similar here.) to give my look some dimension and show off my sense of style. Also it’s crucial to buy a staple pair of black pants. I’m always a fan of waxed with a zipper. And because I’m a working mom it’s really important that my look be able to transition from sticky hands to work meetings with the grab of my carry-all (F21, sold-out, similiar) and all black does just the job!

To finish off this look, or any of my looks recently, I turn to my favorite boot, the Sam Edelman Petty. It’s beautiful and on trend but truly I could walk costco for hours in it! Also I am obsessed with this shade of nude lipstick from Loreal. Drugstore finds are always welcome!

NICOLE:

Everyday Look | Small Fry

For me a great outfit is one that transitions from day to night, where with a simple addition like the white jacket and heels make it dinner party appropriate. Like the rest of my team, we all love coated trousers. They’re slimming, wipe down easily, and add a little extra something to even the most simple ensembles. These metallic toe heels are actually quite comfortable, with only a few inches height. Mine are sold out but here’s a pretty good replica, or this simple suede pump looks amazing! Quite possibly my favorite feature of any outfit is my recently new cut hair. I had long, long hair for so long that cutting it was such a fresh feeling. It also allows me to wear and enjoy things like this funnel neck jacket, a great neck-line on a top statement necklaces and earrings (love these!) and they seem to stand out more, versus get over powered by my hair.

EMILY:

You can read all about this look and all my thoughts on style as a mom on Say Yes, but here’s some quick links.

Eagle Dress via Asos ($23!) // Combination Jacket via SheInside // Cut-out Buckle “Scoundrel” Booties by Seychelles

Find all our personal fashion posts here, and you can see all our women’s fashion posts here.

Shop today’s looks below!

Green Mean Machines

Happy March, everyone! Today we have a recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day by Melissa from So Festive. My dad has made these shakes for us since I was little, using club soda, so let me vouch for their deliciousness! Welcome, Melissa! – Emily
St. Patrick's Day Smoothie

Hello again, Small Fry readers! It’s Mel from So Festive!, a blog started in honor of my mom who was the most festive person I know. She passed away from cancer, but I’m determined to keep her festiveness alive by sharing easy, simple and real ideas that will inspire anyone to be a little more festive. Because life is to be enjoyed, right?

Today I’m sharing a simple, ultra-festive drink for you and your kiddos to make for St. Patrick’s Day. My mom always called them Green Mean Machines, and the name fits them just perfectly.

Here’s how you can make your own Green Mean Machines.

St. Patrick's Day Smoothie Ingredients

What you need: lemon lime soda, lime sorbet, a blender, and thick straws. Okay, the thick straws are optional, but it’s more fun with them!

St. Patrick's Day Smoothie

Pour 8 oz of lemon lime soda into a blender. Then scoop 3 cups of lime sorbet into the blender and mix until thick and frothy. This is the ratio we prefer, but you can always add more or less soda if you want it thinner or thicker. You really can’t mess up your Green Mean Machines.

St. Patrick's Day Smoothie

Then sip, sip, sip away!
St. Patrick's Day Smoothie

For even more simple and easy holiday ideas, follow So Festive on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Black and White Deals for Girls

We hope you are all having an awesome weekend! We’re not going to lie after a week of dealing with one terrible host server, and then transferring over to new one, we lost count of the hiccups. Sometimes the best way to drown your sorrows is a little shopping session. Here’s a whole handful of awesome deals – most under $20 – for the little gal in your life. Our lack of girl babies is your gain!

Also, to try and make up for the chaos, we’ve extended “The BIG One” $850 in goods for mom and baby until Tuesday night (March 4th) to give those a chance to enter who were stopped by a crashed server. We can say more fervently then ever, thank you for being here!

1. Breton Stripe with Tiny Bow // 2. Balloon Graphic // 3. Wide Stripe Crew // 4. Glitter Tuxedo Pant // 5. Three Bow Tuxedo Shirt // 6. Pleated Tent Dress // 7.Striped Drop-Waist Ruche Dress // 8.Tiered White Stripe Dress // 9. Peplum Mini Stripe Tee // 10. Color Block Drop Waist Dress // 11. Metallic Slip-ons // 12. Star Leggings // 13. White Flowers Dress // 14. Tiny Polka Dot 3/4 Sleeve

FRYday : Nicole

Hello!

I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few months reflecting on family. Family is my favorite thing on the earth. In my world, family isn’t just blood. Of course, my children own the largest portion of my heart, but when I speak of family, that is inclusive of so many friends. Family has kept me afloat these last few years. I think I forget that other people around me have any kind of trials of their own, because they seem like such rockstars and they support me through some of the bumpiest roads.

I have a mom, and a sister that day in and day out, love me, love my kids, clean for me when I have let my house go, grocery shop for me when I’m practically Mother Hubbard. I have friends that constantly pick up my slack without saying a word, let me off the hook when I can’t make it to something they have planned. And all along, these people have a smile on their face. WOW. I am lucky. My kids are lucky! We have had the absence of someone that means the world to us, and somehow, the family around us has managed to almost fill those voids and mend those broken places in our hearts.

We feel hope from these people.
We feel strength from these people.
We feel SO MUCH love from these people.

I love these people.
I love family.

YOU are also a part of this family group I am so grateful for. You Small Fry readers mean more than you know to myself and Emily and Jenna. Wow. We are so grateful from where Small Fry has come, and is going. and it’s all because of you. Thank you for the love and kind words. It’s hard to juggle work, tough times, loved ones and still keep a clean house (so, we don’t.) We prioritize! And this happy piece of the internet we call Small Fry is one of our most prized possessions. Thank you for loving it as well.

xoxo

Nicole

Children’s Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? This month has been so crazy we weren’t able to touch on it like we’d like, but maybe better late than never? Thanks to Firefly kid’s dental products for educating us on this important topic!

Dental Disease is the #1 illness for children missing school in the US. Isn’t that crazy? Here’s some things we’ve learned about it all:

Foaming Flouride Toothpaste + 1 Minute Timer Brush

Did you know the bacteria that causes cavities is contagious? When we’re born we do NOT carry this bacteria, but it is passed to us. It can be passed by sharing drinks, kissing, licking off a pacifier, etc. This bacteria is fed by acid (found in sugar) and then finds it’s way into a once protective biofilm called plaque. Without removing plaque properly, all of these factors play into forming a cavity.

So what should we do? Here’s a suggestions from Dr. Chris Cramer:

“Don’t let the bacteria set up shop in the first place! That starts with mom and dad either testing their levels of bacteria and/or getting on a bacteria reducing protocol that includes excellent home care. That means proper brushing from a very young age, starting with finger brushing as soon as the first tooth erupts. When kids get old enough to brush, make it fun and habit-forming in a good way. I like the Ready Go Brush and other light-up timer toothbrushes from FireFly because they’re colorful and entertaining. FireFly also has an innovative Fluoride Foam Toothpaste that kids absolutely love because they get to squirt it right into their mouths instead of onto the brush. Its foamy texture allows it to get to hard-to-reach places and flush out cavity-causing bacteria.”

We’ve been testing out these products from Firefly and are loving them! The 1 minute timer brush makes it so much easier to enforce an adequate brush session, and the fluoride foam is so much less mess then a typical toothpaste!

Paper Bouquet DIY

By Emily.

Spring Fever is real, and it has arrived at my house. Thank goodness for a couple high 50s/low 60 days that have gotten us out to the park and basking on the lawn. To celebrate Spring’s upcoming arrival, I had the boys make these cardboard tube bouquets! I saw the idea in a doctor’s waiting room magazine, and knew they would all love it. This is a true-blue kids craft, where they are in charge every step of the way, and they LOVED it! Here’s how you’ll do it:

Start by saving up any empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls you have lying around. If you’re in a craft-jam like I was I had Callum unroll a half-used paper towel roll, which might as well have been a trip to DisneyLand, he was pumped! Another work around I used was to take craft paper and tape it into a tube, which is nice because then you can control the size!

This next step is recommended for four year olds or older, and also using kid-safe scissors (these ones by Crayola are great.) Have your kids make even cuts about two inches into the tubes. Then have them bend the cuts back, creating the petals.

Now they’re ready to paint! These bold kid’s paints are a Small Fry favorite. Why is it always Crayola? They just know what they’re doing, I guess. Paint each petal and let it dry completely.

I am loving having these happy and bright flowers on my table! I could kill a cactus so I’m even happier for this no-pressure option. Also, these flowers are reminding me of a painting, help a sister out! Maybe by Klimt?

Have extra paper towel rolls? Check out this Ocean Sounds Stick DIY!

And even more kid-led crafts:

GIANT Paper Airplanes // Colorblock Tees and Tanks // Cereal Box Jet-Packs

One more thing before you go! We are excited to launch our exclusive content newsletters this month! This means that Newsletter members will get special access to content, deals from our favorite shops, and Small Fry goodness that no one else can! To celebrate this roll-out we’re doing a special giveaway for Newsletter members, a Clairisonic skin cleanser from our sponsor Spa Trouvé! Valued at $125 this handheld machine cleans like no other. You know when you go to the dentist and your teeth are so clean it makes your toothbrush look like a cottonball? It’s like that, but for your face. Sign up the tip top left side ☜. Smart Phone users use this link! Then later today subscribers will get the secret access to enter the giveaway!

Thanks Spa Trouvé for helping us out! Locals don’t miss their buy one get one free sale on Latisse, $100 off fillers, and as usual the best spa treatments around!

7 Healthy Foods to Fool Your Kids

By Jenna.

Recently my brother-in-law stayed with us for a few days and one night at dinner he told me how impressed he was at the variety of food the kids ate and how healthy their diet was. After beaming with pride (and hoping he didn’t see the candy in the cupboard) I started to think about what makes eating healthy SO hard for kids. Don’t get me wrong my kids eat their fair share of treats and junk food but on a general scale they’re very good eaters. I have a lot of tips I’ve learned the hard way for getting my boys to eat a variety of foods and make healthy choices, but today I wanted to introduce or remind you of foods for even the pickiest eater.

healthy kids foods

1. Sweet Potatoes: The ultimate super food. I never gave these little babies a chance but once a year smothered in marshmallows at Thanksgiving. And while I lay in bed and dream of that every night, we’ve found a thousand different (healthier ways) to partake of the Sweet Potato. Our ultimate way of choice is by way of the Fry, what can we say we’re American? My kids honestly don’t know the difference between a fast food fry and our homemade sweet potato fries. In fact they prefer the ones I do which I make using this recipe. Sweet Potatoes are high in B6 which aids combatting degenerative diseases, Vitamin C which of course boosts are immune system but also helps the healthy formation of bones and teeth as well as Vitamin D which aids in our energy and mood levels among a thousand other health benefits.

2. Guacamole: My one true love. It’s like Christmas when my avocados ripen (how funny and true is this pin?) and I can sit down to a little chips and dip. Guacamole CAN be a little difficult for kids with texture issues. Quinn doesn’t enjoy it quite like Jude does for that reason. But if you have a kid that loves to dip, try switching out the ranch or ketchup occasionally! Avocados are the MVP of Guacamole and are raging with health benefits. Did you know that an avocado contains more potassium then a banana? Crazy! They also are fantastic for your cardiovascular health and can help promote proper nutrition absorption in your kids! For you pregnant mammas out there, 1 avocado contains 23% of your suggested daily folic acid intake which is crucial for combating certain birth defects. You get what I’m saying right? They’re incredible. I like to use this recipe for my guacamole and cut down the jalapeño in half since my oldest definitely likes food milder. Alternatives to chips would be: cucumbers, carrots, sweet peppers etc..

3. Eggs: There are a million benefits to eggs but the one that seals the deal for me is that they keep my kids full longer. Ever feel like you’re feeding your family 372 times a day? I know I do when I’m not feeding them nutrient dense food. Eggs keep my kids full FOREVER. They like to eat them any way they can get them but recently they have preferred them hard boiled. I bake mine in a 24 count muffin tin at the beginning of the week and we are making more by Wednesday!

4. Salmon: I know what you’re thinking…”this chick is insane, my kid is not going to freaking eat fish.” I thought the same thing and so I never fed it to Quinn when he was little. I tried it once and he was hooked, now he will tell you it’s his favorite food! So much of why our kids won’t eat is because we won’t feed it to them. We figure they will only like “kid-approved” foods like macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets. I think by offering our kids a variety of food, we might be surprised about how much they love! Just because you offered it once and they didn’t like it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again another time. And breaking news–salmon is SO EASY and quick to cook. Marinate salmon with things your kids already enjoy like citrus juices or tomatoes! Be sure to buy wild salmon as it is lower in Mercury and high in Omega 3′s.

5. Pistachios: These serve a dual purpose. Both as a healthy snack and a time filler. It takes Quinn at least 2 minutes to crack open a pistachio. I can clean the kitchen before he’s had a handful! And he’s so pumped every time one cracks open. Pistachios aid against heart disease, promote healthy blood in your body through high amounts of B6 and are even shown to improve eye health! Plus they are the tastiest.

6. Noosa: Yoghurt from heaven. This stuff is crazy good. I’ve tried nearly every Greek Yogurt & Noosa wins forever and ever. Honestly I bought it because of the packaging and it’s flawless design. You can make me buy ANYTHING with beautiful branding (advertisers take note) but was pleasantly surprised when I took it home. Pleasantly as in we ate two cartons in a day. The yoghurt is the creamiest in all the land, sweetened with organic honey and then on the bottom lies a blanket of fresh fruit puree that will knock your socks off. Our family goes crazy over Strawberry Rhubarb and Mango. Trust me when I say your kids will think they’re eating a dessert! I’ve seen this at most local grocers and health food stores. It is a touch pricey but they have a coupon on their site for a whole $.55 off! I mean it’s ridiculous, but trust me when you taste it you’ll get why you would pay $4 for the carton.

7. Mango: Duh Jenna kids like fruit. But let’s talk about the under appreciated Mango. It just doesn’t get a ton of air time in most households. Sometimes I forget about it and then I bring it home and it’s like part of our family was missing but now is back. It sounds dramatic but if you haven’t already gathered from this post, food is of the upmost importance to me. My favorite thing to make for my kids is a mango smoothie or a mango salsa for over (you guessed it) salmon! Or just eat it plain because it’s just that good. Mango is rich in anti-oxidants that can help sustain your body against cancer, improves digestion which can be a problem for a lot of kiddos and best of all boost their immune system!

So guys there you have it. In the words of Yo-Gabba-Gabba “try it you’ll like it !” Let us know how it goes, and please add any underrated health foods your kids love so we can try them out on our boys!

More ways to health-ify your kids’ foods:

Kitchen Sink Cookies // Juicing for kids // and a kid-friendly smoothie cleanse!

DIY Glowing Star Glasses

This post is brought to you by ElectroDash – The 5K Dance Party.

By Nicole.

My house is getting so excited for warmer months ahead! Yesterday it was just warm enough to ride bikes outside without hats and gloves, and my mind started racing toward BBQs, days at the pool, and taking advantage of Utah’s amazing Summer! We’ve got just the thing to help kick-off an amazing Summer, and it even comes with a killer discount code! For you locals, on April 26th, the ElectroDash the 5k race is coming to Utah Valley University! It is a race unlike any other. It’s a glow-in-the-dark, neon lights dance party and it looks like an absolute blast. We’ll be there hosting a bounce house and other kid-friendly activities, and even better, kids 7 and under are free! Even if Dash runs two steps and is ready for the jogger, no money is wasted. To get the boys extra excited, I wanted to make an easy DIY for them to sport at the race.

Here’s what you’ll need:

I was ready to show you how to make your own glow-in-the-dark glitter, but guess what? You can buy it pre-made at the craft store! Buy it online here, too. If you’re feeling extra crafty, you can make it by taking glow-in-the-dark spray paint to regular glitter, pre-made is sounding extra nice right about now.

I found these cute star shaped sunglasses at about $.50 each, a can of spray adhesive, and the glow-in-the-dark glitter and then you’ll want to find a nice well-ventilated area to spray. Outside it best. Then use a plate or shallow tupperware and fill it with the glitter and you’re ready to start! You’ll want to put the glasses in the bottom of an open cardboard box and then spray them evenly with the adhesive. Once they’re coated, dip them in the tray of glitter, or use your hands to sprinkle them letting the excess fall to the plate. Sprinkling is a great kid-friendly step, Dash was the best helper. Let it dry completely and you’ve got yourself the perfect race accessory! Check them out in action:

And now for that discount code! Any racers you locals want to bring that are over 7 years old can get 20% of their ticket by entering “ELECTROFRY” at check-out. Buy your ticket now and you will get early bird ticket prices until March 7th, so those tickets are only $39.00!

ElectroDash glow in the dark gear

With each ticket (for kids as well) it includes an ElectroDash t-shirt, neon bracelets, sunglasses and other neon accessories. Register for the Utah Valley Race right here, it will be held at UVU Campus and the Small Fry boys are already so pumped! I on the other hand better get off the couch and attempt to break my running shoes in.

Here’s a taste of the course. You have glowing arches, the Galaxy, Floating Jellyfish, Glowing trees, a Cactus forest, and a Laser Show at the end. Talk about magical!

We hope you locals will join us! We’re thinking of starting a stroller brigade you know, just to make it extra fun for all the college kids.

Home to Their Holidays, a recap.

Whew, what a week it has been! We have been so blown away by your participation in our awesome giveaways, read every comment chiming in and lending support to our new baby advice bloggers, and spent hours on the phone with our host server every time they couldn’t seem to keep up with our growing pains! We’re so sorry for the countless times the site was down this past weekend. We think we’ve solved the riddle, and will be watching diligently to make sure it’s taken care of. One thing we’re reminded of daily, we have the best readers! You all are so lovely, intelligent, caring and strong. We are strengthened daily by your presence here and wish we could send a little new baby love to all of you. Now that the Orbit Giveaway has ended, we’re excited to announce the winner selected randomly by Rafflecopter: Cortney Fuller!

We figured the smoothest transition (we’ll miss reading birth stories everyday, they’re our favorite!) back into our regular posting schedule would be to share this awesome film our main man Jenner Brown created for our friends at Home to Their Holiday. If you remember back in December we shared our experience of doing a little Sub-for-Santa for three families with children in the NICU – read the post here – but Home to Their Holiday had even bigger plans!

Bringing Some Home To Their Holidays from Erin Koelliker on Vimeo.

Jessica & Erin, two moms who have spent lots of time in the NICU were able to gift 100+ mothers on bed rest during Christmastime. They graciously let us tag along for delivery! So many companies made incredible donations to these mothers, but we have to thank Puj, The Honest Company and 4moms for donating on our behalf. The whole experience was a humbling, and gratitude-filled one; we were brought to tears countless times. Words can’t really express, but we are reminded that womanhood is a powerful thing, and we can do amazing things when we take care of one another.

More about the donating companies:

Read a “Moms You Should Meet” with Katie the founder of Puj here.

See a line-up of our favorite Honest Co. items here.

And enter to win a Breeze and MamaRoo from 4moms here.

New Mom Advice : The Shine Project

We’re so grateful and humbled to end our week of new baby, new mama stories with Ashley’s. Ashley is the founder of the Shine Project, a blog, a shop, and a charity set up to benefit at-risk youth. They do service projects every other week with inner-city kids, and any money they raise goes back to fund those future leaders’ college funds. On top of that, Ashley is a new mother, in a very special way. We hope Ashley’s words serve as a reminder of all the wonderful ways we find ourselves as mothers in this life.

New Mom Advice : The Shine Project

“Our story is different than most. We didn’t go through the pregnancy, birth, or even the first few years of life. Our new babies came to us, at the same time, at ages 4 and 6. My sleepless nights haven’t come from crying babies and feedings, they’ve come from weeping and praying for strength and guidance and trying to learn how to become this instant parent to two special people who need to be held tight. I remember texting my friend with kids around their age frantically wondering “What do they eat, how much do they sleep, are they supposed to be reading yet, what do kids DO?!” I was thrown into this magical and unknown world of childhood, and suddenly feeling the responsibility that I have over two human beings was the most overwhelming yet wonderful thing I had ever felt.

I often get asked, “When are you going to have your own children?” While the process we’ve taken is not the normal step to raising kids, the love and feelings that come along with it is all the same. Zoe and Shiloh have filled emptiness in my heart that I didn’t even know was there. I’ve only been a mom for 10 months, and have no clue in the whole wide world what I’m doing. But I know how to love them, so if I put that first, the other stuff just trickles in to place and it all works out okay. There was no preparation for us, no baby showers, no real “advice” that could be given as we ventured into a completely different scenario. Someone told me to create boundaries with consequences, not just rules that have to be followed. Doing that has helped us SO, so much. We’ve worked through and overcome a lot these past 10 months, and what a blessing it has been in our lives. For months I was called “Ashley” and my husband was called “daddy” almost immediately.

We do things at their pace, when and if they want. I’ve learned how to sacrifice and be less selfish than I’ve ever had to be. Sometimes the things that hurt me most are what is best for them. Even though they’re older, we still have a lot of “firsts” with them. Taking them to the zoo or teaching them songs, how to read, etc, and seeing their confidence grow and their little eyes shine with excitement is what I live for. I may not ever know what I’m doing, but I do know one thing; being called “mommy” for the first time was the best thing that has ever happened to me.

SF New Baby: The BIG One!

Our #SFNewBaby week is coming to a close today, and it has been such a blast to watch unfold! We hope you all have loved it and we can’t wait to pick all our winners! We have to admit we’re excited to get back to our regular posting schedule, and hope you’ll all be joining us! (Follow us via BlogLovin here!)But before we do, how ’bout one last giveaway. It is hard to top an Orbit stroller system, Land of Nod nursery set, gift packages from Boon and 4Moms, brand new (sold out!) moccasins from Freshly Picked and a Stokke high chair to boot but we think we may have done it.

Check out what is up for grabs on this, our last day of New Baby Week!

1 & 2. Giggle is THE FIRST place any new mom or mom-to-be should go. Filled with the perfect collection of items for mom and baby, and all sweet and on-trend. We are huge fans of Giggle and know you’ll love their hooded towel [$50] and cutest striped Buddy. [$20]

3. This pillow is a must for moms-to-be. We’ve all used every pillow we could to get comfortable during sleep while pregnant, quickly pushing our poor husbands to the edge of the bed, this Bump Nest body pillow is supportive but not overtaking. This is the best [$100] you can spend while pregnant!

4. We love the simple basics from AXL. They’re line is perfectly unisex, and long-lasting, making it a great gift for any new baby! This set features a blanket, onesie, hat, bodysuit for [$70]. Made in San Francisco and 100% organic, too!

5. Anytime we can, we love to giveaway an Ergo Carrier [$139] They are such a must for infancy, It is comforting and comfortable for your little one making travel, activity and adventure feel natural and doable.

6. Another awesome find via Giggle! This Moses basket is a nod to an ancient baby-carrying system and a modern keepsake. This one is a great portable alternative to the standard bassinet! [$90]

7. We are recent converts to the 7AM Enfant brand and are really kicking ourselves for being such tardy adopters. Where we live Winter is a good six months or more and these car seat cocoons are definite musts for cold weather living. You just try and put a winter coat on a new baby, and you’ll see why these cocoons are so amazing! Easily slides on and off any standard car seat and a super affordable [$59]

8. Nursing covers can be tricky. Some get it close, others are way off, but Covered Goods seems to have finally figured it out. All three of us are shirt-pull-uppers, quickly exposing are backs, and after just having a new baby would rather keep that covered, thanks! We love that Covered Goods has you covered from all angles, but you can still use is it as a blanket, scarf, front cover, and more! Versatility is everything. [$30]

9. Comotomo bottles, our favorite! Comotomo strives to create the most realistic bottle out there in attempt to mimic breastfeeding. Whether you use it once and awhile or full-time it’s such a great one! We love the wide neck making it super easy to clean out, and don’t forget the anti-colic vents! [$12.99]

10. It’s hard to describe Paige Lauren without somehow sending you this sleep sack through the screen so you can feel it. SO SOFT! [$48]

11. What would a new baby giveaway be without a bag to keep all your goods in? If you’re lucky you’ll be winning a timi & leslie Hannah Diaper Bag which retails for [$150+]! All of timi & leslie bags come complete with coordinating accessories (a changing pad with pocket, non-slip stroller straps, insulated bottle pockets, etc) and don’t scream “There’s diapers in here!”

12 & 13. You all know how much we love Little Giraffe blankets, but really anything from there is a homerun and is somehow an instant lifelong friend to our kids. We’re giving away this Little E elephant [$48] but Check out the giraffe too! Little Giraffe is also throwing in a life-saving teether!

14. Last but not least, the super helpful, super necessary Baby Care Essentials Set from Piyo Piyo! This one makes an awesome gift, and is so happy and fun in true Piyo Piyo form! [$44.99]

If you’re keeping total you’re looking at over $850 in awesome goods for you and baby. Let’s not waste another moment, enter below!
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