The More You Know! Great Articles Handpicked for you!

When I became a parent, I wanted all the information I could get my hands on. I began subscribing to different websites about everything from education and play based ideas sites to parenting communities. So many great articles but never enough time to read them all. Each week I plan on giving you a few gems I found that helped me with a certain aspect of parenting, mindfulness or every day life. There are some wonderful resources out there to guide you as you round the bends and come to some bumps on this road of parenting.

1) 17 Habits of Very Happy Moms - subscribe, follow and read anything & everything on Parents.com an incredible resource for parents for every age and stage of your children's lives. https://www.parents.com/parenting/moms/healthy-mom/17-habits-of-very-happy-moms/

2) 8 Survival Tips for Stay-At-Home Moms- This article really helped me before and during the pandemic. It reiterates most of the content of this blog as we all strive to be the best parents we can be and have some balance in our lives. For hilarious, spot on articles and ideas for parents follow and subscribe to Scary Mommy-the OG of Mom blogs scarymommy.com

https://www.scarymommy.com/8-survival-tips-for-stay-at-home-moms/

My Top 5 Self-Care Products that Won't Break the Bank!

Being a Mom is a whirlwind of chaos and gratitude. Sometimes as we're busy taking care of everyone else we forget to take care of ourselves. When I became pregnant with my first son, I decided that as I was homing another human for the next nine months I should be more conscious of the products I was using for my body. Were they full of chemicals I couldn't pronounce? Or would they be full of nutrient rich, natural ingredients that helped me nurture my body in a healthy way?

The choice was up to me. I took that time to research items, use them for an extended amount of time and find ones that fit this philosophy without spending a lot. Each of these items has made a difference in my life in one way or another. Whether its convenience or smelling good, these awesome products can be found at Target without breaking the bank! Cheers to treating yourself to the simple things and taking care of YOU!

1. HONEY POT FEMININE WIPES

A lot of Moms don't talk about all of the funky things that happen to our bodies before, after and during pregnancy. Tips about feminine hygiene weren't always shared as openly as they are now. There is nothing to be ashamed of ladies and we want to keep ourselves clean and healthy. I found these amazing feminine wipes when looking for a natural product and a Black-owned business to support! Honey Pot carries a wide variety of pads, tampons and everything in between. I use these daily and love them.

2) DIVA CUP

As I just mentioned, feminine care is essential and important! Tampons, pads and panty-liners get really expensive and sometimes there's harmful chemicals in them. I was skeptical at first, but after trying the Diva Cup and now using it for the past 3 years I'm never going back to pads and tampons. I even wore it all day when we went on a family vacation to a water park-no stress! It definitely takes getting used to, but it's cheaper than buying products every month, better for your body and the environment. *Quick disclaimer* This is the priciest product on this list $$! However, if you consider the fact that you are buying one reusable item instead of the amount you're paying monthly for one-use products it will balance out financially and come out cheaper for you in the long run..

3) NATIVE DEODORANT

Friends...when I tell you I tried every "natural deodorant" out there I mean it. I'm a stinker and I sweat a lot (which is a super cute combo) which means...most of the other natural deodorants didn't do the job for me. Four years ago I finally found my answer with Native! I'm obsessed with their most popular scent coconut vanilla. Back then it was only available by subscription- which was awesome because they just mail it to you every few months so you don't run out without a refill on hand. I still receive mine that way, but I know that Target carries it now along with their body wash and other products to try. I have been so happy with this deodorant that is free of aluminum and the yucky stuff while helping me smell good throughout the day. Cheers to that!

4) LOVE BEAUTY AND PLANET products

I started using this brand 5 years ago in search of something with natural ingredients, that smelled good and was reasonably priced. After becoming a Mom, I quickly reprioritized things in my beauty routine( spending $40 on shampoo was no longer the best choice for our family). When I found Love Beauty and Planet shampoo, conditioner and body wash- not only did it smell phenomenal ,it was under $10! So many products and scents to choose from, making my hair look and smell good. Cheers to a good deal and smelling great!

5) JADE FACIAL ROLLER

Okay friends....treat yourself to an at home spa day! You deserve it after a long day of parenting! Create a routine to take care of your skin and after putting this cool Jade roller in the fridge for a little bit , then rolling it on your face=pure bliss! Roll it before or after a face mask, you do you.. just enjoy the calm that comes with such a simple tool!