10 Summer 'Momiform' Must Haves

Today I am sharing 10 Summer 'Momiform' Must Haves that are all #Momlife approved! If you have little ones (or big ones) at home this summer, I'm sure you are busy and running around like crazy! I know on the days I'm home with the boys, we don't stop! So, I'm always looking and shopping for easy, comfortable AND stylish outfits that don't break the bank. I rounded up some of my favorite outfits and items to wear in the summer when I'm home with the kiddos. 

First off, my favorite summer trend has to be pull on shorts. They are a win win! Comfortable AND cute! Perfect for hot summer days chasing around the kids! 

Shop my favorite pull on shorts:

A simple outfit that is stylish and easy to wear is a graphic tee and denim shorts. I am loving this graphic tee trend! So many cute ones out right now too that are affordable. And a good pair of comfy denim shorts is a must for my summer wardrobe! My favorite brands for denim shorts are American Eagle, Old Navy and Target right now.

shop graphic tees and tanks:

shop my favorite denim shorts:

One new trend that I wasn't sure I was going to get on board with is the shorts overall trend! I actually really love this pair! So comfortable and easy to wear. No pulling up your shorts while chasing around the kids. This pair runs true to size and is just $28!

Overalls:

This swing dress is the comfiest dress I own! Perfect to throw on and go! grab your denim jacket in case it gets chilly and tie it around your waist if it's too hot!

Cotton swing dresses:

On of my favorite summer combos is a comfy sweatshirt and shorts. I always tend to get cold inside stores, etc because they always seem to blast the AC! If we are headed somewhere inside, I will thrown on a sweatshirt over a tank just in case. These beach fleece sweatshirts are the best for summer! They are lightweight so you won't sweat either.

Shop beach fleeces / sweatshirts:

These tanks are my favorite for summer! This is what I wear when it's too hot to even wear a t shirt. They run true to size and come in several color options below.

Madewell tanks:

Let's be honest... chasing toddler boys around is actually more of a workout than any other workout I attempt during the week! So, half the time I'm home with the boys, I'm in athleisure! These high waisted compression leggings are SO good! They quality is great for the price!

I also love these camo leggings for running around with the kids, running errands, etc. Throw on a denim jacket and a baseball cap and you're good to go!

Shop my favorite high waisted leggings:

If you have a lunch date with the kiddos and you're trying to look more put together, just throw on a lightweight kimono over your tank and shorts! Perfect accessory for summer!

Kimonos:

Last, but not least, can't forget the perfect mom one piece swimsuit! I don't want to feel too exposed or that my top is going to fall off when I'm with the kids at the pool, so I have been wearing one piece suits for the last few years. These suits offer great coverage and (support if you need it) in the front AND back!

Favorite one piece suits:

And below are some accessories that are also #momlife approved:

Gift Guide for Busy Moms

Let's face it. This #MomLife ain't easy... so we need a lot of things that help make it slightly easier on an everyday basis. Time, convenience, comfort... these are all things we wish we had more of! Well, these gadgets and gifts should help you with all 3! 

Also, feel free to forward this list on to the Santa's in your life so they stop bothering you with questions about what to get you for Christmas!

Here's a quick rundown of the list (shop these items at the bottom of the post by clicking on the image):

1. Fitbit: This is one thing that has been on my wish list for a while. For those moms that still like to squeeze in a work out a few times per week or just for those that like tracking steps, heart rate, sleep patterns, etc. There is so much this little wrist band can do. Also, might as well get a fancy pair of wireless headphones to go with it!

2. Day Designer 2018 Daily and Monthly Planner: I live and die by this planner on the daily (I actually have this same planner in the 2017/18 academic year)! I love that the daily sections have your day mapped out by the hour!! It has plenty of space for notes and even helps you plan meals! It is hands down the best planner I've ever used!

3. What to Eat Pad & All Out Of Pad: These 2 pads hang on the side of our fridge (yes, they come with magnets!) and have been so handy! I write out our meals for the week every Sunday and the 'All out of pad' is great to quickly check off items that we run out of. I also give it to Bill to mark off anything he wants from the grocery store before I make a run so there's no complaining that we don't have anything to eat!

4. Batiste Dry Shampoo: This would be a great little stocking stuffer! I like the travel sized option so you can throw one in your car, in your purse or in your gym bag! 

5. Temperature Control Travel Mug: Never worry about reheating your cold coffee again! Take it on the go and keep that cup of joe piping hot all the live long day!  

6. Instapot & Instapot Cookbook: Basically the new crockpot, but better! This is the new 'it' item when it comes to convenient cooking. There are so many ways to use this little pot! And don't forget to add the cookbook to your list as well! 

7. Black & Decker cordless hand vacuum: I've had so many friends recommend this thing for quick clean ups after toddler meals or just to quickly clean up little dust bunnies, crumbs, spills, etc that no doubt happen on the daily in our house. This one is actually on the top of my list!

8. Cell Phone Stand: This little gadget is the thing you never knew you needed. If I'm home with the boys, it always feels like I need an extra hand to hold my phone while talking, watching a video, etc. I would also use it while cooking if I'm looking up a recipe, it would be so easy just to have my phone on a stand to look at with out having to pick it up!

9. Comfy and Cute Zella Zip Pullover: This thing would probably be worn everyday if I had it. Cute zip detail neckline, flattering cut and hemline, thumb holes... check, check, check. Please come to my closet asap!

10. Zella High Waisted Leggings: I know... I probably have talked about these leggings on my blog about 1000000 times now. You get it! But seriously... you need them! They are thick and perfect for winter temps!!

11. Northface Water-Resistant Jacket with Fur trim: You guys... winter is coming... You know, that time of year when you have to cover every inch of your body except your face from the bitter cold? Yep. You're going to need this jacket for those carpools, playdates, school drop offs, grocery trips, etc etc.

12. Sorel Waterproof Snow Boot: You see... I live in the midwest where it snows... Sometimes a lot! And you need good boots to get through the winter! I have been using my Hunter boots with these sock inserts for a good 3 years now, but would love a pair of these cute fur trim snow boots as an upgrade!

13. Ugg Dakota Sunshine Slipper: Last, but not least, all moms want to do at the end of the day is change into our jammies, put on a good pair of comfy slippers and sip on a glass of wine... is that too much to ask? I'm loving the cute design of these Ugg slippers!

Other gift ideas not mentioned: Amazon Prime Membership (honestly, if you're a mom without this membership... I don't know how you survive?), gift certificate to their favorite nail salon or for a massage, Starbucks gift cards, and wine... lots of wine...

There you have it! I'm sure you can find something on this list for any mom on your shopping list! Or forward it on to the 'Santas' in your life so they know what to get you this year!

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Motherhood Lately + The Perfect Fall Shirtdress

shirtdress (comes in 2 other solid colors. Plaid options here) | riding boots | necklace

Motherhood lately has been so fun! Exhausting...but, fun. I love that the boys are just starting to be at the age where they are starting to play with each other and like the same things. There's still a bit of a communication gap and of course I'm constantly playing referee with the toy tug-o-war. BUT, it is fun to see them laugh and play together. 

Camden is now almost 3 (he will be 3 on November 20th!) and Bennett will be 16 months on the 28th. I am so excited for the upcoming holiday season with these two. Having a one year old and a 3 year old at Christmas time will be so magical! I feel like this will be the first year Camden will actually 'get' the concept of Santa and Christmas morning. I can't wait to see their faces light up that day!!

Of course, it's not all rainbows and butterflies all the time. These ages... they are TOUGH! Bennett is just starting to show his toddler personality. Testing his limits, trying to get into everything he shouldn't, throwing his sippy cup and food on the floor... How quickly we forget about this stage! He is also SO stubborn (which I know he get from his father!). He wants to walk everywhere and goes straight towards the street when we are outside. When I try to hold his hand, he slaps my hand away as if to say 'I don't need your help!' He wants to do everything on his own! 

He's also starting to reach for all the door handles in the house which Camden just recently figured out so it's funny that Bennett is already doing this! Bennett has also cut a total of 6 teeth in the past few months and is currently working on his k9 teeth (the sharp ones on top). The drool has been non-stop! 

However, with those challenging times comes one of my favorite stages! Bennett loves to dance and whenever there is music playing he starts shaking his little hips back and forth! It's probably my favorite thing to watch! He also is so funny and loves to giggle! He is just starting to instigate wrestling with his brother which is so cute! They just roll around on each other and laugh!

He is also much more cuddly at this age than I remember Camden being. Especially right before bedtime and after naps, he just melts in my arms and I soak up every ounce of it! He also loves to blow kisses and says 'muaw!' when we say give me a kiss! It's the best! He is also up to saying over a dozen words! His little voice is so cute and I love that he wants to communicate with us!

Camden is also starting to creep slowly to that 'three-nager' phase I've been hearing about. He is constantly asking questions and wants to know about everything! He also still thinks all the toys in the house are his and Bennett is just borrowing them 😂

We are about 50/50 with the potty training situation, but he does really well at 'school' so I know he's ready. I think it's time for potty training boot camp one these next few weekends since we don't have too many plans. I was hoping to get him trained by the time he turns 3, so we've got a month!

Along with his 'three-nager' attitude, he also says some of the sweetest things! He will randomly look up at me and say 'you look pretty mommy!' 😊  I don't know who taught him how to say that, but I'll take it! And sometimes after I pick him up from school he will say, 'I missed you mommy!' which just melts my heart into a puddle everytime!

Both boys are on the same schedule now, only taking one nap in the middle of the day. It makes things SOOO much easier especially with planning out our day. We typically always go on an outing in the mornings when we are home. Even if it's just getting them outside to get some exercise. I love that we live across the street from a playground! That is definitely one of the main reasons we purchased our home. 

As cliché as the saying is, it is so true...

Yes, the days are looooong, but the years are SHORT! 

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Rainy or Cold day Activities for Toddlers in Columbus, OH

This post has been on my to do list for a while now. Yes, the weather seems to be in our favor this week, but soon this Ohio fall/winter will show up and we will no longer be able to play outside or head to the park when the toddlers become restless. I started this list in my phone a while ago as a back up for rainy days when I'm home with the boys. I'm sure once winter rolls around I will be referencing this list a lot! I may even write all of these out on little sheets of paper, put them in a hat and pull one out for our activity for the day when I'm home with both of them on Tuesdays!

Below is my current list of favorites, plus a whole slew that are on my to-do list. I'm hoping to hit all of them by the end of winter! 

1. Mall Play Areas (Tuttle Mall, The Shops at Worthington Place, Polaris Fashion Place) - We've been to the play area at Tuttle Mall several times now and have also been to the one at the Shops at Worthington Place. The Tuttle Mall play area was recently renovated and it such a great play spot for not only toddlers, but crawlers as well. The whole area is carpeted and there are various play stations based on age range and interest. Of course, shopping with 2 toddlers is near impossible, but if I have a quick return or just need to get them out of the house and burn some energy, this is one of our favorites. And bonus...it's FREE!

2. Sunny Street Cafe 'Mommy and Me' Breakfast Tuesdays @ the Polaris location: We attended a 'Mommy and Me' Breakfast at Sunny Street a few weeks ago and Camden had a blast! The Mommy and Me time is 8am - 10am every Tuesday at the new Polaris location. Pancakes for the kiddos to decorate with their favorite toppings are $1 (and are dino shaped!) and there is a new theme every week and this week's theme was tie dye! The kids got to tie dye their own t shirts. Definitely something different and a fun experience for the little ones. AND they are now serving pumpkin pancakes!!! #winwin

3. Get Air Columbus / Tree of Life Play Cafe - We have been to the Tree of Life Play Cafe a handful of times and both boys always have a blast! The food isn't bad either! We love their pizza and the boys love the pretzel and cheddar bosco sticks. Admission to play in the play area is $7 per child or you can pay $10 for playtime and includes a kids meal.

Right next door to the Tree of Life Play + Cafe is Get Air Columbus which is basically a huge gym filled with trampolines! For little ones under 46", it's $9 for one hour of jumping (which is plenty!) and you do have to buy their jump socks which are $3 per pair. Every Wednesday and Thursday they have toddler jump time from 10am to 11am for $10, plus you get a day of admission to the Play + Cafe next door. We went to toddler time a few weeks ago and both Camden and Bennett had a BLAST! AND, they both took 3 hour naps when we got home! #praisehands

Here are some indoor activity places/ideas that are on our to do list for this coming fall/winter:

Story time (local libraries) - We have yet to attend any type of story time mostly because I'm afraid neither boys will sit still for an entire story, but it's worth a shot! Also, I've heard that the Worthington libraries have great kids areas, so worth a trip!

Also, the Chick-fil-A on Sawmill Rd hosts a kids story time the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month from 9:30 - 10:15am! Plus they have a kids play area and delicious food!

Music classes - I think both boys would really enjoy music classes! Camden went when he was Bennett's age and he loved it! Tree of Life Play + Cafe is actually hosting a toddler music class next month that we may check out. (More details here)

Open gym time - The Dublin Rec center offers preschool open gym every Monday and Friday from 9 - 11am. Ages are 6 months to 6 years old. This would be a great way to have the boys burn off some energy before nap time!

COSI (Center of Science and Industry) - I've been saving this one for the winter and for when the boys are on the same schedule (which they just about are now). I figured if I'm going to pay the admission fee to get in (which would be $35 for the 3 of us, yikes! Luckily, Bennett is still free!), we will definitely be spending a good amount of time there! But, the kids space looks like so much fun and something that Camden and Bennett would really enjoy!

Franklin park conservatory - My parents actually have taken the boys to Franklin Park Conservatory on a day they were watching them while I was working. They said that both boys had a great time looking at the butterfly exhibit (which is over now, but they have on going exhibits).

Recreations Outlet - I've heard great things about their indoor playland. They offer charitable play hours every week for $2 per child and 50% of their earnings go to a monthly charity. September's charity is the Haunnah Meyer Memorial Fund. The charitable play times are Tues, Wed and Thurs, 9am - 11am.

What Should We Do Today Columbus also has a great list of FREE indoor play areas surrounding Columbus HERE. 

Columbus moms, what indoor activity/play areas have you been to that are not on my list?

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Spring and Summer 'Momiform' Must Haves...

Here's the thing about 'Momiforms'... Being a mom is basically having an excuse to 'dress down' everyday (that is if you are home with your kids). Nobody wears high end, dry clean only outfits when they are hanging out with toddlers or babies. And if you do, what are you thinking?!

However, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. I still like to think that it's possible to dress comfortably and functionally in a stylish manner. What's great about the spring and summer months, is that you can wear shorts and flat sandals everyday and just mix up the tops. While I'm with my kids, my tops have to be comfortable, easy to wear and easy to wash. Enter the perfect tee shirt... There are so many great styles of easy breezy tee shirts in stores currently. AND it doesn't have to be just a regular old v-neck tee. Now, you can add a little twist, bell sleeve or a ruffle hem to make it a little more fun! 

Here are some of my recommendations to help build your perfect 'momiform' outfits for the warmer months... (click on the image to link to the item)

Tee Shirts:

Shorts: 

Sandals:

What are some of your favorite spring/summer 'momiform' essentials?