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Along Abbey Road | A Lifestyle And Family Blog : February 2015

2.28.2015

5 Magical Movies To Watch On Netflix This Weekend

1. Bewitched. The new version! I spent my tween years watching all of the old Bewitched episodes, so I have a special place in my heart for Samantha. She is cute, spunky, and Nicole Kidman plays her perfectly. This is a feel-good watch for sure. Also, please show by a raise of hands if you try to wiggle your nose to see if you have magical powers every time you watch this. (Me! Me! Insert hand raising emoji!)


2 . Stardust. First of all, Claire Danes is the bomb and she is the perfect person to play the role of a literal star. Second, Sienna Miller is in this movie and I am not exaggerating when I say I have the FATTEST girl crush on her. I have since she played Edie Sedgwick in Factory Girl nine years ago. She is gorgeous, her style is insanely on point, and I still wish she and Jude Law could have worked it out almost as much as I wished for Rachel and Ryan to reunite. And her short hair do she has going on right now? It is taking EVERY fiber of my willpower to not chop mine off again. Okay, this has turned into the I Love Sienna Miller Show, but let's get back to Stardust. It's brilliant and beautiful and a definite must-see.



3. Finding Neverland. This one is a tearjerker, but in the best of ways! One of those magical movies in the sense that it can change your heart and make you want to be a better person. Promise me you'll watch it, k?


4. The Brothers Grimm. Oh, Heath. How I miss him. The walls of my teenage bedroom consisted of magazine cutout murals of his face, along with Justin Timberlake and Leo D. On warm summer nights my best friend, Molly, and I used sneak onto the porch of the house where they filmed 10 Things I Hate About You, just so we could sit where Heath sat. We would dream of Heath kissing us like he did in this scene and squeal at the excitement of being teenage fangirls. (I grew up in the Puget Sound area of Washington state, which is where it was filmed.) Also, remember how baby faced JGL was? And what happened to the dude who played Joey Donner? Here I go getting off track again! What was I talking about initially? Oh, yeah! The Brothers Grimm! I haven't seen it, and based on the pictures and trailers, I don't know if I should be a bit spooked or excited. We shall see!


5. Teen Witch. Another movie I have never seen, but 80's teen movies never disappoint. I am excited to snuggle up in my bed and watch it with a huge bowl of buttery popcorn and peanut butter M&Ms. Seriously though, you have to try it. The popcorn melts the M&Ms so they are mushy and delicious.

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2.25.2015

Dear Wes, Let's Go On An Adventure





Dear Wes,

Since the day you were born, life has been an adventure. Even your entrance into this world was trailblazing its own course. I admire that about you. Yes, I know you aren't even a year and a half old yet, but I know your spirit, and it is one with a fiery passion. One that I am sure will thirst for exciting journeys and fascinating experiences.

For now, I get to introduce you to the tiniest sliver of the world as we go on our own adventures. You are strapped on my back and off we go. To the ocean to find seashells and starfish; around town exploring hidden treasures and sharing a cup of chocolate ice cream; soaking in that sunny Vitamin D and inhaling the fresh air on a day hike.

This is what living looks and feels like.

Thank you for being my little pal. I am lucky I get to explore the world with you, and see it through the wonder and awe of your eyes. I wish you a life full of love, curiosity, and adventure.

Love,

Mama

(P.S. I am wearing Wes in the LÍLLÉ Baby carrier in charcoal and I absolutely love it.)

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2.24.2015

A Random Thing Or Two-sday






Ronen Chen Tunic
LOFT Duster Vest
LOFT Distressed Boyfriend Jeans
Antelope Ankle Clog Booties c/o
Anthropologie Hat
Make Pie Not War Necklace via Mommy Mailbox
Gorjana Twist Cuff via Rocksbox (use code ABBEYBFF3 for a free month!)

1. The 70's called, and told me they love my outfit, but that they want it back. And then I told them no, because this is probably one of my newest favorite outfit creations. Do you ever get in those funks where you just have no idea how to piece together new looks with the same clothes that have been sitting in your closet for years? I've been going through a major one (hence the absence of these posts for the last two weeks) but inspiration decided to strike at 2 am on Sunday night, er, Monday morning technically. I think I need to get a big Polaroid camera like Cher Horowitz and start photographing all of the looks I put together in those moments. Anyway, these Antelope clog booties are absolutely fantastic. You've probably seen a selection of their boots in Anthropologie. Everything they make is beautiful, so I am happy to announce we will be giving away a pair of any Antelope shoes or boots of your choice next week! Stay tuned!

2. Fact: The "ma" sound is one of the first things babies are able to vocalize, and it is found in almost every language. It's mom in English, maman in French, mamī in Punjabi, me in Vietnamese (source). They all have the same sound, so that is where the word mom or mother got its name. I love that motherhood is truly a universal thing, united in its love and purpose.

3. So, what did we think about the Oscars? Here are my thoughts ... a) Neil Patrick Harris tried his best, but I didn't really think he was all that great. I was mostly bored during his bits. But hey, that would be an incredibly stressful event to host, so kudos for attempting it, Neil! b) Lady Gaga CRUSHED. IT. I was not much of a Gaga fan before, but after her mind-blowing tribute performance of The Sound of Music my heart changed. c) Ole' Goop a.k.a. Gwyneth Paltrow's dress was absolutely my favorite of the night. It reminded me of her 1999 dress—pale pink is totally her color. d) Eddie Redmayne, I love you and want to kiss those darling freckled cheeks of yours. I love it when actors are genuinely surprised and thrilled and gracious.

4. Upon waking up from my weekly nap on Sunday, I thought to myself, Are Sunday naps a Mormon thing? You know, like weird obsessions with Diet Coke and dirty Dr. Peppers, or Cafe Rio sweet pork and Pinterest? Just peruse your Instagram or Twitter on Sunday and 50% of the posts from your Mormon friends are about naps. Am I right? I'm just gonna give myself some credit here and say I am. But the question is why? Have we performed a mild hypnosis on our brains and circadian rhythms to fall asleep right after church? Do all of the emotions associated with church take a physical toll on our bodies? Is it sheer boredom? WHAT IS IT?

5. Would you rather have to walk down the red carpet naked or vomit all over the place during your acceptance speech?



P.S. Heel clicks, because it's a rite of passage when you get your first pair of clogs.


P.P.S. I was sneaky and captured Matt the Fashion Blogger in the wild! Mwaahaha! Also, I desperately want to reenact Sia's "Elastic Heart" video, but Matt won't agree to it. I am telling you, it would be hilariously AWESOME. I really think we could have an incredible parody YouTube channel, but it is just going to take some stealth and convincing. Send me your good persuasion juju, k?

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2.19.2015

Encouraging Creativity In Toddlers


Encouraging Creativity In Toddlers Encouraging Creativity In Toddlers

The worry that I am not encouraging creativity within my boys to its full potential is a constant one. Are they playing with the wrong toys? Do they spend too much time watching mindless television? Do they get outside enough and use their imagination to invent their own fun? It's one thought missile after another of doubts and fears.

But, that is silly mind talk. I shouldn't listen to that anxious parenting voice inside my head. You know, the one that says you aren't doing an adequate job or that your kids are going to be irreversibly screwed up and in therapy for not getting the chocolate cake for dessert. Or in therapy because they did get the chocolate cake. Anyway, the point is that that voice is ridiculous and sometimes it is best to get our of your own head, and just do what feels right.


I think a lot about that concept in regard to my overall parenting style, and that includes encouraging Luke and Wesley's creativity. We obviously live in a world where tablets and smartphones and gadgets are the new norm for learning, and I want to teach them how to responsibly use technology to further their knowledge and education. But, I also want them to learn how to entertain themselves in the good, old-fashioned way using simple toys and objects around them, or the sheer power of imagination. We have been working on all those forms lately, and I just wanted to share what we are doing.


Luke thinks farms and animals are ALL the rage lately. It's barn this, and cow that, and cluck-cluck here and a moo-moo there. He has a set of basic farm animals, a fence, a truck and a small barn. It has been absolutely fascinating and fun to watch him and Wes play. They teach each other animal sounds and the hay bales go on grand adventures. Yesterday the spotted cow provided play dough milk for all the other farm animals and the farm truck tried its hand at racing the tractor. It is all silly and simple, but they are learning about animals and work and putting their imaginations to good use.

Encouraging Creativity In Toddlers
Encouraging Creativity In Toddlers
As far as apps go, we always mainly to educational ones (with the exception of Star Wars Angry Birds). We are enormous Disney fans, and are doing our Disneyland annual passholder duties by getting Disney apps. We just downloaded Mickey's Magical Arts World from Disney Imagicademy and Luke is obsessed. It's an interactive, curriculum-driven type of experience which incorporates the characters he knows and loves so dearly. Luke is learning more about shapes, colors, textures and music through it. His favorite is painting this little cat in orange cheese and sprinkles and making car tracks over it. He gets this deep belly laugh every time it comes to life. They have an Imagicademy Parents app too, which allows you to monitor your kid's progress on their projects activities. I love taking a look at what Luke makes. Mickey's Magical Arts World is designed for kids ages 3-8 and is exclusively available for the iPad, which you can download here. I highly recommend it!

Encouraging Creativity In Toddlers
Luke just started getting into imaginary play. Just last night he and Matt were pretending our bed was an island and that the ground was covered in lava and sharks. They had to sprint and dodge to grab "food" without getting eaten. I felt like I was overhearing an Indiana Jones adventure between all of the drama and action of the forbidden fires and depths of the oceans. Then suddenly Luke decided they were puddles. His cute, little voice said, "Hmmm... Dare are puddows! We gotta jump in them!" And then the thumps and booms of his jumping onto the floors echoed through the hall.

Encouraging Creativity In Toddlers
I love witnessing all of these playful moments and feel immensely blessed that I am able to be present. Inventing imaginary planets and landscapes, coming up with goofy stories, learning about horse poop according to a three-year-old, and seeing Luke's creations (both on paper and on the iPad) are the moments I live for. All of these little things are what excite me as soon as a I open my eyes in the morning, and what I reminisce about at night before I drift off to sleep.

Encouraging Creativity In Toddlers

Creativity is power and gives life, and I hope I am encouraging it in my boys as much as possible—they deserve all the best this world has to give.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Thanks for supporting our sponsors!

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2.18.2015

This Banana Bread Recipe Will Change Your Life

Banana Bread Recipe

Sometimes there are recipes in the world that have the power to change lives. This banana bread recipe is one such recipe. It is practically a thing of legend in the community I grew up in. Really. Just ask anyone at our church about Marie's banana bread and you will get a, "OHMYGOSHSOGOOD!" response. (Or something along those lines.) I tell you, this stuff is incredible and EASY. Like, the only skills (or lack thereof) you need are the ability to measure, mix and turn on an oven. That means you too can be a master of banana bread and potential local legend!

Banana Bread Recipe
K, here are the magical, secret ingredients to that loaf of bread which will bring much good fortune and many friends into your life. Just make sure you give my mama credit where credit is due, mkay?

Banana Bread Recipe
Banana Bread Recipe
Yields 4 loaves
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

6-8 ripe bananas, mashed (the more ugly and brown the banana, the sweeter the bread)
1 cup sour cream
4 eggs
1 1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 cups sugar
4 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons vanilla
(Nuts are optional, but I personally like it without them)

(Totally random side thought! I always say the ingredients in my head like the fairies in Sleeping Beauty whenever I type out recipe instructions—you know, when they are making Aurora's birthday cake? I religiously watched that movie twice per day when I was little, and the voice of the green fairy, Fauna, will forever be stuck in my brain. "One tsp ... Tisp?" And then the ever snarky and wonderful Merryweather scolds and points, "One teaspoon." Anyone else do this? Anyone? Bueller?)

Banana Bread Recipe
Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, blend all the wet ingredients and sugar with a stand mixer or electric mixer. Once they are thoroughly blended and smooth, add the rest of the ingredients until well mixed.

3. Pour into 4 greased and floured 7 1/2x 3 1/2 inch loaf pans. Bake at 325°F for one hour. Enjoy!

Banana Bread Recipe

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2.16.2015

5 Effective Outdoor Toning Exercises

5 Effective Outdoor Toning Exercises


This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and DripDrop®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #DrinkDripDrop #DripDropHydrates http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Since having Wes, I have been STRUGGLING to lose that extra pouch of baby fat on my belly and the excess jiggle on my upper thighs and hips. He is almost one and a half, and I still feel like I look like I am three months pregnant. I keep thinking to myself, Will it ever go away?! I am aware that diet is a huge part of shedding those extra few pounds, but I love food. Like, I LOVE it, and I guess it boils down to whether or not I want to deprive myself of hamburgers and cake, or just love my kangaroo pouch ;)

But! I am focusing more intensely on toning up those problem areas for us moms. Matt and I are starting to workout in the mornings (he has become my personal trainer whether he likes it or not), and these are a few of the outdoor toning exercises we do. The key is to remain consistent, which is also something I am working on being better at. I am determined! And it's not so much that I want a coveted thigh gap or an insanely ripped body, I just want to feel 100% confident and healthy in my own skin. It is something that will make me a better mom, wife and person all around.

So, here is a list of five effective outdoor toning exercises!

5 Effective Outdoor Toning Exercises
1. Squat jumps. Standing with feet shoulder width apart, squat down into a seated position like you are going to sit in a chair. Hold that for five seconds then jump up as high as you can and come back down into the seated position. Do five sets of 10 to begin with and gradually increase over time as you become stronger.

2. Planks. Get down on the ground in a push-up position (also an obvious exercise you can do!) but instead of supporting your body on your hands, get down on your forearms so your elbow makes a nice 90 degree angle. Feet should be about shoulder width apart with legs flexed. Pull in your stomach so it is also engaged and flexed, and hold for 30 seconds. Do five sets of these for 30 seconds, and then increase to holding the plank position for one minute. These are amazing for toning up your abs! I learned this from my good friend, Becca, who is the queen of fitness. No seriously, you guys have no idea. She is literally the most fit person I know AND she just had a baby a few months ago! You absolutely must follow her Instagram for daily fitness and health tips. (She is a legit fitness pro and will be guest posting soon with some more awesome ab workouts. Stay tuned!)

5 Effective Outdoor Toning Exercises



3. Burpees. Does anyone else want to cry whenever you have to do these? They make my legs and arms feel antsy when I first start, but they work! Start in a standing position, then crouch down, support yourself with your hands, then kick your legs out behind you. (Shown in the picture above.) Hold for a few seconds with all of the muscles in your body flexed, then hop your feet back up to your hands and jump up. Start by doing 10 sets of 10. These are good because they are kind of like a mix of squat jumps and planks and they get your heart rate going.

5 Effective Outdoor Toning Exercises
4. Chair sits. These also make my body tingly. Please tell me you experience this too, or is it just me? Anyway, make sure your feet are shoulder width apart then crouch down into a seated position like you are sitting in a chair. Hold for 30 seconds, then work up to one minute. Do five sets. These are going to burn like the dickens, but you will also have the tightest booty in the world and can kiss those saddle bags goodbye! Yes, please.

5. Sprints. Have you heard or high-intensity interval training? Well, sprints are the essence of it! Beware that these will set your lungs on fire, but that is the goal! In a large field or area suitable for running, sprint as fast as you can for 45 seconds, then recover for 15 seconds. Repeat this 5 times, and gradually increase it to 10 and 15 over time once you feel more comfortable. Oh, and make sure you are warmed up and have stretched before doing these! We don't need any pulled muscles now, ya hear?

Obviously all of these outdoor toning workouts are meant to burn the fat and will work you into a stupor of sweat, so be sure to stay hydrated! Drinking water is also helpful in losing weight because it can curb unnecessary cravings and overeating. Yep, I need that. The recommended amount is eight 8 oz glasses of water per day. I get tired of the taste of boring old water and like to add powders for flavor, especially after workouts.

5 Effective Outdoor Toning ExercisesI just recently started using DripDrop hydration powder and I love it. I get the berry flavor but they also have it in lemon too, if citrus is more you thing. You can find it in the baby aisle at CVS, and be sure to use this coupon for a $1 off through February 21 if you want to try it out, while supplies last! We also use it for beach days with Luke and Wes because Southern California has decided it is summer time with 80 degree weather! (Hey, I'm not complaining! Who wants to come to the beach with us?!) But, it is also a good hydration supplement for sick days, too, which we've had plenty of as well. And unlike other hydration supplements, which go bad after a few days of opening it, these come in packs so they have a longer shelf-life and can be easily used on the go.

I hope you find these toning exercises and information helpful! Also, here is my post for 5 awesome indoor toning exercises if you are stuck in the cold! Have fun, stay hydrated, and be well, my friends!

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2.12.2015

My Recipe For Happiness


Two days ago I posted this on Instagram...

"These last few weeks have been a huge game changer for me. I have been inspired and uplifted by friends, old and new. I have been humbled on spiritual and emotional levels. I have discovered a part of myself I didn't know existed—you know how they say you only use 10% of your brain? Well, it's like I have only been using 10% of my heart, but something burst open, and I feel like my heart is overflowing with all kinds of love and understanding. I know that sounds incredibly cheesy, but it's true. And I feel so light, so peaceful. Life is hard. You get up, you get down, and that seems to repeat itself over and over. But now instead of dreading the downs, I am trying to take everything in and see the good in it. I honestly believe goodness always prevails. That being said, be more gentle with yourself, smile at the strangers who cross your path, and try to see others the way their mothers see them—an amazing soul in need of unconditional love."

I am almost positive it is my favorite thing I have ever written. It came from such a raw, honest place deep inside. A place where anger, jealousy, and comparison don't exist. And I LOVED being there. It felt so safe and pure.

One of my awesome blog friends, Meag, then commented on the photo and said she wanted two of whatever I am having. It made me laugh, but it also got me thinking about how I arrived at what I can legitimately call a state of tranquility.



I am not constantly in this zen-like state, and I have to work reaaaaallly hard to stay in this frame of mind, but I have finally found my own personal recipe for happiness, and this is what it entails:

1. Inspiring visual reminders. I am that person who has a quote for anything and everything. My Pinterest quote board has honestly been my best friend and champion in some of my darkest hours. (And this Instagram feed.) I clearly have an obsession for the written word, and I find solace and comfort in knowing that other people are going through my same struggles. (Isn't that the point of art, writing and literature anyway?) The reigning favorite of all those is this quote by Sri Chinmoy, "Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest." There really is nothing else. These three things are the key.

2. Good music. And when I say good music, I mean the stuff that makes your heart beat stronger and faster, and releases a million butterflies free to fly through your chest. When inspired words and a moving harmony come together, it is MAGIC. Music is so powerful, and I draw a lot of my inspiration and balance from it. This particular song is one of those for me.

3. Simplicity. This only became apparent to me once I removed myself from my everyday surroundings (which will lead me to the next ingredient.) We stayed at my parents' house in Utah for almost three weeks and they live a simple life. I always start off our trips with apprehension at not having all of my gadgets and appliances. I feel like I am making them sound like Amish pioneers. They are not. But, for example, they don't have a dishwasher because they live in the house my great-grandparents built in 1890, and many things have not been renovated since the 60's. That kind of stuff. Anyway, it always reminds me that we tend to over-complicate things in life, and shedding the excess is the thing that will set us free.

4. Embracing change and seeking adventure. I tend to be a homebody. I can easily curl up in my bed and Netflix binge for three days without batting an eye. But that's not healthy and usually sends me into a whirlwind of self-loathing. Getting out and exploring nature in particular is always an easy and wonderful way to keep me truly centered. We have been going on hikes as a family, exploring new towns and spending a lot of time at the beach with our toes in the sand and listening to the lull of the waves. It is so good for the soul, I tell you!

5. Giving as much of yourself as you can. And by this I mean paying it forward and doing things for others to increase the quality of their lives. If you sense someone is sad or struggling, follow that nagging feeling to help better their situation. That intuition is usually right, even though it often feels like you are being presumptuous. Or, if someone needs a hand or a favor, say yes! Don't limit your world with "no"! Channel your inner Jim Carrey and say, "Yes, man!" But also learn from his mistakes in that there is always a time and place to say no. (That is the essential part.)

6. Spending time with uplifting people. Not only is it important to have social interactions and bonds with people, but it is paramount that those relationships are with good people. People who understand how you think, appreciate your quirks, and just love and embrace you for who you are. I don't have the energy or time to force friendships. This doesn't mean that I think poorly of people with whom I don't hit it off. I aim to never judge and forgive and love, just as Sri Chinmoy said. But that doesn't mean I need to be everybody's best friend. It's just a fact of life. There are some people with whom you gel, and others you don't. (This quote comes to mind.) But those people with whom you do find that connection, and who do elevate and uplift your spirit—those are the types that make life all the more rich. I love hearing their perspectives and sharing in their positive energy. After all, life is about relationships, considering that we can't take the rest of the materialistic crap with us.

7. Getting rid of unnecessary obligation and guilt. For me personally, I tend to especially rack up guilt and obligation with social media. I feel like if I don't post something regularly to this blog I am leaving people hanging. And I don't like that feeling. As much as I don't act like I am a people-pleaser, I suppose I have become one along the way. But, I also have very recently learned how to do away with most of that extra guilt. This is my journey, and I need to stay true to how I feel about living my life. I am done with letting it bury me like it has for 20+ years. This applies to every facet of life, whether it be religious beliefs, relationships, life choices or something as trivial as social media.

8. Love. Do all things with great love. If it is in the true spirit of charity and kindness, nothing is too impossible or incomprehensible. By some miraculous way, the world begins to make sense. But even if it doesn't, everything somehow works itself out and what you are left with is a case of the warm fuzzies.

So there you have my recipe for happiness:

Inspiring words +  music + simplicity + adventure + good people + shedding guilt + no judgment + forgiveness + love = HAPPY!

I hope you can try it out for yourself and see if it works. It definitely isn't easy to mindfully do all of these things every day. Some days are complete and utter failures. But the more it is practiced, the easier it becomes and life gradually gets happier and peaceful.

That being said, I wish all the love and happiness in the world to you all! xo

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2.11.2015

Establishing A Morning Routine With Kids

Establishing a Morning Routine With Kids


I am not what you would call a "morning person." Waking up bright and cheerful with birds singing in the background has never been something I excel at, but now that I have kids, mornings are not negotiable. Even if I idiotically decide to go to bed at 3 am, Luke and Wes will still rise and shine with the morning sun at 6 am on the dot. And that means I have to be bright-eyed and bushy tailed at the crack of dawn as well, to make sure we are planting firm roots for establishing a morning routine.

Fortunately, I have wised up since having kids and get to bed at an incredibly respectable hour. (My mom and dad are extremely proud.) This is essential because as the old saying goes, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" I am the one setting the tone for the day, and I am really trying to be better at being a good example of getting up and being productive, all while maintaining a positive attitude.

Establishing a Morning Routine With Kids

Here are some things I have learned along the way:

1. Establishing a set wake up time gives kids stability because we all know little ones like predictability. Obviously, this means they are on a good sleeping schedule, which I have found to be one of the biggest factors in happy kids. Babies and toddlers who aren't sleeping well seem to have all sorts of issues, but as soon as the sleeping is set in stone, all is right with the world.

2. When I am having a calm and easygoing morning, the kids mirror those same emotions. I have learned that my attitude can make or break anything, and I am really working on trying to choose joy and maintaining a positive spirit from the moment I open my eyes. We also give morning cuddles and hugs and always greet each other with a, "Good morning, Luke! Good morning, Wes!" And 99% of the time they are beaming with smiles and happy to be up and at it.

Establishing a Morning Routine With Kids
3. Sticking to a specific routine for tasks that need to be done is important. In our home, we wake up, change diapers, get our cuddle on, then run downstairs for breakfast. We try to keep breakfast simple and healthy. My boys love cereal, eggs, toast, breakfast shakes, oatmeal, yogurt, and breakfast bars and snacks. We've recently been trying out the both the chocolate and mixed berry belVita Bites with our yogurt, and Luke and Wes LOVE them. Heck, I love them! (#MorningWin!) It's like eating something fun for breakfast but packed with fiber and nutrients. These help support and sustain our energy for up to a 4-hour period, which are also good for a late morning snack when we are running out the door for play dates or errands. (They are also great for road trips. We took a last minute trip to Utah a couple weeks ago, and the belVita bites were our go-to snacks.) After breakfast, we get ready for the day (which leads me to #4) and then do chores and playtime.

Establishing a Morning Routine With Kids

4. We are now in the phase where Luke is dressing himself. I really struggle with being patient enough to let him do it all on his own since it takes approximately three hours to put on a pair of pants, but giving him his independence is teaching him basic life skills in how to take care of his body. This also applies to brushing teeth, combing hair, going potty, etc. It's good to let him feel like he is playing an active part in the morning routine so he can establish good habits.

5. Mornings should be fun! As much as I like to groan and complain (and quote Brad Pitt in Ocean's Eleven), mornings are a great thing. It's a fresh new day with fresh new opportunities. And I am all about making life as enjoyable as possible. It's about savoring the little things. Playing some upbeat music while cracking eggs over the skillet and listening to them sizzle ... watching the morning rays peek through the window to light the house with an orange glow ... turning on the fire and enjoying a cup of warm tea ... sitting around the table as a family and laughing about nothing in particular but thinking everything is hilarious. It's those types of memories that make mornings full of wins.

Establishing a Morning Routine With Kids
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by belVita and their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about belVita, all opinions are my own. 
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