This true crime podcast features a new episode every Monday with best friends, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. I’m a HUGE true crime fan, and have listened to almost every top true crime podcast there is. Crime Junkie is undoubtedly my favorite podcast. I’ve listened to every episode. Ashley is extremely organized, and great about sticking to the facts. They get right to the point! There’s no talking about unrelated topics for the first 20 minutes.
Anatomy of Murder
Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi and Scott Weinberger, the hosts of Anatomy of Murder, both have professional backgrounds. Anna-Sigga served as a homicide prosecutor for over 20 years in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office of New York. Scott is an investigative journalist. Every Wednesday they examine homicide cases and paths to justice for the victims, while giving an insider’s perspective along the way.
Coffee Convos
Coffee Convos hosts Kail Lowry and Lindsie Chrisley are the friends you didn’t know you needed. That’s exactly what it feels like listening to this podcast, like you’re talking with friends. As moms themselves, Kail and Lindsie are totally relatable in some way! They talk about everything going on in their lives from buying a house, health issues, relationships, to parenting struggles.
Counter Clock
Investigative journalist, Delia D’Ambra re-examines old cases with hopes of getting a new perspective. Each season she tells a different story. In season one, Delia revisits her small hometown in North Carolina to investigate the 22 year old case murder of Denise Johnson. In season two Delia goes back to her hometown to try and answer a three decade question of who really killed Stacey Stanton. According to the local police the case is closed and a man has been sentenced for the crime. Everyone who knows Stacey considers this an open case with an innocent man behind bars. Finally, in season three, Delia investigates the infamous Pelley family massacre in Lakeville, Indiana.
Each season gets better and better! You have to keep listening once you start.
Hey Babe!
Hey Babe! is podcast where comedians Chris Distefano and Sal Vulcano just talk and have fun. I recently just started listening to this podcast, and it’s probably one of the funniest.
Self care is a term that’s so ubiquitous that it’s almost lost it’s meaning. But at its most basic, self care is caring for ones self. It’s making sure you’re looking after yourself and your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Self care, to many people, is unfortunately associated with being selfish. There is this perception that taking care of your own needs first is being self centered. 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺!
As moms we know what it’s like to be thoroughly involved, with everything. Our to-do lists are a mile long, and we’re constantly juggling our own needs with those of our kids and partner. We all know that our place on that list is usually at the bottom.
But how are we able to take care of our family if we can’t take care of ourselves?
We’ve all heard it before; taking care of yourself equals taking care of others.
And there’s no denying that your kids benefit tremendously from you taking great care of yourself.
Self care can help:
Improve your physical health
Reduce stress
Build confidence and self esteem
Lower depression
Most moms reach a point where they can’t find time or just forget to care for themselves. Self care for moms?
Where does that fit in?
Let be real, it’s impossible to prioritize sleep when your child needs you at night. You can’t nap when the baby naps (most annoying advice ever) when you have other children to look after or things to do around the house.
What can you do for self care that fits into your regular routine, during nap time, after the kids go to bed, or while the kids are busy playing?
A big misconception is that self care has to include a luxurious spa treatment or lavish child free vacation. While it certainly can include those things, self care is really about maintaining your everyday wellbeing.
Doing things like taking your vitamins, exercising and eating a healthy meal are all part of your self care. These tasks that may have once been taken for granted, can become a major challenge when you add a newborn or active toddler to the mix.
Where do you even start?
Start small! Make a list of things that made you happy before kids. Did you go for walks or read a good book? Try to incorporate those things into a new self care routine.
It only takes a few minutes a day to gain the benefits.
You can find a list of self care ideas anywhere on the internet, but I have made a list of my favorites.
Workout
You can get a great workout in for 30 minutes or less. Working out will get endorphins flowing and send that happy feeling throughout your body. You don’t need to leave your house to workout, you can do this in your living room. My favorite at home workout has been with the Nintendo Switch Ring Fit.
Read a book
Take a few minutes to escape your world, and jump into another. If you don’t have a lot of time, try just reading one chapter.
Take a hot bath/shower
A bath is a great way to help you relax and have some alone time. Hot water will relax you while washing away the stresses of mom life. You can even add some essential oils or bath/shower bombs to help you feel more relaxed.
Meditate
If there is one thing our mom brains need, it’s a break. Meditation helps you turn off your brain for a while and focus on just being. This will help with managing stress and becoming more present.
Listen to a podcast
It is super easy to tune into a podcast, and you can find one about literally anything. It’s a great way to “escape” into a story or learn about something new.
Summer is here, and that means we are soaking up as much outdoor time as possible. Whether that is going to the park or backyard, being outside is a way for kids to use their imaginations and play.
Many kids in the upcoming generation are reluctant to run out the door for playtime. Outdoor play is being replaced with tablets, gaming, and phones.
It hasn’t always been like this.
Getting your kids to play outside is essential. Outdoor play has numerous benefits to children.
How do kids benefit from outdoor play?
IMPROVES OVERALL HEALTH
DEVELOPS PERSONALLY
HELPS SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH
STRENGTHENS MOTOR SKILLS
BUILDS CONFIDENCE
We want to encourage our children to unplug and enjoy the outdoors, especially when it’s nice out. There are actually a lot of fun and simple way to get your kids outside that don’t cost a lot of money.
This past weekend was Independence Day. Aside from going to a parade, my family stayed home. We blew up a pool, bought the kids some sparklers and water balloons, and played outside. As much as I wanted to go to the fireworks, it just wasn’t ideal for our kids schedules this year.
Our littlest (12 months) goes to bed around 7PM, while the other two (ages 3 and 9) go to bed at 8PM. There is absolutely no way that our youngest two would have been able to stay awake to watch the fireworks without meltdowns. 𝙀𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙖𝙮.
We’ve always had a routine. What really started out as a way to keep our sanity and make sure we slept, has become a comfort for our children. When we include meaningful and important elements into our family life, we’re letting our children know what’s important. Having a routine with our kids is key, so missing things like the fireworks isn’t a big deal.
Daily routines can:
Reduce anxiety.
Promote self-control.
Build confidence.
Create a sense of security.
Eliminate power struggles.
Study after study shows that children who grow up with daily routines benefit academically, physically, psychologically, socially, and mentally. I mean, just search the benefits of keeping kids on a routine and you can create an endless list.
Different kinds of routines:
Getting ready in the morning.
Doing chores.
Eating meals.
Quite time and getting ready for bed.
Schedules and routines are different for everyone. I can’t give you a routine to follow. What works for one family and/or child, will not always work for the other. The style of routine you create will be unique to the lifestyle you live.
Creating A Daily Routine That Works For Your Family
Make a list of everything that must get done everyday in your family. The things on this list should be daily must-do’s. Mentally walk yourself though your family’s week. Try to keep your list around 15, otherwise it’s too much.
Put the items in order as they need to be done each day. Take time to put some thought into this, because this is what routine is all about.
Post your family routine so everyone can see it.
Give yourself grace. Don’t be hard on yourself or your family. Just because you make a routine, doesn’t mean it will happen. Sometimes your family will get off schedule. Life happens. It takes practice.
Consider the following when making a routine:
Be patient.
Have age-appropriate expectations.
Make changes when a routine isn’t working.
Be happy with partial solutions.
Don’t give up.
Having a structure in place for your family will help you to thrive. When there is chaos in a family, the first place to check is their systems and structures. Routines and schedules are a big part of that system. I guarantee they are worth every minute you devote to creating them, practicing them, and then carrying them out.
Over the last decade, and particularly since Pinterest got big, birthday parties have been over the top. Drip cakes, balloon garland, giant inflatable bounce houses, and even petting zoos.
Where did all this come from! When I was a kid I didn’t have any of that, and somehow still had a blast.
Everything now seems like a competition of who can do it best. Who has the best theme? Who has the best decorations? Who has the most guests? Who spent the most money? Who has the best post party social media posts?
I’ve gotten caught up in all of that myself. I remember Paxton’s first birthday. My boyfriend, Kyle, and I wanted to go all out, especially since he’s our first baby together. I found the cutest theme on Pinterest, The Big One. 𝘒𝘺𝘭𝘦’𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. For months I saved all the best ideas to a Pinterest board. I wanted everything to be perfect.
We did a cake smash photo session a few weeks before his birthday.
I spent 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 of money buying decorations on Etsy for his party that, thankfully, I was able to use for his pictures.
For the party, we rented out a room that could easily fit 40 people. My boyfriend has a pretty big family, and we invited everyone.
And everyone said they’d be there.
The week of the party we made sure everything was ready. I did my last shopping trip to Hobby Lobby. I made some signs for a photo booth. I filled tiny beach buckets with candy and toys for all the kids. I had a bunch of pictures printed for his monthly sign. I bought tons of candy, and food. I made an ocean themed sensory bin full of water beads. We had matching shirts made.
The day of his party was hectic. Trying to time his nap perfectly, so he wouldn’t be a mess during his own party. Getting everyone into their party shirts that they were not to get a mark on. Spending an hour setting all the decorations up.
After trying to make sure everything was perfect, you know how many people actually showed up to the party? Maybe half of the people who said they’d be there.
I was bummed.
I barely remember spending much time with him at his party.
We blew out the candles on the cake.
Everyone clapped.
No one handed me a trophy for all my hard work.
I was thankful when it was over.
As we cleaned up the party and carried everything back to our vehicles I wondered why I had put myself though all that stress. What was it really for? Not Paxton. He couldn’t have cared less! It was just me trying to impress everyone. Show how much I really love Paxton.
Paxton’s second birthday was in the middle of a pandemic. Since we weren’t able to throw an actual party for him, we did a birthday parade.
There weren’t any fancy decorations.
We didn’t spend a ridiculous amount of money.
We had a blast that day! I spent it entirely with him, present and relaxed.
It was pure joy watching him smile as all the cars drove by honking and waving to him.
This is what it’s all about!
The truth is, you’re kids don’t feel more loved if you have a giant inflatable castle at their party. They don’t feel more loved if you rent out the trampoline park. Your kids don’t care about all that extra stuff. As long as there is cake, presents, and you by their side nothing else matters.
When I first became a mom, 9 years ago, I didn’t always think about the foods I was feeding my daughter. It wasn’t until she was a couple years old and I started to have stomach issues. Then, I didn’t know I had Crohn’s, but I knew food played a big factor in the way I was feeling.
I started to research different things like GMO and additives. This is also around the time when stores started selling more organic and healthier foods. I tried to pay more attention to what I was buying.
As I’ve gotten older, had a couple more babies, and found out my stomach issues were caused from Crohn’s, I’ve made it even more of a priority to eat healthier. Since researchers have found that hereditary, genetic, and environmental factors can contribute to Crohn’s it’s important for me to show my kids how to be healthy.
As a busy mom, I know it’s sometimes easier to have prepackaged snacks. 𝙸’𝚖 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚞𝚒𝚕𝚝𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. However, a lot of them are extremely unhealthy, full of added sugars and artificial ingredients. Instead of offering your child processed snacks try offering them more whole foods that provide energy and nutrition.
Below is my list of 10 easy healthy snacks for kids.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein. Some yogurts even contain live bacteria, which benefits your digestive system. Most yogurts that are marketed to kids are full of sugars. Instead, try looking for a plain, full-fat yogurt. You can even make a yogurt parfait by layering plain yogurt with berries topped with granola.
2. Celery with Peanut Butter
Celery and peanut butter provide a good source of carbs, protein, and fat. You can also add raisins for a fun way to eat vegetables, sometimes referred to as ‘ants on a log’. Cut a celery stalk into three or four pieces, and spread the inside of the celery with peanut butter, and top with raisins.
3. Hard Boiled Eggs
Eggs provide a high quality of protein and several vitamins and minerals.You can keep hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, for an easy snack.
4. Energy Balls
Energy Balls taste like a granola bar or cookie dough, but are made with healthy ingredients. They are also super easy to make! They only require one bowl, 5 ingredients, and about 10 minutes of your time to prepare.
These are high in healthy fat, fiber and antioxidants. If you get the shelled pistachios it takes kids longer to eat, and that itself could be a plus. Just make sure your kids are old enough to eat nuts, as they can be a choking hazard.
6. Apples
Apples are my family’s go-to healthy fruit. Apples are a good source of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. Apples also contain natural sugars, so it’s best to have apples in the morning instead of that late snack.
7. Cheese
I’m not taking about processed cheese, I’m talking about real cheese. Real cheese will not have a long ingredient list. I personally think the best way to buy cheese is in a block. Then you can cut it up in squares or slices. Cheese is mostly made up of protein and fat. It’s also an excellent source of calcium. Protein will help kids feel more full in between meals. Another positive, studies have shown that children who eat cheese are less likely to get cavities.
8. Popcorn
Popcorn isn’t all that bad! We’re all so used to the extra buttery, greasy popcorn we get at the movies. Popcorn is actually a whole grain. Try to avoid buttered or flavored popcorn
9. Pickles
Pickles are cucumbers that have been fermented in salt and water. Some pickles contain probiotics, that are good for your digestive system. Try looking for pickles that don’t contain vinegar, as they don’t have probiotics. Also, avoid sweet pickles since they are high in added sugars.
10. Hummus
I don’t know about you, but my kids love chips and dip. This is a healthy alternative. Hummus is a thick and creamy spread that is made from chickpeas. It contains fiber and antioxidants.You can have hummus with many different foods, but my favorite is with pita chips or kale chips.
I’m Kristin! 👋🏻 I am 32. I live in the Quad Cities (𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 3 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴) with my boyfriend Kyle, and three kids, Paisley, Paxton and Pierson.
I know all about chaos, messiness, tantrums, loud noises, and stress that go along with raising kids. On this account, I share just that… what it’s like being a mom of 3 while working full time, and overcoming all of life’s struggles.
Some Facts About Me:
👉🏻 I’m very shy and introverted in person, but here to share everything online.
👉🏻 I love talking about all the crazy parenting experience that happen.
👉🏻 I 𝘁𝗿𝘆 to live a crunchy lifestyle, but I’m nowhere near perfect.
👉🏻 I’ve struggled with mental health issues like TTM and CPTSD for years.
👉🏻 Lately, I’ve been obsessed with playing Animal Crossing.
👉🏻 I listen to crime podcasts everyday driving to and from work.
👉🏻 I’m currently watching Cruel Summer on Netflix.
Thank you for being here.
I appreciate you!
👇🏻 Drop some comments or questions below that you’d like to know or learn more from me.
That Mama Said 