tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59433225480867229052024-03-27T02:38:08.569-04:00Sugar Spice and SparkleFashion and lifestyle blog for twenty-something women who are figuring out life as an adult. Sugar Spice and Sparkle aims to bring joy to women through classic, chic style with positivity and inspiration.Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-4148642173205215592021-11-22T20:03:00.002-05:002021-11-22T20:06:43.420-05:00Gift Guide 2021 | Low Toxic Life Gifts That Matter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgKlpf75LOS6QDcaCfcUcU4MNuFz4V7uGHOHMkyMvpmnuDFTdDARLwYMEWIltwbnwbeywU7QX-oVkRZrAvGezmVYsyZub-AEZcx31-89pyOxskgKTT5ElkJeqW6JZow_VgzXPFDOa8Ks/s1920/E78E07B8-98FB-4199-982D-147D09D389D0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgKlpf75LOS6QDcaCfcUcU4MNuFz4V7uGHOHMkyMvpmnuDFTdDARLwYMEWIltwbnwbeywU7QX-oVkRZrAvGezmVYsyZub-AEZcx31-89pyOxskgKTT5ElkJeqW6JZow_VgzXPFDOa8Ks/s16000/E78E07B8-98FB-4199-982D-147D09D389D0.png" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>As we enter the full blown holiday season you will see influencers and brands going absolutely nuts to try and convince you why you need this Amazon sweater or more Tula skin care. Let me drop this truth bomb for you: you don’t need any of it. I understand that gifts can be just for fun and enjoyment, but the consumerism of this season has gotten completely out of control. This may be a controversial take but this year more than ever my family and I will be focusing on the reason for the season - the birth of Jesus Christ! Since culturally we do exchange gifts, I thought why not give gifts that could actually improve and enrich the recipients’ lives? </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>These are also the perfect gift ideas for those on your list who “have it all”. Surprise them with something a little different, something practical! I bet it will end up being the best gift they ever received! </p><p><br /></p><p><i>*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting me by shopping through these links, at no additional cost to you.*</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://revive-eo.com/?rfsn=6170761.87907c" target="_blank">REVIVE Essential Oils</a></h4><p>I have always been a huge essential oil skeptic, but once I started looking more into low-tox living, holistic medicine, etc. I realized I needed to give them a chance. Well let me tell you there is a reason people love this stuff - it. is. AMAZING. My entire household is hooked on oils now. We use them in lieu of candles, over the counter medicines, cleaning products, etc. I can share a whole lot more on what and how we use oils but I definitely have to tell you all to give them a try! </p><p><br /></p><p>Why REVIVE? Well there are so many brands out there and after much research (you know how I am!) I landed on REVIVE. They are 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Oils, Bottled in the USA, and the prices are fantastic because they sell direct to consumer (unlike those other popular oil brands…). Oh and they always have free shipping which is a huge bonus to me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTRWThI-Eo6SjbHn9y4n-XwjqROCzwZZ6qkueDQbSk5jFft5siAzYw0qsYiCZNme4guG83s6-QgL6sMKmgMILMvM3GrXHe9vrsiRMhGFfWw8FBJwmq2L1z7aon_EwHWTbwV8hEPCpcsw/s904/4DD9FE08-B3A7-408E-91B8-24E63D3FEF39.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="904" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTRWThI-Eo6SjbHn9y4n-XwjqROCzwZZ6qkueDQbSk5jFft5siAzYw0qsYiCZNme4guG83s6-QgL6sMKmgMILMvM3GrXHe9vrsiRMhGFfWw8FBJwmq2L1z7aon_EwHWTbwV8hEPCpcsw/w400-h278/4DD9FE08-B3A7-408E-91B8-24E63D3FEF39.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://revive-eo.com/product/starter-kit-best-diffuser?rfsn=6170761.87907c" target="_blank">This starter kit from REVIVE</a> is SUCH an amazing deal and what an incredible gift this would be for someone! We have this exact diffuser and all of the oils pictured on the top row, which are in the starter kit for a reason, those are “must have” oils that can be used for soooo many purposes. You will not be disappointed with this kit, and the bundle price (especially on sale) is unbeatable.</p><p><br /></p><p>Use code FRIDAY for $10 off $50+, $20 off $100+, or $50 off $200+. <a href="https://revive-eo.com/?rfsn=6170761.87907c" target="_blank">Click here to shop!</a></p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://thedailygraceco.com" target="_blank">Daily Grace Co.</a></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm4TsLpHOlwHscgkqSyc8ExTJIbsQOEjsQ1iEpe8jNFqtPcVhacCXLkTbOHkT6q44F6gM5JAoFZVGZIXrNbK09U_7PG5Gl3QE1WkvUFU92q6kgwFxGUa-43PYuXU3bQQUaL1tNmWW8uo/s1080/BibleStudyCollection35_1080x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnm4TsLpHOlwHscgkqSyc8ExTJIbsQOEjsQ1iEpe8jNFqtPcVhacCXLkTbOHkT6q44F6gM5JAoFZVGZIXrNbK09U_7PG5Gl3QE1WkvUFU92q6kgwFxGUa-43PYuXU3bQQUaL1tNmWW8uo/s320/BibleStudyCollection35_1080x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Feed your soul! The past 2 years I have really grown in my faith and it has absolutely transformed my life. I recently discovered Daily Grace Co., a brand that sells so many beautiful bibles, devotionals, faith themed jewelry, and even kids books! </p><p><br /></p><p>I have quite quickly grown my little collection because they have really great sales pretty often, usually a $5 and $10 sale, so definitely follow them on Instagram so you don’t miss anything. They literally have so many bible studies, I want them all! The next items I have had my sights set on are the Bible Handbook and the Theology Handbook. <a href="https://thedailygraceco.com" target="_blank">Click here to shop</a>!</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://risewell.com/?rfsn=6128818.13f75b5" target="_blank">RiseWell Toothpaste</a></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVPkrmXv38Bbk9_DXo9f8rqVN_gT28RaSDiiSfKB0Eaf9tbdzmcTOblGhDFCF7Lnm8M2zvasBLkY7w-Yve9RgfXNWczhdRk0IaC-0kaYYbvKvmGpdl84LBytNVjuO2FZcwQ2kwE_G1bM/s831/unnamed4_1024x1024%25402x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVPkrmXv38Bbk9_DXo9f8rqVN_gT28RaSDiiSfKB0Eaf9tbdzmcTOblGhDFCF7Lnm8M2zvasBLkY7w-Yve9RgfXNWczhdRk0IaC-0kaYYbvKvmGpdl84LBytNVjuO2FZcwQ2kwE_G1bM/s320/unnamed4_1024x1024%25402x.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><p>Toothpaste for Christmas? Well y’all I told you these were practical gifts! Another low-tox swap I was eager to make this year was toothpaste, because fluoride… if you know, you know (and if you don’t know I highly recommend looking into it). I came across RiseWell and learned all about their special ingredient - hydroxyapatite. It is a mineral that actually helps regrow enamel. Most fluoride free toothpastes are just that - fluoride free; they don’t replace fluoride with another ingredient that is actually beneficial to your teeth.</p><p><br /></p><p>After using RiseWell for myself, Brian, and the girls, I can confidently tell you IT WORKS! Both girls had some enamel issues on their front teeth that we’ve been monitoring closely with their dentist, and after several weeks using <a href="https://risewell.com/products/risewell-kids-toothpaste?rfsn=6128818.13f75b5" target="_blank">RiseWell Kids Toothpaste</a> - their teeth are perfect. I honestly can not believe it but it’s easy to see with my own eyes so I have no choice! </p><p><br /></p><p>As for Brian and myself we both have seen our teeth become whiter and less sensitive to hot/cold. We are hooked! So what better gift could you really give someone other than a healthy, white smile?! Use code <b>LOGEN10</b> for 10% off and <a href="https://risewell.com/?rfsn=6128818.13f75b5" target="_blank">Click here to shop</a>!</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://glnk.io/2jky/sugarspiceandsparkle" target="_blank">Beauty by Earth</a></h4><p>I thought learning about toxins in our food was a lot, but products brings it to another level. It can get really confusing because there are so many chemicals and names to learn and every ingredient label feels like reading a chemistry textbook. I absolutely love Beauty by Earth because they use ingredients you can clearly understand and they are 100% transparent, with all ingredient lists easy to find on their website and they even highlight the key ingredients’ benefits for you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQCoA-w3afWo1LrvgHHOdmPyiUX1A-mJzZOr-ZyUEw7WOjDDHRY2w5gkG7fS0YIiqPq3i_Vn2xCl4ubzADnM0ynnCvFp7yM3ozo7ki6nGZV7PcA0Vzll4QXJHM7qlZBB3eO1-x9_w7VY/s1102/A04596FA-F4C7-49AE-9056-3442058BDEAD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1102" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQCoA-w3afWo1LrvgHHOdmPyiUX1A-mJzZOr-ZyUEw7WOjDDHRY2w5gkG7fS0YIiqPq3i_Vn2xCl4ubzADnM0ynnCvFp7yM3ozo7ki6nGZV7PcA0Vzll4QXJHM7qlZBB3eO1-x9_w7VY/w400-h334/A04596FA-F4C7-49AE-9056-3442058BDEAD.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I have been using (and loving) their <a href="https://glnk.io/2jky/sugarspiceandsparkle" target="_blank">Facial Sunscreen</a> and <a href="https://glnk.io/2jky/sugarspiceandsparkle" target="_blank">Facial Scrub</a> for weeks now and I have so many more of their products on my list! For Black Friday they are having 30% off everything with code <b>GLOWUP</b>. You do not want to miss this sale - <a href="https://glnk.io/2jky/sugarspiceandsparkle" target="_blank">Click here to shop!</a></p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thrv.me/AJJJV1" target="_blank">Thrive Market</a></h4><p>I recently tried shopping through Thrive Market and I have found quite a few things we love. While not everything on their site is as "clean" as they claim, it is a great starting point and they have lots of filters so you can narrow down your searches. From snack foods to household cleaners we have been able to try a variety of things and I'm looking forward to trying more. </p><p><br /></p><p>There is a small subscription fee you have to pay to gain access to shopping with them, and you can gift a one year subscription to someone here! You can also gift shopping credit if someone you know is already a member. This is the perfect gift that keeps on giving. Get 30% off* when you <a href="http://thrv.me/AJJJV1" target="_blank">Click here to shop</a>! <i>*I am not sure if the discount applies to a gift membership or shopping credit, but it definitely applies to a standard order.</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3DIFaNp" target="_blank">Molly's Sudds</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/3DG29ss" target="_blank">Wool Dryer Balls</a></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9Zfg0sLNswgAXY1lY6CZORs4yRp8KLkbXlFTBc3InEbII8KoAdnPWmMe3G6W7fV65nZFQAsdsglsPlOmajU6D60BlhDVRi2p5z6yUFpahN0UzPUWpummtEH0obuT-y_yf4IRJFzZiyY/s1029/6E722E79-0953-44F0-A53E-C517C48FF37A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="783" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9Zfg0sLNswgAXY1lY6CZORs4yRp8KLkbXlFTBc3InEbII8KoAdnPWmMe3G6W7fV65nZFQAsdsglsPlOmajU6D60BlhDVRi2p5z6yUFpahN0UzPUWpummtEH0obuT-y_yf4IRJFzZiyY/s320/6E722E79-0953-44F0-A53E-C517C48FF37A.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrlD_KK2iZvm0rV2uGbQL3vvN9tY_Z6AYOzodkI2KmeciWtSVVBXTekTdszkwQognaigVpq6I5w-DvatgVFhIyf_K4cVIUyf18Z-_p76ec9so9APHUQmtfZBbuM7ykUNVpGxroyWQE8Y/s1778/8966B3B0-C237-434F-BEBE-CF29C1B34A87.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="1778" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrlD_KK2iZvm0rV2uGbQL3vvN9tY_Z6AYOzodkI2KmeciWtSVVBXTekTdszkwQognaigVpq6I5w-DvatgVFhIyf_K4cVIUyf18Z-_p76ec9so9APHUQmtfZBbuM7ykUNVpGxroyWQE8Y/s320/8966B3B0-C237-434F-BEBE-CF29C1B34A87.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Another seemingly odd thing to give as a gift, but introducing a loved one to this simple low-tox swap could have such a huge impact on their lives! Plus buying laundry detergent and dryer balls isn’t exactly something any of us are jumping up and down to get to do, so receiving it as a gift is awesome! As an adult I love practical gifts more than anything else. They bring me the most joy and isn’t that the goal of gift giving? <a href="https://amzn.to/3DIFaNp" target="_blank">Click here to shop laundry detergent</a>! <a href="https://amzn.to/3DG29ss" target="_blank">Click here to shop dryer balls</a>!</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FA3PEk" target="_blank">Glass Food Storage</a></h4><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzhrOw2eCHCrT4_x4AwP8_FXWIeFzIe5L1EV7KqiQJcQrMAOBA8YtmKEWXZ2gOZd3gJRvJ9mKuxKkgZRRGy-Xw101JZrEeV3Yg0bf1lLy3Ryl3gkYAiB8hwq_q4pUtpklTf_NfiTfkyM/s1163/829F16B2-99C6-4E2B-8EF6-16EF6952C64E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1163" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzhrOw2eCHCrT4_x4AwP8_FXWIeFzIe5L1EV7KqiQJcQrMAOBA8YtmKEWXZ2gOZd3gJRvJ9mKuxKkgZRRGy-Xw101JZrEeV3Yg0bf1lLy3Ryl3gkYAiB8hwq_q4pUtpklTf_NfiTfkyM/s320/829F16B2-99C6-4E2B-8EF6-16EF6952C64E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>If you’re storing and re-heating your food in plastic containers then this gift is for you. Swap all that out for glass ASAP! Again a practical gift but something that people probably aren’t rushing out to spend their own money on, so why not just surprise them with a nice set! <a href="https://amzn.to/3FA3PEk" target="_blank">Click here to shop</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p>I hope this low toxic gift guide has been a help, whether picking something out for a friend or as a gift to yourself! More content like this is coming very soon so make sure you’re following along both here, on <a href="http://Www.instagram.com/sugarspiceandsparkle" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and on my <a href="http://Www.youtube.com/c/katielogen" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>.</p>
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ga('send', 'pageview');Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-54014909282112405182021-09-26T13:38:00.002-04:002021-09-26T13:42:53.666-04:00Operation Christmas Child Fundraiser 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mOvR5LkQyQii1CKBTtQQ5gTXjibXJ84YscosgyNB1PTJ907Fsckc2HcVkm-vRb7HdJSiZL97TODW1n34WaFhANjyw-ZP5vrekUW9ejg5d-oxgGTE_wfr9l4mfYqTvxrkU1ApmgXH83M/s1920/2CD062E8-F3F5-4024-9946-240187702BC8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mOvR5LkQyQii1CKBTtQQ5gTXjibXJ84YscosgyNB1PTJ907Fsckc2HcVkm-vRb7HdJSiZL97TODW1n34WaFhANjyw-ZP5vrekUW9ejg5d-oxgGTE_wfr9l4mfYqTvxrkU1ApmgXH83M/s16000/2CD062E8-F3F5-4024-9946-240187702BC8.png" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I am so excited that we are heading into the holiday season! After the last two holiday seasons being really hard and just not the best, I have a lot of hope for this year! One thing I have been wanting to focus on is giving back. Even during uncertain times we are so blessed and as Avery is getting older and able to understand more and more I want to show her how important and wonderful it is to give to others.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>Back in high school I loved filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child for community service each year, and I am excited to start the annual tradition back up! It breaks my heart to think of sweet little kids around the world going without. We take so much for granted! In this small way I hope to make a difference in as many kids lives as we can for Christmas this year. </p><p><br /></p><p>You can learn more about <a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/" target="_blank">Operation Christmas Child on their website</a>, but a shoebox of toys and necessities may be the only thing these children will get for Christmas. I only wish the boxes were bigger! </p><p><br /></p><p>This year my goal is to fill 10 shoeboxes through Operation Christmas Child. I have set up a donation page through Samaritan’s Purse where you can fill a virtual shoebox for $25 if you don’t want to make a physical box, they will put one together for you (just click the link below > build a shoebox online now > then choose ‘start building now’ if you would like to select the items, otherwise choose ‘build it for me’ > checkout).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://build-a-shoebox.samaritanspurse.org/view/2495b7a4-c58e-4717-a18c-cdd9b17050d3" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #ead1dc; color: #800180;">DONATE HERE!</span></a></h3><p><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span>My family and I are making 2 boxes ourselves so the goal page is set to 8 boxes. It would be so amazing to even surpass this but since I haven’t done a fundraiser before I am just going to start with a goal of 10. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span>I am also taking smaller donations because I know $25 can be quite a bit! If you would like to donate $1, $5, $10 - literally any amount, you can Venmo me @katielogen and I will compile the donations to make up additional boxes. If there is any remainder after making boxes (increments of $25) I will make up the difference to get to the next box. So every penny will be going to Operation Christmas Child! </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT4RprzngQHxW6HCm1HwrdLIJceDJxzhFp51uvMGXg0kO0904czp0n_XUyqh9DT-NrCvRWmXLNGYpsCjhyySp39eA36fsfZf0m4U2xstH493dBhDgAf-JoRmr10s7ltiyvPfSeqvWmm8/s1292/91FD207C-F068-420E-8C16-C4467AF26672.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKT4RprzngQHxW6HCm1HwrdLIJceDJxzhFp51uvMGXg0kO0904czp0n_XUyqh9DT-NrCvRWmXLNGYpsCjhyySp39eA36fsfZf0m4U2xstH493dBhDgAf-JoRmr10s7ltiyvPfSeqvWmm8/w216-h400/91FD207C-F068-420E-8C16-C4467AF26672.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span><span><span><span><span>It is a little out of my comfort zone to set something like this up but it has been on my heart to do it since I thought of the idea a few weeks ago. Thank you so much for your support and I am so excited to see what this community can do! </span></span></span></span></span></p>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-10717056552485261712021-08-24T21:17:00.003-04:002021-08-26T09:28:43.347-04:00Mom + Baby Must Haves | Fall 2021<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgCO8kI2VbeM0Xe6fJjtpKvc1n2Ig7SsD9uCKWmGfRIg_s2mK6wOnk0oC6mNSeuXYdGfhjQYGXjVwD3pcZ6YwtQOyz-GK3RzXqDFvtAc33BXO-ONNzGMq1qJMn2c3cq6KrBLyRk7PasY/s1920/mom+%252B+baby.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgCO8kI2VbeM0Xe6fJjtpKvc1n2Ig7SsD9uCKWmGfRIg_s2mK6wOnk0oC6mNSeuXYdGfhjQYGXjVwD3pcZ6YwtQOyz-GK3RzXqDFvtAc33BXO-ONNzGMq1qJMn2c3cq6KrBLyRk7PasY/s16000/mom+%252B+baby.png" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><i>This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.</i></p><div><i><br /></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Something that has become a real problem for families is the vast number of products available today. For ourselves, for our kids, for our homes, there are now a seemingly endless number of products on the market, all of course claiming to be the best for you. I love partnering with BabbleBoxx because it gives me the chance to test out and review a number of brands and products, and share my honest opinions with you. I hope you enjoy learning more about the brands below!</span></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>If there is one product category moms dominate it's bags. We just never can have enough. I never seem to leave the house with less than two bags, totes, or backpacks of some sort. Why do kids just need so much stuff all the time? The Puddle Jumper Duffel by Lug is a mama's dream! So. Many. Pockets! Talk about organization heaven! I also love that Lug is a brand brought to life by a mom, dad, and their two littles - livin' the dream!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EpIueo_gFSJZO_PBcE8gnLaHbrNkfQo4iKj35EgBakJ9ti8oyHCQNxvghVBiUKec_Q2MwcoTPa0tMDX9Nwbv3zumtqGIbp8WO9UhsgAb1tiSbDDmjZzlDQ8RHD4KsgzoHJOAR1OHTBM/s2048/0B40F611-FFC3-4D71-B50E-0471B0C4B279_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EpIueo_gFSJZO_PBcE8gnLaHbrNkfQo4iKj35EgBakJ9ti8oyHCQNxvghVBiUKec_Q2MwcoTPa0tMDX9Nwbv3zumtqGIbp8WO9UhsgAb1tiSbDDmjZzlDQ8RHD4KsgzoHJOAR1OHTBM/s16000/0B40F611-FFC3-4D71-B50E-0471B0C4B279_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>My favorite features are the laptop and cell phone sleeves, I always like quick access to my phone for cute pics and videos. The exterior is also water resistant which, before I was a mom, I never considered important. But now, it is a must! You can use code KATIE20 for 20% off $50+ through 8/31 on <a href="https://lug.life/KatieLugLife" target="_blank">their site</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>I am so thrilled to have to chance to introduce you to this brand - NOLEO. NOLEO is a non-toxic, all in one, cleanser, rash cream, and lotion for babies. Their unique formula contains only 5 ingredients: Limewater, Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, and Beeswax. It is also <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/938292-NOLEO_3-in-1_Diaper_Care/" target="_blank">EWG verified</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs81_LvuUSoPzqRu72wJPY2CXiW7ZM5EAKqZPGwZ26RPiU7hQ_Yk75dKJXdT6p7yNBe0xLev5vZm-gVroxa6Xo6XmxF4UURvadd7x3L9PHkCs39OtTzGSpNa746V0OsDDHW3V_GyamZR4/s1086/DF0FD9C7-DD4F-4B70-8E12-BEAF9091EF0A_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="724" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs81_LvuUSoPzqRu72wJPY2CXiW7ZM5EAKqZPGwZ26RPiU7hQ_Yk75dKJXdT6p7yNBe0xLev5vZm-gVroxa6Xo6XmxF4UURvadd7x3L9PHkCs39OtTzGSpNa746V0OsDDHW3V_GyamZR4/s16000/DF0FD9C7-DD4F-4B70-8E12-BEAF9091EF0A_1_105_c.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>This natural diaper rash treatment is gentle and soothing to baby's skin. Simply apply to one of the organic cotton pads, wipe baby's bum, diaper and go! As we prioritize non-toxic products more and more in our household I can't tell you how excited I am to support this brand. Learn more <a href="http://www.noleocare.com/pages/try-noleo" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>Another new-to-me brand is Vichy, and I am really excited about this brand! Both of the products I have received have just 11 ingredients and have fantastic <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/802952-Vichy_Liftactiv_Vitamin_C_Serum/" target="_blank">EWG ratings</a>. First I'll share about the <a href="https://www.vichyusa.com/liftactiv-vitamin-c-serum-3337875560931.html?cgid=root#q=vitamin+c&start=1" target="_blank">LiftActiv 15% Pure Vitamin C Serum</a>, it is dermatologist grade and comes highly recommended as an important step in your daily skin care routine. As a mom of two toddlers, I am not spending any time on makeup these days, however my skincare routine has always been a priority of mine. Putting on skincare is so soothing and definitely a form of self-care for me, plus I want to keep my skin looking as good as it can for as long as it can! Despite the sleepless nights and long days of motherhood!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6py9NKSe4-RwOSLwHJVOu0kCBIJjBu3tJs8uePN8fV2ythN8t6qFhKv7rQLnVQdyLVp1mOfFAFCtDEHRLENgeq_bPlBawgIEIbjjySS1QlsjUpxDRwIljhKt3ryRZzUTHKRT77vq6sQ/s2048/6EB0E8FC-1AB2-496C-A31E-F5A7D0360079_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6py9NKSe4-RwOSLwHJVOu0kCBIJjBu3tJs8uePN8fV2ythN8t6qFhKv7rQLnVQdyLVp1mOfFAFCtDEHRLENgeq_bPlBawgIEIbjjySS1QlsjUpxDRwIljhKt3ryRZzUTHKRT77vq6sQ/s16000/6EB0E8FC-1AB2-496C-A31E-F5A7D0360079_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>The next product is the <a href="https://www.vichyusa.com/liftactiv-supreme-h.a.-wrinkle-corrector-3337875719209.html?cgid=root#q=wrinkle+corrector&start=2" target="_blank">Vichy LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector</a> (<a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/957483-Vichy_Laboratories_Innovation_Liftactiv_Supreme_HA_Wrinkle_Corrector_Fragrance_Free/" target="_blank">EWG rating</a>). This is a Hyaluronic Acid Serum that plumps skin and reduces wrinkles. I have not yet been using this for the full six weeks it can take to see results, but I am happy to have this as part of my skincare regime as the big 3-0 quickly approaches for me! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5iA9HTBKRXyH5c6SJWW8CyRudk6SP5ae7SHJUrqUGzQfH8NI6SUNFTC247J7Gm022DSxEgbXgdM7CU4u5XLYge_uu4BJAgkHopdHtY8M7ZI3eOKLmiPI43n36ajLG58HBLItZKvFrPo/s2048/97554822-1A76-4F99-BF41-BE6A0466F321_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5iA9HTBKRXyH5c6SJWW8CyRudk6SP5ae7SHJUrqUGzQfH8NI6SUNFTC247J7Gm022DSxEgbXgdM7CU4u5XLYge_uu4BJAgkHopdHtY8M7ZI3eOKLmiPI43n36ajLG58HBLItZKvFrPo/s16000/97554822-1A76-4F99-BF41-BE6A0466F321_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Both of my girls (as well as my husband and I) have very sensitive skin, so finding great bath products that work for everyone in my household can be a challenge. <a href="https://www.walmart.com/col/Baby-Magic-Baby-Collection/320028999" target="_blank">Baby Magic Cleansing Gel</a> and <a href="https://www.target.com/b/baby-magic/-/N-cdhec" target="_blank">Lotion</a> are dermatologist tested and made without parabens, phthalates, dyes and sulfates. Unfortunately both do contain fragrance and retinyl palmitate, which affect the products' <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/883717-Baby_Magic_Baby_Lotion_Original_Baby_Scent/" target="_blank">EWG scores</a>. However, since the brand has committed to not using parabens, phthalates, dyes and sulfates, I am less concerned about the use of fragrance. One thing I have been learning on my non-toxic journey is that we cannot eliminate 100% of risk from our lives, so we do the best we can with the knowledge we have to find the products and ingredients that work best for our families on all fronts! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsSnI1eoTcJmEhz71SuQKPNGhLfs2K8BDULppj74XiLWLa29_Ccp8tb_BQbl4KH_KMKEo1KTeFdBi-xrokq3CFkw48_9OID0CfT5WkV_3-7gqTBd7_PIxD5p8GT39BFEwLgJ71eUuyU0/s2048/8AD60B29-96AD-4172-A565-0B7E1A199EE1_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsSnI1eoTcJmEhz71SuQKPNGhLfs2K8BDULppj74XiLWLa29_Ccp8tb_BQbl4KH_KMKEo1KTeFdBi-xrokq3CFkw48_9OID0CfT5WkV_3-7gqTBd7_PIxD5p8GT39BFEwLgJ71eUuyU0/s16000/8AD60B29-96AD-4172-A565-0B7E1A199EE1_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Raising two girls during these crazy times has definitely made me think hard about what I want to prioritize as a parent. <a href="https://hoppypoppie.com/shop/gift-sets/" target="_blank">Hoppy and Poppie PinkCheeks Gift Sets</a> help parents effectively teach children emotional intelligence (and maybe help ourselves learn more at the same time!). Toddlers are not known for their ability to let you know exactly how they feel, which can lead to behavioral challenges. Teaching my girls to express the emotions they are experiencing is critically important. I especially love the idea behind the Patoo Blankie - each color represents an emotion, which children learn about in the 'What We Feel' board book. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiachM7n7MmUVxeQMlcmHeeydjwopksY-SuwRU1xEzeTknVi8_5Svpg34OlPJl9CQmt7EEl8x23do_4IPf9NWobt0ZmwLnWF3HOnQGlS-N5INuegvfe_9_vJaJPgJT3ckJKbnqSB4RfdJs/s2048/13527FA9-D397-4997-AF2C-05A014353D10_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiachM7n7MmUVxeQMlcmHeeydjwopksY-SuwRU1xEzeTknVi8_5Svpg34OlPJl9CQmt7EEl8x23do_4IPf9NWobt0ZmwLnWF3HOnQGlS-N5INuegvfe_9_vJaJPgJT3ckJKbnqSB4RfdJs/s16000/13527FA9-D397-4997-AF2C-05A014353D10_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Parents can sign up for the free Hoppy and Poppie PinkCheeks Starter Guide (delivered via email) full of useful tips for how to teach emotional intelligence to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. You can also use code FRIEND10 for 10% off any purchase on their site.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLoSi7pbkJLKXCUp2a_K842T4GQTM2_v5OvAa6YWlZpn-Im5UukpdIOv57QsK55YVJvSAtpavT52JnF8GxXavniqiaV6K1MEABcH7pkgtVQOxbmqteif5wnt_mr9Uy524dqt_2aOEiWM/s2048/DFEE6F42-1435-49BD-9455-11342D60D8E6_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLoSi7pbkJLKXCUp2a_K842T4GQTM2_v5OvAa6YWlZpn-Im5UukpdIOv57QsK55YVJvSAtpavT52JnF8GxXavniqiaV6K1MEABcH7pkgtVQOxbmqteif5wnt_mr9Uy524dqt_2aOEiWM/s16000/DFEE6F42-1435-49BD-9455-11342D60D8E6_1_201_a.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>The <a href="https://www.baby-banana.com/product/lil-squish-jellyfish/" target="_blank">Lil Squish Jellyfish</a> is a fun new product from a brand we are already big fans of - <a href="https://www.baby-banana.com" target="_blank">Baby Banana</a>! The original Baby Banana Infant Toothbrush was actually one of the few must have items I repurchased when I had Georgia. Both my girls loved that thing! Now Georgia, even at 15 months old, is still putting every single thing into her mouth, so I am thankful to have this new toy for her to enjoy that is safe for exploring! This sensory rattle is made of food grade silicone and I just love the bright, fun colors! Babies as young as 3 months can enjoy this soft, soothing rattle. </p><p><br /></p><p>I hope this was a helpful review for you and that you found something new to try for your family. I am super excited to have been introduced to several of these brands and they are now staples in my home. Please let me know if you have any questions about any of them, and comment below with your favorites!</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5gAfV8Y_IWJxCuDXhsiIEYBbhjIhTR1bUF5a1OCWei5lJ9GZEjXx7qoor0023S16Eg-ZWnh_ATEOVt0ze2rRY3FCaFMqoqiChv8W_9qcsbCImwrfidSf_avlFaA4K02vnKeosdEkkBA/s1600/signature%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5gAfV8Y_IWJxCuDXhsiIEYBbhjIhTR1bUF5a1OCWei5lJ9GZEjXx7qoor0023S16Eg-ZWnh_ATEOVt0ze2rRY3FCaFMqoqiChv8W_9qcsbCImwrfidSf_avlFaA4K02vnKeosdEkkBA/s1600/signature%25281%2529.png" /></a></div>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-34531940887409484052021-07-08T20:01:00.008-04:002021-07-08T20:03:23.944-04:00Simple Dinner Ideas + Recipes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_7flI4i6dutJhyphenhyphenBYtCKOQGzxxVv5PdsZ5eXLcT_2oiIyo08WXxLRmSQtYMBj9n_2JV_5cBz6y4NHHJ1MtKfNwSbp3_5RUJVQ8jWfqi72iQ9Siwjz6j26KJuDWyt-3WLYoQedD_BxKH4/s1500/6770D38F-FE33-4834-A7F0-8C4E17AF0D16.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_7flI4i6dutJhyphenhyphenBYtCKOQGzxxVv5PdsZ5eXLcT_2oiIyo08WXxLRmSQtYMBj9n_2JV_5cBz6y4NHHJ1MtKfNwSbp3_5RUJVQ8jWfqi72iQ9Siwjz6j26KJuDWyt-3WLYoQedD_BxKH4/s16000/6770D38F-FE33-4834-A7F0-8C4E17AF0D16.png" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Last week I asked my Instagram friends to send me one or more simple dinner ideas because we all struggle with coming up with good meals day in and day out, and you all delivered! Thank you so much to everyone who contributed, this will be a great resource for all of us! I’ll get us started with two of my go-to’s, they are truly simple and taste great.</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>Veggie Burgers and Sweet Potato “Fries” (@sugarspiceandsparkle)</b></p><p>Dr. Prager Frozen Veggie Burgers (I get mine at Trader Joe’s) made on stovetop (7 min) served on buns with optional avocado. Peel and cube sweet potatoes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in oven at 350 for 20 minutes.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Teriyaki Chicken (@sugarspiceandsparkle)</b></p><p>Bake marinated teriyaki chicken breast in oven at 350 for 40 minutes. Serve with white rice. Steam frozen edamame in microwave, serve salted. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Lazy Lasagna (@mrslemaniak)</b></p><p>Ingredients:</p><p>-bag of frozen cheese ravioli</p><p>-Italian sausage or ground beef</p><p>-large jar of pasta sauce</p><p>-shredded mozzarella </p><p>Spread sauce on the bottom of your 8x8 pan. Layer frozen ravioli, meat, sauce and repeat. Top with mozzarella. Bake 30-40 minutes at 375.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chicken Breast (@maryjean89)</b></p><p>Cover chicken breast with hummus and panko breadcrumbs before baking in the oven - super moist and flavorful!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chicken Veggie Buddha Bowls (@thisholisticnurse)</b></p><p>Ingredients: (she recommends using organic!)</p><p>-boneless skinless chicken breast</p><p>-chicken broth</p><p>Any combo of the following:</p><p>-sweet potatoes</p><p>-zucchinis</p><p>-yellow squash</p><p>-asparagus</p><p>-Brussels sprouts</p><p>-black beans</p><p>-basmati rice</p><p>-avocado</p><p>-salt and pepper</p><p>-olive oil</p><p>-teriyaki sauce</p><p>Cook chicken in crock pot on low 3-4 hours. Prepare veggies by washing and cutting into cubes, place on baking sheets and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper. Bake at 425 until done (different veggies take different amounts of time). Season chicken with teriyaki sauce and prepare rice. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Million Dollar Pasta (@alyssa_121192)</b></p><p>Ingredients:</p><p>-1 package cooked pasta</p><p>-1 package cream cheese</p><p>-mozzarella cheese</p><p>-1 jar sauce</p><p>Spread cooked pasta in 9x13 pan. Mix cream cheese and sauce and add to pan. Cover with mozzarella and bake at 350 for 20 min.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chicken Sausage Ravioli (@vanja_j)</b></p><p>Cook pre-packaged ravioli, mix with olive oil and Parmesan. Can add chicken sausage if desired.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Breakfast for dinner (@sarahproefke)</b></p><p>Eggs, Hashbrowns, bacon and sausage, toast, pancakes, waffles, fruit, all the classics!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chicken Chili (@melissamoo)</b></p><p>Ingredients:</p><p>-ground chicken</p><p>-garlic and onion (chopped)</p><p>-red enchilada sauce</p><p>-1 can rotel (drained)</p><p>-black beans</p><p>-chickpeas</p><p>-chili powder</p><p>Brown ground chicken, garlic, and onion. Add to pot of remaining ingredients and heat until ready.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Salmon Bake (@melissamoo)</b></p><p>Cover cookie sheet with foil and place salmon and veggies in the middle. Cover with teriyaki sauce (or olive oil and lemon or pesto sauce) and fold foil to cover. Bake 15 minutes at 350. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chicken Pesto Orzo (@melissamoo)</b></p><p>Cut chicken breast into cubes and cook on stove top in Italian dressing, salt, and pepper. Prepare orzo in boiling water. Sauté mushrooms in Italian dressing. Combine when cooked and add jar of pesto sauce. Stir to combine. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Sheet Pan Fajitas (@masonhga)</b></p><p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sheet-pan-chicken-fajitas-3680272" target="_blank">Recipe example linked here.</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>One Pan Creamy Gnocchi with Sausage (@madi_duff) </b></p><p><a href="https://www.saltandlavender.com/one-pan-creamy-gnocchi-with-sausage/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=525711874_19130676_34381" target="_blank">Submitted recipe linked here.</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Garlic Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein (@lynseypilcikwilliams)</b></p><p><a href="https://therecipecritic.com/20-minute-garlic-beef-and-broccoli-lo-mein/" target="_blank">Submitted recipe linked here.</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas (@alisegsum)</b></p><p><a href="https://www.melskitchencafe.com/white-and-green-chicken-enchiladas/" target="_blank">Submitted recipe linked here.</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
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<div data-sc-widget-id="P-600df36c1486e867809534a7"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script><br />Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-25132567440689489422021-04-08T19:44:00.002-04:002021-08-24T21:22:29.448-04:00Taking a Break from Instagram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNorD_bIN4Hj1kIAxgb-oU-Wdn4hint52bAoiEGnCy6TPKYSm-3B9swXNqsbGth4vqNgS_gJQa402m8X4VivLmX6cADpwRcBmDpPYTEE6cLJy-cOwz8IF_-Xo4vR-jIN49rLe13SqVRFU/s1500/185C8D6D-15AD-4241-AEF9-FFA83396E78A.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNorD_bIN4Hj1kIAxgb-oU-Wdn4hint52bAoiEGnCy6TPKYSm-3B9swXNqsbGth4vqNgS_gJQa402m8X4VivLmX6cADpwRcBmDpPYTEE6cLJy-cOwz8IF_-Xo4vR-jIN49rLe13SqVRFU/s16000/185C8D6D-15AD-4241-AEF9-FFA83396E78A.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Hi Friends,</p><p><br /></p><p>As some of you have noticed I have been MIA from Instagram as of late. I wasn’t going to make some big deal out of it, I just planned to quietly drop off for a bit. However I have gotten several messages from the sweetest of friends making sure I’m okay so I felt I should address it. I guess when you go from posting every few hours to not at all people do notice. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>Thank you so much to those of you who have reached out to check on me, the fact that you take time out of your busy lives to think of me and want to know how I’m doing warms my heart in more ways than I can say! </p><p><br /></p><p>The typical me wants to just reply “oh yeah I’m fine, just taking a bit of a break!” Unfortunately I can’t honestly say that “I’m fine”.</p><p><br /></p><p>The biggest reason for my time away from Instagram is because my family has some really heavy stuff going on. I absolutely hate vague statements like this but I’m just not in a place to share details. Maybe I eventually will, maybe not, I just can’t say for sure. I fully believe that everything is going to be okay, but we have some life altering things going on.</p><p><br /></p><p>Since I’m not at the point of sharing details yet I didn’t want to just go on with my usual posting and pretending that everything is fine when it isn’t. That makes me feel gross and wouldn’t be fair to anyone who follows me. You know I am all about transparency and realness, so if I can’t 100% deliver on that I’m just not going to share anything. </p><p><br /></p><p>I feel like this is coming across really dark, and it some ways it is, but also know that our day to day isn’t looking terribly different at this point. The girls are as amazing as ever and we spend our days sticking to the usual routine. </p><p><br /></p><p>Georgia is just the light and joy of all of our lives, she is literally running around the house these days and getting into every single thing, climbing, eating things she shouldn’t, etc. She is the happiest, sweetest ball of energy.</p><p><br /></p><p>Avery is always cracking us up with things she says and does. She is just so cute and wise beyond her years. Sometimes that three-nager attitude is out in full force but at least she is a strong little woman. She is working on reading and amazing us every single day with her brilliant mind!</p><p><br /></p><p>All that to say that even with everything we are dealing with I could still be on Instagram, sharing life’s little moments and creating content and all that. But there is another reason why I’m not doing that.</p><p><br /></p><p>I have really been struggling with anxiety. For the first time in my life I have been experiencing true anxiety and it is one of the worst things I have had to learn to deal with. </p><p><br /></p><p>Instagram and social media in general had been getting to a toxic place for me. I would spend hours upon hours scrolling through Instagram stories and reels, reading Twitter, going through Facebook comments on random articles. </p><p><br /></p><p>At first I justified it with getting inspiration for my own content, and being an informed person on what is going on in the world, etc. But when I finally decided to be honest with myself it was clear that all my screen time was not benefiting me in any way and was in fact hurting me.</p><p><br /></p><p>So I deleted it all from my phone.</p><p><br /></p><p>Instead I am focusing all of my energy on my family and on my faith. And I feel so much lighter! No more politics, no more comparing myself to others, no more chasing after the next brand deal or follower count. It’s refreshing.</p><p><br /></p><p>I do miss connecting with you all, I really really do! And that is why I do plan to return to Instagram eventually, but I just haven’t quite figured out exactly when or how. I know when I do I will need it to look very different than it did before.</p><p><br /></p><p>I’m taking a really deep dive into figuring out what I really want out of this blog and my social media. I don’t want to be just another account adding to the noise. I want to be making a difference, even in some small way, in my readers’ lives. I don’t have it figured out yet but I am praying every day for guidance on that.</p><p><br /></p><p>So that is basically the update for right now. I’m not getting everything out exactly as I wish I could, it’s really hard to explain so many layers and feelings in one post. Sorry if it’s left you with more questions than answers, but I don’t have the answers yet myself! It is really hard to be vulnerable and share all this, but I feel like I’m doing you all an injustice if I don’t share the hard parts. By sharing our stories we give others permission to do the same.</p><p><br /></p><p>If there is one thing I can leave you with today it’s this - be VERY careful with where you are focusing your attention. What are you watching, listening to, consuming? What are you letting affect your heart and mind? </p><p><br /></p><p>When you step away from social media it can feel like you’re missing out. But after just a short time you will so clearly see that being ON social media has you missing out on so much more!</p><p><br /></p><p>I love you guys and I hope you are all well and I can’t wait to connect with you again soon!</p>
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Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-84528048320600808502021-02-22T10:57:00.002-05:002021-02-22T10:58:24.756-05:009 Month Old Baby Schedule<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF38SyI3M5Ef3en80fhQTgCWp1SLDAk-57aDv3Gqlt4tBTay_q3sARxs_zGA0W_9Nxm5aQHhzf2zuzH3xHrqRIB-HKa330DUNpIFCXQ_10oGRYvF6dPQ-gvyNC3dIosrfUeaAPbwHun30/s1500/1705F50A-BE01-4A75-ACCE-97F493A49659.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF38SyI3M5Ef3en80fhQTgCWp1SLDAk-57aDv3Gqlt4tBTay_q3sARxs_zGA0W_9Nxm5aQHhzf2zuzH3xHrqRIB-HKa330DUNpIFCXQ_10oGRYvF6dPQ-gvyNC3dIosrfUeaAPbwHun30/s16000/1705F50A-BE01-4A75-ACCE-97F493A49659.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of <a href="https://Www.triplepaste.com" target="_blank">Triple Paste</a>.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>As a huge fan of reading other babies’ schedules I figured it was about time I share one of ours! I shared Avery’s schedule a few times when she was little and maybe I should share her current schedule as a toddler - let me know your thoughts on that! But today we’re going to talk about Georgia’s current routine. She just turned 9 months old and has had this schedule for about a month now.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHNFhyphenhyphenicImTVN5wWL0LbyyqwRXQIldF6dIjtJNQP57Uu57HqCdOsCGSareXBISC3P0FkLmsq4sU-telChSxyapzIRUfrPonb5thcdmOU5nYPjqk3ADP3TEp7gpNf1R5uLCGtTm761sUU/s2048/665C228D-26CA-4538-8BAA-5ADAFC9F0438.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHNFhyphenhyphenicImTVN5wWL0LbyyqwRXQIldF6dIjtJNQP57Uu57HqCdOsCGSareXBISC3P0FkLmsq4sU-telChSxyapzIRUfrPonb5thcdmOU5nYPjqk3ADP3TEp7gpNf1R5uLCGtTm761sUU/s16000/665C228D-26CA-4538-8BAA-5ADAFC9F0438.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>5AM - wake up. Our current pain point that we are trying various things to change. I have an angel husband who gets up with her every morning. Her wake up time is highly variable too, some days it’s 5, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45 and on a few lucky days 6. If she could wake up at 6 everyday it would be so much better. She drinks a bottle when she gets up, usually while she’s getting her diaper changed. We use <a href="HTTPS://www.triplepaste.com" target="_blank">Triple Paste diaper cream</a> to start the day. Georgia has very sensitive skin and her bum gets red really easily if we’re not careful. Since using Triple Paste she has not had a bad diaper rash! Triple Paste prevents, treats, and soothes raw, irritated skin.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURp-gUPu2_O0_VeRtwMwMb5iycsiZCsxS_LmCat273xs034KThs9h7CDMs82qEbCpNrDlCBhWGCTTeHNRxK2ZIhacEEXzCxoC1XboOzuhiOyXLPjoOV9ircJLicTjVwijPDpl4ww23O0/s2048/38ADA614-012C-42AC-82F8-49318BB1001F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURp-gUPu2_O0_VeRtwMwMb5iycsiZCsxS_LmCat273xs034KThs9h7CDMs82qEbCpNrDlCBhWGCTTeHNRxK2ZIhacEEXzCxoC1XboOzuhiOyXLPjoOV9ircJLicTjVwijPDpl4ww23O0/s16000/38ADA614-012C-42AC-82F8-49318BB1001F.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>8AM - breakfast. By 8 Avery and I are both awake and we all make our way to the breakfast table. For breakfast Georgia will usually have 1oz of prune juice, a baby food pouch, some Cheerios, part of a muffin, and/or some vegetables. She doesn’t like to sit for too long so as soon as she is done she gets down to play while the rest of us finish eating. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfQWs_Zjd-9NEjYhGeXXWWYNc_qZsPVy2Rem6cHy3S0rWb3p0Qi6d4zkaAs2s0-TgK1oUVJSKm_Zik6x5PHq1a90rtIs4k4sLsBe9e1HS2PbNW6yeMMTBZVoOW0E7Y6amxnq5zLnQQKg/s2048/6959E864-FB74-44A6-8490-08F6AE897838.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfQWs_Zjd-9NEjYhGeXXWWYNc_qZsPVy2Rem6cHy3S0rWb3p0Qi6d4zkaAs2s0-TgK1oUVJSKm_Zik6x5PHq1a90rtIs4k4sLsBe9e1HS2PbNW6yeMMTBZVoOW0E7Y6amxnq5zLnQQKg/s16000/6959E864-FB74-44A6-8490-08F6AE897838.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>9:30AM - first nap. The actual timing depends on her exact wake up time. She drinks a bottle to fall asleep. I know this isn’t the “right” thing to do, but we have struggled since she stopped breastfeeding with bottles and this is what works for us. You have to do what works for you! Probably TMI but she usually has her #2 of the day right before her first nap, girl is on a schedule haha! I apply <a href="HTTPS://www.triplepaste.com" target="_blank">Triple Paste diaper ointment</a> again before her nap to make sure that any irritation is soothed right away. I love that Triple Paste is fragrance, paraben, preservative, talc, phthalate, and dye free and hypoallergenic. It is such a thick formula made with non-nano zinc oxide, so it works very quickly. Most days her first nap is 1.5 hours.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Fr9Rvy0jJzger_CKSKFmAihkf8zlSsG7d0_vm1eNiKvfcneIVu_oTvhwWbipLfHTq2zGf8_aWTHn6PqttFE6ijpVgZ2aQra1AtipgR6RjkcuOGhqvponGGyXdgpDSWuOaI8_CqQUbw/s2048/76B69053-45F4-4E32-8D5E-CF95079701A1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Fr9Rvy0jJzger_CKSKFmAihkf8zlSsG7d0_vm1eNiKvfcneIVu_oTvhwWbipLfHTq2zGf8_aWTHn6PqttFE6ijpVgZ2aQra1AtipgR6RjkcuOGhqvponGGyXdgpDSWuOaI8_CqQUbw/s16000/76B69053-45F4-4E32-8D5E-CF95079701A1.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>11AM - play time. After her nap Georgia has some play time and usually has some sort of snack, either finishing her bottle or a pouch. We use these lids for her pouches so she can’t squeeze the food out. They’ve been amazing! I never planned to give her pouches so early but she will not let us spoon feed her (she wants to do it herself) so again, do what works for you!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EKkNNZiBleC3fjhiVrwXrOf90pUCz70A4Bh1IZyUxbJ0cAkKtdtDt3X1rSOfn6w3kXZ1eqDiPv9F_843RvLRqu778X6uCnwtjjGmyQoaDLIOV1EFtIzRWGLQUnAce2wytTFzgSk8hSk/s2048/E2A75EBA-1CA4-4E88-B5D3-27C763C79359.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EKkNNZiBleC3fjhiVrwXrOf90pUCz70A4Bh1IZyUxbJ0cAkKtdtDt3X1rSOfn6w3kXZ1eqDiPv9F_843RvLRqu778X6uCnwtjjGmyQoaDLIOV1EFtIzRWGLQUnAce2wytTFzgSk8hSk/s16000/E2A75EBA-1CA4-4E88-B5D3-27C763C79359.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>12PM - lunch. Lunch has the same options as breakfast pretty much. Hopefully we will be able to start giving Georgia dairy soon which will give us a lot more options for food! After lunch its just a lot of play time until her next nap. She also has a small bottle around 12:30.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXQQPGgtImuKxPUEHKX8MfDabzP_nkZHjBOJWQmzMYr8H1tnFrKAnyuTQIT-kx9nEcNJyExzzmZL8Y3x8oYp3B_Ad0PxSk7YBipC9sWII9_2Lrw5XRnItTwPpVx3oYpxvBMUHesMM59o/s2048/EB3D52CC-A9B9-47DC-98AC-40C204473B5A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXQQPGgtImuKxPUEHKX8MfDabzP_nkZHjBOJWQmzMYr8H1tnFrKAnyuTQIT-kx9nEcNJyExzzmZL8Y3x8oYp3B_Ad0PxSk7YBipC9sWII9_2Lrw5XRnItTwPpVx3oYpxvBMUHesMM59o/s16000/EB3D52CC-A9B9-47DC-98AC-40C204473B5A.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>2PM - second nap. If I’m lucky we’ll get another 1.5 hour nap, but sometimes one of the naps of the day will be 40 minutes. I always try to get her back to sleep if she wakes up that soon but it doesn’t always work out. Lately it has been a bit of a struggle to get her down right at 2, so sometimes she isn’t asleep until 2:30. As she gets older her wake windows keep getting longer, I have a feeling she will be down to one nap before she is a year old - bummer! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSJu35ZqSMPu70mTkJNpvFnFc7d2iedt2PCo_Nl_bdNpNzehiA8ZRBXNJvB-6mxHgdjKUGEHe80W7jMAjtCjX1eJIclZPtH3vnyaolwyR5MrGR25cl0_w02ZqptPKFrNGkFmSJiJJuNk/s2048/CC41EDCA-E08E-41DB-B797-C40702235369.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSJu35ZqSMPu70mTkJNpvFnFc7d2iedt2PCo_Nl_bdNpNzehiA8ZRBXNJvB-6mxHgdjKUGEHe80W7jMAjtCjX1eJIclZPtH3vnyaolwyR5MrGR25cl0_w02ZqptPKFrNGkFmSJiJJuNk/s16000/CC41EDCA-E08E-41DB-B797-C40702235369.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>3:30PM - wake up. More play time! It can be challenging to come up with different things to keep her entertained every single day. Sometimes we go for a walk or drive just to get out of the house. She is a baby who loves to put every single thing in her mouth so that can limit activity choices. But if I’m really stumped I’ll open Pinterest and try to find a unique idea of what to do!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3wZALQaPclBZXuOrVLWDBXQkCeU0dTT5Nl8K-f3_Wxu0nb9moV0Xuysy1GQfsxH9u8RbyuXZNKWr89n-IoCB5cALBpIG3PLWmuEgI1dnMA72Ujl_X651ZDTqgexTCCqN4i7vm0_a0XE/s2048/04EDE8F7-BEA4-4213-8713-13D2D30A7374.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3wZALQaPclBZXuOrVLWDBXQkCeU0dTT5Nl8K-f3_Wxu0nb9moV0Xuysy1GQfsxH9u8RbyuXZNKWr89n-IoCB5cALBpIG3PLWmuEgI1dnMA72Ujl_X651ZDTqgexTCCqN4i7vm0_a0XE/s16000/04EDE8F7-BEA4-4213-8713-13D2D30A7374.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>5PM - dinner. Sometime in the 5 o’clock hour we make and have dinner. Georgia usually has veggies for dinner. I just buy a can of mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots, and green beans) and she loves them! She will also have a small bottle during dinner. After dinner we have family time together which is the most fun part of the day! I love when we can all be together and the girls are always so happy. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2boTicbi9589_ixvu-IwYRCA8-iFxzUkA9bsnsaIno6rE_tCJwnbZ4PpR5vGxflQ6QiRqCskSUfYZ7GfsScdPbTdh8gDXDCv1w00BIL4qzclBVkB7K9sI4EzqVglGkQhyphenhyphenapD9_enG1B0/s2048/5DA6D97F-5CFE-4EC2-9DB4-1A875E1A9895.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2boTicbi9589_ixvu-IwYRCA8-iFxzUkA9bsnsaIno6rE_tCJwnbZ4PpR5vGxflQ6QiRqCskSUfYZ7GfsScdPbTdh8gDXDCv1w00BIL4qzclBVkB7K9sI4EzqVglGkQhyphenhyphenapD9_enG1B0/s16000/5DA6D97F-5CFE-4EC2-9DB4-1A875E1A9895.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>6:30PM - bed time. We start getting Georgia ready for bed, making her bottle getting her in her jammies and all saying good night (this takes longer than it sounds!). Of course before bed time we apply <a href="Https://www.triplepaste.com" target="_blank">Triple Paste</a> one last time to keep her comfortable all night long. Being pediatrician recommended and dermatologist tested, I feel good knowing I’m using a safe and effective product on my daughter. It takes her quite a while to drink her bottle and fall asleep, she is quite the sipper when it comes to bottles. But she is asleep by 7 or 7:15 and is down for the night. </p><p><br /></p><p>So that is what our days look like currently! It is ever changing in the first year and can be really hard to keep up with. If you’re feeling like everything finally gets settled only to change again, you’re not alone! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5gAfV8Y_IWJxCuDXhsiIEYBbhjIhTR1bUF5a1OCWei5lJ9GZEjXx7qoor0023S16Eg-ZWnh_ATEOVt0ze2rRY3FCaFMqoqiChv8W_9qcsbCImwrfidSf_avlFaA4K02vnKeosdEkkBA/s1600/signature%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5gAfV8Y_IWJxCuDXhsiIEYBbhjIhTR1bUF5a1OCWei5lJ9GZEjXx7qoor0023S16Eg-ZWnh_ATEOVt0ze2rRY3FCaFMqoqiChv8W_9qcsbCImwrfidSf_avlFaA4K02vnKeosdEkkBA/s1600/signature%25281%2529.png" /></a></div>
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Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-70060615128717094942021-02-12T15:38:00.000-05:002021-02-12T15:38:15.146-05:00Scared To Start A Blog? Here’s How To Overcome and Get Started!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6-k0W2XYMysKmVAEMc9yZlkLooUZLth2bncn_GLFykbKKXXhYXdYx6FXY6Gp1TwComtYHUqTLEnGdGKFulbhWVIasG-qVfck0o4qNg-Ekl76Yw9N8hev71Gbh0JPIqwoyBhSR5LvwbQ/s1500/9A0C91AD-9284-4633-B08F-954EB0427032.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6-k0W2XYMysKmVAEMc9yZlkLooUZLth2bncn_GLFykbKKXXhYXdYx6FXY6Gp1TwComtYHUqTLEnGdGKFulbhWVIasG-qVfck0o4qNg-Ekl76Yw9N8hev71Gbh0JPIqwoyBhSR5LvwbQ/s16000/9A0C91AD-9284-4633-B08F-954EB0427032.png" /></a></div><br /><p>Congratulations! You are interested in starting a blog and that is really exciting! I know there can be a lot of fear and doubt surrounding getting started on your blogging journey. As someone who has been blogging for nearly a decade (since 2012), I can tell you that putting in the hard work and sticking with it really is worth off it and pays off - both monetarily and in other ways! </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>The blogging world can feel really big and overwhelming because at this point there is just so much information out there on the topic. If you don’t want to go the journey alone, I would love to help you out! Just today I launched personalized coaching calls! I can help you get started, grow, shift gears, get monetized and more - wherever you are on your journey, let me help fast track your success. Right now I am offering my services at a very introductory price, so don’t wait! Interested or want to learn more? Just send me a <a href="Instagram.com/sugarspiceandsparkle " target="_blank">DM on Instagram</a> or shoot me an email (sugarspiceandsparkle [at] gmail [dot] com) with the subject line COACHING.</p><p><br /></p><p>I often get questions about blogging/Instagram/YouTube so I wanted to find a way to help! I know the biggest hurdle is getting started, so I asked my friends on Instagram what was holding them back from beginning their blogging/influencing journey. I know this will be helpful for many so I decided to turn my responses into a blog post that will live on longer than a 24hr story slide. Let’s dive in!</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1">I don’t know where to begin!</span></h4><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">There can definitely be a lot of overwhelm when you’re thinking about blogging and social media. I experience it every day. You just have to start with baby steps. Try to complete one task that will move you towards your goal each day. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">The first step is coming up with your why. What is it that you are wanting to share with the world? Once you figure that out, move on to the work of actually setting up your blog site. All of these are things I can help with, it is very hard to speak generally on these things without getting into the nitty gritty of it all!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1">I don’t know what to blog about.</span></h4><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Here’s the cold hard truth about blogging - it is not as easy as it looks. I think it can look easy at times, you just share your life and that’s it, right? Nope! A lot of time and intention goes into what I share - on here, my Instagram, my YouTube... it’s a lot, but if you love it it doesn’t feel like work! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">My point is that no one knows what to blog about on a whim - you have to sit down and allow yourself the time to brainstorm ideas, research others in the same niche, think through possible content ideas, etc. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Every one of you has one, probably more, gifts to share with the world! You just have to hone in on it and figure out the best format to present yourself on! You got this!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1">I don’t know what topic to talk about first. </span></h4><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Ah the multi-passionate dilemma! Some people don’t have an idea while others have too many, either way can delay the start of the process. I definitely feel this - I’ve been a craft blogger, fashion blogger, wedding blogger, mommy blogger, small business owner, vlogger... I feel like I have tried it all. And honestly that is my downfall in some ways. The best thing you can do is niche down. Just pick a topic and run with it, it should be specific but with enough depth to give you enough content ideas. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">If you focus all your content on one area, you will be seen as a subject matter expert, and your audience will always think of you when they need help with toddler meals, homeschooling, affordable fashion, or whatever niche it is that you choose. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">A lot of blogging is trial and error, so whatever you pick doesn’t have to stick forever necessarily. Just get started or you will never know what you’ll enjoy blogging about most!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;">I’m a private person, I’m scared to put myself out there.</span></span></h4><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;">I totally get this. Even though I have been doing this for many many years, I still struggle with putting myself out there! Look at the Instagram reel I posted yesterday - that was not easy to share! But you have to keep up with the times or you’ll get left behind. The only constant is change. The hardest part is getting started and you grow from there!</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><span style="font-family: times;">In terms of privacy, you don’t have to blog about your life! There are about 10 million other topics you could share about that don’t include your personal life. But even if you are more interested in lifestyle blogging, you don’t have to share every single thing. If I share 10 stories throughout the day, that equates to 2.5 minutes of my day. I think you guys would be surprised how much of my life is NOT on Instagram. Of course my goal here is to keep it real, so I try to share a mix of everything, but there are plenty of things that are my/my family’s personal business that do not get shared.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1">I’m worried about sharing my house and my spouse’s job.</span></h4><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Do you mean your location or the look of your house? Location is easy to keep private - just never show the outside of your house, your neighborhood, etc. The look - have y’all seen my house? It is a disaster zone 24/7! And any time it looks put together, that just means I shoved the mess aside. Trust me that is one of those things that you may worry a lot about but no one else will even notice. We are our own worst critics!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Like I said above - you don’t have to share everything! None of y’all know what my husband does, do you? That is intentional. You never knew where I worked before becoming a SAHM... also intentional. Obviously all of YOU are not the ones I want to hide from - its the creeps and trolls (which honestly I don’t experience many of) so I just have to keep some things under wraps for privacy reasons. You can still share vulnerable content without sharing every single thing in your life. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">I’m camera shy (specific to Instagram/YouTube) and struggle with analysis paralysis.</h4><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I totally get this! But remember we are our hardest critics. I feel awkward talking to my phone too, but as the viewer you probably (hopefully) don’t sit there thinking “Omg she is so awkward! What a weirdo she’s just home with her kids talking to her phone! Ew I hate the sound of her voice.” Do you guys think that? I’m gonna go with no since you’re still here - and if you do think that well then you just skip to the next story and your day moves on and I’m forgotten. Sounds harsh but it’s true.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Our negative self-talk is way harsher than 99% of the actual people who will see your content!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">As for analysis paralysis, I feel that too! My best advice is just START. No one knows what they’re doing on day one. You learn as you go! Look back at my old blog posts #cringe! But they got me to where I am today. It is a process!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1">Content creation is harder than I expected. </span></h4><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Yes, it is not easy! I kind of love when people realize this because I always hear “Oh I wish I could just get stuff for free” or “Oh just snap a pic and people pay you?!” LOL!! No, there is more to it than that.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">The good news is that while it isn’t easy, it is doable! Seriously! I truly believe anyone who is willing to put in the work can do this. For content creation it really helps a lot if you have a plan. Batching content helps a lot too if you don’t have much time to create! This is definitely something I can work with you on and help you to create a content calendar.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Pinterest and following accounts you admire helps with inspiration too! You never want to copy someone of course, and always give credit where credit is due, but gaining inspiration and seeing what else is out there that people are liking is super helpful to your own creative process. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1">What if no one reads my blog?</span></h4><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">You’ll never know until you try! It does take time to grow a following (and anyone who tells you otherwise is cheating the system). But if you create valuable content and market it well, people will find you! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22.8px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">That said, I would plan to blog on a topic you’re passionate about and enjoy writing about because growing an audience is a journey. So if you’re only in it for the numbers its going to be a tough ride. Pinterest and SEO are great ways to get your content out there without having any following!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">So what is holding you back? Feel free to reach out and I can help shift your mindset! I’m here to help you not only with the steps to take but also to cheer you on! I can’t wait to read your blog :) </span></p>
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<div data-sc-widget-id="P-600df36c1486e867809534a7"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script><br />Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-66959668214696302712021-02-04T15:21:00.011-05:002021-02-18T15:08:46.182-05:00Latest and Greatest Toddler Products for 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBphsXIryWbDnl0qocVMJ6m4j2W_JGsw1Z1-I_g6EPo4tERSQ1RDBqlCd5la3Ev07FOqm5QF6fE6JVjHqFM_GkchmvgrY7SmDxCocKB0IoLCAIEuSXdWzwROm5X_8zr39nDbsPD_ynL0g/s2048/7CD887C4-F7CA-4109-86E5-6C55C7313A7E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBphsXIryWbDnl0qocVMJ6m4j2W_JGsw1Z1-I_g6EPo4tERSQ1RDBqlCd5la3Ev07FOqm5QF6fE6JVjHqFM_GkchmvgrY7SmDxCocKB0IoLCAIEuSXdWzwROm5X_8zr39nDbsPD_ynL0g/s16000/7CD887C4-F7CA-4109-86E5-6C55C7313A7E.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This post is sponsored by Babble Boxx. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Sugar Spice and Sparkle!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a mom we are constantly inundated with new and different products for our kids. It seems like every day there are new items on the market and it can be overwhelming! I partnered with Babble Boxx to test and review several new toddler products and share my thoughts on them with you. Hopefully this is helpful and you're able to find at least one new thing for your family from a fellow mama.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3cE80DZ" target="_blank">CoComelon Musical Yellow School Bus</a>: I think we can all agree that the people behind CoComelon really have it all figured out! I mean, is there a toddler out there who can resist CoComelon? Avery was so excited to get a CoComelon toy! She loves having a JJ doll to play with and the bus sings the exact version of Wheels on the Bus from the CoComelon YouTube channel. There are several other CoComelon toys (made by Jazwares) and we may or may not have already purchased another one - ha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqBz9hHaABHXEDne9RMUirXcKWijQq8YY5CY4-VLRBhWJz-OcGsNIMM63_ZQt1EXJE0lm5CNbqfhAH0C7ZrWE8ymwqkwIVyHQ03xVkKF4cdSqqgyHDA-ikazyh0cjWwDHHfIqqTDUkys/s2048/CA84BA5C-AE6F-4971-B82E-71E7A35AD6B9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqBz9hHaABHXEDne9RMUirXcKWijQq8YY5CY4-VLRBhWJz-OcGsNIMM63_ZQt1EXJE0lm5CNbqfhAH0C7ZrWE8ymwqkwIVyHQ03xVkKF4cdSqqgyHDA-ikazyh0cjWwDHHfIqqTDUkys/s16000/CA84BA5C-AE6F-4971-B82E-71E7A35AD6B9.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtzvJimWu1EmQVF0NgLypEnJqfVbGoc-H9V5E98gEAjQnTcHFiSEhphlNP-XYJw5gGCSHEPv7e1Cq7G6PCroAtL_A31u39q7XyAOOstP7zMxc6WjYgQUZCAml9EPjxIysY7ObYp6jjHg/s2048/F2BA1094-5A93-4EE5-8F4B-3A51C0C7A062.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtzvJimWu1EmQVF0NgLypEnJqfVbGoc-H9V5E98gEAjQnTcHFiSEhphlNP-XYJw5gGCSHEPv7e1Cq7G6PCroAtL_A31u39q7XyAOOstP7zMxc6WjYgQUZCAml9EPjxIysY7ObYp6jjHg/s16000/F2BA1094-5A93-4EE5-8F4B-3A51C0C7A062.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3rhPTHK" target="_blank">Baby Magic Calming Bath</a> and <a href="https://bit.ly/2YIWazY" target="_blank">Lotion</a>: Both my girls love bath time! They could splash and play in there forever and I love having the best products for them. Baby Magic bath and lotion come in lavender and chamomile scent which is perfect for their nighttime routines. All Baby Magic products are hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and free from sulfates, dyes, parabens, and phthalates - something that makes mom very happy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR3IKPY36y2zSrlcgDdajxsRh2OapP2wSn0kF-FZbphj_cSqSppJj7UObOecWJerX4C48IncLJtikg221IGYhQBay4QKKpF4DPpDExR3fYsRz7u3CqB76Vi1wvaX-M2sO6ZvBQE2sPPQ/s2048/5039D3C0-3073-408B-B522-83A0E660DA31.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR3IKPY36y2zSrlcgDdajxsRh2OapP2wSn0kF-FZbphj_cSqSppJj7UObOecWJerX4C48IncLJtikg221IGYhQBay4QKKpF4DPpDExR3fYsRz7u3CqB76Vi1wvaX-M2sO6ZvBQE2sPPQ/s16000/5039D3C0-3073-408B-B522-83A0E660DA31.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9EUEkZZbWRweHLh9b5Hh4EKAEVqoBWCknQBIxaJqypIDbXG3r9g3RbdTw_Nyi8NaIfka1NnsAke0jPMLQx6OgADYoA8bjTwgKPTbs8r3vjpv5_bj0DK1aA_MxlNWO94HwJZPxd99mjM/s2048/BD438B0E-E8BA-4964-B698-9486567709A4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9EUEkZZbWRweHLh9b5Hh4EKAEVqoBWCknQBIxaJqypIDbXG3r9g3RbdTw_Nyi8NaIfka1NnsAke0jPMLQx6OgADYoA8bjTwgKPTbs8r3vjpv5_bj0DK1aA_MxlNWO94HwJZPxd99mjM/s16000/BD438B0E-E8BA-4964-B698-9486567709A4.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Squishmallows: These collectable plush toys are so soft! Made by Jazwares, there are over 500 characters to collect (don't tell Avery!). We have Mario the German Shepherd, Avery loved hearing all about him from the details on the hangtag. It's always fascinating to me what kids will really get interested in, as soft and squishy as Mario is, he is a plush toy which isn't typically Avery's go-to when it comes to play time, but ever since she got Mario he has come with us everywhere! I think he is here to stay!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2nhV4D4fvmVPn8XiaOUxdnRGv2G5HHDu9CQ2Q63q2GFf_X4EdLlE3whEqtelP2riEsT6nELN28FFp66pR76eMsS35UKl2eHloGGpFF-EgWe1DcvHVeqyzDd6yG4Fr1u1qFDMMtNGzoI/s2048/27D107EF-590E-4417-8ABC-007F87AF2C6B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2nhV4D4fvmVPn8XiaOUxdnRGv2G5HHDu9CQ2Q63q2GFf_X4EdLlE3whEqtelP2riEsT6nELN28FFp66pR76eMsS35UKl2eHloGGpFF-EgWe1DcvHVeqyzDd6yG4Fr1u1qFDMMtNGzoI/s16000/27D107EF-590E-4417-8ABC-007F87AF2C6B.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lilsidekick.com/discount/YESPLEASE" target="_blank">Cup Strap from Lil' Sidekick</a>: This is one of those products you don't think you need until you have it. If your toddler is always dropping (or throwing!) their cups, pacis, etc, then you will love this universal strap. It can fit so many different sized items and can attach to just as many (like your stroller, baby carrier, or diaper bag). I love that it is dishwasher safe and made in the USA! Such a handy tool that I know we will end up using for both girls. You can save 10% off with code YESPLEASE through 2/7.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwBOWoSMhUPc43_hIy5c2YnszljWYeIMpYk1eTUVIBNu4rPm8Ka6UcPsIjM1R9JMoDt1aeSwl8JoRVNbTGiQa-q710fk54bN5epjFRr4pGKknLixwQNTY2VPUTDU_LjnoeX2c7OpRcoc/s2048/A1923E79-09DD-4BE5-A649-F504B97EB56D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwBOWoSMhUPc43_hIy5c2YnszljWYeIMpYk1eTUVIBNu4rPm8Ka6UcPsIjM1R9JMoDt1aeSwl8JoRVNbTGiQa-q710fk54bN5epjFRr4pGKknLixwQNTY2VPUTDU_LjnoeX2c7OpRcoc/s16000/A1923E79-09DD-4BE5-A649-F504B97EB56D.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://elsenutrition.com/products/else-plant-based-complete-nutrition-for-toddler s?variant=35000865554582" target="_blank">Else Nutrition</a>: I was really excited to learn about this product because as you may know Georgia currently has an issue with dairy. We're hoping she will grow out of it but it's so reassuring to know that products like Else Nutrition are out there if she needs them. Else Nutrition is an organic, plant-based alternative to dairy/soy formulas. It is for 12 months and older and is great for supplementing, weaning, and general toddler nutrition. You can even add it into your smoothies and baked goods! Use code BabbleBoxx20 to save 20% off your first purchase.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNp_QdXF3YGr5MWd-G-IYSvuqOdikQLCcZlfc9YAMsQ1BlGZaHwwp38G27JqbWsNr58ojrdbZJgNRArqDVtvLSyCyzaaOctKgIc5ut6iMV6Kn8kwCV27ze21HldEMu6eedvhPRiH7q5g/s2048/C05BE281-A13D-4615-B40D-936545C5149D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNp_QdXF3YGr5MWd-G-IYSvuqOdikQLCcZlfc9YAMsQ1BlGZaHwwp38G27JqbWsNr58ojrdbZJgNRArqDVtvLSyCyzaaOctKgIc5ut6iMV6Kn8kwCV27ze21HldEMu6eedvhPRiH7q5g/s16000/C05BE281-A13D-4615-B40D-936545C5149D.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.reachoutandread.org" target="_blank">Reach Out and Read</a>: I have been familiar with this organization for a while now and just love what they do. Reach Out and Read promotes healthy child development by encouraging parents to read out loud to their children every day. They have the ability to reach so many children in the US because they work directly with pediatric care providers. Reading is such a great way to bond with your child and I have loved watching Avery's love for books grow over the years, we read each night before bed and it's definitely one of my favorite parts of the day together! Last year Reach Out and Read supported 4.5 million children and shared over 7 million books across the country!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZycNeLMSf_wAGwwhWSd5FtJPb2fOQGmHqmI4_FJQsnf6wI1BOWtzNSkLKvKQr1m-ibV-ikqKdFaHhV1A7KowwViD7NvQfyKDCRzUFXmT9GsM4i1JoCH7SH8Uw7Gj4Xsn5cPUaTpWCK90/s2048/5B8DD2C1-EB5C-4CFB-A8FB-743F217D1A8C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZycNeLMSf_wAGwwhWSd5FtJPb2fOQGmHqmI4_FJQsnf6wI1BOWtzNSkLKvKQr1m-ibV-ikqKdFaHhV1A7KowwViD7NvQfyKDCRzUFXmT9GsM4i1JoCH7SH8Uw7Gj4Xsn5cPUaTpWCK90/s16000/5B8DD2C1-EB5C-4CFB-A8FB-743F217D1A8C.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hFxVLNRATr44S15SXQDYUwVxQFsGiywbKtKfId4JiIw-phZjVRTpt3lRXb86Co3X7tjickmVqpeNX0MUqJpw-tndqVcN1TB3ogWgfXemLvhlrNUXDmPY_qJS0bqbG-g9yRnKfJpJ3BI/s2048/1990940C-2934-43B4-A689-3FA32ECDDAD7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hFxVLNRATr44S15SXQDYUwVxQFsGiywbKtKfId4JiIw-phZjVRTpt3lRXb86Co3X7tjickmVqpeNX0MUqJpw-tndqVcN1TB3ogWgfXemLvhlrNUXDmPY_qJS0bqbG-g9yRnKfJpJ3BI/s16000/1990940C-2934-43B4-A689-3FA32ECDDAD7.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed hearing a little bit about the latest and greatest toddler products for 2021! Motherhood is such a journey and I can totally see why they say raising a child takes a village. Thank you for letting me be a even a little part of your village, I'm so glad you're a part of mine! </div><p></p>
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</script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-40055531160869657992021-01-25T09:57:00.001-05:002021-01-25T09:59:24.027-05:00Luxury Spa Day At Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFbkFV8iUAEhcgx6QrVgxKoWo-9IWoY7VN-KB5kmfkcuDtZpcbK7I5S26j9HZCjB89IO3DORRxjz4HNwmE57Gjsw7kKdj7KvrVu5kSshHRAVRNX3TpMyzuGEcIRW7ARS2egqoMYCQiCU/s2048/13221143-11A6-4F42-8FC5-E57A715AF602.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFbkFV8iUAEhcgx6QrVgxKoWo-9IWoY7VN-KB5kmfkcuDtZpcbK7I5S26j9HZCjB89IO3DORRxjz4HNwmE57Gjsw7kKdj7KvrVu5kSshHRAVRNX3TpMyzuGEcIRW7ARS2egqoMYCQiCU/s16000/13221143-11A6-4F42-8FC5-E57A715AF602.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These days a full on spa day probably isn't in the cards, or at least not in the way it used to be. If you're missing that luxury self care experience, don't worry because you can still have it! And from the comfort of your own home too! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The best way to have a spa day at home is to have spa quality products to use. Today I'm sharing some of the newest products from ELEMIS, the #1 luxury British skincare brand. Thank you to ELEMIS for sending me these items to experience and review, as always all opinions are 100% my own! This post contains affiliate links.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWlZrgh33NhsZQ9j2oBxoTVqKI4KINilgqdqZlG1DY9cQmtqThPud-i9s2OPiUNf_L1Mz2DbBlU-2e9t9lFpeyRHrUXN2ZMpQDV8kjE9YO6XztA82b6IYo3mV3CMtEGOc6FZbI_rVV4c/s2048/478D3C7E-AF83-4272-877E-244DDBE45DA1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWlZrgh33NhsZQ9j2oBxoTVqKI4KINilgqdqZlG1DY9cQmtqThPud-i9s2OPiUNf_L1Mz2DbBlU-2e9t9lFpeyRHrUXN2ZMpQDV8kjE9YO6XztA82b6IYo3mV3CMtEGOc6FZbI_rVV4c/s16000/478D3C7E-AF83-4272-877E-244DDBE45DA1.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bq4ci" target="_blank">Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm</a>. I absolutely love cleansing balms and this one is no exception. It is so smooth and creamy when you apply it and helps to remove makeup and cleanse and nourish your skin. Take a deep breath as you're applying it, the scent is heavenly and will definitely make you feel like you're at the spa! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-90DrFTvReIvO0UpWpkuqLeUVY4-kSvv5tBrtAQUC_X_fCUG0qJ00_UeFOmigonvWin-X6XqcYSTtP5cSYvXjpuyJNpXylAfCl9z_jlTBKc0GXk1odHx-5IWywkpaoWVhlaYysYEWqQ/s2048/9A0E9B83-9B0A-4AB0-A85A-2E9D5C00A35B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-90DrFTvReIvO0UpWpkuqLeUVY4-kSvv5tBrtAQUC_X_fCUG0qJ00_UeFOmigonvWin-X6XqcYSTtP5cSYvXjpuyJNpXylAfCl9z_jlTBKc0GXk1odHx-5IWywkpaoWVhlaYysYEWqQ/s16000/9A0E9B83-9B0A-4AB0-A85A-2E9D5C00A35B.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next I applied the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bq4dY" target="_blank">Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30</a> and <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bq4cy" target="_blank">Pro-Collagen Eye Revive Mask</a>. I always look for products that contain SPF. Living in Florida it's especially important to protect my skin because the sun is (mostly) always shining. Sun damage is really bad for your skin and health in general, so I'm always taking extra precautions to protect my face from it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkb0z0RGPZ2s8kkNCgZyM-sRNv-ZuBeeFLXzleTbNVi9glvdW2wim6F1rMZCzeYVhViIuNQfgKV_qJ3PqT3Iaa6FexBgjxvzYK-r_jjaQ2s4rksdnzaGVR8kDbKfifOGdwo37O6RPLyto/s2048/EEE20D90-EB59-4F0F-8818-4C9F7F7854EB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkb0z0RGPZ2s8kkNCgZyM-sRNv-ZuBeeFLXzleTbNVi9glvdW2wim6F1rMZCzeYVhViIuNQfgKV_qJ3PqT3Iaa6FexBgjxvzYK-r_jjaQ2s4rksdnzaGVR8kDbKfifOGdwo37O6RPLyto/s16000/EEE20D90-EB59-4F0F-8818-4C9F7F7854EB.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a mom to two, one of whom still doesn't sleep through the night, I am always rocking some dark under-eye circles. The Eye Revive Mask is anti-wrinkle and plums and smooths the under-eye area. So far these products have felt amazing on the skin and I can't wait to see the results as I continue using them over time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing to keep in mind if you're planning to try and replicate the spa experience at home is there will be an up front cost to purchase luxury skin care products. But if you consider the cost of a facial or other spa treatments, it is actually really cost effective to do it at home! You get to have the spa experience again and again, every time you use your products. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp4_XamisbbHBdiSmR1CHBk8nTOtvlBRGlr8stHEJbUp0jqAcZj4y-0gOfxIcVpDqS7ONvQqnqM9HvF5cFpXpej0fpOIwyf5B2N_Z1kVijFMos_I-cQHPLqysp9Is4Ps82406LS0mHds/s2048/9983C139-6C20-4219-AA01-223BB7844F22.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWp4_XamisbbHBdiSmR1CHBk8nTOtvlBRGlr8stHEJbUp0jqAcZj4y-0gOfxIcVpDqS7ONvQqnqM9HvF5cFpXpej0fpOIwyf5B2N_Z1kVijFMos_I-cQHPLqysp9Is4Ps82406LS0mHds/s16000/9983C139-6C20-4219-AA01-223BB7844F22.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished off my skin care with the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bq4ff" target="_blank">Pro-Collagen Rose Hydro Mist</a>. This is one of my favorite products! It is an anti-wrinkle serum in mist form. It feels so refreshing and is a great last step for your skin care or makeup routine. When using it as a makeup setting spray I especially appreciate the fine mist as it does not mess anything up and feels so light on the face. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MasaBWFYmYDm9w9LbXb6eufH2xpmL3U94jPGrkEHUl7TA63wocProQBPJmjrUxAUQks1cjP1ojE7qmX2vqXzk0cAMwavUoGhJ6O0RaL9okh-cHm0EW2WqQSX7IUqr-DT57NtMOCzPZM/s2048/4309D188-943E-4C76-9FD3-D950D77EEDD7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MasaBWFYmYDm9w9LbXb6eufH2xpmL3U94jPGrkEHUl7TA63wocProQBPJmjrUxAUQks1cjP1ojE7qmX2vqXzk0cAMwavUoGhJ6O0RaL9okh-cHm0EW2WqQSX7IUqr-DT57NtMOCzPZM/s16000/4309D188-943E-4C76-9FD3-D950D77EEDD7.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another must have for your spa day is a super luxe robe! Mine is from <a href="https://www.keikico.com/products/luxury-shorty-spa-robe?variant=36635854012571" target="_blank">Keiki Co</a> and is just the softest! I'm wearing the <a href="https://www.keikico.com/products/luxury-shorty-spa-robe?variant=36635854012571" target="_blank">Luxury Shorty Spa Robe in white</a>. Although this was a mommy-only day, my girls can join in on a kid-friendly spa day in their matching robes someday. You can use code SSS to save 20% on your entire order from Keiki Co. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kN7ockxYim9lTxfZWBIkouVanYWOcreuh5d_M92mInlpIMv1Q_nUTTkTW5VJkEoqUi3YkVpRxX1bZIOI1mjvHNwCHSgKli7RST45ghavNUROEH6p9LeriGZU_qMPhp8DCvpMCwY_daU/s2048/8142656A-8F9A-4A6E-90E6-5ECA830B386F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kN7ockxYim9lTxfZWBIkouVanYWOcreuh5d_M92mInlpIMv1Q_nUTTkTW5VJkEoqUi3YkVpRxX1bZIOI1mjvHNwCHSgKli7RST45ghavNUROEH6p9LeriGZU_qMPhp8DCvpMCwY_daU/s16000/8142656A-8F9A-4A6E-90E6-5ECA830B386F.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">ELEMIS also has incredible bath and body products. I actually started my spa day with a nice hot shower! My favorite body product is the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bq4jb" target="_blank">Lime and Ginger Salt Glow</a>. It smells amazing - I did a lot of deep breathing in the shower while using this, just so relaxing and refreshing! My skin felt incredibly soft too. Will definitely be making this product part of my shower routine.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqJrky_E8xAjQ5-59XkdW0E70k9t4vahDhd7dWzEjG9hDroPMzoL5k36xD4gEMvmLQY8F-9GIFp3WnW5tPvmSUzqwDbg8AkO6leiKqY7oAFXVEKtaDyRDenuKQw6jzV8nmmt7tQSYDm8/s1500/Luxury+spa+day+at+home.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqJrky_E8xAjQ5-59XkdW0E70k9t4vahDhd7dWzEjG9hDroPMzoL5k36xD4gEMvmLQY8F-9GIFp3WnW5tPvmSUzqwDbg8AkO6leiKqY7oAFXVEKtaDyRDenuKQw6jzV8nmmt7tQSYDm8/s16000/Luxury+spa+day+at+home.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After my self care morning I felt super refreshed and ready to take on the day! I hope everyone is taking extra good care of themselves given the crazy stressful times we are living in. Even if you're not able to escape to a spa or resort, hopefully this post inspired you to create a spa in your own home for yourself. If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned feel free to leave them in the comments below and I'll get back to you right away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now a question for you - if you could only have one skin care product, which would it be? I would have to go with the <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/bq4dY" target="_blank">Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30</a> because it is so nourishing for your skin and protects your face from sun damage. Let me know your pick below!</div>
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<div data-sc-widget-id="P-600df36c1486e867809534a7"></div><script async="" src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script><br />Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-88461054686433888102021-01-14T20:00:00.001-05:002021-01-14T20:00:15.724-05:002021 Word of the Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_ErHGARFlN37z-gVjSlOpIzE6IrXki4u6VvRqzSXQzQBTfJu8GHcpjYhPcaW9cpgzL9jWvxTHWxBqQ_0GWsYseREjlO6GxGxBUeoG2wm5CS0PAmy274J1toEUvRMMvO5j9kpHYoDGHk/s2048/IMG_0979+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_ErHGARFlN37z-gVjSlOpIzE6IrXki4u6VvRqzSXQzQBTfJu8GHcpjYhPcaW9cpgzL9jWvxTHWxBqQ_0GWsYseREjlO6GxGxBUeoG2wm5CS0PAmy274J1toEUvRMMvO5j9kpHYoDGHk/s16000/IMG_0979+2.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two years ago I chose a <a href="https://www.sugarspiceandsparkle.com/2019/01/my-2019-word-of-year.html">word of the year</a>, and though its meaning ended up taking a different shape than what I'd planned for it, that word ended up carrying me through two of the hardest years of my life. </div><p><br /></p><p>Since I ended up relying heavily on my word of the year through many different stages of life I decided it was time to pick another word for 2021. I may be a couple weeks late but it took me this long to figure out exactly what I needed my word of the year to be and what exactly it was going to mean to me. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>My word for 2021 is HOPE. It seems like such a simple word but it took me a while to get here! I actually was listening to the radio and the song that was on mentioned hope and it was a bit of a lightbulb moment. I really should have thought of it sooner considering my own boutique is called <a href="http://www.shopsparkhope.com" target="_blank">Spark Hope</a>!</p><p><br /></p><p>A quick google search for the official definition of hope yielded several fitting answers:</p><p><br /></p><p>Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes. It also means a feeling of trust. </p><p><br /></p><p>Based on these definitions I would say I used to be a very hopeful person, and I want to rediscover that piece of me. Of course I never can be or will be as naive as I once was in my hope, but I don't think that it is good to live life without some sort of hope. </p><p><br /></p><p>This year I plan to work a lot on my faith. I have always been a very faithful person, even through my dad fighting cancer and ultimately losing him. My faith definitely took a hit but I have been fighting to hold onto it and finally feel like I have enough of my footing back to grow in my faith again. I know it won't be an easy journey but I have hope.</p><p><br /></p><p>As always 100% of my life is not shared online, because my life is not 100% mine to share. There are always things going on behind the scenes so to speak and what I will say in regards to that is I have hope that everything will be okay. It has taken, and will continue to take, a lot of work to find and hold onto that hope but I have to do it. </p><p><br /></p><p>I'm hopeful that things will return to a more "normal" state this year. I want to take my kids to story time at the library, have play dates with friends old and new, see my family without worry, and go to freaking Disney! I miss our weekend outings so much! I feel like there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel and my biggest hope is that by this summer I can throw Georgia a first birthday with all of our loved ones!</p><p><br /></p><p>Do you have a word for this year? I'd love if you shared it with me in the comments below!</p>
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</script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-55349781523442012452020-12-08T20:39:00.001-05:002020-12-08T20:39:47.042-05:00Life Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzA2AvDpM7auk2bo4_teGJJ_yUh47Hw_puIgvIZWhmOA6cCo63gb3ggz75itNooLOGqMMAlSuCSMtCXcNnhyphenhyphene6DodjPq33c7uadEzuPdEnHFSj66FdB8gBTfF8SvAwwAuAY9xhCW9uzA/s1500/Life+Lately.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzA2AvDpM7auk2bo4_teGJJ_yUh47Hw_puIgvIZWhmOA6cCo63gb3ggz75itNooLOGqMMAlSuCSMtCXcNnhyphenhyphene6DodjPq33c7uadEzuPdEnHFSj66FdB8gBTfF8SvAwwAuAY9xhCW9uzA/s16000/Life+Lately.png" /></a></div><br /><p>Typical me *comes up with huge, unrealistic expectations for myself* *fails miserable at achieving them*. I knew blogging daily or close to it wouldn't last long, it's been over a month since my last general life happenings post, but it is what it is! Life is absolutely crazy lately and by the time both girls are in bed the only energy I have left goes towards tucking myself into bed. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>But like I said, life has been crazy which means I have a lot of updates! So here we are! Thank goodness I take pictures mostly every day because they are quite literally my memories, I have to look back to recall what went on on any particular day. Mom brain I suppose. So here are the top moments of the last couple weeks:</p><p><br /></p><p>Back in early November we put our Christmas decor up! We are big into Christmas around here so I was excited to decorate. Growing up we always decorated the weekend after Thanksgiving but now it seems like the trend is the weekend after Halloween! Fine by me! I still haven't gotten 100% of our decor out though, it's so hard to find the time with these two cuties running me ragged!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6O93rWifweSF3MMb9F5zx28CsPXKhB-dtHAPTsnrPHmX-9WRTVo5ScyGIUzUFC34kyeOSnGrZ2zhEorAkF_g9ctH_qFcbXGYFmy4Jlh8Q30rUiPaiMwvciZVUvfeiwVtjhDTqOnFslI/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0c0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6O93rWifweSF3MMb9F5zx28CsPXKhB-dtHAPTsnrPHmX-9WRTVo5ScyGIUzUFC34kyeOSnGrZ2zhEorAkF_g9ctH_qFcbXGYFmy4Jlh8Q30rUiPaiMwvciZVUvfeiwVtjhDTqOnFslI/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0c0.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnNX1Q4ZVEkIv5hwrIExHmnGizLFzYoOLNDxos92FD4dz2PZ-inmhfdcRq8eC44ICIoyWNXOR4upb-_WN-n7DlQDBv9FrWlz9FZqzivgmIBrZBgpJpbXJuxjtjgTA22tytSBYntywlug/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0c1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnNX1Q4ZVEkIv5hwrIExHmnGizLFzYoOLNDxos92FD4dz2PZ-inmhfdcRq8eC44ICIoyWNXOR4upb-_WN-n7DlQDBv9FrWlz9FZqzivgmIBrZBgpJpbXJuxjtjgTA22tytSBYntywlug/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0c1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKMSX6L9Aw4M5iu7qZdYzPsnnEl2AERHcO6kFrNUrW1hWGwD6yh32hisBa3XwrCNOFAyZ2ti9NgUjel8MVA1topfXANos46D9G0PSEA3stskd7a9Hyb7CYPZl_NsvsZhl06bn-apulOM/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0c2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKMSX6L9Aw4M5iu7qZdYzPsnnEl2AERHcO6kFrNUrW1hWGwD6yh32hisBa3XwrCNOFAyZ2ti9NgUjel8MVA1topfXANos46D9G0PSEA3stskd7a9Hyb7CYPZl_NsvsZhl06bn-apulOM/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0c2.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One big to-do that had been on my list was getting Georgia baptized. I finally called our church and they said they just started doing them again in October (had stopped in March) so that made me feel less behind the ball. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a very nice ceremony but also very 2020 - masks and only the deacon, us, and her grandparents in attendance. Our church is super strict on masks and didn't even want us to take them off in the parking lot, so no maskless pictures. Oh well, it will just be part of my 2020 baby's story!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX4GvTk2iu1Q0otauaFd8aEXrz8WbvfjHpLqGGka5nF6FfpZGb5nJEOzO_K3-vB1XVwaVR2QFkQAhAuXg8HMrbcAWFwuud7Ko2dJoI0JCmoEaSEnqkIktI3msHR_Ai8xlDXWEMmDTrqA/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0e7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX4GvTk2iu1Q0otauaFd8aEXrz8WbvfjHpLqGGka5nF6FfpZGb5nJEOzO_K3-vB1XVwaVR2QFkQAhAuXg8HMrbcAWFwuud7Ko2dJoI0JCmoEaSEnqkIktI3msHR_Ai8xlDXWEMmDTrqA/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0e7.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few days later we celebrated Georgia's half birthday with a photo-shoot (sorry baby girl, it's just how I roll). Luckily at 6 months old they're still good sports about taking pics! I had fun making her sweet onesie and got the 1/2 crown from Amazon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Literally can not believe my baby is 6 months old. Just HOW?! How did that happen? This year has been such a blur, it has been slow but flown by at the same time. It's so funny how time works. I feel like I just had her but then again I can't remember life without her. Love this happy girl!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8nHaNJlq7TlgPXAS1tnImKhd0pLJ1evRCUV-Xf6CphKJzjdd2y2ASKJsMAgiqOPNMSVZiwtqsvI3xkLkE1xCiNpfL7EVt2n4KpaNXHGe1HNPCdK7e7zobYJx5PKkCXot5X6O1_PAeEQ/s2048/IMG_9249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8nHaNJlq7TlgPXAS1tnImKhd0pLJ1evRCUV-Xf6CphKJzjdd2y2ASKJsMAgiqOPNMSVZiwtqsvI3xkLkE1xCiNpfL7EVt2n4KpaNXHGe1HNPCdK7e7zobYJx5PKkCXot5X6O1_PAeEQ/s16000/IMG_9249.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbidzCEYRL2C4KseGPZAOAndufBK-Vh4jl0Q2XTp9xua1Y2g1d-wA5f8G9OMwahBeJ0PF4B3fkZuNsmo9XjsXpATpq4FmXMMBE6k1fZVA2_pXJ5-81tYmCnopplkUrYg_gUO7-eFoLI_8/s2048/IMG_5899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbidzCEYRL2C4KseGPZAOAndufBK-Vh4jl0Q2XTp9xua1Y2g1d-wA5f8G9OMwahBeJ0PF4B3fkZuNsmo9XjsXpATpq4FmXMMBE6k1fZVA2_pXJ5-81tYmCnopplkUrYg_gUO7-eFoLI_8/s16000/IMG_5899.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the first time in forever we got out of the house for something fun as a family! Give Kids the World partnered with Disney and decorated their Village for Christmas. It was all outside and very un-crowded since we went early. We had so much fun, again with the mask pictures, but 2020 is what it is. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u5S4XM528sYeGVkdwUz4RaaA_Dxf1Ec-SkgQwb4WNz-B3e6m-CHxVWrCiGEuRXYjV7VIcPBBeD9cgQZsTv5EiVCkpAljAvvbeqpkL6tOLYp_lBoXQdGxpW7CvX4VJy8J4hNoZHDD6WA/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0c7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u5S4XM528sYeGVkdwUz4RaaA_Dxf1Ec-SkgQwb4WNz-B3e6m-CHxVWrCiGEuRXYjV7VIcPBBeD9cgQZsTv5EiVCkpAljAvvbeqpkL6tOLYp_lBoXQdGxpW7CvX4VJy8J4hNoZHDD6WA/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0c7.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They even had their carousel running so we got to go on it and had the whole thing to ourselves! Avery was in heaven! It made me happy but also sad because I just wish we could be going to Disney all the time like we used to, she is old enough now to really enjoy the rides!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhAwjERNF3__Om7xxE0cg3pYlBEY6s73tqaW9XeNkMK6MiHjeqiOsN6noznQVnRPFwLGEh0S9Ytwn-RReytaL5aTp3qngyh7qj7fr72btAeHJ3yyekclL9722scZ6XIAYHtP2hpD1ZTo/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0cc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhAwjERNF3__Om7xxE0cg3pYlBEY6s73tqaW9XeNkMK6MiHjeqiOsN6noznQVnRPFwLGEh0S9Ytwn-RReytaL5aTp3qngyh7qj7fr72btAeHJ3yyekclL9722scZ6XIAYHtP2hpD1ZTo/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0cc.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkOV257xIZUkkCKE1i4RiMG2aiX4VqzayOdprN1Zu6L5F36dxvJyu0lh3tNCMqEfW1tgFpJK2ihYvgHnsycDNOvV9HivpjtXikR8tpCgs6vULTbqdTCcQWcFBl10aJlpxwJVfUP7lNkk/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0cf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkOV257xIZUkkCKE1i4RiMG2aiX4VqzayOdprN1Zu6L5F36dxvJyu0lh3tNCMqEfW1tgFpJK2ihYvgHnsycDNOvV9HivpjtXikR8tpCgs6vULTbqdTCcQWcFBl10aJlpxwJVfUP7lNkk/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0cf.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Avery has been working on her sight words and is doing amazing! She just blows me away! I constantly am reminding myself that she is still two. On this day we took a picture because she knew the entire first rocket! By now she knows the whole 2nd one too! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jwDDqi8mviRVzMFDVT97T28P0BpWuByExC6OZWajJNUNGsT-D6p2jxGoJPUJDw0TeyAlXufSRJcACLeg5gG_zDj-DSoJKhsFeG_fWZhNh1PeicCZJLBGh8o8Ou6lZXfK5i4NxQskoQs/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0d1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jwDDqi8mviRVzMFDVT97T28P0BpWuByExC6OZWajJNUNGsT-D6p2jxGoJPUJDw0TeyAlXufSRJcACLeg5gG_zDj-DSoJKhsFeG_fWZhNh1PeicCZJLBGh8o8Ou6lZXfK5i4NxQskoQs/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0d1.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanksgiving was a nice day but also very tough. Last year my dad passed away on Thanksgiving day and though the actual date was different this year it was heartbreaking to be celebrating without him. Every celebration he is missed, and the holidays just aren't the same. It is so bitter-sweet though because it's also Georgia's first holiday season which is always so sweet. I know he would just want us to be happy and to enjoy these two precious babies, but it doesn't stop us from missing him.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjNzv7IHmmxdKIqovdWKTryfxHOmT9-euRVFMS6rtUhND82_g2ULebDE4BOQxEA4NyEZ5qaBSMHBOafm9W0XG9AYccs1idcgvGnwIJOp5Sb1Mdlc7aPo0tPzrgREoMtw9gqzZSOhD5hw/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0d2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjNzv7IHmmxdKIqovdWKTryfxHOmT9-euRVFMS6rtUhND82_g2ULebDE4BOQxEA4NyEZ5qaBSMHBOafm9W0XG9AYccs1idcgvGnwIJOp5Sb1Mdlc7aPo0tPzrgREoMtw9gqzZSOhD5hw/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0d2.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Less than two weeks ago we got this little table out of the attic because Georgia loves to be in the standing position so we thought she would like it. Well little did we know that it would quickly turn into her being able to stand at it without holding on and then taking her first steps! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This child has been wild since she was in utero I swear! Getting ahead of myself here but now she is able to go all around the sides of this table without help, she can grab onto the ottoman when it's next to this table and work her way down that too. Girl gets around! She is a very determined little 15lb bundle of joy!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxME7I73q-_LyVhKcm7f52a5LzhePhcX8APqMTb2Mpd0QqrUyC4CRqkCfVG6pvyYMtSUZGK9frklQGLJTgK15Y1LK0KwaUpuUjS8CSknmunROk9huVyU2v3iirQZkx3DfSQvSTIDEx4fI/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0d5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxME7I73q-_LyVhKcm7f52a5LzhePhcX8APqMTb2Mpd0QqrUyC4CRqkCfVG6pvyYMtSUZGK9frklQGLJTgK15Y1LK0KwaUpuUjS8CSknmunROk9huVyU2v3iirQZkx3DfSQvSTIDEx4fI/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0d5.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Probably the biggest news as of late (which will be a whole separate post of its own) is that I am done breastfeeding. For a number of reasons I decided it was time to start weaning when G turned 6 months. I won't get into details here but it was (is) a rollercoaster. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Honestly getting Georgia (and myself) adjusted to formula life has been taking up most of my focus the past couple weeks. Breastfeeding is a full time job all the way to the bitter end that is for sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you probably know I had to be dairy free for her while breastfeeding, so once I was no longer giving her any breastmilk I got myself a Chick-fil-A peppermint milkshake - my absolute fav! And promptly after drinking it felt like complete crap! Apparently if you go 6 months dairy free you need to ease back in. Again, more details to come on that, but yeah I am still trying to take it slow on the dairy!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mYrRBC57ghBrdQRMjCxl9aiV2pfCP_d5DT42-ch0ICKOgbY2Qu4v9DPf8_ga6p2XqAfvtWBXmj2PjALrAAqNqQEVf712wqTKkAjf828gzxezWUvlpm0SZArBfDR3eoWdBcCuPl6t0-I/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0d7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mYrRBC57ghBrdQRMjCxl9aiV2pfCP_d5DT42-ch0ICKOgbY2Qu4v9DPf8_ga6p2XqAfvtWBXmj2PjALrAAqNqQEVf712wqTKkAjf828gzxezWUvlpm0SZArBfDR3eoWdBcCuPl6t0-I/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0d7.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a huge Black Friday sale for Spark Hope. I am so grateful for the support I received on that! Brian took this pic as he was helping me pack some of the orders. I'm so glad he did too, this gives you a glimpse into what you're supporting when you shop small - a family!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJb8RxsdnBnOEHCepbKksrmhuhs3_N-ucQecY44ahLdqmcIyrSUJKXkBOkE8kNCbWPIbLWjoqli02Yy_3h6Wkj8iUXUoGG0h0IXCyHER1ONNSmfFM9W9yaCGjnN3Xzl_3StQ74tu1zTo/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0d8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJb8RxsdnBnOEHCepbKksrmhuhs3_N-ucQecY44ahLdqmcIyrSUJKXkBOkE8kNCbWPIbLWjoqli02Yy_3h6Wkj8iUXUoGG0h0IXCyHER1ONNSmfFM9W9yaCGjnN3Xzl_3StQ74tu1zTo/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0d8.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I snapped this teary-eyed selfie with my sweet little peach the day I was going through all the baby clothes that no longer fit. 99% of Georgia's clothes thus far have been hand me downs from Avery, which just made it that much more emotional because I can remember all the times both of them wore any given outfit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm selling a few of the really nice or never worn things on my Poshmark and donating the rest. I still can't believe how much of a blink the newborn stage is. I knew it was quick and I tried to cherish it but it still just flew by. I could help but cry my eyes out as I sorted through everything. Brian came in the room as I was getting emotional and I said "I don't want another one but I miss having a tiny newborn already!".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwURcg1O-c4UyCD72WJqtrwOw-Ezvw9jp3nVKkolJWMeL1IZGC8HLXid5UvBajRoXrm7QVGuc2ssTCZ58_vSbpyG7itrDdT-t33j8aCo_Ard5EDSPUxN4tzKCuhq7Ytvdm4cnuC7gc7g/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0da.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwURcg1O-c4UyCD72WJqtrwOw-Ezvw9jp3nVKkolJWMeL1IZGC8HLXid5UvBajRoXrm7QVGuc2ssTCZ58_vSbpyG7itrDdT-t33j8aCo_Ard5EDSPUxN4tzKCuhq7Ytvdm4cnuC7gc7g/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0da.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here we are, all caught up! Last update to add is that my first baby has been the absolute best big sister lately. I think with Georgia actually doing things now Avery is starting to have more fun with her. Every day she comes in after Georgia's naps and says in the sweetest voice "Hi sweet baby!" "Hi little angel!" "Hi cutie!" and then asks to hold her in the chair. Ugh - it melts me. I hope they are best best friends for life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5sMPRPYJfRZ-WZmeNbFZpINgzhTHJTVnncjIOODHDt67ol2zlNxL_IBf_FC17qEnOvf0TvbsKkT4iN8YQUIRmvvZqQm81Dqn4cEiTkcdzvXi1aeh46KjIe0DwEMUFLL-K_Uk4xnV8r0/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0be.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5sMPRPYJfRZ-WZmeNbFZpINgzhTHJTVnncjIOODHDt67ol2zlNxL_IBf_FC17qEnOvf0TvbsKkT4iN8YQUIRmvvZqQm81Dqn4cEiTkcdzvXi1aeh46KjIe0DwEMUFLL-K_Uk4xnV8r0/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0be.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Phew! That was a lot - I'll try not to wait so long next time! I just wanted to make sure to document it all so I can look back and never forget anything. Love to all who made it this far! Thank you for being here and loving on me and my family!</div>
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Contains affiliate links.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><i><br /></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_2GxtNW_4CqZih1e1Ef6AGGAH9DXDWwXRAe15NPrhtE52WQe_l-CYcZU2ske58aaS62k4aU9jYJDxNUseAVeDZ4YiZanXk17_D6fOro9afIKBCYg4Y8UeOKpAlwziXTpNSPc3E5i04c/s1500/HALF+BIRTHDAY+ONESIE.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_2GxtNW_4CqZih1e1Ef6AGGAH9DXDWwXRAe15NPrhtE52WQe_l-CYcZU2ske58aaS62k4aU9jYJDxNUseAVeDZ4YiZanXk17_D6fOro9afIKBCYg4Y8UeOKpAlwziXTpNSPc3E5i04c/s16000/HALF+BIRTHDAY+ONESIE.png" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Is a <a href="https://bit.ly/35FLne9" target="_blank">Cricut Joy machine</a> a good holiday gift? Just look at that onesie I made! The short and simple answer is YES! Now let me tell you why. And read through for the "half" onesie tutorial!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">If you’ve been a follower of mine for a looooong time, then you know I started my blogging journey as a crafter (<a href="http://kraftiekatie19.blogspot.com" target="_blank">KraftieKatie</a>). I got my first Cricut machine when I was in college. This was back when you had to purchase physical cartridges, before <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=972254&u=1826821&m=51766&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Cricut Access</a> was a thing! I became obsessed with paper crafts and was constantly collecting new cartridges. I still have them all too, though they don’t get much use because now we have the magical Cricut Access to find designs on!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Jump ahead a few years and now I am the proud owner of a <a href="https://bit.ly/35FLne9" target="_blank">Cricut Joy machine</a>! And it truly is a Joy - the possibilities are endless with it. It’s small in size but big in capabilities! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3gpW3l9" target="_blank"><b>Cricut Joy Pens and Markers</b></a> - you can personalize your projects with a “handwritten” touch without lifting a finger. I love how you can choose from so many colors of pens and markers to find the perfect match for your project.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3gt05sR" target="_blank"><b>Smart Materials</b></a> - many materials are available made just for Cricut Joy. Using Smart materials there is no need for trimming to size or for a cutting mat! Just load and go!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://bit.ly/36XYKr5" target="_blank"><b>Continuous Cuts</b></a> - speaking of Smart materials, when you use them you can cut a continuous design up to 20 feet! Hello birthday banners and more!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://bit.ly/2IzGWJq" target="_blank">Infusible Ink</a> and Iron On Vinyl</b> - if you caught <a href="https://www.sugarspiceandsparkle.com/2020/11/cricut-joy-holiday-gift-idea-girl-dad.html" target="_blank">this post</a> or <a href="https://www.sugarspiceandsparkle.com/2020/08/3-beginner-projects-with-cricut-joy.html" target="_blank">this one</a> you know I’m a huge fan of Infusible Ink! I can easily make shirts for my whole family with my Cricut Joy and <a href="https://bit.ly/2Etx7KE" target="_blank">Easy Press 2</a>. I just can’t get over how professional the result is with Infusible Ink!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://bit.ly/3gyRB3t" target="_blank"><b>Custom Cards</b></a> - with the Card Mat, <a href="https://bit.ly/372Ln97" target="_blank">Insert Cards</a>, and your Cricut Joy you can make custom cards in a snap. I always love giving someone a card made by my Cricut because they are always blown away by how gorgeous they are and the fact that it’s homemade.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">If you have a craft-lover in your life, I would highly recommend a <a href="https://bit.ly/35FLne9" target="_blank">Cricut Joy</a>, or any of the Cricut machines, as a gift this year! Cricut is having a fantastic sale at the moment so definitely check it out or stock up on supplies if you already are a Cricut lover!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">When Georgia turned 6 months old I knew I wanted to do something special for her so after I purchased her 1/2 crown I decided to make a onesie to match! I used the following materials:</p><p style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/35FLne9" target="_blank">Cricut Joy</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/2Etx7KE" target="_blank">Cricut Easy Press 2</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/3lWtNru" target="_blank">Blank Baby Bodysuit</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">- <a href="https://bit.ly/3fmZubR" target="_blank">Smart Iron-On Glitter</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi3mrmsDEfmuPvM4k0WOYlDElQigPxMnzPico3KO72dJ9sPinWh6PM3ByWZDW43vCHfGQMycfDRn21R8W-oKyrrVPzgPBUUOnq71VgHuvzbxpJr7ZBwxB8TDBmLcHm_tgh7adbbmxGu8/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0ba.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi3mrmsDEfmuPvM4k0WOYlDElQigPxMnzPico3KO72dJ9sPinWh6PM3ByWZDW43vCHfGQMycfDRn21R8W-oKyrrVPzgPBUUOnq71VgHuvzbxpJr7ZBwxB8TDBmLcHm_tgh7adbbmxGu8/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0ba.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Making it could not have been simpler! I just picked out a font I liked in Cricut Design Studio, typed out "half", and loaded my Smart Iron-On into my Joy. Cut, weed, then apply with the Easy Press 2! <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CR6zTGqvOP6xuQtexxXQKsXxyARAXgFLb3CM4Ouv3NL_lphd30Um1Dbs5THey_YbAbrT_RwpjYshvzQKOH3p8m1vlurG_l0Iamg4aefOr8J-lBr_AyPQ9R0JCcpm5u6PTQGS35XBTTk/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0bb.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1849" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CR6zTGqvOP6xuQtexxXQKsXxyARAXgFLb3CM4Ouv3NL_lphd30Um1Dbs5THey_YbAbrT_RwpjYshvzQKOH3p8m1vlurG_l0Iamg4aefOr8J-lBr_AyPQ9R0JCcpm5u6PTQGS35XBTTk/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0bb.jpeg" /></a></div><br /></div><div>This project really took me 15 minutes or less, and the result made for some adorable photos of my baby girl!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwBaFQJ2HbEqDFyuclYHfL8NhqJ_gyW98yvxLLDzn3HJNuekrACvuarrLWs3pMexGIjIMGo-3_krmpUNKgB2e8KnRl2aBXzPN0TcIFKdeiOoCLcAn1rFhN2t3ZRv7ARxkKZMEMhN-JX8/s2048/fullsizeoutput_f0bc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwBaFQJ2HbEqDFyuclYHfL8NhqJ_gyW98yvxLLDzn3HJNuekrACvuarrLWs3pMexGIjIMGo-3_krmpUNKgB2e8KnRl2aBXzPN0TcIFKdeiOoCLcAn1rFhN2t3ZRv7ARxkKZMEMhN-JX8/s16000/fullsizeoutput_f0bc.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNuExiH_lW8d2J6MqRQFehB6zyp_EAYkjjvt-ya-W650AYzilpLzx60h03mqvZteYleMufH253wmAW44lkMKbvwBySl2WA-u8mFzN6mXFEkRE8cuGBpGmmp9usN75S2A18HbIf2tqc_U/s2048/IMG_9249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNuExiH_lW8d2J6MqRQFehB6zyp_EAYkjjvt-ya-W650AYzilpLzx60h03mqvZteYleMufH253wmAW44lkMKbvwBySl2WA-u8mFzN6mXFEkRE8cuGBpGmmp9usN75S2A18HbIf2tqc_U/s16000/IMG_9249.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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</script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-7107322631258738382020-11-29T19:43:00.001-05:002020-11-29T19:43:11.774-05:00Lessons From My Dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1CoNY7sgKgKB1vvq4ZAEf_zipcJY6EOu2G6TSQMr-BbzEq_lLTnkpHtWn9aPji4ZuQP1wIvYDa_qCkQ8olbLvi486vDaxNdaGqHs8U08_jO0w4egx8-w_I4QrdV7mtlTIT-BRouL5k8/s1500/3F67FFE3-DE53-4505-B6BE-D28A9B0B1ACC.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1CoNY7sgKgKB1vvq4ZAEf_zipcJY6EOu2G6TSQMr-BbzEq_lLTnkpHtWn9aPji4ZuQP1wIvYDa_qCkQ8olbLvi486vDaxNdaGqHs8U08_jO0w4egx8-w_I4QrdV7mtlTIT-BRouL5k8/s16000/3F67FFE3-DE53-4505-B6BE-D28A9B0B1ACC.png" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>May 5th, October 1st, October 18th, November 28th, December 5th</p><p><br /></p><p>The worst days of my life. We’ve passed the one year mark, even two years, for most of these, but today is the worst one. The day we lost my dad. I have pages and pages of sadness written out. Trying to explain how I feel, how grief feels, trying to make others understand. But no matter how sad my story is and no matter how well I explain what grief is like, until you experience it you won’t know. So I changed my mind on what I want to say on this one year anniversary of the worst day of my life, I want to tell you about my Dad.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>Where to even begin? My Dad was one of a kind. God I hate using past tense. My Dad IS one of a kind, I haven’t met anyone like him before and I doubt I ever will. My Dad taught me so many lessons. He played a huge role in making me who I am today. He was a good man, he loved his family more than anything in the world and worked hard for us every single day of his life. Nothing made him happier than to see everyone he loved happy.</p><p><br /></p><p>These are the lessons that stand out most in my mind from him that I'd like to share with you.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Life’s Not Fair</b></p><p>Wow Dad, you really took this lesson to the extreme. Live life as you should, follow the rules, always do the right thing, be a good human being only to get a deadly form of cancer at a relatively young age. Talk about not fair. My Dad always told me this whenever I was complaining about anything. “Life’s not fair and the sooner you realize that the better off you’ll be” he’d say. And he was right. He was right, he is right, and he’ll always be right. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Pros and Cons To Everything</b></p><p>This is probably the thing I quote most from my Dad. He would say it all the time, whenever there was decision making involved. My mom and I would (and still do) discuss things endlessly and I think he would often get a little annoyed with us - ha! He would cut right to the chase - “there’s pros and cons to everything”. What he meant was that there’s not often going to be a perfectly clear cut, 100% perfect option when it comes to making most decisions in life. You can find the pros and cons to just about everything. I think about this all the time and it is just so true in every situation. My Dad never got to be very old, but clearly he somehow got to be wise before his time. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Music</b></p><p>One of the greatest gifts that my Dad gave me was my love for music. My entire life he was always introducing me to new kinds of music, bringing instruments into the house, and taking me to concerts. I will definitely be continuing on his legacy in that way with my daughters because music is one of life’s biggest blessings. It can make us feel so many different emotions and take us back to moments in time. Live music is something I haven’t heard much of since he passed and I miss it terribly. I can’t count the number of concerts my Dad and I went to together. Probably hundreds, and I am so SO grateful for all of those memories. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Don’t Be A Victim </b></p><p>Pity parties were not something my Dad was a fan of. Unfortunately for him he ended up having a very emotional daughter, who often dealt with her problems through tears. I remember him getting upset with my one time when I was crying over my school schedule not working out, he wanted me to take action, get it fixed, do what I had to do to make it the way I wanted. I kind of yelled back at him that I was doing all that, I just needed to cry while I did it. And he accepted that. </p><p><br /></p><p>Again, he got to show his true colors with this lesson and he upheld it for sure. When the cancer had spread and the doctors said there was nothing else they could do, he still didn’t play the victim card. He said, “I may not be the luckiest guy in the world, but I’m certainly not the unluckiest”. I don’t think I’ll ever forget him saying that and how blown away I was (and am) by that response. Only the good die young, it’s true. </p><p><br /></p><p>It’s kind of funny now being a parent myself and experiencing true hardship in life, I find myself being just like my Dad. I understand now why it was so frustrating for him to see me get SO upset over such small problems. I get it now, Dad.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">It Is Better To Give Than To Receive</h4><p>I think it’s my mom who actually says this phrase, but both my mom and dad have always lived it to the fullest. My dad was always the one there to help family and friends with whatever they needed. From advice, to lending tools, to lending a hand. He was constantly bringing home gift wrap, cookies, and popcorn from supporting his co-workers’ kids’ fundraisers (all the while never wanting to bother anyone by bringing my fundraisers into work). In our family he was always the one everyone called with any technology questions or if they wanted to know how to fix something with their house or car. He was always happy to help and never did it with any expectation of the other person owing him anything. He was certainly my go-to when it came to pretty much everything. I deeply miss his counsel on decisions big and small.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Live Like No One Else So You Can Live Like No One Else</b></p><p>He used to always say this quote, I’m not sure if he heard it from someone or came up with it but I’ll give the credit to him. “Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else”. This is one of those lessons that is hard to sum up in a paragraph. I’m sure he could have had the perfect words to explain but I just can’t seem to find them. It’s basically like the anti-“keeping up with the Joneses”. If I had to pick a life motto for my dad, this would be it. Work hard, save more and spend less, go the extra mile.</p><p><br /></p><p>I hate that he never truly got to appreciate the fruits of his labor. He would say that he did, he always did a better job than me at living in the moment. But I wish that he would have been able to eventually retire from his job and play golf everyday and travel and spend time on his many hobbies. It’s not fair, it is just not fair. And yes, I hear him telling me to see lesson #1!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There are so many more lessons from him that I am not even capable of articulating. If you were lucky enough to really know my dad, then you know what I mean. He was just the smartest person, so knowledgeable about literally everything. I miss his perspective on things, I miss his advice, I miss hearing his voice in general. And his hugs, he gave the best hugs.</p>
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</script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-66870912451157164832020-11-26T18:19:00.006-05:002020-11-26T18:26:48.604-05:00Gift Guide - Small Businesses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYa_0KuK1PoIxKPqkdeeOK6MSsodS9exdyEcrVvdHPugVYTFGHMx4LEx6se61FdmEHZq1Twwh7LWknjjyzaGGfE5Z27PqhFv_NUXPyClaEG37O_di4mCDA80_j7-QkyDiVpWfj4jcopk/s1500/small+business+GIFT+GUIDE+2020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="small business gift guide" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYa_0KuK1PoIxKPqkdeeOK6MSsodS9exdyEcrVvdHPugVYTFGHMx4LEx6se61FdmEHZq1Twwh7LWknjjyzaGGfE5Z27PqhFv_NUXPyClaEG37O_di4mCDA80_j7-QkyDiVpWfj4jcopk/s16000/small+business+GIFT+GUIDE+2020.png" title="gift guide small businesses" /></a></div><br /><p>I’m excited to be sharing my first gift guide of 2020 with you! It seems very fitting that this would be for small businesses! I think it’s important to support small businesses year-round but especially during the holidays. Typically we are all guilty of turning to Amazon because it’s quick and easy and usually the price is right. But aren’t there so many times you wish you could find the perfectly fitting, unique gift for someone? Small businesses are great for that! The easiest way to find a small business to support is to search for what you’re looking for on <a href="https://bit.ly/3fBJkLP" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>I used to have an Etsy shop myself and hope to again someday. I love hand crafting my own designs and the satisfaction that comes from someone else enjoying my work is unmatched. But I have also accepted the fact that that just doesn’t fit in my life at the moment, and I know the day that it can will be here before I know it. I digress - the point is that as a former <a href="https://bit.ly/3fBJkLP" target="_blank">Etsy shop owner</a> myself, I can tell you every single order brings a huge smile and happy dance to the creator!</p><p><br /></p><p>At the beginning of this year I started working on my own small business, an accessory boutique, <a href="https://www.shopsparkhope.com" target="_blank"><b>Spark Hope</b></a>. I created Spark Hope in honor of my dad, and donate a portion of every sale to cancer research. Unfortunately I ended up launching my business right on the brink of a global pandemic - not exactly the best timing, but looking back, waiting wouldn’t have helped because here we are 8 months later still in pandemic mode. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>But if cute earrings and hair accessories are on your list this year, it would mean the world to me if you’d consider shopping <a href="https://www.shopsparkhope.com" target="_blank">Spark Hope</a>! Right now through 11/29 everything is on major sale! Every item is $10 or less - our biggest sale ever! Plus free shipping if you spend $49+.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>The small businesses I’m featuring here today don’t all fit into any specific category, they are just businesses that I have supported and loved! I hope you find at least one that you can support this holiday season. I know the owners for several of these businesses and they’re all wonderful women! </p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://bit.ly/39kObjs" target="_blank">Petite and Crafty</a></b></h4><p><b>Cute and hilarious mugs and apparel</b> designed by Lauren, who I knew from our college dance team. I think her designs are so adorable and I know she has a lot of new products in the works as well so make sure to follow her Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/petiteandcrafty/" target="_blank">@petiteandcrafty</a>) for updates! She is having 20% off for Black Friday and you can use code KATIE10 for 10% off 2+ mugs. <a href="https://bit.ly/39kObjs" target="_blank">Click here to shop</a>.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://nakedpandadesigns.com/" target="_blank"><b>Naked Panda Designs</b></a> </h4><p><b>Uniquely designed baby carriers</b>. I met Amanda at a baby expo earlier this year and we really clicked! She is a mom and military wife and created this business all on her own. Since getting one of her <a href="https://nakedpandadesigns.com/products/onbuhimo-mer?_pos=1&_sid=710ca29ea&_ss=r" target="_blank">baby carriers</a> I have absolutely fallen in love with it. Both my husband and I wear it and agree it is the most comfortable carrier we’ve ever tried (I have at least 5 different brands)! If you or a loved one are in need of a baby carrier I cannot recommend Naked Panda enough! Follow her Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nakedpandadesigns/" target="_blank">@nakedpandadesigns</a> to see all the unique features of her carriers.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://bowtism.com" target="_blank"><b>Bowtism</b></a></h4><p><b>Adorable and affordable children’s clothing.</b> I think I discovered Bowtism through an Instagram ad! Owned by a mama, a portion of proceeds go towards Autism research. I love supporting brands that give back! I can’t believe how affordable the outfits are, they all come with a free bow, and I love them because they’re so unique. The dresses I got for Avery are her absolute favorites! This summer she wore them exclusively for about two straight weeks!</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://theollieworld.refr.cc/katielogen" target="_blank"><b>The Ollie World</b></a> </h4><p><b>The best swaddle ever!</b> Another mama owned business! The Ollie Swaddle is the best swaddle around. I used them for both Avery and Georgia and it’s just the easiest swaddle to put on and deal with, most comfortable for baby, and it grows with them - no need to keep buying bigger sizes as baby grows. <a href="http://theollieworld.refr.cc/katielogen" target="_blank">Click here for 10% off your purchase</a>.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1321226&u=1826821&m=86345&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><b>Lovevery</b></a> </h4><p><b>Age appropriate developmental toys.</b> I have been working with Lovevery since having Georgia and I can tell you their toys stand out from the crowd. They have been perfect for her in terms of how interested she is in them based on the age and the quality is just so good. They are a subscription box but you can also purchase individual boxes as well as the other toys they offer like the play gym which we have and are obsessed with too! This summer they will be coming out with 3 year old boxes (right now they only go through age 2, up to 35 months) and I hope to get those for Avery because I know how much research and science they put into their toys. For Black Friday this year you can save $30 on the Play Gym when you prepay for a Play Kits Subscription with code BONUSCUDDLES through 11/29. You also save 10% on Play Kits when you prepay! <a href="https://shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=734871&m=86345&u=1826821&afftrack=" target="_blank">Click here to shop</a>. </p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://shopdarling.com" target="_blank"><b>My Darling Diary</b></a> </h4><p><b>One of my favorite Instagram accounts</b>. I followed Jessi when she was a fashion blogger and have loved watching her shift focus and grow My Darling Diary. It is a faith focused account that I always find so encouraging and uplifting. She now sells the sweetest apparel and accessories, if you’re looking for something cozy to wear this season definitely check out her Instagram. Even if you’re not in the market to buy you can still support by following along on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/my_darling_diary/" target="_blank">@my_darling_diary</a>), trust me you will not regret it for a second. </p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.keikico.com" target="_blank"><b>Keiki Co</b></a> </h4><p><b>Luxury blankets and robes. </b>I recently worked with Keiki Co for an Instagram post and love the brand. I’m dying to try one of their throws - they look absolutely dreamy! I can tell you from first hand experience that their robes are so so soft! And they come in sizes for the whole family. A woman owned and operated business with their products made in the USA - way to go! <a href="https://www.keikico.com" target="_blank">30% off the entire site for Black Friday!</a></p><p><br /></p><p>And there you have it folks! I'd love to know your favorite small businesses in the comments below! Whether you find something I've shared here that you love or not, I hope you find at least one small business to support this holiday season. When you shop small, someone does a happy dance :) </p><p><br /></p>
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</script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-37214947845117138932020-11-18T10:33:00.005-05:002020-12-08T21:40:22.399-05:00Cricut Joy Holiday Gift Idea - Girl Dad Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTY7FIj79DKpS9aNSVPr2xsIzPwpaq3Yfgg5gLsUJqrPST5VZ1tVBxvuaQKVB4EhSg_jOTdVXDN8rVgBUwgvVxNV8mzAg2K2XgBgX9W-Q5YG1omR2eNKz67GdPL72CJfmwVlHRDJRw40/s1500/D4A27E6D-65AE-4907-9BFE-94DD27C2AFD2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTY7FIj79DKpS9aNSVPr2xsIzPwpaq3Yfgg5gLsUJqrPST5VZ1tVBxvuaQKVB4EhSg_jOTdVXDN8rVgBUwgvVxNV8mzAg2K2XgBgX9W-Q5YG1omR2eNKz67GdPL72CJfmwVlHRDJRw40/s16000/D4A27E6D-65AE-4907-9BFE-94DD27C2AFD2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Can you believe it’s already time to really get going on holiday shopping? Where did this year go?! I’m excited to be partnering with Cricut on this blog post to bring you a gift idea for the Girl Dad in your life.</p><span><br /><a name='more'></a></span><p>This post contains affiliate links.</p><p><br /></p><p>Making professional looking shirts and accessories is so quick and easy with Cricut. From the comfort of your own home you can have a shirt that looks professionally made in minutes. I’m going to walk you through the steps of how to make this tee so you can feel confident when making your own!</p><p><br /></p><p>First, gather your materials. You’ll need a Cricut Infusible Ink blank (I’m using the <a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/ernckubg6qf" target="_blank">grey crew neck tee</a>), <a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/erncpqbg6qf" target="_blank">Infusible Ink transfer sheets</a> (I’m using black), <a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/ernchjbg6qf" target="_blank">Cricut Joy machine</a>, and <a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/ernct9bg6qf" target="_blank">Cricut EasyPress 2</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURvm-ng1bfA9-Y66fjEKjJYuMJyCnFcAOGLhgDEMG5wy1ciBjkrKo3avUgXlOEUKal80-pAaHkfGtlW-6JvflJ9TQJ3XoXxX_t6tE-s0Eg3bspHAA0CWLJYIr7VV8EA8mhQ_rnQ6uwZY/s2048/6FDCB27A-6621-4618-A15B-59D2BE03F84D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURvm-ng1bfA9-Y66fjEKjJYuMJyCnFcAOGLhgDEMG5wy1ciBjkrKo3avUgXlOEUKal80-pAaHkfGtlW-6JvflJ9TQJ3XoXxX_t6tE-s0Eg3bspHAA0CWLJYIr7VV8EA8mhQ_rnQ6uwZY/s16000/6FDCB27A-6621-4618-A15B-59D2BE03F84D.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndrzOS1-RmCPrz3dHeHTb7FprODopp4YlDUYgbEjR-uL7wcdaiWkuwYYouhMq6pwJLzszuA-Kq-HuBvxcQjfFyVesD6hzdlBYgg1UkeCMFyi_qZBdyb8AjbR9UxSCSiqwNpS73lOjgLY/s2048/641C8E28-0DD5-4F11-A1D6-F7B0948A64BB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndrzOS1-RmCPrz3dHeHTb7FprODopp4YlDUYgbEjR-uL7wcdaiWkuwYYouhMq6pwJLzszuA-Kq-HuBvxcQjfFyVesD6hzdlBYgg1UkeCMFyi_qZBdyb8AjbR9UxSCSiqwNpS73lOjgLY/s16000/641C8E28-0DD5-4F11-A1D6-F7B0948A64BB.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>
In the Cricut Design Studio create your design. I simply found a font I liked and typed out two text boxes - ‘girl’ and ‘dad’. Then I created a rectangle, layered the ‘dad’ text on top and sliced the layers together. Once I was happy with my design and size choice, I made sure to mirror my design before cutting.</p><p><br /></p><p>Place the transfer sheet on your mat and load it into the Cricut Joy. I love that you can purchase the Infusible Ink transfer sheets and other materials specifically pre-cut to fit the Cricut Joy machine. It’s one less step in the process to cut out a perfectly sized piece of material!</p><p><br /></p><p>After your design is cut, trim the transfer sheet around your design and weed it, leaving only the part you want to transfer onto your shirt.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsPXt-jvi_c0xl_k7EiR7w6xPfQ_jA3EGfjYEzEYdLJkubEwEmorzajkH83vKJhsHaYKqEQ1Nr6DWcZND81P7ZuqJttx7LEsWTwPfEp9a-NgxPljVpkUgBGZCL2tuzpCsLHkXFAT27R0/s2048/E214BFEA-3B7E-4128-8766-16D60C4AA2FF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1509" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsPXt-jvi_c0xl_k7EiR7w6xPfQ_jA3EGfjYEzEYdLJkubEwEmorzajkH83vKJhsHaYKqEQ1Nr6DWcZND81P7ZuqJttx7LEsWTwPfEp9a-NgxPljVpkUgBGZCL2tuzpCsLHkXFAT27R0/s16000/E214BFEA-3B7E-4128-8766-16D60C4AA2FF.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Use the <a href="https://www.cricut.com/heatguide" target="_blank">Cricut Heat Guide </a>to prepare your EasyPress 2 machine and follow the steps provided by Cricut for a successful transfer. Once everything cools off, remove your transfer sheet to reveal your final product!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDHR9sGdoSxYwRor-YjYzYhX-CsH-s-TSGjMjmJdYeW7GcGndxTqYGtei80wDKLuEgPvHvsAcuuzHtr7dLglpn4rVXASnyqIo0sp7K3uWVTZ07wb2agmVkbjYYo7y6hcTQ9PzojJrVXs/s2048/04AAEF63-BA93-4820-A56C-C76AFB5D4CAA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDHR9sGdoSxYwRor-YjYzYhX-CsH-s-TSGjMjmJdYeW7GcGndxTqYGtei80wDKLuEgPvHvsAcuuzHtr7dLglpn4rVXASnyqIo0sp7K3uWVTZ07wb2agmVkbjYYo7y6hcTQ9PzojJrVXs/s16000/04AAEF63-BA93-4820-A56C-C76AFB5D4CAA.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6Kgxdrue1FT5xpjiJKVgoM6KbAN63ybPf1d1s4tNrOrEpO46LebyBGGLpqI7rd0ss7POlLtvlDbD_vyehvwCZyFuVWcfS9atAdV9wb7Rzc5_MQsHbw26yrjguUnv_gWoA2XM7bcaQyQ/s2048/27C197A9-D782-4F8F-AA93-A4005200E9C9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6Kgxdrue1FT5xpjiJKVgoM6KbAN63ybPf1d1s4tNrOrEpO46LebyBGGLpqI7rd0ss7POlLtvlDbD_vyehvwCZyFuVWcfS9atAdV9wb7Rzc5_MQsHbw26yrjguUnv_gWoA2XM7bcaQyQ/s16000/27C197A9-D782-4F8F-AA93-A4005200E9C9.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>I am always so impressed when I make an Infusible Ink project! I love how professional it looks and can’t believe I can make something like that from my dining room table! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5iCeGH_bjQDTjFKtg1IO3jdrAOwgjwt03UtjCfBcpL0PwdHQNbcROLp-PKAZOmfcjp9-e5Vct9Vt6x2uihUhiV_xcjWVY_iDdzXFrbMMvo7R_zTC6CWVbYtfP3z-YpLmk_YSmrlUqIA/s2048/04975DC2-1634-4A32-9D5C-9AA3D0733AD8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5iCeGH_bjQDTjFKtg1IO3jdrAOwgjwt03UtjCfBcpL0PwdHQNbcROLp-PKAZOmfcjp9-e5Vct9Vt6x2uihUhiV_xcjWVY_iDdzXFrbMMvo7R_zTC6CWVbYtfP3z-YpLmk_YSmrlUqIA/s16000/04975DC2-1634-4A32-9D5C-9AA3D0733AD8.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>My husband absolutely loved his shirt! He loves being a Girl Dad and will wear it proudly! Avery loved giving it to him too, it is so sweet to see how excited she gets to give others gifts. I have so many plans for future Infusible Ink projects, if you’re looking for something fun to add to your wish list this year, a <a href="https://bit.ly/35HicHV" target="_blank">Cricut machine</a> is the gift that keeps on giving.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwXAWPO4FiR1m6F_RoioWfofhZDCbDCPSUIsJK5HxnFxpOxByxW1fK_rR05A0qE7O2A6T7fcNO41bxSRq4DqiVL3kVg7c4v_sz3IRsLelJBgOxvqT3_s_e1e1X-z6e-r7FU1YVKLqtwM/s16000/4F0F0662-13FE-467C-8954-FFF735A3551F.jpeg" /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Me8ePBiWQTEtlcLvHWQEAdeOTYIoKJQd7cSiThNSRVUR2cE86bcXHeBWiGz_dztEz7sWYQHP0zsgVf6tObtaaEan16DZVIbbg7iwtwrO7D71I7OK5_EznacbYoATu2rhY43H3DlW7HA/s1500/F9F5985C-3FB5-490F-B994-F2D28C49599D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Me8ePBiWQTEtlcLvHWQEAdeOTYIoKJQd7cSiThNSRVUR2cE86bcXHeBWiGz_dztEz7sWYQHP0zsgVf6tObtaaEan16DZVIbbg7iwtwrO7D71I7OK5_EznacbYoATu2rhY43H3DlW7HA/s16000/F9F5985C-3FB5-490F-B994-F2D28C49599D.png" /></a></p>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-523066997451041512020-11-11T09:34:00.001-05:002020-11-11T09:34:23.348-05:00Why I Went Dairy Free + My Favorite Dairy Free Finds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lpUrqe8ThWdqcRhre5gSj75nt7X12pUsqzdXpC4bYiRws5OCKyPOcuhPBKIVkcx8We9PyOchGinGf2azd2vNgNUliJ2ET5vMm29DmKEAt8FY3wQb551V6tlXmzAdbCWQZ5lMo3ZTOZg/s1500/D976507C-76A7-4A5D-91A0-919AFCFF8E8D.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dairy free snacks, dairy free desserts" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lpUrqe8ThWdqcRhre5gSj75nt7X12pUsqzdXpC4bYiRws5OCKyPOcuhPBKIVkcx8We9PyOchGinGf2azd2vNgNUliJ2ET5vMm29DmKEAt8FY3wQb551V6tlXmzAdbCWQZ5lMo3ZTOZg/s16000/D976507C-76A7-4A5D-91A0-919AFCFF8E8D.png" title="Dairy free snacks, dairy free desserts" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>If you’ve been following me on<a href="INSTAGRAM.com/sugarspiceandsparkle" target="_blank"> Instagram stories</a> then you know I have been dairy free for quite a few months now. We pretty quickly realized that Georgia was having some issues (mucus in her poop, sorry TMI but I get questions about it!) and that cutting out dairy was the solution. </p><p><br /></p><p>If you think your baby may have a dairy intolerance I definitely recommend working with your pediatrician to figure it out. Dairy is tricky and can take 3+ weeks to fully get out of your system so it’s not something you can easily try and see if it helps. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>**Check the end of the post for a fun surprise - two chances to win $500!**</p><p><br /></p><p>Based on my own research I had a feeling she had an issue with dairy and after a couple weeks of semi-cutting out dairy I called the doctor and they were able to test her stool for blood (the sign of intolerance). The test actually came back negative but because of how much mucus was in her stool and my sharing that she seemed to be grunting and spitting up less they recommended I continue to cut out dairy. </p><p> </p><p>At first I was very upset and unsure of if I could do it/wanted to do it. But after trying it for a few weeks I knew that continuing to breastfeed was my #1 priority and that I wanted to make the sacrifice. If you’re currently facing that decision I can tell you that being dairy free is not terrible! Yes, there are sacrifices you will have to make but, welcome to motherhood! Your baby won’t breastfeed forever, and there’s a chance you’ll be able to have dairy again even before you stop breastfeeding. So, hang in there!</p><p><br /></p><p>Once I set my mind on cutting out 100% of dairy from my diet, I realized that you have to be very diligent in checking ingredients! It’s hiding in everything - even McDonald’s french fries (the thing I miss most)! I hate to admit it but we do eat out quite a bit, and I discovered <a href="http://GoDairyFree.org">GoDairyFree.org</a> which has been a life saver! Before we eat somewhere I just google ‘the restaurant name + godairyfree’ and if it’s on their site (most have been) I can quickly see what menu items are dairy free. It is such an amazing resource!</p><p><br /></p><p>I feel so much more for people with allergies and dietary restrictions now! Just like most things, you can’t understand how hard it is until you go through it yourself. Some restaurants are great about listing ingredients while others make it impossible to find. I definitely will be taking my business to the more transparent restaurants even after I’m no longer dairy free - it’s just the way they all should be! </p><p><br /></p><p>I also know how frustrating it is to get a wrong order now. Because of coronavirus we always just get drive thru or curbside pick-up so even though I have always checked to make sure items are there now I have learned to fully inspect to make sure everything is right. Too many times I’ve gotten all the way home to either the wrong items (and I literally can not eat what they put instead if it has dairy) or they ignore my request for no cheese, etc. It is very upsetting and I’m sorry that this happens so much for those with allergies!</p><p><br /></p><p>Now on to my dairy free favorites! I won’t go much into recipes, just snacks and desserts, because it’s easy enough to make a recipe at home without cheese or milk, etc. Quick side note, speaking of cheese, there is no substitute for it. I am a cheese LOVER and I have not found a single dairy free “cheese” that even comes close. For me, I just go without “cheese” because at this point it is just flavorless extra calories.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Dairy Free Snacks </b></p><p>Lay’s Plain Potato Chips</p><p>Almond Milk</p><p>Silk Almond Milk Creamer</p><p>Starbucks Oat Milk Caramel Macchiato Creamer </p><p>Pretzels</p><p>Smart Balance Butter </p><p>Tazo Classic Chai Tea Latte </p><p>Tostitos</p><p>Cape Cod Barbecue Chips </p><p>Safe + Fair Granola (Birthday Cake and Kettle Corn)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Dairy Free Desserts </b></p><p>EnjoyLife Chocolate</p><p>Sabra Dark Chocolate Hummus (best with strawberries!)</p><p>Hagen Daas Dairy Free Chocolate Bars</p><p>Oreos</p><p>Graham Crackers + Marshmallow Fluff</p><p>Hershey’s Chocolate Sauce</p><p>Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix</p><p>Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Mix</p><p>Krusteaz Banana Nut Muffin Mix</p><p>Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough</p><p>Pillsbury Refrigerated Brownie Dough (my latest find)!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-39274697784937182432020-10-26T19:57:00.003-04:002020-10-26T19:57:30.090-04:00To My 2020 Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYeo4urw7GCDf3zKqNe3Gkb7LZ0y39Kl_LHyRUq4Wdy97N7bZmC_i_0aucTcc9qq60XgQT2Rq7gHBIjofY9WlKBp3ZMBK4nt6OJ3Nfpe25z7AkOhnlXkO5wiySfDl6XcfahlPahvaQ8I/s1500/33BB74B9-E283-46E5-B3A8-3BFF2175F9AD.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYeo4urw7GCDf3zKqNe3Gkb7LZ0y39Kl_LHyRUq4Wdy97N7bZmC_i_0aucTcc9qq60XgQT2Rq7gHBIjofY9WlKBp3ZMBK4nt6OJ3Nfpe25z7AkOhnlXkO5wiySfDl6XcfahlPahvaQ8I/s16000/33BB74B9-E283-46E5-B3A8-3BFF2175F9AD.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>To My 2020 Baby,</p><p><br /></p><p>This year is one for the history books. It will be one that everyone remembers but I’m afraid they won’t be looking back with fondness. 2020 is the year that everyone wants to end, the year that everyone wants to forget. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>But 2020 is something different for me. 2020 is a year I will always remember and it will always be one of my favorite years because it brought me you.</p><p><br /></p><p>My pregnancy didn’t go as I’d planned. There was a lot of fear for your safety and mine. There was a lot of worry, more than usual. There were cancelled baby showers and the fact that no one even saw me looking pregnant.</p><p><br /></p><p>But you were my hope. You were my light at the end of the tunnel. The day you were born the rest of the world melted away. All that worry and fear was gone because you were in my arms. </p><p><br /></p><p>After the newborn fog subsided and the world was still a mess, I started to worry again. When would family and friends get to meet you? When would we feel comfortable taking you out of the house? I’m sorry, my sweet precious baby, that you were born into such uncertain times.</p><p><br /></p><p>Well we are still waiting. But I’ve realized that in some ways 2020 has been a blessing. We’ve had you all to ourselves without feeling selfish. We’ve been able to soak in every snuggle and watch you flourish from all that extra tummy time. We’ve fostered our breastfeeding relationship so carefully and for every feeding you’ve gotten all the time you’ve needed.</p><p><br /></p><p>I love you so much, my 2020 baby, you are the light of my life. Living proof that even in the darkest of days there is hope and joy to be found; and with just one look at your beautiful sleeping face, resting in my arms, I know that everything is going to be okay. </p>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-91911760208212762092020-10-25T19:05:00.000-04:002020-10-25T19:05:32.080-04:00Pumpkin Carving, Teething?, and Mom Guilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCShctuktFxNerJiNyXXPsz54WVULcbjEO7tdc1ybN0-12klc3HGbDVt6Zd4uniaacjJGk9F_CD8Glz0vCZQsdZvJC2wyqo1qXY7oPOYX1UUM-DGi32jQXuLE6t9GCQZnaElLMNBxm2Q/s2048/150DE81D-F766-42B9-9794-67439338CEBB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCShctuktFxNerJiNyXXPsz54WVULcbjEO7tdc1ybN0-12klc3HGbDVt6Zd4uniaacjJGk9F_CD8Glz0vCZQsdZvJC2wyqo1qXY7oPOYX1UUM-DGi32jQXuLE6t9GCQZnaElLMNBxm2Q/s16000/150DE81D-F766-42B9-9794-67439338CEBB.jpeg" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Well Georgia didn’t go to bed until after 9 last night so writing a blog post just wasn’t in the cards after that. Yesterday was a great day though so I still want to have a post for it, so here we are! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>In the morning Brian watched both girls while I had some kid-free time with my momma. We’ve been able to do this a few times and it is so wonderful! I enjoy the break and even though I see my mom nearly every day we always have the girls so we can’t really talk, so the quality time just us is so special. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>After lunch with the fam Avery went down for a nap and Georgia woke up from hers, some days their naps align but others it seems like they’re never up at the same time the whole day, which means no break for mama. The night before I was up with Georgia at 2, 4, and 5AM so I was exhausted. Even though I had had a break all morning I could hardly keep my eyes open so Brian watched G while Avery napped and I actually napped too! I can count the number of naps I’ve taken since Georgie was born on one hand so I know my body needed the rest since I was actually able to fall asleep!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYhkaPwSHMlQn6GcfqoofglFcezmO_suIob9cDwFOhJfsrewOiLEy5libw6LZSQebDA6DZkhlJZofOP_TtgoLR1p-MiWIERoaZ3PsGFPcGZzXtGaEPWvczZ0W1hODT5am3B_dM_Cpe0Y/s2048/F525D2E0-6344-4A96-BAD7-B9A3B8C2C656.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYhkaPwSHMlQn6GcfqoofglFcezmO_suIob9cDwFOhJfsrewOiLEy5libw6LZSQebDA6DZkhlJZofOP_TtgoLR1p-MiWIERoaZ3PsGFPcGZzXtGaEPWvczZ0W1hODT5am3B_dM_Cpe0Y/s16000/F525D2E0-6344-4A96-BAD7-B9A3B8C2C656.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Once we were all up from our naps we carved the pumpkin we got at the <a href="https://www.sugarspiceandsparkle.com/2020/10/the-pumpkin-patch-saga.html" target="_blank">pumpkin patch</a>! Really Avery and Brian did the work while Georgia and I watched, though we all took turns touching the pumpkin gunk and seeds inside! Hello sensory activity! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotaC2fwtlqGaw5yOI4_-KOmqiLboaRh3X7FNlmDhRLvsyZLMQL4R6pBRNMJw7_WnbWJyuZ4pew8_nhzhNgWDe9h3bMB-i_fb1y2LIMib7UtcsQwDJbZgQY2bM4yYWzU7tamEAA0gXA6c/s2048/400188DF-5261-41C8-8916-F517BBD27467.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotaC2fwtlqGaw5yOI4_-KOmqiLboaRh3X7FNlmDhRLvsyZLMQL4R6pBRNMJw7_WnbWJyuZ4pew8_nhzhNgWDe9h3bMB-i_fb1y2LIMib7UtcsQwDJbZgQY2bM4yYWzU7tamEAA0gXA6c/s16000/400188DF-5261-41C8-8916-F517BBD27467.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>The pumpkin turned out so cute and Avery had so much fun! She said let’s go back to the pumpkin patch and get another pumpkin to carve! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7G-QdCBc2HRtZ3Jye1LR-UKg-Bu2rKL0XEe-FlyzxYwTuyZ-KNXMG88XEe9LsXqdzho6nRaF4FAzl0uRKG8rh_dobmcvq7pQP10kD1MWQZ1uPrVe3S9HBO-lANdNsay_a7hZYT2L9BEY/s2048/1085C4FB-2952-4029-8AD2-E817DDC1001D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7G-QdCBc2HRtZ3Jye1LR-UKg-Bu2rKL0XEe-FlyzxYwTuyZ-KNXMG88XEe9LsXqdzho6nRaF4FAzl0uRKG8rh_dobmcvq7pQP10kD1MWQZ1uPrVe3S9HBO-lANdNsay_a7hZYT2L9BEY/s16000/1085C4FB-2952-4029-8AD2-E817DDC1001D.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Lately the evenings have been super hard. Avery has her routine down pat and isn’t a problem at all other than the fact that one parent has to do the routine with her of course. Georgia’s routine on the other hand is ever changing. I feel like I can’t find anything that really works well for her and it’s a lot of back and forth of crying and feeding and carrying on every night and it really takes a toll on me. By the time she is finally set it is usually after 9PM, and then I still like to finally have some free time, shower, watch some Netflix, and so I usually don’t get to sleep until 11 or 11:30, despite the fact that I know I have to be up to feed Georgia again around 2AM. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbewDR-t0hYtkuJWV5WsI6SN-ddjzvXahQ08XqxRKJUWdLWZZq4AdUYsBQ_Ep9G_2cv-pVzjLuGlZ7gFwPBebaDXaTh_jW6Z1ybkRLdZrUKBUW09wUgkaIIVBBuzuAUYj8743LNi3G9OY/s2048/D5936985-5582-4938-BED9-A7FEC7EEC276.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbewDR-t0hYtkuJWV5WsI6SN-ddjzvXahQ08XqxRKJUWdLWZZq4AdUYsBQ_Ep9G_2cv-pVzjLuGlZ7gFwPBebaDXaTh_jW6Z1ybkRLdZrUKBUW09wUgkaIIVBBuzuAUYj8743LNi3G9OY/s16000/D5936985-5582-4938-BED9-A7FEC7EEC276.jpeg" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>I’m wondering if she’s starting to teethe. Yesterday she had her little tongue going all day long. It was so cute but I think she might be feeling changes and her bottom teeth may be starting to make moves. Who knows!</p><p> </p><p>Anyways, all that to say that by the time I’m done with mom duties in the evenings I am so beyond ready for a break. But on this particular day I had already had two big breaks (morning with my mom + a nap) but I was still dying for a break. </p><p><br /></p><p>Enter mom guilt. What is it with mom guilt? I was dying for a break but at the same time feeling so guilty. My husband had already done so much solo parenting so I could rest throughout the day yet I needed more time. I feel like I need a whole weekend to myself to feel fully refreshed, and I just don’t see that happening any time soon (or ever). Any other moms out there feel mom guilt and then feel guilty for feeling guilty?</p><p><br /></p><p>Ah, the joys of motherhood. Georgia actually ended up having a really good night sleep-wise so I’m feeling much better today! Here’s to hoping for another good night!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-43728892489882332152020-10-23T21:52:00.002-04:002020-10-23T21:52:36.103-04:00The Pumpkin Patch Saga<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIpHok8UMNXVCEt4-n1DBMh_j0zU8ua8pkyw-zExgAnfWOpaqsxYnvxHNawIECpmoAPCVMlXbRK80oqgfSgPwNDEsOZbv3dtPKQHAKnvaXooTqlLYTr9eMgdJg9qJvy-gvs68qKtrx2o/s2048/1BF7EDD1-93F6-41AB-9711-72E7304FEB58.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIpHok8UMNXVCEt4-n1DBMh_j0zU8ua8pkyw-zExgAnfWOpaqsxYnvxHNawIECpmoAPCVMlXbRK80oqgfSgPwNDEsOZbv3dtPKQHAKnvaXooTqlLYTr9eMgdJg9qJvy-gvs68qKtrx2o/s16000/1BF7EDD1-93F6-41AB-9711-72E7304FEB58.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">About a month into fall we finally made it to a pumpkin patch! It was only 85 degrees and blindingly sunny but we did our best to imagine what fall might feel like if we actually had a fall here in Florida.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So today was quite the adventure. Brian took the day off work and we were going to go to a local farm that has a pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, and other fall activities. We’ve been planning this for over a week now but of course I had to go and mess it up. You have to buy tickets to the farm, which I completely forgot about until Brian reminded me last night at about 11PM and at that point they were sold out for today. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfQ5CgLI0ia-nd02iAcfP2s0Z3XQC5EPS_KoXp7vurzjCYbcfceZi8IwSlX6PliJiknXGifEt88WICruVXAsVYcVBeYBnlmESuZUnr_TnR5giObKDNWdbS679tfxL7lsPg03GADwt5ZY/s2048/574FA00F-C128-4C99-A27E-F89F43DA9474.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfQ5CgLI0ia-nd02iAcfP2s0Z3XQC5EPS_KoXp7vurzjCYbcfceZi8IwSlX6PliJiknXGifEt88WICruVXAsVYcVBeYBnlmESuZUnr_TnR5giObKDNWdbS679tfxL7lsPg03GADwt5ZY/s16000/574FA00F-C128-4C99-A27E-F89F43DA9474.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so mad at myself! But we just decided to go to a smaller pumpkin patch we knew of instead. When we arrived there at 10AM we saw they opened at 11AM. At this point I wanted to just say forget it! But we walked around for an hour instead which ended up being fun and then we were able to explore the pumpkin patch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cHeu-gBaFnY-Vj9_RA3yW6Jdrnjupxhb7sKT6OvbBfjQXg8P0GeePNVih5CfQ9sbrW1vBuokK2tCwr79h4ncicJUf8KG9Z-qsBaYDkMRGYiWEhN-rp9_8YE6VgMo89h3mh0-vEb3pk8/s2048/6E9FB7B8-14B1-422E-AE0F-E85A8F470FCD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cHeu-gBaFnY-Vj9_RA3yW6Jdrnjupxhb7sKT6OvbBfjQXg8P0GeePNVih5CfQ9sbrW1vBuokK2tCwr79h4ncicJUf8KG9Z-qsBaYDkMRGYiWEhN-rp9_8YE6VgMo89h3mh0-vEb3pk8/s16000/6E9FB7B8-14B1-422E-AE0F-E85A8F470FCD.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was actually a really cute little spot. They had set up a bunch of different photo spots and had tons of nice pumpkins. Now if only our two little models would have wanted to cooperate! No, they did well considering both girls were hot and tired and it’s hard to get a toddler and wobbly baby to pose for pictures in hay-filled photo spots.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdE-OAvv6doGvl8TyadzfTXv54yAr8F9R30NYXl3wYfGrys-O7tm4iaYI4c-YZuZq2DpXABlp_rNXAcpyWA6DJiWFpLVtKceFpocGAvXdW7OdnXtNVmLPvEUW-PgMw_NSVfsMDvf-CSo/s2048/3BE934FB-11C1-4602-B861-D2B6C5DF2104.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdE-OAvv6doGvl8TyadzfTXv54yAr8F9R30NYXl3wYfGrys-O7tm4iaYI4c-YZuZq2DpXABlp_rNXAcpyWA6DJiWFpLVtKceFpocGAvXdW7OdnXtNVmLPvEUW-PgMw_NSVfsMDvf-CSo/s16000/3BE934FB-11C1-4602-B861-D2B6C5DF2104.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMgSzX0tFfZEykstN_bzlmyyNH80f7_XBGUKVOXMeZHQoRKCLGV1fLrqOb7-iB83gIQvytmAQL4R7yjR8TIOli9xebUgcobDoGBC4s0sVPvN4ZWOsDOv8jheo6DUk_6hQ36RWRZfIWS0/s2048/C83990AC-E10A-4C16-BB58-7ACF9D376DD0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMgSzX0tFfZEykstN_bzlmyyNH80f7_XBGUKVOXMeZHQoRKCLGV1fLrqOb7-iB83gIQvytmAQL4R7yjR8TIOli9xebUgcobDoGBC4s0sVPvN4ZWOsDOv8jheo6DUk_6hQ36RWRZfIWS0/s16000/C83990AC-E10A-4C16-BB58-7ACF9D376DD0.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclibfAgoZHjuIikP4FOX9NA9mpLI-oWfmqR9yj-ZoHOKTBiuMjnV6LgG3bBEFfx5EsPaNu9ElEW9J3bVy20EChE6VlubjgP_FrIZ10mv7OIv_DhmLWbuplOHI7YWbRgB4WcSf5eiV8Cc/s2048/06E5641A-0489-498A-B755-0415F35B6B11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclibfAgoZHjuIikP4FOX9NA9mpLI-oWfmqR9yj-ZoHOKTBiuMjnV6LgG3bBEFfx5EsPaNu9ElEW9J3bVy20EChE6VlubjgP_FrIZ10mv7OIv_DhmLWbuplOHI7YWbRgB4WcSf5eiV8Cc/s16000/06E5641A-0489-498A-B755-0415F35B6B11.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the end we left with a great pumpkin, which I’m sure will be an adventure to carve, and plenty of pictures to remember the day. We got smoothies for the ride home to cool off with and everyone napped well this afternoon after our outing!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After naps we hung out at my mom’s for a couple hours before coming home for bed time. I need to do laundry so the only long sleeve onesie left for Georgia was a little fancy, but it’ll have to do for tonight. Of course I had to snap a quick pic because how cute is a baby in a little black onesie complete with pearls and a pink handbag?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMkHx3vsbXH5LlVxRlCbve3HSnkPwqE6ilCThmkcOF6smIcZEkfM4nJ4n-M9XHulAHtkCslAHjckQ67BX3m3jjHbZqbyJ5fCwGArFTT2d5GWQGKpoTqGxTYcp5gD5DgvNmJ4NcliCw5M/s2048/A77B86B0-99D3-4257-9CC9-07C483BCF94D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMkHx3vsbXH5LlVxRlCbve3HSnkPwqE6ilCThmkcOF6smIcZEkfM4nJ4n-M9XHulAHtkCslAHjckQ67BX3m3jjHbZqbyJ5fCwGArFTT2d5GWQGKpoTqGxTYcp5gD5DgvNmJ4NcliCw5M/s16000/A77B86B0-99D3-4257-9CC9-07C483BCF94D.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe next year we will be able to go to a more fun filled pumpkin patch experience and God willing we’ll be done with wearing these masks! 2020 is definitely a year for the books though! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What fall activities have you been able to do this year?</div><p></p>
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</script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-87557329124379844962020-10-21T20:52:00.003-04:002020-10-21T20:52:26.291-04:00A Surprise for Avery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOfSnbwbt4oPBlMx1gfb4EEucWseaNImnasqFiOWd6X1YkLDPXfnScTzSoDPwR7cri0yez3jg3W20EKUyaPQ-nvD3YUm-79XgTYPaKIJEUlB9KaFzGBcXh2bh6YZrhfYvYiRU4hVJLik/s2048/C274FB95-ED5F-4945-A93B-A5AE8CC7DD2F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOfSnbwbt4oPBlMx1gfb4EEucWseaNImnasqFiOWd6X1YkLDPXfnScTzSoDPwR7cri0yez3jg3W20EKUyaPQ-nvD3YUm-79XgTYPaKIJEUlB9KaFzGBcXh2bh6YZrhfYvYiRU4hVJLik/s16000/C274FB95-ED5F-4945-A93B-A5AE8CC7DD2F.jpeg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Oh today was a good day! It was just me and my girls all day and they were both just so good and Avery was extra sweet. My heart feels so full tonight! </p><p>I started the day in the same outfit I’ve worn for the last two but decided since I had some sponsored insta stories to share I should probably change - ha! Avery happened to be wearing her <a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/engihubg6qf" target="_blank">Castle Home T</a> so I surprised her by changing into mine. It’s so cute how little things like that get kids so excited!</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>We spent the morning playing, Avery has such focus for her age - for any age! We spent hours playing babies in the living room before moving to her room for <a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/engirabg6qf" target="_blank">magnatiles</a>. She hasn’t played with them much lately but now that she has rediscovered them she is once again obsessed!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34l3tCOkTVxIw4Zj7uw7xMzcY1zQVyjm5CYrpgkJYCr4e_WFdL53eB78R5tnBOogwzNJi9VrEf2JbHXbITiqY9thkWd8tH4OwajaaFAddHN8d7WRBGb-NonbbCvgwZqKWRAD0Ewi222Y/s2048/8F104501-FA8F-40E4-9776-36185965D803.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34l3tCOkTVxIw4Zj7uw7xMzcY1zQVyjm5CYrpgkJYCr4e_WFdL53eB78R5tnBOogwzNJi9VrEf2JbHXbITiqY9thkWd8tH4OwajaaFAddHN8d7WRBGb-NonbbCvgwZqKWRAD0Ewi222Y/s16000/8F104501-FA8F-40E4-9776-36185965D803.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdZs8pjUXTVAjxcCM6c9huWupQe74JA8Ja6H5FCiRmjru0VsOBmMKEgaKRON1d_jYIe1doNLDmIJgDHG2SAdQDcCFhoITgq_ZHqaFr48jGFwu7Zv3Cq95KAMBCCPnZ-XrcfyKU1ez9tc/s1472/2851F111-676B-40D2-82F7-94A55FEB6794.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdZs8pjUXTVAjxcCM6c9huWupQe74JA8Ja6H5FCiRmjru0VsOBmMKEgaKRON1d_jYIe1doNLDmIJgDHG2SAdQDcCFhoITgq_ZHqaFr48jGFwu7Zv3Cq95KAMBCCPnZ-XrcfyKU1ez9tc/s16000/2851F111-676B-40D2-82F7-94A55FEB6794.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thought the Mickey filter was appropriate for her outfit today. She loves doing pictures with the “silly things”. Georgia blessed me with a two hour nap this morning - always a nice surprise and gave me and Avery a little quality time together. I had to screenshot her monitor because she just looked too adorable sleeping! I still can not believe she is 5 months old. Just, how? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3S_8Lcf9GJRnI_i7-XNpUSvTB1kLDXZDk0Pid25az5xhW2qblrMRsAGg2bxDxVSy4qncIj763bNYjxLXpuQ_XjIGO6iZgZvT6JQWpdBoGuJuAxuub8-Uaiv1rGvwVtIxxolwovyAOVo/s1280/7D8B9F11-CED5-41C1-9E9A-787F9ECF6E72.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3S_8Lcf9GJRnI_i7-XNpUSvTB1kLDXZDk0Pid25az5xhW2qblrMRsAGg2bxDxVSy4qncIj763bNYjxLXpuQ_XjIGO6iZgZvT6JQWpdBoGuJuAxuub8-Uaiv1rGvwVtIxxolwovyAOVo/s16000/7D8B9F11-CED5-41C1-9E9A-787F9ECF6E72.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made a really easy dinner tonight - teriyaki chicken and fried rice. I just put frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot with chicken broth and teriyaki sauce and when the chicken was fully cooked I added in a can of pineapple slices and let them heat up - so good! The fried rice was the frozen kind from Trader Joe’s - 5 minutes in the microwave. My mom came over to eat with us which made it extra good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago I re-posted another mom’s post on my insta story about how her son got a terrible eye infection from his squirt bath toys due to the mold and bacteria that gets trapped in them. The little boy fully recovered but after reading that I trashed all of Avery’s squirt toys. It’s just not worth the risk of anything happening! She was surprisingly okay with it, especially when I told her I would replace them with different toys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You might have seen my stories with Bealls Outlet today where I shared some toys I found there online, including a <a href="https://rstyle.me/cz-n/em7wtqbg6qf" target="_blank">Baby Alive doll</a> that can go in the water! She was only $12.99 and Avery has been watching Baby Alive YouTube videos lately and really loving on her talking Baby Alive doll so I knew it was perfect! Well my order arrived today and since she was such a sweetheart all day I gave her the doll after dinner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Her reaction was priceless. I will buy her a new doll every day to see that face again! I wish I had recorded her but I didn’t know she was going to be heart-meltingly adorable! As we were taking the doll out of the package she was saying “I’m smiling because I got a Baby Alive! Look at my face, I’m smiling because I’m so happy!” Like omg she knows how to melt her mama! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Needless today a bath was in order to try out the new doll and I don’t think she ever wanted to get out! She named the doll Genevieve (believe it or not she came up with that on her own - it’s in one of the YouTube videos she loves, but still I was surprised to hear her say it haha)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just love watching that girl’s imagination blossom. She is truly amazing and I wish I could have a camera on her 24-7 to capture all the hilarious, ingenious, and mind-blowing things she comes up with!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjINhWJHIC-GWAdGVXwjB8xMJ6hKA_hya4LY8OLLO0-xYaQQ_Z8gDyTsktKB6Phm-aLCdOGXlm6eQWOd0w3pe7_p-pzMqHCiiM7BXjV1q9yKdJLRY4ZLoklq9JnlnIv6Nh_AbED83uDc/s2048/C782CD2B-5D14-4DC0-9D2F-BF5A164B09B4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjINhWJHIC-GWAdGVXwjB8xMJ6hKA_hya4LY8OLLO0-xYaQQ_Z8gDyTsktKB6Phm-aLCdOGXlm6eQWOd0w3pe7_p-pzMqHCiiM7BXjV1q9yKdJLRY4ZLoklq9JnlnIv6Nh_AbED83uDc/s16000/C782CD2B-5D14-4DC0-9D2F-BF5A164B09B4.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got both girls to bed (how do people handle more than 2 kids??) and now Brian and I are relaxing with milk and cookies and watching our favorite comedian, Sebastian Meniscalco, on Netflix. Welp just kidding Georgia is crying now. That was a nice 4 minutes together... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEu4amIMXHwndDITk41eDVUYayM8JlibEgRLmKacsKa-rGCvEldKYhr-Q8hMO1Gimp24diz6CCq7IYywzDJrxVGsevyU0GdbVTxsw5jq7uMhvW0NNGj1oNx6pnffCvjJL2hkXsRPON3s/s2048/395E314D-CACE-40DA-B371-64B1EFE1E2ED.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEu4amIMXHwndDITk41eDVUYayM8JlibEgRLmKacsKa-rGCvEldKYhr-Q8hMO1Gimp24diz6CCq7IYywzDJrxVGsevyU0GdbVTxsw5jq7uMhvW0NNGj1oNx6pnffCvjJL2hkXsRPON3s/s16000/395E314D-CACE-40DA-B371-64B1EFE1E2ED.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted to snap a pic to include in this post and we both saw it and said “I look tired” and that pretty much sums up life right now! Goodnight! </div>
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Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-22413290992850592412020-10-20T21:43:00.003-04:002020-10-21T20:50:58.341-04:00Trying Something New...<p>For far too long now my blog has been on the back burner. Instagram has been at the forefront when it comes to my content and I declared 2020 to be ‘the year of YouTube’, leaving my blog a bit lacking in terms of new posts. </p><p><br /></p><p>Lately Instagram has just been absolutely terrible to me (and many other creators). My posts and stories are not shown to much of my audience, and it seems the harder I try, the less and less I get. So I am re-thinking where my priority should lie. I’ve always known that my blog should be my #1, because Instagram could up and disappear at any time (unlikely I know but it could happen). But as my audience has grown on Instagram and daily stories are so easy to do, it has just become my go-to and the place my audience knows they can always find me. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>I know I will likely never be a daily vlogger on YouTube because it is just a ton of work and not feasible for my life, at least not right now, I already don’t get enough sleep! So I had the idea of daily blogging. Taking blogging back to what it was when I first started! These days it feels like blog posts always have to have some huge, value-added purpose, but when blogging started it was a way for people to connect with each other, share what’s going on in life, and record memories. I want to take it back to that. </p><p><br /></p><p>So I am going to, for an undetermined amount of time because I always sign myself up for way too much, share daily (or something close to that) blog posts. I’m thinking of my blog as more of an online journal again. Of course I’ll have other posts mixed in as well, but I’m hoping to make this the place you come to see what’s going on instead of Instagram. Plus, Instagram captions are never enough space for me to really get my thoughts out! </p><p><br /></p><p>I’m super excited to try this out for a while! I’d love for commenting on the blog to become a new way for us to communicate and connect. This will also allow for all of you to connect with one another and build community vs our one on one Instagram messages (we can keep those up too of course!). So what do you think? </p><p><br /></p><p>Onto the recap of our day - I’m going to have to get better about taking additional pictures outside of Instagram stories lol! All I have for today is a selfie I already shared on IG of me and Georgia because today she is 5 months old! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T-ydmbdOzNhFw2q18PcDab8L9pKf1Co06GrPgGrkq9CNC8ZEoiTRe181oFI-Pk4-qYVdMyejTsUyImY4p_BsQQQqWjkUTA2JnQg0PtLWmf-jxpOEzKd5OBkiSp_DCws5aFuDSeqr_h0/s2048/90374445-74BE-47B2-96FE-1E2AAD0BF905.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T-ydmbdOzNhFw2q18PcDab8L9pKf1Co06GrPgGrkq9CNC8ZEoiTRe181oFI-Pk4-qYVdMyejTsUyImY4p_BsQQQqWjkUTA2JnQg0PtLWmf-jxpOEzKd5OBkiSp_DCws5aFuDSeqr_h0/s16000/90374445-74BE-47B2-96FE-1E2AAD0BF905.jpeg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I truly can not believe she is 5 months old. I swear we just got home from the hospital last week. Can’t say I’m too excited that I have been dairy-free all this time and still have to wake up once a night with her, but I’d do it for 100 more years for my sweet baby G. Every mom says their baby is perfect but mine is as close as you can get. I’ve never heard of a baby who literally gets excited for nap time. When I lay her on her changing table and turn the sound machine on, she gets the biggest smile and gives me all her sweetest noises! It is hilarious to me but hey I would love consistent daily naps too!</p><p><br /></p><p>Avery spent most of the day at her Grandma’s house today. When she got home she was in the best mood and stayed happy all evening - something that hasn’t been happening much the last week or two! It was so nice to feel like I had my sweetest girl back! I love listening to her constant chatter while she takes care of her babies all day, every day. The stuff she comes up with is both hilarious and ingenious. I think she must have been/may still be going through some sort of mental development or growth spurt, she always seems to have moody phases when that happens and then the storm clouds clear and she is my sunshine once again.</p><p><br /></p><p>I have been nursing the mother of all clogged ducts the last 4 days. I have no idea what else to do - I have tried it all. It must be getting slightly better because I’m not in excruciating pain like I was the first two days, but I am constantly working on it - massaging, pumping, feeding, all. Day. Long. I’m so ready for it to clear up so I can just stop messing with it! I know exactly how it happened too - there was one night that Brian actually gave Georgia a bottle instead of me feeding her and I didn’t pump. Literally the one full night of sleep I’ve had in 5 months and this is what I get!!</p><p><br /></p><p>Well this is quite long at this point but that is okay, this is something I’ll look back on years from now! If you’ve made it this far will you please leave me a comment telling me your favorite Halloween candy? I hope you enjoy this new idea and we’ll see how it goes long term! Thanks for reading! </p>
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</script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-11352268085099489332020-10-14T13:23:00.004-04:002020-10-14T13:23:48.377-04:00Mommy + Me Matching Lilly Pulitzer Outfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyLAk-4CwWnLFvkFuwEqqJp1VvQsBSfpPA9T95VSGB5AOupKOrk0qcDQgKoQBBsmconAW68ukvfK41KC3vAn0oh2ICF_u6NpRzRhCWsgpgF6IBA9LdjPIR5U1C9N5Ir0Ip9cKFRl0wQ0/s2048/9CD4C4AB-18FA-497D-B55F-5BA55554DD92.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyLAk-4CwWnLFvkFuwEqqJp1VvQsBSfpPA9T95VSGB5AOupKOrk0qcDQgKoQBBsmconAW68ukvfK41KC3vAn0oh2ICF_u6NpRzRhCWsgpgF6IBA9LdjPIR5U1C9N5Ir0Ip9cKFRl0wQ0/s16000/9CD4C4AB-18FA-497D-B55F-5BA55554DD92.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p>This weekend I finally got myself and the girls into our first matching Lilly Pulitzer outfits! I bought these well before Georgia was born and I guess I didn’t anticipate her being such a tiny nugget because it’s already fall and she just now fits into the dress! But luckily the Florida weather makes these outfits still very much appropriate. </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved how the photos came out and just wanted them to have a permanent place on the blog since Lilly holds a special place in my heart (and on my blog). Today happens to be Sugar Spice and Sparkle's 6th anniversary, and I couldn't think of a more perfect day for a Lilly Pulitzer related post. You can see all of my posts related to Lilly <a href="https://www.sugarspiceandsparkle.com/search/label/lilly%20pulitzer" target="_blank">here</a>, in fact the second post ever published on this blog was about Lilly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lilly Pulitzer was my niche when I first started blogging and doing Etsy, some of you may remember! I still love the brand and think it will be something that is always part of my life even as my style evolves. I hope someday my girls will love it too! I've worn Lilly Pulitzer for a lot of big moments in my life, and can't believe Lilly and this blog have taken me from an engineering student in college to a stay at home momma of two! My, how time flies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93nvNKrh5X34J5qZ4ueeO_V0AX1i-S8etRU6b8MshmPbfwa89rdD72uGbISbPHGnobSgohXKgoLQz6S6RolzIicyjod25P6oQck9nzUIzp5qsTD1UQAEzg93yqApdwQhPgAcBPJTYsL0/s2048/10E661F2-E907-4BFA-91BE-21635993F393.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93nvNKrh5X34J5qZ4ueeO_V0AX1i-S8etRU6b8MshmPbfwa89rdD72uGbISbPHGnobSgohXKgoLQz6S6RolzIicyjod25P6oQck9nzUIzp5qsTD1UQAEzg93yqApdwQhPgAcBPJTYsL0/s16000/10E661F2-E907-4BFA-91BE-21635993F393.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnixWC0eroDdmnIjiyJwC_o3LFQfzn8zHIpxAyxUkJxI_jmo-HelBeeMnPRjep1UFxTHUZlBVmNfrK9Q2YW0X0hsbNBq46-gMKO23ODwBG8PQtVPOhqCmhO1uXx2ayQX6UclmbrS12Dk/s2048/33FAC2C4-92C6-469E-BCB4-FEFB28A34D7C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnixWC0eroDdmnIjiyJwC_o3LFQfzn8zHIpxAyxUkJxI_jmo-HelBeeMnPRjep1UFxTHUZlBVmNfrK9Q2YW0X0hsbNBq46-gMKO23ODwBG8PQtVPOhqCmhO1uXx2ayQX6UclmbrS12Dk/s16000/33FAC2C4-92C6-469E-BCB4-FEFB28A34D7C.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSw8T2IavI9W3w-RW7YzZRTpZ98ILoCAF-Xeyjlb-8tESuJF6WepkO_mIYvmZ2CpomEWSBWEmlkZ68hxygmBbDnandde_qFnk_tC0ElIPbvsixLJgudrA7uHjYIcWpqB6UEgHTu8tS_Q/s2048/8912B0E9-E7D8-473E-AC80-EBD424237C6F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSw8T2IavI9W3w-RW7YzZRTpZ98ILoCAF-Xeyjlb-8tESuJF6WepkO_mIYvmZ2CpomEWSBWEmlkZ68hxygmBbDnandde_qFnk_tC0ElIPbvsixLJgudrA7uHjYIcWpqB6UEgHTu8tS_Q/s16000/8912B0E9-E7D8-473E-AC80-EBD424237C6F.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKk0KqjQuxtgmkwNdCbdAxisZiwA5VX8FUW_F6_1m-MqKwFl8G86OQtrfYULfsDTo53IkLgBXWjA3ZCAsasaDH6IDC2sFXhABpXElkJdu0l7K7tb52f8ftcV8kceO-r9UzSngSRPXCCg/s2048/C6E6AE8C-CA38-4516-BB4B-9E94473CB3FA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKk0KqjQuxtgmkwNdCbdAxisZiwA5VX8FUW_F6_1m-MqKwFl8G86OQtrfYULfsDTo53IkLgBXWjA3ZCAsasaDH6IDC2sFXhABpXElkJdu0l7K7tb52f8ftcV8kceO-r9UzSngSRPXCCg/s16000/C6E6AE8C-CA38-4516-BB4B-9E94473CB3FA.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvifjXAQbmVt3zVx8KY19HvARdorV5X5Uy2InTM4RQEnu1Oj_IsZMYxTW3BSALrwwX3Q9iIzFVjMJhVZeKesQLhg1gxo5X6j_rlpJDqRoTdOOAzZTjV14N6bgwsniGsah9KbuJ2RpuObI/s2048/EB934C56-2BEF-4B0B-BC85-BFD7DE8197A3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvifjXAQbmVt3zVx8KY19HvARdorV5X5Uy2InTM4RQEnu1Oj_IsZMYxTW3BSALrwwX3Q9iIzFVjMJhVZeKesQLhg1gxo5X6j_rlpJDqRoTdOOAzZTjV14N6bgwsniGsah9KbuJ2RpuObI/s16000/EB934C56-2BEF-4B0B-BC85-BFD7DE8197A3.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Thank you God for these beautiful blessings! I love them so much it hurts!</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">
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Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-15584837688228423932020-08-25T12:53:00.001-04:002020-08-25T13:04:59.190-04:003 Beginner Projects with Cricut Joy<p>This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of <a href="https://lnk2.io/wDfgDWh">Cricut</a>. All opinions are 100% mine.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflTQWeCPd5SLHsaQNx2emQOHBeRD9hoMgs9K3EMEBOV22y6F5uGru0sGc7ZCrovrIHP0-i3hLAfeP2JMQKM9xsDjEi3xb7WldwlOIND48FOpM58pgo8yIpd3F7LAGHtlTDH2dSQ4_yzc/s1500/Cricut+Joy+Projects+for+Beginners.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflTQWeCPd5SLHsaQNx2emQOHBeRD9hoMgs9K3EMEBOV22y6F5uGru0sGc7ZCrovrIHP0-i3hLAfeP2JMQKM9xsDjEi3xb7WldwlOIND48FOpM58pgo8yIpd3F7LAGHtlTDH2dSQ4_yzc/d/Cricut+Joy+Projects+for+Beginners.png" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Thank you to Cricut for sponsoring today's post! As some of you may know I started my blogging journey as a craft blogger (head over <a href="http://kraftiekatie19.blogspot.com" target="_blank">here</a> if you want to see some amateur work lol) so this collaboration is a dream for me! This post contains affiliate links. As always all opinions are 100% honest and my own, and I only work with brands I 100% believe in! </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Who is ready for a little craft time? Since we've all been spending more time at home than ever before it's the perfect time to pick up a new (or bring back an old) hobby. I'm going to share with you 3 step by step tutorials for projects I made with my <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=567915&u=1826821&m=51766&urllink=cricut%2Ecom%2Fen%5Fus%2Fmachines%2Fcricut%2Djoy%2Fcricut%2Djoy%2Dessentials%2Dbundle%2Ehtml&afftrack=" target="_blank">Cricut Joy machine</a>. Whether you're a Cricut veteran or are brand new to the machine, I think you'll be able to handle these with ease!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br /><div>The <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=567915&u=1826821&m=51766&urllink=cricut%2Ecom%2Fen%5Fus%2Fmachines%2Fcricut%2Djoy%2Fcricut%2Djoy%2Dessentials%2Dbundle%2Ehtml&afftrack=" target="_blank">Cricut Joy machine</a> is their newest model and is a great little crafting companion. The possibilities are endless with this machine, as you'll get a glimpse of below. You can use so many different materials with it and the newly designed Smart materials, which you can use directly in the machine - no mat required! The Cricut Joy is compact so it doesn't require much space, though it is small it is mighty!<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Before we jump in to the projects, here is a cute baby Georgia who happened to be matching with the Cricut Joy! I coordinate things when I'm not even trying apparently! </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDC7cw91MdqIwDwSbAw87W-fUAwYz3rUi5DaDZzV9qeQY0WzuFjU1tXYxjnPaZh7IUuUmbuginPY3dUmjxAbdVPsyzpSG-G6yRoe9Y__A8eT1lxt-1guLaQDvx_AnKZFWWCqaRyBz1IU/s2048/CC9E9D9F-3279-4B04-BE9D-CE1103EE80AA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Projects for Beginners" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDC7cw91MdqIwDwSbAw87W-fUAwYz3rUi5DaDZzV9qeQY0WzuFjU1tXYxjnPaZh7IUuUmbuginPY3dUmjxAbdVPsyzpSG-G6yRoe9Y__A8eT1lxt-1guLaQDvx_AnKZFWWCqaRyBz1IU/d/CC9E9D9F-3279-4B04-BE9D-CE1103EE80AA.jpeg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Thank You Card</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtNIkwwPz8VylnylF6_JWqgyoa8rMqzKhZmVhNzUWz4868pTKf0nF-mf4A3xVpRD_Sgrv-rPWxVzDuA3Zfkq74xP0y9OP_AdUSjTL7aq50X-vWfauigvsx88Th_9ndFz9lbONWnF6jpo/s2048/072F4CAF-D280-4C95-83BD-8C86C4FE7C83.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Projects for Beginners" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtNIkwwPz8VylnylF6_JWqgyoa8rMqzKhZmVhNzUWz4868pTKf0nF-mf4A3xVpRD_Sgrv-rPWxVzDuA3Zfkq74xP0y9OP_AdUSjTL7aq50X-vWfauigvsx88Th_9ndFz9lbONWnF6jpo/d/072F4CAF-D280-4C95-83BD-8C86C4FE7C83.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What you'll need:</div>
<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4153094"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/2366fb772a85855b45e3c7f12afce5e81bef2e5b/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bPLWpGQDDx3ncgzFrAa7RjeurxGviRhL4BFuoagKjM_bX6cbM_ihrnTCxMjnhhz5u5Gikb83-xR1NsdHk-2t4bzc6ZnCw_uPKTXqO-U4cyOaOPc9B0KP1Io896s3B06lIlUTFjhTvWw/s2048/D2CA4E68-D92E-4BAA-9B92-3FDD05498D1F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Insert Card Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bPLWpGQDDx3ncgzFrAa7RjeurxGviRhL4BFuoagKjM_bX6cbM_ihrnTCxMjnhhz5u5Gikb83-xR1NsdHk-2t4bzc6ZnCw_uPKTXqO-U4cyOaOPc9B0KP1Io896s3B06lIlUTFjhTvWw/d/D2CA4E68-D92E-4BAA-9B92-3FDD05498D1F.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 1: After selecting your design in the <a href="https://bit.ly/2QjKGim" target="_blank">Cricut Design Space</a> or Cricut Joy App, place your Insert Card into the Card Mat and load it into the machine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z8_5yz1cwQBIElt-6C9RhJ0Vw7ROTVqCvKwUGbJ8VymqpAcenXwkTL72uneoMMVqk2kSUBzzVLfBRjB-_XEAXBlrf3bPNNuHv3CZtI3l3Pj0yf-AVmKulVsID14V5j4r0grfOZd3pZ8/s2048/DE8EB6D2-4C65-49B8-BF68-A618D6406D11.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Insert Card Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8z8_5yz1cwQBIElt-6C9RhJ0Vw7ROTVqCvKwUGbJ8VymqpAcenXwkTL72uneoMMVqk2kSUBzzVLfBRjB-_XEAXBlrf3bPNNuHv3CZtI3l3Pj0yf-AVmKulVsID14V5j4r0grfOZd3pZ8/d/DE8EB6D2-4C65-49B8-BF68-A618D6406D11.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 2: Cut the design. Remove the card from the card mat and remove cut pieces. Insert the colored paper into the slots on the card.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sIQ9jIUQWGIOpxjqjQZ2_cfLm74FOVEF8iayM6xCqzdXBG-R0mpSu7ukQa23bcvXBRT31I0MqApM9OEA2YRXRn8Y0HaZtglKQjzQzjqrVLq4WLUt4dwrfoj3OYnWkHdD1dZOtODGOiE/s2048/3F451352-F080-42D0-ADF6-BE0079FB7318.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Insert Card Thank You Design" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sIQ9jIUQWGIOpxjqjQZ2_cfLm74FOVEF8iayM6xCqzdXBG-R0mpSu7ukQa23bcvXBRT31I0MqApM9OEA2YRXRn8Y0HaZtglKQjzQzjqrVLq4WLUt4dwrfoj3OYnWkHdD1dZOtODGOiE/d/3F451352-F080-42D0-ADF6-BE0079FB7318.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is it! You can find endless card designs for any occasion in <a href="https://bit.ly/2QjKGim" target="_blank">Cricut Design Space</a>! Anyone would love to receive one of these unique designs for their next birthday, holiday, or "just because".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Personalized Reusable Water Bottle</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0XR93_NgYyx-N3_4QjZxy4kTuHWygCcV2K2MAPu1WeusCrgtGNGeiN9gq3nR5rthE1xGn97gQEYw9NEtOrL_NXPgoDG20hhxOo1ZT0Kc5Zq5X8Lgzp9mj7AHtxTvqgUHjZOT3CFjo0U/s2048/0EE3654B-9550-49E2-A83B-4FAF72DDAF9E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Project for Beginners" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0XR93_NgYyx-N3_4QjZxy4kTuHWygCcV2K2MAPu1WeusCrgtGNGeiN9gq3nR5rthE1xGn97gQEYw9NEtOrL_NXPgoDG20hhxOo1ZT0Kc5Zq5X8Lgzp9mj7AHtxTvqgUHjZOT3CFjo0U/d/0EE3654B-9550-49E2-A83B-4FAF72DDAF9E.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What You'll Need:</div>
<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4153098"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/2366fb772a85855b45e3c7f12afce5e81bef2e5b/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyK6qtpPmQLd7HRBC4t6BLoFb95k59qcBllwQxFSZ8nZl2DVRAgvMPY0rfnBIpGWVM9pLTCFAA9mKEbulxH_m92fiYdVCKm45bxrsOCBvQ5ZxskQ0ZGZkG0slEjebgSQ0rnAVjc7mH2g/s2048/F8047315-72F2-4614-910A-2193EE2519A5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Transfer Tape Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyK6qtpPmQLd7HRBC4t6BLoFb95k59qcBllwQxFSZ8nZl2DVRAgvMPY0rfnBIpGWVM9pLTCFAA9mKEbulxH_m92fiYdVCKm45bxrsOCBvQ5ZxskQ0ZGZkG0slEjebgSQ0rnAVjc7mH2g/d/F8047315-72F2-4614-910A-2193EE2519A5.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 1: Select your design in Cricut Design Space. Here I just did basic text using a Cricut font. Cut out and weed the design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 2: Prepare the design with Transfer Tape. For more tips on using Transfer Tape, click <a href="https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009430794-Transfer-Tape-Instructions" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNfMMJfQxGU3GPw9Ac9vZt5Y7w3Ef5O9ERcg-H7PhW7eRA8QsLemMytrVA7n5_hB0fWrrlFwFZ7mXJs0gYfsxY6wLusxlB310lp171KmceFyQSDuzjVE2Q8-TbYJVbPNRUDpqHvTitxA/s2048/17D69A38-AF45-4AA2-B776-1D730E362335.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Transfer Tape Tutorial" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNfMMJfQxGU3GPw9Ac9vZt5Y7w3Ef5O9ERcg-H7PhW7eRA8QsLemMytrVA7n5_hB0fWrrlFwFZ7mXJs0gYfsxY6wLusxlB310lp171KmceFyQSDuzjVE2Q8-TbYJVbPNRUDpqHvTitxA/d/17D69A38-AF45-4AA2-B776-1D730E362335.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 3: Transfer the design onto the bottle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmfOaaZEldu2DLnggk7iAGlyjAFIfp09V_pJjpPtrByU1k2w9VyS8yoCxRW53AM-ca15_sipaQb-IDWK6adeTsvUTQZM9wkMMHF1MIsRDBOjRd3Okd04iMHNrqGkEkyTQ07KlzDZkh3k/s2048/1AB83AC8-DA5A-485B-9CEC-C99F511D8867.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Personalized Bottle Tutorial with Cricut Joy" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmfOaaZEldu2DLnggk7iAGlyjAFIfp09V_pJjpPtrByU1k2w9VyS8yoCxRW53AM-ca15_sipaQb-IDWK6adeTsvUTQZM9wkMMHF1MIsRDBOjRd3Okd04iMHNrqGkEkyTQ07KlzDZkh3k/d/1AB83AC8-DA5A-485B-9CEC-C99F511D8867.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Complete! The possibilities are endless with this and you can get really intricate with your designs, multiple vinyl colors, etc. if you want to. Wouldn't this make the cutest addition to a gift basket?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Personalized T-Shirts</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUZDsBzcWkQwinYLJsUgk1pNRFTzGFNcE2xyXucLWUa6XWC-c28bBvMQjLHFk8jlAB_9smY6SlNTZjS8mzHBLqpuIA7NBu6lSW4Wf8N17AWvL77e78Ieg-9ujoa2VpZuAwqPraMJTgIQ/s2048/5908AE88-6995-4CB3-8A10-25FF1346FE67.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Project Supplies" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1665" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUZDsBzcWkQwinYLJsUgk1pNRFTzGFNcE2xyXucLWUa6XWC-c28bBvMQjLHFk8jlAB_9smY6SlNTZjS8mzHBLqpuIA7NBu6lSW4Wf8N17AWvL77e78Ieg-9ujoa2VpZuAwqPraMJTgIQ/d/5908AE88-6995-4CB3-8A10-25FF1346FE67.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What You'll Need:</div>
<div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="4153103"><script type="text/javascript">!function(w,i,d,g,e,t){d.getElementById(i)||(element=d.createElement(t),element.id=i,element.src="https://widgets.rewardstyle.com"+e,d.body.appendChild(element)),w.hasOwnProperty(g)===!0&&"complete"===d.readyState&&w[g].init()}(window,"shopthepost-script",document,"__stp","/js/shopthepost.js","script")</script><div class="rs-adblock"><img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML="Disable your ad blocking software to view this content."" src="https://assets.rewardstyle.com/production/2366fb772a85855b45e3c7f12afce5e81bef2e5b/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2STHxN3MAAsR1dK2yROCBosEgNDFslRQKLsM_mv8F59IibMgsPtKYhFwBzdZSZ-3P3vZCP-3PwvX4150zw2aRWzZ6tonM6k4YOa8iE0qRdMNztb0B2F-neLOHGUu4-gDYgiBaWsHTrNc/s2048/9219DF1D-154C-4B95-A588-5C046F113430.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2STHxN3MAAsR1dK2yROCBosEgNDFslRQKLsM_mv8F59IibMgsPtKYhFwBzdZSZ-3P3vZCP-3PwvX4150zw2aRWzZ6tonM6k4YOa8iE0qRdMNztb0B2F-neLOHGUu4-gDYgiBaWsHTrNc/d/9219DF1D-154C-4B95-A588-5C046F113430.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 1: Create your design(s) in Cricut Design Space. Be sure to mirror your design before cutting!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 2: Cut and Weed your design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbpaJsvuKwl4GYIHZy3f3OoUWqdc9X1gBvMU5PJ9NAnRAR6nTN7AJUo7xQsMFkwM5jIj6yKb3611-DqE2xR6lNQMGepiB-9ilegHUGwfLezvl8CHIWH-_KrEiQo9rqS8dn1mff-Px8Gs/s2048/C397B0EF-B5F6-4710-A897-411C5B627E3A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Easy Press 2 Machine" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbpaJsvuKwl4GYIHZy3f3OoUWqdc9X1gBvMU5PJ9NAnRAR6nTN7AJUo7xQsMFkwM5jIj6yKb3611-DqE2xR6lNQMGepiB-9ilegHUGwfLezvl8CHIWH-_KrEiQo9rqS8dn1mff-Px8Gs/d/C397B0EF-B5F6-4710-A897-411C5B627E3A.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step 3: Apply your design to your blank using the Cricut Easy Press 2. For more details on working with Infusible Ink, click <a href="https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021079973-How-to-use-Infusible-Ink-Transfer-S…" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tbK3DAKHfTHXpGSI5chHlmELKkS1XX-JRWO_q8F2LA1raUXk-dBCunhr3z8K1q_dJOyKykWSKvIk8ugV6pMtQjP-797-BAS8TMGFW__xSllC1cmlxXHwhixmExcuN1vo_C24sE5RT70/s2048/F4C54AAC-A0CB-4AA7-B981-85ECD36D35C2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cricut Infusible Ink T-Shirt Blanks" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tbK3DAKHfTHXpGSI5chHlmELKkS1XX-JRWO_q8F2LA1raUXk-dBCunhr3z8K1q_dJOyKykWSKvIk8ugV6pMtQjP-797-BAS8TMGFW__xSllC1cmlxXHwhixmExcuN1vo_C24sE5RT70/d/F4C54AAC-A0CB-4AA7-B981-85ECD36D35C2.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How cute are these cuties? I love that I can create so many matching/coordinating shirts for my girls! For this project my designs were very simple, but I'm looking forward to getting more experience with complex designs and coming up with my own unique looks for my daughters to wear!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Infusible Ink really is incredible! It is not like a traditional iron on. There is no edge on the design, just like the name implies, the ink is infused into the shirt, so the finished look is extremely professional. These totally look like something I bought from the store, but they are in fact home made!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So which project is your favorite? I hope I have given you the confidence to try out different mediums with your Cricut! If I can do it - so can you! The Cricut Joy and Cricut Design Space make creating personalized, custom projects simple and I'm so impressed that one little machine allowed me to create all this. I see many projects in our future!</div
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</script></div>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-57228089850822653182020-08-20T15:30:00.001-04:002020-08-23T23:06:01.928-04:00How To Find Coordinating Family Outfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuRAJzjGXN9hKQ8nMLI7xbz9dOVIZ9G7fP4FxWEUGWkDQ9TSuWvSHjwwSAGLFCBFySuOBOI0OJqEig8pbkaWON5w5spV9ki6VSjfksekrbSbSj67afwGLQUPAF92XYK6dSCg2Jzw7uj8/s2048/EBC47F05-4C92-4483-BA38-30D5B03FD1A6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuRAJzjGXN9hKQ8nMLI7xbz9dOVIZ9G7fP4FxWEUGWkDQ9TSuWvSHjwwSAGLFCBFySuOBOI0OJqEig8pbkaWON5w5spV9ki6VSjfksekrbSbSj67afwGLQUPAF92XYK6dSCg2Jzw7uj8/d/EBC47F05-4C92-4483-BA38-30D5B03FD1A6.jpeg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Thank you to Burkes Outlet for sponsoring today’s post. Since I haven’t been going out much at all due to concerns around the coronavirus, I did all my shopping online at <a href="https://bit.ly/38Ld7g8" target="_blank">burkesoutlet.com</a> and you can expect the same great prices and quality items as you can find in store. I will also say that I was pleasantly surprised with the shipping speed! My order arrived within 2 days of ordering!</p><p><br /></p><p>If you know me then you know I love pictures (and videos) of my family! As much as I share online, I take even more than I show! While our kids are little I have made it a priority to do family photos frequently, which can get pricey when you’re talking coordinating outfits, photographer, etc. We usually get a professional photographer once a year and use a tripod and our own camera for the other times, but that’s for a whole other post! Today let’s focus on outfits for the whole family, without breaking the bank!</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>I absolutely love shopping at Bealls Outlet here in Florida, and Burkes Outlet is their sister store which is also available online at <a href="https://bit.ly/38Ld7g8" target="_blank">burkesoutlet.com</a>. I have gotten so many of you hooked on them already and you always tell me how much you love it. The prices really are unbeatable! Everything I purchased for all 4 of us was under $100! The hard part is, at any store, they don’t just lay out coordinating outfits for you, so it takes a bit of work to put together something that will look good for the whole fam. </p><p><br /></p><p>See all my tips and tricks for choosing family outfits at the end of the post!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll0ps8EtcFjW7RxMBqvq-p_DD6NWT0MefX5JyvIXgFOhsP-5xUWByyxWyfnlGPfUZNhqSueFPO2pcF0swxO4wS4sSUb1Qd9k4RvZo1lNB1awzs3lMHPNQEsdkOI4MU-cbHvPuGxl1sHA/s2048/5A4CEA77-F3E7-4EB8-AD78-101B13E3E39A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll0ps8EtcFjW7RxMBqvq-p_DD6NWT0MefX5JyvIXgFOhsP-5xUWByyxWyfnlGPfUZNhqSueFPO2pcF0swxO4wS4sSUb1Qd9k4RvZo1lNB1awzs3lMHPNQEsdkOI4MU-cbHvPuGxl1sHA/d/5A4CEA77-F3E7-4EB8-AD78-101B13E3E39A.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
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</script>Katie Logenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02632169358348439105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943322548086722905.post-52169960127256301912020-06-16T17:07:00.002-04:002020-06-16T17:08:41.165-04:00At Home Newborn Photoshoot | Tips and Tricks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Baby Georgia is here! In case you are not following along on <a href="Https://www.instagram.com/sugarspiceandsparkle" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (which if you’re not you’re missing out on a lot of newborn cuteness!) I’m thrilled to announce the birth of our second daughter, Georgia Anne.<br />
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We did <a href="https://www.sugarspiceandsparkle.com/2020/04/maternity-photos-with-toddler.html" target="_blank">maternity pictures </a>with a professional photographer because I wanted the whole family to be included, so for newborn photos we decided to do our own at home. Not to mention the whole pandemic thing making it too risky to have a photographer come in! Being a blogger and starting to grow more on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCW3hpQuLjCQPvoQQp_KeVQ" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, we have invested in some very nice camera equipment so I thought it would be easier to make our own newborn photoshoot happen rather than trying to coordinate when she would be asleep and all that with a photographer.<br />
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Find tips for doing your own newborn photos at the end of the post below!<br />
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I wanted to get some shots with both girls of course but the timing worked out that it was right before lunch so you can imagine how it worked out! There are a couple good ones but we will definitely try again to get the two of them together, with full bellies next time. But I couldn’t wait any longer to share these!<br />
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When Avery was a newborn we tried to do the same but either we weren’t on our game as much or she just wasn’t as sleepy because they did not work out. At 7 weeks old we ended up taking her to a photo studio. Since she was born 4 weeks early she was effectively only 3 weeks old in the pictures, but she was already so alert that we didn’t get any of those super adorable sleepy newborn shots. I’m happy to report that we did SO much better at home this time! Georgia was exactly 1 week old when we did the photos. Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Timing</b></div>
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If you want to get those super precious sleepy baby photos you have to do the photoshoot within the first week or so of baby’s life. Babies are only in that super sleepy stage for so long. When they’re a few weeks old they still sleep a lot but they won’t sleep through outfit changes and repositioning the way they will in those first few days. </div>
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For the actual time of the photoshoot just make sure everyone has full bellies. Happiness comes hand in hand with everyone being full! That includes mom and dad, too!</div>
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<b>Inspiration</b></div>
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Go on Pinterest or Google to look up newborn photo shoots (maybe that’s how you got here!) to get inspiration for different poses and shots. Having a shot list in mind from the get go will mean you can move from pose to pose quickly and get things done while everyone is happy!</div>
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<b>Lighting</b></div>
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Even if you don’t have a top of the line camera (cell phone cameras are surprisingly good these days!) you can still get some amazing shots that you’ll cherish forever. The key to any good photo is lighting. We use several diffused lights as well as post production editing, but even without additional lighting you can utilize natural light and editing apps to your advantage.</div>
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<b>Props</b></div>
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Adding a few simple props to your photos can take them to the next level. These peaches were crocheted by my grandmother, Georgia’s great-grandmother! Just don’t go too crazy, especially for a newborn photoshoot, I think less is more. The newborn is precious on their own! Of course make sure that everything is safe to be around baby. Using a blanket or resting them in a slightly elevated position is okay as long as it’s just long enough to snap a pic and mom and/or dad is right there outside the frame.</div>
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