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My Fave Natural & Sustainable Products for Earth Week

I’m a huge nerd for finding ways to be more green or earth friendly so I can do my part to take care of the earth. These are things that I ACTUALLY USE and I’m not just saying that I like.

Klean Kanteen 20oz TKWide Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Twist Straw Cap
I just bought this water bottle and I’m a big fan. It holds a good amount of water but has a thinner profile so that it can fit in more cup holders. Hand washing this is recommended. It keeps the water cold for so long. I definitely like this one.

Sunseeke Silicone Straws Set – Odorless, 12 Standard Reusable Drinking Straws, 4 Carry Pouch, 2 Cleaning Brushes, Certificated Food Grade Platinum Silicone – 8 1/2″ Long
I’m a big fan of reusable silicone straws. They are dishwasher safe and strong. I like that this set has carry pouches so you can throw it in your backpack and bring it with you. It even comes with the cleaning brushes in case something gets stuck in the straw.

Grove Collaborative Cleaning Products and Bottles

One of my very favorite lines of cleaning products is the Grove Collaborative. They have no harsh chemicals in their products and use ingredients that are mostly plant based. I really like that they have glass spray bottles and soap dispensers. Their refills are in aluminum bottles and glass bottles and packaged in cardboard-all of these items are easily recyclable to help eliminate plastic waste. They have a floor cleaner, but I haven’t tried that one yet. They also have dishwasher detergent packs that are in a metal canister-again eliminating plastic waste.

It’s a really easy switch that doesn’t take really any more time or effort to make. I use their glass spray bottles and soap dispensers. I put my dish soap and hand soap in one of the glass soap dispensers and then buy the aluminum bottles when I need to refill them. I also use the glass spray bottles for their cleaning products. I use the tub & tile cleaning concentrate, the multi-purpose cleaner concentrate, and the glass cleaner. All of the products that I have tried smell good, and I haven’t had any negative reactions to any of the smells. In other brands, there are definitely some scents that I really don’t like. Grove Collaborative uses 100% natural fragrance in all of their products so that’s probably why none of their scents bother me. My fave scent is probably the lemon eucalyptus & mint. NOTE: You can save 15% off right now on Grove Collaborative at Target for Earth Week. Hurry because it expires on April 23rd. Click here to see the sale: https://www.target.com/b/grove-co/-/N-q643le5spls

If you want to go really, really green, you can go with zero waste packaging and no water added in the packaging. I like Grove Collaborative, but they do add water to their ingredients which is better to be added later when the product is ready to be used.

HiBAR Moisturize Bar Shampoo and Conditioner, For Dry Hair, Sulfate-Free, Vegan Products, Zero Waste, Travel Size, Color Safe Pack of 2
I was surprised by how much I liked these shampoo and conditioner bars. Using a shampoo and conditioner bars versus liquid shampoo or conditions eliminates the excess air and water when shipping so the products require less packaging and become more efficient to ship. They’re so amazing for traveling, because you don’t have to worry about liquids exploding in your suitcase. It was an easy swap for me because it smells great and leaves my hair feeling soft and healthy.

Puracy Natural Shampoo and Conditioner Set- 16 fl.oz Citrus & Mint Scent, Hydrating, Plant-based, Sulfate-free Shampoo And Conditioner- Shampoo and Conditioner For Dry, Color-Treated Hair
If you’re not into the shampoo and conditioner idea, my fave Puracy’s citrus & mint scent shampoo and conditioner. They use plastic bottles and are liquid, but they sells refills so you don’t have to use another plastic bottle. With the refills, these products really last awhile which is nice. I like all of the Puracy products that I have tried.
Shampoo Refill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JDPSYM6?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_4D19KW6K9CH7FHQRWK8M
Conditioner Refill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JCZ1PXH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Q0Y9KFQ9D6C7H5J5MN3T

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets – Fresh Scent – No Plastic Jug (60 Loads) 30 Sheets, Liquidless Technology
These are really cool because they work really well and can be used for 60 loads of laundry, but it is plastic free. The usual huge plastic jugs used for laundry detergent is apparently harder to recycle so it is a huge issue for sustainability. This is such an easy switch and better for the environment. Win!!!

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs, Free & Clear, 90 Loads (2 pouches, 45 Ct EA)
These laundry detergent packs are made for sensitive skin with 0% fragrances, dyes, or artificial brighteners. They look almost exactly like dishwasher detergent packs. Mostly plant ingredients and biodegradable. I just don’t love that they use plastic bags, they say that it is made from recycled materials.

Crate 61, Vegan Natural Bar Soap, Citrus Variety Pack, 6 Pack, Handmade Soap With Premium Essential Oils, Cold Pressed Face And Body Bar Soap For Men And Women
I really like this soap because it smells great and it doesn’t dry out your hands if you’re like me and you wash your hands SO MANY TIMES every day. I still use some liquid hands soaps, but in general try to mostly use bar soap so it saves on water usage. I use these soaps in the shower and for washing my hands.

Dish Washing Block Soap
Again, this is a zero waste product that is also non-toxic and vegan. It works great and builds up a really good lather so you can get those dishes clean but it stills last a long time.

Full Circle Bubble Up Ceramic Soap Dispenser & Bamboo Handle Dish Brush – Replaceable Kitchen Dish Scrubber with Soap Holder, Green
This ceramic soap dispenser has a cute, simple design that looks nice sitting out. The dish brush has a bamboo handle and is also made from recycled plastic and recycled stainless steel. They made replacement dish brushes so you can switch them out when you’re ready.

Casabella Kind Plant Based Scour Pads Pack of 4 Scrubbing Sponge – Includes Two 2-Packs
These scour pads are plant based and dye free. No harsh ingredients. They work really well while also not scratching pots or pans. This is a sustainable product is compostable when you’re done with it.

Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag, Bundle 4-Pack
There are cheaper options for reusable storage bags, but these Stasher bag are my favorite. They are very strong and durable and I have had some of my Stasher bags for several years and they are still perfect. We use these all of the time for leftovers, to pack lunches, and for grabbing a snack on the go. They are made of silicone so they are non-toxic and DISHWASHER SAFE. They come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. They come in handy for traveling too. Easiest switch ever!

MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth,Pack of 12,Size:12.6″ x 12.6″
I really like these microfiber cleaning cloths. I use them all of the time. You can use them for cleaning stainless steel appliances, cleaning mirrors, washing dishes…pretty much everything. I like the happy colors they come in too. You don’t really need paper towels if you have a bunch of these so you can goodbye to paper towels. You can even use these as makeup removing towels.

Reusable Paper Towels-Marley’s Monsters Reusable UNpaper® Towel Roll, Handmade in Eugene, Oregon (Vintage Lemons, 24-pack)
I have these reusable paper towels and love them. They come in a lot of different patterns. You can use them as a stack of towels or you can roll them on a reusable paper towel tube that is included. It works on most paper towel holders. This is an easy swap for me. I just wash and dry them with all my towels. Again, regular paper towels are so unnecessary. I have the cute vintage lemon pattern and I think it looks so happy in my kitchen.

MakeUp Eraser, Erase All Makeup With Just Water, Reusable, Antibacterial, Machine Washable Towel, Great for Sensitive Skin, Removes Waterproof Mascara, Eyeliner, Foundation, Lipstick and More
I got these for Christmas a few years ago and I love them. They work really well and all you have to do is add water to them. They’re machine washable and you can also throw them in the dryer. It’s really soft so it’s good for sensitive skin. A REALLY easy switch that makes disposable makeup cloths seem silly.

Soap Holders
These simple soap holders are made from safe and non-toxic silicone. They are dishwasher safe. I like that they have the holes so the water can drain out. The colors and simple and look nice.

Native Deodorant Plastic Free Eucalyptus & Mint
There are other natural deodorants out there, but this one is my fave and it actually works really well. And the packaging is PLASTIC FREE and recyclable.

Davids Natural Whitening Toothpaste, Antiplaque, Fluoride Free, SLS Free, Peppermint, 5.25 OZ Metal Tube, Tube Roller Included
This natural toothpaste tastes great and works just as well too. The tube is made out of metal and is recyclable and the packaging is recyclable cardboard. It also comes with a cool metal tube roller so that you get use out of every last bit of that toothpaste! I’m partial to the peppermint flavor.

Dental Floss-Wowe Natural Biodegradable Peace Silk Dental Floss with Candelilla Wax, Refillable Stainless Steel Container and 3 Refills
This one is really cool. The metal jar is really nice and eliminates plastic waste and the silk floss is biodegradable. It also comes with 3 refills that are supposed to last for 6 months or longer depending on how disciplined you are about flossing;)

Sustainable Reusable Water bottle

Reusable Straws

Reusable Food Storage Bags

Reusable Bags

Sustainable toilet paper

Reel Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper – 24 Rolls of Toilet Paper – 3-Ply Made From Tree-Free, 100% Bamboo Fibers
Easy switch to toilet paper made from bamboo which is a sustainable product and helps eliminate waste.

Reusable Toilet Paper-Marley’s Monsters Toilet UNpaper Roll, Handmade in Eugene, Oregon (Surprise Prints, 24-pack)
This swap might weird you out at first, but if you use a bidet with it then it’s really not that big of a deal. I’m pretty used to it now, but the rest of my family still uses regular toilet paper. You can just wash and dry these with your towels. The only things that I do differently is sometimes I set the washing machine to 2 rinses instead of the usual 1 rinse. So it uses a bit more water, but also saves from buying toilet paper. And if there is a sudden toilet paper shortage again, I will be set;)

TUSHY Classic 2.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment | A Non-Electric Self Cleaning Water Sprayer w/Adjustable Water Pressure Nozzle, Angle Control & Easy Home Installation
(White/Bamboo)
I have this bidet, and I’m a really big fan. Now that I’m used to using a bidet, I would never want to go back. I personally feel like it’s cleaner and more hygienic than only using toilet paper. If you’re still using regular toilet paper, it really helps to cut down on how much toilet paper you need to use. If you’re using reusable toilet paper, you can use your bidet first and then the toilet paper cloths don’t really get gross. This bidet attaches to any toilet and doesn’t need a new lid. It’s pretty easy to install, but it does take some effort. I think it’s worth it.

Reusable sanitary pads-wegreeco Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads (Stylish Pattern) – Cloth Sanitary Pads | Light Incontinence Pads | Reusable Menstrual Pads – 6 Pack Pads, 1 Cloth Mini Wet Bag (X-Large, Black)
I was surprised by how easy this switch was. These work so well and are really soft and can be washed and dried with towels. Again, I would use the 2 rinse cycle instead of the usual 1 rinse. Sometimes I wash them with a second load just to make sure them are clean and sanitary. I like these better than disposable pads, but they are a bit thicker. It doesn’t bother me. They have lots of different patterns and sizes.

Lena Menstrual Cup – 2-Pack – Reusable Period Cup – Tampon and Pad Alternative – Small and Large – Purple and Turquoise – Made in USA
This swap is also pretty easy, but I prefer using these for bedtime or when I’m having a day where I’m working on the computer and not moving around as much. For active days, I prefer to use Honey Pot organic bio-plastic tampons or Honey Pot pads when I’m traveling and don’t want to have to deal with a reusable pad. These menstrual cups are made from silicone and are non-toxic.

Thinx Sport Menstrual Underwear | Period Underwear for Women | Period Panties
This period underwear is great too. You can wash it like normal and then hang dry. I tend to throw it in with another load of laundry so it’s extra clean. You can also put it on the floor of the shower while you are showering anyways and that can help rinse it off before you put it in the washing machine. It works really well. I have the black ones because why would you want them to be cream colored?

The Honey Pot, Tampons 1 Organic Super, 18 Count
These tampons are 100% organic. They are still disposable but have a bio-plastic applicator that makes these tampons more sustainable. 15% off at Target right now. Here is the link: https://www.target.com/p/the-honey-pot-organic-cotton-herbal-regular-pads-20ct/-/A-81782456#lnk=sametab

The Honey Pot Company Clean Cotton Regular Absorbency Pads (20 Count), Herbal-Infused Pads with Wings, Plant-Derived Feminine & Menstrual Care
I really like this sustainable option that is still disposable for days you don’t want to mess with a washable pad. They have pads that are herbal-infused or pads without it. These are 15% off right now at Target. Here is the link: https://www.target.com/p/the-honey-pot-organic-cotton-herbal-regular-pads-20ct/-/A-81782456#lnk=sametab

Reusable potty training underwear-MooMoo Baby Cotton Training Pants Strong Absorbent Toddler Potty Training Underwear for Baby Girl and Boy 2T-7T
This reusable potty training underwear works really well when your toddler is mostly potty trained, but still has accidents sometimes. We use these for naps. You can put nylon pants over them for added protection. Again, you wash and dry them with towels with 2 rinse cycles. If they still seem a little bit dirty, you can throw them in with another load of laundry. If my daughter has an accident, I just rinse the training underwear in the shower while I’m giving my daughter a shower. If they poop, this can be gross so you will have to decide if you think it’s worth it or not. I just don’t like throwing about pulls up or diapers.

Dappi Waterproof 100% Nylon Diaper Pants, White, Large (2 Count)
You can put these waterproof nylon pants over the training underwear for added protection.

Reusable Diapers-bumGenius Original One-Size Pocket-Style Cloth Diaper 5.0
There are so many great options of reusable diapers, but these were the ones that I used. I liked them, but I didn’t love dealing with the poop so you can decide for yourself. I felt like they pretty much needed to go through 2 full warm cycles to be clean.

14 Favorite Grocery Finds that You Can Buy on Amazon

Purely Elizabeth Granola

Cameron’s Coffee Roasted Whole Bean Coffee, Organic French Roast, 28 Ounce
Hands down my favorite coffee to make at home! My husband and I both prefer dark roast coffee, but Cameron’s does have a good variety of types of coffee. They have a breakfast blend, an espresso blend and the Velvet Moon Blend is another one of my faves. If you feel like trying something different,. their Chocolate Caramel Brownie Flavored Whole Bean Coffee was what began my love for Cameron’s Coffee so long ago. They even have cool EcoPod versions of their coffee if you are partial to using single serve pods in a Keurig. These EcoPod pods are 100% plant based and compostable so yay for good tasting coffee and the environment!

Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Muesli Cereal, 16-ounce (Pack of 4)
This is one of my newest finds that I’m obsessed with. Muesli is a breakfast cereal that contains oats, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. Muesli can be eaten hot or cold. Because of the other ingredients added to oats, Muesli has more protein, can help aid your digestion, and help keep you fuller. It’s more common in Europe, but it’s kind of like granola. I love oatmeal in the morning, but I love this as a different option to mix things up!

Purely Elizabeth Organic Original, Ancient Grain Granola, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO (3 Ct, 12oz Bags)
This is again one of my very favorite finds that I’m obsessed with because it’s so delicious! I love mixing this in with yogurt. You could eat it as a snack or as a cold cereal too, but it’s higher in calories and protein so it’s more of a healthy “garnish” than something to eat in huge quantities. It has sunflower seeds, quinoa flakes and chia seeds to name a few of the great ingredients!

Siete Tortilla Chips | Grain free | Gluten Free Chips | Paleo & Vegan Snacks | Non GMO | Sea Salt, 1 Ounce Bags (3 Familia Pack, 18 Bags)
Ummm….these chips taste SO amazing and they are also gluten free! They are made from cassava flour. Cassava is a root vegetable that is the underground part of a cassava shrub that is used in many parts of the world including Latin America, Africa and Asia. They look and function a lot like a potato, but they are lower in calories and fat and contain vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium and vitamin C. They are also a good source of dietary fiber. In my opinion, healthier and more delicious make these chips an obvious winner!

Siete Grain Free Cinnamon Churro Strips, 5 oz Bag (3 Pack) – Dairy Free, Paleo, Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten Free
Once I tried the tortilla chips, I just became a fan of pretty much everything Siete makes. These churro strips are SO delicious and a healthier choice for when you want something sweet and salty! These are a win for when you just need a little treat, but you don’t want to go too crazy!

nutpods French Vanilla Creamer – Unsweetened Non Dairy Creamer Made from Almonds and Coconuts – Keto Creamer, Whole30, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, Sugar Free, Kosher (4-Pack)
This creamer is delicious and is the only creamer or one of the only creamers that is still allowed if you’re doing Whole30. I tried it when I was doing the Whole30 and loved it so much that it is an easy and healthy switch that I keep up because I love it so much!

Spindrift Sparkling Water, 4 Flavor Variety Pack, Made with Real Squeezed Fruit, 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 20)
The all important decision of which sparkling water to drink…Spindrift is my favorite because it tastes great and instead of saying “natural ingredients” it actually lists the ingredients as “Real Fruit Juice”. I like when labels include simple ingredients that are clear what you’re consuming.

Silver Hills Little Big Bread, Low Fat Bread, Made with Organic Sprouted Grains, Non-GMO (8 pack, 15 oz. each)

Annie’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese Variety Pack, Shells & White Cheddar and Shells & Real Aged Cheddar, 6 oz (Pack of 12)
This mac and cheese tastes SO good and is the only kind that I give to my kids! NOTE: if your kids don’t like the white cheddar kind, you can make one box of the cheddar kind and one box of the white cheddar kind together and you really can’t even taste the white cheddar at all. My kids are smart and normally figure out that kind of thing, and they never figured this one out. You just have to make sure you don’t set out the white cheddar box for them to figure it out.

Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast Keto Cereal 4 Pack (9oz Bags) | Low Carb, Sugar Free, Gluten Free | Keto Snacks, Vegan, Plant Based Protein | Breakfast Protein Cereals | Keto Friendly Food
I think this cereal is delicious and that is takes just as good as cinnamon toast cereal, but it’s better for you. Give it a try. It could be your new fave cereal!

Primal Kitchen Ranch, Caesar, and Green Goddess Salad Dressing & Marinade made with Avocado Oil Variety Pack, Whole30 Approved, Paleo Friendly, and Keto Certified, 8 Fluid Ounces, Pack of 3
I love Primal Kitchen products and these salad dressings are my fave! I like that they use simple, clean ingredients and love that they use avocado oil! And it’s tastes great!

Primal Kitchen Dressing & Sauce Essential Kit with Extra Virgin Avocado Oil, Caesar and Balsamic Dressing, Unsweetened Ketchup, and BBQ Sauce, 5 Count
Just in case you need to stock up on condiments, this is a great combination of Primal Kitchen products that are clean and great tasting!

Primal Kitchen Mayo made with Avocado Oil Variety Pack, Original & Chipotle Lime, Whole30 Approved, Certified Paleo, and Keto Certified, 12 Ounces, Pack of 2
If you’re looking for a go-to mayo, this is it! Great tasting with clean ingredients! The chipotle lime flavor is fun on sandwiches for a little extra kick! So good!

Raos Specialty Food Rao’s Tomato Basil Sauce, 24 oz (Pack of 2)
This is my go-to spaghetti sauce. Again, clean ingredients and delicious with way less sugar than most spaghetti sauces.

Stocking stuffers that are on sale and kids will love!

These toys are ON SALE RIGHT NOW and are perfect stocking stuffers or last minute Christmas gifts for kids! These toys are approved by my kids and many kids from my teaching days in the school setting!

Writing tablet with cool neon look
This is very versatile since it’s small so you can travel with it and you can erase the screen with a push of a button and draw/write something else. Cool neon writing makes it colorful and fun for a variety of ages.

Flying Ball Hover Boomerang Orb
This stocking stuffer will definitely wow everyone! It flies through the air and also has a cool boomerang feature where it where you throw it and it comes back to you. It’s one of the coolest toys and will impress the kids!

Magnetic Tiles for Kids 3D Magnetic Building Tiles
These are consistently one of the toys that my kids use the most. It keeps them busy and holds their attention for awhile and they can use it to build so many different things. These are on sale so you can stock up!

Walkie Talkies
What kid doesn’t love walkie talkies? They are so fun and kids get so creative with them! This will always be a kid-favorite gift in my opinion!!!

Washable hair chalk to temporarily add color to hair
Cool hair chalk that isn’t messy but can add color to your hair for up to 3-4 days. Easily washes out of hair when you’re ready to change it or go back to your natural hair color. This is fun and could also be used for spirit week at schools or for Halloween or just for fun!

Squishville by Original Squishmallows Sweet Tooth Squad Plush Toys
Kids are obsessed with the Squishmallows because they are adorable but also SO SOFT and perfectly SQUISHY! They come in so many different sizes. This 6-pack is adorable and small so it makes it easy for them to bring along anywhere!

Stretchy Noodles sensory toy
A great sensory toy for when kids have to wait or sit for awhile. Great for airplanes or car rides or even just throwing in a backpack for the bus ride to school. My kids love these!

YETI Rambler JR. 12 oz Kids Water Bottle
This is one of the best water bottles that you can find for kids! It keeps the water cold ALL DAY LONG and is DISHWASHER SAFE, stainless steel, shatter resistant and ultra-leak resistant to be strong enough to make it through a day with a kid!

Rainbow Sparkle Metallic Watercolor Gels Markers/Pens
Kids love a little sparkle and they love to create art so this one is a no brainer! Very unique and fun!

Rainbow Loom MEGA Combo Set for making bracelets
The bracelets are really popular with kids and are fun to learn how to make and make for friends or family. Also, a great screen-free activity that can keep them busy for awhile!

Melissa & Doug Water Wow! 3-Pack
These are actually really fun and basically MESS FREE aside from a possible water mess. These are amazing for airplanes and car rides and my kids love them!

Bubble Machine
Who doesn’t enjoy stuff fun bubbles? This bubble machine will mesmerize your toddler for awhile! Very fun at parties and for outside fun!

Kids LED Gloves Finger Light Up Gloves
Because why not? Light up things are normally fun and gloves are no different! Lots of fun and can help with safety and visibility if the kids are playing outside in the dark.

Outdoor Exploration Adventure Set
This set is cool and includes binoculars, a magnifying glass, a flashlight, a whistle, a compass and a backpack to keep it all in. Kids will love this!

Echo Dot for Kids
These Echo Dots for kids are awesome because they come with parental controls that can be easily adjusted for what kind of activities or time restrictions that you want to put on it. It also comes with a free year of Amazon Kids+, a digital subscription that’s kid-friendly. Kids can listen to Audible books, play interactive games, and educational Alexa skills, listen to age-appropriate music and more! After 1 year, your subscription will automatically renew every month starting at just $4.99/month plus applicable tax.

Dinosaur Toys with Activity Mat
I got this set for my son when he was going through the dinosaur phase and it’s really cool! Affordable while the dinosaurs still look realistic and has the activity mat that helps to keep them engaged in play! Definitely recommend!

Hoot Owl Hoot Game
This game is so cute and is great for kids in preschool or elementary school and helps kids to learn how to work together! We have this game and it’s fun!

Cute doctor kit
Kids love playing doctor and check up! These is a cute doctor kit that is on sale!

Dress up set
Adorable dress up set that is on sale! My daughter loves all of her dress up stuff!

Superhero Cape Set
Great set that will sure to inspire the kids in your life to find their inner superhero!!!

Kids Karaoke Microphone Toy
This is definitely a fun toy! My kids love singing along to their favorite songs. It is definitely loud so make sure you’re ok with introducing the noise, but it definitely is fun!

PlayDoh 10-Pack
A classic that is always fun. My kids always seem to use up all of the PlayDoh so they love when I give them a fresh supply!

NERF Vortex Ultra Grip Football
This is a classic that we have seriously used a ton. It’s fun for throwing around in the yard or we have used it a lot at the beach. It’s a great activity for adults and kids to do together!

Fidget Pop It Ball
Again, these fidget toys are great for the airplane or car rides or bringing along to something that maybe includes waiting for a bit. It has the pop feature along with the feel of a stress ball.

*If you buy anything through these Amazon links, I may get a small percentage back as an incentive. These are still my real opinions about products that I have used myself and am giving my honest opinion about.

Gift ideas for the women in your life from a few of my FAVORITE things

These things aren’t random. These are seriously some of my favorite things that I use pretty much every day. I live in Minnesota, so obviously some of my choices are soft and warm. The other things are just so helpful and I would say actually make my life better! Haha! I think any woman in your life whether wife, mom, friend, teacher or anyone…would love these gift ideas!

Preschool Girl Princess Party

My daughter just had her 4th birthday party so naturally she wanted a Disney Princess themed birthday party. It was an extremely fun party for me to plan. Of course, you can go really big on this theme.

Party Decorations:

Number balloon with little crown
This balloon is really cute and with a little crown it, it was a must for party decorations. They also have plain number balloons.

Princess Birthday Party Decorations Princess Theme Party Supplies for Kids Include Happy Birthday Banner, Cake Topper, Backdrop, 4 Foil Balloons, 18 Latex Balloons, 24 Cupcake Toppers: This set was perfect for most of the party decorations. All of the balloons were really cute and perfect decorations. There are even little toppers for a cake or cupcakes if you want to make your own or order simple ones and add some embellishment.

Disney Princess Party Supplies (birthday banner, big plates, cake plates, forks, tablecloths, napkins & cups)

Balloon hand pump
I don’t like blowing up balloons without a pump. This pump easily did the job and didn’t take very long.

Food at the party:

Clementines as a Cinderella “pumpkin”

Simply Lemonade with Strawberry, All Natural Non-GMO

Princess snack mix
This snack mix was a BIG hit and was definitely my favorite! SO good and very consistent with the princess theme with the different colors, the Goldfish shaped like Disney Princesses, and the animal crackers with frosting and sprinkles! This would be easy to modify to include whatever you like, but below are the things that I included in the princess mix.
Annie’s Organic Baked Bunny Grahams Snacks, Honey

Annie’s Organic Birthday Cake Bunny Graham Snacks

Annie’s Organic Cheddar Snack Mix With Assorted Crackers and Pretzels

Special Edition Princess Goldfish Cheddar Crackers

Mother’s Circus Animal Cookies

Disney Princess Once Upon a Moment Cake from Target
This cake is adorable and turned out great, plus Target cakes are delicious and affordable! Plus, you can wash the princesses afterwards and your kid can still play with them as toys! My daughter has been loving playing with them.

DECOPAC Disney Princess Happily Ever After Signature DecoSet Cake Topper, 4.8″ L x 2.5″ W x 6″ H, Pink
If you want to be crafty and make your own cake, this cake topper is adorable and achieves the same kind of look. Plus, you can wash it afterwards and your kid can still play with them!

Crafts/Activities and Party Favors:

Foam Princess or Prince Crowns to Decorate with Crystal Diamond Stickers with matching jewel rings and clip-on earrings
These are an activity and a party favor in one and were probably the biggest hit of the party. All of the princesses and princes alike enjoyed decorating these crowns and they looked adorable with their crowns on! They also loved the clip-on earrings and rings and looked way too grown-up!

Magic wands aka Glow Fiber Wands
These wands are LED that light up and blink and change color. The battery can be replaced after it dies so it can be enjoyed for awhile! They’re not extremely expensive for how cool they are. I also used these as the “treat” for my daughter’s preschool class on her birthday since they don’t allow us to bring food. It was a hit!

Disney Princess Necklace Activity Set

These are an activity and a party favor wrapped into one as well. The kids loved making their own necklaces and choosing which beads to add to them!

Extra bead kit
I got an extra bead kit in case some of the boys or older kids wanted to get in on the jewelry creating fun! Plus, my kids can create jewelry with what is leftover too!

Bounce House Castle
You can rent these or we already have a little bounce house that we keep in our basement so that the kids can get energy out during those long Minnesota winters. We have this one. It’s the Little Tikes Jump ‘n Slide Inflatable Bouncer. It’s not very expensive and well worth the money in my opinion. It’s cheaper than our playset in the backyard and I think we’ve actually used it more than we have used the playset. Plus, the castle obviously goes with the theme:)

Top 4 Must-Have Strollers of 2022

Radio Flyer Odyssey Stroller Wagon with Canopy and Bag
Have you heard of stroller wagons? They’re new to me, but SO amazing! My 6-year-old doesn’t love walking around, and my 3-year-old is still young enough that she can’t always sustain walking all day. I brought this stroller with us on our recent vacation to Florida. Disney World does not allow stroller wagons so I used a separate umbrella stroller when we were at Disney World. This stroller has a side that can zip up or you can leave the side open so it’s easy for the kids to jump on and off. This was really nice because my kids like to walk sometimes, but not all of the time. I also love that it can pulled like a normal wagon or pushed like a stroller. This allows for it to be used in different ways. The stroller wagon held one suitcase, the giant gate check bag with the carseats, a backpack and sweatshirts. This made it way easier to travel with kids. Once we were in Florida, we also used the wagon to carry our suitcases and groceries from the car to our room at the resort. I will admit that it is pretty big so it definitely feels like overkill sometimes when you’re just out for a walk. It was seriously the perfect choice for my particular kids so they had the versatility of walking when they wanted to and jumping back on the stroller, without needing my help to get on or off, when they needed a little break. It is easy to push or pull. It is also easy to fold before you board the airplane or when you need to put it in the car. It is a little bit heavier to hoist up into the car, but I can still handle it myself. I didn’t really need to use the straps since my kids are old enough to not really need that so I can’t speak for how it would go with younger kids, but the straps look sturdy if you wanted to strap them in for extra safety.

Summer Infant 3Dmini Convenience Stroller, Blue/Black
This stroller is lightweight with a nice, compact fold. It also has a canopy with a pop out sun visor, multi-position recline, a storage basket, and a storage pocket with two cup holders. It has great reviews and it comes in at a reasonable price of $49.99. I love that it still has cup holders and a storage basket that many umbrella strollers don’t have. Plus, the multi-position recline can be very helpful for still getting those naps in while you’re on the go. Perfect for when you want a simple, inexpensive stroller that is light and compact, but still has all of the features that you are used to with bigger, more expensive strollers.

BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller
This will probably forever be my very favorite stroller because BOB strollers are THE BEST!!! This was my #1 request that I gave before my baby shower, and some family members went in on it together to buy this for me. It’s my favorite baby gift that I got and what I would always recommend to everyone. This stroller has amazing wheels that can deal with sand, snow, dirt, off-roading, etc. Lightweight strollers are great for travel, but you want this BOB stroller as your main, everyday stroller. You can just use one hand to push it which is really great. My husband has used this stroller to go jogging with the kids, but I love it for all of the terrains that it can still handle. It’s very sturdy and well made and worth the price tag. The storage space in this stroller is AMAZING! It’s compatible with most carseats with a carseat attachment that is sold separately. I used Chicco carseat and it worked great with this BOB. They also have a double stroller, but it is a bit too wide for me so I never could get myself to buy it. I have heard people talk about liking the double stroller version of this, but that it can be difficult to get through doors.

Chicco Bravo For2 Standing/Sitting Double Stroller, Iron
This is the stroller that I used for the last few years when we would be going for a longer walk with both kids. The stroller wagon is a better fit for us now, but when my son was 4-years-old and 5-years-old this Bravo for2 stroller was perfect! My son loved having the option of standing up or sitting down on the stroller. It wasn’t until he turned 6 that I really felt like he was invading my space too much when we used this stroller. When he sat down, his legs were too close to mine. When he stood up, it was hard to see over him to where we were going. When you’re kids are younger, though, this stroller is amazing and very compact while still being a double stroller. Again, it’s pretty easy for the older child to get on or off by themselves. There is also an option for the older child to use straps for added security. The stroller is also compatible with Chicco carseats for younger babies if you want to use the carseat with the stroller. This is very versatile and I really appreciated the versatility while being not as big and wide as many double strollers. It’s pretty light and easy to fold. It is not as easy to push as the BOB stroller or the stroller wagon when two kids are on it, but it’s not too bad.

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base
I’m just including this car seat and base link because I mentioned this several times. I really like this car seat system. The base makes it so nice so you don’t have to buckle the carseat in every time you put it in the car. You just set the carseat down in the base until it clicks and then you are on your way! Way easier. It is also compatible with the Bravo For2 stroller I mentioned above and the BOB stroller mentioned above with a carseat adapter that is sold separately. This is a great carseat with great safety ratings and reviews. I definitely liked it.

Everything you need to keep your baby and kids warm this winter

Oh me oh my! It’s chilly in Minnesota today! Are you ready for this cold weather? Here are my list of faves for myself and for my kids to keep them warm and cozy!

Gloves for kids

I got these gloves in a bright blue color. I suggest buying bright gloves to help them stand out from the gloves that all of the other kids have. These gloves come in bright blue, pink and black. These are perfect for my son who is very busy while he’s outside and he can actually grab things and play. They are still warm and perfect for winter or even later fall.

Mittens for kids

These mittens have so many cute options for both boys and girls! Be sure to check out all of the cute patterns. They fit my son really well and he can still grab things and play while wearing them. They’re perfect for later fall, winter and spring. Again, I love that these mittens are a little bit different so they stand out and it’s less likely for another kid to accidentally take them home because they look exactly like everyone’s mittens.

Winter coat for boys

These Nike coats/jackets are really cute and warm. They’re still really warm but not overly thick like some winter jackets can be. You can pretty much get these from toddlers and on so it’s a go to winter

Winter coats/jackets for girls

I love these reversible jackets that are fleece on one side and water resistant on the other side. It’s very versatile and warm. Plus, they have cute colors and patterns for girls and boys from size 3-6 months through 4T. It’s also not overly thick but just as warm! If buying it new is too much for you to spend, check out used online prices. You get these used and still in great shape!

Winter hat

This winter hat is so cute and cozy with soft fleece inside that will keep your little honey warm! My son doesn’t like scratchy hats so this one is a winner! You can check out the other designs and colors.

Snow pants

These are great snow pants that come in a lot of different colors and sizes. I’m partial to snow pant bibs because if the kids get a little bit warm while they’re playing outside then they can take off their coat and still have a lot of coverage to keep them dry…or at least dryer;)

Winter boots

Hands down my favorite winter boots for kids are Bogs. They are also perfect as rain boots too so kids can wear them in fall, winter and spring. They are a little bit expensive, but you can find them used online for little bit cheaper. They also maintain their value if you want to resell them after your child outgrows them. Since we have a long winter, these are one of the things that I am spending a little bit more on. It’s important to keep their feet warm and dry while they’re outside. These are comfort rated to -4 degrees which is pretty helpful with cold Minnesota winters. There are so many cute designs and colors that you can check out.

A slightly cheaper options of winter boots

These boots are slightly cheaper than the Bogs but are still well made and warm. It comes in a few different colors and patterns for both boys and girls.

Warm winter socks to wear in boots

Smartwool socks are the best for keeping toes warm while you’re outside for recess or doing outdoor sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hockey, snowshoeing, sledding and more! They are have different colors and designs and are so warm!

Warm winter socks for babies and toddlers

You will freak out at how adorable these tiny socks are! They come in different colors and designs and are SO warm for tiny feet. They’re available in baby and toddler sizes and are so great!

Fleece baby booties

These are seriously a must! They actually stay on your baby’s feet even when they’re trying really hard to take them off! They’re so soft and warm. They make them with and without grips on the bottom. You don’t need the grips before they start walking, but they’re so perfect for when they first start walking with the grips on the bottom of the booties.

My fave rain pants for spring

Have you ever heard of rain pants? They’re amazing! In the spring when the snow is melting but there’s still enough snow to go sledding or ice skating, rain pants can be worn alone or underneath snow pants to act as an extra barrier so the kid’s clothes don’t get soaked. In my opinion, a MUST HAVE for kids.

Baby hat and mittens

Little hats and mittens like this are perfect for babies and toddlers when they’re little. They’re sherpa lined warm fleece to keep little hands cozy!

Mitten clips

Do your kids take off their mittens like mine? These clips are perfect for keeping mittens attached to their coats so they don’t lose them. They’re also nice because sometimes little hands are cold at first, but then they get warm after moving around for a bit so the mittens stay attached to their coats but they are easy to put on or off.

Full body snowsuit for 0-12 months

These are the same snowsuits I used for my kids when they were babies and they are so soft inside and out. My kids stayed so warm and cozy if we went outside and they were in the stroller or if I was using a baby carrier with them inside of it. These are considered as too thick for using while they’re in their carseat, but it’s great for everything else!

Baby hooded sweater jacket with sherpa lining

These sherpa lined hooded sweater jackets are the best and they run from sizes 0-24 months so I pretty much just kept buying this as long as I could. It’s nice to use in the carseat with a blanket over their legs. My kids would get too hot if I used a full bodysuit with them in their carseat.

Car seat cover, winter resistant stroller and baby carrier cover

This is the car seat cover that I used and I love it! It’s very soft and warm. It really helped my kids to stay warm when I had to go and out of buildings. It’s also really nice when you’re going for a walk or running errands and taking your baby in and out of the car.

Jersey cotton quilted blanket, warm and breathable

This is the perfect blanket. It is warm but breathable. It’s very soft and comes in adorable colors and patterns. I use blankets like these in the carseat, stroller, if it’s a little chilly in our house or if they’re in the baby swing.

Sleepsack swaddle

Halo sleep sacks are hands down my favorite. There are so many different kinds of sleep sacks that you can choose from, but Halo was always my favorite. The fleece sleep sacks are so warm in the winter and the lighter cotton sleep sacks are perfect for warmer weather. This was a MUST for me and both of my kids slept so much better with them on.

7 Tips To Get You and Your Kids Ready for School Every Day

We did it! My son started kindergarten and my daughter started preschool about one month ago and we have all survived! Here are some tips about getting your kids ready for school every day that will hopefully help you to have smoother mornings!

1. Be rigid about bedtime even if you normally aren’t!
The first few weeks or months even are a huge adjustment for a kid. Even if your child tries to convince you that they’re not tired…PUT THEM TO BED EARLIER! If anything, it will be good for them to have some alone time after a busy day being around people.

2. Don’t plan too many other activities
Adjusting to a new school year is enough for kids, especially if they’re in kindergarten. You can always add in activities later once you feel like your child has adjusted well, and that they’re ready to add more to their schedule.

3. Don’t place certain expectations on your child or yourself,
Sending your child to school for the first time or after a summer together can be difficult for the parents and the child. Or you could be one of the parents that performs a celebration dance and says “Hallelujah!” as that school bus pulls away that first day! Everyone deals with big transitions like this differently so just give yourself and your child grace during these times of transition.

4. Set timers and alarms
Without the marvel of preset alarms and timers on my phone, my children would often be stranded at preschool or elementary school. I set timers/alarms for many things and it’s so helpful. I set them for when it’s time to get outside in the morning to catch the bus or when you need to leave to drop them off. Also, set a timer for when you need to get back outside to pick them up from the bus or when you need to leave to pick them up from school. I give a warning timer about 15 minutes before we need to get outside to wait for the bus/leave to drop them off. That really helps to make sure they have brushed their teeth, gotten their socks and shoes on, put on a coat or sweatshirt, and that we have put any refrigerated items into their lunchbox for snack or lunch.

5. Have something fun outside that you can do together while you’re waiting for the school bus.
We just got a basketball hoop and have had so much fun shooting baskets while we are waiting for the bus. You can also try kicking a soccer ball, playing catch, a game like “eye spy”, or bring out a coloring book and markers. We also like to bike and scooter around the driveway while we wait. You can ask your child what they want to do while they wait for the bus. It can be a great time to connect.

6. Pack the backpack and lunchbox the night before
I make sure to take out the dirty face masks from the day and put new face masks in his backpack. Then I put the two clean face masks in the front pocket so they’re ready and easily accessible for the next day. We also make sure his snack and lunch (if you pack a lunch) are ready to go or even in the backpack if they don’t need to be refrigerated. We also make sure to fill up his water bottle and put it in his backpack so that’s ready too. I also make sure that there aren’t dirty containers from his snack or lunch that are still in his backpack/lunchbox. Also, don’t forget to check their folders/backpacks every day to see if the teachers sent home homework or letters to the parents.
*Click HERE to see labels, face masks, water bottles, backpack, lunchbox and more from my previous post Must Have Back-To-School Essentials Guide!

7. Label everything!
There are endless options of water bottles, backpacks, shoes, lunch boxes, etc. that you can buy, but there will still inevitably be another kid in the class that has the same item. I put my son’s name and the name of his teacher on a label on the inside of his backpack. I put a label with his name on the inside of his sweatshirts, coats, snow pants, shoes, boots, mittens and hats. I don’t put labels on his other clothes because that feels extreme to me, but you can go to town and do that if you want. I really like these labels that you can buy on Amazon that can be washed in the washing machine but ultimately can be removable once your child outgrows them. Click HERE to see the labels on Amazon.

Those are my tips! I hope they help you to have successful mornings with your kids!

*Amazon compensates me a little bit if you purchase any of these products through my link. If you’re going to buy it anyways, I would love the support through these links:)

10 Must-Haves to Help You Survive a Flight with Little Kids

Flying with kids can be rough. Add COVID to the mix and it gets really special. We’re about to take our first flight since the start of COVID. I was already a little grossed out by airplanes before so now I’m bringing some things along to do what I can to have a nice little barrier between us and those germs. Per usual, I did my nerdy research to see what types of things would make this a successful trip. Here they are…

Seat covers with arm rest covers (Pack of 2)
Surprisingly not all of the seat covers you can get have arm rests. You can wash these covers in a washing machine so you can use them on the way home too. They can be used multiple times.

Disposable Airplane Tray Table Cover (Pack of 6)
These unfortunately are disposable and it doesn’t say anything about reusing them. Of course you can sanitize the surface, but both of my kids eat directly off the tray. When they were babies I’m pretty sure they even licked the tray. So gross! The extra barrier is a win for me.

Kids travel tray for the airplane or car
I’m excited about this one and I think it’s going to be a game changer. There’s a place to hold the tablet in place, a water bottle holder, a surface to play with toys or color. It also is another great barrier between the kids and the germy tray table. I personally want to use both the tray cover and this for extra protection. I don’t think this will completely cover the travel tray so I’m going to use both. This will be great for road trips too so it is versatile. It can be folded up and worn on the shoulder. It comes in BLACK, PINK or GRAY!

Melissa & Doug Reusable Puffy Sticker Wild Adventures Play Set (Safari, Dinosaur, Ocean)
I love that they use reusable stickers with 3 different scenes. It can be reused many times for road trips or airpane trips!

Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books Set (Dress-Up, Princess, Mermaid)
I had to include this one too! I can’t wait to see the look on my daughter’s face when she sees these! Adorable. reusable stickers with 3 different scenes. It can be reused many times for road trips or airplane trips!

Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! Reusable Color with Water Travel Toy Activity Pad with Chunky Water Pen 3-Pack (Dinosaurs, Adventure, Space)
This is again reusable for lots of play! It looks like magic because it goes from a black and white pictures to a colorful picture when it gets wet. Very cool and a kid favorite. There are tons of different ones you can choose. I chose this one because I thought they were themes that both of my kids would like.

WikkiStix Wax Sticks
If you haven’t yet been introduced to the WikkiStix, then go ahead and snatch some of these up. They keep kids busy for a long time and they are very versatile. They are great for fidgeting with or you can build things with them or create an art piece.

Push Pop Bubble Sensory Fidget Toys
For some reason popping these bubbles is very satisfying and they are hugely popular with kids especially. I think grownups probably like them too;) A great thing to use when you’re sitting and waiting and need a fidget toy. I like this one because you can hook it to the outside of a backpack or bag if you run out of room.

Face Masks for Young School Age Kids (Pack of 4)
These face masks are amazing! My kindergartener doesn’t want to wear any of the other masks that we have. Since he has to wear a mask all day at school, these are a must. They are a little bit big for a preschool kid, but they are perfect for my kindergartener and I would guess will fit him for awhile. Machine washable and line dry. They dry really quickly even with line drying though!

Face Masks for Preschool Kids
These were a tiny bit big for my daughter when she was a brand new 2 year old, but it fits her perfectly as a 3 year old. It’s one of the only masks that I have found that fit her tiny face so well. Definitely recommend. They come in pink or in other colors too.

*Amazon compensates me a little bit if you purchase these products through the links. If you’re going to buy it anyways, I would appreciate the support through these links:)

Check out these must have back to school essentials

Backpack with lunch box

This is the exact backpack and lunchbox that I got for my son. He has already used all of the different parts and they’re great quality! The backpack has lots of different pockets to store different things and lots of space. I like to lunchbox and the pencil bag too. Great bang for your buck!

Lunchbox

We have used these lunch boxes for several years now. I use one to bring lunch to work too. You can freeze them and then they can keep your lunch cold until you have lunch. A great idea and good quality lunch boxes too!

Bentgo lunchbox

I also like these lunchboxes and have used them for myself and the kids. It’s cool that they stack so it takes up less room, but still holds plenty of food. They also come with reusable silverware. It’s all ***dishwasher safe***!!!

Stasher bags

These will forever be my very favorite lunchbox invention!!! They are reusable bags that are very sturdy, ***dishwasher safe*** and they help reduce waste of plastic bags. They are so great and I so them ALL THE TIME!!!

Water bottles

I’m particular about water bottles and these are great ones! They don’t leak. They’re very sturdy and more importantly ***diswasher safe***!!!!!

Durable labels for kids’ gear

Umm….you’re welcome! This will be your best friend when coats, snowpants, winter boots, mittens, sweatshirts…all the things…get mixed up. Label everything! These are machine washable and durable so you don’t have to keep labeling things.

Cute face masks for kids

These face masks have great reviews and are secure and for a variety of ages. I got them for my son who will be in kindergarten this year. They come in lots of different prints for boys or girls. Order soon to get it in time for school to start!

Kids’ table for everything!

This table is SO cute and has great reviews. I’m so excited for my daughter to see it and have it next to her play kitchen. We will also use it as our new craft table. No more crazy messes on our dining room table!!! It will also be a place that my son could do his homework or if we want a kid’s table at a party. Multitasking table for the win!

Bamboo Height Adjustable Kids Desk and Chair Set

This desk is so cool that it is adjustable so it can grow with your child! Bamboo is also an eco-friendly material so that’s a win for the earth too!

Floating desk

This is a great option if you don’t want the desk to take up so much space in a bedroom or living room space. This has great reviews. It still has good storage and work space but doesn’t use up that prime floor real estate.

Clothes

Light up tennis shoes

Who doesn’t love a good light up gym shoe? I got these for my son and they are cute and comfortable. He thinks they’re awesome. Boy version link HERE. Girl version link HERE.

Kid Academic Planner

Adult Academic Planner

This is my favorite paper planner! So many ways to help you plan out your life and help you to reach your goals!!! This is for older kids or grownups.

Monthly Magnetic Fridge Calendar

Weekly Magnetic Fridge Calendar

I got this weekly calendar and I LOVE it!!! My husband really likes that he actually understands on a daily basis what’s going on outside of the Google Calendar. It’s helpful to have a tangible calendar for the week. Plus, I’m going to try to use it to great a meal plan and put the dinner menus on it. This is a must if you ask me! The markers are really nice and are magnetic and the eraser is also magnetic so it can stay next to the calendar on the fridge.

*Amazon compensates me a little bit if you purchase any of these products through my link. If you’re going to buy it anyways, I would love the support through these links:)