How is 2021 already coming to an end?! In celebration of the New Year, I'm looking back at your favorite content from 2021. This past year you loved my kids activities, food allergy content, and gift guides the most.... at least after my top rated post! 

Top Post of 2021: Mask Organization Station and Carrying Kit, Plus How to Keep Your Masks Clean

With masks remaining an essential tool for staying healthy in 2021, it is no surprise readers continued to love this post (originally published in 2020)! If you haven't checked it out, be sure to do so! The organization system is great for a ton of essentials, not just masks, so it is worth having even once our current crisis has passed.

You can find the entire post here.

Top 10 Posts Published in 2021

The following are your favorite posts published in the past year:

#1 The Best Toys for 2 and 3 Year Olds

Topics: Product recommendations, toddlers, preschoolers

Some of my preschooler's favorite toys from earlier this year. He loves him, and your 2 or 3 year old will, too!

#2 Cotton Ball Sheep

Topics: Spring, kids crafts, Easter crafts, activities for preschoolers

With spring around the corner, you'll definitely want to check out this easy craft!

#3 Allergy Friendly Easter

Topics: Food allergies, Easter, holidays, health, spring

My tried and true tips for staying healthy and safe with food allergies this Easter.

#4 Santa Traditions

Topics: Christmas, holidays, winter, Christmas crafts, Christmas activities

This is one of my more recent posts, but quickly became a fan favorite. Be sure to bookmark it for next Christmas!

#5Easter Egg Crafts

Topics: Easter, spring crafts, preschool activities, sensory activities, toddler activities

These plastic Easter egg crafts are simple and fun; perfect for spring, or any time of the year!

#6 10 Timid Ghosts

Topics: Halloween, free printables, busy books, free worksheets, preschool activities, literacy activities

Even if you aren't a Halloween 365 days a year person, you still need to check out my 10 Timid Ghosts posts. BE sure to bookmark it for next Halloween season.

#7 Father's Day Gifts

Topics: holidays, gift guides, Father's Day

Father's Day will be here before we know it, so be sure to bookmark these great ideas. They are also perfect for birthdays or other special occasions.

#8Food Allergy Myths and Facts

Topics: food allergies, evidence based parenting, health

There are loads of myths out there about food allergies. Learn more about the facts here.

#9 Turkey and Veggie Chilli

Topics: food, recipes, family

This family favorite is perfect for a cold winter day! Plus, it is healthy and an easy way to get your little ones to eat veggies!

#10 Mother's Day Gifts 

Topics: holidays, gift guides, Mother's Day

These gifts for mom are great for Mother's Day, birthdays, and beyond.

Other Top Posts

Some of your favorite posts weren't published in 2021. Here are the remaining top 5 posts from 2021.... all published in 2020! They ranked as some of the most popular on my page, despite being a little older. 

#2  The Big One (Birthday Theme)

Topics: birthdays, celebrations, kids activities, free printables

This birthday theme was meant for 1st birthdays, but can be used for any age. Plus, many of the activities are perfect for everyday use. You can find this fan favorite here.

#3 Salt Dough

Topics: recipes, sensory activities, toddlers, preschoolers, homemade gifts

My salt dough post is another perennial favorite (originally published right after my blog was launched, almost 2 years ago!) to make the list this year. Check out my recipe, tips for using salt dough in educational activities, and how to use salt dough for ornaments or keepsakes. 

#4 Make Your Own Sand Cups

Topics: recipes, celebrations, summer, kids activities, cooking with kids, baking

This fun take on the traditional dirt cup is perfect for celebrations, rainy day fun, preschool classrooms, and more. Check it out here.

#5 Body Tracing

Topics: preschool activities, toddler activities, literacy, homeschooling

Body tracing is a common classroom activity, but it is also great to do at home. Get my tips for how to make it an educational activity here.

Get ready for 2022 with my strategies for keeping your busy schedule on track!

Share the Love!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost to you, and helps support my small business. You can learn more here. 

Make the moms in your life feel extra special by finding the perfect gift for mom (or any woman you want to celebrate)! Whether you have a large budget or are looking for a special homemade mother's day gift, there are ideas for mother's day that work for every family on this list!

PS. We all know preparing for mother's day can be a scramble. Luckily, almost everything on this list is perfect for last minute mother's day gifts!!!

Make mom feel extra special by giving her the gift of relaxation and time to her self. Start the set off with a luxurious bath pillow, add some shower steamers or other aromatherapy for bath and body options, and round it off with the most comfortable bath robe you can find! Make sure to upgrade the locks on the bathroom to ensure the kids leave her alone! 

​Here are a few of my favorite at home spa products:

And, here are some highly rated product recommendations, to help give mom the perfect at home spa experience!

And don't forget a basket to put it all in!

Okay, so jewelry is cliche, but it is popular for a reason! Give mom a special personalized jewelry gift from the kids, so she can have an everyday reminder of how much she is appreciated. Here are a few recommendations of top rated items for mother's day jewelry that she will love (some of these options are even small artisans, so you also get to support a small business). 

Pro tip: Personalized gifts can take awhile to ship. If they won't be to your home in time for mother's day, don't panic! Print a picture of the gift, and put it in a card. This has been a way that my husband has dealt with the issue, and I am always super excited about the gift that is on it's way!

What mom doesn't love a homemade mother's day gift?! Here is some inspiration to help you find the perfect handmade gift for mom this year!

From Baby/For Mom on Her First Mother's Day: Footprint Flower Art

Ideas for homemade gifts from older children:

• Hand drawn, colored, or painted card, coloring page (see free printables in my resource library!), or other art work
• Coupon book (see free printables in my resource library!)
• Hand painted wooden jewelry box with a photo of her child/children/grandchildren inside
• Wooden block picture art (see my fall project for how to put these pieces together; simply use family photos instead of the autumn themed pictures) 

From the Entire Family:

• Have everyone write a list of the reasons they are grateful for mom in a pretty journal. Have family members add pictures, drawings, favorite poems, etc. Give it to mom as a beautiful gift.
• Create a gratitude tree! Use a small flower pot, and fill with dirt. Separately, use hot glue to affix tissue paper or fake flowers to a stick. Insert stick into the flower pot. Hang tags from the tree with notes about why each family member appreciates mom!

This is my favorite way to celebrate Mother's Day! Every year my husband and child bring me breakfast in bed. We then go to the local nursery and pick out the perfect new perennials, bushes, or a new tree, which my husband plants for me. Sometimes we go out for a nice dinner, other times my husband cooks (he is a chef, so I can't complain about staying in!!). Here are some other ways to show mom you appreciate her this Mother's Day!

• Add to your garden (perennials/shrubs/trees are great because mom can enjoy them year after year)
• Have your children put on a play or sing songs to their mother or grandmother(s)
• Go for a hike at mom's favorite place
• Take the kids out and give mom a day alone
• Send mom to the spa or to get her hair/nails done
• Send mom out to do something she loves, and clean the house while she is gone
• Cook her favorite meal
• Decorate the house with tokens of appreciation (art work by the kids, flowers, balloons, etc.)
• Get mom a massage
• Let mom do absolutely nothing (or whatever she wants) all day, without asking her for help with anything. 
• Do a big project around the house mom has been wanting done (it might help to hire a baby sitter to watch the kids if they are young).
• Arrange for family photos to be taken, and give mom some frames for when the pictures are ready.

Didn't find what you were looking for on this list? Amazon has a great mother's day gift guide full of unique, handmade items! Or, check out my holiday gift guide for her for even more inspiration!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions earned help support my small business, and my participation in the program comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more about my participation in this program here.

With Mother’s Day around the corner, it is again the season to scramble and find the best ways to show mom how much you care. I say scramble, because as a mom myself, I know exactly what my household looks like in the lead up (also, as someone with a mom, I also know Mother’s Day preparations always felt like chaos because it is mom who usually did all the planning!)
 
This year, I’m offering a few last-minute suggestions for those still scratching their heads about how to treat the mothers in their lives. And my first product feature is guaranteed to help mom relax on the rare occasion she gets to treat herself at home. Because what mom doesn’t love a luxurious bath? 

That brings me to the product itself: theZenTyme Moments ergonomic bath pillow. I’d never been a huge bath person before having my kid, but as a mom, I am totally beginning to see the appeal! And no bath is complete without a relaxing place to rest your head! This pillow is incredibly plush and luxurious, making it absolutely perfect for mamas looking for me time in the tub! Drying the pillow is super easy because of the convenient (and sturdy) hanger, and storage is a breeze thanks to the bag included (because let’s be honest, our homes are cluttered enough with all the stuff from our kids). The pillow has many suction cups hold it firmly on the tub, so no need to worry about it slipping, and the ergonomic design with elevated sides to ensure you also don’t slip, either. I’m absolutely obsessed with mine, and I know any mom who enjoys a nice bath would love this product as well (hint, hint for those still looking for Mother’s Day gifts!!).

Where can you find it? 

Head over to the ZenTyme Moments website, or find the product on Amazon!

 
Looking to up the ante with the spa day at home essentials? ZenTyme moments makes a wide variety of self-care products! And what makes them even better is this company is a small American owned business featuring many made in America products. Who doesn’t love supporting the made in America initiative? Plus, all their ingredients are ethically sourced and the company is committed to sustainability. Plus, they never test on animals. You can learn more about their commitment here. Now if only mom could find a way to keep the kids out of the bathroom when she is trying to get some time alone. Perhaps invest in a good lock, too? ​​

More ZentTyme Moments products you may love!!

Stay tuned for more great gift ideas for Mother’s Day (or birthdays, Christmas/Hanukah, or just to treat yourself, mama!). Or, check out myholiday gift guide for her, which also has a bunch of options that would make great gifts for mom! 

Shopping later? Be sure to save this on Pinterest so you can find it later!

Being a mom is HARD. It seems like there are always competing responsibilities, social engagements, appointments, and activities, and no time to get half of them done. While I can't promise to help you find more time in your day, I can recommend strategies that have helped me feel more on top of life, and it all starts with ​organizing your schedule. Here is how!

I've found stickers to be one of the easiest ways to personalize my planner, and keep myself on track. With planner design becoming a true hobby (and not just a necessity), there are tons of options on the market. Here are two that I've used and love.

What key words will you use to keep yourself on track? I like separating my To Do list from my To Contact list and separating those from my To Buy list and appointments. I also like setting goals for the week or day. Sticking with 3 seems to be the sweet spot! I've continued this practice whether bullet journaling or using a traditional planner. Do what makes sense to you, but make sure it is something that is helpful. If you are new to the practice of organizing your week, play around with different ideas. There is no shortage of examples on Pinterest or Google! 

Here is some examples of how I've broken up my responsibilities:

Need more inspiration? Here is a list to get you started!

• To Do
• To Buy
• Shopping List/Grocery List
• To Call/Email/Contact
• Top 3 (To Dos/Goals)
• Around the House
• Work Goals
• Home Goals
• Bills to Pay
• Appointments
• Meal Planning
• Steps Tracker
• Water Tracker
• Meal Tracker
• Mood Tracker
• Medication Tracker

And don't forget to take some time to celebrate your accomplishments or log memories! Think of including some of the following in your planner!

• Little Wins: What is one thing you accomplished today that feels like a victory? It can be as big as a promotion at work, or as little as taking 5 extra minutes for yourself!
• Milestones: What are some of the milestones you or your family has reached on a given day/week? Think, years since buying your first home, your child writing their first essay or performing in their first play, or your first time taking the lead on a work project. 
• Funny Memories: What is something funny that happened, or a joke you heard that you loved? Write it down!
• Current Events: What is going on in the world?

Make your planner your own! Add decorative stickers, washi tape, or draw designs or pictures! Here are some of the products I've used and designs I've done in my bullet journals/planners.

Products:

Design work:

There are a variety of great apps for phones and computers available on the market, including the Google app suite. Don't get me wrong, the automated reminders are SUPER helpful, and I use them. I also use my phone calendar on the go. But when I get home, I transfer everything into my hard copy planner. Here is why:

• Motivation: I love decorating, desiring, and doodling, so having a gorgeous planner keeps me motivated to stay on top of my schedule.
• Easier/More Effective: I find it easier to conceptualize what I have on my plate and how pieces fit together when my schedule is written out on paper (instead of on my phone). It also allows me to keep multiple to do lists, appointment reminders, and more in a single place. That means I am less likely to forget.
• Fun: This is similar to my motivation argument, but I listed it separately because, for me, creating the perfect planner is a hobby. It is relaxing and FUN! The fact that this hobby also helps make me a more productive mother is just a bonus!

I'd love to update this article with YOUR tips! Not comfortable commenting? Feel from to use my contact me form, or reach out to my on social media!

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions earned help support this blog. You can learn more here.

Get your holiday shopping out of the way with great gifts for the entire family! This post contains links to all my gift guides, as well as my Must Have Products page. More content will be added throughout the holiday season, so check back regularly! As always, many of the products I recommend are ones we use in our own home, and love (if there is a product we haven't used, I always make selections based on overall product rating, brand, and a review of the product's details). 

1. 10 Great Toddler Toys - Toys my child loves, and your's will, too!

2.Stocking Stuffers (and small gifts) for Toddlers and Preschoolers - This post contains both Christmas and Hanukkah gifts and books!

3. 3 Types of Bath Toys Your Toddler Will Love - These bath toys make for amazing gifts for your toddler, or an addition to a baby registry.

4. Great Nonfiction Reads for Dog Parents - Get the dog lover in your life a book they will love! These are some of my favorite nonfiction books about dogs (mostly​...).

5. Fishing Themed Toys and Books - Does your child love the ocean? Is your family big into fishing? These ocean and fish themed books and toys make for great additions!

6. Gifts for Her - Great gifts for the woman in your life. Home spa and self care products, clothing, accessories, and much more! 

7. Gifts for Him - These gifts are sure to impress, and with top ratings (and an enthusiastic recommendation from my husband), you will have no problem finding the perfect gift for the guy in your life!

8. Top Rated Gifts for Kids - These 4+ Star gifts (almost all are 4.5 and higher) for kids of all ages are sure to impress!

9. Holiday Deals on Amazon - Find the latest deals on Amazon here!

Nothing on this list striking your interest? Check out my Must Have Products page for tons of recommendations for craft materials, organizational items, decor, books, toys, and much more!  

And be sure to check back regularly for more additions to this list! Coming soon: Budget Gifts, The Best Gifts for Book Lovers, and more!