New Year's Resolutions — Setting Goals and Attaining Them

My Dad — The Man With a Plan

Thinking about setting my resolutions for the New Year, I was inspired to write this post about different tools that have helped me attain my goals, resolutions, hopes and dreams. The part that I think is funny about this whole post is that as I wrote the advice below, I felt like I was channeling my dad, as setting goals and having clear intentions were two of his helpful mantras growing up (and they still are today). My dad has always preached the importance of setting intentions and making things happen in your own life, rather than sitting around and feeling bad for yourself, waiting for someone else to take action. I can literally hear his voice echoing in my head, and now I get to share it with you. Some of these ideas and skills were also picked up in my high school business class. That type of class is totally up my alley—typing, organizing, planning, management, office stuff, etc.

The easiest way for me to share what works is by walking you through the process of setting a goal and following through with it. Even when you feel like giving up halfway through doing something, it's always good to try and stick it out for the long run. This is because there is no better feeling than looking back on your New Year's Resolutions or goals that you set the previous year and realizing that you met every goal!

Write it Down. Having an intention, recognizing it, and then writing it down is a great first step towards attaining any goal.
  
Develop a Game Plan. Create a game plan for each goal. It's sometimes helpful to find out where the best place to start is. For example, if you want to be a writer, but you don't have any writing samples, apply for a local internship. Something my dad would say is, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Also, consider the challenges you might face, and try to brainstorm different ways to overcome these obstacles. For example, if you have a full-time job, and you're worried you won't have time for whatever you're undertaking, see if you can work less or cut down on another commitment. If it's not possible, consider spending some of the little free time you having focusing on self-care to help balance the heavy workload.


Take Action. For me, this is the hardest part. This is when my "not enough" might come up, or I'm unmotivated to revamp my resume or do something else necessary in order to make what I want happen. There are a couple things that help me take action. One is support from others. Especially when I'm not sure I'll make it, I lean on the support from my family and friends to tell me that it's okay if I fail or that I'm not going to, whatever it is that I need to hear at the time. Other ways to help you take action is setting "due dates" for yourself for each step you need to take in order to meet your goal.

Be Committed. Commitment can be a challenge for a lot of people. Instead of running away or changing your mind when the going gets tough, buckle down harder, re-evaluate how you could do better, seek advice and support from others, and remember why you were motivated to set out to do in the first place. Being committed is not only valuable in work, it's valuable in relationships as well. Commitment is easier said than done, and some people go their whole lives without ever really following through on their intentions. It takes a lot of selflessness, negotiation and time, but if you are a committed person, you will excel in work and relationships.

Revisit & Revise. There is nothing better than coming back to your goals to refresh your mind on your year's resolutions. This will also give you an opportunity to update or add to your goals as your journey progresses. If you got that internship you applied for, set your next goal, which could be getting a paid position in the future. Our lives are always a work in progress, and your resolutions will reflect that.

Cross Them Off.  Your ultimate goal should be to attain each dream you put on your list. As you reach a goal, cross it off. (There is something so satisfying and rewarding about revisiting an old list and seeing every item crossed off.) If you don't cross everything off the list before next year, there's nothing wrong with carrying the same goals for years and years. Some people follow the same dream for decades before seeing the payout, but that makes it even more worth the dedication in the end.


Good luck on your future goals! Please share your tips and resolutions in the comments below!

Baby Milestones — 10 Months Old

Look at that smile! Happy 10 months to my little best friend!

I've been so busy chasing my 10-month-old baby around, I'm a couple days late on this post. My baby has hit her tenth month, and her dad and I couldn't be more proud or entertained. Charlotte loves hanging out with her dogs, dancing, talking, the swings, other kids and playing. All in all, this last month has brought a lot of fun and a lot of exciting firsts.

Our monthly picture got a little out of hand this time around!

First Steps. Charlotte took her first steps shortly after turning 9 months old, and she began walking a couple weeks later. 

Walking. Now Charlotte walks pretty well. Her record is around 12 steps or so. On top of that, her crawling has gained so much speed it makes me laugh sometimes, especially when she's on a mission.

Pointing. Just a few days ago, Charlotte started pointing at the food I was holding. Today, she started pointing at the camera when I was playing paparazzi. Who knew pointing would be so fun? She's also figured out how to "high five." She loves it so much, she squeals in excitement almost every time. 

Appetite. Up until a couple weeks ago, Charlotte had never had anything to drink other than breast milk. Recently, I've started giving her one formula bottle at night, because she is a giant, and I cannot physically produce enough milk to keep her satisfied anytime between 4p.m. and 9p.m. She is a hungry baby, and I can't eat enough to keep up with her demand, although I do enjoy trying to!
 

I know I'm forgetting something! What milestones did your 10 month old reach? Please share in the comments below!

Five Surprising Things About Becoming a Parent

I didn't know that becoming a parent would be so much fun!

Surprise, you're a mom! Okay, so it doesn't really happen like that, even if you feel as if your world has turned upside-down following a positive pregnancy test. Luckily, parenthood comes on slowly but surely, and you adjust as the time passes. I remember when Charlotte was a newborn, I could not imagine having a baby that only took one nap a day . . . and recently Charlotte has been skipping her second nap entirely, and I've adjusted slowly over time to where it's not a big deal. If anything, it reminded me that the days when she was tiny held more challenges, even though my baby slept more. (Although I've been assured by mothers everywhere that around two and three, life becomes difficult again.) And while how easily I've adjusted was definitely a surprising relief, there are plenty of other things that have been as well. Here are the things that truly surprised me about being a mom . . . . and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Strength. Can you say buff stuff, anyone? From surviving labor to gaining serious muscle mass that has only grown with the baby over the last almost 10 months, I have only gotten stronger mentally and physically since giving birth. I am physically stronger, because I have a child attached to me 24/7 (you can find her on the right boob if she is missing). From lifting her constantly to rocking her to sleep, carrying her up and down the stairs and more, I have gotten so much stronger now with little Charlie in tow. 

Patience. I have NEVER been a patient person. I'm the type of person who wants everything to be done yesterday. I'm pretty sure I touched on the subject when I was impatiently waiting for Charlotte to arrive. Now, I'm much more patient than I could have ever imagined.

Unconditional Love. No one can prepare you for how much you will love your offspring, and the love only gets stronger over time. From the moment I first held Charlotte in my arms, you couldn't have convinced me that I could love her more than at that moment . . . but then it happened and continues to happen! My heart might just explode pretty soon here.

Regret-Free. I have to admit, pre-baby I was judgmental. I thought that most people with kids had a sense of regret deep down. The idea of selflessness required to raise a baby was beyond my comprehension at the time. Now I see that I was so naive, and being a mom has been the best and most life changing decision I have ever made.

Deeper Meaning of One. Although I have always had some type of spiritual belief that connects all sentient beings, I'm even more convinced of it now. When I look a other children, I feel like I love them as my own. I feel humbled by the connection I share with Charlotte, and I enjoy watching the pure joy she brings to every person she comes in contact with.


I'm sure as time goes on, I'm going to experience many more surprises. What have been your biggest surprises in becoming a parent? Please share with us below!

Our Favorite Things — Baby Moccasins by MocMommy

Tis the season to go shopping! And what better places to shop than small businesses?

I'm trying to stay modest this year when it comes to buying Charlotte Christmas presents for two reasons. 1 - She's a baby, and she won't remember or understand what's happening. 2 - I want to make family and giving back the primary focuses for Christmas, instead of shopping and receiving gifts.

That being said, I decided that aside from a couple toys, we would buy Charlotte practical gifts for Christmas. And since she walked for the first time yesterday (six consecutive steps!), I think I know one of the things Charlotte will be getting in her stocking—baby moccs!

I knew early on that I wanted to get Charlotte moccasins when she started walking, because they are perfect for a first time walker. I spent a couple weeks following different moccasin makers and falling in love with all the styles and colors offered online. However, the average price I was running in to was upwards of $30 . . . and to be honest with you, I don't even spend that much on my own shoes. So, I kept searching, and finally I came across MocMommy's Etsy Shop. I could not believe it when I saw that all the moccasins in her shop were priced below $10, and with shipping I was able to get these red leather cuties delivered to my door for $10.50.

After ripping open the packaging, I tried the moccs on Charlotte to ensure they fit, and to my surprise they actually did! For one, baby Charlie has such chubby feet that I haven't been able to find one pair of shoes that fit her up until now. Also, she likes to curl her toes when I attempt to put shoes on, which only adds to our struggle. Luckily, these adorable red shoes have an elastic band sewed under the fabric around the ankle, allowing for Charlotte's fat feet to slip right into the shoe, toes curled and all. Then, the soft sole on the bottom gave me the ability to straighten out her toes, making it possible for her to feel comfortable enough to walk. 

Since I ordered these awesome little kicks, MocMommy has added even more adorable styles to her store . . . still at the same ridiculously low prices! Check out all her handmade cuties, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. 

What are you getting your children for Christmas?? Please comment below!

Photography — Easy DIY Holiday Photos

When paying a true professional isn't always an option, recruiting talented friends or family to snap some quick holiday pictures is a great alternative. This year, my little sister and I exchanged holiday photo services with one another. Here are some quick tips on how to ensure your photos turn out great.

Lighting. Take your photos outside so you can utilize the natural lighting. It really depends on the season as to when a good time to take photos will be, but the times that worked for us were around 9a.m. and 4p.m. Keep in mind that an overcast day is a photographer's best friend, because an overcast sky doubles as a giant light diffuser, ensuring all your photos turn our flawless.

Dress the Part. From head to toe, make sure you're on point with the outfits the models are wearing. It's also important for them to coordinate colors, because you want the picture to look uniform. It also doesn't hurt to add in props that relate to the theme.

Location. If you want an easy photo shoot that feels as effortless as possible, choose a photo shoot location that is close to home. Always be on the lookout for cool photo opportunities, especially in the most obvious places. If you're not feeling creative, textured buildings and greenery will always be great backgrounds.

Shots & Angles. The last thing I do before going on a photo shoot is look up inspiration poses online. I remind myself of the key shots that I want to get, and it helps give me the direction and confidence I need in the beginning of the shoot, which also builds confidence in the models. Be sure to take a lot of shots . . . some up close, take some further away, and experiment with different poses. Don't be afraid to direct your models and get hands-on if necessary.

Click here for DIY Maternity Photo Tips!

 

 

 

 

 

Baby's First Holiday — Ideas and Traditions for Your Family's Celebration

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year! . . . Did I miss anyone?

Whether or not you grew up with strong traditions in your household, adopting customs during the holiday season that your children can look forward to each year is not only fun for the little ones, it makes for a more meaningful experience for your entire family. Here are some holiday traditions that you can adapt for your clan to make December that much brighter. There is nothing that warms the heart like nostalgia, and incorporating your old traditions with some new ones will be a lot of fun.

Commemorative Decorative Piece. It doesn't matter what holiday your family celebrates, most cultures have items that hold meaning spiritually, socially or symbolically, while others are for simply aesthetically purposes. For those who celebrate Christmas, buying or making custom tree ornaments, stockings and batches of cookies for Santa are among common celebratory practices. On the first day of Kwanzaa, many families make time to create handmade gifts that often contain educational messages about African traditions and history. Menorahs and dreidels are two very symbolic items that can be given to a baby who is getting ready to celebrate their first Hanukkah.

 

Attend Festive Celebrations. Look into your community's events to see which winter celebrations would be fun for your family. We attended Upland's Annual Christmas Parade & Holiday Faire last weekend. We enjoyed the parade, and we plan on coming back again every year. 

Document It. Those chubby thighs and pudgy toes won't stay that small forever, and you can never take too many pictures! If family pictures aren't your thing, snap a couple shots of your baby in front of holiday decor or while you participate in your customs, new and old. If you have the time, schedule a shoot with a photographer or convince a friend to take some pictures of you in exchange for dinner or something.

Click here to learn how-to take your own holiday photos!

Give in to the Cheese. Even if there are some traditions that seem pointless with a baby (they're not going remember their first holiday celebration, anyway), it's still fun going through the motions of traditions for you and your family.


What cheesey holiday customs are you giving into this year to celebrate the holiday season? Please share your ideas and traditions in the comments below!! :)

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Our Favorite Things — 3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride Elephant

Like anyone who has spent time with a nine-month-old knows, babies are extremely busy during this stage. By this time, many infants have already began to crawl, and some are even in the early stages of walking. This can only mean that new and creative forms of entertainment are a constant need around my house.

Charlotte's kitchen set was a real hit for at least one or two months. She would pull herself up to stand at her little kitchen, instantly gratified by the alarms and songs she set off as she played with its many built-in activities. Unfortunately, the last couple weeks Charlotte has grown bored with her kitchen set . . . and everything else in her room full of toys. Luckily, we were chosen to be the lucky recipients of a brand-new toy from Fisher Price that grows with us, the 3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride Elephant.

One of the Fisher Price Insiders gave us the choice between three awesome Fisher Price Smart Stages Toys! As a lover of elephants, I knew the Bounce, Stride & Ride Elephant was the toy for us. Today, the large package came in the mail, and we couldn't have been more excited. After taking a couple photos of the box, we quickly opened the packaging. While some assembly was required, it took about five minutes and was really easy overall. Charlotte even joined in on the construction process!

Once we finished the quick assembly, Charlotte's elephant didn't waste any time singing songs, playing tunes and encouraging her participation in all the light-up, musical fun! Serving as three different toys depending upon a baby's ability, Charlotte immediately had fun bouncing on the seat, only to then start using the toy as a walker! While she hasn't quite mastered walking yet on her own, getting around the house was a breeze with this toy. It has a wide base and a low center of gravity, which makes it the perfect companion for an early walker. It's also neat, because once Charlotte is a little bit older, her elephant will be perfect for cruising around the house as her first set of wheels.

We are grateful to our friends at Fisher Price for helping us find our newest favorite thing! Do you have any favorite toys that encourage a child's development throughout their different stages of growth? If so, please share them with us below!