Why I am Choosing to Still Shop at Target

I've questioned writing this post this whole week. 

I've gone back and forth between thinking it was a good idea and then a bad idea.

 I finally decided... That this is my blog, my little space of the internet, and I will say what I feel for that reason.

And just a friendly reminder, to each his own. 

When Target announced their policy on allowing transgender people to use whatever restroom they please, I must admit I felt a little... unhappy with the news.

I should start off by saying that I am LDS, or Mormon.

For those of you who are familiar with the religion, you would probably agree with me in saying that most LDS people are quite conservative in their beliefs.

I contribute to validating that statement because most all of my beliefs are very much so conservative. 

When it comes down to religion and morality, I don't agree with the LGBT community.

If you want to think that is terrible of me... go right ahead, but that is where I stand.

However, I believe in the Bible and all the words in it, so I have chosen not to feel hate towards them but to try and show love and kindness just as our Savior does because even when you disagree, it is possible to still love. 

That being said, let's talk about the mean words people have been throwing around on Facebook statuses, blog posts, and articles all around the internet. 

I have been dismayed when seeing people so quick to judge and assume that just because someone does not agree with what they believe, they immediately assume they are being hateful and decide to call them things such as a bigot, or showing discrimination. 

I cannot speak for all of us, but I will say that most people are not actually any of those things.

They are merely stating what they believe and that is actually an okay thing to do.

I like being educated and though this may sound weird to my grandparents, social media is a great way to become educated on world wide topics and hear other people's opinions these days. 

So please, stop being so quick to judge. 

Whether someone is completely okay, or upset with this policy, I don't think they have chosen where they stand out of hate. 

Let's move on now...

I guess in writing this article I must state that I am not happy about Target's policy.

However, I'm not going to let it stop me from shopping in their stores.

So, why am I not okay with this?

I'm sure that most people like to believe that it is because I hate transgender people, but that is most definitely not the case.

I am almost positive I have been in a bathroom with a transgender person at one time or another.

I don't know if I have... but I'm pretty darn sure the odds are pretty great that I have been.

Does that bother me? Nope. Not one bit.

Why? Because they were in there to go to the bathroom, just as I was.

They didn't bother me, and I hope that I didn't bother them.

We both did our business, and left.

Target has now opened those (once slightly more secure) doors to anyone and everyone.

I like my privacy, but I like feeling safe even more. 

I now feel worry, and I just don't like that.

Not because transgender people are "aloud" to go in the same restroom as me now, I'm sure they were already doing that... but because the door is now open to anyone to walk into any restroom without being questioned.
I feel as though that may cause less secure circumstances in the walls of a bathroom.
And yes, to those of you thinking it, you are probably right that this scenario may not happen often... but it sure can happen easier now.
I honestly believe that Target didn't even need to come out with this policy because transgender people were more than likely already using the bathroom they wished.
Now that they have put it out in the open, the debate at this point isn't even about those that are transgender... it is about safety. 

Before rambling too much on that topic because I'm sure I have several of you disagreeing with me at this point, I just want to say this is not stopping me from shopping at Target. 

I love Target.

More than ever since becoming a mother.

I like buying things comparable to something I could find at Anthro at a way better price.

I also love that I can wander for an hour and not get bored.

Target usually leaves me feeling happy and inspired to redecorate my house. Every time.

I don't agree with this new policy, but I'm also not going to let hate fill my heart and stop shopping there.

Remember earlier, when I said I want to love as our Savior does?

I feel that this also applies to shopping at Target.

I am fully entitled to my own opinion on where I stand with agreeing or disagreeing with whether or not being a transgender person is right or wrong, as are you, but I don't think that it is our place to judge others opinions and choices. 

I think that is the Lord's place, and he will ultimately decide.
 So, I am choosing to spend my days loving instead of judging. 

Does that mean I don't have a personal stance on the topic? No.

I have my own beliefs and I am staying true to them, but I will continue shopping at Target because I am choosing to show love over hate and not judging Target for making a decision that doesn't align with my own thoughts. 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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2

Tasty Tuesday: Best Peanut Butter Cookies

Since the very first Sunday Hunter and I spent together as a married couple, he has asked me to make peanut butter cookies after dinner.

I have tried several different things and changed up my own recipes several times but they just never came out how I wanted them.

I love cookies in just about every shape or form, but I'm a firm believer that they need to be thick, chewy, and very slightly crisp on the outside.

Finally, one Sunday, that is just what my peanut butter cookies turned out to be!

So, this recipe is a keeper :)

Ingredients

• ½ cup softened salted butter (sweet cream from Costco, oh yeah!)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy, I've tried both!)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla (but let's be real, we all do a little more, right? Or is that just me?)
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt (don't go overboard, pb is already salty!)

Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugars together in the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment or a hand mixer. Mix until light and fluffy.
2. Next add your peanut butter, one egg, and vanilla. Mix that well making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to get it all!
3. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt and add that to the butter mixture at once and mix until just combined. Don't over mix!
4. Scoop your dough onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet or very lightly greased sheet. I use a cookie dough scooper from Wilton
5.  Bake the dough at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until just set. Halfway through I smashed my cookies with  a spatula. 
6. Allow cookies to cool on a cooling rack or somewhere else other than the pan to prevent over-baking. 

This dough freezes very well too! 

I don't want to eat like 24 cookies in one day so I usually save half the dough for another day in the freezer and just thaw a few hours before baking. 

I hope you guy enjoy these cookies as much as my family does!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Ps... Did you know the Macy's Friends and Family sale is going on right now?? You can take an extra 25% off and get free shipping on any $25 purchase with code FRIEND.

These are my favorite kitchen finds from there right now!

THIS Kitchenaid  color is incredible!

Both this apron and this apron are the cutest ever!

And last but definitely not least, we all need these Kate Spade kitchen towels!

0

Briar Handmade Bonnets

To say I'm completely obsessed with my little Oaks in her perfect Spring bonnet would be a complete understatement. 

Her absolutely adorable, and completely functional statement piece is from Briar Handmade, and it is just the cutest.

Every single baby needs one of these bonnets for several reasons.

One being how stinkin cute babies look in them, but two being that they are perfect for more extreme weather... which we get a whole lot of in Utah!

We took these pictures on an incredibly windy day but the wind didn't even phase Oaklyn.

Not only that, but all her hair wasn't blowing in her face because it was tucked away neatly in her bonnet.

During sunny days it prevents scalp sunburns and during colder days it keeps her little ears warm while also looking so cute!

I'm definitely sold!

Rachel Goode, the founder of Briar Handmade, began creating her signature bonnets shortly after the birth of her sweet daughter Gracelyn Briar. 

She understood the need for a tie-hat that was both beautiful and functional and took the crafting into her own hands. 

The great response to her handmade and heartfelt bonnets from everyone was just the beginning, making this company what it is today.

These precious bonnets are made for the little people in your life and help create moments you will cherish the most.

Briar hand picks the very best materials for style, quality, and function to form the most beautiful and functional bonnets for your little ones. 

Briar Handmade is based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and all bonnets are proudly (and carefully) manufactured in the USA.

When picking a bonnet for Oaklyn, I had the hardest time deciding!

They are all so very cute, but I decided on the Buttercup style because I love that the colors work well with every season. Especially my favorites, Spring and Fall!

However, you really can't go wrong with all the adorable prints they have. 

You can shop the full collection here. 

What is your favorite Spring bonnet?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Taking It Back To The 70's

I have a little trend alert for all of you that I am completely loving!

Just bear with me on this one because I know what a lot of you are going to be thinking right off the bat... That's so 70's!

Just give them a chance though... because I think this trend is here to stay!

Remember my post about getting dressed every day?

I'm still a firm believer in it!

Especially now that the weather is warmer and I'm breaking out the brighter colors and thinner materials. It's like a whole new closet ;)

So, let's talk a little about why I'm adding this look to the #mymammastyle tag.

I recently found out about the cutest online shop called Ruthie Grace Boutique and I literally want every single thing in their shop. Seriously.

However, I couldn't get this Pride and Prejudice Top out of my mind after seeing it!

Something about lace details just gets me every time.

What really drew me in once I saw it in person though, was how flattering it is on!

I love looser clothing. I think a shirt with the right amount of flow is perfect for any postpartum body.

It gives it a whimsical and airy feel. Another thing I love!

Not only is this top looser in the stomach region, but it is also pretty flowy in the arm area!

I loved the way it looked at first glance and I know you all will too!

It is flattering on any arm size and adds a little extra flare!

And don't even get me started on how beautiful white tops are... I could go on and on about that!

Seriously, I have yet to meet a single person that doesn't look good in white. 

It's the perfect color!

Not to mention, white is one of Summer's hottest colors!

Let's talk about the wide legged pants now, shall we?

I get it, the immediate thought is "I can't pull them off."

Wrong!

I have such a hard time taking these cute things off and here's why!

 1. they are the comfiest pair of pants I own (leggings included)

 2. If you select a higher waist pant, it can easily hide your after baby muffin top... if you have one.

3. If you are a bit heavier on top, they will give your body a nice silhouette!  

4. If you're "pear shaped" they will draw more attention to your ankles and your hips will appear more narrow

5. They are great for shorter women like me! They appear to be very leg lengthening when they fit well at the top and pair so great with high heels.

Have I sold you yet?

If  not, I get it ;)

But it's worth trying a pair on in the dressing room!

I honestly think this shirt and these pants were meant to be.

I love everything about both!

I have searched high and low for these pants online and could not find them and I was so sad!

 But, I did find a similar pair I'll link down below.

Also, if this helps... I got them at Nordstrom Rack and the brand is Jolt!

Also, lucky for all you wonderful readers... I have a discount code for you to Ruthie Grace Boutique!

Use code: HAPPYDANCE at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase!

A little bird also told me, this shirt happens to be on sale right now, yay!

I hope you all have a fabulous week!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Shirt | Pants (similar) | Watch | Shoes (old, these are similar) | Hair straightener | Necklace

1

DIY No-Sew Lace Headband and 3 Summer Hair Styles!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WholeBlends #CollectiveBias

I am so excited to be sharing this wonderful new product from Garnier with all of you!

Not only am I going to be talking a little about my new favorite hair products, but I'm also going to show you how I just made a No-Sew lace headband!

I loved the way this headband turned out, so I immediately started trying out some new hairstyles with it.

Lucky for all of you, I'm going to be showing you how to do 3 of these hairstyles that pair great with the headband and are perfect for spring and summer!

Living in dry Utah, I'm always on the hunt for affordable hair products that will hydrate and bring new life to my hair.

While at my local Walmart the other day, I came across a display for Whole Blends Hydrating Hair Care products!

I was intrigued right away by the wonderful smell of the Coconut Water and Vanilla Milk scent, but what really sold me was all the benefits it contained for my hair.

I just need to tell you all a little about why I have fallen in love with this product.
All of the Whole Blends Hydrating Hair Care products give your hair wholesome loving care, and are blended perfectly for naturally beautiful hair. 

What more could a girl want? Just wait, there's much more!

Garnier made sure to carefully select all the ingredients in their formulas and made them to nourish deeply, hydrate, and repair all hair types!

You really can't go wrong with any of the Whole Blends Hydrating Hair Care Products but I will vouch that the Coconut Water and Vanilla Milk blend is amazing!

Just smelling it made me feel like I was in Hawaii!

This particular product contains hydrating care for the thirstiest of hair. Aka... my hair!
It also quenches and softens de-hydrated hair which is everything I need living in such a dry state!
Right after using my Whole Blends Hydrating Hair Care I noticed how much more silky and smooth my hair felt.

I am totally hooked!

After using (and falling in love) with your new Whole Blends Hydrating Hair Care product, it is time to style it!

First, you'll need to learn how to make my DIY no-sew lace headband!

This is a super simple tutorial and takes 10 minutes max!

 Supplies needed:

Lace of choice

Elastic

Hot glue gun

Scissors 

Felt

Instructions:

1. Measure your lace around your head and cut it when both sides hit just below your ear. Then measure your elastic to have it make up the difference. Cut that in half... you want it to be tight enough to stay on your head!

2. Hot glue the elastic to one side of lace. 

3. Hot glue to the other to complete the circle. 

4. Take a thin piece of felt and hot glue around the edges where the elastic and lace meet to secure and make it softer.

5. Complete! Just let it dry before wearing!

Are you ready for my hairstyles now?

I hope so! These are super fun and of course, super easy!

Each hairstyle takes 10 minutes or less, which is perfect for busy sunshine filled days!

This first one will probably work best on hair a little shorter than mine, but still looks great with any length!

The second one is definitely my favorite!

And this last one is perfect when you are on the go and just need something quick and fun!

I hope you enjoyed all of those!

I just love the way they turned out!

I know that I have my Whole Blends Hair Care products to thank for perfectly silky smooth hair that looks healthy and feels great!

I can't wait to continue using these products all summer long to keep my hair nourished.

I hope you decide to try out some of these styles and of course my new favorite hair products.

Make sure to check out the whole line of Whole Blends products here and find the best one for your hair type!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

2

Little Oaklyn's Eye

My little Oaklyn girl is perfect to me. In every way.

I seriously look at her at least 5 times a day and wonder how she is so beautiful and perfect. 

She tests and tries my patience a whole lot, but her sweet little laugh makes me forget about every single hard moment.

Now I'll get into the story telling...

When Oaklyn was about 4 months old, I took a picture of her in her car seat. I was sitting next to her and couldn't stand how cute she looked with her hair in pigtails for the first time. Later, when I looked at the picture a little deeper, I noticed her left eye looked a little different. It seemed like she wasn't really looking at me. However, her right eye seemed perfectly normal. I brought it up to Hunter but we both brushed it off remembering that at that age babies grow and develop like crazy. However, I did notice it in a few pictures from there on out.

Fast forward a few months...

Oaklyn is now around 7 or 8 months old. We went to Hunter's brother's house because we were staying the night to watch their kids. My sister in law, mentioned that she noticed something different about Oaklyn's eye and wondered if I had noticed. Not in a rude way at all, in a curious, understanding way. We talked about some of the other eye issues from my husband's side of the family and went about the night. However, that moment stuck with me. This is where the first paragraph comes into play... I was happy that my sister in law brought it up because it helped me understand that it was a little bigger deal than I was making it and I needed to get it checked. However, it also tugged at my heart strings pretty hard. My Oaklyn girl is so perfect to me. Now something might be wrong with her? It's a feeling you can't explain until you have children of your own. 

So, I waited until her 9 month appointment to talk to the pediatrician about it. He mentioned that it did look a little off and that we should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. He gave us a recommendation and sent us on our way. I called the second we got home and scheduled the soonest available appointment. It was about a week after the one with the pediatrician so it gave me a little time to process that there was something wrong with her eye and that I needed to understand that no matter the outcome, she is still my perfect little baby. 

We got to the appointment and I walked in thinking my baby would be sent home with a little eye patch. I figured she probably had a lazy eye and that we would have her wear a little patch for a little bit and all would be well. I started planning out responses to people's questions and felt okay with the situation. We got called back and the doctor began to examine her eye. He started whispering numbers and letters to the other guy in the room and i just sat in the chair with my confused little baby on my lap. He looked at me and said "We're not 100% sure yet, we'll need to dilate her eye." I laid Oaks on my lap and had to hold her little arms down as the doctor put eye drops in. She was terrified and the second he was done she clung to me so I could rescue her. We came back 30 minutes later and they did the same tests. Only this time, the doctor was sighing and mentioning technical terms I hadn't heard. I was confused and Oaklyn was tired and the emotions in the room were running high. The doctor looks at me and says "From the looks of it, she has Brown's Syndrome." My mind started racing... "syndrome?" He looked at me again to explain that she was born with the tendon behind her right eye pulled too tight. When she tries to look up or to the side, her eye falls short because the tendon hurts when stretched." I had never heard of this condition and he could see my confusion and probably the fear in my eyes. He then proceeds to tell me that the way to treat  Brown's Syndrome is by performing surgery. "So, she has to be put under?" I asked holding back tears. He looked down, then back up and said yes. "It's a fairly simple surgery and it will benefit her in the long run." I knew what he was saying was only going to help her in the end but I had expected to hear that we would be sent home with a patch... not a surgery date. We began to discuss it a little more and he informed me that we would give it three months to see if anything looks better when she is a year old.

I got to the car and put Oaklyn in her car seat. She was eating a teething cracker and all I could hear were her sweet little baby noises between bites. I called Hunter before even leaving the parking lot and he answered on the first ring "Hi babe" He says. I could feel the tears coming so I just said "Can I pick something up for dinner tonight? I'm not in the mood to cook." If you know me at all, you know I love to cook so he knew something was wrong. "Did the appointment go okay?" I tried to say "no" between sobs and really wanted to explain but all I could say was "She needs surgery." There was a silence on the other end of the phone for quite some time before he asked why. Long story short, I picked up In n Out and we ate our food as we talked about our sweet little girl's eye. 

I remember going to bed that night and pleading with my Father in Heaven that he would perform a miracle. That he would help her eye get better in those three months and that this would just be a quick trial of our faith. I made that same prayer every night for the next few months. I made the choice to only tell close friends and family about her eye and they said they would pray as well. I felt good about the support we had behind us and other than praying every night, just tried to ignore the whole situation. About a month ago, I thought back to something my sister in law, Aubrie had told me when she was going through the biggest trial in her life. She was close to delivering her sweet little girl at 24 weeks and had spent most of her pregnancy throwing up. She had been through more than I can imagine handling and I asked her if her and her husband were okay. She looked at me and in the most sincere way said something along the lines of, "We have faith that everything will be okay. We know that the Lord will help us through this no matter the outcome. We trust that even if the end result isn't what we had hoped for, that He will soothe our hearts. We have been praying that he will help us be okay with whatever happens." I'm so glad I thought back to that moment because it was exactly what I needed to remember. I began to change my prayer every night. I stopped praying for a huge miracle and began praying that He would help me be okay with the outcome. I prayed that sweet Oaklyn wouldn't be in too much pain and that I would know how to be the best mother to her. 

Now we're here, today. We had Oaklyn's appointment this morning at 11am. I walked in with Oaks in my arms. She was playing with my earrings, happily, and giggling when I would pull my head back. I laughed with her and smiled at her knowing she had no idea what was going on. I was trying to be strong but had to wipe back a tear in the waiting room when I saw her eye do the same thing I noticed when she was only 4 months old. I whispered the same prayer in my mind that I had the past month. "Lord, please help me to be strong. Please help me to be okay with what they say..." They called us back and we sat in the same chair as the last time. He checked her eyes again and mentioned that it hadn't gotten any better. My heart sank just as it did last time. Only this time, I felt better about what he was saying. "However, I don't want to rush into surgery yet. Her brain has trained her eyes to only use the right eye because it is stronger. She still has Brown's, but it has caused a different problem at this point." I sat there confused but listened intently. "She isn't using her right eye the way she would use her leftt eye. So, we need to strengthen her right eye. We're going to have you put a patch on her left eye for the next two months for an hour every day to restrengthen her right eye. Then, come back in about 2 months and we'll go from there." He smiled and left the room and we gathered our belongings. I put Oaklyn in the car seat and then got in my seat. I started the car and looked in the mirror to see her smiling at me in her mirror. I knew it was Heavenly Father's way of telling me that everything will be okay. I felt strengthened and called Hunter, my mom, and his mom and didn't even cry when I talked to them. I understood that this is part of His plan, not mine. 

So, here we are now. Tonight we will try out the patch and just hope that she doesn't immediately rip it off haha. I'm going to continue praying that same prayer I have been for the past month. Say we do go to the doctor in two months and we end up needing the surgery... I'll be sad but I know that it will make us stronger in the end. I know that He will help us all through these next few months and I trust that all will be well. I know that He would never give us a trial we can't handle. My daughter is still perfect to me in every sense of the word. I love her like crazy and will always do what is best for her. So, if you want to add our little family to your prayers... we would very much appreciate it! I'm sorry for the lengthy post, I just felt the need to write it all out at this point and explain what we are going through. If you've made it this far, thank you for reading!

Have any of your children had to have surgery? 

If so, what did you do to ease your worry?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

4

Dating After Baby Comes

I think we've all heard it before... the dating doesn't end after the wedding.

You need to continue dating your spouse throughout the rest of your life together.

Hunter and I are high school sweethearts.

We met when I was 14 and he was 15 at a pool party.

For me, it was love at first sight. For him it took a little longer, but when he did come around (ha) there were some serious sparks.

We would have spent every waking moment together if we could have.

When we got married, we couldn't stand being away from each other longer than a few hours.

I know, that sounds like the typical newlyweds, but seriously we were smitten.

We loved just being together and the romance was always there.

The first year of marriage for us, was literally pure bliss.

We loved going on dates together whether it was a trip to the water park, a hike, a nice dinner, or just a picnic at the park.

A few weeks before having our sweet daughter, I noticed my mind starting to shift from being consumed in my husband to consumed in my baby.

I couldn't sleep... like ever... so I would lie awake in her nursery praying for her, making bows, adding last minute decor, and looking through all her little clothes.

There was a piece of me that was sad that this was the last little bit of time we had to spend together as just me and Hunter, but I couldn't take my mind off becoming a mother.

Once Oaklyn made her arrival, I was consumed in chores and soothing my baby and my husband quickly took the back seat.

I think this is probably quite typical in most families.

 Obviously the tiny person that just made their entrance into the world needs more attention than your fully capable husband, but it doesn't mean your husband doesn't still exist. 

Occasionally during the first few months of Oaklyn's life I would be rocking her to sleep in the middle of the night and I would glance over at Hunter sleeping in our bed. 

I longed to just snuggle up next to him and drop all of my responsibilities.

I loved my sweet baby, but I missed my spouse.

I missed just sitting on the couch and talking to him, I missed going on spur of the moment dates, and I definitely missed being spontaneous in every area of our marriage.

The first few times Hunter and I finally got the guts to take some time away and go on a date together, I was a complete wreck.

I was so excited to be with him, but I missed Oaklyn like crazy!

I couldn't just relax and be the wife I once was and I missed my old self.

It took time to get used to leaving her, but I'm so glad we decided to take time to focus on our marriage after having a baby.

So much of my time and energy is spent on Oaklyn.

I'm holding her, feeding her, talking to her, playing with her, getting her dressed, washing her clothes, cleaning up after her, changing her diapers, and so on all day everyday.

When Hunter comes home, I'm exhausted and really just want to lay on the couch and scroll through my insta feed mindlessly... and that is why dates are so important after having a baby.

When Hunter and I have a date planned, I get so excited to reconnect with him.

Going out to dinner as a family is fun, but it is usually spent trying to tame Oaklyn and find something she might actually eat.

When Hunter and I go out to eat together we are able to have a good conversation and focus on just each other. 

I love my daughter, I love her more than I can possibly say, but Hunter and I need time away from her.

We need to remember who we were before she came along.

We need to reconnect and talk about something other than sippy cups and dirty diapers.

We need the time to grow closer as a couple.

We need to remember how and why we fell in love in the first place.

We need to plan something special because our marriage is special.

We need to be able to stare into each other's eyes and say I love you without interruption. 

We need to take time for each other. 

We need to keep the fire we once had, alive.

We need to be playful with each other and take time away from responsibilities.

And, we need to miss our child so coming home feels that much more special. 

Having a baby is the best decision we have made yet as a married couple, but it has also been the hardest.

Our alone time has become limited and our minds are constantly distracted.

Hunter planned a date night this past weekend and it was just what we needed.

He made arrangements to have a babysitter and even chose the restaurant that I have been wanting to try for a while.

That is what sparked this post. It meant more to me than I can say to have him go out of his way to plan a date night with me. ( We went to Station 22 and highly recommend it.)

We love our daughter and find ourselves talking about her more often than not when we are away from her, but are learning more and more that our marriage needs to come first.

It has helped our relationship tremendously to ask family or friends to watch our little girl for a few hours while we take time to be together.

By dating your spouse on a regular basis after having a little one, your marriage will be strengthened in ways you didn't know needed to be strengthened. 

So, take some time out of your busy schedules to spend time together. 

Then, go home and snuggle your little one together ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

0

Revamp Your Baby's Paci

I'm pretty sure Oaklyn is going to graduate high school with a pacifier in her mouth...

The girl is completely obsessed with pacifiers!

It is always attached to her and if it isn't... she notices!

I caught her in her high chair the other day crying and searching for her pacifier on her shirt.

I was dying laughing when I realized what she was doing!

The second I clipped it on her shirt the tears stopped instantly...

Ha, such a little drama queen!

I often say, "The Paci fixes everything" because in Oaklyn's case, it really does!

It calms her down instantly and helps a ton when it comes to getting her to fall asleep.

I wanted Oaklyn to take a pacifier right from the start, so I offered it to her the day she was born.

I know not everyone would agree with that, but to each his own!

It has been a lifesaver for us!

I can only imagine how hard it will be to break her from it...

I am so glad we found the company Ryan and Rose because I absolutely adore their pacifier clips!

So far, they are the best quality we have tried and they by far, have the cutest designs!

I of course love the braided ones and always will, but also decided to try out the cute rosette clip.

I had Oaklyn wear it on Easter with her pink dress and I loved it SO much!

Seriously, it was beyond cute.

If your little one loves their pacifier as much as my Oaklyn girl, having a quality pacifier clip is the only way to go!

It keeps the pacifier off the ground and is easy for them to grab or spit out as they please.

I cannot wait to try out their other clips!

I went with MAM pacifiers.

I just liked the look of them the best.

I also liked that they are orthodontic approved!

Oaklyn took them almost immediately and chose them over the other brands I offered!

The only thing I don't really like about MAM pacifiers is the weird designs they put front and center.

Okay, weird might not be the best word... cheesy I guess is.

I've never been a fan of "cheesy" baby stuff.

I even chose to do Oaklyn's nursery based off a color scheme because themed nurseries just aren't my thing... they seem cheesy to me.

But that's just me, I'm sure there are beautiful themed nurseries out there!

I know it may seem silly to be bothered by the design on a pacifier but I just wished they would have made it all white.

So, I decided to to take off the design myself!

And guess what... it worked!

That being said, I'm going to share with you how to take the cheesy design off a MAM pacifier in 4 simple steps!

1) Take a clean cotton ball and dip it in straight acetone.

2) Rub the cotton ball across the design several times

3) Once all of the design has been removed, wash the pacifiers with dish soap and really hot water

4) Soak the pacifiers in very hot water for about 30 minutes to remove acetone completely.

Ta-Da!

The tackiness has been removed!

I hope you guys liked this little mommy hack!

Let me know if you tried it and make sure to check out all the awesome paci clips Ryan and Rose has to offer!

Also, don't forget to check out my giveaway with Ryan and Rose on instagram!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

Oaklyn's Shirt | Oaklyn's Pants | Moccs | Bow | Pacifier Clip | My shirt 

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