Making A Goal To Get Outside This Summer

 This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. All opinions shared are mine alone.

I've always loved being outside. The fresh air, the sunshine on my skin, the cool breeze, the pretty flowers and green trees... I love it all! I grew up with a very active family that loved being outdoors. Several of my childhood memories include hikes, bike rides, and walks/runs. My parents helped create my love for being outdoors really early on. After becoming a mom, I realized just how important being outside is for my mental health. Being out in the fresh air and getting active has really helped me stay sane... haha! Thanks to Babbleboxx, I recently found some awesome products that will help me get outside even more this summer!

First up is the AfterShokz Trekz Air Open-Ear Headphones

Okay you guys, these headphones are seriously incredible! I go running three times a week and I always bring Oaklyn. Music motivates and inspires me to run harder and faster, but I also need to be able to hear Oaklyn. I've tried just keeping my phone in the stroller, having an arm band... nothing has really worked for me until these! With Aftershokz I'm able to enjoy my music without shutting out the world around me. AfterShokz open-ear headphones allow you to hear it all! I'm able to run up-hill listening to my favorite pump up song and hear Oaklyn tell me she needs another snack. One of my favorite parts about Trekz Air is that they are so lightweight, sometimes I even forget I'm wearing them! They are also designed to embrace any elements thrown your way. From rain to dirt, and in my case sweat to front yard sprinklers (ha!) I know they will last through it all. Trust me, you're going to want to check out these amazing headphones and get some for yourself. Check them out by clicking here!

Next Up is Brew Dr. Kombucha

You've probably been hearing about Kombucha all over the place, but what exactly is it? Kombucha is a fermented tea. Dr. Brew kombucha is live and active, 100% RAW and unpasteurized. It is also Non-Alcoholic. Dr. Brew uses a form of non-heat distillation to gently extract the alcohol but keep the goodness. This beverage makes it possible to treat yourself! Clear Mind is their most popular flavor with notes of rosemary and sage. Each herb included has the ability to assist in mental clarity and focus. The strawberry basil flavor is deliciously refreshing and was my personal favorite. It is the perfect refreshing, summer beverage! Find out more about the brand here.

Another favorite is Heliocare® Daily Use Antioxidant Formula

This product is a natural dietary supplement with antioxidant effects on the skin. It is clinically proven and dermatologist-recommended for over 25 years. Heliocare contains Fernblock® PLE Technology, an exclusive and powerful antioxidant extract that is naturally derived from the extract of Polypodium leucotomos (PLE), a tropical fern native to Central and South America that aids in eliminating free radicals to maintain younger-looking, more resilient skin. I'm pretty young, but I definitely could be taking much better care of my skin. Heliocare makes it easy for me to get the skin I've always wanted. These little Capsules are Vegan, Gluten-free, and Free of artificial dyes. The sun can negatively impact your skin, so if you plan on being outside all summer like I am, these are a must! Find out more here.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Next we have Skratch Labs Drink Mixes, Energy Chews, and Energy Bar

Skratch Labs has created a variety of different products to help you recover after working out. Their products are not only tasty, but they are also made with all natural ingredients. Skratch Labs prides themselves in creating products made with only ingredients that will help you perform and feel better. I have found several companies with products that have questionable ingredients. It's refreshing to see that Skratch does not.

I loved the sport hydration drink mix because it did just what it was supposed to for my body. Not only do I work out six times a week, I also nurse my baby three times a day... the combination of the two leaves my body needing to hydrate often. This sports drink is formulated with 800 mg of electrolytes per liter. (twice the level of Gatorade) This is the average amount of salt active people lose when they sweat. The sport recovery drink mix is also great because it helps you recover faster than using carbs or protein alone. The sport energy chews provide a slow drip energy that won't make you crash. The anytime Energy Bar is made with plant based protein and is tasty enough to eat any time of the day! The anytime hydration drink mix is a sports drink for people who hate sports drinks! The electrolyte level is similar to that of national sports drink brands but is made with natural can sugar, real fruit, and nothing artificial. Click here to find out more about these products and receive 20% off your order with the code TRYSKRATCH.

And last but definitely not least, we have T-Rex® Tape

Let's be honest here, we all have had situations where our duct tape just wasn't strong enough to get the job done... but how is that so?? Isn't duct tape supposed to be ferociously strong?? T-Rex tape is! It is built for intense holding power so you can use it on long lasting home repairs, awesome DIY projects, or any other task at hand. T-Rex tape has a double-thick adhesive that holds up in any climate and environmental condition. Head outside this summer and find projects you can accomplish with T-Rex Tape. Click here to find out more about this brand!

So what are your summer plans this year? Are you making an effort to get outside more?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Creating A Water Baby

This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own

Oaklyn was a winter baby. She was born in February and I knew that we still had some cold Utah months ahead of us, but my heart ached for summer days outside. I hated being cooped up all day and craved sunshine. When summer arrived, I was SO excited to take Oaklyn swimming for the first time. (Learn more about teaching your little one to swim on the Tach Me To Swim website.) I bought her a cute little bathing suit, made sure she had a swim diaper, packed the towels and snacks... I mean seriously, I thought it was going to be the best day ever. Oaklyn really liked her baths so I thought for sure she would love the pool. Turns out... she hated it. She stuck her little legs up when we tried to dip her in, she cried even if we held her, she hated the water hitting her face, the bathing suit kept falling down, and I was so sad! However, I should have stuck with it and continued to expose her to water. Instead, I just assumed she hated swimming and we hardly went the rest of the summer even though I LOVE swimming. 

Growing up, we swam a ton! My parents put us in swim lessons early on to ensure we were safe around large bodies of water and then we spent tons of time on different vacations where swimming was always on the agenda. We went to Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Hawaii, beaches in the South of France... I remember spending tons of time in the water. I was so bummed when I thought Oaklyn didn't love water as much as I did. After that summer, it took several other trial runs to get Oaks to like being around the water. She still pretty much hates when it is in her face and I had to bribe her to play in the splash pad last summer... but we have definitely made progress.

I decided that I wanted to expose Cam to water in a positive way early on. We started with baths in a baby bather, moved to sink baths, and also let her play in the big bath. I always smile at her and show her how to splash and she just loves it. With summer on the way, I knew it was time to start introducing her to the pool. I wanted to create a positive water introduction experience with her and started trying to find ways that would help excite her. I knew I had found baby gold when I saw the SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float. Not only is SwimWays an industry leader in helping children learn to swim, but they also promote water safety. The Infant Baby Spring Float is the most creative baby float I have seen yet. It has a sun canopy, it is fabric-covered, has a soft seat that cradles baby, and a 3-point harness to keep baby secure. To make mothers even more comfortable with bringing their babies into the pool, there are additional security features that include dual inflation chambers, child safety valves, and a wide base with an inner spring around the outside edge of the float for stability. I tried not to get my hopes up, but with this float, I was almost positive Cambria would have a really great experience. 

So, we loaded up the girls and took them to the pool with everything but the kitchen sink in the stroller... #momlife. I got the SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float all set up and was shocked how easy it was. Then, it was go time. I got Cam in her little bathing suit and we stuck the float in the water. I passed her off to Hunter who securely buckled her in and she was in heaven. She sat back and lounged while loving looking all around. She was also shaded by the removable and adjustable canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection. But the best part, was that I was having fun too! The float has built-in handles making it possible for me to swim and enjoy myself while also knowing she was secure and safe. Once Cam found the water with her feet, she was loving splashing and moving all around the pool. I didn't hear her cry once even though it was past her nap time. Not only did I have a great experience, but I know Cam did too! I was so excited to have the SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float because I know it was key in helping create my little water baby. Now I'm so excited for summer and all the pool days we have ahead of us!

Where is your family swimming this year? Backyard, beach, community pool, lake, or a vacation?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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An Afternoon at SeaWorld, San Diego!

This post is in partnership with SeaWorld San Diego. All opinions are mine alone. 

I had been talking about taking a trip back home for a bit because I wanted one last fun trip with both grandparents for Oaklyn before she becomes a big sister. 

When Hunter finally agreed to the idea and said he would try to get work off, I got so excited and started planning fun things to do!

We decided to take one of the days we were there to visit SeaWorld San Diego.

Growing up in San Diego, I never really took advantage of all it had to offer.

I went to SeaWorld on a field trip when I was a lot younger and again with family when I was still pretty young.

So, while this trip was definitely for Oaklyn... I was just as excited to go to SeaWorld for myself ;)

Most amusement parks are kind of out of the question for us right now because I'm in my third trimester of pregnancy and Oaklyn is just a few inches shy of riding most rides. 

From what I had remembered, SeaWorld seemed like the perfect place for our family at this stage of life.

Boy was I right!

Me, Hunter, Oaklyn, and Hunter's mom all went and that is a very wide range of ages... yet we all had lots of fun!

There was something entertaining and fun for all of us and Oaklyn got to see animals she had never seen before.

When we entered the park we honestly had no idea where to go, haha.

We had a map but just kind of decided to aimlessly explore and stop at the attractions that appealed to us.

The first thing we found was the Dolphin Encounter.

Other than Oaklyn's major meltdown (ohhh toddlers) I thought it was so cool!

You can see the dolphins above water doing all their fun tricks and below water by the glass!

I think dolphins just look so friendly and fun.

They always appear to be smiling and I just love that.

There was also someone over the loudspeaker explaining facts and details about dolphins I didn't know.

I loved that it was fun and educational for all ages. 

After that we tried to map out where we went based off show times.

The first show we saw was Sea Lions Live and it was the cutest thing ever!

I was so impressed with how well they were trained for the show and how clever the script was.

Oaklyn was fascinated by these animals she had never seen before and us adults were cracking up at the hilarious jokes.

That was by far my favorite show and my top recommendation for anyone who visits Seaworld.

We had planned on doing two other shows but ended up just going to the dolphin show and it was awesome!

One thing we all loved is how they personally introduced each dolphin and said how many children they had haha.

I also loved the fun and playful interactions between the trainers and dolphins.

I loved the upbeat and positive vibe of the show.

The dolphins did so many cool tricks and Oaklyn sat pretty still through the whole thing which I would say is a win!

Hunter said he now wants to be a dolphin trainer haha ;)

Okay, let's talk about the other things you can see while at SeaWorld...

There are so many different areas dedicated to specific animals. 

We loved seeing the penguins, sting rays, dolphins, and there are so many others!

This is a perfect teaching moment with little ones to help make the trip a little educational too.

There are always plaques with info on all the animals so I was learning quite a bit as well.

I love how happy all the animals look and how playful they all were!

Now let's talk rides...

Hunter loves rides and I may even love them more than him haha.

Clearly I wasn't able to go on any rides but Hunter had a blast on the two he went on!

He rode Manta and Journey to Atlantis and absolutely loved both!

He rode Journey to Atlantis twice because the line was super short and he thought it was so much fun.

It is a coaster and a water ride combined together. 

You get a little wet going down a big drop and then do the roller coaster part. 

Manta is a roller coaster that soars dives and twists just as a sting ray would.

Oaklyn discovered a new found love for rides this trip to San Diego and kept asking to go on them at SeaWorld.

They have two places for your littles to ride some rides...

The first place is Sesame Street Bay of Play with so many fun things for your toddler to do.

They also just opened a new area called Ocean Explorer and we spent a good chunk of time there letting oaks go on the rides.

She LOVED them!

They were the perfect size and speed for her and it was so fun watching her smile through each ride.

We had such a great afternoon at SeaWorld San Diego and can't wait to go back again!

I can't believe we'll have a second kid the next time we go!

Overall, SeaWorld gets two thumbs up from our family because we loved that there was something for everyone!

What is your favorite thing to do there?

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Making Pool Days Stress Free With Sunsnap Swimwear!

This summer, we got passes to a local water park so Oaks can have some fun her last few months as the only child!

She has been talking about going down the "wawa slides" with dada for weeks now and cannot wait for the park to open!

I'll be pretty largely pregnant so no water slides for me... but I'm definitely looking forward to lounging around in the lazy river ;)

I'm hoping this insane winter is finally coming to a close... The weather keeps tricking us though so who really knows!

But seriously, this is the most snow we have seen since we've lived here and I'll admit that it's not my favorite ;)

Once February hit, I was pretty much craving warmer weather and walks with my little family.

At this point though, I'm craving dresses and sandals and dreaming of pool days.

When I became a parent, I quickly learned that pool days definitely weren't quite as relaxing anymore.

It also meant a whole lot more preparation to make it actually go smoothly.

I'm talking snacks (a new one for literally every 15 minutes haha), towels for the whole family, pacifiers and other "essentials", a change of clothes, lotion for after because my little girl has eczema,  pool toys, the list goes on and on...

But what's really the hardest part about swimming with a baby/toddler?

Hands down changing diapers!

We've been lucky enough to have caught any sort of accident before it meant shutting the pool down haha, but I'm just waiting for the day Oaklyn poops in the pool. 

Changing diapers at the pool means taking off the entire bathing suit and trying to cover up your completely naked baby while trying to change their diaper.

Then you have to try to get that wet bathing suit back on and the whole thing is just a whole lot harder than it needs to be!

That's why I was beyond excited when we found SunSnap Swimwear!

These bathing suits have snaps to make changing diapers at the pool a million times easier!

Hallelujah!

They are cute, trendy, easy, and convenient so your pool day can be spent having fun without hassle!

Baby onesies have snaps to make our lives easier, so why not put them on bathing suits?

I don't know why more baby and toddler swimsuits don't have these because they seriously make life so much easier!

We weren't able to use this swimsuit until recently because as I mentioned earlier, the weather has been totally hit or miss with the sunshine... but we had a warm day last week and got the hose out!

Oaks had so much fun running around in her suit and kept saying, "oohh mama, baby suit pwetty!"

These suits come in so many cute styles, patterns, and prints so you are sure to find something you love!

As a mom that is already busy and has enough to worry about, I'm so glad that this is one less thing I have to stress about!

Make sure to check out SunSnap Swimwear and get a cute suit for all your summer adventures!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Tasty Tuesday: Baked Manicotti

One of Hunter's favorite meals ever is lasagna. 

However, he only really likes it when his mom makes it haha.

I've tried making it several times but we have very differing opinions on how it should be made.

I LOVE ricotta cheese and he just likes regular cheese, meat, noodles, and sauce.

I like to get fancy, and he likes to keep it simple haha.

So, I've decided to leave the lasagna making for his mom when we go home and visit ;) 

Sometimes though, I get a craving for lasagna made my way and have decided manicotti is basically just the same thing in a different form.

And, I've managed to trick Hunter into loving it the way I make it!

Win, win!

I also like to think that because I do part of my filling with cottage cheese and spinach, that it's just a bit healthier ;) haha!

Anyways, I hope you like this recipe as much as we do!

Pair it with some balsamic asparagus and you are golden!

Ingredients:

-1 lb ground beef

-1 package manicotti noodles

-1 jar favorite marinara sauce

-1 Cup and 1/2 cup shredded cheese (I've used practically all of them but I like to use whatever I have which is usually the Mexican blend from costco) 

-1 cup cottage cheese

-1 cup ricotta cheese

-1 tsp garlic salt

-1 tsp dried basil

-1 cup chopped fresh spinach

-salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1) Brown your ground beef in a pan with some salt and pepper to taste. At the same time, boil your manicotti until al dente. You don't want them to fall apart because it gets reallllyy hard to stuff them.

2) In a bowl or stand up mixer combine all cheeses reserving the 1/2 cup of shredded cheese for the top. Add in your ground beef, spinach, and seasonings and combine. Add in salt and pepper to your taste preference. 

3) Put 1/3 of your pasta sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Now you get to stuff your manicotti. This can be a really messy step so I highly recommend adding your filling to a gallon size ziploc bag and snipping off the corner to fill your noodles. It just makes it easier on everyone haha. Once you fill one, place it on top of the sauce in your pan.

4) Add the remainder or your sauce on top of the stuffed noodles and sprinkle the rest of your shredded cheese on top. I also do a few sprinkles of parmesan cheese and a little chopped spinach on top. 

5) Cover with foil and bake at 375 for about 20 min. Then uncover and bake another 10 minutes. I like to broil the top for an additional 1 or 2 minutes at the end to make the cheese on top crispy ;)

Ta-da! Your manicotti is all done! I like to serve this with a salad or some grilled veggies and it's even better when you eat it outside. 

I just feel like eating outside makes anything better haha.

I hope you all enjoy this recipe!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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A Much Needed Trip Back Home

Last night I got maybe an hour of sleep.

I was so frustrated that I got up and paced the kitchen... thinking maybe that would make me tired? 

I don't know. It sounded like a good plan at 3 a.m.

I was just starting to doze off when I heard Hunter's alarm go off.

you have got to be kidding me.

Somehow, I still got into work today right on time.

I had to use all my might not to show up in basketball shorts, slippers, and a t-shirt.

I still wore a not-so-t-shirt-ish t-shirt and sweats.

It took at least 15 minutes for two kids to show up.

It took at least and hour for only two more to show up.

And it then only took an hour more for my boss to tell me I could go home!

Hallelujah.

I figured this would be a good opportunity to catch up on our trip back home!

I must say, I love that we both have the same hometown.

I truly do not despise Utah. 

In fact, I kinda like it.

Because of that, Hunter and I decided we might actually be able to end up somewhere other than San Diego when we're older and have figured out where we want life to take us.

I mean, if we can have fun and make friends here, we could do that in say, South Carolina... right? (No we are not really thinking about living there, it just kinda came to my mind ha)

Welllll... then we drove into good 'ol San Marcos.

And, my heart felt full.

I could smell the ocean air, palm trees were right out my window, and of course... Jack in the Box!

San Diego is home.

It always will be, even if we do end up somewhere else for unknown reasons at this time. 

But for now, we are enjoying Utah and we are trying to make the most of our adventure in this home away from home :)

Here's some snaps from our visit with family.

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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