Creating a Calm and Collected Home With Febreze ONE

Thank you to Febreze ONE for sponsoring this post. All opinions shared are mine alone. #ad #ONEStateOfMind

Once I got married, I realized pretty quickly how many smells, good and bad, are created in a home. From steaming vegetables, to stinky bathrooms, and dirty diapers, to sweaty gym clothes, a home can quickly become filled with pungent odors that aren't appealing to, well... anyone! As much as I tried, I just couldn't eliminate these odors all together. Hunter and I both work-out throughout the week, for several more years we will be dealing with diapers and potty messes, I make dinner every single day, and the drain will often smell funny, the kids will forget to wear deodorant, the list just goes on and on! I want my family to always feel comfortable in their home, not have to avoid their daily tasks, whether they cause stinky smells or not, I also want guests to feel welcome instead of running for a more pleasant environment. So, since the first week we got married, I have been on the hunt for the perfect air freshener for our home.

I've tried candles, plug-ins, and several room sprays but without fail, their overpowering scents and aerosols always make my allergies flare up. All of the heavy perfumes make my eyes itchy and watery and I find myself sneezing for a few days before the strong scents level out. I go back and forth between wanting a fresh smelling home and wanting to avoid the allergies all of the different products cause. Not only do strong scents bother me, but they bother others as well! The last thing I want is for people to be running for the door in my home because of the strong scents and overpowering sprays of different air fresheners. Febreze conducted a recent survey where they found 91% of people would be interested in trying an air freshener that doesn't contain aerosols, dyes, and heavy perfumes. The same survey also found that 90% of people can have an improvement in mood when they are in a fresh smelling environment. Because we were clearly lacking an air freshener that would help even the most sensitive of sniffers love the air they're in. Febreze created Febreze ONE! Febreze ONE provides a simpler, lighter, and fresher way to clear the air!

Febreze ONE fabric and air mist is a first-of-its-kind product containing no aerosols, no dyes, and no heavy perfumes. I love that it contains nature-inspired, single-note scents in Bamboo, Mandarin, and Orchid. Because they are nature-inspired, they smell much more natural than other air fresheners I have used. I love that I can feel comfortable spraying these scents around my home without worrying about guests and my own kids having a negative reaction to the scent. A few places that are perfect to spray it are on bed spreads, couches, simply in the air, bathrooms, curtains, and pillows. All of these things collect and gather old smelly scents over time and could really benefit from a little pick me up that Febreze ONE offers.

I also love that, with a little creativity, Febreze ONE makes for a unique and out-of-the-box gift for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and more! By pairing these fresh scents with other relaxing items, the receiver will be able to create their own "ONE state of mind." In this post I paired Febreze ONE with a sound machine, an adult coloring book and pencils, herbal tea, and a cutting board for a new mother to be able to relax and find some "me time" amidst the craziness motherhood brings. It would also be great for a bridal shower for a "night before the wedding relax kit." The possibilities are endless! Febreze ONE is much more than just an air freshener, it is the gift that keeps on giving. 

What do you think your favorite scent will be??

All my love,

Aleigh Joy 

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Save Some Money On Your Favorite Baby Products With Parents Choice

This post is sponsored by Walmart. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone. #ad #walmartbaby

When I had Oaklyn, I only used the expensive brands of pretty much everything baby related because I thought they must be better if they cost more.

I wish I would have known what I know now, because we would've saved ourselves a whole lot more money!

I remember the first time I swayed away from a few of those pricey brands... I was sure it wouldn't go over well.

Like I had said earlier, if it costs more it must be better... right??

WRONG!

One brand that I tried was Parents Choice and I was SO happy that I was able to still get some of the best quality at a fraction of the price!

It felt so refreshing to know that I would be saving money for our family while still getting exceptional products for my little baby.

By using the Parents Choice brand, I realized I had more money to use in other areas of our lives such as going out for date nights, doing activities as a family, and getting a mid day treat with my little one!

Parents Choice is a line with over 275 different products from bedding to diapers, and wipes to baby snacks. 

Parents choice is new and improved and I can assure you, it is as good - if not better - than those top brands you've been using.

A few of my favorite Parents Choice products come from their line of bedding.

I love options, and they have plenty!

The line includes receiving blankets, crib sheets, changing pads, baby blankets, and nursery sets that are all made with super soft materials and come in trendy patterns!

My sweet little Oaklyn had a problem almost right from the start with wetting through her diapers at night.

We tried all different types of diapers and nothing seemed to help the situation. 

With that being said, I needed to have several different crib sheets on hand at all times to ensure she always had a clean one when the others were being washed. 

All items in the Parents Choice line are priced at $40 or less with majority being priced at less than $13!!

That meant I could easily stock up on sheets without a worry.

I was able to find several different styles that matched or complimented her nursery.

I loved that there were so many options between nine coordinating colors so I could mix and match to create a customized look for my baby. 

Now that I'm on my second baby with plans to have more, I'll definitely be shopping the Parents Choice brand more often! 

I also love the receiving blankets for tummy time. 

They are soft and lightweight which are perfect for her to lay on, roll on, or use in the carseat. 

I chose a neutral pattern and color scheme to match any outfit.

So now you all know one of my best kept secrets ;)

Okay, so it's really not a secret at all that I'm a total bargain shopper.

I love getting the most bang for my buck!
I also love that I have the option of heading to my local Walmart to shop the Parents Choice brand, or I can stay in my jammies and have everything shipped right to my door!
How else do you save money on baby items??
I'd love to hear!

All my love,
Aleigh Joy

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Keeping a Healthy Balance During the Holidays

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

I may or may not turn into a crazy person around the holidays. There's just so much to do and see, with so little time! I absolutely love this time of year. There's just such a special feeling and I love the happiness that fills the air. This time of year people are more willing to give, there's parties left and right, family comes together, glittery decorations are hung, and don't even get me started on my favorite music to listen to! With all of the pluses, the only minus I can think of is how much more is added to my plate. Both my dinner plate and my to-do list "plate." Hence my reference to becoming a crazy person this time of year! I have this perfectionist attitude that motivates me to do and see everything. From sending out Christmas cards to delivering cookies to neighbors, Christmas just doesn't feel the same without a never ending list of things to do.

I have noticed however, when I'm stressed during the holidays, it's no fun for my family. We're all eating junk food every day because I have no time to make a meal, I'm running to the post office last minute to get our cards sent out, I'm standing in never ending lines searching for the perfect present, and forcing my family to watch a movie when we are all just tired. I've decided the best way to ensure everything happens without crunching it all together at once, is by making a list of everything I'm hoping to do this season. I've included a template that you can download here and add in everything you are planning on doing. My example is down below. A few things that will make your list more beneficial is keeping it structured based off what you have some time to think about and what needs to happen now so you aren't running around last minute. I would also keep it hanging somewhere your entire family can see so they know what to expect is happening. I love to keep dates of when I want to get things done by to set goals and create deadlines, so they actually happen ;)

Next up is a meal plan for the kiddos. I only have one child and I still have a hard time managing meals! Making sure I have nutritious food already prepared for my daughter seems to be key. If she tells me she's hungry 10 minutes before we have to leave, there's no way she's getting something good for her in her belly because quite frankly, there's just no time. That's the way it goes with the rush of the holiday season. Everyone is hurrying from one place to the next and kids are left not feeling well because they aren't getting what they need for their growing bodies. Recently I discovered Kidfresh meals and I just love how convenient and simple they are to prepare. Kidfresh meals are ready to eat in only 4 minutes! I'll be honest in saying that we often have mealtime drama, but Kidfresh provides a perfect ally for busy moms, with a twist on traditional kids’ favorites. Basically we're sold. So, I included all of my favorite Kidfresh meals on the left, nutritious column. I haven't filled in the right side yet, but that's to help decide if it's a good day for a treat or if your child has already had their fair share of holiday overload. You can also download the blank template here. 

Let's talk a little more about keeping that healthy balance during the holidays. The three things I look for when choosing what meals to feed my little girl are, 1) Hidden Veggies + Best in Kids Nutrition 2) Convenience + Relief for how busy I am and 3) Trust and Credibility. That's where Kidfresh comes in! Kidfresh meals and sides are made with No Artificial Flavors or Ingredients, No Synthetic colors or flavors, and non-GMO ingredients with short and clean ingredient lists. What more could a mom ask for? Not only do they have that perk but they also are made with up to ½ cup of hidden veggies in every Kidfresh meal. Also, with the help of a pediatric nutritionist, Kidfresh meals are consistent with USDA dietary guidelines for all children. They happen to be best-in-class in protein content and offer key nutrients for growing children (calcium, iron etc..) and moderate in fat and sodium. All meals are fresh frozen as soon as they are prepared to ensure maximum nutrition, and are great sources of proteins, vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber, and more. They are also moderate in sodium, fat, and saturated fat, and contain 0g trans-fat and less than 400 calories.

I found all of my Kidfresh meals at my local Walmart and was pleasantly surprised to see that they are new to the store! They were located in the frozen meal section and fully stocked. Make sure to check out both the Coupons.com offer and the Ibotta Offer to save $1.00 on all Kidfresh meals!

We are all very busy moms this holiday season with everything going on we have to keep up with. However, life doesn’t stop just because it’s the holidays! During the hustle and bustle, convenience and peace of mind are key. Kidfresh has done 100% of the homework to provide a healthy, nutritious & quick alternative that we as parents can trust for school lunches, quick after school snacks and when you need dinner in-a-pinch. I loved giving Oaklyn the Kidfresh Mac + Cheese and the Kidfresh Mighty Meaty Chicken Meatballs today for lunch. She ate it all, creating an empty plate + Full Belly which equaled a Happy Kidfresh Mom!

My daughter loves when mommy is more present during play time with her instead of just rushing to the next thing that needs to be done. It's so true that kids make the holidays that much more special if we just give them the time of day. If we schedule and plan out our holiday season and keep our freezers stocked with nutritious and delicious meals like Kidfresh, we're set to have the best season ever!

So what are your festive plans this year? How are you planning on fitting it all in??

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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What to Keep in Your Medicine Cabinet This Holiday Season

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

As much as I absolutely love the holidays, I'll be the first to admit that they are absolutely crazy. I get so excited to put the tree up, go sledding, receive holiday cards, eat delicious food, and be surrounded by so much family each year. Right as Halloween is over, that holiday spirit kicks in over at our house and it can't be stopped. We already have our tree up, ha! However, it isn't decorated yet so all the scrooges out there can't hate too hard ;) Anyhow, amidst all the fun and holiday bliss, comes the dreaded colds and other sicknesses. It's bound to happen that someone will end up sick in our home and need a little pick me up. I don't know about you, but I think the holidays can quickly lose their magic if you are down for the count with a winter illness. 

Last year, we went home during the spring and stayed for Mother's day. It was a blast being with family and showing off our then, little baby. However, travel and all new germs meant awaited sickness. Before I knew it, I was out cold on the couch with a fever and a sore throat. It was so hard to be sick and wake up to feed my baby. Before I knew it, she had a runny nose and lost her little baby voice. It was so sad that she could hardly get any noise out when she was crying. While being there was still fun, it was pretty miserable for both of us and a fun holiday with family was quickly turned into a not so fun time for me and my sick baby. 

I've decided I now always want to make sure we're stocked and ready for any sickness. Our medicine cabinet was seriously lagging back then and it made dealing with the aches and pains of a cold even harder. I now have a bin in my medicine cabinet with essentials pertaining to every season that I can stock up on as needed. 

To "make" this bin, you literally just need to buy a cheap one from your local Walgreens. I got a little white one that is the perfect size for everything I need to kick the holiday cold this year. You can then take a sharpie and write directly on the bin, or grab a piece of paper and tape it to the bin. I just wrote "medicine" on it but you can write something fun like "This season's essentials" or something else that will help your family find just what they need. Next just stuff the bin full of everything you need and continue to refill as needed! You will be so thankful you did this next time you wake up and think, "oh no, here it comes!"

So what do I always make sure I'm stocked up on? For starters, we absolutely always have Advil® Tablets on tap ;) I have found through personal experience that nothing's stronger on tough pain. You'll be able to find Advil® Tablets at your local Walgreens among OTC pain relievers. * Use as directed. Advil® is one thing that never leaves our medicine cabinet no matter what time of year it is, but especially during the holidays. 

Another thing I have found I love to keep in our cabinet is ThermaCare ® because it helps soothe the body aches that come with a seasonal cold or flu. Unlike creams and rubs that merely mask the pain, ThermaCare® has patented heat cells that penetrate deep to increase circulation and accelerate healing. ThermaCare® Heatwraps (once activated) only take 20-30 minutes to heat up to a comforting temperature of 104 degrees F. Make sure you don't use these overnight though! *Use as directed.

Ready or not, it’s time to stock up on Pfizer products that will help out this holiday season like Centrum and Emergen-C. Ensure you are prepared when sickness strikes with products like Advil® and Robitussin. Make sure to shop at Walgreens and take advantage of the $8 in coupon savings!

So, what will you be putting in your holiday medicine bin??

All my love, 
Aleigh Joy

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use as Directed.

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Changing Table Necessities with Huggies

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

I'm a young mom, I'm also a first time mom, but I've learned more than I ever could have imagined these past 18 months in the parenting world. I've learned that at times it's going to be hard, at times it'll be challenging, and sometimes you'll want to throw in the towel and just run away... I've also learned that your heart will grow ten times bigger, motherly instincts do actually kick in, and you'll love like you've never loved before. But, most of all, I've learned that being prepared will save you a whole lot of time and energy during your day to day life. Whether it's always having a snack on hand or keeping stocked up on Huggies diapers... being ready with "mom supplies" will keep you mentally sane during all hours of the day (and night!).

Let's flash back to a moment I'll never forget for a second. Oaklyn was only a few months old and was going thought a major sleep regression. I was sleep deprived, incredibly grumpy, and I was lucky if I remembered to put shoes on on my way out the door. Because I was so tired, I forgot that my wimpy little package of off brand diapers was just about to run out. It only came with about 24 diapers, was over $15, and I was already almost out! One night, Oaklyn absolutely would not go back to sleep. I had tried just about everything and was about to lock myself in my closet because I was flat out exhausted. I felt her diaper and even though it was nowhere near full, it could still probably be changed. I had one diaper left in the changing table, it was a risky move, but if it made her sleep it was well worth it. After I changed her, I began to rock her back to sleep. She was drifting off into dream land and I was holding my breath and wishing so badly that this was all it took. Then it happened... Her little body began to tense up and her little face got all scrunchy. I knew exactly what was coming. Then with a whole lot of force, she let loose. Part of me was happy that her tummy must be feeling better, but the other part of me was clueless as to what I was going to do now. With lovely baby poo coming up her back, I yelled for Hunter to search all corners of the house for just one clean diaper. Luckily, he did find one but can you imagine how much easier it would have been if I just had a huge box of Huggies Little Snugglers Plus from Costco in her closet? 

I don't know about all of you other moms, but I get incredibly stressed if things don't go smoothly. That stress then rubs off on Oaklyn and it's a big mess all around. I have learned over time that a high stress mama will rub off on her child and will create a high stress kiddo in return. I'm nowhere near perfect, and I absolutely get stressed several times a day, but I'm learning how to manage that and especially how to be more prepared. I've discovered certain baby products I love and had to throw away several I definitely didn't like. I've had to slow down and really listen to what it is that Oaklyn needs and take mental notes so we don't run into the same problem later on. I've also had to learn that stocking up on everything we need, will save me hours of worrying in the long run. Two things I absolutely always keep stocked with our favorite baby items are my diaper bag, and the changing table. I know people say you don't necessarily need a changing table, but I truthfully feel like you do. We do both the morning and night time routine on the changing table, and every single diaper change happens on it. It's comfortable, safe, and holds everything I need. So, today I'm going to share exactly what it is I always keep in our changing table and a very inexpensive and effective way to keep it organized. 

My changing table drawers have definitely evolved over time. In the beginning, I probably could have stocked every drawer with diapers and still not have enough ;) As time went on I had to make sure I had toys to entertain Oaklyn during changes and blankets to keep her new little body warm. However, there's a few things that have stayed consistent.

Drawer One:

-Huggies Little Movers Plus size 4. We love these diapers! We've tried several different brands and have decided that sticking with Huggies is absolutely the way to go. We get these diapers at out local Costco. These are Huggies' most absorbent diapers, hence the Plus, and are exclusive to Costco. With the double grip strips, they are an absolutely perfect fit for my really active baby. Not to mention, they have a 12 hour Leak Lock protection which is perfect for night time! They come in sizes one through six and if you get them at Costco, you won't have to worry about running out any time soon. They come with so many and have truly been a life and money saver for our family. There is currently a deal running where you can get Little Snugglers Plus (Sizes 1 & 2)  for $37.49, $31.49 after $6 discount and Free shipping. (this offer valid 9/1 to 9/25) Or Little Movers Plus (Size 3, 4, 5, & 6) for  $42.99, $36.99 after $6 discount and Free shipping. (this offer valid 9/1 –to 9/25) Also, starting in August Little Snugglers Plus will also be available in size Newborn starting - $29.99 available in select warehouses and online at Costco.com 

-Wipes. Find a brand of wipes you like, and always keep them stocked up right next to your diapers for quick and painless changes.

-Rash Cream. Again, you are going to have to find one that works for your baby's skin, but always keep it on hand... you never know when a rash will break out!

-Hygiene Essentials. This is one that will change with time as your baby's needs change. We always keep her toothpaste and toothbrush, lotion, and a little medicine in case a cold comes on. 

-Hair Care. Obviously this is different for every baby but mine came with a whole lot of hair! So I keep a brush, hair elastics, and occasionally a few bows but her big stash is in her closet. I also keep her pacifier clips in the top drawer. 

I separated the different compartments in efforts to stay a little more organized and you'll never believe how easy it was to make the separators! I actually just cut the flaps off of my Huggies Little Movers Plus box and stuck them in my drawer! As Oaks gets older I'll probably get little containers to stick the smaller items in. 

Drawer Two:

-Jammies. Part of Oaklyn's bed time routine is to get in her jammies while on the changing table so it only makes sense to have some clean ones in a drawer!

-Blankies. Blankets are the easiest way to get Oaks to calm down. Some diaper changes are rough, so I always keep blankets close by to let her snuggle. 

Drawer Three:

Extra Sheets. Being prepared with extra sheets makes the world of a difference! Waking up to a wet bed, a spilt bottle, a diaper explosion, or even worse throw up can make for a messy clean up. While I wash her sheets, having an extra to throw on for nap time helps take my stress down immensely!

Obviously over time I know some of these things might not matter anymore and if you are a mom of a smaller baby, you might need a whole lot more! So adjust your separators as you need to and keep your essentials close by. Keeping your favorite items stocked up will help you stay calm during the most stressful situations. So now I want to know, what do you keep in your changing table??

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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