I’ve started a oils business with Young Living Essentials Oils and my most asked question is where to buy essential oil tools and what to get! I hope this list below can help if you have gotten your starter kit and need some items to start using those oils!
one // two // three // four // five //

six // seven // eight // nine // ten

I would love for you to come follow me over at my oils account @hellolove.essentials and if you are interested in purchasing a kit, you can do so here! Any questions about oils please email me at hellolove.essentials1@gmail.com I would love to have you on my team!

Let’s be honest. The bedtime hustle is real. And getting your kids to actually go to sleep the moment you tuck them in may seem impossible. All the questions start after you’ve tucked them the 37th time like, “what are we doing tomorrow?’, “can I eat waffles for breakfast”, “is it almost morning time?” and then after the 23847th time of going to the bathroom and getting a drink, you finally think to yourself, “okay, I did it”, only to turn around to your child asking for one more drink… I would be lying if I said that bedtime was my favorite part of the day. However, I’m desperate and know that instead of just letting this continue to be our bedtime routine of not actually going to bed once tucked in, that I need to make some changes and try different things. So here are 5 ways to help your child get your child to wind down, and go to sleep easier and quicker. Feel free to comment below with any other tips you have too!

1. Find a Good Mattress. I know this may sound silly, but making sure that your child is actually comfortable will help promote a good night’s rest. We recently got the girls each a My Green Mattress and we wish that we had bought this mattress for ourselves a few years ago when we were mattress shopping. These mattress are handcrafted with all-natural, hypoallergenic materials, including organic cotton and natural wool. I love that they are sleeping on a product made from natural ingredients and not one made with harmful chemicals. The mattress is the perfect firmness and as you can see from the photos definitely jumping approved.
2. Oils. There isn’t a night that goes by that we don’t use oils to help promote a restful night of sleep for our kids. We diffuse, rub their feet, and even spray their linens and blankets all with oils. Here are my favorite mixes:In the diffuser I put a mix of lavender & cedar wood or the Kid Scents blend called Sleepyize. On their feet I roll-on Sleepyize and for a linen spray I put 10-15 drops lavender, 8 drops tangerine in a spray bottle and top with distilled water! If you are interested in oils come follow me over at @hellolove.essentials or follow this link to get a starter kit with all the oils you need!
3. A Good Back Rub. This one is Emery’s favorite. If she is having a hard night, I always know a good back rub will help her fall asleep.
4. Night Lights. The girls sleep so much better with a little light on, but not too bright as you don’t want to keep the brain stimulated so it won’t shut down and go to sleep. We like these easy to pull in ones and they travel easy so we can take them on trips to use in hotel rooms etc.
5. Consistency. I know this is a no-brainer, but making sure that your kids have the same night-time routine every night is going to help them know what to except when it comes to bedtime. For us it consists of pjs, dance time with the disco lights, brush teeth/potty, read books, and then lights out.

These are all just ideas. Our kids still have issues staying in their beds and going to sleep most nights, but maybe one of these might be beneficial to helping your child get a good night’s rest. Now, I want to know, what tips do you have to get your kids to stay in their bed and go to sleep? Or are you in the, “Why Wont My Kids Stay in Their Bed” Club?!?

I am so excited to share the girls shared room! I had so much fun putting this room together and I hope that it will be a room that evokes lots of play and memory making. My goal was to fill it with decor that they could grow into and love years from now. Whimsical, feminine, and floral is what I tried to base this room around and I am so happy how it turned out! Here are a few photos with all links to the details at the end! Enjoy!

We used Stikwood on the wall behind their beds. It is actual reclaimed wood that comes ready to install by just peeling the sticker on the back and sticking it to your wall! It only took an hour or two to put up and we love how it turned out! 

The most beautiful handmade rainbow– you can find one here!

All Frames are from Framebridge! I sent them the print files and they print and Fram and ship it right to me! So easy and high quality too! 

Garth built the girls this dollhouse. I know it was a labor of love as it took some time to built and paint, but my goodness it’s probably the most special thing that the girls own. I hope they always treasure it as their daddy made it for them. We surprised them with it a couple months ago and they play with it almost everyday. I think I have even more fun playing it with them though! Dressing and setting up those little mice is so much fun! You can find all the mice and accessories here!  We know that they may not always want it as a dollhouse so someday we thought it could also be turned into a neat bookcase!

The Details:

stinkwood wall in reclaimed weathered white

 beds

dresser

mattress

mouse dolls & accessories

bookshelf

pink lamps

round floral mirrors

teal duvet cover

yellow bolster pillow

rainbow pillow

sun pillow

octopus stuffed animal

unicorn stuffed animal

dip-died stools

floral print

yarn rainbow

oyster print

bunny lamp

frames

girls dresses

Photos taken by the talented Kathleen Peachey Photography

Tomorrow marks the first day of fall so I thought I would share a few of my favorites for this fall season. Everything listed below is ON SALE!

Slouchy Cardigan // Rust Henley Use Code: FEELGOOD for 20% off (this weekend only)

Grey Booties // Stripe Sweater Use Code: 11700 for 25% off (this weekend only)

Jeans // Earrings  // Bomber Jacket // BackpackUse Code: HEARTEYES 25% (today only)

Tomorrow we are headed to the farmer’s market and then to the mountains to see all the changing colors. What are you looking forward to doing this fall?

 

If there has been any post more important or more meaningful to me in the last 3 years of starting this blog, it’s this one right here. In life we have so many experiences that shape us and make us who we are today and I am about to share that experience. It was a life experience that I wish no person has to go through, but I’m sharing this here, hopeful that it might help someone going through a similar situation. While it was hard to go through at the time, I am now able to reflect back on it and see how God made many beautiful things come out of it- new lives, relationships, and creating the strongest bond between two families.

My hero is my Dad.

If you have had the privilege to know my Dad, I know you would agree with me that he has the kindest, most gentle, servant-like, spirit and heart.  While the act of being my husband’s donor was courageous, my Dad has always been my hero. Even as a young girl, he set the example of what type of husband to hold out for by the way he loved my mother and put God first in our family. My relationship with the Lord is what it is today because of his guidance and example. I could honestly go on and on how my Dad was always helping others so it was really no surprise when he selflessly stepped up to be the donor for Garth.

Garth and I met in the church and although he was older than me, I’ve basically loved him since I was in Jr. High School. I married him young at the age of 20 and we soon began a life of working and traveling. At the age of 23 I received a job as a third-grade teacher and decided to sign Garth and I up for the health fair as the district had it as a paid incentive and he had been getting severe headaches all summer.

It was during the blood draw that we found out that his blood pressure was extremely high and this started our journey into finding out that he had a very rare kidney disease, MPGN. The next 3 and half years would bring us the greatest gift of Adelyn Kay, building our forever home, and the news of expecting our second gift, Emery Jane. This is what you would have seen if you were on the outside, but on the inside of our home we were dealing with so many trials and heartache due to numerous “hopeful for a change doctor appointments” only to leave with more disappointment and fear of what the coming months may look like for our family.

To be honest, I know we both questioned our faith during these years. Wondered why God was doing this to our family and wouldn’t miraculously heal him. But as I write this, my eyes are filled with tears as I can now see how God worked through all the trials. Our faith in Him is truly what got us through the excruciating months of the unknown and the heart-wrenching news of Garth’s kidneys slowly giving up.

It was after the second year, we decided it was best for Garth to get on the donor’s list for a new kidney. Through this process, we were told it would probably take up to 4 years to even get a call. With this news, we knew he didn’t have 4 years to wait so all his family began getting tested to see if they could be a donor. Parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all tested and no one was a match, as he needed someone with an O positive blood-type.

I still remember the day my Dad said yes. I was driving to the grocery store to pick up Garth’s medicine, praying to God for a miracle. Garth hadn’t been feeling the best and I know we needed to act fast on something for him. I was walking out of the grocery store when I ran into my Dad. He could tell something was wrong and as he asked If I was okay, I just held up the bag of medications I just picked up for Garth. I could see it on his face, just sadness for circumstances life was giving us. That’s when he lightheartedly said, “I have an extra kidney and it’s all his.”

I lost it. Right there in front of the store, crying because I had just been praying for a miracle.

My Dad began almost-a-year process of getting tested to be Garth’s donor. I know it wasn’t easy for him, but he went through it with such grace and positivity. And then on January 14^th, 2015, my Dad saved my husband’s life through a kidney transplant.

I still remember every small detail from the day like it was yesterday. What I felt the most that day was peace, and when I think about that day I still feel an overwhelming amount of peace. I was 7 months pregnant, with both my Dad and husband undergoing a major surgery, and I know that it was my faith in Him that carried me through that day. I could go into so many amazing details of how God showed himself that day (maybe for another post), but the point is my Dad selflessly said “Yes” to saving my husband’s life and I am forever grateful.

Our hero said “Yes”, but there are unfortunately so many others waiting on the transplant list. Like I mentioned before, it can take many years to receive a call that a donor is available. I feel like through this experience, I can be a voice for those waiting and share our experience of a successful life-saving transplant. One deceased donor can save up to 8 lives through organ transplant and up to 75 lives through eye and tissue donation.

A few other facts behind organ, eye and tissue donation:

• Donation doesn’t cost you or your family anything.
• Your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor will not interfere with your medical care.
• Donation will not interfere with funeral arrangements, including an open casket or viewing. Donors and their families are treated with the utmost respect and care.
• Nearly 200 people in just Wyoming are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

 

We can all be a hero and help save multiple lives by checking “YES” for organ, eye and tissue donation each time you obtain or renew a drivers license or state ID.  You can also register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor here . My hope and prayer is that the amount of people on the transplant list will decline as we spread the word about the importance of making the decision to be a donor.

I’ve experienced first-hand the ultimate sacrifice and act of love that a donor gives.

Life.

My Dad said “yes” to allowing my husband to have more time. Time to teach the kids how to ride a bike and throw a ball, travel to different places and see new things, to be there on their first day of school, celebrate birthdays and family traditions during the holidays, be there to wipe their tears when they fall or experience their first break-up, to walk the girls down the aisle at their wedding, and most importantly live and experience life with me. These are all the things my dad was able to do, and through the gift of life he gave; Garth can now do all of these things too.

Thank you, Dad.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Donate LIfe. The opinions and text are all mine.

We aren’t big on souvenirs as a family when we go places. Maybe a few seashells and some sand left in our shorts, but photos are about the only thing we always return home with. And every time we get home, I realize that I should have gotten in more of the photos… I’m so busy capturing the kids that I forget to actually get in the picture. That is until Flytographer— a worldwide company that has photographers to use in many of the popular travel destinations.

How it works: send Flytographer an inquiry of your travel destination and dates and they should reply within 24-48 hours of availability of one of their photographers in the area you are traveling to. All the details are set up with your concierge as far as location and best time of day to shoot. Then a couple days before your shoot your concierge will send you the photographer’s number and confirm all details. Honestly everything went flawlessly (except for getting lost trying to meet our photographer…thanks Google Maps) and we will definitely be doing this more when we travel so that we have professional photos to come home with at the end of our trip.

Not only was it fun to get photos of our family on the beach, but we were also able to get a photo with all of my husband’s side of family! His brothers, their wives & children including his parents were able to join us in Charleston and it completely made the trip that we got a nice photo of all of us together. We all live in different states so I know getting a photo like this truly was the greatest souvenir to bring home!

Mackenzie of Flytogether took these amazing photos! Thank you!

Next time you book a trip, I encourage you to see if there is a photographer through Flytographer in the area you are going to! It’s so important to make sure you are getting in the photos too–especially on special vacations together! Don’t wait until your babies are grown and gone to regret not getting in picture with them!

XO

Our one and only (BEST) trip of summer of ’18 was to Charleston, SC. This was our 4th time visiting and it never disappoints. Did you know that Charleston was voted the #1 city to visit 3 years in row by Travel & Leisure Mag? I think because of this, that the city is booming and becoming more and more popular each year we visit.

you can see our other trips to Charleston here:

August 2016

May 2017

Tour of Beas Nest 

How fun it is to go back and see how much the girls have grown just from our first trip there! I love that this blog is like a digital scrapbook for our travels.

We stayed for the 2nd time at the Beas Nest on Isle of Palms and goodness this place never disappoints! It’s such an incredible home and the perfect place to host larger groups with a private pool and a mother-in-law suite. You see the full tour above, but here are a few other photos of our stay. If interested in renting, you can contact Mary Jo @port2palm over on Instagram!

All of these restaurants are also great for accommodating kids and large groups!

Paw Paw

Fleet Landing 

Crave

Craftsman Taphouse

Three Tips for Traveling with kids:

Now that we are traveling with 3, I have a few tips to help with your next vacation!

1. Make sure to take a reliable stroller – this helps so much with getting through the airport and long walking distances. I love the UPPAbaby VISTA as it can hold 3, and I love knowing that they are all in one place– not running off anywhere I can’t see them. The VISTA is also excellent because it can hold 3, with still being compact and easy to get around — it’s not too heavy and not too wide to fit through doorways.

2. If possible, rent a home so that its comfortable with multiple rooms for different bedtimes, a kitchen to cook in (so you aren’t eating out every meal), and a place to do laundry. Having a place to do laundry helps with packing light because you know that if something gets stained you can just wash and wear again.

3. Find the closest car rental to the airport you are flying into – most are in the airport but we have had experiences where we had to take a shuttle and with kids/luggage and that isn’t fun. We love using Budget as they always offer the best family friendly vehicles and the prices are usually lower compared to the other car rental companies. We have had the best experience with Budget and will definitely continue to use for our future rentals!

We may not have done as much as we usually do while visiting Charleston–partly from having such a large group, bringing a 6 month old, and honestly the Beas Nest is just so dang fun, we never wanted to leave this time! The kids just loved spending all day in the pool and having quick access to the beach!

Until next summer Charleston!

I think we go through about a bottle of sunscreen a week in the summer. I find myself standing in the sunscreen aisle looking at every label for the safest ingredients, trying to find one at a reasonable price, and wondering what SPF number I should be using. Then it comes down to trying to decide if I should get the spray one that is convienent to put on them, or the rub-in one that I know I’m getting evenly on their skin, but takes forever to rub in.

A few weeks ago Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen reached out asking if I would try their sunscreen. I felt like I have tried out every sunscreen on the market, so I was eager to try out something new!

I was genuinely impressed with this sunscreen and here are 5 reasons why:

1. Made in Australia. Australia has implemented some of the highest, most demanding sunscreen standards in the world. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen stays true to this by creating a formula that is clean & safe. It’s mineral-based and even doctor recommended.
2. Perfect on Sensitive Skin. Emery has the most sensitive skin as she has dealt with Eczema since she was a baby. I have to be so careful about the soap, lotions, and sunscreens I use on her. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is made just for sensitive skin and after using it on her, I can safely say that she hasn’t had any outbreaks due to this sunscreen!
3. Easy to rub-in. I’m not going to lie, when I saw it was a rub-in sunscreen, I was a little bummed it wasn’t a spray. Every other time I have used a rub-in sunscreen it feels like I’m going to rub their skin raw just trying to get the white to not show. BUT, it actually took me about the same amount of time rubbing in Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen as it did to use a spray sunscreen. I was completely shocked at how quickly it rubbed in with no white-residue showing and I felt so much better knowing I got every inch of their skin covered.
4. The ingredients. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is paraben, chemical, and fragrance-free. It’s made mineral-based and not chemical-based. Did you know that chemical sunscreens soak into your skin and absorb the sun’s rays AFTER they’ve entered your body. Mineral-based sunscreens, like Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreens, act like millions of tiny mirrors on top of your skin and reflect most of the sun’s rays BEFORE they enter your body.
5.  I made a change this year in trying to only use and buy safe products for our home & bodies. I’m excited that this sunscreen is one I feel good about using on my family.
6. The bottle turns colors! The girls thought it was so fun that the bottle was white when we were inside, and the moment we step outside in the sun, it turned bright pink! (the pink bottle is the baby formula and the blue is the kids formula) This is just a reminder to make sure to reapply throughout the day and cover up as the bottle turns to a colored bottle in the presence of harmful UV rays.

Here is a fun little video that we made with Liz Osban Photography showing why we are loving Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen this summer!

**Fun Fact: I sold Liz was on this sunscreen while we were shooting this video. Just by showing her how easy it rubbed in the girls skin and telling her it wasn’t full of chemicals like most sunscreens.

 I can honestly say that this is the sunscreen our family will be using from here on out. AND it comes straight to my door through Amazon! I hope if you are like me in the sunscreen aisle wondering which to buy, that you will give Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen a try– you won’t be sorry!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Blue Lizard Sunscreen. The opinions and text are all mine.XO

I can’t believe Briar is 2 months and I am just sharing these but honestly it’s taken me this long to decide which photos to share without oversharing. There were sooooo many good ones from this session mostly because my friend Anna Boardman is a photog genius. The girls absolutely love Anna (Anna Banana as they call her) which makes for such easy photos when they can just be their silly little selves. Not to mention that the photos were taken in our home– it made for the most comfortable environment for everyone. Even Garth made the comment that this was one of the best sessions we have ever done as a family. Mainly because we allowed the girls just to play and love on Briar. (and there were no bribes involved, which was a first ever)

Candid shots are my absolute favorite– especially in the home we built together as family.

Thank you so much Anna for these beautiful photos that we will treasure forever and ever.

XO

‘Tis the season to keep kids busy and happy!

I am so excited to be teaming up with one of my favorite companies, Petit Collage, to be sharing all our favorite games and activities that are perfect for the upcoming summer season. I love to have these all on hand for traveling or to assist as a “boredom buster” at home for the times the girls aren’t able to be outside playing. I have a closet full of most of these activities shown below that the girls can grab if they need something to do or if we are headed on a trip or to a restaurant.

The magnetic sets are my girls’ absolute favorite Petit Collage activity and I love that they now offer them in travel size! The Best Friends and Little Travelers are always a hit and almost always guarantee an extended amount of uninterrupted play when we get them out!

I hope you can find some of these ideas helpful because we all know that the days can be long and being prepared with activities for our kiddos can keep them happy while also saving our sanity!

Summer-Play Activities:

 

Beginner Puzzles // Floor Puzzles // 64-piece Puzzle Tin // 24-Piece Mini Puzzle // Memory Games // Pop-Out & Play Sets // Coloring Books // Sticker Activity Sets // Magnetic Sets // Animal Mask Craft // Toy Camera Craft //  Paper Doll Chain

Travel Activities:

Coloring Books // Sticker Activity Sets // Magnetic Travel Sets // Animal Face Origami // Paper Doll Kit // Backpacks

The best news is that if you are stocking your cart full of any of these items, Petit Collage has given me an exclusive discount code to share with you! Use the code: ADVENTURE for 20% your purchase!

Let me know what items you are excited to try out this summer with your kids!

XO