8 Valentine’s Day gifts for your toddler that don’t involve sweets

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I’m the kind of girl that always got gifts from my parents for Valentine’s Day. Nothing extravagant or expensive, just a sweet “I thought of you” and usually included Reese’s and maybe a cute teddy bear.

I want to continue this tradition for my kiddo – except he does not eat sweets yet. I try to be pretty strict about his diet, and even though a burger or mac & cheese make the menu occasionally, sweets do not.

So I took to the inter-webs for all my window shopping. So for those mamas that want to show a little sugar to your toddler (without the added sugar), this list is for you.

Stress of selling your home got you down? Here are 6 scriptures to help with free graphics!

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Y’all, it has been a hard week. I mentioned here that we are currently trying to sell our home, and I am finally feeling the wear and tear from daily staging and caring for my toddler alone. Mi Amor has been traveling for 2 weeks, and while keeping the home clean with one less person is helpful, I am really feeling exhausted. So where do I turn to in times of distress? God’s Word.

Don’t get me wrong – I am still struggling. If I have learned anything in 2017 it is that God’s plan is so much better than mine. But in the thick of it, it can be challenging to be patient. Waiting on God can feel like being on the phone with no one on the other end. But I know He’s there, listening and working to make everything better than I can imagine.

The best (non) diaper bag for my active toddler

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Anyone with an active toddler (and lots of playdates) can attest to the importance of a good bag. Retiring a diaper bag can leave a mama feeling a little disheveled – where do you put everything?? And honestly after that first year I was so ready to be “my own person.” I was done lugging around a diaper bag. So I went on a mission to find the best non diaper bag out there. My must haves: large, comfortable, many pockets, outer pockets, cross-body and able to carry like a handbag.

Well, I finally found her.

See ya, paci: how we got our toddler to quit his pacifier

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Anyone else relate to their toddlers acting like addicts in relation to their pacifier? My-oh-my, how my child is just like me! Thankfully we have weened him off…mostly. I hope to help you get your toddler to quit his paci too!

Here I am with a Paci. Legend has it I wasn’t weened off till 3.5ish.

The best women’s study Bible you’ll ever read

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Last year was a big milestone for me in my faith. I had an amazing Christian mentor, signed up and attended 4 bible studies and made some awesome Christian friends, particularly other mamas in a similar season. It is no surprise that God moved me in a huge way. And it was all tied up in a pretty bow when God answered my prayer of finding the best Bible I had been searching for.

My Bible search journey began with one little Bible study. What I find so fascinating is that somehow several of my studies tied together so perfectly and I can’t resist the urge to share with you how transformative it all was, and encourage you to pick up one (or all) of these books.

How to get your home stage ready on the daily (plus a free printable!)

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We made the decision to list our home in December, and life has been a crazy whirlwind ever since. It was pretty sudden and we were not prepared at all, so we made it a full week of cleaning, staging and packing the week before Christmas. With prayer, determination and some pretty organizing items, we made it happen!

I’m all about making things pretty and organized (even though my life has always been chaos). And while I could write endlessly on how to pack up your life, today I am focusing on something way more intimidating…

What to buy to survive a road trip with a 2-year-old (no screen time involved)

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Surviving a road trip with a toddler can be tricky. Now, add no screen time to the equation and you have some anxious parents! Read on for tips and great items to buy to keep everyone’s sanity on a long drive.

Farewell, 2017. You’ve been real.

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Alfaro Family (5)

This year has been a whirlwind….a roller coaster of sorts, with many many highs and some occasional lows (and shockers). If I could have seen the future, even just a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed what 2017 had in store for me…or who I would become!

Late in 2016 I started a new job. It was an exciting move for me, as my career had always come first. I love my husband and kiddo, but work was something I put everything into, where my passions and purpose thrived. So when I was given an opportunity to lead a new marketing department, I jumped on it. I never would have left the American Heart Association under any other circumstances….So, God had to yank me out of there and that started my unimaginable journey.

9 thoughtful (and affordable) gifts to get your best friend

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Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission. I only recommend products that I personally love.

Whether your BFF is miles away (like mine), or just next door, I’ve put together this awesome and affordable list of gift ideas for your girl-friend. They arrive in 2 days or less (if you are an Amazon Prime user!).

My “person” is more than 1,100 miles away in Florida, and she has a birthday coming up!

Review: L’Oreal Color Riche® Matte Lipstick

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I had the opportunity to try 3 colors from the L’Oréal Colour Riche® Matte Lipstick line and am totally a fan. While the experience wasn’t perfect, I am happy with these lippies and will totally purchase more colors.

Speaking of the colors….the rich, vibrant hues are great! My favorite of the 3 shades is Blake’s red, even though I don’t wear red often. I get so many compliments when I wear this color, and it lasts much longer than the nude colors in the same line. Read More