An unexpected fun place to take your toddler during the day

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We have had our home on the market for more than a month now. We used to spend most days at the YMCA or at friend’s houses, but with flu season in full effect we have been avoiding kid-specific spots.

Last week we had a showing scheduled for Monday morning. Thankfully I had advance notice so I was able to plan. But BabyCoolJ had developed a cough and I didn’t want to take any chances so I was desperate to find a decent, indoor place to go where he and others would be kept separate.

So I took my plea to the area mommy’s FB group and the best suggestion was IKEA. We don’t live far from one, so I thought…why not?

Best idea ever. Here’s why spending a few hours at IKEA with a toddler is the best non-kid past time ever:

Then and Now: a look at my life in 2008 vs. 2018

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Life is so crazy right now, but even though I am beyond busy I have had a lot of time to think. Probably because I’m spending a lot of time sitting in my car during last minute house showings and Mi Amor has been traveling a lot.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how life changes. Particularly, how crazy mine is from just 10 years ago (and even more wild, 20 years…of course!). I thought it would be fun to do a little comparison between circa 2008 and the present. (Thanks, This is Us).

His & hers Valentine gift guide

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This is a guest post written by The Lifestyle Loop, in collaboration with Amerytina. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, The Lifestyle Loop will receive a commission on items you purchase. If you are interested in being a guest blogger please contact lisa@lisaalfaro.com.

We love Valentines Day. All the romantic gestures and thoughtful gifts are amazing. More than that though, we adore that we celebrate LOVE. Pull out all the stops and turn up the romantic volume because things are about to get sappy. AND. WE. LIVE. FOR. THIS.

Gift giving is our love language and we hold nothing back on V-Day. Just in case you are like us and want to get a jump start on your gift giving game, we put together a little guide of our current fixations. Nah, just kidding, its all for you babes. Read More

Channeling your inner Moses

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Do you ever feel inadequate? Maybe the thought of not feeling like enough crosses your mind from time-to-time. Or maybe you get instantly nervous, clammy or have a quick need to pee when you find yourself having to speak in front of others.

Do I have a story for you, strait out of His Word! But first, I’m going to share a little about me before we channel our inner Moses.

7 tips for shopping with confidence

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I recently wrote a post on simple things you can do to change up your look and I wanted to dive into No. 5 a little more, which was grab a girlfriend (or an honest personal stylist!) and shop till you drop.

We all love shopping with our girlfriends. But more often than not, at least for me in this stage in life, stuff just gets in the way. I can’t remember the last time I actually went shopping with friends – if I have even a minute to shop, it is usually last minute and I bask in the alone time after chasing a toddler all day.

So, whether you have plans with your girls this weekend or are just like me in finding a free moment for shopping, I wanted to offer you some tips to help you make the best decisions when you are out shopping!

Protected: Jami A: Formal Dresses

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Diversity shouldn’t be a dirty word

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I had a conversation with someone the other day about our relocation and it made me start to ponder why I put such an importance on moving to one city versus another. It boils down to diversity.

I do not come from the mindset of not seeing color – I absolutely see color, culture, gender, and everything in between. I do, however, believe in diversity and it is important to me. I embrace the uniqueness in us all.

But I have a hard time wrapping my mind around how people use diversity. I once worked for a company that made the employees take multiple staged photos just to try to get one that showcased enough diversity so they didn’t look biased. Diversity in our workplace is such a PC thing…and can be super annoying when you are one that gets called for every staged photo. Read More

How to find rest in scripture

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Did you know rest was made for you?

I think rest can have different meanings for different people. Some of us embrace it, look forward to it and take full advantage of it. On the flip side, I think the majority of us think it is intended for someone else. You may think rest just equals lazy.

Whatever you believe, or practice, I have some exciting news. Rest was created for you.

Beautiful leather hand-painted earrings from The Lovely Hollow

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This is a sponsored post with The Lovely Hollow. All content and opinions expressed are my own.

So you may taken a glimpse into my closet before, but what you didn’t see was my wall-of-jewelry. Besides fashion and shoes, I love me some fashion jewelry. So it was very exciting when I was given the opportunity to try out these beautiful handmade leather earrings from the The Lovely Hollow.

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.