Worried when you are heading out the door and you know that you may not make it back home in time for your next meal? I got you covered! This little treat box filled with Keto friendly snacks will make sure that you stay on track with your Keto way of eating.
Keto Snackle Box
Looks yummy, doesn’t it! Perfect for trips to the park, doctor visits, running errands all day.
All you need is a plastic tackle box (I found mine in the fishing/sporting goods section at Walmart) and some snacks cut to fit into your little compartments. Mine is small – about 6x4x1, so it fits perfectly inside my small crossover bag. This is ideal to keep my hands free while I run around town.
This size fits right inside my small crossover.
Snackle Box Ideas
Here are some Keto friendly low carb snack ideas to put into your Snackle Box. Some of the items you may have to cut into smaller pieces when prepping your box.
baby bels
olives
almonds
pepperoni slices
cheese cubes
pistachios
beef sticks
smokies
berries
bacon chips
turkey cubes
salami roll ups
pickle slices
cucumbers
pepper slices
hard boiled eggs
I love this little Snackle Box so much, that I have extras for my grandbabies for when we head out the door to the zoo, or a play date. Theirs are a little bigger but fit great in the diaper bag/backpacks. Check out their Snackle Boxes here.
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Fashion for women over 50. These are real looks for real women. Every day, easy and comfortable clothing that you can mix and match. I found them for next to nothing at my local 2nd hand store. You can check out my favorite area thrift stores here. Come on along for a peek at how I Shop the Look!
I made an inspiration board of outfit ideas on Pinterest that are my style and vibe. Then I headed straight for the thrift store. I found some great pieces that were near perfect matches to my inspiration outfits for next to nothing.
I screenshot the outfits on my phone so that I would remember what I was looking for. Otherwise I would go crazy and forget what I was doing. There are so many bargains that it overwhelms me at times.
At my favorite store, they even pipe in some old 80’s and 90’s music. I am so relaxed and into the hunt there that I find myself singing outload when I dig through the racks. It’s ok though because other people are singing an aisle over. 🙂 It’s therapeutic!!
I think I got pretty close at matching my inspiration outfits. Each one was less than $10.00 excluding the shoes and accessories.
For your convenience, I have also included my Shop the Look outfits for you to purchase online and have it sent straight to your home. I have done the dirty work for you – And I LOVED IT! It’s so much easier spending everyone else’s money for some reason. 😉
Mix & Match the Look
This was a fun post to write. Mainly because it allowed me to do all of the things that I love – Pin, Shop, Try on clothes, and Blog!
What do you think about my Shop the Look outfits? Does it work? Let me know what you think in the comments below. And look for summer Shop the Look ideas coming soon. ~Susie Pea
“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”
Traditions are rituals families engage in over and over. They lend a certain spirit that nurtures the family connection, giving us a sense of belonging and helping us celebrate generations of kinship. More importantly, traditions create positive memories for children.
Holiday Traditions
Some examples of traditions might be opening a special family present Christmas Eve filled with pajamas, a Christmas movie, and some treats. Or you might bake gingerbread cookies with grandma every year. Maybe you leave cookies out for Santa and carrots out for his reindeer.
Another custom might be for the Easter bunny to hide clues all around your house leading you to your basket. And of course the new toothbrush that is included in the tub full of candy treats is something that has happened every year since you were a kid.
Treasured Milestone Birthday Tradition
A birthday tradition that my parents did with me and my siblings was when we turned 8 years old. We got to go on our first ‘date’.
I will never forget putting on my maxi dress (remember them?) and my mom fixing my hair in a bun. I felt so beautiful. My dad took me out to dinner and held the doors for me and pulled out my seat for me. This is truly my best birthday memory.
When my brother turned 8, he got to take my mom out on a date. My dad gave him money for dinner to put in his wallet. so he could pay. He talked to my brother about opening the door for my mom and pulling out her chair when she sat down. His first lesson on dating a woman! 🙂
Sweet memories…
Family Vacation Tradition
Make a Wish
Our family vacation ritual is to get matching anklets or bracelets from whatever beach we are on or from the souvenir shop at more camp grounds than I can name.
We make a wish when we tie these tiny treasures on. The wish comes true when the bracelet wears thin and falls off. A silly little something that bonds us together and a simple reminder of the fun we shared that summer.
Inside Jokes
And you all know the story of our dear sweet imaginary friend, Susie Ponchez. (You can learn more about her here.) She is the extra child that Jason has teased my 3 kids about their whole lives. She is the one that gets to have all the fun with me and Jason when Brooke, Becki, & JJ are away.
Jason has always told them that Susie was with us at Six Flags. Or that Susie got ice cream with us when the kids were staying at their friends house. On the first day of school, he would ask them if Susie was in their class this year. A sweet memory that involved no more that words, but would always bring a smile and an eyeroll.
Susie Ponchez
Even now that they are grown, when Jason and I go to the lake, he calls the kids and tells them that we made it safely, and that Susie Ponchez is with us out on the boat! Susie has been a great family inside joke for so long. She is so important to us that I use her for my pen name ~ Susie Pea.
My Favorite Tradition
The most special thing to me that I have with each one of my children is our song. When each of them were born, whatever song reminded me of them became our song. Just mine and theirs. Something to keep between us that is ours alone.
Whenever our song would come on the radio, I would hold their hand and sing as loud as I could. And I would usually cry. I am a cryer (I am one of those – cry if I’m happy, sad, and especially if I’m mad – which means I’m probably getting ready to spew some hate your way so watch out!) More than that, because the words mean so much to me and I hoped they meant as much to them.
My Song For Brooke
My song with Brooke is Forever Young by Rod Stewart. I’m probably showing my age with this one, but it is definitely a lesson in life. These lyrics say everything that I want her to know about what I wish for her for her whole life.
Forever Young
May the good Lord be with you, down every road you roam And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you’re far from home And may you grow to be proud dignified and true And do unto others as you’d have done to you Be courageous and be brave and in my heart you’ll always stay
Forever young Forever young
May good fortune be with you, may your guiding light be strong Build a stairway to heaven with a prince or a vagabond And may you never love in vain and in my heart you will always remain
Forever young Forever young
Forever young Forever young Forever young
And when you finally fly away, I’ll be hoping that I served you well For all the wisdom of a lifetime no one can ever tell But whatever road you choose, I’m right behind you, win or lose
Forever young Forever young
Forever young Forever young
My Song For Becki
I Hope You’ll Dance
For Becki, I chose a song that I felt symbolized always look through the innocence eyes of a child. Find wonder and beauty in everything you do in life. And never miss out on the things that you want to do. Go for them!
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger May you never take one single breath for granted God forbid love ever leave you empty handed I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens Promise me that you’ll give fate the fighting chance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance Never settle for the path of least resistance Living might mean taking chances but they’re worth taking Lovin’ might be a mistake but it’s worth making Don’t let some hell bent heart leave you bitter When you come close to selling out reconsider Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance (Time is a wheel in constant motion always) I hope you dance (Rolling us along) I hope you dance (Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder) I hope you dance (Where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens Promise me that you’ll give faith the fighting chance And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance I hope you dance I hope you dance (Time is a wheel in constant motion always) I hope you dance (Rolling us along) I hope you dance (Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder) I hope you dance (Where those years have gone) (Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder) I hope you dance (Where those years have gone)
My Song For Jay
Jay’s song is from Tarzan, You’ll Be in My Heart. From the first time that I saw my little Jaybird, I knew that I wanted to be there to protect him – always. He after all, was my baby. My last little one. This song is my special way of letting him know that I will always be there no matter what. Just look over your shoulder…
You’ll Be in My Heart
Come stop your crying It will be all right Just take my hand Hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you I will be here Don’t you cry
For one so small, you seem so strong My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm This bond between us Can’t be broken I will be here Don’t you cry
‘Cause you’ll be in my heart Yes, you’ll be in my heart From this day on Now and forever more
You’ll be in my heart No matter what they say You’ll be here in my heart, always
Why can’t they understand the way we feel They just don’t trust what they can’t explain I know we’re different but, deep inside us We’re not that different at all
And you’ll be in my heart Yes, you’ll be in my heart From this day on Now and forever more
Don’t listen to them ‘Cause what do they know We need each other, to have, to hold They’ll see in time I know
When destiny calls you You must be strong I may not be with you But you’ve got to hold on They’ll see in time I know We’ll show them together
‘Cause you’ll be in my heart Yes, you’ll be in my heart From this day on, Now and forever more
Oh, you’ll be in my heart No matter what they say You’ll be in my heart, always Always
All of these fun and sentimental things that we have done bind us together. They allow us memories that are intertwined and no one can take apart. They are our strength when we need it. Our smiles when we think of it. And a place in our minds and hearts that feel like home. Our place we Belong…
Ideas for Your Own Family Traditions
Start a tradition as soon as your little ones are born. Or begin it when there is a milestone in their life. You can make simple family traditions that you do each year or holiday. It’s never too late to start doing something fun and special for your tiny group of people. Here are some ideas that touch on a little of everything.
Birthday Traditions
Balloons all over bedroom birthday morning
Sprinkle donuts with candles on top for birthday breakfast
Family date for Valentine’s Day
Lucky Charms for breakfast on St. Patty’s
Hunt for your Easter basket
Hold hands when you say Grace
New Sunday best matching family outfits for church
Cuddle time before bed
Prayers together every night and tell God what we are thankful for
Camping in the back yard on first weekend of summer
Slushy Thursdays (Me & Jase are rocking this one right now!)
I hope that these ideas help you to start some traditions with your own family. Or that they inspire you to think of some of your own. Let me know of some traditions that you do as a family in the comments below. ~Susie Pea.
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When you dream about what you want to do with your life and that dream comes true, it’s an amazing thing. Here are some of those business dreams that not only came to life, but that have irrupted to phenomenal heights. Read along and get some inspiration from these thriving entrepreneurs.
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will always be successful.
SMB Studios
The Butler’s SMB Studios
We are Steven and Megan Butler and are the “S” and “M” behind SMB studios! We are full time photographers and film makers when we aren’t playing the roles of mommy and daddy to our 4 boys. We are high school sweethearts and we have been married since 2008.
Before we even had photography in our sights, we always knew that we wanted to be business owners together. We love working as a team and being creative. We truly bring out the best in each other when we are working together. When we started to become passionate about photography it all finally clicked into place and we wouldn’t want it any other way!
We have been capturing life’s most beautiful memories for people since 2012 and have loved every minute of it. We feel honored to get to be a part of telling our client’s stories; whether it be engagements, weddings, families, or special events…every single one is special and unique!
Hello. My name is Sacha Quernheim. I am a personal chef in St. louis and own Red Zucchini Personal Chef Service, which is an umbrella for, yes, regular home clients- but also omelet breakfasts for luxury apartment complexes, full service catering, and meal delivery.
I have operated Red Zucchini since 2012. For 17 years I worked at law firms but over the years had been teaching kids cooking classes, starting with my daughter’s Girl Scout troop.
When I was let go from my law firm job in 2013, I went online to find something. Initially I was tring to get into incubator kitchens, but I didn’t know if I wanted to do just cooking classes.
As I searched I found The American Personal & Private Chef Association online, which is a culinary association out of LA where members can learn about the business insurance and industry specific software to run the business. I am still a member of APPCA to this day because I can’t run my business without them.
In December 2013, I was approached by an insurance company to do an omelet breakfast for their holiday party. It went so well that I started contacting any business or apartment complex I could find that might want this for their office or residents.
It took awhile for it to click. I tried to get in touch with one of the most well known complexes in the city for a year and couldn’t get anyone to get back with me. I persisted and fortunately got it. “You have to be persistent if you want clients.” We work with 16 luxury apartment complexes in St. Louis and when new complexes open up they usually call us!
We now focus on our long time personal chef clients and meal deliver. It has turned into an amazing service for all of the residents that live in the complexes and other clients in the area that just need good, healthy food. We deliver chef prepared, whole foods meals on a weekly basis right to their door. Think Freshly or Blue Apron on steroids!
Tips for those just starting out and trying to figure out how to get clients:
Market yourself: Do it every week even if you don’t need more clients. This is essential. I still do this today. I do it myself instead of one of my employees because it is the most important part of our business and has to be done no matter what.
Be Patient! It will happen. You just need to keep doing what you are doing and it will happen eventually, but it does take time. Any new business will usually not make a profit for at least the first 2 years.
Be Persistent: I always email prospects then follow up with a phone call. If I get voicemail I put a note on my calendar for a week to follow up again. Some people will make the phone call or send the email and never follow up. They will lose business. People appreciate you following up because they are busy. I never pester people, but I do call and/or email once a week until they answer. If they tell me they are not interested that’s fine; I just need an answer.
Chelsea and I have always enjoyed shopping from the time she was a little girl. That was our passion. Finding original and cute outfits mainly for her.
When I first found out she was having a baby boy I scoured the web and stores for cute clothes for Baylor. I loved helping her build his wardrobe and loved that she sought out my opinions. It was an area that was special for the two of us.
When she got pregnant the second time I knew I wanted to host a gender reveal party for her. I was lucky enough to be the only one to find out what she was having. I will never forget making that call and finding out it was a girl as I was driving to our lake house. Instead of driving to our house I went straight to the outlet mall and so the mission started to find the cutest clothes for the new baby girl(Camryn).
It was while on that trip that I learned I wasn’t just satisfied with the typical clothes found in most stores. I began an extensive search online for unique baby clothes and stumbled upon a wholesale site. I ordered several unique outfits and surprised Chelsea with them.
During her pregnancy I spent more and more time finding unique finds at very reasonable prices. Friends of hers started having me get clothes for their kiddos. I found a darling little white dress and shared it online on Facebook and next thing I knew I had 50+ orders for that little dress.
Over the summer of 2018 I threw out the idea to Chelsea about us starting our own little online children’s boutique. She loved the idea and we spent some time finding the first items we would offer. We wanted a name that would be for both genders. Baylor at that time was obsessed with pirates so then we came up with a feminine word to go along with pirates.
Chelsea is the one who picks out most of the items and what she feels moms would want for their kids. Since I am retired and have more time I do the posting, ordering, bookkeeping, etc.
We have now branched out to women’s clothing too. We have a group on Facebook Pirates & Pearls where we post items for sale each day. There aree over 1000 member in our group and are selling many items each month.
I love to get pictures of the kiddos wearing the cute clothes they have bought from us. Finding good prices for unique clothes is our mission and we love the that we have been able to do this.
Lorri- the mom and Gaga to Baylor & Camryn Chelsea- the daughter and mommy to Baylor and Camryn
Lorri & Chelsea Co-owners Pirates & Pearls. And our lovely model – Camryn.
KhyRynImages
When I first started KhyRynImages I was just a do it yourself, OCD, stay at home mom. I’ve always been inspired by those little girls. Any birthday, holiday, or girly related project, was always done with them in mind. When I decided to pursue photography for myself, in 2016, my oldest had just turned 2. I actually ordered my very first DSLR camera and it arrived ON her birthday party.
(YIKES! I had zero knowledge on focusing or lighting, but I was determined to master it.) Since then, I have upgraded my camera more times than I care to admit. I’ve learned the photography triangle, taken multiple online courses, and have invested in real editing software.
… and now, this beauty is about to turn FIVE!
Little Rynie is finally a BIG SISTER!
And this one, is tugging on my heart strings as our family is perfectly complete.
But, I will give credit where credit is due. I would not have been able to do this without my husband. He has been my biggest supporter. He’s been my personal therapist, tech support, spell check, and every little detail in between.
Photo credit: Got2bmephotography
Long story short, I am just like you & everyone else. I am human. I love my family more than life itself. Black and white photos are my favorite images. Children, especially newborns, are the best things in this world. Love stories are incredibly beautiful to me, & yes, I cry at weddings. Food is great, but better with avocado & bacon. Coffee and wine are my sanity, Dr.Pepper is good too.
I am Stephanie, a busy mom of 3 – ages 5, 4, and 1 month and I love fashion.
I have always had a passion for clothing so I started my own boutique in June of 2017. After becoming pregnant with my third child, I decided to switch roles to an Amazon Associate. This allowed me to still do what I loved with fashion and be an at home mom with my 3 kiddos.
What is an amazon associate? It is basically a personal shopper that finds the deals on affordable clothing, accessories, shoes and beauty products. Can it be anything on Amazon? Yes, however right now I choose to focus on women’s clothing, accessories, shoes and beauty products. It is what has kept me doing what I love. It also allows me to be the mom I want to my kids. I have been a stay at home mom for 5 years now and I was starting to lose my own “identity.” Starting my boutique gave that back to me, but being a mom always came first. It is a hard business in general and to run it alone was even more of a challenge! Becoming an Amazon Associate gives me the best of both worlds!
Join the fun at Urban Style. Come and see the unique styles that I have found for you at great prices.
Steeples
Steeples
STEEPLES was formed out of a belief that music should be both fun and meaningful. The goal is to create music that gives listeners an escape and a live show that provide an unforgettable experience.
The group was forged late one night as the four were attempting to create a “new sound.” Their first song was written and recorded that night and a fire was born that’s driven them to keep honing in on their unique and energetic music.
A true story of 4 guys with a dream to come together and make something special.
Learn more about this impressive band on the Steeples Facebook page or Instagram. And you can find them at www.steeplesmusic.com for information about their upcoming tour dates and band news.
Mixtape #4 just released!!
Brookie Cakes
Brookie Cakes
Hi! My name is Brooke. I have been baking and decorating cakes and other yummy treats since 2005. I have previously worked as one of the Cake Girls of St. Louis, making edible works of art with my sister in law, Kelly. These days I am moving on alone in the cake business. I am married to my high school sweetheart and I am a stay at home mom of 4!
Brookie Cakes Custom Cakes & Sweets
I custom make beautiful, delicious, and affordable desserts for your wedding event, graduation, anniversary, birthday and more!
Check out Brookie Cakes to take a look at some of the sweets I’ve created. If you’d like to place an order, set up a free wedding consultation and taste test, or if you have any questions, feel free to email me at brookiecakes@ymail.com .
Rules of Success
No one is an overnight success story. Put in the work!
Just start. You will learn so many lessons just by doing
Take action on your ideas
Don’t wait for the perfect moment, create it
Remember where you started
Truly believe in yourself
Learn from adversity
Visualize to achieve
#believe
Dreams can happen
Use your creativity
Help Small Businesses Thrive – Do Your Part!
Susie Peas
Susie Pea
I would love for you to check out my story too. Find out more about me and how I started with Susie Peas here. It’s scary putting yourself out there, but you will thank yourself in the end. This blog has been one of my favorite things that I have ever done for myself.
If you are thinking about jumping out there and becoming your own boss doing what you love, I hope these entrepreneurs have given you encouragement on taking your leap.
And I know that they would love for you to stop by and say Hi <3. Be sure to visit me, Susie Pea’s on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram too! It always makes me happy to share and visit with you. ~Susie Pea
“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”
Gross motor development is the ability required in order to control the large muscles of the body for walking, running, sitting, crawling , and other activities. It is gaining strength and learning to move arms, legs, and torso.
For toddlers, walking is the biggest milestone. But really the whole period is about learning balance, control and coordination.
There are tons of fun and simple ways to promote gross motor development in your toddler. One of the best ways is through play with toys.
Kids at this age (between 1-3) are curious about everything, which makes it easy to get their attention and engage in exploration, climbing, and learning about how their bodies move in space. Throw in some toys and make it even more fun!
Milestones For Toddlers
Between the ages of 12–18 months, your toddler should:
Start walking independently
Attempt to run, or runs with stiff posture
Squat down to pick something up
Crawl up stairs and creep back down
Step on stationary ball when trying to kick the ball
Seat self on small chair
Pull a toy behind themselves while walking
Throw underhand when sitting
Between the ages of 18 months – 2 years, your toddler should:
Walk up and down the stairs while holding your hand
Run fairly well
Jump with feet together, clearing the floor
Jump down and forwards
Squat to play
Stand on tiptoe with support
Start to use ride-on toys
Throw a ball into a box
Kick a ball forwards
Between the ages of 2 – 2 ½ years, your toddler should:
Stand on tiptoes if shown first
Jump from bottom step
Begin to ride a tricycle, moving forward with feet on the floor
Stand on balance beam with 2 feet and attempt to step forward
Catch a large ball with arms straight out
Between the ages of 2 ½ – 3 years, your toddler should:
Stand on 1 foot momentarily
Walk up the stairs alone with alternating feet
Downstairs with 2 feet on same step
Walk on tiptoe
Start riding a tricycle using the pedals
Catch a ball with arms bent
Kick a ball forwards
Help Them Reach Their Milestones
To help your child get the most from her playtime, give her the time, space and resources she needs to be inspired. Here are some of my favorite toys that promote gross motor development.
Core strengthening is essential for the progression of other developmental skills because the core is the center of control for everything else the body does. There are lots of easy ways to strengthen the core through simple play at home
Practicing crawling or walking over pillows is awesome for strength, balance, body awareness, and coordination.
Tunnels
Tunnels offer a child a fun and interactive way to play, plus another great way to work on their core. They can crawl and move through them. Or they can hide in them. Play can get more exciting when you add some throw pillows, rolled blankets and other soft obstacles underneath the tunnel. Little kids love activities such as puzzles or ball/car ramps positioned at one end of the tunnel when they crawl out.
Athletic Gear
Balls, bats, hockey sticks, & pucks are all great toys to bring into their play that encourage use of their arms and legs, and coordination. Now that they are toddlers, they are becoming more aware of what their body can do.
Play back and forth with them, even rolling a ball not only works gross motor skills, but teaches them to take turns – their first lesson in playing games.
When you teach them to throw, show them both overhand and underhand. Start with a stuffed animal, or a softball, and play catch. Make it large enough that they can catch it with minimal effort to boost their egos, and have some fun with this.
Cardboard Blocks
Large cardboard blocks are a great way to get your child stretching and moving. They love to stack these jumbo blocks as high as they can reach. And the giggles when they knock them down! Extremely popular at grandma’s house right now, and anything that is both made of cardboard and can survive my grandson is pretty impressive in my book. You can make your own out of empty shoeboxes. Here is a DIY from @sunnydayfamily.com.
Ride On Toys
When you’re just a toddler, the entire world is an adventure waiting to be explored. Climbing on a toy on wheels promotes adventure in a safe and secure environment you can control. It enables your little one to work on coordination to push forward with their legs and hang on with their arms. It also develops strength in their legs as they move the toy around the room. Even just pushing the toy around the room without riding on it works their big muscles.
Washing Cars
Carwash
Line up the riding toys, fill up a tub of bubbles, add sunscreen and you have yourself a carwash. This is a great way to get outdoors for fresh air and burning some energy while they work those muscles. Sit back with a glass of sweet tea and watch them play.
More Gross Motor Toys
Balloon play
ball
balance beam
ribbon dancers
hoola hoop
Gross Motor Play without Toys
There are tons of other ways to work on gross motors without using toys. Bringing these types of activities into their daily play also encourages gross motor development, as well as turn taking, and listening skills.
tag (or just chasing them)
dancing
Simon says
red light green light (stop and go)
acting like animals (jump like a frog)
go on a nature walk
explore the zoo
yoga (tree, frog, mountain, boat, resting)
Animal Play
Helping to Clean Up
Walking and squatting/bending to pick up objects helps little ones learn how to regain their balance when they’re on the move! Simply cleaning up the toys around the room in this way is great for balance and strengthening.
Keep Introducing
Keep in mind that your child’s capabilities will change drastically throughout the year, so their response to activities will be different depending on their age. Things that they couldn’t do at 1 1/2 they will be able to do at 2.
Focus on play, not success. Play is a process, not a result. If they don’t play with the toy the way it was intended, it’s ok as long as it is not a safety issue. When things don’t go the way she wants them to, it gives her the chance to find her own solutions. By using their bodies, children begin to gain an awareness of which body parts are working, left-right orientation and their place in space. Plus play helps to work those skills that we need to encourage them to develop. And more than anything – let them have fun!! ~ Susie Pea
“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”
When you live in the Midwest you can pretty much guarantee that your school year has a snow day or two built into it. On average, our part of the woods misses 2-5 days of school for inclement weather each school year.
With your kids stuck at home, what is there to do to keep them from bouncing off the walls? Or the dreaded “I am bored!” Here are a few ideas to help keep you from losing your mind!
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Building a snow man is probably the top snow activity across the planet. A scarf, a carrot, and some good packing snow are really all you need for this activity. Roll out 3 balls. Stack them one on top of another. Add your props and your done. Time for some selfies with your new little Olaf.
Man and his best friend.
The easy way to build a snowman.
Now let’s step it up a notch. How about a snow family? Or snow animals? Or maybe build an igloo if you are really ambitious. @hamiltonsrv.com has a post on How to Build an Actual Igloo that can give you some great pointers on your snow day structures.
Your kids will have a great time painting the snow this winter on their snow day. with snow paint. @craftymorning.com has a recipe for snow paint that is super easy. All you need is a few drops of liquid food coloring and cold water. Mix in a squeeze bottle for easy writing. How great it is to have a huge blank canvas to design their works of art. Bonus – the mess stays outside!
You can also use kool-aid packets if you don’t have food coloring. The more you add the stronger the color will be. Use spray bottles for a different effect.
*Be careful, food coloring stains.
Sledding
There is something about coasting down a hillside with wind in your face and snow dusting your eyelashes that brings back your childhood. And introducing children to the sledding experience is truly magical. There are several store bought sledding apparatuses that will ensure a fast, fun thrill ride. But in a pinch, a sled made with duct tape and cardboard will work just fine. Here are a few sled building ideas to check out.
Snowball Fight
If the neighbors are off school too, get them all together and break up into teams for a big snowball fight. What an awesome way to run around and work those gross motor skills, plus burn off some energy.
If your fun is inside, here is a tutorial on how to make snowballs for an indoor fight from @themormonhome.com. If you’re not that crafty, order premade indoor snowballs from Amazon here.
More Outside Fun
Make frozen bubbles.
Make snow angels.
Go ice skating.
Put out bird seed for birds.
Shovel the driveway.
Moving It Inside
From snowball fights to snowball stacking, these 7 indoor snowball games & activities will get the kids moving and playing indoors (without getting cold) from @amomwithalessonplan.com.
Kids will jump at any reason to dig their hands into playdough. This is an easy way to add some fine motor development into their snow day. @aspectacledowl.com has a great playdough snowman kit idea that I love.
More Indoor Fun
Have a scavenger hunt.
Color or make a craft.
Have a dance party.
Put on a play.
Bake cookies.
Play board games
Make a fort
Have a pajama day
Movie marathon
Make hot chocolate
Warming Up With Some Hot Chocolate
There is nothing better than warming your sweet peas up with a mug of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows melting on top. This could be my favorite memory of snow days when I was a child. @mymommystyle.com has an easy homemade hot chocolate recipe you should try.
I hope that you get to enjoy their snow day as much as they do. It’s one of the biggest reason to act like a kid again. Be sure to take tons of pictures! ~Susie Pea
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You all know how I LOVE to throw a party. A get together for any reason always turns into a celebration of family and friends for me. It’s like getting out your fine China for a dinner party, except with colorful paper plates!
When Susie Peas launched 3 days ago, it was the perfect reason to blow up some balloons and P A R T Y!
Susie Peas
This little hobby of mine, Susie Peas, has become a much needed distraction from life as an empty nester.
I mean, I can only dust and wash the windows so many times. The endless loads of laundry have disappeared. Wear it today and it’s back in your drawer washed, dried, and folded by tomorrow. Hand washing the dinner dishes is the new norm. It only takes 5 minutes to wash 2 plates, 2 forks, and 2 cups. Otherwise, you have to wait a couple of days before the dishwasher is full enough to run.
Now What?
I had to find something to do with all of this free time. I decided in January that I wanted to start my own blog. Strange I thought for me because I’m not really a bookworm.
I do like to read blogs about things that I pin. Pinterest is my FAVORITE way to waste the day away. I wonder how many miles my thumb has scrolled?
Also strange because I am not a writer. I can talk circles around anyone though. So I realized instead of talking about ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING, I could put it down on paper (work with me here) and ta-da, I’m a writer. And so Susie Peas was born.
I worked hard on setting up my blog. I searched and scrolled all over Pinterest and the internet about the how-to’s and what not to do’s. I began writing about all of the fun things that I love to do.
Keto
I wanted to tell everyone about my Keto journey and how I lost almost 60 pounds. I am a real life person that dropped lots of weight in a short amount of time. No magic pill. I want to share my new way of eating and all the great recipes and menus that I use to help me get to my healthiest me.
Child Development
My child development knowledge from raising my own kiddos, granny nannying, and my formal education in early childhood is something else that I wanted to get out there. My last 9 to 5 was as a Parent Educator in our local school district. I have so many fun ways to help you teach your little ones and how to reach all of their milestones.
And More…
Great DIY’s – I have so many to share. Add in some glitter, frugalness, and party decorations. Stir. And there you have it – Susie Peas!
Now that I have this lovely blog all I needed to do was push the LAUNCH BUTTON. As nervous as I was, I knew that if I had a few of my favorite people with me, It wouldn’t be so hard. – Plus, a reason to party.
Invitations
Launch Party Invitation
I put my usual Favorite Party Planning Tips to work. I sent out invitations to announce my Launch Party date and time. Always remember to keep people with other obligations (like children) in mind when planning your date and time. I had my party scheduled for after bedtime so that my daughters could come without their kiddos. Less distraction so they could enjoy the adult party setting. All mommies need some adult time – it’s healthy and normal!
Decorations & Supplies
Next, I went to my local Dollar Tree, the cheapest place to get all your partying supplies, and got decorations and paper products in green. That was the perfect color for my Susie PEAS Launch Party. I got plates, napkins, balloons, tissue paper pompon decorations, folders to hold our “homework” for the evening, plus nuts & candy for everyone to munch on for less than $20.00. Amazing. I also had an 8×8 picture of Susie Pea blown up at Walgreens photo for 2.50. I do it online, one-hour photo and always use their coupon that you find right on the website.
Last Minute Details
I threw in a couple of pizzas 30 minutes before my guests arrived, quickly decorated my huge DIY Chalkboard and that’s it! Check out all of the fun we had celebrating me pushing the LAUNCH BUTTON – including a champagne toast! ~Susie Pea
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We all need a network of friends or family to help us celebrate our victories. To support us through the tough times. Life is too crazy to not have someone to off-load heavy topics to. Someone to listen, not judge. That person that will give you their honest opinion, but understands how important the delivery of it will be. My Tribe understands. Because they know me.
Tribe
/trīb/
noun
1. a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect.
A tribe is a small, close-knit group of people with something in common. Small enough to feel personal. But large enough to make a difference. It’s a baseball team, a book club, a family. Tribes are a community of kind and compassionate people that like glue, stick together. Without a tribe you are solitaire, a lone wolf.
You Need Your Tribe
Tribes begin many times by accident. You may stumble upon your group or they might seek you out. Because of similar interests, you become closer and enjoy the common objectives and ambitions each has to offer. They become your family. Your safety net. You need this group for encouragement, and much more.
When we want to give in, tribes help us stay strong. They remind us that life isn’t perfect and that it’s ok to laugh at ourselves. These people make us feel comfortable with who we are. We need these people, just to know that we’re not crazy!
WE NEED TRIBES! “Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” —Jane Howard
My People
I have been blessed to be surrounded by a tribe of strong, beautiful, God loving women. They have always and will forever get me. These women are my therapy, but a whole lot cheaper. Mom
Mom
God gave me the kindest, most selfless person to be my Mom. She is stronger than anyone I know. Her life is the most inspiring story of resilience that I have seen. She is loving, kind, supportive, and unwavering in her faith. My mom leads by example, and is an amazing role model. I can only hope to someday be half the woman she is.
Pam & Melissa
I have 2 amazing sisters that have always been by my side. My first friends. These two have taught me how to get along, to put on makeup, and the importance of keeping a secret. My sisters are the ones that I have inside jokes with about mom and dad. They laugh with me and cry with me.
Jackie, Cheryl, Cara, & Debbie
Included in this crazy bunch are my sister in laws and mother in law. These people are not only my family, they are my best friends! Some of my greatest belly laughs come from these women. It’s the only way we can stay married and sane.
Tami
My oldest friend knows too many secrets to not keep her in my tribe. She is my rock and go to gal. We don’t see each other as often as we would like, but when we do, it’s like we have never been apart. Everyone needs someone like that in their life!
Brooke & Becki
My favorite tribe members are my daughters. These two mini-me’s pick me up anytime I’m down. They are my biggest fans and I am theirs. Being with them gives me peace. I love watching them grow as mothers and wives, and navigate this wild ride of life.
Find Your Tribe
The best thing that you can do for your well being, is to go out and seek your people. Look within yourself to find whatever makes you happy. Whatever sparks your interests. Whatever your passion is. Search for those people. The ones’ that are like-minded and have the same enthusiasm that you have about something. These are the ones that you will fight for and fight to keep.
Step outside your comfort zone and approach them with an open mind and listening ears. Take interest in them too. Search for your group. Look for your support. Find your tribe.
You Have Made Me Who I Am
And to my tribe, you ladies are amazing. I would not be who I am today if It wasn’t for you. Thank you Tribe. I love you hard!! – Susie Pea
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One of my favorite DIY projects is my Chalkboard. I love how BIG it is. I recently moved this doll from behind my couch to it’s current home on the wall by my dining room table. It looks absolutely perfect here. It would look amazing with my Springtime Succulent Wreath hanging from the middle too!
The best thing about my chalkboard is how easy and inexpensive it was to make. I had searched online for one this size. Not cheap! So I decided to make one so that I could get exactly the size I needed and wouldn’t have to break the bank.
This big guy is a whopping 39″ x 74″ beautiful piece of artwork. And it was so easy to make. It was harder hanging it than building it – believe me!
So here is how I made my DIY Chalkboard. You just need to adjust your measurements to the size that you would like for your home.Supply List:
Supplies For DIY Chalkboard
2 1x2x34 boards
2 1x2x74 boards
4 flat corner braces
37×72 Luon precut board (trimmed by associates)
screws, hanging wire
stain for wood frame
Choose Your Wood
I chose Pine for my project. It is lightweight which is what I need because of the size chalkboard I wanted. Plus it is a softer wood so it was easy for me to work with when I screwed in braces, etc. Key for my girlie muscles. 😉
Getting The Wood Cut for FREE
I had an associate cut my boards to the sizes I need. They will cut anything for you as long as it is a straight cut. Mine doesn’t have corner (picture frame type) cuts, because of this. But I like how it turned out. I also had them trim my luan board to appropriate size to leave one inch on my pine board frame.
You will find the precut luon pieces in this section of the store by lumber. I actually painted my luon board with chalkboard paint. Now they offer chalkboard painted boards so you can skip that step.
Staining and Bracing your Boards
Stain your boards using directions on can. Allow for drying. Be sure to stain all sides of board. Add more coats until desired color.
You need four total angle braces for the 4 corners. As you can see in pictures of my project, I put 2 shorter boards inside the longer boards to make my frame. (If you prefer to make your frame more of a ‘picture frame’ joint, you will have to cut corners yourself. @younghouselove.com has a simple DIY on how to do this.) Be sure to allow for the luon board to fit into the frame as well. When you add the luon board to frame, it will make an even more secure chalkboard.
Now add your hanging kit and wire on back of board to put up on the wall. And your done! So easy and way cheaper than buying the premade board.
I love changing up the sayings or adding holiday bunting and wreaths. It is such a cute way to add something special to my décor.
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Sometimes I get this nervous feeling inside. My mind begins to think of grabbing ANY food, usually a craving type vice. Chips, cookies, icecream, peanut butter. Doesn’t matter. I’m not hungry. My brain is telling me to eat.
I didn’t know that this was a problem in my past. I believed that I ate like that because I was hungry. Not because I had an eating disorder.
Denial
When my doctor diagnosed me 2 years ago, I was in denial. I didn’t have an eating disorder. I liked to eat. I ate when I wanted to eat and wasn’t ashamed. I ate when normal people ate. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Oh, and then the evening snack of course.
I eat when I am at parties. I eat when I’m out with friends. Don’t all friends go out to dinner and eat and drink in excess? That’s normal, right?!
I eat when I go to the movies. I mean come on…popcorn and candy bars are part of the whole experience. It doesn’t matter that you just got finished eating dinner out not more than 30 minutes before. It’s part of the dating process after all.
I eat when I’m happy. I eat when I’m sad. I eat because everyone else is eating. I eat when I’m drinking. I eat when I’m relaxing. I eat when I shop at Sam’s on a Saturday morning. I eat when I’m hungry. I eat when I’m full.
Holidays and family get togethers are all about the food. What are you bringing for your side dish? Then tasting everyone else’s dish.
I eat when I’m with my family at a meal. I eat when I’m with my friends. I go out to eat with my husband. I eat when I’m alone.
Opening My Eyes
My 50 year check up opened my eyes. I knew that I was chubby. But other than that, I was in pretty good shape I thought. No diabetes. No heart problems. Nothing new to add to my medical history.
My petite little doctor lady had the nerve to tell me that I was OBESE, borderline morbid obese. I was not happy to say the least. Embarrassed and in shock, I lashed out and told her that no one has ever said that to me. I didn’t say it in a sweet, surprised way. I said it in a pissed off, how dare you kind of way.
After a series of questions she diagnosed me with an eating disorder. Binge Eater. And she wanted me to talk to a counselor about my disorder. I could NOT believe it. I did not agree with her. I didn’t have a problem. I liked to eat and I wasn’t hiding my eating. So why would she even think that?
What Is Binge Eating?
Behavioral and emotional signs and symptoms of binge–eating disorder include: Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as over a two-hour period. Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control. … Feeling depressed, disgusted, ashamed, guilty or upset about your eating
My Journey to be Healthy
My life as I knew it changed that day. I began my weightloss journey thanks to a doctor that truly cared about my health. I am down almost 80 pounds since then. WOW! That is like the average size of a 7th grader! See My Keto Journey here.
7 months on Keto Journey
It took me a lot longer to accept and deal with my bingeing. I didn’t believe that I had a problem. But after researching what a binge eater was and what bingeing is, I have come to the realization that my doctor was right.
What Bingeing is Like For Me
Because of my weight management now, my binge eating doesn’t happen often. But when it does, I know it is happening and I try to use skills to get through it. Skills that I have developed on my own. These are the times that I wish I’d listened to my doctor and gotten help. Someone to talk to and give me guidance on how to make it through a binge.
Until the bingeing feelings pass, I pace and talk to myself. My heart rate increases. My mind is telling me to eat. Now. Fast. Hurry. I try to stay in control. I tell myself, “here it comes, eat something good for you at least.” It is almost like a panic. This is my addiction. Food is my drug.
I don’t even remember what I ate or how much. It is so bad that I dont WANT to remember. It was too much. Did I taste it? Did I talk outloud to myself the whole time? Am I crazy?
My stomach hurts. My head hurts. I’m sad. I’m disappointed with myself. I’m struggling to get control. I’m hiding. I’m ashamed.
I’m A Stronger ME!
As my thoughts become clearer. I calm down. I take in what just happened. I acknowledge to MYSELF that I do have an eating disorder. I am not crazy. I will work on getting stronger. I will work on being more prepared the next time. I will be ok. ~ Susie Pea
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