Featured Living

{Organizing Mamas} Kids Play and Homework Space After

Two weeks ago Tia from The Chic SAHM and I revealed our before spaces for the start of our bi weekly organizational challenge where we encourage one another to get our homes organized and in order. With school starting it was only right that we did our children’s play and learning spaces.

My children’s looked a little something like this. To see the rest of the before shots click here.

Playroom

I’m not nearly done with this space but I needed it organized so that the children would have a space to do their homework. This room will be getting new paint and furniture in the coming months so right now it is just holding us over.

Don’t even say anything about how I couldn’t be bothered to get the chalkboard really clean before writing on it. Oh well. The chalkboard is trimmed in rulers that I attached to the wall with black finishing nails that blend into the chalk paint.

IMG_4487

The book shelf under the floating desk  was my mother’s. I have plans for it to get made over or re-purposed elsewhere in the house but for now it holds these stackable bins from the Dollar Tree that hold chalk, paint, crayons, and pencils.

Designing a space for both genders is a bit of a challenge so these pink baskets will eventually get moved into her closet upstairs but for now they hold work books and other supplementary learning materials.

Homework Space

I don’t allow televisions in their rooms so a few weeks ago we finally broke down and added cable to the room. The television was always there it just didn’t work. My hope is that for the times they are allowed to watch TV that they will move their noise down here.Homework Space

I added some storage to the desk for their pencils and crayons. I made this with a glass jar and crayons from the Dollar Tree

Homework Space

With the TV down here I needed some temporary seating so I cleaned this ottoman that once sat on my porch and we already had this chair and reversible pillow from Ikea. The map is a wall pop that I stuck onto a piece of cardboard and framed.

Homework Space

 

All of my children and husband have the same initials, thus the A and the S.

Homework Space

Found this rug at Target for $23. It works for now. They sit and play games and puzzles on it. I am on the hunt for a larger rug but for now…..

IMG_4481

So that’s the playroom for now. As I make changes I will share them.

Next up is kitchen space(s). I have plenty to work with in that area. I did the pantry but when I say don’t open a cabinet or drawer because something may come crashing down on your head….don’t open a cabinet or drawer other than the ones that house cups and plates.

Head over to see Tia and the transformation she made in her space. So now you see how this works, in two weeks we’ll start with the link up so get your spaces together and be prepared to share them with us!

 

Just for me hair Milk colletion
Hair

Just for Me Hair Milk Tangle Free Tension Blow Out

“I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Just For Me. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

Growing up as an only child you learn to occupy your time in the most creative ways. I spent a ton of time as a child braiding and combing my doll’s hair. When I had Addison, I couldn’t wait for her hair to grow long enough so that I could cornrow it and give her all of those styles I mastered some 20 years before sitting on the floor cracking my doll’s head with the comb because she wouldn’t sit still…..not that my mother did that to me.

Fast forward to now and I’m not ashamed to say I loathe wash day. Since school has started and she is active at least 3 times a week not including recess and gym, her hair needs to be washed weekly and I’m just 3 weeks in and I’m already tired. The main issue with her hair besides the fact that she has a ton of it, is it tangles so bad and is extremely dry.

I try to keep heat off of her hair as much as possible and use protective styles but on days like this past Sunday or when I am pressed for time I like to use the tension and finger combing blow dry method to knock the water off of it and make it a little more manageable for ponytails.

This week I used the Just for Me Hair Milk line that boasts of its  ability to make hair more manageable and easy to comb before, during and after the wash phase. The entire line consists of:

Pre-Wash Detangling Conditioner: I slathered, and when I say slathered….I SLATHERED it on her hair and ran my fingers through it. Think of this as a pre poo. It smelled great and I noticed her hair was much softer after letting it sit for about 5 minutes.

Not sure she was convinced just yet

Just for Me Hair Milk

Moistursoft Sulfate Free Cleanser: I rinsed out the pre wash with cool water and then applied the shampoo. To be sulfate free it lathered quickly. I felt like I got a good foam the first time so I only washed once.

Silkening Conditioner: Following the shampoo, I used the conditioner. The conditioner has oils and proteins to keep hair hydrated. I put this on and put a conditioning cap on her hair for about 20 minutes. When I rinsed this out I was able to finger comb through her hair without incident. Was pretty hype about that.

Hydrate and Protect Leave in Conditioner: Next I added on this conditioner. I was wondering if this additional leave in was needed but I did it anyway and I’m glad I did. Made of shea butter, honey and soymilk this conditioner is ultra moisturizing. Her hair looked so healthy and shiny after I put it on. Initially it was white but soaked in after I finger detangled it.

Leave in Detangler: This leave in detangler was everything. I misted on each separate piece as I finger detangled and then twisted the hair up section by section. Amazing, I promise I’ve never seen her hair comb through so easy post wash. Her hair was ultra shiny and healthy looking.

Just For Me Hair Milk

I took the #5FingerChallenge, meaning I only used my fingers to detangle while I blow dried and I had great results. Here is a quick video to show you just how well this detangled her hair allowing me to finger detangle.

 

 

…and because she had a case of the Mondays

Just for Me Hair Milk

If you want to take the #5FingerChallenge you can find the Just for Me products at your local Walmart for SRP $5.49. To learn more about the products in this line be sure to check out Just for Me via the Web, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube

Featured Photography

{#OurProject52} Leading Lines

When it comes to photography concepts one that I have down pat is the law of thirds. I favor this one, if you can’t tell. One that I have to really work on is leading lines, when done correctly they really do draw the eye to the edge of the photo almost making it seem as if it goes on forever.

Leading lines give our photos depth, I find they come out very interesting when you get low, as in bend your knees or get on the floor for another angle.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

 

A fence, or anything that travels in a straight line will give you a great leading lines photo. Our eyes our drawn to the lines creating an interesting photo.

Be sure to head over and see LaShawn to see what her leading lines this week lead to. We have some new participants so remember it is never to late to start on this challenge!

 


Featured Mama Style

Step into Fall Style with Clarks Cloud Steppers

I was provided product and compensation by Clarks for this post. All opinions are mine

The lazy hazy days of Summer were more than likely not eagerly anticipated by children only, but longed for by busy mothers that needed a few weeks to relax and unwind without the worries of hurried schedules that are required to balance carpool duties, extracurricular activities and personal obligations.

Summer not only relaxes the mind but encourages laid back clothing decisions that speak to comfort, fun and ease. The comfort and ease of sandals are most welcomed during the warmer months and as colder weather approaches it is hard not to feel disdain at the thought of pulling out boots and other restrictive footwear that while keeping feet warm aren’t the most comfortable.

Clarks Cloud Steppers are a great way to bring the comfort of Summer right into Fall and Winter. As my children are now back in school, I have started creating our fall schedule full of trips to the apple orchard, pumpkin patch and walking trails for leaf watching. For these outings I need shoes that are comfortable and fit for walking and exploring. Cloud Steppers are the perfect option. Their lightweight feel coupled with their stylish features make them perfect for busy moms on the go that are not ready to trade in comfort for style.

Clarks Cloudsteppers

The variety of colors and textures make them extremely versatile and able to be dressed up or down, qualities especially important to not only fashion conscious but budget mindful moms who are in search of fashion that plays dual roles.

While I am sad to say goodbye to Summer in a few weeks, I’m excited to bring in the fun of Fall with comfort and style with my Clarks Cloud Steppers!