Cheap gifts for a 1 year old
1 year old gifts under $20 can be perfect for any big celebration! Whether its a birthday, holiday, or even a 'just because' gift, you don't need to drive yourself crazy trying to find the perfect gift.
As a mom of 3 with my youngest about to turn 1, I know exactly what a one year old will actually play with and what their parents will appreciate you buying. Disclosure: Us Mama's are busy and we have the gift of home delivery, so for your convenience I have included some links of my favorite things from Amazon. I may receive some commissions for any purchases that you make through those links, making it possible for me to give you more tips to be a healthy and happy mama. Thank you for your support! Here are my favorite gifts for a 1 year old that are under $20... Under $20  Leap Frog Learning friends book
Any parent would appreciate this book as a gift for their child- trust me! Its the perfect toy for some independent play and it will help teach new words to your kid. In my experience, leap Frog does a great job at creating toys that can help kids learn for years.
 
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There are all sorts of fans out there- box fans, ceiling fans, stand fans... every kind under the sun! But what you want Mama is a kind offan that lowers temperature. Yes, they exist!
My favorite kind of fan that will lower the temperature in a room is a Vornado- I positioned it by me every second of the third trimester with my son (due beginning of October). Whether I was playing with playdoh with my girls, cooking dinner, or just sleeping, this amazing fan was pointed at me and kept my body nice and cool. |
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AC unit
Of course- an air conditioning unit! What else is there? Living in the Pacific Northwest, most places do not have homes with an AC unit. So you have to get one and put it in the window, especially when you are pregnant!
I’m looking at this one from Frigidaire on Amazon for our bedroom. It seems to have great reviews and would fit in our window perfectly.
Cool bath before bed
I learned this trick with my first pregnancy and it helped lower my body temperature while pregnant almost every night. It can help you too!
Take a cold bath or shower before bed. This will make your body nice and cold so you can lay comfortably in bed before your metabolism starts working to help your body temperature rise.
Adding a cold bath or shower into your nighttime routine can be so relaxing, Mama.
Take a cold bath or shower before bed. This will make your body nice and cold so you can lay comfortably in bed before your metabolism starts working to help your body temperature rise.
Adding a cold bath or shower into your nighttime routine can be so relaxing, Mama.
What are ways to stay hydrated to keep your body temperature down
Staying hydrated during any season is super important. It prevents heart problems, stroke, and irritability. When it comes to pregnancy, hydration is essential for a comfortable experience!
You can stay hydrated in a lot of different ways, and it's super important to drink a ton of water while you are growing a little baby in your belly, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
If you have an issue with the way water tastes, that's okay! Try adding a slice of lemon or some mint to it or invest in a water filter.
Thats not all...
Fruit
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Yes- eat your water! Nature knows how important it is for you to stay hydrated in any trimester of pregnancy so it has supplied you with endless amounts of fruits that contain water.
Many pregnant women report having a strong craving for sweets during pregnancy and the best way to reduce that craving is to eat your fruit. It's healthy, super tasty, and will keep you hydrated. You can eat fruit in a lot of ways to help reduce your heat while you are pregnant. Make a nice fruit salad, eat frozen fruit (have you ever tried frozen blueberries or grapes? YUM). Another option to help increase your fruit intake is to try my Healthy Mama Immune Boosting Green Smoothie! You can drink it right away or pour it into a Popsicle mold for a treat later in the day. |
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Water bottle
This is a great tip for any Healthy Mama, but especially for a pregnant healthy mama- Always have a water bottle with you.
When you have a water bottle with you, chances of you drinking that water is much higher compared to if you need to get up and fill that glass continually.
I am very particular about which water bottles I use based on size, drink-ability, how easy it is to clean, and sound (some water bottles make weird sounds when you are drinking from them) and my favorite water bottle by far is the Blender Bottle.
Whether I am teaching workout classes or giving birth, there is a good chance that I havea Blender Bottle somewhere by me. Plus they now have insulated ones to keep your drink nice and cold for up to 24 hours!
When you have a water bottle with you, chances of you drinking that water is much higher compared to if you need to get up and fill that glass continually.
I am very particular about which water bottles I use based on size, drink-ability, how easy it is to clean, and sound (some water bottles make weird sounds when you are drinking from them) and my favorite water bottle by far is the Blender Bottle.
Whether I am teaching workout classes or giving birth, there is a good chance that I havea Blender Bottle somewhere by me. Plus they now have insulated ones to keep your drink nice and cold for up to 24 hours!
Popsicles
Remember the good old days when you were overheating and your mom would be the hero of the block and bring out Popsicle? Well, buckle up mama, because you are about to live that dream again with your beautiful pregnant belly.
Luckily, you are in charge of what you eat and you can make your Popsicle however you want and sneak in those extra nutrients while satisfying cravings.
The first step is to make some juice with your juicer or a smoothie with your Ninja Blender. Pour into some Popsicle molds like these super cute ones on Amazon and wait 6-8 hours.
This cold treat will definitely lower your body temperature while you are pregnant- talk about sweet!
Of, course, there is more ways to stay comfortable while pregnant
Luckily, you are in charge of what you eat and you can make your Popsicle however you want and sneak in those extra nutrients while satisfying cravings.
The first step is to make some juice with your juicer or a smoothie with your Ninja Blender. Pour into some Popsicle molds like these super cute ones on Amazon and wait 6-8 hours.
This cold treat will definitely lower your body temperature while you are pregnant- talk about sweet!
Of, course, there is more ways to stay comfortable while pregnant
How to I choose clothes to stay comfortable in every trimester
maternity Dresses
With all of my pregnancies, I found 2-3 dresses from Amazon that I lived in toward the end. They were comfortable, they fit, and they helped me feel put together in some way. Plus these maxi dresses really helped lower my body temperature in the third trimester.
I would recommend buying a few longer maxi dresses (I lived in this one at the end of my second pregnancy from Amazon) as well as someshorter maternity dresses ones for when you really don’t want fabric touching your legs (this was my experience the last 6 weeks of all three of my pregnancies).
I would recommend buying a few longer maxi dresses (I lived in this one at the end of my second pregnancy from Amazon) as well as someshorter maternity dresses ones for when you really don’t want fabric touching your legs (this was my experience the last 6 weeks of all three of my pregnancies).
Cozy maternity Pajamas
Lets be honest for just a minute- there is nothing worse than trying to sleep when you are pregnant- nothing! That is why you need to take into account every area that you can to be as comfortable as possible- this means what you wear to bed!
My favorite, ultimate, top recommendation is a pajama dress (or, as my husband calls it- a mumu). No, they are not the most attractive things but that's not really the goal, is it Mama?
If your goal is to stay cool and comfortable all night long, then dress pajamas is the perfect addition to your nighttime routine. No waistband for your growing belly plus less fabric to hold in heat- maternity pajamas like these on Amazon is the perfect addition to your nighttime routine during all three trimesters of your pregnancy.
My favorite, ultimate, top recommendation is a pajama dress (or, as my husband calls it- a mumu). No, they are not the most attractive things but that's not really the goal, is it Mama?
If your goal is to stay cool and comfortable all night long, then dress pajamas is the perfect addition to your nighttime routine. No waistband for your growing belly plus less fabric to hold in heat- maternity pajamas like these on Amazon is the perfect addition to your nighttime routine during all three trimesters of your pregnancy.
Why is staying relaxed so important?
The calmer we are, the slower our blood flows. That means it has time to cool down as it is circulating throughout your body- which is key when we are talking about cooling down while we are pregnant.
Staying relaxed will help you be more comfortable. This is top priority in first, second, and third trimester Mama.
Treat yourself with some self care Subscription boxes
I LOVE a good subscription box.
Before I had my kids, I could browse the aisles of any store and just let them sort of guide me- tell me what I would need. It was glorious.
Now, that time is used up in other ways (like working out or sleeping or blogging… you get the point) and that is completely okay because of the miracle of subscription boxes.
Every Month or two,I get different subscription boxes from Crate Joy that are amazing. They are filled with self care products like face masks, candles, and adorable nail polish colors to help me treat myself without any extra work.
The best part? I don’t have to share.
Light walks
I know, Mama. walks are hard anyways but adding the heavy pregnant stomach on top of that does not add to the appeal. Luckily, you don’t have to go super far to reap all of the rewards.
I promise, walking will help.
Walking reduces stress.
Walking calms the minds.
Walking encourages blood flow.
Walking while pregnant is a good idea.
(or course, talk to your doctor before you go walking just so you are on the same page).
I promise, walking will help.
Walking reduces stress.
Walking calms the minds.
Walking encourages blood flow.
Walking while pregnant is a good idea.
(or course, talk to your doctor before you go walking just so you are on the same page).
Nap
Another option is to take a nap and let your body and mind calm down with an afternoon nap. Growing another human is tough! It’s exhausting to grow those little eyeballs and bones and organs. Please take the rest that you need in any trimester that you are in.
When we give our bodies the rest that we deserve, your body has the time to naturally reduce body temperature and produce less heat.
Sometimes you need to nap. You deserve it, I know it.
If you are having trouble falling asleep, a maternity pillow like this one was a huge help to keep me comfortable and resting well the second half of my pregnancy.
When we give our bodies the rest that we deserve, your body has the time to naturally reduce body temperature and produce less heat.
Sometimes you need to nap. You deserve it, I know it.
If you are having trouble falling asleep, a maternity pillow like this one was a huge help to keep me comfortable and resting well the second half of my pregnancy.
Final thoughts on staying cool and comfortable in every trimester of pregnancy
Being pregnant has its hard moments. As a mother of three, I understand the hardships that come with each trimester of pregnancy- especially beating the heat.
Here's what I know- there are ways to help you stay cool and comfortable. You can do this, mama!
There are several ways to help you stay cool while pregnant in every trimester.
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5/7/2020 0 Comments
Let's Motivate You
Once upon a time there was a horse standing in a deep field of carrots, contentedly munching away. A farmer wanted the horse to pull a wagon to another field, but she couldn’t get the horse to come over to the fence and be harnessed. So, she stood by the wagon and held up a bunch of carrots for the horse to see. But the horse continued to munch away on the carrots in the field.
Gee, Thanks for the dumb Parable
Just hang with me. I'm not usually a parable person but when I heard this one it really struck a cord with me. That horse needs to get out of that field because it will waste away. Horses are not made to just sit and graze in one place, but that horse is lacking one thing self-motivation. I don’t know about you ladies, but sometimes...no a lot of the time I feel like that. I’m content in my little field, and even though I have goals for a healthier lifestyle I just don’t have the motivation. We get so caught up giving to our families and becoming content in our day-to-day errands/chores. Don’t get me wrong it’s a wonderful life, but we deserve more too. We give ourselves over to our children when they are young. We skip sleep, meals, and showers. We skimp on good self-care products so we can buy them more of what they want. We play Super-Mom all day every day, but we forget that first we were Super-Women.
Hear me: Your are capable of so much more than your mom role.
You are a fantastic mother and probably a rockstar wife as well, but if we are honest it’s easier to be motivated for our children then it is for ourselves. Motivation are the forces within us that account for the direction, level, and persistence of effort we put into a task.
- Direction: the choices we make amongst alternative paths to a goal
- Level: the amount of effort we put in.
- Persistence: the length of time we stick with a plan of action, especially when faced with difficulties.
So, Let's set some goals
So how do we motivate ourselves for ourselves. It starts by having the right goals to drive you. Now, I’ve made it a goal to lose weight and get in shape twelve thousand times and failed. A large part was I didn’t understand how to make goals and plans that would be successful. But after my third child’s birth didn’t go as I wanted; I knew I needed to make some lasting changes for myself. So here are few steps in goal making that have helped me choose the right paths, put in high energy, and ultimately stick with my plan.
1. Be Specific!
Often times goals are too vague to create a clear targeted objective. We say lose 10 pounds, but what does that look like or mean? When you work out you build muscle, and everyone’s body sheds weight on different parts at different rates so it’s hard to make a number on the scale your goal. Try setting goals that more tangible like tasks or obstacles. Maybe you want to build the strength to lift a goal weight or run a mile at a certain pace. If you want to just be healthier that’s great but create a goal that describes what that exactly looks like for you so you know when you’ve reached it.
2.Create Due Dates!
Once you have a clear goal in mind you want to set a specific timetable for achieving it. Things don’t have to happen overnight so don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to push too hard too fast. On the flip side of that is not making goals too far out in the future that you lose motivation to stay persistent. Manageable timeframes keep you focused, and goal orientated in day to day activities.
3. Measurable!
Don’t leave the results ambiguous. If you have created a specific goal you should also have specific measurable results throughout the process. Keep a journal of your progress or daily activities to see how your behavior has been changing. You can’t always see results of a healthier lifestyle in the mirror and that can be discouraging. You can track though if you are consistently getting up at the time you set, how many meals have you eaten that activity worked with your body, were you able to keep up with your kids longer than before. Writing down your journey everyday helps you clearly see the gains your making.
4. Challenge yourself!
When we talk about the level of effort, we put into a task, it’s dependent on how challenging that task is. Set yourself up for success by really going for something that is a stretch goal. Giving yourself an objective, you know you really have to work for by being accountable every day. When a goal is too easy it’s tempting to push that days workout or have a cheat meal because you’ll just make up for it later.
5. Attainable!
Even though you want to push yourself for a stretch goal you also have to be realistic about what you can achieve with the resources you have. It can be damaging to set goals that are too far out of our reach and fail. Create goals that challenge you to start and when you accomplish those you can push to the next big step. Don’t start off with completing an ultra-spartan race in the next month if you can’t run a mile now. Work up to with smaller goals first so to build your ability and confidence.
1. Be Specific!
Often times goals are too vague to create a clear targeted objective. We say lose 10 pounds, but what does that look like or mean? When you work out you build muscle, and everyone’s body sheds weight on different parts at different rates so it’s hard to make a number on the scale your goal. Try setting goals that more tangible like tasks or obstacles. Maybe you want to build the strength to lift a goal weight or run a mile at a certain pace. If you want to just be healthier that’s great but create a goal that describes what that exactly looks like for you so you know when you’ve reached it.
2.Create Due Dates!
Once you have a clear goal in mind you want to set a specific timetable for achieving it. Things don’t have to happen overnight so don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to push too hard too fast. On the flip side of that is not making goals too far out in the future that you lose motivation to stay persistent. Manageable timeframes keep you focused, and goal orientated in day to day activities.
3. Measurable!
Don’t leave the results ambiguous. If you have created a specific goal you should also have specific measurable results throughout the process. Keep a journal of your progress or daily activities to see how your behavior has been changing. You can’t always see results of a healthier lifestyle in the mirror and that can be discouraging. You can track though if you are consistently getting up at the time you set, how many meals have you eaten that activity worked with your body, were you able to keep up with your kids longer than before. Writing down your journey everyday helps you clearly see the gains your making.
4. Challenge yourself!
When we talk about the level of effort, we put into a task, it’s dependent on how challenging that task is. Set yourself up for success by really going for something that is a stretch goal. Giving yourself an objective, you know you really have to work for by being accountable every day. When a goal is too easy it’s tempting to push that days workout or have a cheat meal because you’ll just make up for it later.
5. Attainable!
Even though you want to push yourself for a stretch goal you also have to be realistic about what you can achieve with the resources you have. It can be damaging to set goals that are too far out of our reach and fail. Create goals that challenge you to start and when you accomplish those you can push to the next big step. Don’t start off with completing an ultra-spartan race in the next month if you can’t run a mile now. Work up to with smaller goals first so to build your ability and confidence.
Hey Mama- you work hard, so hard.
I know how amazing you are and how much you put into living a healthy life. Truly, you are incredible.
I am always in awe of this community and how hard you work for yourself and your family. As a thank you, I designed some phone wallpapers to help inspire you to keep working hard!
You can do anything, Mama. Sometimes we just need a reminder.
Read through, save your favorite ones and use them as a reminder to make healthy, happy choices for the week. You deserve it!
Be sure to pin these on Pinterest to help support the community! Thanks Mama!
I know how amazing you are and how much you put into living a healthy life. Truly, you are incredible.
I am always in awe of this community and how hard you work for yourself and your family. As a thank you, I designed some phone wallpapers to help inspire you to keep working hard!
You can do anything, Mama. Sometimes we just need a reminder.
Read through, save your favorite ones and use them as a reminder to make healthy, happy choices for the week. You deserve it!
Be sure to pin these on Pinterest to help support the community! Thanks Mama!
Do you ever spend hours preparing for an activity- maybe the park or beach- getting everyones bathing suits clean, their tiny hats and gel shoes cleaned then, only as you are about to walk out the door, you take a glance in the mirror only to be disappointed? I get it, you have no time. Its hard to prioritize yourself when your three year old wants the sparkle sandals that hurt her feet.
But here's what I have learned after three kids- when I feel good about myself- I am a better mom. I’m more willing to jump into activities, take pictures, and have a great time when I’m not concerned about my lack of mascara.
Over the years, I have experimented a lot with different tricks and tools to help me feel put together.
Disclosure: Us Mama's are busy and we have the gift of home delivery, so for your convenience I have included some links of my favorite things from Amazon. I may receive some commissions for any purchases that you make through those links, making it possible for me to give you more tips to be a healthy and happy mama. Thank you for your support!
Thrive Causmetics Liquid Lash Extension Mascara Brynn (HERE)
I love this mascara, deeply. I love it so much that I get a new one delivered every 2 months so I never run out. Seriously! It won’t clump, flake or smudge- even during my workout classes where I am pouring sweat (gross, but true).
Brown Alchemist Amenity Kit (HERE)
This kit includes everything to keep you feeling moisturized and fresh! My skin always dries out in the summer and this kit saved me last year. It comes with lip balm, hand cream, and facial hydra-repair day cream. All amazing. All super conditioning without that gross greasy feeling. I might buy one for my gym bag and one for my diaper bag…
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mouse (HERE)
Here’s the deal- if you want to try out self-tanning, you need this mouse! I am naturally very pale, and I cannot tan very well naturally (I burn like a tomato). I have tried out every type of self-tanner and St. Tropez takes the cake! It isn’t sticky, doesn’t smell, and gives you natural healthy-looking skin. If you see me any time of the year, chances are I have this on.
R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist (HERE)
Who has time to wash their hair anymore? Dry Shampoo for the win and R+Co makes the best one- in my humble opinion.
Honest Beauty tinted Lip Balm (HERE)
This Lip Balm is so great Mama! I mean, I am obsessed. I have summer melon in every bag and car, so I am always prepared. Its vegan with 6+ hours of moisture. It takes like 5 seconds to swipe on and you are good to go.
But here's what I have learned after three kids- when I feel good about myself- I am a better mom. I’m more willing to jump into activities, take pictures, and have a great time when I’m not concerned about my lack of mascara.
Over the years, I have experimented a lot with different tricks and tools to help me feel put together.
Disclosure: Us Mama's are busy and we have the gift of home delivery, so for your convenience I have included some links of my favorite things from Amazon. I may receive some commissions for any purchases that you make through those links, making it possible for me to give you more tips to be a healthy and happy mama. Thank you for your support!
Thrive Causmetics Liquid Lash Extension Mascara Brynn (HERE)
I love this mascara, deeply. I love it so much that I get a new one delivered every 2 months so I never run out. Seriously! It won’t clump, flake or smudge- even during my workout classes where I am pouring sweat (gross, but true).
Brown Alchemist Amenity Kit (HERE)
This kit includes everything to keep you feeling moisturized and fresh! My skin always dries out in the summer and this kit saved me last year. It comes with lip balm, hand cream, and facial hydra-repair day cream. All amazing. All super conditioning without that gross greasy feeling. I might buy one for my gym bag and one for my diaper bag…
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mouse (HERE)
Here’s the deal- if you want to try out self-tanning, you need this mouse! I am naturally very pale, and I cannot tan very well naturally (I burn like a tomato). I have tried out every type of self-tanner and St. Tropez takes the cake! It isn’t sticky, doesn’t smell, and gives you natural healthy-looking skin. If you see me any time of the year, chances are I have this on.
R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist (HERE)
Who has time to wash their hair anymore? Dry Shampoo for the win and R+Co makes the best one- in my humble opinion.
Honest Beauty tinted Lip Balm (HERE)
This Lip Balm is so great Mama! I mean, I am obsessed. I have summer melon in every bag and car, so I am always prepared. Its vegan with 6+ hours of moisture. It takes like 5 seconds to swipe on and you are good to go.
Author
Hello! I'm Christine.
Mama to three young kids, which explains the bags under my eyes.
I'm also a firm believer in 'the healthier the mama, the happier the mama', which explains this blog.
You deserve to be a healthy and happy Mama!
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