With the holidays approaching and many celebrations around the corner, I thought I would share what I like to focus on during this time of year. I think it is so important to continue to take care of yourself and feel good, even during the busy times. I am a huge believer in balanced health and a no “diet” lifestyle which you can read more about here: Finding Balance Within Health & Wellness, Balanced Eating, No Diet Lifestyle .

I would love to know anything you try to focus on!

1.Water

I have mentioned multiple times how we are a water drinking family. There are so many benefits to drinking enough water, which I am sure you are aware of. The general rule of thumb is to aim for half your body weight in ounces! You can check out my top 3 tips to consume plenty of water here!

2.Any Movement

I try to move by body any way I can during this time of year. Usually it entails family walks, which I absolutely love. For my husband, it typically includes jumping on the trampoline with our son. It does not have to be anything intense or structured, but incorporating some type of movement helps so much!

3.Eat What You Want Or Don’t Want

I don’t know why as a society we place so much power on foods and have to label things as “good” or “bad”. I don’t like thinking of certain foods as “cheats” or “treats”. I think it is important to eat the things you are wanting to eat while maintaining an overall health mindset. If you want to enjoy certain dishes, enjoy! On the other hand, if you are not wanting to eat or indulge in certain things, don’t! I personally believe a restriction mindset can lead to extremely unhealthy habits and behaviors long term.

4.Rest

Take advantage of resting more than you typically may be able to. For many of us we are around family members and have extra sets of hands, especially with kids. Take advantage of the help and rest your body! Sleep is so important and is something many of us easily put on the back burner.

5.Don’t Compromise Mental Health

Holidays can be a hard time of year with families and dynamics. If something is going to compromise your mental health, really consider if it is worth it. Our mental health is just as important as our physical, if not more!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

I have recently been talking to a girlfriend who just had a baby about parenthood, expectations, and reality. As we have had multiple conversations on different topics, I realized that people in general stray away from talking about the hardships with a new baby. I remember when I was pregnant with our first son, I would think to myself that our child would be different from what people “warned” me about or tried to give advice on. For some reason, I told myself our baby would be the exception. Spoiler…he was not.

I think it is so important to have those honest conversations with others going through it, especially the first time around. My husband and I are very open with parenting topics, however will never give unwarranted advice or opinions on things. I truly believe that people want to figure things out on their own and each experience or situation is completely different and unique. We are an open book to those who ask, however understand that people have to go through it to truly understand it. Parenting is a funny thing because until you are in the thick of it, you don’t fully understand what it entails.

Those first few weeks or months with a baby can feel isolating, draining, and simply overwhelming. I thought I would share some things that have helped me and hopefully encourage others! I would love to know anything that helped you.

• Reach out to people (professional or personal). Simply talking about it can help so much.
• Ask for help, especially if your mental health is being compromised.
• We all deal with stress differently. Communicate with your partner what you are feeling or needing.
• Remember you are not alone, even though middle of the night feels completely isolating.
• People only share the good moments.
• Your life changed completely overnight. It will take time to adjust.
• Even though it doesn’t seem like it at times, you will get over the hump.
• Nothing is a one size fits all…what works for one person may not work for you.
• You are learning and figuring out your baby, just as they are learning about you and the world.
• You are in a transitional season.
• Your experience is your own.
• Find someone who can be an anchor to you and keep you grounded.

And of course, once you are on the other side…be a light to someone else.

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

I recently shared what I am giving our family here. I personally like seeing what other people are doing because it helps spark ideas for people I am gifting to. I thought I would piggy back off those videos and share some additional ideas for people you may want to give a gift to this year. Our extended family is typically easy because most of them have an Amazon wish list that we can purchase from which is wonderful. I highly reccomend having some type of list other people can access for ideas!

You can also check out more ideas under my gift tab here. I would love to know anything you are excited about giving this year!

1.Teacher Shirt

This year, I am gifting some shirts from Etsy to both of my son’s teacher along with a Target gift card. I feel like it is always nice to do something thoughtful for teachers in addition to a gift card. As a former teacher, I loved receiving gift cards because I could purchase what I truly wanted or needed!

2.Photo Frame With App

If you are gifting for a parent or grandparent, a digital frame may be a really good option. There are multiple companies that have a corresponding app which is basically a shared photo album. Pictures that are uploaded to the app are shown on the frame. Multiple people can upload pictures and the frame is constantly showing current ones! These have a higher price point, so it could be a great combined gift with others.

3.Water Color

My mom requested a water color print of their house, which I thought was a great idea and something different! There are are many options of what you could choose to get a painting of for someone as well as hand painted or digital. A lot of times you can also add text or personal touches which is great.

4.Holiday Pajama Set

I love a good pajama set, especially fun ones for the holidays. It is always my go to for people I want to get a little something for, but don’t want to break the bank. I personally love Target, however there are so many amazing companies and brands. I also like adding a coffee gift card for the cozy vibe!

5.Photo Calendar

My sister gifted my mom a photo calendar easel last year, and I thought it was so cute. We had family pictures done that year, so I thought it was a perfect way to use the pictures and show case them. If you have family pictures done, something like this would be a great way to use them!

Stay tuned for what I am doing in our stockings on my You Tube. I would love for you to subsribe!

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac