I was listening to something the other day about “balance” and started thinking about ways to maintain balance. I know this is a busy season for most people and can quickly become overwhelming. I thought I would share three reminders that I always try to keep in mind. I would love to know anything that is helpful for you!

1.Embrace The Season

I have learned that each season presents different priorities or things we have to “balance” while we transition and find our footing. It is okay to be in transition periods where you are figuring things out. It is okay to place priority on new responsibilities while others take a back seat. Our life is full of different seasons where we have to learn to adapt and place priority on new things. Keeping the big picture in mind is so helpful during those times.

2.Priorites Continuously Change

I have heard multiple times the analogy about “glass balls” and “plastic balls” with maintaining balance. Basically, we are constantly juggling balls with home, work, kids, relationships, health, etc. Certain balls or priorities are glass, while others are plastic. If we drop our glass balls they break, however our plastic ones will be okay. Knowing which obligations are your glass balls will help you not stress as much over the plastic ones. These are constantly changing depending on what you are experiencing and your personal situation.

3.Have Boundaries

I think having boundaries is so important with many aspects of life. When I was teaching in the classroom, I never took anything home. I would complete what I needed to at school so I could be present in our home and not be focusing on work. Having healthy boundaries can prevent some of the overwhelm and exhaustion many of us experience.

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

I can not believe our youngest son will be six months tomorrow. I forgot how quickly the first year goes, and how they basically change overnight. I have shared products throughout the months that we are actually using and gravitating towards. You can check those out here: Newborn Essentials: First 2 Weeks, Newborn Essentials: First 6 Weeks , and Baby Products We Use At 4 Months.

Many items have stayed the same and we have incorporated a few more. Things that I have already mentioned and we still use include: car seat, stroller, carrier, changing mat, crib, sleep sacks, diapers/wipes, burp cloths, play mat, rocker (outside), activity center, pumping parts, bathtub, and bumbo. One item we have not used but is a staple is our pack and play. We are fortunate that both of our parents have a crib that we utilize while traveling.

Additional items we are now using are….

1.Door Jumper

This is one of our favorite baby products. Both of our sons love to jump and move and have absolutely loved this!

2.High Chair

We started purees at four months and have been using our high chair for dinners. Our son loves sitting with us, eating, and also playing with some toys. After our older son, we realized we wanted something that we could wipe down and clean, which has been awesome!

Favorite Suction Toys: Fascination Station & Wonder Wheel

3.Feeding Utensils & Water Cup

We are starting to add more to our collection or replace some of my son’s older things. We are using feeding spoons that my son can use independently, as well as suction plates to practice pincher grip with certain foods. We will incorporate his water cup this week to practice those motor skills as well!

4.Teethers

Our son is literally chewing on anything and everything. He has loved having different teethers and constantly has them in his mouth. Two of his favorites are…

5.Toys

We have now entered the phase where our son likes to have a play area for tummy time or when he is sitting up. I am using all of our older son’s toys and keep a basket in the living room of ones that are appropriate for his age. This is really personal preference!

What items did you use around this age? I will share more around the nine month mark!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

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I don’t know about you, but I love anything and everything that involves peanut butter. I think I eat it almost every day, and am always looking for new snacks/treats that incorporate it. I thought I would share five of my favorite go tos that my family also enjoys. I would love to know any of your favorite recipes or ideas! Feel free to use any nut butter for these.

1. Energy Balls

We love making a batch (or two) of energy balls for the week because they are such an easy snack or treat. We are currently adding in Kodiak cake mix, and have absolutely loved it. I mix everything together with my hands (easier), and roll into the size balls we are wanting to store in the fridge. The current recipe we are using is…

1 cup Kodiak mix, 1/2 cut oats, 1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

2.Chocolate Chip Yogurt

This is one of my go to sweet treats that I have been making for awhile, and hits the spot! The measurements can really be personal preference for each ingredient. I just eyeball and taste as I am making it.

I use vanilla Greek yogurt (about 1/2 cup), 1 spoon of peanut butter, drizzle honey, sea salt, handful of chocolate chips.

3.Toast/Rice Cake

I always love a standard peanut butter toast or rice cake for something during the day. We like the chocolate rice cakes, so if I have that I usually save for the end of the day as something sweet and add chocolate chips on top. If I am doing toast, I like to add banana and honey! You could also use a frozen waffle instead of bread. My go to bread is the Ezekiel and waffles are Kodiak.

4.Apple Nachos

I love having peanut butter with apples. If I really want something sweet I melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips to drizzle on apple slices (or can dip). I also love having cocoa nibs with it to add more crunch!

5.Crackers

We love making our own classic peanut butter crackers. My husband will add some flake salt in the middle, and I will sometimes add mini chocolate chips depending on my mood. They are an easy snack for everyone in the family.

Let me know some of your family favorites! You can check out more food inspiration on our food Instagram: Bridwell_Wellness

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac