I recently shared some things I like to do before we go on a trip. You can check out that post here: 5 Things I Do Before A Trip. I thought I would also share some things I like to do after a trip or on the day we return.

I would love to know anything you like to do!

1.Laundry

I mentioned in my IGTV Family Packing Go Tos that I like to take a laundry bag when we travel so I can separate our clothes and immediately throw them in the wash when we return. I am low maintenance when it comes to clothes and generally wash almost everything together (aside from towels, sheets, work clothes). If I am able to, I wash before we return so it is one less thing for me to do!

2.Groceries

If we are on a family trip, I usually meal plan and make our grocery list on the car ride home while my husband drives. Since we leave early in the mornings on travel days, I am able to run to the store the day we return and stock up the fridge and pantry. You can check out some of our staples below!

3.Check Credit/Debit

I typically check our banking daily, however I think it is so important to double check accounts after a trip. We have had some strange charges that I was immediately able to catch because of this!

4.Movement & Hydration

We love going on family walks, and try to make it a priority on days we have been in the car. It feels so good to move your body after sitting for such a long time. My husband and I also make sure we are drinking plenty of water on travel days!

5.Early Bed Time

Since our schedule is thrown when we travel, we make it an early bed time night for the entire family. I try to get everything unpacked and taken care of so I can get into bed shortly after we put the boys down!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

As our son approaches 5 months, we are really focusing on a solid and consistent sleep schedule. We had a couple of weeks that were extremely hard due to the 4 month regression, teeth, and a leap (I assume). After going through that, we knew it was time to get serious about a solid routine to benefit everyone. I wanted to share what has worked for both of our boys with setting up a good routine. Of course, every family and baby is different so you have to do what works best for you!

I would love to know what has worked well for you!

1.Decide Method

Deciding how you are going to go about “training” or implementing sleep can be overwhelming. There are SO many resources, methods, and opinions when it comes to sleep. I think it is so important to have conversations with your spouse and decide what you want to do and be on the same page not only with night sleep but naps and wake-ups.

2.Consistency

Once you and your spouse lay ground rules and are on the same page, consistency is key with babies (or any child) learning.

3.Create Good Environment

This looks different for each family but for us it includes a dark room (black out curtains), fan for white noise, ceiling fan, and comfortable house temperature.

4.Laying Down Awake

Laying babies down awake is key when having them learn how to put themselves to sleep or soothe. Once they figure it out, it truly is magic!

5.Flexbility

Babies go through so much within the first year, having a flexible mindset helps so much with keeping a good routine while also catering to your child’s needs.

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

I have shared my thoughts on different fitness programs or trends that you can find here: Beachbody, Orange Theory, Fit4Mom. I thought I would also share my thoughts on specific programs I personally complete and a general overview. I prefer to follow some type of program because it keeps me motivated and gives me something to look forward to. I like to change it up by alternating with other programs, adding in walks/runs, or doing an in person class. I do not like to be rigid in my routine or the types of workouts I “have” to do.

I wanted to share my thoughts on a new Beachbody dance program that I just completed (not a coach). I have been completing this program along with a strength training program (9 week control freak) together to alternate the types of workouts I am doing within a week. I have really enjoyed the program and wanted to break it down.

Overview: The program is danced based with strength endurance built in. The program is 4 weeks long with 6 days of workouts… 4 dance, 2 weights, 1 rest. Each dance is different, however the strength workouts repeat (2 of each type). Each workout is on the beat and follows 8 counts, including strength. There is a modifier for each move, as well as a preview of each dance move prior to learning it. All workouts are 30 minutes long.

Structure: Each workout includes the exact same components or format such as..

Warm Up (4ish minutes), Tone & Tighten (4ish minutes), Learn Combination 1 (4ish minutes), Learn Combination 2 (4ish minutes), Insanity (4ish minutes), Stack Combination 1 &2 (8ish minutes), Cool Down (2-3minutes).

Combination Breakdown: For the dances and strength there are 4 moves that are learned and repeated through 8 counts. Each move is introduced and practiced for eight 8 counts, then four 8 counts, and then two 8 counts (repeated twice). When the combinations are “stacked” or practiced back to back each move is in the two 8 count range.

Pros: Dances do not repeat, good structure to keep attention, fun!

Cons: Muscular endurance instead of strength, on a beat for strength which can seem too fast at times

Overall, I really enjoyed the program and had a ton of fun! I personally do not follow the nutrition portion and just use on demand for my workouts! I would love to know what you are currently loving.

Stay tuned for my thoughts on 9 Week Control Freak as well as the Peloton app!

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac