New Parents: Treat Yourselves with These Easy Options

Finding time for yourself when you’re a new parent can seem impossible. This new bundle of joy requires all of your attention, so there doesn’t appear to be a lot left to give yourself. Even new parents can find ways to treat themselves, though, whether it’s in big or small ways. Some changes that you make can improve your lives for the better for the next few months or years, while others can give you small moments of pleasure in between the daily drudgery. If you feel like you need a treat to cheer yourself up or so you can get a break, try one of these ideas.

Pic credit: Pxhere

Make Your Bed More Comfortable

Sleep is so important when you’re a new parent, but it’s being a parent that can stop you from getting enough. It can take a long time for your baby to sleep through the night, and even then, it’s early mornings for the next few years, at least. You can’t do much your baby’s sleeping habits, apart from establishing a routine as soon as possible, but you can do some things to make your sleep better. Some people are put off buying a new mattress because they’re worried about the disposal of the old one. Luckily, junk removal companies can provide a solution by taking all of your unwanted junk (such as a mattress or yard waste), and dispose of it. One thing to try is getting a new mattress. Take a look at Mattress-Guides for more info on how a new mattress could help. When you are able to get some shut-eye, you can be sure that you’ll get better quality sleep. If you want to learn more about natural mattresses, you may find that you want to get a new mattress for yourself.

Eat a Decent Meal

When you’re short on time, eating well isn’t always a priority. When you first have a baby, some friends and family members are nice enough to drop off meals. But as that comes to a stop, you might resort to eating quick and easy meals. They might be healthy enough, but you’re mostly focusing on nutrition and not pleasure. One way to treat yourself is to have a meal that you eat for the joy of it, and not just to make sure you’re eating enough. You don’t have to leave the house or even cook anything. Get something delivered and enjoy not even having to wash the dishes.

Pic credit: Public Domain Pictures

Do Nothing

While sometimes it’s difficult not to just collapse on the sofa at the end of the day, there’s always a voice nagging that you have things to do. But sometimes you just need to ignore it and do absolutely nothing for a while. Even if it’s just for an hour or two, watching TV or closing your eyes for a bit is much better than doing another load of laundry. You could find that you are more likely to be productive if you sit back and relax for a couple of hours. Seeing as you could be part of the 120.6 million households who have TV, (check out more cable tv statistics for 2020 here), then it would be a shame to see this appliance get wasted. It is there to be watched after all. Don’t worry, all of your chores will still be there in an hour. If you don’t have a TV, it might be worthwhile thinking about getting one as it is a perfect pass time if you just need to chill out. Why not also consider getting something like these corner TV units if you are running out of space in your living room. This might be the perfect way for you to relax after a long day.

Have Some Time Off

It can be difficult to let someone else look after your child for the first time. However, sometimes it gets more difficult the longer you leave it. Find someone you trust to look after your baby, even if it’s just for half an hour. Taking some time off, when you can go and get a coffee, go shopping or just take a walk, gives you a well deserved break. And it starts getting both you and your child used to being apart.

New parents deserve to treat themselves sometimes. It’s important to look after yourself so that you can be a better parent.

Come What May Hop Blogger Sign Up

 

Theme – Open
Minimum prize value of $10. Must be a new item.
Date: 5/16 – 5/30
Start time: May 16 9:00 am EST
End time: May 30 – 11:59 pm EST
Winner(s) must be drawn on 6/1. Events must be open to US entrants.

Adding your link means you agree to the following terms:
Your post must include the following:

The full HTML which will be provided by email.
A clear form of entry (a giveaway form or a blog comment)
The giveaway hops image (in HTML and also included by attachment to the email)
The linky must be included in your post (code will be sent in email)
Your giveaway item(s) have a value of $10.
Must include disclosure included in email
A Link to the hosts: MamatheFox (https://mamathefox.com) 

This giveaway must be dedicated to this event only

If you sign up and can no longer participate please let me know so I can remove you from the linky.

 

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Girl Power with Hearts for Hearts Girls

Since our readers are practically our friends, we figured we should share the big news!

We are adopting from India!

Not “we” as in all the writers of MamatheFox…although it could be quite adorable having a little blogger baby running around.

“We” as in my personal family is adopting from India!

I shared this exciting news in this post because my heart was seriously the most pumped it’s ever been over a toy when I found Hearts for Hearts Girls.

Part of our adoption “nesting” has been to prepare our home and children for baby #3. Part of that prep entails educating our family on the culture from which we are adopting, and creating a lifestyle that celebrates our child’s birth country. Through teaching our children about the birth country of their new sibling can help them to make the child feel included and safe within our household. The process of adoption has been long and hard, especially having to contact a lawyer similar to the ones that you can find at Terry and Roberts Law, (https://terryandrobertslaw.com/family-law/) to help us know exactly what we need to do to make this adoption happen. So teaching our children all that we can about their new sibling and our new child is probably one of the easiest things about this whole process. I hope they embrace this change in the way that we have.

As a mama who loves books and interactive play, I started searching for Indian based lietearture and toys. I want to help my toddlers connect with Indian culture on their level, while still accurately representing their sibling’s first home. In addition, it is important our next child has toys and books that he/she can personally relate to. That means finding good role models that positively depict modern people from India.

Who is Hearts For Hearts Girls

Hearts for Hearts Girls was created to make a difference. Their mission is to celebrate diversity and inspire girls to be globally minded. Hearts for Hearts Girls designs dolls that represent different cultures through ethnically diverse features, fashion, jewelry, and character backgrounds.

The dolls are meant to represent real-world girls and their challenges. The included mini-book tells stories of each doll that helps children connect and engage in cultures beyond their own. Hearts for Hearts Girls hopes to promote empathy and respect for others and lay a foundation of unity and empowerment in our next generation. Hearts for Hearts Girls is empowering young girls to be strong compassionate citizens of the world that strive to make a difference.

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Giving Back

Hearts for Hearts Girls goes above and beyond by finically giving back. For every doll sold, they donate $1.00 to World Vision, a well-respected and global humanization organization. Hearts for Hearts Girls donation of over $375,000 has gone towards helping children in the regions represented by their dolls.

Why we love Hearts for Hearts Girls

Since we were adopting from India we decided to get Nahji, a 10 year old from Assam, India.

We love her vibrant solid box that is full of information about India and Nahji. A flap on the front has a larger than life head shot and when opened, you can peek at the actual doll. The inside lining has a nice touch with a map pinpointing her home in India.

The doll itself feels durable and easy to maneuver. She balances well standing up but struggles to sit without falling backwards.

For such a reasonably priced doll I was so surprised to see her come with accessories. Included with each doll is a child’s size friendship bracelet, comb, and storybook.

The tween style bracelet inspires girl power with a purple “GIRLS” heart as well as a heart saying “Changing the world one heart at a time”. It was so cute. It reminded me of some bracelets I had seen online, on https://rastaclat.com/ or some similar website, with positive messages scrawled on them. Such an innovative idea, to combine empowering messages with accessories.

The teal comb is the perfect size and even included a matching hair tie. Perfect for styling and playing with her long brown silky hair.

Nahji is a very appropriate representation of a modern Indian girl. She has big brown gorgeous eyes, brown skin, and long dark wavy hair.

She is dressed in an outfit you could easily find in India today. To be honest, I was relieved she wasn’t wearing a sari and had a side braid. As beautiful as saris are, they aren’t the typical everyday dress; especially for little girls. She is clothed in a detailed modest tunic top that is brightly colored and playful. As pants, she has on adorable purple leggings embellished with fancy gold trim. I think her outfit is perfect for her age and culturally significant.

Nahji is also embellished in Indian style jewelry.

Yes, I did find it strange at first for a 10 year old to have a pierced nose. Then I did some researched. It is actually very common for young girls approaching puberty to get their left nostril pierced. There are a list of specific reasons I won’t get into, but I think it is enlightening that my children’s doll led me to learn something new about Indian culture.

Nahji also has three gold bangles, one of the most common ornaments an Indian women wears.

In addition to Nahji’s beautiful jewelry, she has a henna tattoo on her right hand.

Her storybook actually tells how she earned her henna tattoo from her mother. It is a beautiful symbol of her maturity and hard word.

Nahji’s inspirational storybook highlights her determination to get an education and change her future.

What I love most about her story is that it shines a new light on what it means to be successful.

Nahji didn’t want to be married at a young age and do manual labor for little pay. So she changes her future by overcoming the obstacles most India girls face; getting an education and breaking social norms of a young arranged marriage. She works to starts her own duck and vegetable farm and makes a way for her family to work from home.

Nahji not only changes her future but betters the lives of her family. Her success story didn’t include fame or fortune, rather hard work and passion. Nahji’s story has deep valuable lessons for young girls and can be eye opening about the world around them.

“When you believe in yourself,

when you are strong in your heart,

then you can change the world around you for the better.”

-Nahji Hearts for Hearts Girls

We are pleasantly satisfied with our Nahji doll and have already used her to talk with our kids about their new Indian sibling.

We love her significant details that help educate about Indian culture. Hearts for Hearts makes versatile quality dolls that lead young girls towards a global mindset.

Matimati Baby Giveaway

Welcome to the Gift Closet Giveaway Hop

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Be sure to come back each day to get your daily entries and increase your chances of winning!

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Scroll down under the form to find more awesome giveaways to enter.

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Sponsored by:

Matimati Baby

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Hosted by:

Savings in Seconds

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Enter for your chance to win $25 shop credit to Matimati Baby!

Runs 4/13 – 4/27

Open to US and Canadian residents. Must be 18+ to enter.

 


Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox Giveaway

Sponsored By: Best of Machinery

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Co-Hosted By:
MomsWhoSave / FROG Reviews and Ramblings / Pellerini

BestofMachinery.com is running a fantastic giveaway that appeals to Moms and Dad’s, Uncles and Aunts, and of course… Grandparents!

The prize is a functioning Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox! This is no ordinary sandbox. It features a sand area with molded ramps and roadways, and a real working excavator to dig the sand and load up the toy dumpster truck! It includes all the accessories, too!

Winner Will Receive:

Little Tikes Big Digger Sandbox! (a $50+ RV)


Product Details:
Sand area features molded in ramps and roadways
Use the real working excavator to dig in the sand and load up the dump truck
Truck ramp doubles as lid to keep sand dry
Accessories included: 2 characters, sand cup, sand sifter, shovel, rake, dump truck



Open To US & Canada entries and must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway Dates ~ 4/13 9:00 AM EST through 5/4 11:59PM EST

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Get Silly with Silikids

It seems like the world is depleting quickly, am I right?

“Going green” seems to be the new catch phrase for people these days; and for good reason. I think we have a responsibility to take care of our planet.

Not only is taking care of our planet important, but taking care of our bodies is important too.

That’s why our family is starting to transition away from plastic and over to silicone.

Well, that’s where Silikids comes into play.

Silikids was founded in 2006 and offers alternatives to plastic tableware found in our homes. Their products are safe, modern, and made completely from silicone.

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Silicone is:

Safe. Silicone is primarily made up of silicon. Silicon is a natural element that is found in sand and rock. When silicon is combined with oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, it’s transformed into silicone. Silicone is inert – lacking the ability or strength to move – so it doesn’t react with food or liquid. Silicone is hypo-allergenic and does not promote bacteria or fungus growth.

Non-toxic. Silicone is BPA free and does not contain toxic chemicals like bisphenol-A, lead, PVC and phthalates.

Durable. The durability of silicone means that you will really not have to worry about disposable for a long time. The long lasting silicone takes away from the waste that you would otherwise create. You can also recycle silicone. Send your Silikids products back to them and they’ll recycle them for you!

Universal Tops

These tops are super great. Just like the name says – they’re universal. These tops fit on any cup, regardless of size. The beauty of these tops is that they turn any cup into a children’s cup in just seconds. Seriously so cool!

Two options are available for these tops – sippy top or straw top. Both of these options are great for children of any age. Not only are these tops good for the environment, they are a great money saver. Having cups in the house already means you only need these toppers. No extra kids cups sitting around the house taking up unwanted space.

Although the universal tops are made to fit any size cup, I would recommend using the tops on smaller sized cups. I had a few experiences with the toppers where some of the cups I used were just a little too big. Better be safe than sorry and use a smaller rimmed cup! But even better, invest in the Silikids silicone cups. These cups are perfect for kids, won’t break, and make the switch over from plastic complete.

*Note that the photo above is showing a sippy top. The cup in the photo is not a Silikids cup.

Reusable Silicone Straw

These silicone straws are great for children and adults. Six packs and three packs are available and come in different lengths, for different cup heights.

The straws are perfect for little teeth and especially great for teething kiddos. The softness of the straws are great for soothing gums; any baby will enjoy that! That being said, these straws are also a fabulous alternative for adults with sensitive teeth or sore gums! In some cases, these sore gums may be a canker sore lurking inside the cheek, luckily treatment such as Luminance RED is available to help alleviate that soreness, however, if it is their gums, the appropriate treatment is a must. A friend of mine has recently had to undergo treatment for periodontitis (also known as gum disease) so I will definitely be recommending these silicone straws to her. Which reminds me, my friend told me that if you are considering treatment for periodontitis Sydney is home to some fantastic dental professionals that can provide the advice and support you need to get your smile looking back to its best. Just be sure to reach out to a few different dentists to find the best treatment plan for your needs.

Reusable Snack Bags

These reusable bags are the perfect replacement to disposable bags. Use them over and over again and don’t feel like you’re hurting the environment; because you’re not!

If you’re like me, it’s really easy grab a ziplock bag and fill it with snacks for the kids or food for hubbies lunch. But now that I have these reusable bags I love grabbing one and filling it with goodies, I feel better that I’m not waisting anything.

The bags are super easy to open and close. The simple closure on the bag pops into the hole and is easier use than a zipper. Due to the way this bag closes, there is not a complete seal. I would recommend not putting food into the bag that should be sealed shut in order to stay fresh. We mostly use the bag for fruit, veggies, and nuts.

You can even write on the bag with a washable marker or a pen, it wipes off very easily. Writing on the bag allows you to know what’s in it without opening it up. You can write your name on the bag so no one eats your food, or write a note on the bag for your hubby or kiddo!

The bottom of the bag is gusseted, which allows the to stand up on its own. This is perfect for snacking and makes filling the bag super convenient.

Silikids is a great way to transition your family away from plastic. The silicone products are super safe and perfect for children, and adults too.

I love the straws and that you can use them for not only the Silikids products but other drink containers as well.

The products are durable and the fun, bright colors are sure to bring some sunshine into your home.

The best part though?

They can be washed in the dishwasher.

Score!

Luxury French Skincare for Everyday Ladies – Votre Vu

When it comes to your skin you should care, and care deeply.

It was not until I hit my 30’s that I started to use facial skin care products and that was a huge mistake. I’d had a few cosmetic procedures to help get rid of some aspects of my skin that I absolutely hated, and that had a transformative effect on my confidence, but I was completely unaware that establishing a great daily skincare routine could also work wonders. This revelation came about when my friend and I were discussing a website she came across which talked about creating your own cbd skincare brand. While it wasn’t something I was really interested in at the time, it did open my eyes to using skincare products and that I should have started years ago. But it is NOT too late! If you are concerned about a lack of naturality then you may want to look at some natural looking foundations too. You may find the Thin Lizzy Concealer blends well and doesn’t look cakey. It’s ranked the best acne concealer on quite a few comparisons as well.

Using a day cream, washing your face and applying serums and eye creams not only makes you feel better at the time, but it helps preserve your skin for the future. Use these good cosmetics and then with the thx silk pillowcase effect will be better

We get one face – so let’s face it – and take care of it

Votre Vu is a French skincare line that is what your everyday lady is looking for.

We ladies need skincare products that work, but one’s that also smell good. But more importantly, ones’s that aren’t filled with weird or scary ingredients.

Votre Vu’s products are inspired by the French. The bountiful and bio-diverse regions of France gave them the inspiration to create products with extracts that are native to France – but more importantly products that are healthy, bio-powered and deliver beautiful results for our skin.

Some of the top sellers from the Votre Vu line are their Best Regards products. I tried out their Best Regards Hydrating Caviar Sérum and the Best Regards Restorative Day Creme.

Best Regards Restorative Day Creme

If you are looking for a product that is for normal to dry skin then this is going to be your new go-to day cream.

It softens, smooths and helps protect normal-to-dry skin from premature aging. Thie concentrated French creme is handcrafted with caviar, select essential oils, plant extracts and botanical elements.

Some of my favorite ingredients are


Caviar Extract

Loaded with vitamins, micro-elements, amino acids and proteins, this nourishing caviar extract speeds up the natural production of collagen, and helps keep skin firm by providing an extremely high level of hydration.

Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Seed Oil

This light, quick-absorbing, soothing oil is rich in essential fatty acids and linoleic acid content, which helps to increase skin’s elasticity.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea Villosa) Root Extract

The powers of wild yam have long been heralded by traditional cultures for its ability to treat symptoms of irritability and stress. When used in skin care, this extract has been shown to help maintain moisture balance and stimulate cellular metabolism.


Best Regards Crème does not contain any toxins, parabens, artificial colors, GMOs, triclosan, talc, gluten, sulfates or phthalates. Votre Vu does not test any products on animals.


The Best Regards Day Creme is perfect for general moisturizing needs. It smell is light and comforting. It doesn’t leave a heavy odor behind, but smells appealing at the same time. As a woman in my 30’s I am always trying to keep my skin as youthful as possible and trying to prevent early signs of aging and wrinkles. By using a potent day creme I am able to keep my skin fresh and healthy – which are some key factors to maintaining a youthful look.

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, women are asking for beauty products that can be used by an average women. You will not go wring with a gift from Votre Vu

Best Regards Hydrating Caviar Sérum

For women who are looking for that special extra product, look no further. The Best Regards Hydrating Caviar Sérum from Votre Vu is a silky anti-aging formula infused with caviar extract, drenches skin in proteins, essential fatty acids and minerals. Designed to help reduce fine lines while enhancing elasticity, this superbly hydrating treatment generously filled with phyto-essential extracts works to deliver visibly firmer, resilient and radiant skin.

Some of my favorite ingredients are


Cogongrass (Imperata Cylindrica) Root Extract

Known for its healing and antibacterial properties, cogongrass root extract is an excellent skin conditioner.

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl) Acetate

A form of Vitamin E, Tocopheryl Acetate is a powerful antioxidant which protects the skin against stress. In a skin care regimen, this power ingredient conditions and moisturizes as it protects.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata) Oil

Powerful for mind, body and spirit, this calming floral extract has excellent anti-aging benefits, including the ability to help soften skin and promote firmness – my friends highly recommend ylang ylang oil.


Best Regards Sérum does not contain any toxins, parabens, artificial colors, GMOs, triclosan, talc, gluten, sulfates or phthalates. Votre Vu does not test any products on animals.


MamatheFox is in love with this amazing product. I have been using it daily and feel like I can tell a difference in my skin in only a weeks time. I would lean towards the “dry” skin side, but this can be due to the harsh winters in Ohio. The bitter cold can cause our skin to pull and feel more dry than it actually is.

Having been using the Votre Vu line, my skin is not hurting in the mornings like it did previously. I truly think this is due to these 2 products. While yes, sometimes I feel dry at times, it has decreased significantly. I use the Hydrating Caviar Serum in the mornings. After it sets in for a couple minutes I then apply the Day Creme over it. I apply it with my fingertips in a very soft circular motion – always being aware of my eyes and never pulling on the skin around them. Try applying in upward strokes as to not help gravity pull your skin down. This is a wonderful trick I found out and honestly think it’s very true.

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Could A Move Be What Your Family Needs?

It’s sometimes hard to know what is best for your family, especially as children start getting older. With age comes rebellion, and with rebellion comes stress. But that isn’t all you have to worry about. There’s literally everything under the sun to think about. Their education, their future, their finances, your own finances. One big list full of stress could be created if we carry on. But to spare you, we’re going to focus on the positives that a home move could actually bring. Despite the initial stress, it could be the best thing you’ve ever done. So could a move be what your family needs? Decide for yourself after reading the following information!

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Better Education & Job Prospects

Education is one of the most important things to your children. Well, it might not be to your children, they might find it the most boring time of their lives. But to their future, it is highly important. So, making sure they’re in one of the best schools possible is only going to improve their future prospects. It’s so easy to find out what schools rank where by doing a quick Google search. Some schools have big ties to well established colleges and universities that could set them up for a nice future. Job prospects are also really important. If you move somewhere that is a bit out of the way, the job prospects shrink. If you moved to the hustle and bustle of a city, or at least just outside of it, their job prospects will grow and grow.

Better Local Amenities & Activities

The more things there are to do, the more fun your family is going to have. This is why cities are great, but we understand the hustle and bustle of one also isnt the best way to go. So, live somewhere that is within a short driving distance things such as a cinema, bowling, shopping, water parks etc. This isn’t just to make your children’s time that little bit more exciting, it’s to try and keep you happy as well! You could also make sure there’s plenty in the way of sporting activities to make sure your children live an active lifestyle.

Tackling A Move

Tackling a move can often put people off actually deciding to move in the first place. One of the best thing you can do is contact services like Sunrise Moving to ensure that your moving is easy. So, if you want to do it quickly and smoothly, youre going to need a good group of people on your hands. To move all of your goods, you should check out someone like the Alpharetta residential movers. As long as you’ve got someone reliable like this on your side, you should never have any troubles. You also need to find a good realtor to take you round some of the best houses, and to help you reduce the asking price of the seller as much as possible. The more you haggle, the more you save. From there it is all about communication and coordination from the family to make sure the move is successful. Depending on your location, it might be wise to use removal van hire too so that the move is as seamless as possible.

So, do you now think that a move is what your family needs? If you’re stuck in a dead end are with hardly anything to do, bad schools, and perhaps even something like a high crime rate going against it, consider moving to help protect your child’s future.