How to Upgrade Your Playhouse with Inexpensive Details

I knew the kids would love this playhouse, but I’m not going to lie, I selfishly wanted one that I could have a blast decorating for them. There were several aspects of the house I wanted to change and it made all the difference in how it looks! You could easily make the same changes whether you bought a new house or a fixer upper from Facebook Marketplace! Honestly, I tried to snag one forever on Marketplace that I could fix up. After many unsuccessful attempts, we bit the bullet and bought a new one.

Before we switched to gold hinges on the door…

1. I painted the Door. The original door was red and it simply wasn’t giving me the look that I wanted. So, one can of exterior black paint later and here we are! It turned out exactly like I wanted.

2. Gold colored hardware. You might want a different look, but I am a sucker for a black and gold hardware combo. I switched out the door handle, hinges, and added a house number all in gold. SUPER easy cheap ways to make a HUGE impact.

3. Put something underneath the playhouse. We opted for an outdoor green rug that’s weather resistant. Not only does it give a fun look to it, but it makes it a little more cozy. CLICK HERE for what I used.

4. I spray painted the faucet gold too.. because it’s the look I love.

5. Decorate the crap out of it. You’ve went this far…. this is the fun part! Dollar tree has perfect seasonal items that will inexpensively allow you to switch things up seasonally! Y’all know I’m going to deck this thing out for Christmas!

6. I’m going to use my cricut to create a “hello” decal for the front door! Actually, I just made one but it’s raining outside. I’ll share that with you guys on instagram when I’ve applied it.

I’m in the process of decorating the inside. I’ll do a post on that when it’s done!

Thanks for reading. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.

XO,

Chasity

One little touch up where we switched out the hinges and this part will be complete.

Christmas in July Part I: How to Destress the Holidays

My love for the holidays is no secret. As I’ve gotten older with two babes at home I’ve found myself prepping year round to make the holiday season as stress free as I can for myself and my family. Stress free = more intentional celebrating, right? I don’t want my family to look back on my favorite time of year and remember me as a frazzled mom who couldn’t wait to get the season over with. I want to keep the magic alive as long as I can, and most importantly, I want those memories to encourage them to do the same when they’re raising my grand babies.

So, what can we do? How can we make it magical again? How do we prep now so it’s easy peasey in six months? That’s right, kids. You’ve got six months to check your heart and your savings account. I recently took a poll on Instagram asking what stresses you out most during the holidays. I’m going to make a list below with ideas that can literally change your life this Christmas season. Let’s get started-

MONEY: No surprise here, right? Finances during the holidays can be tough. It’s particularly bad if you wait until the month of December to shop, but what if you didn’t? What if your kids didn’t have to hear you chatting about how much everything costs for the entire holiday season? It can be done. Two things- the first one is setting up a savings account just for Christmas. With six months to go if you stash 100.00 a month that’s 600.00 you’ve got saved and ready to go. I like to use that savings on immediate family (my kids/spouse) because it’s hard to buy early for kids since their lists are ever changing. What about everyone else? Here’s my favorite trick- and don’t just read about it, DO IT. Make a list of all of the “extra” people you have to buy for ( aunts, uncles, friends, teachers) and each time you head to the grocery store or target grab a gift card in whatever amount works for your budget. Each time you purchase a card, cross a name off your list and before you know it, Christmas is here and your shopping is COMPLETE. You might be thinking gift cards are so impersonal…. I didn’t say you had to give them as the gift- You can if you want (give me a Target gift card and we will be BFFs), but if you don’t want to they act as a savings account. Closer to the holidays you can head to the store and shop for each person withing a specific budget on their card. It’s truly such a relief and takes the stress away like you wouldn’t believe. DIY gift giver? get started now by doing one gift or more per week. You’ll be done before you know it. Also, don’t forget to grab clearance toys like 5.00 barbies or playdoh sets when you see them. These make perfect gifts when your kids get invited to birthday parties year round. They’re also amazing to donate for Christmas.

DECOR: You’re always saying how this is the year that you’re going to go all out. You want a tree in every room, Santa’s sleigh on the roof, and your elf on the shelf is going to deliver baby Jesus himself this year. And every year you don’t do a darn thing. It’s to much work, you can’t afford it, or it never turns out like you wanted it to. This year is going to be different, because we’ve already talked about money and gift prep. With nearly 6 months until Christmas it’s a great time to start planning the “extra” things you’d like to do this holiday season to make sure they happen. Pick the holiday decor theme of your dreams and start your hunt to make it happen. Facebook marketplace, Ebay, and summertime Christmas sales make it the perfect time to grab Holiday decor for next to nothing. BUT before you get started create a reasonable list of things you’d love to have and try to stick with your original vision. If you don’t, you’ll have decor, but when Christmas rolls around you’ll be disappointed that nothing fits your original decor goals. Start a Pinterest board with styles you like and don’t forget to check garage sales through the summer/fall.

CHRISTMAS CARDS: You always want to send out personalized Christmas cards with a photo of your beautiful family on them and it either never gets done or you frantically get it done at the last minute and your attitude sucks because you’re stressed out… Which one are you? I’ve been both. It doesn’t have to be that hard! If you’re planning a summer photo shoot with a photographer use one of your outfit swaps for a cold weather look. Stick that baby on a card you design at Walmart or Shutterfly and get them printed. BOOM. You’re done. Not using a photographer? No biggie, set something simple up and use an Iphone. But, whatever you do, don’t skip it.

GIVING BACK: Every year you say you’re going to make time to give back during the holidays and it seems to always get pushed to the wayside during the holiday frenzy. The truth is that giving back is great for so many reasons. Not only does it help someone else, but it also gives you a boost and sheds some perspective on why we celebrate to begin with. That being said, it can be hard to fit it in and if you’re not careful you won’t do any intentional giving. Here’s my plan of attack for giving this year. I’m going to choose 3 ways to give. I think setting a small reasonable goal helps get things done and makes it less overwhelming. We all need to share this experience with our kids so choosing opportunities that they can be hands on with is important. For us, we will participate in a church food drive, adopt a family, and celebrate by surprising many of our neighbors with baked goods and other small gifts. The important thing to remember is to grab yourself a planner and make a note of your giving goals for this year. You can do it!

TRADITIONS: This one can be harder than you think for young families. If you’re like us, it’s hard to divide your time between big family festivities and small intimate traditions that you want to create with just your spouse and kiddos. It’s hard. And honestly, I think it’s one of the most stressful parts of the holidays. You guys are going to think i’m nuts, but you’ve got to get out the planner and make some notes of things you want to do with your family. Write it down. I love to pick a number- I’m going to intentionally celebrate by doing 5 things with my little family this year (for example). Choose your traditions and make them known. They can be the smallest things. The same movie every year with popcorn and Christmas blankets, Christmas Eve boxes with new pj’s and books, a decorative Christmas Village that your crew picks out a new piece for every year….. Where people go wrong is trying to create to many traditions. It becomes overwhelming and isn’t memorable. So, choose a couple, jot them down, and do them. As far as the craziness of trying to keep your extended family hap…. You have to learn to say no. It doesn’t mean you love them less, or you think something else is more important. But prioritizing your life is up to you and if they love you (and they probably do) they will want those sweet intimate moments you have with just your kids and your hubby (lights glowing, fire roaring, hot chocolate covered faces) to happen just as much as you do. This year, let’s slow down because those kids aren’t getting any younger and neither are you.

CHRISTMAS DINNER: it’s another part of the expense of the holidays. Feeding an army ain’t cheap. Traditional Christmas fare (turkey, ham, and all of the trimmings) aren’t necessarily budget friendly. They also take a ton of prep which, as we’ve discussed, takes away from intentional celebrating. If you’ve got the budget for it— hire a caterer. Take a head count now, set a budget, and call around for pricing. If you can’t swing having the whole dinner made you might consider just doing the turkey or ham. Want to do something less traditional? How about an Italian themed feast, or a fiesta ( don’t forget my invite)!

THE REASON: If there’s anything to remember from this post it’s this. Christmas will always be beautiful and seamless if your heart is in the right place. If you’re keeping your focus on the true meaning of why we celebrate you’ll find a calmness and beauty in even the smallest things during the holidays.

Let’s slow down this year.

XO,

Chasity

The Best Target Swimsuits for EVERYONE

After posting on Instagram about my two year old beloved target swimsuit I was flooded with questions asking me where I got it. I’m not going to lie, its basically perfect. It’s black. It’s one piece. It has an off the shoulder ruffle neckline. It’s a winner. And, of course, it’s no longer available.

BUT- that doesn’t mean there aren’t other good options out there. I have rounded up a few of my target faves just in time for a trip to the beach or an entire summer by the pool. Even better- Target has all suits BOGO today! Even coverups are included in the sale.

NOTE: I make a very SMALL percentage from Target every time you purchase through my links. I am not getting rich from these sales, it’s simply a little kickback for the time I put into linking and sharing with you guys. I am often asked if I can get credit for in-store purchases and the answer is I get credit if you order online and pick up in store. Also, I only get credit if you purchase through the website not the app. I appreciate you all being so invested in making sure I get credit. I have the best peeps.

I will link everything below. Look at the photo caption for suit information. I’m including a wide range of sizes.

CLICK HERE for option 1

CLICK HERE for option 2

CLICK HERE for option 3

CLICK HERE for option 4

CLICK HERE for option 5

CLICK HERE for option 6

CLICK HERE for option 7

CLICK HERE for option 8

CLICK HERE for option 9

CLICK HERE for Coverup

OPTION 1. Sizes S-XL

OPTION 2 S-XL available

OPTION 3 Only size Small is left but I had to include it because it’s adorable!

Option 4 S-XL available

Option 5 2x-3x available

OPTION 6 sizes 16-26 plus available

OPTION 7 sizes 14-26 plus available. I’m a sucker for this style

Option 8. I might need this one. 1x-3x available

Coverup option- You could probably catch me wearing this with white ankle denim and a black tank. Just sayin’

OPTION 9- This suit is the closest style to the one I own. Sizes xs, s, l, xl available

Don’t forget that we all fall into this terrible trap of hating what we look like in a swimsuit. Don’t let your own body issues ruin precious summers with your kids. They don’t care what you look like, they just want to experience life with you. You have 18 summers. Make them count.

XO,

Chasity

Stormy Point Village Discount Code

This is a huge deal, friends! You all know my love for Stormy Point Village in Branson, MO- check out my previous post for details on one of our dreamy stays. It’s the most unique and fun place to stay in the Ozarks. My sweet friends at Stormy Point are offering a special discount to all of you! So, if you were wanting to plan a fun vacation while staying close to home, this is a fabulous option!

Details:

This photo pretty much says it all…

1. You need to call this phone number to make your reservation- 1-866-Stormy0 (786-7690)

2. Mention ‘Oh Lovely Blog’ to take advantage of the discounted rates (mention this first thing in the call to make things easier).

3. Discounted rates are based on availability

4. You will pay the total payment upfront at booking

5. They will fill up very quickly so I wouldn’t wait to book

   HERE ARE THE RATES:

   2 Bd cottages - $249.00 + tax (discounted from standard rate of $310.00 + tax per night)

   3 Bd cottages - $299.00 + tax (discounted from standard rate $360.00 + tax per night)

   They also have Condo units available at the  Stormy Point Lakeside facility:

    Special Rates for these units are:

   Studio - $149.00

   1 BR - $179

   2 BR - $249

   These units come with the same amenities the resort property has to offer!

   CLICK HERE to see all that Stormy Point has to offer!

   Email me or direct message me on Instagram if you have any questions!

   XO,

   Chasity

Cottages are so family friendly! And with a kitchen like this, you’ll be happy to cook meals and enjoy the resort with no need to even leave the property.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: Toddler Edition

Do you need to get your kids a Valentine’s Day gift? The answer is absolutely not. Would I rather buy my kids a toy than candy? Absolutely! As a kid we always got a fun gift on Valentine’s Day. I love continuing this tradition with my own kids. My focus on intentional celebrating doesn’t only include gifts. I love getting in the kitchen with my kids to make special holiday treats, packing a Valentine’s Day themed lunch, or even reading a themed book together. Kids are SIMPLE- they love celebrating in the biggest and smallest ways. This year, like most, we will be kicking off the big day with a reasonable gift and possibly some heart shaped pancakes! All of that being said, toddlers are hard to buy for and it can sometimes seem pointless to buy them anything at all! Have no fear- I’ve tested nearly every toy out there on my crazy two year old and these are the top six most played with toddler toys in our house. Everything is around 30.00 and under. Enjoy!

1. These blocks are so cute to look out with tons of sensory fun! Soft and easy to hold for little hands. CLICK HERE to purchase on Amazon.

2. I was shocked at how much both of my kids love the Bilibo. Created to encourage imaginative play, it does that and so much more! CLICK HERE to purchase on Amazon.

3. Both of my kids love these oversized blocks. They could spend hours building and knocking them over. CLICK HERE to purchase on Amazon.

4. The Mickey Nesting blocks are such a hit at my house! and for around 9.00 what do you have to lose?! CLICK HERE to purchase on Amazon.

5. My two year old is obsessed with this- stick it on the fridge and keep them entertained while you cook dinner! CLICK HERE to purchase on Amazon.

6. For around 11.00 you can basically keep the entire family entertained with one toy. Heck, even I love it. CLICK HERE to purchase on Amazon.

For more of my favorite products you can visit my Amazon affiliate page HERE

NOTE: I make a very small commission when you purchase with my links. I appreciate you all so much for taking the time to read and shop!

XO,

Chasity

KETO Friendly Buffalo Cauliflower

If you follow along on Insta you know that I've dedicated the next year to following a Ketogenic lifestyle. I’m not going to lie, Keto isn’t a cakewalk (no pun intended)- The results can be fast, but finding ways to make it through those carby cravings can be tough. I’ve found that it’s much better to take a craving and create a keto alternative for it! Last night I decided to create a recipe that would work for all of my lovely followers regardless of what plan you’re currently on- Total bonus, it was ABSOLUTELY delicious. As a matter of fact, I would remake these even if I wasn’t doing keto and my husband loved them too!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 gallon ziplock bag

Eggs

Almond Flour

Garlic Salt

Onion Powder

Pepper

Cauliflower

Buffalo Sauce

Butter or Oil

(preheat your oven to 350)

Step 1: Prep you Cauliflower by cutting off the ends and pulling the florets apart.

Step 2: crack a couple of eggs into a bowl and wisk

Step 3: Dump around a cup of almond flour into your gallon ziplock bag and season it up with all of your dry ingredients- We didn’t measure, just season to taste.

Step 4: Dip your florets into the egg and pop them into your bag with the flour (shake it around and coat them well)

Step 5: You can either put the coated cauli on a sheet pan in your oven or use the air fryer. We did both and I thought they were equally delish.

Step 6: Pour your buffalo sauce and a little butter in a bowl, heat and wisk

Step 7: gently toss your crispy florets in the sauce and serve with celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing

I think you guys will absolutely love these! Let me know what you think or if you have any questions- And for more KETO inspo you can follow along on Instagram!

XO,

Chasity

My Microblading Experience

I had the best experience with microblading. I had heard a few horror stories from friends who didn’t have the most professional experience. And while my biggest fear was pain management, I was shocked to find that if it’s done properly, the pain is extremely minimal. I owe a huge shout out to Kristin at Nu Essence Spa in Springfield, MO. She’s passionate about her job and is a true artist. I have my final touch up in December, but I have LOVED my results and I highly recommend Nu Essence if you’re a local! The video is long, but Kristin gives some great information throughout the process- So, if you’re truly interested you’ll get an education before making your first appointment! It’s the perfect Christmas gift to yourself!

Note- This is a collaboration with Nu Essence Spa. I didn’t pay for my microblading, but all opinions are my own.

I’m happy to answer any questions from my experience- feel free to leave questions in the video comments and click subscribe to see all of our new stuff!

Thanks for watching!

xo,

Chasity

Travel Series: Stormy Point Village- Branson, MO

Do you ever feel like you need to try something different? My husband and I occasionally need to recharge. I’m not going to lie- my kids are EVERYTHING to me, but there are times when we crave a weekend away to reconnect as a couple.

Branson, Missouri is a huge tourist destination. We live around 30 minutes away and visit often. Known for its family friendly atmosphere, music themed shows, and Silver Dollar City amusement park you might think we could never be bored with what seems like so much fun at our fingertips- But when you’re a local, you get burnt out fast. I’m constantly searching for new and interesting ways to enjoy the Branson area.

You guys know I love a good deal, but if you’ve been following me long you also know that I’m extremely picky when it comes to resorts and hotels. If I’m going on a get-a-way, I need to feel like I’m on vacation. I was over the moon when Stormy Point Village wanted to host us! It’s such a fun and unique way to vacation. I think you all will love it as much as we did.

Cozy cottages line the streets in this unique little piece of heaven. We had the best time reconnecting by the fireplace, exploring the adorable property, eating all of the free chocolate chip cookies in the main lobby, climbing to the top of the beautiful lighthouse, and SO much more.

Another thing that we love about Stormy Point is that there’s no need to leave! They have great heated swimming pools, an on site restaurant, gorgeous accommodations, and plenty of other options that will keep your entire group satisfied and relaxed.

While we loved getting away as a couple, we are so excited to revisit during the holidays and summertime with our kiddos. It’s such a unique family friendly destination that is easily my new favorite place to stay in Branson!

For more fun adventures follow along on Insta!

CLICK HERE for more information about Stormy Point Village in Branson

Enjoy!

XO,

Chasity

The kitchen was one of my favorite parts of our cottage

Take a leisurely stroll down the cottage lined streets at Stormy Point Village- It’s picture perfect.

Don't get Jealous, Get Busy

I started blogging reluctantly. What if no one likes it? What if I have 200 followers on Instagram forever? What if I’m not pretty enough, interesting enough, cool enough…The enemy is excellent at putting fear and self-doubt into our heads, isn’t he?

I am writing this post because I often get messages from followers that go something like this: “Man, I would love to be a blogger. I’m so jealous!” Every time I get a message like that it takes me back a bit. We live in a society where we are all constantly worried about what other people think of us. There are at least 50 people that roll their eyes every time I promote my blog on Facebook- and that’s ok. At the tender age of 33 I’ve finally learned the secret to living your best life-and it’s not a pricey face cream or the biggest house on the block. Instead, it’s about valuing yourself with no strings attached. Valuing yourself can mean so many things.

Jon and I recently had a discussion about how easily we stray away from our god given talents once we become parents. When I met Jon he was doing improv comedy- he’s amazing at it and he loves it. So why isn’t he still making time to do that today? That’s a great question and one that we’re researching during this season of our life. I was a singer back in the day- yep that’s right. I’ve been singing since I was little. I even opened up for a couple of up and coming country singers when I was younger. I would often do the national anthem for football games throughout my college years. And guess what- my husband plays guitar. SO, you’re eventually going to see some music stuff from us. Why? Because it’s fun and we enjoy it. My whole point is that if you love doing something- you should do it. You might say you don’t have time- but think about all of those moments where you sleep in or binge watch Netflix- you do have time. Use it wisely.

I really want to encourage each and every one of you to stop being jealous of people you see on the internet. I hear this so much- if it’s not about me, it’s about someone else. My husband will even tell you he often thinks that social media can steal your joy- and it can if you let it. There is literally no goal that is to big for you and your family. You’ve always wanted to own your own business? GREAT- make a plan and get started even if it’s from your living room! You wish you were a blogger/influencer but you’re afraid to get started- afraid of judgy eyes or that your audience won’t grow- afraid of failure. DO it anyway. Do what makes you happy. You’ll quickly learn that by making yourself happy, you'll make others happy, too. Having a creative outlet will improve the relationship you have with your children and husband. It’s incredible what loving on yourself can do.

We all have those “But what will people think” moments. The truth is that some people will be hateful and jealous of your success- and if you’re not successful? They’re jealous that you had the guts to try something they have always wanted to do. Don’t be that person that doesn’t do something simply because Jane down the street has already started. You are the only person who can decide what your life is going to be like. You get to choose- so don’t get jealous, get busy.

XO,

Chasity

FALL in Love With Mark Jenkins Footwear

I’ve had several sweet readers ask if I would do some flat lay photos with my beautiful Mark Jenkins Footwear pieces. Mark was kind enough to gift me all of the shoes in this post. I took time wearing them before I started sharing about this with you guys. I always want to make sure I’m recommending products that I truly love.

The verdict is in- all of the shoes are gorgeous, high quality, fashion forward, and comfortable. What more could you possibly ask for? I do consider them to be investment pieces. These shoes will last you year after year- Mark’s classic designs stand the test of time and I think you’ll love them.

I hope you all enjoy! Live a little and grab yourself a pair or two.. or three… or four….

XO,

Chasity

CLICK HERE for the Mark Jenkins Footwear Home Page

CLICK HERE for “BRUNO” the brown leather boot (Size up in this one)

CLICK HERE for the “Calista” Suede Peep- Toe ( The color is Wine)

CLICK HERE for the “hip” block heel (Black)

CLICK HERE for the “Sutton” lace up bootie (nude suede)

AMAZON INFLUENCER

Hey guys! Those of you who have followed me from the start know that I’m thrifty and love a good deal. People are always asking me where to buy certain things and a lot of the time the answer is AMAZON. I’m so happy to partner with them as an influencer. In this post i’m going to share some of the most popular categories from my Amazon store front. I love that Amazon allows me to organize my shop with my own followers in mind. I’ve linked tons of products! Everything from my favorite Cricut stuff, to hot Christmas toys, farmhouse décor, clothes for the kids for under 15, and so much more! I do make a small commission when you shop my links and I’m so grateful that you all take the time to follow and shop with me!

CLICK HERE for the homepage to the shop

CLICK HERE for My must have baby items

CLICK HERE for Getting started with CRICUT

CLICK HERE for BOY STYLE under 15.00

CLICK HERE for My Must have Kitchen Gadgets

CLICK HERE for HOT Christmas toys 2018

CLICK HERE for Women’s PLUS

CLICK HERE for KETO Must haves

CLICK HERE for Farmhouse Decor

New items will be added daily- if there’s a list you’d like me to add please send suggestions via email - ohlovelyblg@gmail.com or on Instagram.

XO,

Chasity

Disney Vacation Series- What to Pack

There's no doubt that taking your family to Disney World will cost you. After all, it's the most magical place on earth- not the cheapest. In my last Disney post I shared a few money saving tips for planning your trip. I learned a TON after our first family trip that I think will really help you guys out! Things can REALLY add up when you arrive at Disney if you don't know what to pack. Let's face it, everything is going to be more expensive on property than it would be elsewhere. Today, I'm going to share with you ( in list form, of course) my NON-NEGOTIABLE must pack list for Disney travel. Take notes, I'm about to save you a lot of grief and money.  

The list is long, but necessary! 

STROLLERS: Pack a stroller, people! You will do more walking in five days at Disney World than you will do in a month at home. I don't care how old your kid is, you need a stroller! It's hot, kids get tired, and it can ruin everything and feel like your life is over. So, if your kid is 8 and under PACK YOUR STROLLER. If you're flying you can rent a stroller at Disney. There will be designated stroller parking outside of restaurants and rides. I have known of a stroller being stolen in the parks. I highly recommend creating a laminated sign that says your family name for the trip. Attach the sign to your stroller with zip ties and yours will be less of a target... plus you'll be able to easily pick it out of the crowd after dining or riding.  

MAGIC BANDS: If you're staying on property you will be sent magic bands. These nifty gadgets get you into the parks, your hotel room, and even let you pay for things if you've attached a card to them. I have no clue what happens if you forget them, but I'm guessing it's not good! Also, feel free to use your Cricut machine to personalize these with your name or other fun decals! Search magic bands on Pinterest for ideas and I'll be sure to share mine once they're complete. 

PRINCESS DRESSES: You will see little girls in princess dresses throughout Disney World. They wear them in the parks, at dinner, you name it! That being said, buy your princess dresses BEFORE you get there. My best advice is to stock up right after Halloween when they go 75 % off at Walmart. You'll be SO glad you did! 

Princess dress pro tip: When packing your beloved princess dresses it's important to put each one in a gallon zip lock bag to prevent glitter from getting all over everything in your suitcase. You'll thank me for this one! 

Custom Shirts: You guys know I love custom shirts. It's probably the main reason I purchased my Cricut machine. I highly recommend taking the time to make fun family shirts for your trip. It adds to the magic and looks great in photos! We are making SO many for our upcoming Christmas trip. I'll be sure to share the designs I chose.

CROSS BODY BAGS: No need to lug your purse all over the parks. Cross body bags allow you to be hands free and keep while keeping eyes on your little ones.  

RAIN PONCHOS: Make sure each member of your family has a rain poncho before entering the parks. It rains almost daily in Florida and these can make a huge difference in your day! Ponchos in the park cost around 9.00 each. Buy yours at the Dollar Tree before you go! 

MEDICINE: Tylenol, IBUPROFEN, allergy meds, prescriptions- Make sure you pack your own stash so you're not forced to overpay in the parks. It doesn't hurt to stick a few band-aids and other first aid options in the mix either. 

SUNSCREEN/SWIM SUITS: Don't forget to pack the sunscreen! Disney World has some of the most amazing swimming pools. Make sure everyone has swim suits, hats, and sunscreen so you're not forced to buy them at your resort. It's hot in Florida. Still have kiddos in diapers? Don't forget the little swimmers!

HAND SANITIZER/BABY WIPES: Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere! Keep that sanitizer handy for before snacks and meals. Baby wipes are needed for sticky hands and faces after the countless Mickey shaped ice creams your kids will consume. 

DISNEY STUFFED ANIMALS: I think I mentioned it in the original post, but let each child take a Disney stuffed animal with them on the trip. Leave them in plain sight in your hotel room and "MouseKeeping" will have them doing something new and fun each time you return from the parks. 

DISNEY GIFT CARDS: Once I arrive at Disney I like to know that I don't need to spend another dime if I don't want to. We always do the dining plan and beyond that I buy each person in our family a Disney gift card before we leave for souvenirs. This allows you to know almost the exact expense of your trip before you even get there! It worked GREAT the first time we went and we came back with a lot more money in our pockets than we expected. 

TRASH BAGS: I pack a TON of clothes for this trip. Some people might suggest that you don't want to over pack, but you'll be sweaty and gross by the end of the day which means you'll probably change clothes multiple times a day. I pack each family member a trash bag to stick their dirty clothes in. It keeps everything separated and makes laundry a breeze when you get home. 

COMFORTABLE SHOES: I know it seems obvious, but Disney World isn't the appropriate place to "break in" a new pair of shoes. Blisters and achy feet will ruin your day so pack shoes that you know are comfortable. 

GLOW IN THE DARK STUFF: You'll be watching some of the most exciting parades while you're at Disney. Night time parades are some of my absolute favorite! Disney offers light up toys for your kiddos to hold during those evening parades. I highly recommend going to the Dollar Tree and stocking up on glow sticks, glow in the dark necklaces, etc. Tuck them away in your suitcase and give them to your kiddos right before the parade. They'll be excited and you wont be stuck buying a toy they'll never use again. 

SHARPIE MARKER: I think losing a kid at theme park is basically the most terrifying thought that any of us could have. This year, I'm going to write my name and phone number on my kiddos' wrists in case we find ourselves in a bad situation. You can't be too prepared!- You guys already know i'm crazy... 

STROLLER FANS: It's SO hot. If you have little kids that will be in a stroller, small fans that attach to the stroller will help you tremendously! You can purchase these inexpensively on Amazon. 

SNACKS: You can bring food and drinks into the Parks. It's great to have a few things on hand for when hunger strikes. 

DRINK HACK: If you're staying on Disney property you'll be given a refillable cup that can be used at your resort. Refills are free in that cup at all resorts for the duration of your stay. If you also purchased a dining plan each meal comes with a completely separate drink- So, if you use a quick dine meal at your resort, utilize the free refills with your cup and save the bottled drink that came with your meal for the parks. Each person in your party can do the same and voila- you've got a drink stash for the day!

SNACK CREDIT HACK: When you have a dining plan you can easily be overwhelmed with the amount of food options given to you at each meal. EVERY meal, including breakfast, comes with a dessert. So, let's say I grab a huge carrot cake cupcake at breakfast to save for a snack later- this allows me to save up my snack credits! Meals and snacks don't go away if you don't use them in a day- they roll over. SO, if it's the last day of your trip and you have 4 snack credits left make sure you run into a Disney store and stock up on some delicious treats to take home. Yes, you can use snack credits in the candy shops and pretty much anywhere you see food! 

RECHARGEABLE PHONE BATTERY: If you're like me, you'll be documenting your entire trip on your phone. That means your battery won't last long! Make sure you keep a charged battery pack on you at all times so you don't miss a moment!

SOUVENIRS TO BUY: I talk a lot about what not to buy at Disney World, but now i'd like to tell you what TO buy when you're on your dream vacay! The truth is, you should take something home with you! And it should be something that you'll use and remember your trip by. Coffee drinker? Buy a mug! Chistmas lover? Buy an ornament! (I'll be doing this one this year!) Love a good novelty tee? Grab yourself a Disney Parks T-Shirt! Bottom line- no souvenir is a waste if it's something you will use and love. Personally, I'm a sucker for mouse ears. My kids will get a new pair every trip and believe it or not we've used them multiple times- (Disney themed church parties, school spirit weeks, and more).  Also, it's super fun to have characters sign an autograph book. You can make one if you want, but you can also buy them in the park and it won't break the bank. PS characters can sign more easily with an over sized pen- grab one from the dollar tree while you're picking up those ponchos and glow sticks. 

STROLLER COVER: Like I said, it's bound to rain at some point while you're on your magical vacation. There's nothing worse than getting off of a ride and having to put your little guy or gal into a rain soaked stroller. 

BACKPACK DIAPER BAG: If you feel like you'll need more than a cross-body bag for the parks a backpack is the way to go. 

BUG SPRAY: You'll be glad you brought your own.  

LISTS: Do your research and make a list of must see resorts, foods to eat, rides to ride, pictures you'd like to take, and other things you don't want to forget to do! 

DISNEY EXPERIENCE APP: Use the My Disney Experience App. It can help you with directions to rides in the park, switch your fast passes, current wait times for rides, and a lot more! 

GUM: You can't purchase it at any of the Disney parks. Please chew responsibly and have a magical day. 

FITBIT: This is optional, but aren't you dying to know how many steps you'll take while you're there?!

UMBRELLA- For obvious reasons. 

TAKE ALL OF THE PHOTOS: Your best souvenir will forever be the photos you take while on vacation. Don't just take photos of your kids. GET IN YOUR PHOTOS. I don't care if you're unhappy with your weight, you've got a big zit in the center of your forehead, you hate your haircut... NO ONE CARES. Get in your photos. Take family photos, selfies with characters, one on one photos with your kiddos- Do it all while you have the chance! For even more photo fun you can search for a Disney photo checklist on Pinterest. 

I think that covers most of my "must pack" items. If you're a Disney pro and have suggestions please let me know! And don't forget to follow along on Instagram- at oh_lovely_blog

XO,

Chasity

A New Favorite From PinkBlush

You guys already know that I love PinkBlush. They have the best variety of fashion forward pieces for ALL sizes. Who doesn't love that?! The most recent top that I got from them was a total WIN! The material is perfect (not clingy), the colors are gorgeous, and I love anything off the shoulder. I'm constantly telling my readers to be budget savvy, and I mean that! BUT, for my personal wardrobe that means that I'd rather buy one top that I absolutely love rather than 10 dirt cheap tops that I might not ever wear. I encourage you all to shop smart! Find pieces that you love and will wear- that's how you truly get the most for you money. Pink Blush has so many options that I think you will find yourself reaching for over and over again! Sizing for this top runs a little bit big, you could size down one if you wanted or have a looser fit like I did. 

Also, PinkBlush offers coupon codes often! Be sure to sign up for their email alerts. 

NOTE: I receive complementary clothing from PinkBlush to share with my readers. However, all opinions are my own. 

CLICK HERE to shop this Top! ONLY 25.00! 

CLICK HERE to shop all plus size tops

CLICK HERE to visit the PinkBlush homepage

XO,

Chasity

Picasso Tiles Roll Up Piano Review

I always love a toy that kids of all ages can enjoy. Picasso Tiles was nice enough to let us try out their roll up piano. It has a ton of great features that even my husband and I really enjoyed! First of all, it rolls up. You can stick it in your bag for travel with ease. Don't worry about how noisy it is because you can use headphones with it! It comes with eight unique tones, a record feature, volume control, and my favorite- you can plug it in! It comes with a battery feature as well, but you all know at this point that I HATE buying batteries. Our entire household had a fantastic time playing with this! The keys are designed with real piano key width and spacing which gives you a realistic piano feel! 

It's under 40 dollars and would make a unique gift that most ages would love!

Click here to buy one on Amazon!

xo,

Chasity

ALILO SHAKE & TELL REVIEW

Kids are weird, right? They like what they. When it comes to baby toys I've learned a thing or two over the years. Just because it looks amazing to you doesn't mean your baby will like it. When the company Alilo sent us the Shake & Tell to try I was skeptical. Beau will generally choose a book, box, or my cell phone over just about any toy he owns. And he has a TON of toys. The Shake & Tell coins itself as an "intelligent rattle".  It has multiple settings including soothing music, 40 rattle sounds (cars, bells, whistles, animals), a counting and alphabet feature, an interactive magic accent feature, and even a music training mode to help your little guy or gal explore their musical potential. The top portion of the rattle is teething friendly and lights up. My kiddo pretty much loves every aspect of this toy. Want to know my favorite part? It's rechargeable! No batteries to replace, and that's a win in my book!

My least favorite part of this toy is figuring out how to change from one mode to another. It comes with directions that I feel like are kind of hard to understand. But once you get it figured out,  its the perfect blend of education and interaction for babies and toddlers. 

As always, if you have questions feel free to ask in the comments.

CLICK HERE to buy your own Alilo Shake & Tell

xo,

Chasity

What I Learned In Kindergarten

She was so excited on her first day! I couldn't have been more nervous. I cried in the school parking lot for 30 minutes after I left her.

Any mom will tell you that starting school for the first time isn't easy. In my experience my child has always had such an easy transition. I've always had a much harder time than she has. Paisleigh went to a private preschool that I loved. I almost immediately started volunteering at her preschool from day one. Eventually, because I was already there all of the time, I took a part-time job with the school. I LOVED that she was getting to experience all that the preschool had to offer with me teaching a few doors down the hall. If you know me you know I'm pretty neurotic about my kids. Almost to a fault. We've never had a real baby sitter- only my mom or another super close relative. So, as you can imagine, the transition to Kindy was a tough one for this momma. 

I need to start this post out by saying that the first and most important part of getting ready for kindergarten starts LONG before your child is school aged. For us, choosing to live within an amazing public school district was step one in being truly prepared for public school. While we do love our city, we chose to live here primarily because we were confident in the school district. So, with that being said, investigate- ask people that you trust and respect their opinion on the school your child will be attending. Take a tour to make sure the school is well maintained, chat with the staff, and look up statistics on how your school ranks in your state. I can't stress to you all how important it was for us to be in a district that we loved. It's even worth moving for- so, if you're in a situation where you might not be in a district you're comfortable with pray about it and make the moves necessary until you are. A good school that cares about its students and community is the absolute foundation of your child's education. 

Because we had went to preschool year round for two years Paisleigh was sharp as a tack. Seriously, she could read quite a bit at three, spell and write her full name, and so much more thanks to a fantastic preschool program. If you haven't considered preschool I would highly recommend it. It really changed my child for the better- socially and academically. When it came time to start thinking about Kindergarten the first decision we had to make was when to send her. She turned five one month before school started and was going to be the youngest in her class. That was a tough one for us. We prayed a lot about it but in the end we knew she was ready. And luckily, we made the right choice by letting her go. 

After we got over the initial shock that we would be sending our freshly five year old baby to Kindy that year I started thinking about the best ways to calm my nerves and hers. While she was pretty confident in going, my mind went a mile a minute thinking about things that could go wrong without me being there to help her. So, I made a list of my main concerns and I started teaching her how to survive at school without her mom (we've already addressed that I'm crazy). I started working with her two weeks before the first day of school. 

HOW TO GET READY FOR KINDERGARTEN FROM YOUR FAVORITE NEUROTIC MOM BLOGGER:

1. Lunchtime- if your child is going to be taking their lunch everyday (or getting a tray) it's time to teach them how to be completely independent when it comes to eating.  I knew Paisleigh would be taking her lunch so we bought our lunch box and lunch container and everyday for the two weeks before school started I packed her lunch at home. I made sure she could zip and unzip the box, I made sure she could access everything inside her lunch box alone, I taught her to throw her trash away, I packed a wet wipe for her face so she didn't walk around all day with a pb&j covered mouth, You name it we prepped for it. Two weeks later on the first day of school I felt pretty good about her abilities to eat lunch on her own. Using a bento box for kids this young is great because you can unwrap everything for them. While there are cafeteria workers in the lunchroom to help your child, kids have very limited time to eat- So, if your child spends half of lunchtime with their hand raised to get help opening their raisins, they're going to be very hungry by the afternoon. I'm going to be linking my two favorite lunch containers at the bottom of this post.
2. Shoes- a lot of kindergarteners can't tie their shoes. If they can, they're slow at it. I didn't like the thought of my five year old having shoes that weren't tied throughout the day. While her teacher would've gladly helped her, I knew that my child wouldn't be the only kid who needed that help. I decided that for Kindy we would do shoes that for the most part, didn't tie. My goal was to keep my kid and her teacher as stress free as I could. So, I found as many cute pairs of Velcro or no tie shoes that I could and we were both confident in not having to worry about her shoes when school started. If we did decide to wear shoes with strings, I always made sure to make a double knot so tight that I knew they wouldn't come undone. Also, my rule is NO FLIP FLOPS at school. It's so easy to trip, they're not playground friendly, and your kids might be tempted to take them off in the classroom. I'm going to link some of my favorite "no tie" shoes at the end of this post. 
3. Pants- The transition into Kindergarten is hard enough without the stress of clothing that's difficult to wear. I hated the thought of my kid not being able to button or zip her pants in the first year.. I mean, what if the zipper breaks? What if it sticks? What if she can't get the button through the hole and the bell is ringing AHHHHHH (seriously, I'm nuts) but, I think it's super smart to dress your kids in easy clothes for school. Girl moms- leggings are your friends! Boy moms- denim pull on joggers are where it's at. You can eliminate so much hassle by sending your kids in what I call "kid confident clothing". Buy jeans with a stretchy waist and no button closure. trust me. I'll link a couple of cute and inexpensive options at the end. 
4. Spare Outfit- chances are your school list will tell you to pack one, but seriously do it. In the front pocket of your kiddo's backpack you should always keep a spare outfit including socks and panties. It could be a potty accident, they could throw up, heck someone else could throw up on them (it happens),  and in that case the spare outfit is vital. Just make sure you swap it out as the seasons change.
5. Snack- you'll probably be asked to pack a snack for the afternoon. And for awhile your child will be STARVING by then. Kids typically don't eat much at lunchtime the first few weeks because they're taking everything in. This isn't a time to try new foods for picky eaters so send things you know your kid will eat. 
6. Water bottle/Back Pack- Yep, you'll need both and yes, even in  kindy, the backpacks get heavy. So, I recommend not going for the cheapest one you can find. We typically use Pottery Barn- not only because the quality is good, but because the straps are plush and my daughter says way more comfortable than her others. They wash great and can be used for several years if you want! They come in multiple sizes- buy the large. Make sure your water bottle won't leak and is big enough that your kiddo won't be needing to refill it multiple times a day. 
7. Socks- most kids go back to school in at least one new pair of shoes. Since you often don't know how the shoes will feel on their feet after a long day of play, make sure you have your child wear socks. The last thing you want is to find out that your child has been in pain half the day with a blister. 
8. Hair- if your kid has a long thick flowing mane like mine I highly recommend styling it out of his or her face during school hours. It's less distracting and aggravating in my opinion. 
9. Bullies and Belief Systems- our school takes a strong stand against bullying. If you hear a child say anything even slightly harsh to another student you're required to report it. I ask Paisleigh every single day after school if everyone was kind to her. She has always said they were. All schools are different- even though I'm confident in our school system it's still important to teach your child how to handle a bully. We chose to role play certain situations to make her feel prepared. We also explained that any type of hurtfulness needs to be told to the teacher immediately and then shared with us, her parents, at pick up time. Communication is key- I have a series of questions that I ask her every day after school to make sure we're staying on top of things. I encourage you all to do the same. You're going to run into kids who don't believe the same way that you do. For example, Paisleigh had child in her class one year that told her he and his family didn't believe in God- not everyone does, but we do. Be prepared to explain diversity with your child while still keeping your core belief system in tact. Teach respect while also reinforcing your own beliefs. We prayed for that little boy and his family... and still do. You'll also have kids that don't believe in Santa, Easter Bunny, etc.. Mine still does and we cherish those magical memories. 
10. Labels- I label all of Paisleigh's school supplies with her name. The kids often share school stuff which is fine by me, but we don't always buy the absolute cheapest stuff so I like to have the accountability of her name on her things. I've had several people tell me that stealing isn't all that uncommon in certain classrooms. We haven't currently experienced anything like that at this time. 
11. Lice/Germs- Before your child heads off to the land of learning it's important to have a chat about what things are ok to share and what things aren't. Go over your own personal list of things that  you expect your child to never share with other students and make sure they understand why- hair brushes, lip gloss, food, drinks, hats, jackets, etc shouldn't be shared in my opinion. Lice is a situation that you don't want any part of and beyond that illness' at school can spread like wildfire even if you're not sharing personal items. Also, we like to use special shampoo and detangler that repels lice. The brand is Fairytales and you can find it at target. 
12. Handwashing/Sanitizer-  your child should be practicing good handwashing long before they head to school. Chances are your teacher will encourage this anyway, but it's important to remind your Kindergartener often to wash their hands at school. Also, I keep a keychain hand sanitizer on the front of my child's back pack as well as a mini sanitizer inside her lunchbox so she can use it before she eats. We are rarely sick (thank goodness). Our favorite sanitizers come from Bath and Body Works. 
13. Meet the Teacher- we are yet to meet a teacher we didn't like. We've had some of the absolute best and we are so grateful. Meet the teacher night is a fantastic time to ask any and all questions you might have about the classroom. What are the behavioral expectations? What type of discipline is used? What is the classroom schedule? How do I know when it's PE, Art, Music, etc? Where do I sign up to help with class parties? PTA? What supplies could I purchase for the classroom? Your teacher should be a wealth of information on how the year is going to go. If you can, get your teachers phone number, I've always been able to text our teachers if I had questions. They've even sent me photos of my child throughout the day! Communication is absolutely the key. 

These are some of the main things that I feel like really helped us get started on the right foot. It does take some prep, but I promise it's so worth it in the end! I'm thrilled to answer any questions you might have and I'll be praying hard for all of my new Kindy mommas this fall! It's not easy, but you can do it! 

For some reason my links aren't working- I'm going to list a few of my favorite brands for you guys and I'll fix the links this week.

Boys Clothing- H&M is my top pick. TONS of stylish jogger pants without a button/zipper super affordable, too!

Girls Leggings/Joggers- H&M, GAP, OLD NAVY, OSH KOSH, Matilda Jane Clothing, Nordstrom

LUNCH Containers- YumBox and Planet box are two good ones. We currently use a Planet box and love it but they're an investment. 

Shoes for boys- Velcro Converse, retro Velcro Nike/Adidas, Cat and Jack for Target, 

Shoes for girls- Velcro converse, Velcro Twinkle Toes by Sketchers, Mary Jane style shoes by Tucker and Tate, Livie and Luca, Anything Velcro by Cat and Jack for Target

XO,

Chasity

These were found in every child's back pack on the last day of Kindergarten. Our teacher even made each child a memory book with photos from their first year in school. 

Colorful Hair Extensions for Kids

My six year old has been begging us to let her color her hair a crazy color. There's no way that was happening. I know that people do it all of the time, but after talking to several salons it requires bleaching your hair before you even put the color on! There's no way I was doing that to her beautiful flowing locks- However, I think we found the perfect compromise. Salon 3:16 in Ozark, Missouri recommended that we do a fun colored hair extension instead of doing hair color and I was so grateful for the suggestion. 

We had a wonderful experience. 

Here's what you need to know:

• The hair is attached using a medical grade adhesive. It grows out with the hair it's attached to and can be moved up three times before It's no longer usable.
• (The cost of moving it up is 12.00)
• They have multiple colors to choose from in the salon- no special order is needed.
• It doesn't harm your hair at all.
• You can wash and style it as you would your normal hair.
• My daughter says she can't even tell there's anything on her head.
• The process is fast and easy.

Let's talk pricing- In my opinion it was extremely reasonable. 

The hair cut cost 18.00 and included wash/blowout/styling.

The Hair extension was 24.00.

Both Paisleigh and myself were extremely happy with how it turned out. She also really liked her stylist I think her name was Justina (but I can't remember exactly).

So, if your kid has been begging you for their hair to look like a unicorn mane I'd highly recommend doing a hair extension instead of hair dye. Check with your local salons to see if they offer a similar option and let me know what you think!

xo,

Chasity

Why I Love PinkBlush

I actually found PinkBlush when I was pregnant. I remember how excited I was to find fashion forward maternity clothes that I could wear even after I had my baby. Beyond that, I'm so proud of this company for providing beautiful clothing to women of every shape and size! This dress is the first piece I received as an ambassador and I was not disappointed. It's the softest knit you've ever felt! They have a huge selection of gorgeous maxi dresses for all sizes including maternity! SO many amazing options for your upcoming family or maternity photoshoots!

PS- I highly recommend walking around in a fun dress while your sister photographs you... We had a blast! 

CLICK HERE to shop this dress

CLICK HERE to shop all Plus Size Dresses

CLICK HERE to visit the PinkBlush Homepage

xo,

Chasity

Pudding Slime With Paisleigh

My girl loves SLIME. We've made several different variations of it (haven't we all??) Anyway, I was pretty excited to see this version while perusing Facebook the other day. I love that it doesn't require any harsh chemicals, it's less messy, and a unique texture. 

It's SO simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to be a slimy success.

One happy girl! keeping the kids entertained during the hot summer months can be hard. Simple projects like this make all of the difference.

Three ingredients is all it takes to keep the kids occupied all afternoon! 

First, here's what you'll need:

1/4 cup of any flavor instant pudding mix

1 cup of corn starch

1/3 cup of warm water

Add your pudding mix, about half of your cornstarch, and the warm water. Start mixing- then add the rest of cornstarch to thicken things up. 

That's it. 

The end result is more of a putty type consistency that can actually be molded into shapes etc (time to bust out the cookie cutters)!

Now, we found that you have to tweak the water and corn starch measurements to get the perfect consistency. It took quite a bit more water than this recipe called for. I'd say three times as much. If you over do the water- add cornstarch to even things out. 

We used lemon flavored pudding and it smelled AMAZING. Also, because all of your ingredients are "food" it's not going to hurt if kiddos sneak a bite or two. 

I hope you guys enjoy this easy summer activity! We're going to be trying out another chemical free version soon, we'll be sure to share the details.

xo,

Chasity

Fun With Picasso Tiles

If you guys are like us you've got toys everywhere. Toys under the couch, under the bed, in the bathroom-- Heck, I could probably find a block in one of my shoes if I tried. BUT, even with tons of options for playtime, have you ever noticed that your kids only play with a select few? 

Every kid has their favorites. For us, it tends to be toys that are interactive and encourage imaginative play. I was thrilled when Picasso Tiles asked if they could send us the Bristle Block Farm Set for review.  I wasn't surprised when both kiddos really enjoyed playing with them.

The first thing I noticed was the convenient box that they came it. It's perfect for storage and even has a plastic handle for carrying. Unlike similar products we've had in the past, these blocks are easy to build with and hold up very well. Both of my kids, ages 6 and 1, could make them stick together without a problem. My husband and I even got in on the fun! 

This set comes with 100 pieces and at around 25.00 it's a fantastic value. Not only will this become a "go-to" toy on those rainy days but it also makes a unique gift to give. I'm always looking for birthday gifts around this price point, and I feel like these would be a crowd pleaser. 

In conclusion, these were a hit. The older kids enjoy building and using their imaginations while little ones work on those fine motor skills with some sensory play- it's a win win in my book. I hope you all found this review to be helpful. I'll link this set below and feel free to ask questions. I also have a video of us using this product on my Instagram- head over there to check it out!

XO,

Chasity

CLICK HERE to purchase your own Bristle Block Farm Set