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LIFE OF A BOY-MOM

Lifestyle

Mom-ing Mondays: Putting the Phone Down

9/21/2020

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I am absolutely guilty of being on my phone way too much. Especially during this time of not seeing family and friends quite as often--and definitely during the “stay at home” order-- is when I noticed the increase in my use of my phone, social media, etc.

A couple of weeks ago, Todd and I had a discussion about it. I decided that I was going to try keeping my phone put away, with volume on in case of a text or phone call, but try to stay off of the phone through the day other than checking for a message here and there.

Here’s what I noticed:
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I was overall in a better mood

I was able to be more present and found myself interacting with the boys more often. I hadn’t realized how much I really was detaching myself from everyday life by looking at social media, creating content, online shopping and so on. After my first day of putting the phone down, I found that I was a bit sad about how much of a difference I felt. 

​I’ve heard news stories and read studies of how addictive phones and social media can be. I’m not oblivious to it. But realizing that one day of less time on my phone made such a big difference in my mood, I knew that my phone usage clearly had become a problem.
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The Kids were More Manageable

From day one, I was able to catch arguments before they started, head off frustrations that were brewing, and just was able to have more fun playing with the boys. This was a huge difference from the normal interactions that had become pretty frequent--kids getting frustrated, and then in turn I would get frustrated with them. By being more present, I could predict behaviors and redirect the boys before we ended up having an issue.
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Keeping it Balanced

These days, it is pretty difficult to just say no to social media and the phones altogether. Especially with trying to create a social media presence--that would be a bit difficult to continue. I enjoy writing this blog, sharing ideas, information and pictures, and I also enjoy seeing what other people create and share.
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What I’ve realized is that there are appropriate times to be in that world, and it isn’t supposed to be while I have time to spend with the kids...or even with Todd for that matter. I can make time for myself and use it as I see fit, and maybe that is the time I can just veg-out and look through posts. I can also just do things in small increments and make sure to not get sucked into scrolling or doing a project when my attention should be elsewhere.
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So the idea is not to turn your life upside down, not to totally get rid of your social media or screen time, but be more conscious of it. Think about how present you are throughout your day. I fall back into the habit on certain days and then other days I’m way better. It is definitely something I will need to unlearn and just do my best going forward.
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Abercrombie & Amazon Haul

9/20/2020

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Fall fashion is my weakness, so of course I'm going to find some staple pieces to add to my wardrobe, but also make them items that I would wear around the house because more than likely, that is where I will be this year!

Here are some of my favorite Items that found while perusing the most recent  Abercrombie sale and Amazon:
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The Studio Sister X A&F - Boyfriend Chenille Sweater

This sweater is so extremely soft and cozy, I would wear it every single day! I love that it is loose-fitting, but not frumpy. It is versatile and looks cute with a french tuck into some jeans, but could be worn with some leggings too! Looks like sizes are limited at the moment (I went with a small since it is a boyfriend fit), but Jen from The Sister Studio blog & Instagram has done a few collections with Abercrombie in the past, so be on the lookout for more or a restock!

​Linked here!
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The Sister STudio X A&F - Cozy Waffle Hoodie

Talk about the perfect fall top! This is a lightweight hoodie, simple but so cute with the waffle detail and the thicker hoodie strings! It is also a bit rounded at the bottom, so could be paired with either jeans or leggings! It is super soft material and I just love the look of this! I usually am right in between sizes small & medium (typically a size 6) and this size small is a great fit for me!

​Linked here!
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soft af - Oversized Crewneck Sweatshirt

I am definitely living for the leopard trend! I wanted just a cozy, big crewneck to wear out for a casual get-together or to wear around the house and still feel a bit "dressed". I grabbed this one when it was on sale, and there is usually a 15% off code available! This is a super soft and comfortable sweatshirt that I know I'm going to get a lot of use out of! I love that I can throw a black vest over it to even dress it up a bit! It is oversized, and I still went with the medium, but definitely could've gone with a small!

​Linked here!
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Amazon- Zesica Crewneck Striped Sweater

This sweater is a bit out of the norm for me with all of the color! (And yes, it is also wrinkled since I haven't washed it yet...whoops). I typically stick with neutrals and black, especially in the fall, but I love how fun and bright this sweater is! I went with a medium and it is a great fit. The material is great and so soft, and for a very reasonable price---I am really excited to wear this one! 

Linked here!
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Amazon - BTFBM Leopard sweater & Mangopop Bodysuit

See, I told you that I am here for leopard! I saw this on one of my favorite Instagram fashion influencer accounts as a knockoff for a leopard sweater at Nordstrom and just had to check it out. I love it as something comfortable and fun to just dress up some jeans or black leggings! I also paired it with my favorite affordable bodysuit that I've found! It is a ribbed, racerback tank style and also really comfortable for a bodysuit.

Bodysuit linked here!
Sweater linked here!
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Mom-ing Mondays: Me Time

9/7/2020

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[You'll notice this edition of Mom-ing Mondays is within the Lifestyle section because this one is more focused on the mom, less on the actual kiddos!]

Ahhh the old “I just need some time for me!” saying!

But for real.

We all need a break and we all need some forms of self-care throughout the week.

Now that Todd and I are continuing to schedule out our weeks, we’re going to also include that “me time” to get time away or time to ourselves to recharge and feel a bit more ourselves outside of being parents!

Here’s the list of things that I’m going to do for myself:

Work out

I love that we bought a stationary bike to allow for a more intense at-home workout during Covid! We also have enough free weights, a yoga mat, etc. for me to get a decent workout that I would’ve done at the gym previously! I’m going to schedule in workout time at least three times a week (maybe even just 20-30 minutes) and also try to get to The Dailey Method cycle & barre studio where my sister teaches when possible!

Get Dressed & ready

Especially during the fall, I really enjoy fashion, make up and hair! Just because I’m mostly staying at home doesn’t mean that I can’t get ready for the day and feel more put together! I'm going to make sure that I give myself time in the mornings to put on a real outfit (when I feel like it) and fix my hair and even put on some basic make up just to feel a bit normal.

Use all the oils

Since I’ve started using Young Living, I somehow seem to forget to use them on myself quite often. I always use them to help the kids, friends or family, but need to be better about setting myself up for success to begin the day. I'm going to integrate a morning oil application and diffusing routine to make sure that I’m focused on my own well-being too! The Gary Young "Good Day" method is where I will start:
- Valor on the wrists
- Harmony (or Loyalty) on the solar plexus
- Joy on the heart
​- White Angelica to breathe In and brush all over from head to toe

Acupuncture

​I’ve been going to my acupuncturist for over 2 years now and I will continue to use this as a meditation time to recharge, recenter, relax and focus on my overall wellness. If you haven’t yet ventured into the world of Chinese medicine, you should look into it! Not only does it help my mental & emotional state, but has helped with physical issues as well!

Stay Useful

While this might be a strange way to phrase it, i want to make sure that I am continuing to do projects throughout the week that give me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It doesn’t have to be one specific thing, but activities like writing my blog, the oil business and other small side projects are what keep me feeling like myself!
​I’ve found that even things like big cleaning/organizing projects, redecorating and finding new favorite fashion pieces to share all keep me grounded and like I have accomplished something.


I’m going to definitely be trying to stay on top of these five things starting this week, but without letting it stress me out (because that would have the opposite effect of what I’m looking for!) What are your self-care “must haves”? Share them in the comments!

Have a great week everyone!
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    Jamie Haley

    ​Jamie is a high school biology teacher turned stay at home mom of three boys
    with a passion for beauty, healthy living and of course, kiddos!

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