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While we were researching play-sets and what would fit best in our yard, we kept going back to Woodplay. We love how customizable they are and it’s so fun to be able to switch out the different types of swings. My personal favorite is the hammock, and Lennox’s is the saucer swing. I love watching him and his friends play for hours on end! Their little imaginations run wild and I’ve seen this amazing structure be a magical castle, a hospital , a cabin in the woods and on and on… When we were customizing the actual structure and choosing accessories, Lennox had three must haves on his list— a curly slide, a trapeze bar and a megaphone! We just ordered the spotlight and will be surprising him with it for Christmas!

I always dreamed of a backyard where we could have space for Lennox to run around and play and have all of his friends over. We lived in a townhouse for so many years and simply did not have that kind of space. Feeling so incredibly grateful to be able to look out the window and see our son having such a wonderful time, being active and using his imagination! If you happen to be looking for a play structure this one is number one on our list! We chose the Woodplay 5′ PLAYHOUSE COMBO 2 which I’ve linked HERE

And definitely check out Swingsets.com for the different play-sets they offer along with many other fun outdoor activities for you and your family!

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I’ve been wanting to go home to Arizona for months now. I want to hug my parents and all of our family and friends that we haven’t seen in way too long…It’s strange how planning a road trip looks so differently these days. It used to be that we would do the proper maintenance on our car to ensure everything was in tip top shape, and now, after making sure our car is good to go, we have to worry about testing for Covid-19 and make sure we as a family are healthy too. On top of all the stresses that quarantine and the coronavirus has caused, I feel comfort in knowing that some things never change. 

Kelley Blue Book has been there for our family over the years (and over 90 years as the most trusted third-party automotive brand!) to support us with car maintenance, any estimated repair costs and even possible recalls on our vehicles

The Kelley Blue Book Auto Repair Guide helps to keep our cars in working order and helps us prepare for road trips like ones to Arizona by eliminating any added stress. Kelley Blue Book has a Fair Repair Range Estimator which helps to give us an idea if the prices we are being quoted are indeed fair based on dealer averages. They also provide the ability to make any service appointments on the KBB.com website. They make it so easy, especially at a time when we all have to alter our ways of life.

Before you take that next family trip, you should totally check out Kelley Blue Book‘s Auto Repair Guide to make sure your car is in tiptop shape! I’m so glad we did! Onward and upward!

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I’m also trying to keep grocery store visits to a minimum, so I definitely stock up more than I used to. As a result, I’ve had to be strategic about organizing my fridge to make sure we eat everything we buy. Our Bosch refrigerator is a dream because it’s not only built for custom organization, it also ensures that our produce stays at its freshest with their new four-point FarmFresh System. For example, VitaFreshPro balances both temperature and humidity levels based on the setting I select. All I do is choose whether I’m storing fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, etc., and the fridge does the rest of the work for me! The FreshProtect Filter absorbs natural ethylene from produce to slow down ripening, so I can buy more fresh produce and enjoy it for longer. And, MultiAirFlow + AirFresh Filter keep everything perfectly cool and smelling great all the time, so no more baking soda needed! I swear, I can have produce in what I now call “the freshness drawer” for over two weeks and it’s as if I bought it that same day. I bought an enormous bag of kale and it literally lasted almost two weeks. It was almost an experiment for me. I would eat a little bit of kale every couple of days, taste it for freshness, and it was always delicious! Truly magical and mom approved

Lennox and I have also really started enjoying cooking meals together. Whether it’s a simple PB&J for lunch or Taco Tuesday for dinner, he can easily access the produce drawer and help me pick ingredients for the meal we’ve chosen. He also takes the liberty of going to the drawer every time he wants some fruit!  Sneaky! He ends up asking, but it’s the perfect height for him to open and dig around, so ya can’t blame the kid! Something that has helped me get creative with meal planning is the Home Connect app, which is connected to our fridge and has plenty of recipes, plus cooking tips and tricks. I love using it for recipe inspiration so I’m not always cooking the exact same thing! I have to say, I’ve definitely added a few new recipes to my repertoire recently and it’s continuously growing!

As someone who loves to cook for and take care of my family, it’s comforting to know that my fridge is keeping everything at peak freshness and at the ready so we can whip up healthy and nutritious meals together at any moment. Here are a few of my favorite snapshots of us in the kitchen the past couple months!

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There’s so much more about the reading that was wonderful to hear and learn, especially during these uncertain times. Being a psychotherapist AND astrologer, Debra helped me get to the core and look deeper into my personality traits and guide me to ways of working with them. vs. fighting against them which is my default reaction. She has such a loving and nurturing way about her, her POV and guidance simply made sense to me and has truly has impacted me since we spoke. All this without knowing anything about me besides my date of birth, where I was born and what time. I’m currently reading Debra’s book, and I’m loving it. If you’ve also been interested in astrology Debra is offering a free intro to Astrology packet HERE that you can explore.

“I truly believe that studying your birth chart — starting with the 4 Elements — will help you find deeper compassion for the quirky parts of you you don’t like or understand. That’s why I wanted to offer you this free gift, as an introduction to the elements and compatibility.”

~ Debra Silverman

FULL BLOG POST

I’ve always been interested in astrology. I remember when I was in high school, the first thing I’d do when I got a new magazine was flip to the back pages and read my horoscope. I’m pretty sure I didn’t really understand what I was reading. My knowledge was and still is pretty limited. I’m a Virgo- an earth sign, a perfectionist at heart, logical, practical, systematic, analytical (to a fault at times) and this is a good one- we’re ruled by our digestive system. I always thought these descriptions explained the majority about my personality, BUT they don’t! More on that in a just a second… I’ve always wanted to learn about astrology, but it wasn’t until I discovered Debra Silverman‘s website and YouTube channel that my curiosity peaked. Being completely transparent here- I’m in my head a lot. A lot. Always thinking and analyzing and obsessing about certain things. It doesn’t really matter what it is, if there’s something for me to obsess over, I will! Not too fun. Are there aspects of your personality that either drive you crazy or you can’t quite figure out, too? I was fascinated to learn there are reasons for these aspects of my personality (that seem to battle each other) that help explain why I am the way I am. Debra blew my mind! By looking at my chart and seeing how the different planets line up with each other in relation to the moon and the sun etc. (please forgive my description, I’m a newbie) Debra asked specific questions because of what she saw. She gave me explanations that literally nailed the way I grew up which molded my personality into what it is today. All without knowing anything about me besides my date of birth, where I was born and what time. It’s like she was reading my memoir, but it wasn’t a book, it was my astrology chart. I sat there in awe as she explained how me being a Virgo- the responsible aspect of my personality, is constantly in flux with my rising sign which is Sagitarious- the kid-like, carefree side of myself. She said no wonder I feel crazy and in my head at times! It’s like a kid constantly battling the mature adult. Debra explained it as this ongoing ping pong match in my head. Yep, spot on

There’s so much more about the reading that was wonderful to hear and learn, especially during these uncertain times. Being a psychotherapist AND astrologer, Debra helped me get to the core and look deeper into my personality traits and guide me to ways of working with them. vs. fighting against them, which is my default reaction. She has such a loving and nurturing way about her. Debra’s POV and guidance simply made sense to me and has truly has impacted me since we spoke. I’m currently reading Debra’s book, The Missing Element and I’m loving it. I highly suggest it! If you’ve also been interested in astrology Debra is offering a free intro to Astrology packet HERE that you can explore.

“I truly believe that studying your birth chart — starting with the 4 Elements — will help you find deeper compassion for the quirky parts of you you don’t like or understand. That’s why I wanted to offer you this free gift, as an introduction to the elements and compatibility.”

~ Debra Silverman

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One thing that has been keeping me sane or I should say helping to keep me sane, is the ability to get outside. Breathing fresh air, going on walks and moving my body has been truly a lifesaver. I was nervous that was all going to change but thankfully it has not. Silver lining people. Silver lining. I have to say thank you because a couple of weeks ago, while on one of our long walks I asked you all for opinions and advice on wagons. Lennox, Sophie and I literally walk for miles and it was starting to get tricky because he’s getting so big. Lennox’s is literally 41 inches and 40 lbs!!! I was bringing the stroller for when Len would get tired, because let’s face it, I can’t carry 40 pounds on my back very far!I mean… A bunch of you mentioned the Wonderfold Wagon and I can’t thank you enough. Getting outside has always been important to me, to us, and more so even now. I love packing snacks, jackets, books for Lennox and just going for an adventure. There’s barely anyone on the streets and we just walk and walk and walk. Can ya tell Lennox loves his “wagon throne?”

What are you doing to help keep your sanity? Are you going outside? Or are you afraid? We are being safe, respecting social distancing and truly just doing our own thing. I still smile at people from afar and say hello. That’s part of who I am, it’s in my soul. I can’t change that nor do I want to. Am I giving out free hugs? Absolutely not. Do I look forward to the day when I can? Yes indeed. Sending an enormous virtual hug to all of you.

Stay safe, friends….

.

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I’ve been more emotional this birthday than any of the three before. I’m not sure why? Maybe because you’re not a baby anymore… Although, you will always be my baby! Even when you yell at me, “I’m not a baby, mommy! I am a big kid!“ You will always be my baby… Lennox, you are the most amazing blessing that has ever happened to your daddy and me. Thank you for being kind, gentle, and so loving. Thank you for all the kisses you give me all over my face. One for my nose, my cheeks, the top of my head, my lips, my chin, my forehead, oh, and my earrings! You are so silly and so goofy. You are my sunshine. My son-shine. Happy Birthday, sweet Lennox! 4 looks good on you!

Your cowboy birthday party was a great choice and you definitely made a cute “outlaw!” I absolutely loved celebrating you on your actual birthday! From the mini photo booth to the piñata and pin the tail on the donkey (the old school version like daddy and I played at kids parties) to blowing out your candles, I am happy to say your party went off without a hitch! Thank goodness!!!

You are my little love and you bring joy wherever your go…We you, baby boy! Happy, Happy Birthday!

Xoxo

Mommy

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We get in the car and go straight to his pediatrician. It turns out he has the flu and a pretty bad ear infection in one ear. The doctor keeps asking Lennox if his ear has been bothering him, and he keeps telling her no. I also have to tell you that he had a cough for about three weeks but never a fever, so my husband and I just decided to monitor it. (In December we were at the doctor twice for a cold and they kept saying there’s nothing to do because it’s just a virus.) A couple days before we headed up to Mammoth we had a conversation about whether or not Lennox should go to the doctor. Again, because this cough was never accompanied by a fever, we continued to give him Manuka honey and vitamins. The doctor thought the change in pressure from being high up in the mountains and coming back home to sea level could be the culprit for the ear infection. Who knows how he got the flu?  Ain’t flu season fun???

I know little ones get sick all the time. I know it’s really hard to tell exactly what’s going on with their bodies when they can’t fully tell us yet. I accept that. But there was something about this time he got sick that really upset me. I was upset with myself. I talked to a few friends who made me feel a bit better. They reminded me that kids catch everything and how are we always to know? That schools are a petri dish and it’s good for them to get sick and strengthen their immune systems. I’m grateful for my community, my loving friends and these awesome parents I’m surrounded by. I don’t know what I would do without you guys.  You know who you are…

It turned out that Lennox was only home from school for three days and is now happier than ever. We’re almost done with antibiotics and definitely on the mend. What I’ve learned through this experience this time around, is to not be so damn hard on myself. To trust my mommy instincts even more and give myself grace when I’m not perfect. Does this sound familiar to any of you? Are you also very hard on yourself? If you said yes, let’s do this together. Let’s give ourselves a pat on the back and some grace! We should be proud of how much we love our littles and how we do everything in our power to keep them safe and happy. It’s 2020. Let’s start some new habits and be gentler with ourselves. I’m talking about myself here, but if you’re in the same boat, I’m happy to support you as well. 

Thank you for reading this post. Please share your stories and advice in the comments if you feel so inclined. 
Xoxo

Amy

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I’m new to the Whole30 journey, but I’m not new to Ball® jars! We’ve had them in our home for many, many years and I am so excited to be incorporating them into my new healthy eating journey in the new year. I’ve been scouring the internet for recipes and couldn’t believe all the information I found, not only about Whole30, but all the tips and tricks people are using to
incorporate their journeys with Ball® jars, as well. I’ve found so many beautiful colors of food- different rainbows of colors making up delicious meals. I’m inspired to say the least.

To start my journey, I decided to eat as clean and organic as possible. I eat meat, but I wanted to eliminate it for a few days and so my first mason jar salad is all veggies and full of flavor! I’ve learned that the key to making mason jar salads is all in how you layer them. You have to be strategic so your salad stays fresh and won’t get soggy. Start with the dressing on the bottom and then work your way to the top with the heaviest ingredients first, to the lighter ingredients which will be on the top. TIP- Greens always go on the top so they don’t get soggy! I used a Quart-sized Ball® jar for my salad but the smaller 4oz Ball jars work well when you’re not as hungry.

Layer one – your dressing.

Layer two – hearty veggies that can stand up to being “marinated” in the dressing, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, etc.

Layer three – protein, such as eggs, chicken, cheese, and nuts, etc.

Layer four – your lettuce.

**Then, pour the contents of the Ball® jar into a bowl, and you have a perfectly balanced (and most likely colorful) salad!

I have to admit my salad was pretty amazing! I started with a green goddess dressing, then layered organic heirloom baby tomatoes, broccoli, corn, kale and then topped it off with sunflower seeds. I ate the entire salad and then went back for seconds!! Eating all these organic vegetables is helping me feel good from inside and out.

I have discovered so many amazing recipes, not just salads. Another favorite so far is a simple fruit parfait. I started with coconut yogurt from Cocoyo Pure which is Whole30 compliant, (most yogurts are not), then added strawberries, bananas, blueberries, raspberries and sprinkled some almonds and pistachios on top. I put it in the small Ball® jar because goodness knows I ate every last bite and if it was in the large jar I would’ve had a crazy stomach ache LOL! This was the perfect portion for me to enjoy a sweet treat in the middle of the day and not feel guilty!  I’m so excited for my Whole30 journey and thrilled to share it with all of you. Here’s to a healthy, happy new year!

And, BONUS…you can “Spin to win” for some great prizes!!! You could win Ball products like (4oz jars with plastic lids, pour-and-measure storage cups), a Whole30 cookbook, a $25 Athleta gift card, or a $10 Visa cards to be used at retailers to pick up Ball products! Click HERE! And good luck! So excited to share my journey with you all!

Happy New Year!

xoxo

Amy

A yummy, dairy-free sweet treat for you below that I’m loving!

I used coconut yogurt from Cocoyo Pure, then added strawberries, bananas, blueberries, raspberries and sprinkled some almonds and pistachios on top.

The post My BALL JAR AND WHOLE 30 JOURNEY🍓🍑🍋🥒🍆🍉 appeared first on Amy Davidson - Working Mom Blog.

We stayed at the Westin, Maui in one of the newly renovated suites. This hotel has gone through so many renovations already and they’ve only just begun. Our suite was in the new tower and my goodness, our room was stunning! I can’t think of another resort we’ve stayed in that has hardwood flooring…?! It’s a unique touch that really transforms a hotel in my opinion. Our suite was perfect for our family. My husband and I had our own bedroom and there was a long hallway that separated us from the living room and dining area. We got a rollaway for Lennox which fit perfectly in the living room and he loved having his own space! Thank goodness! I’ve learned in the past years that bringing familiar pieces of home help acclimate Lennox when we are on vacation. I brought his sound machine and night light that shines the constellations on the ceiling. He slept every single night and woke up refreshed and happy! A big bonus when you have a toddler LOL!

I love that when we are on holiday our biggest decision is beach or pool!? Isn’t it funny how priorities shift when we allow ourselves to rest and relax. We spent the majority of our days lounging by the pool, helping Lennox get more familiar with swimming and a zillion rides down the waterslide. It was so much fun! We didn’t plan too many excursions because we wanted to play things by ear, but we did have a magical evening at a luau – which Lennox is still talking about! And an amazing sunset cruise. It blows my mind how sunsets are truly treasured on the island. People would gather in front of the resort and sit on the grassy knoll and stare in silence and awe. It was pretty magical.

Our entire trip was magical! I look forward to next summer when the Westin, Maui has fully completed their renovations and we get to visit once again and see this resort in completion. Apparently they are adding many more waterslides, expanding the pools and completely re-doing their main restaurant. We so look forward to an annual trip to Maui and are grateful to have found a resort that we want to make our second home! To everyone that helped make our vacation and my birthday magical, I want to say a huge thank you! We can’t wait to see you in 2020 and celebrate the reveal of the new and improved Westin, Maui!

Until then…

If I had only know about these 30 baby MUST HAVES when Lennox was a baby traveling would have been so much easier! And- they’re all under $25.00!

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