Back to School Lunch Tip: Label Your Child’s Lunchbox and More!

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Back to school is here!

It feels like summer just flew by. We have been so busy soaking up all the summer fun, going to dance camps, and getting ready for KINDERGARTEN! I am still in disbelief that she is in elementary school now — seems like yesterday that I was bringing her home from the hospital.

Anyways, kindergarten is such a big step in a child’s life. There’s way more responsibility on a little and they have to gain independence too. As a parent, it’s so hard to just let them go into this stage without being able to help as much as we have until this point. One way I’ve tried to be proactive and help Mila succeed during her kindergarten year was with specific tools and practice.

I love sharing what works with our family to help others, so here’s my tips. If you have any other different tips to help parents/guardians and their kids for lunchtime at school, comment them below.

  1. Custom Labels from Name Bubbles

The BIGGEST tool I’m using to help Mila is our Custom School Supply Labels from Name Bubbles.

We have used Name Bubbles’ labels before and they work amazing. Their labels are perfect for lunchtime items because they are dishwasher safe, microwave safe, freezer safe. laundry safe. and waterproof. 

Mila and I put her labels on her water bottle, bento box, lunchbox, and freezer pack. It might just be Mila, but I feel like I’m constantly washing her lunchtime items by hand-washing them and throwing the lunchbox bag in the washing machine. I don’t have to worry about Name Bubbles’ labels coming off of these items since they are so durable.

Another fun reason we love Name Bubbles Custom School Supply Labels is because Mila got to pick out her favorite design, font, and colors. That’s pretty cool for a kindergartener. For parents and guardians, it’s easy to help them design their custom labels too. It just is a little detail that makes their day so much more special at school.

Plus you can use GreySkies10 to save on your Name Bubbles order!

I love all the designs they have, so I had to share some of the ones they have on their website:

Here’s some ways using Custom School Supply Labels from Name Bubbles can help your child at lunchtime during back to school season:

  • Prevents mix-ups. It can be easy for kids to mix up their lunchboxes with their friends’, especially if they look similar. Labeling your child’s lunchbox will help to avoid this problem.
  • Helps with allergies. If your child has any food allergies, labeling their lunchbox will help to ensure that they do not eat anything that could make them sick. I personally have a peanut allergy, so this is so important to me. Just by labeling lunchboxes, children can avoid having a tragic allergic reaction.
  • Encourages independence. When kids know that their lunchbox is labeled, they are more likely to take responsibility for packing it themselves. Mila is very keen on helping get food for her lunch. It’s such a special time for us to pack it together, especially since she takes ownership of the food and her lunchbox. This can help to build their independence and self-confidence. This also helps at school too. A child can easily find their lunchbox by looking for their custom label.
  • Makes it easier for teachers and staff to help. We know mix ups do happen though. If your child needs help finding their lunchbox, a teacher or staff member will be able to easily identify it if it is labeled.

2. Make their lunch fun!

If I know anything about kindergarteners, it’s that they like to have FUN!

Usually the simple and little things are the most fun for kids. This is especially true for their lunches too. I have a few ways I try to do this for Mila. It does take some extra time, but for me, it pays off. She always lets me know the little surprises make her smile at school. At the end of last year, she even started having fun requests too.

  • Fun shapes. I use different sandwich cutters for her sandwiches to surprise her. Her favorite is butterflies, but I like to switch it up week to week and especially on the holidays. I also try to cut different fruits in fun shapes for her too.
  • Napkins. This seems so basic, but adding random colored or themed napkins make a difference. Mila always knows there’s a special holiday going on when I change up her napkins.
  • Make it a surprise. As much as Mila loves to help me out with her lunches, sometimes i switch what I make up. She loves when this happens.
  • Switch up containers. Mila has a few different bento boxes, water bottles, reusable bags, etc that gets changed out every other day. Just make sure to label everything with your Custom School Supply Labels from Name Bubbles!

3. Always include a special note.

This one really seems simple, but it makes all the difference.

I add a note in her lunchbox everyday. Even though she can’t read it, she’ll ask her teachers to read it for her. BUT if they don’t have time, I try to draw a picture or ‘love hearts’ in her note so she knows that I’m sending love her way.

These notes are just a little reminder that your child is being thought of by you. I know Mila looks forward to what she’s going to get every day.

4. Practice unwrapping, opening, and getting food and lunchboxes with your child.

They will feel so confident that they can do it themselves and it’s helpful for the teachers and staff on duty to help other kids who cannot do these things themselves.

No matter what, your child is going to do great this year when they go back to school. I hope some of these lunchtime tips will help ease your and your child’s mind a little before getting to school. Again, if you have any other suggestions, please comment below.

I will be sending out love to everyone in this back to school season. It’s been a hard one for me, but I’m so thankful for all the support and love that friends and family have shown Mila and me.

Please make sure to use GreySkies10 when you check out Name Bubbles and their Custom School Supply Labels. They are so helpful in Mila’s lunchtime experience.

Sibling grief is hard.

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Last night was one of the hardest parenting nights I’ve had.

Mila starts school very soon and we’ve changed up her bedtime routine. We’ve started not watching movies to sleep, but just listening to soothing sounds after reading all the books. Not having screens on have been a big help to her sleep. It’s also opened up more conversations between the both of us.

Even though she’s only five, she’s taking everything in and has big thoughts. I try to be open, honest, and just listen to her about whatever is on her mind. Last night, was hard though.

It started off with her just talking about Jensen’s picture on the wall. She said it was a little crooked and it needed fixed. Then it turned into her saying she really missed her… and then into sobs. She kept on saying his name and that she missed him and that she didn’t understand why God made people die. She said she wishes she could just go to heaven to be with him since he can’t be here with us. Her face was soaked with tears and there was nothing I could do to stop the pain, because it doesn’t stop.

I felt totally powerless as a parent. I know she needs to feel what she’s feeling, but it’s heartbreaking.

Hearing her say his name over and over throughout the sobs — it makes me tear up now.

In that moment, I told her he’s always around us. We can always remember and honor him. Whenever we’re sad and want to see him we can look at his pictures or go through his books. I tried telling her the things I do and the thoughts I think whenever I feel sad about his death too. And, I told her I was sorry. Sorry that she had to live without her brother and sorry she had this grief, but I was happy she was here and alive and that she is such a bright light. She listened to it all, but still kept repeating herself.

It just fucking hurts.

I ended up snuggling her. There’s literally nothing else we can do. Sometimes we just have to sit with our grief and sadness. I knew in that moment, she just needed her mom to be there through that rough wave of grief.

Eventually, I grabbed Jensen bear for her so she could snuggle up to him and fall asleep.

So as I’m always transparent on here… something strange did happen last night.

I don’t actively look for ‘signs’ like I did early in my grief. Whenever I see orange and blue out and about, I think it’s a little hello. There’s other things that just happen that make me think it’s him saying hello.

Remember that I said Mila has a lullaby that plays all night long? Like it doesn’t shut off until we physically do it in the morning. Well, last night when she said I wish I could just snap my fingers and he’d be here — the lullaby just stopped. Like it completely shut off as soon as she said it. Which is strange since it never is off at night.

Mila was instantly like, “what the heck just happened?” Then she turned the lullaby back on.

We had another cycle of Mila’s questioning and sobbing and looking at pictures. Once again, she said, I just wish I could snap my fingers and he’d be right here. And again, the lullaby goes off.

Maybe it’s just a crazy coincidence, but I told her it was Jensen letting her know he was here. It seemed to have calmed her down and made her smile. She loved the idea that he was playing a little game with her to distract her from the sadness.

We made it through a rough night of sibling grief. I know there will be more nights and moments like this in the future. Together we’ll be able to make it through whatever.

DIY PRIDE Wand

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We’re getting ready to celebrate so many things next month. Just is packed full of goodies like Father’s Day and PRIDE Month. Want to see a fun DIY to make for PRIDE Month? Your little will love to play with this wand being an ally at parades or just around the house too.

Ever since Mila has been little, I’ve wanted her to be around all types of different people. I’ve always told her that love and acceptance is one of the most important things we can have and share with others. PRIDE Month is no different. We love our LGBTQ+ friends and want them to know we support them through everything.

Love is just so special.

One thing I want to do is take Mila to a PRIDE parade! I figured we’d need to bring some accessories for that and thought a wand with bells on it would be perfect! Any noise maker is a hit for Mila.

All we needed for this DIY was:

  • Dowel/Stick
  • Yarn/Ribbon
  • Bell/Disco Ball
  • Hot Glue

Mila helped me tie the yarn on to the dowel. We’ve been practicing knots and tying shoes, so this was fun for her to do. I always try to add ways she can help me in any DIY.

I didn’t hot glue the bells down. They were super stable with just tying them on. Since I’m obsessed with disco balls right now, I added one to the top.

Honestly, I think it turned out so cute and I love that it helps celebrate PRIDE and something that Mila can use over and over again.

What types of activities do you do to celebrate PRIDE? I’m also always am looking for book recommendations and would love to share the ones I have here too.

To Whom It May Concern and Those That It Doesn’t:

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I wrote a letter almost four years ago to the day.

When I first wrote it, I never expected it to get the traction it did. Lots of people seemed to want to know where Mila came from and it got shared around, a lot. Since I’ve written it, it still gets a lot of views and will get more some weeks than others. People are nosey or are just discovering my journey of motherhood with Jensen and Mila.

This past weekend has been weird and re-traumatizing for me. I know it’s been worse for others, but I’m allowed to feel too.

In the past three years, I’ve worked a lot on myself. Healing after being in a narcissistic cycle is not easy. It took time, changing my phone number, speaking to authorities, and learning how to trust myself and others again. There was a ton of ups and downs and I’m proud of the person who I am today.

All of the sudden on Friday, it seemed like a whole wave of emotions filled me. I felt horrible for the innocents impacted, I felt happy that Mila was safe. I felt validated in my decisions since the first time every thing happened. I felt sad and protective for my past self who loved and then wanted to do the best thing when those rose-colored glasses were slapped off. It was a whirlwind for me after being uninvolved the past three years.

I gave myself the weekend to tiptoe around the feelings and let myself somewhat try to process. Then this morning after working and doing some self care, I let my toes dip. I’m a letter writer to remember my feelings/emotions or what happened.

In 2020, I wrote another letter that I’ve never published on here because it’s damning and raw and hard and what I had to get out. But it’s… it’s too much for others.

My words from that letter aren’t too much for me. They’re my truth, what I felt. I also had pictures too. Screenshots from text messages, him and I smiling together, and one that made my stomach sick: him playing with toys with Mila.

I’ve felt that pit in my stomach before, a few times in my life — they’ve all stemmed from pictures because they’re proof. Proof of death, guilt, innocence, and the past.

It could’ve been her.

He was right there beside her in that picture. The thought of her being physically/sexually hurt by him kills me. I am so disappointed I ever let her beside him, but I didn’t know until I did. He will never get the chance to hurt her.

But I wanted to share a paragraph and a sentence that I wrote from there that feels even more true now:

I felt the freedom for Mila and myself knowing my life isn’t going to be affected by the storm you’re going to go through. I felt freedom knowing Mila will never, ever be away from me. Freedom from the fears I had before about her being treated badly if she’d ever be there is gone. I felt freedom from every type of abuse she’d have to encounter with him as her dad. Freedom from the years of emotional abuse I’ve been through. I felt freedom to let go of it all.

Everything I felt trapped by is gone now.

I felt freedom three years ago because I walked away from it all. Because I knew the truth and couldn’t stand by it. I couldn’t ever let anything bad happen to Mila and I never will.

I wish I could’ve told myself three years ago that I would feel even more free in the future. That one day everything would come to light. That a picture would help make me feel free instead of that dreadful pit.

A mugshot which symbolizes a person being locked up would become an image of freedom for us.

I don’t owe anyone this letter or explanation of my feelings. I don’t care that I was villainized for doing what I thought was best. At the end of the day I protected myself and my daughter. I did what was right as a mother.

I hope and wish those girls will be able to heal.

And to the rest of them, to those who never deserved my daughter, I have no words, just a picture.

Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

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Teacher Appreciation Week is a week-long celebration of teachers in the United States. It is held in the first full week of May, and is a time to thank teachers for their hard work and dedication to their students.

The week was first celebrated in 1984 by the National PTA, and is now celebrated in schools and communities across the country. There are many ways to show your appreciation for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, such as:

  • Writing a thank-you note
  • Sending a gift card or flowers
  • Making a donation to a teacher’s favorite charity
  • Volunteering in the classroom
  • Simply saying “thank you”

Teachers are an important part of our society, and they deserve our appreciation every day. Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time to show our gratitude for all that they do.

I am so thankful for Mila’s preschool teachers. They have taught her so much content and how to be a good human. She truly loves and cares for them, as do I! It’s so important to use to give back to them to show them how much we care.

In the past, we’ve made some fun gifts that you can DIY:

Obviously we love to give plants as a gift since we love them so much, but food and personal care items are also a hit too!

I think we’ll be doing something with mint this year since I have an abundance of it! Plus who doesn’t need mint?

Here are some other ways you can show your appreciation for teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week:

  • Bring in breakfast or lunch for your teacher.
  • Have your child make them a card or draw a picture.
  • Write a letter to your local newspaper or school board expressing your appreciation for teachers.
  • Attend a school board meeting and speak in support of teachers.

Teachers are essential to our society, and they deserve our support. No matter what you do, show them how much we appreciate them during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Please let me know in the comments your favorite way to show teacher appreciation or links to a gift you’ve done before.

11 Earth Day Ideas To Do With Your Child

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Happy Earth Day friends!

Although we believe Earth Day should be every day, here’s a few ways you can show your love for our earth with your child. There’s a mix of no cost, no prep ideas with more prep and some cost ideas. But they’re all ways to show some love to Mother Earth.

  • Plant a tree. 
  • Make a bird feeder. Birds are important pollinators, and they can also help to control pests. Making bird feeders can be really easy too! We’ve DIY’d a few bird feeders the last few years. Every time it’s so fun to make with Mila. Check them out here: Rainbow Heart Bird Feeder, Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder, Birdhouse Motel.
  • Go on a nature walk. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, my little absolutely loves getting outside and exploring. Going on a nature walk and having her find different things while walking is always a hit! You can have littles do a Nature Scavenger Hunt or look for something specific depending on their interests. Either way, getting outside is always a great idea.
  • Help to clean up a local park or beach. This is a great way to teach kids about the importance of keeping our environment clean. I swear Mila constantly asks if we can pick up the trash on the side of the road every time we’re in the car. Maybe one day, but we just focus on our walking paths for now.
  • Learn about recycling. There are so many fun ways to teach kids about recycling. This water activity let Mila see the impact of what our trash does to our oceans.
  • Make a bug hotel. Get a cardboard box, paint it, fill it with leaves/twigs/flowers/rocks, and set outside. Bugs will love the space and you can learn about them while they’re exploring their new hotel.
  • Make a compost bin. Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of food waste that goes to landfills. We have not started one at our house yet, but it is a huge goal of mine to finally do it. One day soon and I’ll make sure I share with you guys too.
  • Start a garden. Growing your own food is a great way to teach kids about where their food comes from and how to eat healthy. We absolutely love making a garden every year. Some years we start off with seeds and others we get starts. Either way, it’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day!
  • Make seed bombs.
  • Paint a pot. We have a lot of plants in our house, but seemingly never enough pots. A fun way to either get a plant for your home or replant a new one is for your little to paint a pot. When Mila does this, she knows she’s in charge of watering and checking in on that plant. It helps teach her responsibility and broaden her love for our Earth.
  • Don’t use paper or plastic plates. This is a huge one! We normally don’t use paper plates or any cutlery that you can throw away. It helps reduce waste and we get to buy really cute plates too.

I’d like to end this post by saying, it’s okay if you don’t do any of these things. Being a parent/guardian is hard work and you’re doing your absolute best!

Here are some other Earth Day projects if you’re feeling inspired:

And then, she was five.

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April 14, 2018 is another day that changed my life forever. Mila was born.

Photo by Katie Finnicum from Simplicity of Grace

The second hardest experience of my life was pregnancy after loss. Every day I was pregnant with Mila, I thought she was going to die. I didn’t sleep and constantly worried.I was never hungry and whenever I forced myself to eat, nothing tasted good. I was constantly in pain and had terrible anxiety and depression… but it was all worth it.

I remember almost everything about being pregnant with Mila. I willed myself too because my memory is so choppy around Jensen. We had a lot of appointments and ultrasounds. They couldn’t take my blood pressure until after I either saw her heart beating on the screen or heard it. As soon I as I did, I could just enjoy the moment and focus on how magical she made me feel. I even remember every time we had an ultrasound she was pointing her feet like a little ballerina… I guess you can say she didn’t just become a dancer, she always was one.

The moment she was born, it was silent. I knew that silence and was terrified. Then a few second later, she started crying and has really never stopped crying, talking, or singing since then.

Only a few days old.

I wish I could say my anxiety and depression stopped after she was born… it didn’t. I pictured her dying in my head constantly. If I walked through a doorway, I saw her head getting hit. When she was in the bassinet, I saw her getting caught in it and not being able to get out. I pictured her falling or people dropping her when they held her. I felt insane. On top of that I was dealing with what’s his name. I was not in a healthy state personally, but I did my best to be the mom she deserved.

If anyone asks me, I’ll say that first year was the hardest and at year five of parenting my rainbow baby, I still stand by that. Being a mom is hard, but that first year of highs and lows connected us more than I could have ever imagined.

Honestly, I don’t even know why I’m writing all of this. I never truly deep dived in what happened in that first year on here. But I think it’s important to know, especially when I get to talking about her.

It’s been five yers since her grand entrance and I can honestly say her and Jensen are my greatest gifts. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for Mila. That’s a lot for a five year old to hold, but she doesn’t know. Maybe one day she will, but it’s not her job. To me, she lights up the world. I might have brought her to life, but she gave me back mine. I will never be able to thank her enough. That’s probably why I’m so extra with her, lol.

At five, here are things I want to remember about her or what I’d want her to look back and know.

  • That she dances any time she hears music, no matter where she may be and I love watching her.
  • One time at tumble practice this year, Mila’s tumble coach came out to let me know that during her water break, she somehow snuck in fingernail polish and started painting her nails… during practice!
  • Speaking of the above, she is an incredible packer. If she has pockets or a bag, I have to check them in case she brings something she’s not allowed, but she seems to always sneak it anyways.
  • She is so smart and can spell all the colors.
  • Her heart is the size of all the oceans combined. She is so empathetic and cares about every person, animal, and plant.
  • Once, she cried when we sold a plant because she was going to miss it so much.
  • She is creative. Not only in dance, but she makes up songs, is a really awesome drawer (but doesn’t like coloring), and can tell such good stories. Plus, she is crafty and loves painting and helping me make things.
  • She hates her hair brushed, but loves her long Rapunzel hair.
  • She still loves the beach and going on vacations.
  • Our hand squeezes.
  • She hates waking up in the morning, but is excited for kindergarten (I am not).
  • She is a people person who loves her friends and family.
  • Her choice words. She sometimes uses ‘colorful’ words and when I try to correct her she’ll tell me, “mom, they’re only words.’
  • She loves to have spa days and will steal Josh’s cucumbers for our eyes.
  • She’s going to miss being four, but is happy to make a new growth mark on the doorway trim.

I could probably go on and on, but those are the main ones popping in my head tonight.

Mila’s First Birthday

As I’m winding down, looking through all our pictures, and realizing I’m saying way too much — I guess what just keeps going through my mind is how proud I am of my five year old.

I’m proud of the little woman she’s becoming. I’m proud of how headstrong she is. I’m proud of her smarts. I’m proud of her outgoingness. I’m proud of her love. I’m proud of every single thing about her and I know that’ll continue for as long as I live.

Happy FIFTH birthday, Mila. You deserve the world and the entire universe.
I am so glad Jensen picked you for me and I’ll always love you more.

Seven.

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April 5, 2016 is a day that forever changed my life. It’s the day my son, Jensen, was born.

I never thought I could love one person as deeply as I love him. He’s touched my heart and life in ways I can’t even explain. In a way not even death could steal.

There are days I replay all the songs I would listen to when I was pregnant with him. I can recall how his movements felt in my belly, how I felt at every ultrasound when I saw him, and the feeling of the newly washed clothes I packed for him in the hospital bag.

I have a terrible memory, but I can remember so much of his life.

With all those memories, I still have so many more questions. There’s seven year of memories I’ve missed out on with a lifetime of them to go.

At seven, what would he be into? How would his looks change? Would he think I was weird yet?

Even though I only got to see him as a baby, I still picture what he’d look like at every age. I still think he’d have curly hair and I go between seeing green or brown eyes. For some reason, I think he’d be quiet, until you got to know him and then you’d have your ear talked off.

I wish I could hear about all his likes and dislikes. I wish I knew what his favorite meal was. I wish I could watch his favorite movie with him. I wish I could know what his favorite school special was. I wish I could hear his annoyed voice. I wish I could soak up every moment of Jensen.

I will never think that losing him was the right thing or what was supposed to happen. My son died and it completely changed me and every thing around me. If I could bring him back right now, I would.

It’s a little odd that seven years has came and went so quickly. When you have kids, that’s sort of how life change. Time goes by because you focus on them. What they don’t tell you is if your child dies, time goes both excruciatingly fast and slow at the same time.

How can that be?

In the first two years after, I hated time, but I counted it so very closely. Every Tuesday hurt, every 5th of a new month stabbed me, and the holidays were unbearable. I wanted that pain though.

Now, time goes so fast and we’re so busy that I felt guilt. Guilt that I’ve learned how to bury my pain when I need. Hurt when I don’t take make moment of my life the most it could be because he couldn’t. Shock when I realize it’s been so long since I’ve felt him.

The grief and pain of my son dying is something I could never prepare for — but I will say the amount of love and the way I look at life now is so different.

Seven years ago, I became a mom in a way I never would have imagined.

Seven years ago, I was wheeled out of the labor and delivery floor without my baby.

Seven years ago, I felt the world around me fall and a dark, different one rise around me.

Seven years ago broke me.

Seven years ago my son was born.

Seven years ago, I felt all the love a mother could feel for their child.

Seven years ago, I became a mom to my favorite little boy that’s ever existed.

Seven years ago felt like the end, but I promised my boy we would love and live this time we had fully.

Even though we only had a short time together, I have a lifetime of remembering him and letting his light shine so bright.

On every April 5 (and every day), I get to celebrate my son on the day he was born.

Happy birthday in heaven, Jensen.
I will miss and love you for all my life.
Thanks for letting me be your mom.

Death Wish Coffee Co. Espresso Roast: My New Fav Coffee

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If you’re looking for an Espresso Roast that’ll give you an extra kick, you’re going to want to check out Death Wish Coffee Co.

For Christmas this year, Josh bought me an espresso machine. I was so excited because I’ve wanted one for a while, but never treated myself to one. So when I opened it up, I instantly wondered what the best type of espresso I could get to make at home.

I’ve tried a few different kinds… but Death Wish’s espresso roast is my absolute favorite.

To be honest, I love the name of the company and the logo is a skull and cross bones. It feels like a bad ass brand and it automatically brings that with their marketing and packaging. When I was in college, I got a secret tattoo that I hid from my parents that’s a skull. Instantly, their brand spoke to my once (it’s still in there somewhere, right?) bad ass soul. Their website constantly makes me smile with their wording, but what completely won me over was actually tasting their brews.

Death Wish Coffee Espresso Blend is a dark roast coffee that is made with a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The coffee is roasted to a deep, dark perfection with rich notes of cocoa, caramelized sugar and cherries. The result is a rich, intense cup of coffee that is perfect for espresso drinks.

Here are some reasons why Death Wish Coffee Espresso Blend it’s so good:

  • It is a BOLD coffee with a high caffeine content.
  • It is a flavorful coffee with notes of cocoa, caramelized sugar, and cherries.
  • It is a versatile coffee that can be used in a variety of brewing methods, including espresso, drip coffee, and French press.
  • It gives me a ton of energy.

So far, I’ve made some fun coffee recipes with it for St. Patrick’s Day, like a delicious Lucky Charms cereal milk coffee. You need to try using cereal milk as creamer… so good! I also use it for my daily caramel macchiato. Death Wish‘s blend gives me a bigger boost then going to get my normal order any where else.

Personally, I love the taste, the overall vibe of the brand (you have to check out their socials), and how they have a subscription service so I’m never out of my favorite coffee. Death Wish Coffee Co says their coffee slaps back and I’d have to agree.

Although I’ve been obsessed with making my espresso in the morning because of my fabulous new machine, I’m totally wanting to try their new brew: Dark Spirits. It’s a mint chocolate whiskey brew that ( can only imagine starts the morning off perfectly. I have to get it soon so I can try it out in different cocktails too.

I’ll get back to you when I eventually try it out!

No matter what your go to brew is in the morning, you can find it at Death Wish Coffee Co. Here’s their current blends you’re gonna need:

  • Columbian Blend
  • Espresso Roast
  • Dark Spirits
  • Blue and Buried
  • Dark Roast

Let me know when you try out Death Wish Coffee Co and what blend is your favorite.

I did receive this coffee blend from Death Wish Coffee Co. as a gift, but would totally recommend them to all! Since I am a Death Wish Coffee Co Affiliate, if you do purchase labels from my links, I will get a small percentage of the sales.

Hoppy Spring Artwork with Peeps!

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It’s the first day of spring! To celebrate, we created a piece to showcase all season long. The best part is that kids of any ages can join in on this fun.

For the last year, I’ve been decorating Mila’s room to match the current season or holiday. Instead of buying new things all the time, we’ve been making decor! It makes it so much more personalized and Mila is always super proud of her work.

This Hoppy Easter project was a ton of fun to make. We decided to recreate our family as bunnies on a small canvas, but the opportunities of this project are endless. Last year we made a project with the same concept, but with a year difference they look completely different.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Although we used canvas, you could definitely use paper or cardboard too. We use cardboard for so many crafts and activities. It’s a great way to reuse from leftover boxes.

To set up, lay something down you wouldn’t mind getting paint on. Then lay your canvas on top of that. Again, we use cardboard to catch all the left over paint. If you keep reusing the same cardboard, it looks so cool at the end of a season or year.

The most perfect size paint tray for these Peeps Bunnies are the tops of butter containers. They bunnies fit just right. Pick a color with your little for the bunnies. We decided to do just two colors: purple and blue. The purple represent the girls in our family and the blue the boys. You could also do the person’s favorite color per bunny or whatever colors are in your spring decor.

Next, have them use the Peeps Bunnies as a stamp. These aren’t too hard for little to grasp and use. I would definitely keep a wipe nearby in case they do get paint on their hand.

Although we didn’t add details to our bunnies, you could add faces which would make them even more cute. We did add grass though at the bottom and ‘Hoppy Spring’ at the top. Here are a few other sayings your sign could have too:

  • Every bunny is welcome here.
  • Hoppy Easter
  • Hanging with my Peeps
  • Some bunny loves you.
  • Don’t worry, be hoppy!

I love how are Hoppy Spring sign turned out and can’t wait to share all our crafts and activities we have planned all season long.

If you end up making this sign, please tag me on socials (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok) or comment a picture in the comments. I love seeing everyone’s interpretations. It makes me so happy seeing that we could help inspire you!

Most of all, make sure to treasure all those memories you get to make with your family. That’s the best thing we can do.

Here’s some other fun Easter activities to try with your kiddo this year: