HAYDEN'S BEDROOM TRANSITION

Hayden got a bigger bed for his growing body. Now that he’s FIVE, I wanted to transition to more of a little boy’s room. My sister Jordyn and her husband Cody came out to help and boy did they!

Here were the things I needed to consider: 1) We are still renting, so I didn’t want to invest in anything we couldn’t take with us. 2) He still loves his animals (“stuffies”). Since there will come a day soon where he won’t want all of them, I’m holding on to this sweet time for now. 3) I needed to make use of a small space and somehow reduce clutter. READ ON for details on everything, as well as our solutions!

The first thing to consider was where to put the bigger bed from Evolur. We debated against the wall to give more floor space but ultimately, this placement looked best. The bed is a full WITH A TRUNDLE (see photo below). Eventually, I’ll use the trundle to hold a mattress for guest, but for now (GENIUS IDEA FROM JORDYN), it’s much needed storage. The nightstand next to it is a universal model from Evolur. FYI: Evolur’s furniture is very well made, easy to assemble and incredibly durable.

I had the idea to take some of his nocturnal animals and put them in the tree. It adds interest and character! This is a 6 foot faux fiddle leaf tree under $180! It’s easy to maneuver and place limbs and leaves where you want them. I love this tree!

The large giraffe is staying with us for now. We still love this guy! Such a big impact and well made for a great price.

One of the best ideas my sister had was this AFFORDABLE white storage unit. It streamlined his toys and looks so neat and clean. Plus, these large, white bins are the perfect size for him to come grab himself and bring to another room if he wants.

The acrylic collector’s lamp over Hayden’s book shelf is one of my favorite things. We change the theme often (from cars, to dinosaurs to holiday items). It would also look fun in a little girl’s room full of sea shells or something. Right now, there’s free shipping!

Things are always a work in progress, but this feels good for Hayden for right now. I know I didn’t link everything, so if you have a specific question, please let me know and I’ll hopefully get it answered. xoxo AAJ

A JOY(ful) RIDE

This post is sponsored in part by Kelley Blue Book. I’ve been a longtime fan of using their services and am delighted to share my own thoughts and experiences with you. Note: for updates to see how you can save money on your car during covid-19, click HERE. Many insurance companies are offering refunds for people that are driving considerably less, too!

Can I share something that was so good for the soul recently? We piled in the car with snack and a blanket and went for a drive. Sounds basic, but it was glorious! Made me so pleased with my choice of a family vehicle that we could sit in the trunk and enjoy the view, lift our spirits safely and comfortably. It was a real JOY RIDE driving around finding puddles. #Thisis3. We played until his jeans were wet, never seeing anyone, just us with my car and a frog umbrella. It’s hard being a little energetic toddler quarantined on rainy weeks. We use our imagination!! It’s nice to remember there’s life outside of our home!!

Whether you’re still working or WFH, our world has halted for the most part. Many of us are reevaluating our priorities and necessities right now either forced or through choice. I mean—- milk is just milk now, am I right? I used to be really picky with a specific kind, percentage, organic, etc!! And LBH, I’m low on TP (yes, other spectrum, I did not hoard), so any roll I find is good enough for me. Being picky is not an option right now. At least not with those things….

Have you been able to inventory what things are disposable? During this time, it’s become more and more apparent to me what I really miss/need in my life, even WHO I really miss or need. Sounds harsh, but I bet a lot of you relate? It’s been a good time to consider how we want our life to look when LIFE opens back up. Practical and intentional are two words that keep coming up in my mind in all areas of life, including finances. The majority of us are looking at ways to be prudent, save and find the best deals for our families.

If you’ve been following, you may remember me talking about upgrading my car last year. (14 years in the making, but DID IT)! I had very specific qualifications including space and safety for towing kids. I’m fully embracing the soccer mom/carpool life. I love the choice I made, but I may be trading it in for a car even more specific for my current situation (also looking for less impact on environment/hybrid/etc).

On multiple occasions I’ve talked about relying on info from Kelley Blue Book. I tend to be a creature of habit especially if the habit is a good one ;) I sold my old car through KKB and found my new car using their tools. One of the things I appreciate is their consistent research and reputation after 90 years in business. Their list of Best Family Cars of 2020 is proving useful for me right now. I’m sure it will to you, too. This is where we CAN be picky!  (Some of you car buffs like seeing the latest research even if you’re not in the space to buy). Based on safety, value, driver-assist features, connectivity and technology, their list includes vehicles for various budgets and family sizes (from 2 door, 3 door to minivans!). This could be an excellent time to do your own research and take advantage of the low (to ZERO) interest rates in buying right now. Check recent updates for your convenience.

Obviously, right now, everyone is sheltering at home. I took that so literally that Hayden and I hardly left the house the first couple of weeks outside of a scooter ride to walk Oscar. But, venturing out for a ride has proven useful. Play eye-spy or pretend you’re a tourist in your own city and go sight-seeing. Just a change of pace helped us a lot. So no matter what, I want a vehicle that allows for these types of “pack ‘em up” trips and rides, rain or shine. We also went to just say hi to the ocean. Hayden asked to roll down the window to hear the waves, feel the breeze and open the sun roof to see the palm trees.

If you are looking to buy a car during the pandemic, please check KKB.com's updated coronavirus car news. They explain what dealerships are doing to help the virus, as well as what automakers are doing fiscally to help YOU! For instance, I just learned Mazda is offering healthcare workers FREE OIL CHANGES and enhanced cleaning -you do NOT need to own a Mazda. It is simply a thank you to those on the frontlines. More info HERE. Many companies are offering deferment of car notes… please call to see of you can have an extension if you need it. I appreciate the tips on car maintenance during this pandemic, even if you’re not driving your car at all! It’s an invaluable resource that answers a myriad of your questions. This could be an excellent time to get the best deal for investing in your family’s future. 

Ok. Your turn. Tell me about your joyrides you never would normally take but that are your saving grace now? I actually posted a “preview” on my instastory the day we went to the ocean. I simply said “took a drive today to see a bit of SoCal.” It made me SO HAPPY to read your responses. A good handful of you said after seeing that photo, you decided to take a drive and it was a mood lifter!

DAYDATE WITH THE KID

I never thought I’d cry writing a blog about Dr. Seuss. But I here I am! crying after writing this little poem:

Here I am! Adult and able, crying about a so called fable.

A poem or two that touched me so, pierced my heart, but helped me go

Go further than I thought I should, be stronger than I thought I could.

I’m hiking that mountain you said I would climb, my feet are aching but the view is sublime.

I’m watching my step with great care and great tact, I’ll make it to the top, it’s simply a fact.

That balancing act you mentioned to me, I’m seeing what truth you gave for free.

No, oh no, my eyes are not shut, Bright lights I see, it’s more than just luck.

Paving the way for little boy, I am. Living his best life, with an upside down frown.

Okay… so, I’m a fan of the books and their DEEP meaning for such simple phrases. 

It was a joy to go to the premier and see the first two episodes of Green Eggs and Ham. Such an fun twist on the classic story. I’d say it’s for kids Hayden’s age or older… any younger might get a little scared.

If you saw my instagram post today, I’m teaming up with Shamrock Farms on their collaboration with Subway and Netflix, but lemme tell you why I wanted to work with them. I sincerely appreciate experiences and events that incorporate Hayden. It’s mainly just us right now. Stories (as he call them) that we can both watch and actually enjoy together. (read: I ENJOY watching, too) are a plus. As a lifelong fan of Dr. Suess, I appreciate his humor and deeper meaning now more than I ever did as a child. Ah, the beauty of real classics.

Kudos to Subway and Shamrock Farms for joining in on the fun. For limited time, for just about $5, you can go get a Fresh Fit for Kids Meal: REAL GREEN EGGS and Ham sandwich, a side and a carton of protein…the milk, and chips or cookie or apple sauce. And if it’s a full out party night, Hayden splurges for the chocolate milk. It still has the same 9 essential nutrients, including Vitamin D and potassium, as well as the protein as the regular white milk. Shamrock Farms’ milk has no added sugars or growth hormones like rBST. Folks, not all milk is created equal, so, look for their signature green top. For more info:

//www.subway.com/en-us/subculture/greeneggsandham-watch-party

Take advantage of these brands coming together to make your own “event” special and have one on one time with your child or family. Subway, Shamrock Farms milk and Netflix the night away! I was gonna say Netflix and chill, but someone told me that has a different connotation;) 

I wish Huck had been with us. He’d get such a kick out of the green eggs at Subway and the characters on the milk cartons. They are literally green eggs!!! A fun conversation piece for the kids. 

Does this make anyone else nostalgic?

xoxo

AAJ

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