Kayden's 3 year old update

Hey Guys,

On September 16th Kayden turned 3. I honestly believe the past year flew by, (which is what every parent says). I decided to give all of you an update on him.

I am still a stay at home mom, but i am a big believer in Kayden learning while at home. I looked up a preschool curriculum, and researched what they need to learn and know by the time he enters kindergarten. In Canada preschool costs $372-$1100 a month which is pricey. Because we are on one income that would eat a big portion of it up.

Everyday Kayden and I do one activity which promotes vocabulary/letter recognition/number recognition etc. And on top of that we also do the weather everyday. I picked up two activity books which focuses on reading and writing. I know to some this may not seem like a lot but I do a good job of keeping him busy throughout the day. Kayden continues to go outside for 2 hours a day (since we still have summer weather), and an organized activity once a week as well as free play. Kayden's attention lasts 20 minutes ( average is 10 minutes).

In the past few months Kayden has done a lot better with his shyness. He has really opened himself up with playing with other children and interacting a lot more with adults. I was extremely shy as a child so i can sympathize with him. Because he has opened up more, we have officially enrolled Kayden into his first activity. Plus, with the colder weather coming, it will be a great way to exert his extra energy. The activity is an introduction to sports while building his gross and fine motor skills.

Kayden loves sports and playing outside. He is always asking to go "bye bye", and this summer we took advantage of that. He used the kiddie pool almost everyday and he rode his bike for at least 2 hours a day! Kayden enjoys painting, reading and anything that has to do with cars/trucks.

As any parent we are struggling with some things, sleeping (at night) and his speech. Kayden does talk, but it is not clear. He understands everything that

is said to him, but lately i have been getting concerned. I don't want kayden to go to school and feel lost or out of place. He is excited to join so I don't want him to feel discouraged. Curtis and I have decided to visit a doctor and see what a professional thinks.

As far as Kayden sleep goes, i don't even know what to say. It started off with nightmares. He would wake up around midnight crying, so he would crawl into bed with us. We didn't mind at first, but now its getting earlier and earlier. Just the other day it took 4 hours to put him down. I asked kayden what was wrong and he said he doesn't like when i say goodnight and leave. Im guessing its a separation issue. We are slowly wanting to wean kayden off his daytime nap, in hopes that it helps with his sleep at night. Kayden id awake for 5.5 hours at a time (currently) and lately that has exhausted him. That extra 30 minutes has really made a difference.

I have always heard that boys are a bottomless pit, but i didn't understand till this past year. Kayden is constantly eating, especially in the morning and after dinner. I have noticed his portion sizes growing, as well as our grocery bill. Our costco membership has come in handy. I do find that we buy in bulk more often, and we don't even come close to the expiry date.

Kayden is potty trained in the daytime. Nighttime is back and forth. If kayden is awake he does ask to use the bathroom, but once he is asleep he does wet himself.

I am so excited for the year ahead and cant wait to see kayden grow! Everyday he is becoming more independent and his interests are expanding!

Nyx Lingerie Lipstick Review

Hey Guys,

It seems like forever since I did a beauty post. A few weeks ago I purchased Nyx lingerie lipstick. I have been eyeing this line for awhile and decided to purchase it. I went to my local drugstore and I fell in love.

The line are nude shades for every skin color. Nyx claims it is a lush liquid lipstick which dries matte. It is also enriched with Vitamin E.

I ended up swatching a few shades and fell in love. I ended up purchasing Bedtime Flirt, which was the exact same shade as my lips. I was impressed by how many shades they have, and there plenty of options for every skin color.

The applicator took me awhile to get use to, since it was flat instead of plump. When you first apply it, it has a mousse like texture and dries within seconds to a matte finish (as Nyx claims). When I say this lipstick does not budge I mean it. I ate with it, kissed, drank etc. And it stayed on. It lasted for about 8 hrs till I felt the need to reapply it.

This lipstick is what I have been looking for. I never had an issue with lipstick staying on my lips, but I hated the way i constantly had to remove my lipstick prior to eating.  For $8.99 ($10.99 regular price), you can not go wrong. I will definitely be stocking up on these.

Kayden's Fall clothing Haul

Hey Guys,

I dont know about you, but the cold weather is sneaking up on me. Since I love fall/winter weather i couldnt help but get together my wishlist for kayden. I usually do two big hauls every year for kayden, then pick up small things along the way. But this year I did it earlier, and I am glad I did. I saw so many cute things and everyday more and more was getting sold out, so I had to act fast.

Once again I ordered a lot from The Children's Place. I found more cute items there then anywhere else. For boys there were a lot if sports themed sweaters and long sleeved tees which is perfect for Kayden. He is obsessed with football and basketball so he loved every item. I only bought tops because his torso grows to fast. I ordered his clothes in size 5/6. I know that sounds crazy but in March I bought size 3 (Kayden is 2) and for the past month so many of his t-shirts got small. This time I decided to buy 2 sizes up and I hope they last the whole season.

The first place I went to was Old Navy. I went to pick up some t-shirts to get him through the end of summer and found some long sleeved tees. Kayden has worn these and one of them is a bit long, but we layered it so it worked out great.

 I love this long sleeved tee. I usually do not purchase a light grey but I am glad I did. The touch of dark grey on top is amazing.

The next top is dirty but I couldn't find the link on the website (most likely sold out) so excuse the stains.

This top is another great basic. I love the dark grey!

Walmart was another place I went to, and bought a zipper hoodie. These are so convenient and easy to throw on when the nights are cooler. Kayden has worn this a few times and fits perfectly. I got it in a size 4T.

The Children's place is where I got the bulk of Kayden's clothes. And they were in size 5/6. They are a bit big on him now, but I know they will fit perfect in a month when it really gets cold.

I think this top is perfect for football season. It has a grey hood as well and it is a full sleeved tee. Kayden loves football and basketball so he loved this. He had a football long sleeved tee last year, but he grew out of it, so this is a perfect replacement.

This long sleeved tee is completely different from what I have bought him before. I do not put kayden in neon colors, so this is a first. I guess it is better to start off in small doses ....right? I think this is a perfect balance.  This also comes with a built in grey hood.

This is a simple long sleeved tee. This is perfect to wear by itself or you can layer it. Curtis has one like this, so they can match!

Camo is a staple in any boy wardrobe. Every fall and winter I always see camo. Last year Kayden had a camo hoodie and he looked so cute. Camo definetly suits him. I knew i could not let another year go vy without it. Camo is a neutral which is perfect, because it goes with everything. Curtis is also obsessed with Kayden wearing camo, so it is perfect.

This is another top that I thought was so cute. Kayden is obsesses with his dad so I thought this was perfect.

This last long sleeved tee says crunch time. I thought this would be perfect for football Sundays! It is grey with a football and lightweight.

Now I am going to move onto sweaters.

Sticking with the football theme, I got this zipup hoody. I love this color, it is a blue grey. This is perfect for throwing over a top and running out the door.

This zipup hoody is a little different then what I normally get. I love the navy blue, but the red lettering is a little different. I am trying to branch out and try new colors on Kayden.

I am back with the camo! As soon as I saw this I had to get it. I love that it is a zipup hoody. It has different shades of blue, which I haven't seen before.

I fell in love with this light blue sweater. Kayden has a grey one, that is similar in material and I love how it fits on him. This sweater is perfect for those days when I do not want him to be to casual.

Curtis called this an old man cardigan (which I do not agree with!) Kayden has had cardigans in past that were bulkier, but I wanted to try something lighter. Kayden gets extremely hot with a winter coat on, so I am trying lighter options this year.

Kayden had a similar top like this last year, except it was blue and had a 1/4 zipper. I really like how stripes look on him.

Another football themed sweater. This top has 3 colors. Ita brown with grey sleeves and a blue color. I thought this would go with many options.

How we stay connected with a toddler

Hey guys,

I will admit, ever since kayden was born it has been hard to get that special one on one time with Curtis. For the first few months ( who am I kidding, it was more like a year) i was sleep deprived. By the time Kayden was through all of his sleep regressions and was sleeping through the night ( he still wakes up occasionally) i felt free. Ohh and lets not forget how he freaks out if i touch Curtis!

Keeping the romance and spark alive can be difficult. Curtis works till 8pm and doesn't get home till 9pm. By that time, i am exhausted from my day with Kayden and I am ready to shower and hit the bed. Throw in keeping a toddler occupied all day and running errands on the weekend, quality time/romance seems like the furthest thing on my mind. We both have made a conscious effort to make time for each other, even if it is not easy.

A lot of people ask me, how do we stay connected, especially when curtis is gone for 11 hours a day. I will admit, it is hard. But the past few years, I have realized that it is the small things that go a long way and help your partner feel connected to you.

Whenever we have gone through tough times, or dealt with crazy work schedules we always have made an effort to remind each other how much the other person means to us. I don't mean it in a cheesy 5 page letter kind of way. Sometimes it is a simple text saying ' I know work isn't always easy, and this week has been tough. Kayden and I appreciate everything you do, we love you and are proud of you' it is easy to take for granted what we do (our roles) that we forget to remind the other person how much we appreciate them.

As much time as we spend apart, and i know this will sound crazy, but we give each other their special time. Curtis loves football, so I make sure he is able to watch his team (Dallas Cowboys) in peace. I try to keep kayden occupied and even give him a bath and put him to bed ( if its a night game). I am completely different, i just want to shower in peace, that is the only thing I need daily. Curtis also senses when I need a break, and will give Kayden a bath/take him to the park. We all need to our 'own time', to keep sane. I believe there needs to be balance with home, work and individual time. I want us to do separate things that we enjoy, so we do not loose ourselves and our passions. It also gives us a chance to recharge.

I love taking Kayden and Buddy on walks. I always feel like I am killing two birds with one stone. It is not often that Curtis gets to do it with us. He was on vacation for the past 2 weeks and we did it almost everyday after dinner. It is a nice way to feel connected as a family. We discover new trails, parks and get in some exercise. It allows us to be off our devices , and connect with each other. Kayden is so into the scenery that we usually don't get interrupted. This is one of the activities we did when we didn't have a lot of money. It allowed us to get out of the house and made us feel like we were doing something ( if that makes sense). We loved it so much, that we have kept it up. Since we don't get a lot of time together as a family (by the time Curtis gets home, Kayden is in bed) this is a great activity. Find something you can do with you and your partner/family. It is so important to find something in common.

Curtis and I also love our special one on one time together. We open a bottle of wine, light a candle and put on a good show. Sometimes we even sit back and just chat about life and our future. It is nice to reconnect when Kayden is in bed and everything is quiet. We love being at home, so this is our ideal evening. We usually get this luxury on a weekend if Kayden goes to bed on time. Find what works for you and your partner, and how you can spend that special one on one time together with minimal disruptions.

I know you are wondering, don't you guys go out one on one? The answer is no. And it is not because we are afraid to leave Kayden. We just don't have anyone to leave Kayden with. That is one thing I do envy about other couples, is the amount of help and support they get from their parents/families. So if you have it, use it!

Sunshine Blogger award

Hey Guys,

I cant believe i am saying this, but i have been nominated for a Sunshine Blogger Award. This award is given to bloggers by other bloggers, who are inspiring and bring sunshine into the lives of their readers. Thank you @Courtvansbooks (twitter handle) and her website is paperbackbeaches.com

Getting recognized from other bloggers is so rewarding. I have been doing this for over a year, and my goal was to share my story and life experiences, and hopefully help people out. During the first 6 months of my pregnancy family wasn't in the picture, and i didn't have a lot if friends. I felt alone. I remember discovering a vlogger who was a few months ahead of me in her pregnancy, and i felt a connection. Suddenly i didn't feel alone, and it made everything easier. I hope someone feels the same way about my blog.

Questions

1. What do you like the most about blogging?

There are no rules. You write what you want, when you want and how you want. Your blog is what you make it. Regardless of what you decide to publish, there is someone out there you can relate to.

2. One song you will never stop listening to?

My heart will go on from Celine Dion. That song has so many emotions. After her husband passed away, it took it to another level.

3. What things are you most grateful in life?

My family. As much as they may drive me up the wall, they are my family. Regardless of what i have been through, they have always been there for me. As i have gotten older i have made my own family ( curtis, kayden and buddy). They have have taught me what is important in life. Regardless of what has gone on, they have always stood beside me.

4. What the story behind your blogs name?

After i became a mom, everyone had their opinions about how i should do things. My parents questioned my choices. I wasn't married, i was young, and my mon was critical about how I was mothering. What it means to be a mom today is different then what it was 20 years ago. I didn't fit in with my friends who weren't moms, and the ones who were i wasn't on their level. Even though i was a mom i loved makeup, dressing up and interior decorating. I felt as though i was in a whole new category, the modern day mother. I care about my family and always put them first, but I also need my own time. My boyfriend works long hours and is gone for most of the day (unlike some dad's, who are home by dinner), so I am the one who is literally with Kayden all the time. By the time he comes hone I am ready to go to bed and he is staying up till 1am! I couldn't relate to any other mom that I knew, and there wernt a lot of other blogs that touched on this. I felt like i wasnt the 'typical mom'.

5. What is the weirdest thing

you have eaten?

Oxtail. I know it isn't that odd, but that is as adventurous as it gets for me.

6. Worst travel experience ever?

I cant say that i have had any. I traveled a lot with my family when i was younger for family vacations. As i got older they stopped. Nothing odd has happened to me.

7. Where are you from? And what is the common misconceptions about your hometown/state/country?

I live on the border of Toronto and Mississauga in Canada. A lot of people think we are way to nice. My boyfriend is American and he always says Canadians say thank you to much, and there's a stereotype that we would get punched in the face and we would apologize. A lot of people think we are pushovers and people can just walk all over us. We are far from that! We know how to stand our ground about issues that are close to our heart.  Canada is not an aggressive country and we stay out of conflicts. The people here reflect that.

8. What is one important lesson that you have learned from your travels?

Even though most of my traveling was done, when i was younger, looking back it is really about learning about other cultures and people. It is so important to realize that people live differently then we do, and we can always learn from other cultures.

9. Most unique travel destination you've ever visited?

India. I went all the time when i was younger. Growing up in my community, indian food and culture wasn't common. What i mean by that, i grew up with all white people. It wasn't until high school that i was surrounded by more south asians. I cant help but be proud when more and more people tell me they love my food and culture. India is one of those places where you can live in luxury, step outside your doors and see poverty. The culture is completely different, from the way they dress, act and ideologies.

10. What are your travel goals for 2017?

Being honest with you all, there will be no traveling. There are a lot if personal things that Curtis and I are going through which makes it difficult. In a few years i will be doing a very open and honest post about what i have been going through. In the future i hope to do staycations! For the first time curtis was able to take off 2 weeks at a time, which i feel may turn into a tradition.

11. How do you like your coffee?

I am not picky. I like 2 creams and 2 sugars. I don't need a flavored, but i need it HOT.

How to get your kid to eat more fruits

Hey guys,

As parents, we all struggle with different things when it comes to our kids. Some don't sleep at night, some are shy, others wont stop whining! I feel most parents struggle with their kids eating their fruits and vegetables. Fruit became an issue once kayden turned one. He discovered there's other and better food out there and would just spit it out if his mouth. I didn't want kayden to be missing out on nutrition, so i knew i needed to start getting creative.

1. Baked goods

I love baking. I recently got more into baking breakfast foods (muffins, cakes etc). Curtis isn't big on breakfast (i don't know why), unless its full out (bacon, eggs, waffles, the whole 9 yards). I did notice if i made muffins, banana bread or coffee cake, he would definitely eat it. And to my surprise, so did kayden. Kayden was obsessed with baked goods, he thought it was a special treat and couldn't get enough of it. The best part? He didn't even notice the fruit. Now he is obsessed with anything that has blueberry, strawberry or raspberry in it. I know you must be thinking, but what about the sugar? There are so many great ways to cut down on sugar and butter when baking. I make mini muffins and one satisfies him. Nothing ever lasts more then 3 days, and it guarantees everyone starts off their day will a full belly.

2. Apple sauce

Kayden never liked the taste of plain apple sauce, and has never gotten use to the taste of apples. For some reason, i decided to get strawberry flavored apple sauce one day. I am so glad i listened to my gut feeling, because Kayden loved it, it instantly became one of his go to snacks. I got some in a few flavors, ( peach, mixed berry, and even some with vegetables) and he loved them. The best part is you can get some with vegetables, fibre and no sugar added, whatever you feel your child is lacking, they have it covered. I like to get the ones in travel pouches from Motts, because they are perfect for on the go. I can throw it in my bag, and when kayden eats it, he doesn't make a mess. I always buy the ones with 'no sugar added'. He gets all the sweetness he loves and craves, without the sugar high.

3. Smoothies

Kayden doesn't like smoothies, which breaks my heart, since curtis and i cant get enough of them. You can pack so many fruits, and other ingredients they may not like. We buy frozen fruit, since our fresh fruit spoils quicky and attracts fruit flies. We always have fruit in the freezer and there are so many combinations you can create. We add yogurt and milk, and enjoy. This is a great way to sneak some vegetables in as well.

4. Frozen fruit pops

Get some fruit and puree them, as if you are making baby food. You can buy popsicle molds from any store (i got mine from the dollar store), and pour the puree into the mold. Stick a popsicle stick in it, and freeze. Your child will think they are having a treat, but its all fruit, which means they wont get that sugar high that we all dread. Kayden went through a phase this summer where all he wanted was feeezes. I didn't mind because we had a hot summer, and it was a perfect way to cool down. But after awhile i was getting concerned with the amount if sugar he was having. This was a great alternative, and gave him the same satisfaction.

As parents we want our children to have a healthy balance of enjoying a treat, while staying healthy. As Kayden has gotten older he has become more away that a cookie tastes a lot better then a piece of fruit. I hate to say that i have 'tricked' him, but i have. He has gone through phases of eating fruit (bananas, cherries and grapes) but it never stuck. I hope these ideas help you through your rut. 

Liebster Award

Hey Guys,

I am so honored to be nominated for a liebster award. I have been blogging for over a year, and recently decided to go the social media route. I never thought i would get recognized or even be able to grow a social media following. I am so honored to be considered noteworthy. Thank you @InandOutofVegas (twitter handle) and her website is inandoutofvegas.com 

Questions

1. What state or country do you live in?

I live in Canada, in one of the big cities aka Toronto!

2. How long have you been blogging?

This past april marked 1 year! I still cant believe it has been that long. This is one 'job' (i put it in quotations because i still haven't made money, so is it really a job?) Where time really has flown by.

3. Red or White wine?

White all the way. My tastes have changed so much in the past few years. Before Kayden was born i was all about red. In the past few months i have been loving dry white wines.

4. Do you have children? And how old are they?

Yes i have one boy. And he is going to be 3 in September.

5. What is your least favorite meal to prepare.

Breakfast. Anything that has to do with that, i cant make it. I have failed at everything. I do not make good scrambled eggs or breakfast potatoes. I can make a bagel, that's about it.

6. What do you like to do in your free time?

Grab junk food, lay in bed and watch tv. I know it sounds extremely lazy, but i rarely get to do this peacefully. I don't have a lot of free time in my day, i would say about an hour, and i rarely do all 3. I am usually to tired to sit through a show (which is probably why it takes me forever to get through a series). With a toddler, you are always running around and are on their schedule. Whenever i get a chance to sit down with my feet up, i will take it.

7. Favorite food or cuisine

I love pizza. I honestly cant get enough of it. You can have it anytime of the year and there are so many possibilities. I have never had a bad pizza or heard someone say they dislike it. It is a meal i can order when i am lazy and everyone loves it.

8. How do you balance, privacy, personal time, and blogging?

It took me awhile to find balance in my life, in general. It was something i struggled with after i had kayden. I was being pulled in 10 different directions, and felt as though i was go go go. I had to take a step back and focus on my family and myself. That was the most important thing. That is something that i always keep in my mind. They come first. I never want to post/publish anything that is to invasive or detrimental to them. I like to think that i am honest about my experiences and struggles. I blog when Kayden is sleeping, that ensures that it doesn't infringe on me being a mother.

We all go through struggles and problems in life. I usually speak on topics when i am comfortable, or when a significant time has passed. This allows my emotions to not take over, where i could say something that may potentially be hurtful.

There are a lot of days, where i do not feel as though i have blogged enough, or been on social media enough. I do feel as though i am behind in the 'blogging world' since i am balancing being a mom and a blogger.

9. Best advice for bloggers

Do not be afraid to promote yourself and your blog. This is something that took me almost a year to get comfortable with. The best decision i made, was creating a twitter and instagram account for my blog. It was nice connecting with other bloggers, and discovering new people. I realized if i don't put myself or my blog out there, no one will read it. If you dont have the confidence in your blog, then no one else will. Don't be afraid to put your social media and blog links out there.

10. Favorite social media platform

It would have to be tie between twitter and Instagram. Im on each one equally, and they both have their pros. I love how up to date and quick you get your information. Everyone expresses their opinion (which can also be a con) and is a great place to discover/connect with like minded people.