Positive Parenting

One of the greatest challenges we have as parents is deciding how to raise our children. With the amount of studies and options we have- sometimes it's hard to choose which methods will work best. We all want our kids to turn out okay, but what will get them there?

There is no single answer to this. Every child is different, therefore there can not be one single parenting style that will work fir everyone. I have decided on a few things that I prefer, and I feel they will have positive results in the future.

1. I am anti-spanking.
For my child that is. I just don't see the point. How will harming my child change anything? There are a number of studies that spanking may do more harm than good, and I agree! My husband is on board with this as well.

2. I'm trying to find an alternative to time-outs.
I have used time-outs, but after looking into it further I'm starting to lean against it. Instead of shunning my child and leaving him alone when he does something wrong, I'd like to engage critical thinking, apologies, and calming techniques. I'd like to teach him to say WHY he behaved a certain way and try to encourage alternative solutions for the future. This method may work better in the long run.

I also want to try a "calm spot" where he can go and relax. I'm going to make a glitter jar and have calming items nearby. We will use it together until he is old enough to understand.

3. I do not use cry-it-out
I have never used it. I have never felt comfortable with it. If he is really crying I have always felt it's for a reason. Even if it's fear or loneliness, I want him to grow up knowing I'll always be there for him.

Basically- I feel that by being there for him, being positive, and using positive reinforcement, he will feel secure and know that I will always be here when he needs me.

I will add that I do not judge others and their methods- so long as the child is safe, and not a victim of abuse or neglect.

What parenting styles do you use?

-SC

Look of the day- effortless

Some days I don't really have the energy or time to try on look after look before going out. They trick is to have pieces in your wardrobe that you can throw on and still look great! Jeans, top, done!

Today I'm wearing my "winter mint" skinny jeans, a black cami, and a plaid shirt. Simple, two minutes, yet I look put together!

I'm not sure why mobile is convinced all of my pictures should be sideways- but here is a picture anyway!

Guest look of the day: hubby

I'm proud of my husband's style transformation. When we met his wardrobe consisted of decade-old shirts with holes, old jeans 3 sizes too big, and too-tight band tees. And the shoes..... he wore his dirty, gross, work shoes everywhere!

While I respect that "grunge" was in at one time, I felt his style (and confidence) needed an upgrade.  After four years of being together (two of them married) I have finally gotten him to a point where he feels OKAY to spend money on himself- and really looks put together!

He kept his rocker edge (something I love about him) but with more flare.

"I feel more mature, more grown up. Ya, it actually has [helped my confidence]" -hubby

(His coat, by the way, is Guess)
♥

Comfy shopping look

Who says you can't look cute while grocery shopping? It may seem silly to put effort in for errands- but as I often say- "you never know who you'll run into."

The look:
*knit ugg boots
*grey leggings
*green cami (layer for nursing)
*gap floral tank
*gap denim shirt
*oversized black sweater

Don't hate it til you try it....

There are certain styles I'm unsure of from the beginning, but I've learned to try them on before dismissing them. For instance, a jean top.

I have been so back and forth on how I feel about them. Cute on some, but could I pull it off? Would I HAVE to layer it or would it look good on its own? Well- I caved and tried one on.

Comfortable. Cute. Effortless.
I bought it! I couldn't help it.

What did you try on that you were surprised you liked?

Making goals

Here I am living day to day, week to week, only looking forward to developmental accomplishments from my son (which is amazing, don't get me wrong!). I'm starting to feel like life is at a stand still. My entire childhood was full of goals; grades, sports, college- but what's next?

Marriage? Check!
Baby? Check!

Sure, I can 've content with my accomplishments, but time is moving so fast now that I'm not reaching for more. I have completed my big goals, so why not make some new ones? Shouldn't I keep striving for bigger and better things?

I've been thinking over the past few days and I've come up with a few things to start working towards.

1. Buy a house
In order to do this, we need to start saving for a down payment, closing costs, etc. We also need to decide where we want to be and what we can afford. Schools are something to consider, as well as travel distance for my husband's job. There is also a timeline, since I want our son to start and finish in the same school district. This goal is definitely high on the list!

2. Finish a book (and publish it)
I really enjoy creative writing, but I'm famous for starting an idea and losing focus midway through. I really want to push myself this time. By the end of 2013 I WILL at least finish writing one.

3. Figure out my next career move
If my writing doesn't take off- I need to figure out what to do once my son is school aged. I have an associates degree and some job experience in human services, but I'm not sure if I want to continue on that path. I love helping people, but jobs in that field can weigh so heavily on my heart.

Three. Three goals to meet!
Do you have any goals?
-SC

Being a fabulous mom

I'll admit it, I have put so much energy into worrying about my new body.  I have been my own worst enemy when it comes to my loose skin and stretch marks. I have even cried while trying to get dressed because my old styles just don't look the same; I just felt frumpy and fat.
No more! Gone are the days of wishing things were as perkey as they once were- and wishing my mother's apron didn't exist. I'm not rich, and I can't afford cosmetic surgery, so what's left?
Sure I can work out and hope that things will tighten up a little more, but it's time I accept the fact that it may not.
And then it happened- I saw a picture of the gorgeous Heidi Klum with what looked like a "bloppy" (my friends word for the leftover belly skin). I looked closer at more of her pictures- and I realized something. The reason I had never noticed? She dresses for it!
Ah hah!
Forget the old ways of dressing- it's time to embrace my mom-bod and dress FOR it, instead of wishing it away. I can still be fabulous- I just need to learn how to dress my new body and flaunt the good features- such as my legs.
Mom, and fabulous. Challenge accepted!
What do you do to make yourself feel fabulous?

Animal Print

Animal prints are making a comeback yet again! And why shouldn't they? With leather and pops of red-orange also making their way back in style, what better print to mix in than animal?

Scared to take the plunge? Try a touch of animal print like a bag or shoe.

A little brave? Try a sweater!

Totally confident?? Rock a full on leopard dress with a cropped leather jacket!

Xo
Sc

transforming my home with DIY projects

Over the next few months I plan to take on some projects to make our dwelling feel more like home.  (On top of being mom, writing, and crocheting of course).  It will be a few years before we are ready to buy a house, but we are loving the place we rent now!  And with three floors, I have a lot to work with!  The following are some ideas (from pinterest) that I just can't wait to try!

Magnetic Makeup Holder



I have boxes and bags filled with makeup, brushes, etc etc. This idea seems simple enough! Once I gather all of the supplies, I should have it done in one afternoon.  I would really like to find a more antique looking- possibly round frame to use. While my ELF shadow pallet would be much to big for this idea- my brushes, blush, etc would fit quite nicely!


Drawer Shadow Box



I think this idea is so adorable! and quick! I think I will make them for my son's room.  I can paint them to look like bird houses, or birch tree pieces.  It would be a great holder for his little shoes and other memories.  (his room has hand painted birch trees, going to stick with the woodland theme).


Coffee Table Bench



I would probably do a plain color- but this would be a perfect addition to our entry way! It would help me get my son ready too.  I even have an old coffee table that doesn't match our new furniture!


There are a ton more on my wish list, but I think I'll start with  these.  I'll report back with finished products!

to see what else I'm eyeing, follow me on Pinterest.
xo
sc

In sickness and in health

My son has been sick for a week now. Poor thing. His nose has been stuffed, and his cough is ongoing. The pediatrician says it is only a virus and nothing to worry about.

I woke today with my head feeling three sizes too big. Stuffy nose, sore throat, dizzyness, and of course- coughing. It seems mommy has caught the bug! If it's the same thing, I feel even worse for my poor son. This is no fun at all!!

My wonderful husband has the day off today. Thank goodness. He has taken it upon himself to cook, clean, and help with our sick son while I rest! (Keeper for sure). He even offered to stay home tomorrow- instead of going to the UNH/ RPI hockey game with my family. It is obvious I won't be going, but I don't want him to miss it. He deserves a night out- especially after all his help so far today!

Which has me thinking back to our vows, of course.

For better or for worse: we have hit some hard times in our marriage, and this vow helped us through it. The reminder that we promised ourselves to each other, no matter what!

In sickness and in health: he was there for my complicated pregnancy, and I have been there through his diabetic struggles. Today he has shown once more that he cares for us deeply. As a stay at home mom- uninterrupted rest is one of the best gifts I can get, especially when I'm sick.

Until death do us part. The love of my life. ♥

I really did find a good one.
Xo
Sc

3 tips for better skin

Every woman wants clear, beautiful skin. There are plenty of products on the shelves that will help with oil, blemishes, dryness- you name it! But here are 3 quick and easy tips for keeping your skin soft and clear.

1. Drink plenty of water. Your entire body will benefit!

2. Never go to bed with makeup on. Be sure to wash it off before bed!

3. Exfoliate your skin and lips 1-3 times per week. Try this diy exfoliant:
Equal parts:
*Olive oil
*Honey
*Brown sugar

Xo
Sc

At home toddler crafts

Now that my son is a year old, we're able to do a little bit more together. This also means that I have to try harder to entertain him.

I have found a few posts via pinterest that had some home made recipes for chalk, play dough, and finger paint. Recipes that are completely edible! (Good idea for Mr. Curious)

Today I decided to try a very simple play dough recipe. It took 5 minutes to make, and kept him content for nearly half an hour! Not a bad deal if I do say so myself.

So here it is, plain and simple:
1/4 cup salt
1 cup flour
1/4 cup water

Mix them together and voila! Dough! I did have to add a touch more water to mine. Just play with it and kneed it until it is the correct consistency.

Have fun! And let me know if you tried it!
Xo
Sc