12 Simple Ways to Live Greener

I try to do my part to make the world a better place, and as an ocean and dolphin lover, I really try to make a difference by being more environmentally friendly. People often think that living green means giving up a lot and changing your whole way of life. In all actuality, there are plenty of little things that you can do every day to get into better habits and live greener.

After just celebrating Earth Day one week ago, I thought now would be the perfect time to share my tips and tricks to help you create new habits that are simple and easy to do. Every little bit helps and makes a bigger impact.

1. Recycle

Recycling is a big way you can help go greener without much effort. If you aren’t used to recycling, there will be a little adjustment period. I didn’t grow up recycling, and so when I moved to California, I had to learn what items could and couldn’t be recycled. I quickly got into a good rhythm with it, though, and even when we moved to North Carolina, I have kept up with my recycling habits out here. It has become a habit for me, and I do it now without even thinking.

2. Dryer Balls

About 2 years ago, I decided to give dryer balls a try. I had been hearing so much about the toxic chemicals in dryer sheets and wanted to stop using them. I got dryer balls as a Christmas gift and have been in love ever since! Not only do I not have to use toxic chemicals on my clothes, but it also saves me a bunch! Dryer balls are good for many loads, whereas dryer sheets are a one-time use.

3. Reusable Straws

This is quite possibly my favorite of all these ways to go greener. A lot of theme parks and big venues are switching from plastic to paper straws in an effort to help the environment more. I’m all about going greener, but I, for one, HATE paper straws! They get soggy and gross so quickly that you end up having to use multiple straws, which is just as wasteful, I think.

When we took a family trip to Disney World in Florida, they only gave out paper straws, which did not work for us lol. So we took straws from my daughter’s cup to use instead. After we got home, I invested in some stainless steel straws. They are an absolute lifesaver! Easy to clean, and you can take them with you. I have even started turning away plastic straws at drive-thrus to use my stainless steel straws instead.

4. Reusable Cups

Another way to cut back is to use your own stainless steel or reusable cup in place of cups at restaurants and gas stations. Just bring your own cup with you and fill that instead.

5. Rethink Water Bottles

Just like with reusable straws and cups, get yourself a reusable water bottle. Using a filter and then filling up your own reusable water bottle will cut back on the waste of plastic water bottles. I drink so much water every day, so this one is huge for me.

6. Reusable Napkins

Instead of using paper towels and napkins, give reusable and washable napkins a try. A lot of restaurants use cloth napkins, and they work great. I haven’t personally tried reusable napkins at home yet, but I have been looking into it more. If it can help save money and go a little greener at the same time, why not?

7. Manage Water Usage

Cut back on unneeded water usage. Wait until the dishwasher is completely full to run it, turn off the water while brushing your teeth until you need to rinse your toothbrush, etc. Being mindful of using unnecessary water, even if it is just a little, can all add up and make a difference.

8. Manage Electricity Usage

Cut back on unneeded electricity use. Turn off the lights when you leave the room, turn off the TV when you’re in another room, use outside light during the day instead of electricity, etc. My parents instilled in me to always turn the light off when I leave a room, so I do it naturally now. Again, even if it seems insignificant, it can all add up.

9. Switch to LED Lights

Making little changes in your home to be more energy-efficient is a great way to do your part and help. When we redid our house after hurricane damage, we put LED light bulbs in all our lights. They are more energy-efficient and, in turn, help to go greener.

10. Sign Up for Electronic Billing

If you want to cut back on paper waste, switch to electronic billing instead of paper. Most companies offer this as an option nowadays. It is a huge help for me. I handle the majority of our bills electronically.

11. Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk helps to save money in the long run and also helps to cut back on the plastic and packaging. Even with a small family of four, we buy in bulk sometimes. I learned the art of doing that to help save money growing up in a family of 10. If there are items you go through fast or will use in the long run anyway (i.e., toothpaste, soap, etc.), why not go ahead and get them in bulk to help save and go greener at the same time?

12. Reusable Grocery Bags

Plastic grocery bags have been banned in a lot of places. They are also not environmentally friendly at all. Even though we still have plastic grocery bags here in NC, there is one store that doesn’t use them and requires you to purchase your own reusable bags if you want to use a bag. I’m starting to get more into reusable bags.

By doing these simple little things every day, you are helping. Every little bit you do to help eliminate plastic waste helps our ocean and marine animal friends. Any little thing you do to help can make a bigger effect and lasting impact. This is something that I am so passionate about because you have to take care of what you love so that it will last.

Baby Names Inspired by the Sea

Finding the perfect name for your baby can be stressful. There are so many options out there. Are you a water lover? Sea, ocean, rivers, lakes, etc.? The beach is one of my favorite places on earth. The ocean is so peaceful, beautiful, and houses my favorite animal.

If you love the beach/ocean as I do, then I have just the thing for you! I have compiled a list of about 35 names (for both genders) inspired by the sea for all my fellow ocean lovers. You just might find the perfect name for your little one.

Ariel

This is the number one name I think of when I think of baby names inspired by the sea. Three words: The Little Mermaid.

Aqua

A Latin name meaning “water”.

Banks

A surname that was originally given to people who dwelled on the banks of a river. Recently, Hilary Duff named her baby girl Banks, and I thought it was so cute and fitting for those who love water-inspired names.

Bay

I’ve heard this name a couple of times and think it’s great for water lovers, as there are many bays in the world.

Brooke/Brooks

Brooke is typically a girl’s name; it is an English name meaning “small stream”. Brooks, I’ve heard of as a boy’s name before, and it is also typically an English surname that means “dweller by the brook”.

Caretta

This is the scientific name of a loggerhead sea turtle. I heard this name in a movie and fell in love with how it sounded. It’s still on my favorite baby names list currently.

Cordelia

A Welsh name meaning “jewel of the sea”. Such a pretty and unique name.

Coral

This is a semi-precious sea growth, often deep pink or red. When I was pregnant with my daughter and we couldn’t agree on a name, my mom actually mentioned using this as a name because of my love of the ocean. We didn’t end up using it, but I thought it was cool.

Dune

This is a mountain of sand. If you love the beach, you probably know what a sand dune is. I thought this was a unique option similar to other names like Dunn.

Hurley

An Irish name meaning “sea tide”. Such a cool-sounding name similar to the popular name Harley.

Isla

A Scottish name meaning “island”. There is no better name for island and tropical lovers.

Kai

A Hawaiian name meaning “sea”. This is a popular name for kids and dogs. It just sounds so cool and laid-back.

Lake

This is a body of water that runs deep. I’ve heard it for girls and boys, and you can even play around with the spelling and try “Layke”, etc.

Lana

A Hawaiian name meaning “afloat, calm as still waters”. This is such a gorgeous name.

Marina

A Latin name meaning “sea woman”. It is also a word used for a harbor for small boats.

Misty

An American name meaning “covered with mist, dew”.

Moana

A Hawaiian name meaning “ocean”. It is highly recognizable now thanks to the Disney movie of the same name.

Navy

This is a shade of blue and also the name of the military branch primarily working on water/ships. I have heard it being used quite a bit recently for baby girls.

Nixie

A German name meaning “little water sprite”. This was the name of a mermaid in a TV show I love, and I just think it’s super cute.

Ocean/Oceania

This is another great name for water lovers that speaks for itself. I’ve heard it a lot lately for both girls and boys.

Pearl

This is a precious jewel found in the sea. It is such a pretty and sophisticated name.

Rain

I’ve heard this name quite a bit, especially as a middle name. You can make it more unique by playing around with spelling (Rayne) and even create a variation of it (i.e., Rainey).

Reef

This is a bar of rock, sand, coral, or similar material, lying beneath the surface of the water. I recently saw someone on Instagram whose son was named this, and I thought it was so cool! Similar in sound to the names Reed and Reese.

Ridley

The name of a small tropical sea turtle. A cool, unique name to use.

River/Rivers

An English name meaning “stream of water that flows to the sea”. This is a popular name lately, and I have also seen some people put an “s” at the end of it.

Sailor/Saylor

This is a name I associate with water because of sailors on boats. Its name has been growing in popularity for the last couple of years for girls and boys.

Sandy

This is another great name associated with the beach and sounds laid-back.

Sebastian

This is another name commonly associated with “The Little Mermaid”.

Shelly

Inspired by seashells, this is a pretty, beachy type of name.

Siren/Sirena

A siren is a song a mermaid sings to cast a spell on humans. I think it sounds so cool. You can also add an “a” to the end of it to have a similar feel to the name Serena.

Skip/Skipper

This is another word for captain and is also associated with skipping rocks.

Summer

Who doesn’t think of the beach and vacation when hearing the name Summer? I do. It is my favorite season, makes me think of the ocean, and is such a cute name!

Sydney

This is another name I love that makes me think of the sea because when I hear it, I instantly think of Sydney Harbour in Australia.

Triton

A Greek name meaning “God of the sea”. It was also the name of Ariel’s dad in “The Little Mermaid” and is a general term associated with mermen.

Zale

A Greek name meaning “strength of the sea”. It is such a strong and cool-sounding name.

I hope these names give you some inspiration while picking out the perfect name for your baby. I love names with special meaning, and if you love the water/ocean, these are great options to consider. Do you have a favorite baby name inspired by the sea? Share it in the comments below.

How to Get Your Travel Fix When You Can’t Travel

What do you do when you want to travel but can’t? Whether it’s work schedules, money, or a global pandemic that is keeping you from being able to travel, you can still get your travel fix while at home.

Just because traveling is on hold doesn’t mean you can’t still satisfy your desire to travel. Travel dreaming and planning do not have to be put on hold, either. Here are the top tips that I use to help keep my travel inspiration going when I can’t travel.

Start Planning Your Next Adventure

Whatever the reason may be that you can’t travel, you can still start planning your next adventure now. While you save some money and rack up some more PTO, you can still start dreaming of where you’ll go next. Without picking definite travel dates, start looking at where you want to go and what to do while there. Map out your wish list for your next dream destination.

Relive Your Previous Adventures

Have you put off organizing photos and videos from previous trips? Well, now is the time to get them sorted. Go through and watch any travel videos you have to relive the moments. Reminiscing about previous trips you’ve taken can help build up the excitement to travel again and also help curb a little of your sadness from not currently traveling.

Document Previous Trips

Print out photos to hang from previous trips, make a scrapbook or a keepsake book with photos and notes. Write a blog post about it or make a video about the trip. Whatever you like to do to process and document it, do it. You’ll have those detailed memories to look back on forever and also get some more inspiration from the trips.

Watch Travel Shows & Movies

I grew up watching Mary-Kate and Ashley movies that made me fall in love with the beautiful destinations where they filmed and started my love for travel. Movies and TV shows are a great way to fill that travel void and help inspire new locations to visit. Watch some classics or try a new one you haven’t seen yet and let the travel inspiration flow. Check out these Hallmark movies that inspire travel for some ideas.

Read About Travel

Another great resource to get your travel fix is by reading about it. There are so many good books, blogs, and articles all about other people’s travel adventures. One of my favorite ways to read about travel is by reading other travel bloggers’ experiences in different places. They provide excellent tips, tricks, and travel guides for different places you’ve never been to before.

Listen to Travel Podcasts

Just like with movies, TV, and reading, another great way to get travel inspiration is by listening to some travel podcasts. I have just started listening to a family travel podcast and am obsessed! I’m learning from the host’s personal experiences and also getting inspired to travel more with my family.

Make a Travel Vision Board

This is just like a regular vision board but all about travel. I’ve heard people say that making a vision board helps you to really visualize what you want and pushes you to achieve it. By making a travel vision board, you are mapping out the places you want to travel. Seeing it will help inspire you to keep reaching for it until you achieve it. I’m working on my first travel vision board, and it is already inspiring me.

Make a Travel Craft

If you’re crafty or like to make DIY projects and you love traveling, why not combine both by making a travel-themed craft? You can find so many cool ideas on Pinterest. I got a wooden hanging of the United States and painted each state we visited. It’s a fun travel decor item for the wall and also a keepsake to document our family travel adventures.

Learn About Another Culture

Make good use of your time at home by learning about another culture. Study their history, geography, food, and/or learn a new language. There are so many fun ways that you can learn about another culture. By doing so, you can get your travel fix while still being at home and also prep for a future trip in the process.

No matter if life gets in the way and you have to put travel plans on hold, you can still choose to do what you can at home. I personally prefer to keep on dreaming and planning that way so that when the door opens again, I am able to jump right in, and all the initial work is already done. This too shall pass, and we will be able to travel again. Until then, keep on dreaming of that next travel destination!

Simple Ways to Spread Kindness Every Day

One of the biggest things that I am trying to instill in my kids is spreading love and kindness. I truly believe there can never be too much kindness in the world. It is one of the best qualities you can have as a human being. Whenever I see my kids initiate an act of kindness, it makes me so incredibly proud!

There are so many ways, big and small, that you can show loved ones and even strangers kindness. You can spend a fortune or not even a cent to do it. To me, the little things often mean more than the big ones. You never know what others are going through and how the smallest gesture can mean so much to someone. Here are some of my favorite simple ways that you can spread kindness every day.

Random Acts of Kindness

This is probably the best-known way to spread kindness. The options are endless for a random act of kindness. You could do something big or small. You could buy someone a cup of coffee or cover someone’s food in the drive-through line, etc. I think it’s the most fun to keep it anonymous and in passing so that the other person can’t try to talk you out of it. The most important aspect of a random act of kindness is not expecting anything in return.

Leave a Note of Appreciation

Taking the time to handwrite a note is still in style. It shows that you really took the time to send your appreciation, love, and/or thanks. Just this week, my kids and I wrote cards to send to loved ones. It was so fun to involve them in the process. You could leave a Post-it for a family member, a note on a car, or even mail a letter.

Give a Compliment

Everyone likes to hear a compliment about themselves. It instantly makes you feel good and gives you a boost of confidence. Giving a compliment is free and easy to do. Do you like someone’s hairstyle? Compliment it. Do you like someone’s outfit? Compliment it. Just be genuine and spread some kindness by complimenting others on what you like about them.

Share Something that Inspires You

With so many online businesses and brands these days, one of the best things you can do to support them is by simply sharing their content. As a blogger who is working to grow my own brand, this simple gesture really means so much to me.

Do you have a favorite blog, podcast, book, or movie? Share it! Is there a blog post, Instagram post, or YouTube video that inspires you? Engage with the content by liking it, commenting, and sharing it with your friends. Taking the time to let them know why it inspired you and sharing it often means the world to the creator of that content.

Encourage Others

Just like with compliments, a simple word of encouragement can make such a huge impact. If you see someone who is feeling down, try to lift their spirits with some encouragement. Find some encouraging and hopeful quotes to inspire someone.

Be Polite & Courteous

Simple manners really go a long way. Nowadays, people are so busy and wrapped up in their own world that the basics go out the window. Classics are classic for a reason. Please and thank you never get old. Saying excuse me when passing someone in a crowded area or when you burp is the polite thing to do. Thinking about others before yourself when out and about is a great way to just be polite and courteous.

Hold the Door Open for Someone

No matter what anyone tells you, chivalry is not dead. I am independent and don’t need anyone to do things for me, but I do still appreciate it when people do. When we dated, my husband always held the car door open for me and would yell at me to stop if I ever tried to open my own door. It was such a nice gesture.

I still appreciate it when a stranger holds open the door for me and my kiddos. I still hold open doors for the person behind me when walking into a building. The next time you’re out and about, give it a try and hold open the door for someone.

Check in on a Loved One

Stop by a neighbor’s house to see how they’re doing. Ask a friend how they are and really mean it. Call a loved one who’s far away just to touch base with life. Just take a little time out of your day to check in on those you love and those who are near you. Be intentional and see how they are really doing under the surface.

Smile More

There is no such thing as smiling too much! I’ve always been a happy-go-lucky and very smiley person. A simple smile can brighten someone’s day. I know it has for me. If I’m having a bad day, a simple smile from my kids can lift my spirits instantly. Just like a laugh, a smile can be contagious. So my advice is to just smile more.

Leave a Positive Review

When was the last time that you left a good review for a restaurant or shop that you love? We typically take the time to let everyone know when we’ve had a bad experience but often overlook the good ones. Take the time to give credit to the good places. Write a positive review for a restaurant or shop that you love.

Give Someone a Just Because Gift

We always get gifts for big occasions in our lives: birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. Mix it up and try giving a “just because” gift to show your love. It will be unexpected and appreciated.

Give to Your Favorite Charity

Do you have a favorite charity or cause? The best way to show kindness to them is by helping to support their mission. If you can’t give financially, there are still ways you can help. You could volunteer or use a skill that you have to help. For example, my grandma loves to sew and knit and has knitted newborn baby hats for hospitals. Or maybe you could make a meal for the workers. Just get creative and give back to your favorite charities however you can.

Pick Up Trash Outside

Do you love the outdoors and wildlife? Why not show it some kindness by doing some cleanup? We love going on outdoor adventures and try to do our part to help be more environmentally friendly. A simple way to do that is by picking up trash outside and helping to keep things clean.

Let Someone Go Before You in Line

Another simple way to show some kindness is simply by letting someone go in front of you in line. I’ve had people let me in front of them in a busy grocery store with cranky kids, and I definitely appreciated it. A simple gesture like that can lift someone’s spirits, and it only costs you a few extra minutes in line.

Spreading love and kindness is so important every day, especially during times of uncertainty when emotions and anxiety are running high. You could make a positive impact on a loved one’s life and even a stranger’s life. People are always watching; be the example. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Real Mom Talk: The Stay-at-Home Mom Struggle

Everyone is getting a taste of the stay-at-home mom’s life currently. For some, like my sister, she is really enjoying the extra time at home with her kids while she only works every other day during this pandemic. Some may be struggling more as they aren’t used to being home 24/7 with kids.

But for others, like myself, this is our normal life. Even if staying home is your normal, your regular at-home routines have been interrupted too. There are no outside-the-home activities or sports, and you may even have extra kids in the house who are normally in school. It is an adjustment for all of us.

I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. In fact, it was an understanding that my husband and I had before we got married. That when we started having kids, I would stay home with them at least until they were school age. It was always my desire to be able to do so. And I do love it.

I’m so thankful for a husband who was ok with me wanting to stay home and who has always been super supportive of it and worked hard to be the sole financial provider for our family. I feel very blessed to be able to stay home. I know for many people that’s not the case, even if they want to.

But being a stay-at-home mom is not easy.

There are ups and downs. You have good days and bad days. For anyone who thinks staying home is a walk in the park. It is not. I once read something that said being a stay-at-home mom is like working two full-time jobs, and I completely agree with that assessment.

As a stay-at-home mom, you don’t get a break. Sure, you may get little breaks here and there, like when the kids are napping or if they are playing happily on their own for a minute during the day. However, you can’t come home at the end of the day to get away from work and have a break. Because you never left the house, to begin with.

You are home all day with the kids. You are home all night with the kids and home all weekend with the kids. So you essentially don’t ever get a break. Don’t get me wrong, as I said, I love staying home with my kids, but it is hard too.

Mom guilt is SO real, you guys.

I personally feel bad complaining about staying home, because I know I am so fortunate to be able to do so. I personally know others who would do anything to be able to stay home, but they just can’t financially.

I love my kids so much and feel guilty if they drive me crazy sometimes. I feel guilty if I hit my limit of fights or tantrums and yell too much. I feel guilty if I’m not patient enough. I feel guilty if I need time away from my kids. I feel like, as a mom, the guilt just comes constantly for any little thing. Being a stay-at-home mom just adds another layer to the mom guilt.

Maybe it’s an unpopular opinion, but I think it’s perfectly fine to not love staying home all the time. Who do you know that loves their job all the time? I take my title as a mom very seriously. I love pouring into my kids, teaching them new things, and experiencing everything with them! Being a mom is a job. A very important job.

It is also important to still take time for yourself.

You will need a break sometimes, and that is ok. One day that might mean a store run solo, a night off from the bedtime routine with the kids, or a few minutes to take a nice long shower. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner for help and to take advantage of some solo time.

I don’t want to sound like I am just complaining. I am very much a glass-half-full, always look for the positive kind of person. But I also want to keep it real with both the good and bad of being a stay-at-home mom. If you’re like me, sometimes you just have to vent a little, and then you feel better about the tough days.

Being a stay-at-home mom is just like any other job. You should be able to vent about your day at work even if that day is staying home with the kids. For me, the good times far outweigh the tough times. It is worth it to me to be able to stay home.

A big reason I wanted to stay home with my kids was that I didn’t want to miss out on the firsts, the big milestones, and even the little moments that go along with kids growing during the early years.

Kids are so impressionable during the early years. I wanted to be able to instill in them core values and raise them to be kind and dream big. I genuinely love spending time with my kids and watching them learn and grow. I cannot imagine missing all these early-year moments because they are only little once.

I know staying home isn’t everyone’s dream or plan, and that is ok. As much as I love staying home, I’m also “working” from home to grow a side hustle. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing either way, whether you work outside the house, at home, or not at all. Find what works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all; you have to do what works for you and your family.

Whether you’re a regular stay-at-home mom or a new one due to this current situation, no one is immune to the ups and downs of the stay-at-home mom life. It can be quite the rollercoaster, but it is so worth it too. As hard as it is sometimes, it is far more rewarding than anything else I’ve ever done in my life.

Give yourself some grace.

We all have good and bad days. Nothing is perfect in life. Your best is good enough. If you want to be a stay-at-home mom, you CAN do it. If you’re a new or temporary stay-at-home mom, don’t be too hard on yourself. We all struggle with it. Being a stay-at-home mom can be challenging, but it is so much more rewarding than anything else.

Hang in there. I see you. I understand the struggle. I am right there with you.

You are NOT alone!