Today marks the 10th anniversary of my first cross-country move. On this day 10 years ago, I packed up my Xterra and started driving from my hometown in Virginia to my new home in California. I cannot believe that it has been 10 years! It seems just like yesterday.
I had just turned 19 and was not only moving out of my parents’ house but moving across the whole US! From the East Coast to the West. I was so young and naive. So full of life and excitement for my new adventure.
It was bittersweet knowing I was leaving my family, but I was mostly just excited. I had been dreaming about this move my whole life. As long as I could remember, it was my dream to move to California and become an actress for movies and TV. I had never even set foot in California before, but that didn’t scare me.
I had been working full-time since age 17, and after buying my first car, I had been saving up for this very move. I was stepping out into the great unknown. I had only just lined up a place to live about a week before moving. My dad was driving out with me to help me get settled in and acclimated to California for a couple of days, then he would fly back home.
I was always the shy, quiet, homebody out of my siblings. I was probably the last of my 8 siblings that you would ever think would move far away from home. I always just had a daring and adventurous spirit underneath. Most people probably thought I was crazy, but that didn’t stop me.
I remember my dad asking me a couple of times if I wanted to take any detours to stop at any landmarks along the way, and I said no. Now, looking back, I kind of wish I had taken some extra time to do that, just to have those memories and experiences. But at the time, I was so excited to get to California that I didn’t want to do anything that would delay it any longer than it was already taking.
So we literally just drove. As much as we could in one day, we drove. We only stopped to get gas, grab a quick meal, and sleep. If we weren’t doing one of those three things, we were driving. Although we didn’t make many pit stops, we still saw some cool sights.
As I’ve been reminiscing about this move, I have been going through my old posts and photos from this time, so I thought I would share some of the specific details with you all. It was quite a road trip!
Day 1
Our goal was to start driving around noon on July 25th, but that didn’t happen. Packing what was left in my room and loading the car took longer than expected. We ended up leaving around 5 pm (EST) instead. By the time we left, my car was jam-packed from floor to ceiling.
We wanted to drive as much as possible that first day, and since we were feeling ok we ended up driving about nine hours. We stopped at 1 am (CST) for the night in Dickson, TN, a town between Nashville and Memphis.
I did most of the driving on the first day of the trip, so I didn’t get many photos. Despite it being dark, we still saw some cool sights. We caught the I-40 and took it the whole way across the US.
Some of my highlights from Day 1 were:
Driving past Nashville at night. I just love city lights! It is just so magical. Seeing Nashville all lit up at night was so beautiful!
Driving along “Music Highway”. On I-40 from Nashville to Memphis, the section of the highway is called “Music Highway”. Makes sense, right? The signs were so cool with music notes and all. I thought it was a neat thing to see.
Day 2
After what felt like a very short night’s sleep and a quick breakfast, we began driving again on July 26th. We left our hotel in Dickson, TN around 8:30/9:00 am (CST). I took a lot more pictures on this day since my dad drove a lot of the way and it was daylight outside.
We drove through Memphis. I saw a couple of billboards for Graceland but never a sign directing us where to go. We drove over the Tennessee River/Kentucky Lake.
We crossed over the Mississippi River as we passed the Arkansas state line. Arkansas was very green and pretty, with lots of water and swamps around.
We passed into Oklahoma, and everything began to look drier and not so colorful. We drove over Lake Eufaula, which was very large and pretty. The sun was out, and the sky was very blue with clouds. Driving at 70/75 MPH, everything comes and goes so fast; if you don’t know it’s coming, you miss it. We saw an Air Force Base and passed through Oklahoma City.
We passed into Texas and hit a short but heavy rainfall. After about 14 hours of driving, we stopped for the night in Amarillo, TX.
Highlights from Day 2:
Driving over the Mississippi River while crossing the Arkansas state line at the same time.
Driving through Checotah in Oklahoma. This is Carrie Underwood’s hometown, and they have a sign saying it’s her hometown and that she was the American Idol winner.
Driving through Yukon, OK. This is the home/hometown of Garth Brooks.
Tennessee River/Kentucky Lake
Mississippi River
Arkansas State Line
Arkansas
Oklahoma State Line
Lake Eufaula in OK
Oklahoma City, OK
Yukon, OK
Oklahoma
Somewhere in Oklahoma
Day 3
After what felt like another short night’s sleep (but a little longer than the night before), we got up and began driving again on July 27th, leaving Amarillo, TX. I made a point to try to take more pictures that day as well.
We continued on in Texas, then crossed over into New Mexico. Everything was dry and brown-looking all the way through New Mexico. There were a lot of ranches lining all of I-40 through both Texas and New Mexico. We did see some neat hills and mountains too. After a while, everything looked the same, though.
According to my GPS, we would have arrived at our final destination at around 11:00 pm that night. We decided to just get a hotel that night. We thought of making a detour to the Grand Canyon, but in the end, I decided I would rather just get to a hotel early and relax.
After a good dinner, we got a hotel in Kingman, AZ, at around 8:00 pm (MST). We relaxed and unwound a bit, then I hit the hay around 11:30 pm (MST).
Highlights from Day 3:
Seeing the mountains in New Mexico.
Texas
Texas
New Mexico State Line
New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico
Day 4
We had a late start on July 28th, but we were only about 4 hours away from our final destination. We got up late, were slower-moving, had breakfast, and left the hotel in Kingman, AZ around 10:00 am (MST).
As we continued driving through Arizona, I began to see more palm trees, which was so exciting! We drove over the Colorado River (it was gorgeous) and then right after, we passed into California.
There was an inspection station where all vehicles had to stop about a mile into California. They asked us where we were coming from; we said, Virginia. Then they asked if we were carrying any fruits, vegetables, plants, or animals. We said no, and then they let us through. We continued on and went over the mountains and through valleys.
Around 2:00 pm (PST), we stopped to grab some lunch, and I got final directions to the house I would be living in. After eating, we continued on and arrived at my new home around 3:00 pm (PST).
Highlights from Day 4:
Seeing all the palm trees.
Driving over the Colorado River.
Seeing the “Welcome to California” sign and crossing the state line.
Driving through the mountains and valleys. It was so cool seeing the difference between the two back-to-back.
Summertime is in full swing! This is my favorite time of the year. With it staying light longer and the temperature higher, there are so many fun things to do outside. But that doesn’t mean things are always easy, especially with young kids. So why not try to make things a little easier on yourself?
Here are some of my favorite mom hacks specifically for summer:
Johnson’s Baby Creamy Oil as Mosquito Repellent
This is probably my #1 favorite as far as summertime hacks go. I first came across something about this on Pinterest last year. I was pretty skeptical about whether it would actually work. The mosquitoes are so bad where I live, so I decided it wouldn’t hurt to just try it.
I started looking everywhere for this lotion and couldn’t find it. It took probably a couple of months to find. Once I finally found it at Walmart, I bought it right away. And to my surprise, it actually worked!
I use it whenever I’m outside for an extended amount of time. If I’m doing yard work or sitting while the kids play in their kiddy pool, I put it on. And I legit carry it around in the diaper bag in case I need it while we’re out and about.
You simply apply the lotion to all areas you wish to protect. It’s safe for babies and kids and works for me too! Not only does it repel mosquitoes, but it also smells good. No more dealing with the gross smell and sticky feeling of regular bug spray. And for an added bonus, you get to moisturize your skin while saying bye-bye to mosquitoes. Win/win!
Use a Shower Curtain as a Pool at the Beach
My sister introduced me to this hack. She swears by it! First, you dig a hole in the sand at the beach. Second, you place a clear plastic shower curtain on top of the hole in the sand. Third, you fill the hole with water from the ocean. And voilà , you have your very own beachside personal kiddy pool!
This is so nice for young kids at the beach. You don’t have to worry about your kids being scared of the waves or about the water being too cold because it stays warm in the heat. You can shade the makeshift pool with an umbrella too.
My daughter loved playing in it when my sister’s family came to visit, and they did this. The shower curtain folds up and doesn’t take up a lot of room in your bag, and you simply rinse/wash it off to get it clean afterward. There are so many benefits to this one. Seriously, give it a try!
Fill Grocery Bags with Sand at the Beach for Weights
Need weights/sandbags to hold a tent or other beach items in place? Simply bring some plastic grocery bags and fill them with actual sand at the beach.
You can thank mister Walmart employee for this brilliant idea. I was shopping for some sandbags to use as weights for my beach tent I bought this year and couldn’t locate them. I asked an employee if they had any, and he said no, but that he recommended just using the plastic grocery bags I was getting with my purchases that day and filling them with sand at the beach. I tried it that very day and have done it again every time we’ve gone to the beach since then.
It is such a brilliant, simple idea; I don’t know why I never thought of it before! No need to lug the weight around or pay for the extra item. Just fill the bags at the beach and then dump them when you leave.
If you live in an area where plastic grocery bags are banned, you can simply use Ziploc bags or buy a couple of cheap purses/bags at the dollar store to use. Something you don’t care if it gets sandy and dirty, and something you can reuse. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just functional.
Use Baby Powder to Get Sand Off
One downside to beach time is all the sand getting everywhere. No matter how hard I try to get clean before leaving the beach, I still always seem to find sand on me when I get into the car.
If you have young kids, I know you can relate to this struggle with me. What if I told you there is a simpler way than having to wait in the long line to rinse off or having to make your child stay under the cold water to get clean before leaving the beach? Well, there is! Just rub some baby powder on the sandy areas and wipe off the sand easily and quickly. It’s perfect for that quick fix to get the sand off and wait to shower/get clean until you get home.
Use a Cupcake Liner to Catch Popsicle Juice
Everyone loves a popsicle on a hot summer day. But not everyone loves cleaning up the sticky mess they leave behind after. If your kid’s messes seem to multiply faster than you can clean them, then this hack is for you!
Instead of trying to keep your kids in one place so they don’t drip everywhere, try using a cupcake liner around a popsicle stick or ice cream cone to catch any drips before they get all over your kids’ hands and clothes. Because let’s face it, your kids aren’t going to eat it fast enough for it not to melt.
BONUS TIP: You can also use a cupcake liner upside down on your drink to keep the bugs out! How’s that for a 2-for-1 deal?
I hope these hacks come in handy for you as they have for me. And that they help to make your summer a little easier. Leave me a comment to let me know what your favorite summertime hacks are! Enjoy your summer!
Have you ever found yourself stressed or frustrated with a little one who only wants to be held? Who only wants you, is extra clingy, and/or wants your attention constantly?
Babies go through so many phases as they grow and hit different milestones. Having a baby who seems extra clingy or has separation anxiety is completely normal. Feeling stressed or defeated during the clingy phase is completely normal too. I’ve been there myself. Lately, it has been quite often, if I’m being honest.
I’ve felt worn down and just at a loss some days. As much as I love my littles and want to enjoy the time when they want to be held now, it can be hard to find the joy in it sometimes. Some days I just want a minute to myself or to simply be able to make a quick meal without a baby on my hip.
My little guy has major separation anxiety lately due to his age, milestones he’s hitting, teething, and just a lot of life changes for our family right now. I have to keep reminding myself that a lot is going on for him and that I’m sure he is in sensory and just general overload these days.
I know firsthand how hard the clingy phases can be on you, as the mother. Because I have been there (and am here right now) myself, I have come up with some ways that can help you manage it too. Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve found that have been a sanity saver for me during clingy days.
**Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all for every parent, baby, or situation. What works for one person may not work for another. These are just some ideas based on my own personal experience of what I have found that can help ease the clingy phase.
1. Use a Baby Carrier
First and foremost, the baby carrier. If you don’t have one, get one! If you’ve never used one, try it. This has been my personal lifesaver on so many occasions with both my daughter and son. When my baby wants to be held but I need my hands free to cook or clean or do anything, it is the perfect solution.
There is something about the suspension of a baby carrier and having a baby’s legs hanging that they just seem to love. My daughter would sleep in the carrier and loved being snuggled up close to me. My son gets excited whenever I get the carrier out. He recognizes it and knows exactly what it means. I even use it in stores with him when he gets tired of being in his car seat or in the cart.
An added bonus is that your baby is right on your chest, so if they are little, you can have the comfort and security of checking their breathing (something I did quite often with my first). And you get that close contact with them for bonding, even if it’s not skin-to-skin.
2. Switch it Up
Try changing up your routine a little bit. Maybe your baby needs a little more stimulation or is simply bored. If I felt like our days were too routine, I’d mix it up.
Try changing positions. If your baby has been lying on their back playing for a while, try some tummy time or sitting time in a bumbo. When my babies were little and nonmobile, they would both get bored if in one position for too long. They couldn’t move on their own yet, so I had to help. When they started getting fussy, I’d move them around, and they were much happier.
Keep your baby engaged. They love to interact, and they learn everything from what you say and do. Giving baby something new to focus on can be a great distraction.
3. Get Outside
Another good option to switch things up is to go outside. I don’t know what it is, but babies typically love being outside. Maybe it’s the change of light, sounds, or smells. I’m not sure, but they like it. If you normally spend most of your time inside, try getting out a little more.
You could do some playtime outside in a pack n play, take a stroll with the stroller, swing at the park, or just simply walk around a little. When we visited family and my son was not sleeping well, my mom would take him outside, and he’d nap on her every time. I also knew one baby who would be screaming, but the second you stepped outside, she’d go instantly quiet. It really does work!
4. Find Some Natural Remedies
I’m all about finding natural remedies. I look for the safest and healthiest solutions for myself, and especially for my babies. Ask a doctor and friends to see what remedies are out there that can help calm your baby naturally.
I have personally used chamomile tea (mostly with teething pain) and Essential Oils to help calm and relax my kids. My sister swears by the lavender nighttime lotion for her kids.
With everyone being more aware and cautious these days, there are so many good natural options out there. You just have to do your research. Don’t jump into any one thing too quickly. And whenever in doubt, check with your baby’s doctor first.
5. Stick with What You Know
This is not a long-term solution for clinginess, but whenever you are at your wit’s end and don’t know what else to do–do whatever helps to comfort and calm your baby quickly. No one knows your baby better than you. You know what they like and don’t like.
In the moments when your baby is fussy and all worked up, just do whatever works. It could be feeding, rocking, singing, etc. You get the picture. If your baby is instantly calm on a car ride or going outside or with their paci–just do it.
As I said, this isn’t a permanent fix, and you don’t want to always give in to that one thing because it can then create bad habits. But on those days when you’re about to lose it and just need a break, just giving them what they want isn’t going to hurt anything.
Some may call it spoiling or letting them run things, but sometimes it’s just necessary for your own mental state. We’ve all been there. I know I have been there more than once. I’m guilty of just nursing my son when that was the only way to calm him down. Sometimes you just have to do it for your own sanity.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
I know in the early days of motherhood I never wanted to ask for help. I thought I could do it all and that if I needed to ask for help, it meant I couldn’t take care of my own baby. Mom guilt is so real, you guys! It took having a second baby only 16 months after my first to realize I needed to ask for help more. I wish I had asked for help more with my first when I needed it. Take a lesson from me and don’t be afraid to ask for help now.
Those who love and care for you aren’t going to think any less of you. Help comes in many different forms, and it can look different for everyone. For some, it may be helping with household chores or running to the store. For others, it may be a babysitter for a night out or someone to hold the baby so you can just shower.
Some days we all need help. No one can do it alone. Whether it’s a spouse, significant other, family, or friend, ask for help when you need it. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at how willing to help others are.
7. Find What Works for You and Your Baby
Last but not least, you need to find what works for both you AND your baby. Each person and child is unique and has different preferences. What works for one may not work for another. And that is ok. It’s perfectly normal.
In my own experience, what worked for my daughter didn’t always (or even usually) work for my son. My daughter loved her paci and had special dolls that would help calm her down. Whereas my son won’t take a paci and doesn’t have a favorite toy currently. My son has always loved movement: the car, stroller, swing, etc. And my daughter was always happy just playing with her toys and being moved to different positions to play. My point is: every child and situation is different.
Just because one thing worked for your first child doesn’t mean it will work for your second. Age also plays a factor. Your child may outgrow that beloved swing or sling and not want it anymore. When that happens, you just have to find a new favorite and roll with that.
Things are always changing as your kids grow and go through different phases. And likewise for you. Maybe you used to be able to just push them in a stroller when they were younger, but now it’s winter, or you’re going back to work and won’t be home to do it. In that case, you’ll have to find a new normal. The most important thing is for you to find a good solution that works for both you and your baby.
While this time is hard, try to remember it is just a phase. The clinginess will fade eventually. The days may seem long now, but you will get through them. It may take some trial and error to find the right solution for both you and your baby, but you CAN find it. Give these tips a try and see what works for you. Be patient with yourself, momma; you got this!
In honor of Cow Appreciation Day on July 9th, here is an easy and cheap way to make your own outfit and get some free Chick-fil-A. I found out about Cow Appreciation Day the night before it happened and didn’t have time to go to the store for supplies that night. Instead, I went the morning of to get these items, made the shirts that afternoon, and went to dinner at 6 pm that night. And I made 4 shirts in total! So not only are they easy and cheap to make, but you can do them last minute too if needed.
What You’ll Need
Plain white t-shirt
Black paint
Paintbrush
PLAIN WHITE T-SHIRT
I got plain white T-shirts for both kids, myself, and my husband all at Walmart, in our sizes and pretty cheap. All shirts were between $ 2 and $ 4 apiece. You can also find reasonably priced plain colored shirts in the crafting section at a craft store like Hobby Lobby.
BLACK PAINT
You can use fabric paint or acrylic. I went with black acrylic paint because I didn’t want the puffy texture of fabric paint. I bought this multi-surface Indoor/Outdoor washable acrylic paint as opposed to just the generic kind. I made sure it said it could be used on fabric and was washable (dishwasher safe, etc.) because I wanted to ensure it wouldn’t wash out of the shirt.
Make sure you get enough paint; it can go fast. I bought 3 of the little cheap $0.87 bottles at Walmart to make sure I had enough. I went through one and a half bottles making 4 shirts (sizes: 9 months, 2T, Women’s Small, and Men’s XL).
PAINTBRUSH
Any kind of paintbrush you want to use will work. I used the spongy type of brush (one was round, and one was flat). I used the round brush mainly.
Let’s Get Started
STEP #1
Paint the front of the shirt. I did more of a circular motion with the brush and made rounded spots. You can do them however you want the shapes to come out.
For my kids’ shirts, I mixed the paint with water, and the areas seemed to expand after I was done painting due to the water. For the adult shirts, I used straight paint and no water. As a result, the kids’ shirts came out a little lighter, with a grayish ring around the black spots, and the adult shirts came out with darker black spots.
The paint bled through the shirt some, which made it easier to paint the back since I already had some spots coming through. Just make sure you use something under the shirts so you don’t paint your table or surface being used. I placed a cardboard box under my shirts when painting.
STEP #2
Flip the shirt and paint the back. Repeat step 1 to paint the back of the shirt.
STEP #3
Let the shirt hang dry for a few minutes. I let my shirts hang for about 10-15 minutes. I did this so that the paint wasn’t as wet when I heat-treated them.
STEP #4
Heat-treat the shirts via a dryer or iron. I chose a dryer for convenience. I put the shirts in the dryer for about 30 minutes to dry and heat-treat the paint into place on the shirts.
Now you’re ready to go! We wore our shirts literally about 30 minutes to 1 hour after I heat-treated them, and they worked great.
And there you have it, an easy and cheap way to make a quick Cow Appreciation Day costume. You can also use these steps to be a cow for Halloween or any other dress-up occasion. Happy creating!
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