DIY Paw Patrol Birthday Party

For my son’s second birthday, we decided to make his favorite TV show come to life. He was obsessed with puppies and all things “Paw Patrol”! It was easy to create this theme because it is such a popular show and theme. I was able to find a bunch of stuff at local stores. This is ultimately what I did to make the theme come to life.

Photo Backdrop

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Green, red & yellow plastic tablecloths
• Paw Patrol streamers
• String
• Tape (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Hang the string on the wall. I used a clothesline rope and tied it in place around each side of the wall.
2. Drape the green, red, and yellow tablecloths over the string.
3. Hang the Paw Patrol streamers over the tablecloths at the top of the string. You can tape them into place if needed/preferred.

Birthday Outfit

Supplies You’ll Need:

• White t-shirt
• Red, yellow, dark blue & light blue fabric paint
• Paintbrush

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Paint a red shield (the Paw Patrol logo) onto the white T-shirt and let it dry. Make sure to leave a little inch or so gap at the bottom of the logo for the bone.
2. Paint a dark blue bone overlapping the shield where the gaps are. Let it dry.
3. Paint a light blue edge around the outside of the red shield. Let it dry.
4. Paint a yellow edge around the outside of the light blue of the shield. Let it dry.
5. Paint another light blue edge around the outside of the light blue of the shield. Let it dry.
6. Paint a dark blue T, W, and paw print (in place of the o in “two”) in the middle of the shield. Let it dry.

Cake

We purchased a pre-made Paw Patrol-themed cake at our local grocery store for this party. But you could just as easily make your own cake or cupcakes and use the same color scheme as the party.

Photo Booth Props

We bought some cute Paw Patrol character masks to wear for a fun photoshoot.

Balloons

I bought Paw Patrol-themed balloons at Walmart that had the characters on them. We also had to have a giant number 2 balloon.

Birthday Poster

I included a cute birthday Paw Patrol poster where you fill in the blanks for your child’s favorite things. We hung it behind the tablecloths and pulled them to the side.

I hope these ideas help inspire you to create your own Paw Patrol-themed party and have a pawsome time with it. Happy creating!

How to Make Theme Parks More Enjoyable with Kids

Who doesn’t love theme parks? I have loved going with my girlfriends, going as a couple, and now going with my kids. I will admit that theme park days were a bit easier when I didn’t have to pack extra bags and worry about naps.

However, even though the extra bags and schedule changes can be stressful as a mom, I absolutely love taking my kids on theme park adventures. We have gone to Disney World as a family of four twice now and to other parks. I wanted to share some tips and tricks we have found to make long days at theme parks more enjoyable with Kids.

Find Less Busy Times to Go to the Park

For both of our Disney trips, we tried to plan around busy times of the year. When you pick nonpeak times to visit, it’s less crowded. Lines are shorter, kids can run freer, and you have more space. This brings me to my next point…

Bring a Stroller

I know it can be annoying lugging a big stroller around, especially if you’re traveling far, but I promise you will not regret it. I always take our stroller to every theme park or activity where there is a lot of walking involved. Kids can use the sunshades for a break from the sun, ride along when their feet need a break, or nap, and you can store all your extra items/purchases in it.

Even with my kids walking, I still always bring it. The last thing you want to do is have to carry your tired toddler around. Plus, if the park is busy, you don’t have to worry about chasing your kids around or them not keeping up when you want to move fast. Bring the stroller. Every time.

Bring Some Snacks

There will be times your kid(s) will be hungry and you’ll want something quick or won’t want to buy the expensive snacks at a theme park. Packing some simple snacks will help with this. I always bring crackers, granola bars, and fruit snacks in our diaper bag.

Bring Their Favorite Items

There may be times that your kid(s) may just want their item from home for napping or just some normal comfort. If they have a favorite blanket or toy/doll that is easy to bring along, I do that. Being away from home all day will probably be a change for young kids, and having a comfort item from home can help with that.

Plan it Around When Kids are Happiest

Planning to visit the theme park when your kids are the happiest can help a lot. My kids have always adapted well to being out and about (when it was once in a while and not a regular occurrence), but some may not. When they were little, I always tried to plan outings around their nap schedule to help with this. You could try going first thing when they wake in the morning or right after naptime. For all-day adventures, I usually try to go in the morning and use the stroller for nap time.

Find the Weather Sweet Spot

Planning your trip around the weather can be helpful for you and your kids. For example, when we went to Disney in Florida, we knew it would be hot days. The first time we went in September, and the second time we went in May. While it was still warm, we actively avoided the hottest part of summer (July). Try avoiding the coldest days for other parks as well. When we went to Dollywood, which is in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, we went in September to avoid the colder winter months.

Be Prepared

As a mom, my motto is always to be prepared. You never know what can or will go wrong. I always bring extra clothes, diapers, and wipes in our diaper bag for long all-day outings. For outside adventures, I make sure to have water, sunscreen, and hats. For theme park days when I know we might not be able to go back to our hotel, I bring extra stuff in the car. If it’s warmer weather, you never know; I bring jackets in the car. Worst case, we just walk back to the car to grab something, but at least we won’t have to go all the way home/to a hotel.

Bring a Baby Carrier

For babies/infants, I always bring a baby carrier along. When we went to Dollywood, my daughter was only 5 months old and still nursing. There were times when she wanted to be held or close to me. I would put her into the baby carrier, and it was a lifesaver. I could still have my arms free, and they didn’t fall asleep holding her. Your partner can also use it to give you a break. I have also used a baby carrier a few times for nursing babies when we were on the move and couldn’t find a place to sit.

Kids don’t have to stop you from taking adventures or visiting your favorite theme parks. I love taking my kids with me. With a little extra planning, it can run smoothly. So take the trip, visit the theme park, check off bucket-list items, make memories, and have lots of fun!

The (Uncomfortable) Things No One Tells You About Pregnancy

Everyone knows about morning sickness/nausea, crazy food cravings, mood swings, and stretch marks as symptoms of pregnancy. But what you might not know is that there can be many other symptoms – some you wouldn’t think of – unless you’ve experienced them for yourself.

Thankfully, both of my pregnancies were pretty mild, but there were symptoms I was surprised to discover are very normal when pregnant. I wanted to share them in the hopes that it helps prepare someone else for pregnancy and what to expect.

Stuffy nose

I had a stuffy nose/congestion my whole first pregnancy. It was annoying, but I learned to live with it. My doctor told me it’s actually very common in pregnancy. I never would have guessed.

Bloody noses

I never had a bloody nose in my life – until my first pregnancy. And then I had multiple ones off and on. Again, not comfortable, but I learned how to handle them. This is actually pretty common too.

Modified everything

During pregnancy, you have to modify everything. No more sleeping on your back or stomach. Even if you work out regularly, there are still modifications that you have to make when pregnant.

Trouble sleeping

I fully expected a lack of sleep after the baby arrived, but I never thought it would be an issue during pregnancy. I was wrong. Between having to pee constantly, insomnia, and how hard it is to get comfortable toward the end of pregnancy (not to mention baby moving/kicking) – sleeping can be a struggle during pregnancy.

Exhaustion

A big symptom I was not prepared for ahead of time was exhaustion. This was the one I experienced the most during both of my pregnancies. I was so tired, especially in the first trimester. When you think about it it makes sense. Your body is growing another human being, after all. Listen to your body, and when you need to rest or relax, do it.

Stronger sense of smell

Another symptom I didn’t think to expect was food/smell aversions. With my first pregnancy, my sense of smell was stronger, and more scents affected me negatively. Certain foods cooking or perfumes, etc would make me sick to my stomach at times.

Varicose veins

I did not experience these in my pregnancies, but I know others who have. It is actually very common. While they may not be pretty, they are normal and can be corrected after pregnancy.

Heartburn

Heartburn is real in many pregnancies. Especially during the last trimester. I didn’t experience it badly (thankfully), but I did have a couple of moments.

Extra gas

I was often extra gassy during pregnancy. Sometimes it can be related to the foods you eat, but sometimes it’s just from the extra hormonal and body changes.

Swelling/Bloating

There will be swelling. In your body, in your feet, in your face. You will also feel very bloated, often. I have yet to meet a pregnant person who doesn’t experience swelling and/or bloating throughout pregnancy. The good news is both of these things will correct themself in time after you have your baby.

Round ligament pain

Be prepared for round ligament pain (AKA aches and pains). The more your body changes to compensate for your growing baby, the more often you can experience this. It is completely normal and goes away after pregnancy. But if you have any questions or concerns, always ask your doctor.

Libido changes

With the changing hormones and mood swings, libido changes come along. Your libido can (and usually does) change during different trimesters of your pregnancy and for each pregnancy. Sometimes you may have little to no sex drive, and other times you may have a very high sex drive. It is 100% normal. My advice – be open and honest with your partner on how you’re feeling.

Constant peeing

Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the bathroom during pregnancy. An early pregnancy symptom can be more frequent urination. And as your baby grows and takes up more room, you’ll often find that you have to pee a lot. The baby may hit your bladder out of nowhere, and you’ll have to go…even if you just went literally two minutes before. You will be up often throughout the night to pee too.

Pregnancy is such a blessing, and there are so many beautiful moments during those nine months. Not every moment is going to be picture perfect, and that is OK. It is all worth it. Hang in there. You’ve got this!

DIY Handprint Olympic Rings

The Olympics are in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by making a fun Olympic-themed craft? If you know me, you know I love keepsake handprint crafts. So I decided to combine the two for this cute craft!

What You’ll Need

• White poster board
• Blue, red, black, yellow & green paint
• Paintbrush

WHITE POSTER BOARD
You’ll need a white poster board or large paper. Depending on what age your kids are, you may need a bigger board for larger handprints. I had to use two poster boards and tape them together so it was big enough.

BLUE, RED, BLACK, YELLOW & GREEN PAINT
I used acrylic paint in all of the Olympic ring colors.

PAINTBRUSH
You’ll need a brush for the painting.

Let’s Get Started

STEP #1
Paint your child’s hand blue. Place the handprint on the upper left side of the poster board. Repeat until you have made a full circle of handprints.

I used both of my kids for this craft. We did a total of 6 handprints for each circle. I alternated my daughter's and son’s handprints for each circle.

STEP #2
Paint your child’s hand black. Place the handprint on the upper middle side of the poster board. Repeat until you have made a full circle of handprints.

STEP #3
Paint your child’s hand red. Place the handprint on the upper right side of the poster board. Repeat until you have made a full circle of handprints.

STEP #4
Paint your child’s hand yellow. Place the handprint on the lower left side, between the blue and black circles on the poster board. Repeat until you have made a full circle of handprints.

STEP #5
Paint your child’s hand green. Place the handprint on the lower right side, between the black and red circles on the poster board. Repeat until you have made a full circle of handprints.

And there you have it! A fun keepsake Olympic-themed craft. Happy creating!

Chula Vista Olympic Training Center

I’ve always loved watching the Olympics! I have many great memories of watching the different games throughout the years growing up. I would pretend to be a gymnast during the Summer Games and a figure skater during the Winter Games. It never occurred to me until I was a teen and visited my first training center that the athletes have these special training facilities to prep for the games. When I discovered that there was a training center nearby when I lived in San Diego, I just had to visit it!

Quick Facts:

• The Chula Vista Olympic Training Center changed its name to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center on January 1, 2017
• It was built in 1995
• It covers 155 acres
• It is a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic training site
• It is home to USA Track & Field, USA Para Track & Field, USA Rugby, USA Archery, USA Cycling’s BMX, and USA Para Tennis

At the time that I visited in November of 2014, this training center was called the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center. It has since undergone some changes (including a new name). I convinced my hubby (who was my boyfriend at the time) to visit the center with me. We were able to take a free, self-guided tour along the path to see the grounds. We had to stay on the pathway and weren’t allowed access to the athlete facilities or actual training sites, but the grounds were beautiful. We could see many of the training fields. There were also fruit trees at the end of the trail.

According to their website, there are now public guided tours available between $5-$35/per person. Make sure to check their schedule and availability prior to visiting. Walk-ins are permitted based on availability. The Elite Team Shop is located in the Visitors Center and offers a variety of unique gear and souvenirs. We visited both the visitor center and team shop to pick up some fun souvenirs during our trip.

The grounds and shop were a lot smaller than I remembered the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center to be, but it was still such a cool place to visit. During our visit, they had some cute photo op locations throughout the grounds, such as athlete posters, statues, and a medal podium.

In addition to training Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the center is also used for international, college, development, youth tournaments, camps, and corporate conference training. Priority is given to elite athletes and their training at all times. Athletes for archery, beach volleyball, BMX, canoe/kayak, cycling, field hockey, rowing, rugby, soccer, tennis, track & field, triathlon, and cross-country, as well as various winter sports, have all trained at this facility since it was built.

If you are an athlete or just an Olympic fan, this center is a must-see! I would love to visit one day again and see the changes that have taken place since my last visit. Have you visited any of the US Olympic Training Centers? Let me know in the comments below!

Baby Names Inspired by Summer

Finding the perfect name for your baby can be hard. There are so many options out there. Do you love Summertime? Summer is my favorite season. I love the warm weather, free time, and vacation vibes!

If you love Summer as much as I do, then I have just the thing for you! I have compiled a list of about 21 names (for both genders) inspired by Summertime for all my fellow Summer lovers. You just might find the perfect name for your little one.

America/Americus

America’s very own birthday is right in the heart of summer – July 4th. There is the actress America Ferrera, and the baby in the movie “Where the Heart Is” was named Americus.

August

A Summer month.

Cali

Such a cute name that screams summertime.

Eliana

A Greek name meaning “daughter of the sun”.

Isla

A Scottish name meaning “island”. It screams vacation and summer mode.

June

A Summer month.

July

A Summer month.

Lark

The Larkspur is one option I’ve seen for the month's flower for July.

Liberty

What has more Summer feels than July 4th? Try this name in honor of Independence Day.

Lily

The water lily is another option I’ve seen for the flower for July.

Pearl

The birthstone for the month of June.

Poppy

The month flower for August.

Rae/Ray

The perfect reminder of a ray of sunshine.

Rose

The month flower for June.

Ruby

The birthstone for the month of July.

Samson

A Hebrew name meaning “like the sun”.

Sandy

A great name associated with summer and the beach.

Sky

A beautiful blue sky is a staple for summer.

Sonny/Sunny

When I think of summer, I think of sunshine. This is the perfect name for that.

Stella

It means “star” and reminds me of gazing at the stars during summer nights.

Summer

No explanation is needed. This is one of my favorite names for all the reasons you can imagine.

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 Summertime, these are great options to consider. If you are still looking for other options, check out these lists: Baby Names Inspired by the Sea and Baby Names Inspired by Christmas.