Whale of a Bath Time

Jack loves bath time. It’s probably the single thing he doesn’t fight. Except when it’s time to get out. The 2.5-year-old groans. Belly to the tub bottom. Arms scooping at the water as it drains, trying to convince it to stay.

Due to his delight of bathing, we’ve stockpiled bath toys. In just under three years, we’ve collected enough last ten children. And, as with any daily routines, all his “squishies” (rubber reptiles, dinosaurs, etc.) must take part in the water party. Every. Single. Bath.

I’ve been searching for a bath toy scoop/collector for months. Sure, the usual stores carry the usual turtle bath scoop. But, I needed something more. Big surprise here. I wanted something a little slicker.

Then I came across Boon Inc., started by one mom with a messy toddler bathtub. Sounds exactly right. A few clicks later, I discovered a surplus of innovative baby and toddler gear. From sippy cups and banana peelers to diaper caddys and storage containers. Boon features products for the modern parent. And super unique.

I immediately purchased the Whale Pod, which fits “an ocean of bath toys” inside and can be left to drip dry. Creates less mess. My absolute favorite phrase.

Next up, the Grass and Lawn countertop drying rack. Little flowers to hold Ella’s bottles. Seriously. Too cute.


Have you already discovered Boon? What products do you like?

How to be a Mom

I’ve always admired my mom. But now a mother myself, I understand her. I’ve leaned on her. Cried to her. Yelled at her. And will always rely on her. As I approach 30 with two kids, two dogs, a house and a husband. I still need her. Almost daily. I even feel bad sometimes. Like I should let the world have her.

It’s hard to pin our best memory together. I could ramble on over millions with my dad. He was a teacher. Summers off. We’d spend time on nature walks. Feeding birds. Playing ball. Camping. All my favorite activities are qualities from my dad. But the things that make me round are traits of my mom.

I have her round crystal blue eyes. Actually, that’s just my favorite inheritance of hers. I’m pretty much her same image. My husband’s always sighing over our similar personality traits.

“Sometimes I think you’re more OCD than she is,” he always jokes over my freakish cleanliness.

My mom taught me the basics of life. The importance of a healthy meal. A classic sense of style. How to shop the best deals. To take a little time for yourself. And never assume someone else will do it for you.

She always wore someone else’s shoes. Teaching me compassion. She encouraged my education. And raised an independent daughter with complete happiness.

Most importantly, she taught me that regardless of endless responsibilities, nothing is more important than family. She never missed a game. Even as a full-time working mom.

She’s strong. Smiles at someone else’s happiness. Would rather give, than receive. Adores her grandchildren. Loves her stubborn husband. And will always remind me I’m blessed.

So, the favorite memory with my mom? Too many to remember.

Decorating sugar cookies every Christmas Eve. Green and red sprinkles. Those hard little silver balls. I would get bored of the millions of cookies. Move on to something else. There she would always be. Red apron. Arms caked in flour. Rolling and cutting out holiday shapes.

Dressing our best for Mother’s Day. Flowing silk dresses. A fancy brunch. And always capturing our day next to any flowers in bloom.

Some of my favorites at the Fox Theatre. Pretty dresses for the Nutcracker Ballet or Cats. Our special time together. I always dreamed of becoming a ballerina. I think she did too.

Or even during my high school senior year. When I gave her little reason to smile. She still traveled with me to horse shows. Gingerly held my horse while I got ready. He’d rub his head against her back and she’d startle, swat him away. She didn’t particularly like horses. But made the effort for me. Even knew all the tiny details. Like how to braid his hair.

But now I know, that’s just what mom’s do.
So, happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thanks showing me how to be a mom.

Discover Natural. It Smells Great.

A part-time working mom of two kids, two dogs and a husband, I rarely have time to stroll specialty stores. My fancy for shopping has fallen to low priority. Along with my haircuts, pedicures and date nights. So, I've gone viral. Feeding my shopping addiction by browsing online marketplaces.

I recently discovered Abe’s Market, the online marketplace with great natural products. We’ve gravitated towards organic foods for years, especially with two growing babies. But after Jack’s eczema breakout last summer, I’ve been making a conscious effort to buy natural products. Creams. Lotions. Toys. Anything. And Abe’s Market has met this family’s demand.

Abe’s is currently running the “Discover Natural” promotional program, allowing customers to choose any three free samples. They’ll deliver them to your door for just $2.

I sampled Mayron’s Baby Goods Barrier & Diaper Cream, Babo Botanicals Oatmilk Calendula Moisturizing Baby Wash and Lotion and Paupaiz Coffee’s Organic French Roast.

The coffee tasted as if I had just stepped outside and picked the beans. 

The diaper cream smelled more like flowers. 

And I’ve already ordered more Babo baby wash and lotion. Its worked wonders on Ella’s cradle cap. And she still smells beautiful by the next bath date.

Check out the program, there's a crazy amount of free samples. Join me. And fix your shopping addiction at Abe’s. Let me know what you think! Dying to hear of other great Abe's products.