I was unsure if I would ever have kids. I always wanted to adopt but had no idea if I would be able to do it. I did, however, have opinions on things I would or wouldn't do as a parent. The past few years have taught me I was wrong on many of those assumptions. I'm sharing the things I said I would never do as a mom vs. what the reality has been. I said I would never cosleep. I never understood ... Read more
Using Starbucks’ $3 Reusable Cup and Straw
I've been using Starbucks' $3 reusable cup and straw since last year when I first saw the option suitable for iced drinks. Starbucks already had a reusable hot coffee tumbler, but I had never seen one for cold beverages, which are all I drink. You can use the plastic cup for iced drinks whenever you go to Starbucks, and of course for water or whatever beverage you want to drink at home. I often ... Read more
Annie the Brave STEM-Inspired Dress for Kids
I recently came across a Kickstarter campaign that I wanted to support because it encourages kids to go for their dreams. The company behind it is Annie the Brave, and it was founded by Chelsea Coulston. According to the website, Annie the Brave is a brand that "encourages girls to engage their interest in STEM through a line of whimsical, STEM-inspired dresses." During that Kickstarter, 277 ... Read more
Amazon Favorites for Baby
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! I recently shared my lifestyle favorites but I left off baby/toddler products that have made life easier and more fun for us lately. These are items I've ordered from Amazon and they've all worked out well for us. Also, Prime shipping has ... Read more
Trying Popular Lush Bath Bombs
I'm a bath lover, especially using colorful bath bombs. Taking baths is something I like to do about once or twice a week as part of my bedtime routine. It helps me relax so that I can fall asleep more easily and gives me much-needed me time at the end of the day. I recently received a bunch of Lush bath bombs as a gift, and I thought I'd share my thoughts on using each one, along with photos of ... Read more
Lifestyle Favorites
** This post about lifestyle favorites contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! I'm kicking off the second half of the year (How is it already July?!) by sharing some of my favorite lifestyle products. These are items I have been loving and that have made life easier or more fun. My favorites ... Read more
How I Juggle My Full-Time Job, Parenthood and Blogging
I've heard that being a mom is equal to 2.5 jobs. I am also a work-from home mom and a blogger. That means I have several jobs, apparently. The key to being successful at each is to first know that perfect balance in all areas of life is impossible. You can't be perfect at everything. With this in mind, I juggle my full-time research editor job, parenting and blogging with the following tips: ... Read more
3 Apps/Websites to Earn Cash/Gift Cards
I love finding ways to save money, earn cash back or get gift cards by shopping at my favorite stores. I'm sharing three apps/websites I use to get paid for buying things I already wanted or needed. I know there are many more cash-back and rewards apps or websites out there, but I like to keep it simple by only using a few. Apps/Sites for Cash Back/Rewards Drop: When you download the Drop app, ... Read more
How Clutter Sneaks Into Your Home
Lately I've been thinking about just how often I feel the need to declutter and how much stuff makes its way into my home. I think it's easy to find yourself overwhelmed with belongings nowadays. I'm sharing some of the ways items find their way into your house, whether you want them or not! My hope is that if you're overwhelmed you can at least identify and maybe cut back on some of the ways ... Read more
Affordable Unicorn Party Purchases
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these limks at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Last weekend was special because we celebrated V turning 5 with a unicorn theme party at our gym. V requestaed a unicorn theme for her 5th birthday and I did my best to make her request come true on a budget. Because we spent a bit to ... Read more