** This post is sponsored by Wente Vineyards but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. My intention for the summer has been to explore. Last summer I didn't have much time for the outdoors. I spent most days inside and not enjoying Chicago's best season to be outside. I also didn't explore my new neighborhood as much as I should have. I didn't garden at all, even ... 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
Tips for Reducing Phone Screen Time
I recently realized how much screen time was affecting my sleep and my mental state. I was spending hours on social media, specifically Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. While I need to spend time on those apps to engage with others and promote my blog, I don't need to scroll as much as I did. I also wasn't feeling inspired by anything I was seeing on some of these feeds. So what did I do about ... Read more
Why I’m Going to Therapy and How It’s Helping Me
** This post shares my own postpartum struggles. I am not a mental health professional and am not providing specific advice. Please see a professional if you need help. In January I finally did it: I made an appointment to see a therapist after thinking about it for months. I found one that specializes in prenatal and postpartum issues and her office is not far from my house. She even ... Read more
My Self-Care Goals for the Year
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DoMoreForYourWholeMouth #ColgatePartner #CollectiveBias Self-care is a major focus of 2019 for me, and I want to help you also find ways to recharge and take care of yourself this year. In this post I share my self-care resolutions to incorporate in the new year. Besides ... Read more
Finding A New Normal After Having Kids
Today's post shares something that's been on my heart lately. I hope that it will help anyone who feels a little lost after a life change. Something I've discussed with my therapist this month has really opened my eyes to one of the sources of my anxiety and postpartum emotions. I realized that I have been holding on to the notion that I needed to "get back to my old self." I keep talking about ... Read more
How to Find Motivation and Inspiration When You’re in a Rut
Lately I have been feeling off. I happens every year when Chicago's winter hits (unofficially). The darkness at 4:30 p.m., the constant cloudiness, the frequent snow/ice/rain combine to kill my motivation and make me want to hibernate. I don't have the luxury of sitting around and doing nothing, though, so I needed to find my inspiration again. I needed to pull myself out of this rut. I've ... Read more
Why You Should Do Things Alone
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through this link at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Whether it's because I could not find anyone available to go with me or because I wanted to go alone, I have done many things by myself throughout the years. One example was this week when I attended Michelle Obama's Becoming book tour ... Read more
Ways to Offer New Moms Postpartum Support
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through this link at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! In the past seven months I have realized I have not been as supportive as I should have been to my friends and family who have given birth. I didn't realize this until my postpartum experience showed me how much support new moms need and ... Read more
Postpartum Thoughts: 6 Months
I've had a lot of postpartum thoughts on my mind lately, but I've been hesitant to share them. I don't want to come across as complaining, because in fact I am grateful for my family, my work situation and my life in general. I was hesitant to share this motherhood post because so many moms are shamed when they speak about how they feel or what struggles they are having. You can have prayed for ... Read more