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Motherhood is Messy

January 31, 2018 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

Motherhood is Messy is a real life depiction about the messy moments that we don’t always talk about in parenting. 

Get a solid night’s sleep without waking up 14 times.
Clothes staying folded in a pile when you walked away from them.
Eat food when it was hot.
Showering alone.
Running into a convenience store because you wanted a smoothie without having to unbuckle and rebuckle and wait 15 minutes because, “I can do it myself.”

Life was definitely more simple before having kids. Motherhood is Messy.

motherhood is messy

In all sense of the words, literally and figuratively, motherhood is messy.

I mean, for starters, your body changes during pregnancy and fluids randomly leak at inconvenient times is just a premonition of what is to come.  You laugh, you pee. You sneeze, you pee. Hiccup, cough, tip-toe across the room you pee yourself. Then, you actually birth said child and you didn’t realize that so many bodily fluids could happen at one time.

Okay, you think, it can’t get worse. But then, you wake up in a sweat every 2.5 hours only to realize every single time that it’s actually just breastmilk leaking from your boobs because your nursing pad fell out of your top. Then, you look at the calendar and it’s only Day 4 of motherhood.

truth in parenting

You go through the next few months of leaking milk when you forget your nursing pads, projectile vomit and poop, sometimes at the same time, and more tears than you’ve cried the previous 26 years combined.

You are emotionally a hot mess. Motherhood is Messy.

Moving on past infancy, you swear things are going to get better.

Then, your whole life is flipped upside down when your little starts to walk. Opening cabinets, pulling things out of drawers behind you, dumping every single bucket of toys they own only not to play with any of them. The next few years aren’t any easier. Then, bam, positive pregnancy test.  WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!? Did you not just go through all of this? We’re going to do it again?  Yup, we’re going to do it again.

postpartum motherhood

Repeat everything that happened in the first three paragraphs, but add in a potty training toddler who will only pee 35 seconds after you took them off the toilet, a kid who likes to squeeze all the yogurt out of the pouch as fast as they can, and also loves seeing if they can actually manage to get all the water out of the tub in the 23 seconds it takes you to run to the hall closet to grab a towel. Hint: They’re pretty successful at doing the last one. 

messy parenting

Motherhood is Messy. 

Fast forward to having a toddler and preschooler and you finally feel like you are above water. The only issue is, it’s an entirely new set of messy obstacles. Schedules shift to include school and extracurricular activities, there’s new found messy fun like painting and mudpie making. It’s always something. You finally felt like you have it down, but the truth is, it’s always changing.  There’s always a new messy obstacle and always something that keeps you from feeling like you actually have it together.

messy moments in parenting

One thing remains constant – Motherhood is Messy. 

But it’s your messy. It’s your normal. While every day isn’t perfect, most moments are. We can embrace the good times. Shoot, we can even get messy with them. One thing remains true through it all and that is that laughter is the best remedy for those overwhelmed moments. Sit down and finger paint with them. Toss all the clothes up in the air.  Leave the dishes in the sink for an extra few hour to go outside and swing together. Whatever it is, embrace the messiness of motherhood.

messy motherhood moments

Motherhood is no easy flight, but I promise there’s moments that make it all worth it. When your kid asks to sit near you while you do a chore. Or when they bring you a picture that they made just for you. We have to be willing to accept and embrace our imperfections. Because while motherhood is messy, it’s all ours.

honest parenting

Filed Under: Home, Parenting, Pregnancy and Postpartum Tagged With: motherhood, postpartum

Free Daily To Do List Printable

August 31, 2017 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This “Free Daily To Do List Printable” shop has been compensated by CollectiveBias, Inc. on behalf of its advertiser, ZonePerfect. #MyLittleWins #CollectiveBias

I never imagined how hard parenting life would be. Every stage has it’s own obstacles and just when I think I am getting my life together, something else comes crashing in, throwing a wrench in our plans. After our second was born, I decided that I needed to create systems. These systems didn’t need to be complicated. They just needed to be able to work for us and be able to change through the seasons of parenting. I mean I’m constantly cleaning up, while they are constantly pulling stuff off. It’s a never ending cycle.  I needed help!

Get Your FREE Daily To Do List Printable at the bottom of this post. 

Daily to do lists became how I would survive, especially in the beginning of having two kids. I would wake up and grab a piece of paper and write down what I could think needs done for the day. It’s Little Wins™ like this that helped me get through each day of parenting. The needs of moms are never ceasing and we typically are always interrupted. I didn’t want to forget what needed to be done.

But, I needed more. 

The daily sheets of paper were great for a while. However, I was feeling guilt about wasting paper. I had gotten a laminator recently, and naturally, I decided to just create a printable that I was able to laminate and then reuse over and over.  It was perfect. I have it hanging in our kitchen with velcro and I’m able to fill it out at the beginning of the week and get everything done as needed.  It’s perfect.

Know what else is perfect for busy moms? ZonePerfect® bars.  I mean, literally, the word perfect is right there. I constantly forget to feed myself and having these bars around help. Hover over the image below to grab them at Walmart.com. I personally love the  ZonePerfect® Cinnamon Roll and ZonePerfect® Fudge Graham. They help me make smarter choices in eating throughout the day!

Sign up for Ibotta and earn $1.00 with the purchase of ZonePerfect® Nutrition Bars at Walmart.

Grab your FREE Daily To Do List printable HERE!

You can win big with Little Wins too! Enter the sweepstakes below to win up to a $1,000 Giftcard

#MyLittleWinsSweepstakes (8/4 to 9/12)

Filed Under: Home, Parenting Tagged With: motherhood, parenting, printables

Breastfeeding Accessories to Gift Moms

May 9, 2017 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

*Most* women love jewelry.  It’s true.  From the time we were little and playing dress up, we’ve been attracted to sparkly things that accessorize our outfits.  As we’ve gotten older, our jewelry has typically increased in value.  However, once we become moms, something changes for some of us. Some children grab more than other and due to the desire not to ruin our favorite pieces, we end up giving up jewelry all together. We’ll still wear our rings, but the necklaces, earrings, and fancy bracelets vanish for awhile.

Personally speaking, I know that my children were over two before I started trying to wear jewelry again. Even then, it’s a fine line walked to make sure that over-excited children don’t grab valuable pieces and tear them.

I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to sacrifice any longer.  Whether you are a mom reading this post and looking to buy yourself something, or you are a partner/grandparent/friend looking for something special for the nursing mom in your life, I’ve got you covered.  Our Breastfeeding Accessories to Gift Moms post will give you affordable, stylish options. Jewelry options that are safe for babies to chew on anytime.  The jewelry is also extremely durable, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking. All the pieces showcased in this post also have more than one use.  All the jewelry doubles as toys for your littles while out or at home. The shawl and scarves can be used indefinitely, even after your littles are bigger.

10 Breastfeeding Accessories to Gift Moms 

(scroll to the bottom for a bonus tip)

An InLinkz Link-up


These are some of our favorite Amazon finds for breastfeeding accessories to gift moms, but we’ve got some even cooler news!  Right now, if you click on either of the Wee Likey bracelets (Number 1&2), you can save 40% off!  That mean’s you can get a 3 or 5 set of bracelets for just $14.99! And they double as toys when you are out and about! Use code: VIParent at checkout. 

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding 101, Home, Parenting Tagged With: breastfeeding, gifts, lists, motherhood

The New Moms Morning Routine

May 8, 2017 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and Hyperbiotics, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HealthiestDaysAhead   http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH.”

I remember sitting at my baby shower with our first.  My sister made me up this awesome gift basket basket for things I would need postpartum.  Most of it, I understood.  There were pads and snacks, a notebook, chapstick, and so much more.  But there were a few things, like tucks pads and a peri bottle, that I looked in confusion as all the moms in the room busted out laughing.  They were all in on this secret that I had no clue about. But soon I would learn.

My sister, to the best of her ability, would guide me those 41+ weeks through my pregnancy.  Teaching me about what to expect both during pregnancy and postpartum.  Still, there was so much that she could never teach that I would just have to experience on my own. So much of parenting is learning as you go, however, you can also learn so much from others’ experiences.

Today, I want to share with you our New Moms Morning Routine.  Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, each time you have a new and unique adjustment period.  One of the best things that you can do for your mental health is to establish a morning routine as quickly as you can. Getting into a groove will leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle every day with energy.

Here’s our New Moms Morning Routine in 5 simple steps.  

I promise if you do each of these things, you will feel much better every day. Not going to lie, not everyday will be sunshine and rainbows, but overall, much better! 

       1. Wash Your Face. 

  • Okay, if we are being honest here, you likely aren’t going to have time to shower every morning. While many other sites recommend meditating, exercising, or journaling, the truth is we don’t always have time for that.  We think those are great ideas, but simply washing your face in the morning will have you feeling like a new person.

      2. Make Yourself Breakfast. 

  • This doesn’t have to be something outrageous.  I’m not asking you to make yourself poached eggs with crepes and berry compote every morning (although that does sound delish). Make yourself a smoothie.  Hard boil eggs once a week and eat two throughout the week. Or even avocado toast. Breastfeeding?  Check out our lactation recipes. 

      3. Take a probiotic.

  • I honestly wish someone told me about probiotics when I was a young adult, even before having kids, but it wasn’t until I had given birth with my first that I learned about them. Probiotics have multiple functions, but in this scenario they provide temporary relief for anxiety, depression, and overall mental health. Hyperbiotics, a probiotic brand found at your local Target, encourages healthy, regular bowl movements (which if you’ve given birth know just how important help in that department is!).  The Pro-Moms blend is prefect for both pregnant and nursing moms because it encourages full nutrient absorption which aids in a healthier immune system. Pro-Moms also helps produce essential B vitamins and contains natural folate. It also doesn’t have to be refrigerated, so you can keep it by your bedside and always remember to take it.

      4. Take a postnatal vitamin (or continue your prenatal vitamins). 

  • You just had a baby! You body needs all those vitamins and nutrients replenished as quickly as possible.  It’s really important to continue taking your vitamins every day, but especially a quality postnatal or prenatal for the first 6 weeks after childbirth.

      5. Fill up a water bottle. 

  • I know some of you are going to hate me for this, but you need water. Put down the juice and soda, and pick up a bottle. Fill it with water as often as you need.  You should continuously feel hydrated and not parched. Drink until you feel quenched. Don’t care for water?  Try flavoring it (Pinterest has a bajillion different ideas) or try coconut water.  If you are a breastfeeding mama, I try to aim for 64oz a day.

A bit more

Everyone has heard to do the things above, except maybe the probiotics. Let me give you a bit more information about them. Hyperbiotics, a premium probiotic blend, is now available at Target. Their blends help by:

  • supporting your immune system response
  • optimizing your best digestive health.
  • promoting improved immunity
  • leading to more energy and clarity

Specifically speaking about Hyperbiotics formulas – they are vegetarian, non-GMO, free of lactose, gluten, and sugar. There’s also no soy, nuts, iron, artificial flavors or colors, and no preservatives. Also, unlikely many other probiotic companies, Hyperbiotics blends don’t have to be refrigerated, which means you can take them with you anywhere.  They use a patented manufacturing process called LiveBac® that guarantees their blends for 18 months after manufacturing with no refrigeration.

Hyperbiotics isn’t just for MOMS!  There’s a blend specifically for women and one for kids, as well as two additional blends for I encourage you to live healthier days by taking Hyperbiotics blend daily. #FollowYourGut to Target and purchase them today! To learn more about Hyperbiotics, visit www.hyperbiotics.com.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media® and Hyperbiotics, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HealthiestDaysAhead   http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH.”

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Probiotics support many facets of overall health when taken regularly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Filed Under: Home, Parenting, Pregnancy and Postpartum Tagged With: lists, motherhood, postpartum, pregnancy, tips

30 Things to Do in the Kitchen in Your 30s

May 2, 2017 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

Today, we’re sharing 30 things to do in the Kitchen in Your 30s! Enjoy!

Sometimes I sit and realize that I am actually in my 30s. I know I’m not the only one either. Those of us who feel like the ’90s were only ten years ago, still waiting for the “real adults” to come and pick up these children (seriously, who left us in charge), and sometimes don’t realize all this chaos is really ours.

Since turning 30 last year, a lot has changed. In a way, I feel like I’ve grown into more of an adult in the past year than any other time in my life. Of course, I still have a lot of work today on personal growth, but hey, we are all a work in progress.

A post shared by Larisha & Andrew (@wereparents) on Mar 29, 2017 at 11:12am PDT


Speaking of progress, one of my goals for my 30s is to learn my way around the kitchen more efficiently. I didn’t start cooking until I was in college and didn’t really start learning until I became a mom a few years ago. Because of that, I still have a lot of learning to do. Last year, I created a list of  30 things to do in the kitchen in your 30s. While this list is tailored to me, I would love to hear what’s on your list. Don’t have one? No worries! Set a timer for 5 mins and write down as many ideas as you can! Then, get to work!

30 Things to Do in the Kitchen in Your 30s

  1. Learn to Can – Completed 2016
  2. Perfect making lasagna like Andrew’s mom
  3. Make homemade pasta
  4. Make Cheese
  5. Catch a fish, then cut and cook it
  6. Go crabbing
  7. Make sushi
  8. Make Wine
  9. Eat ginup with Andrew in Jamaica
  10. Perfect spaghetti sauce recipe
  11. Perfect making mayo
  12. Make a souffle
  13. Perfect homemade sandwich bread
  14. Complete a Whole 30
  15. Eat vegan for an entire month
  16. Fry a turkey
  17. Make lava cakes
  18. Make hollandaise sauce
  19. Perfect making doughnuts
  20. Raise a chicken
  21. Enter a baked goods contest
  22. Make fudge
  23. Make baklava
  24. Perfect salsa recipe
  25. Make tortillas
  26. Make & can jelly
  27. Perfect decorating a cake
  28. Cook through a cookbook
  29. Order a dish that costs as much as last 3 digits of phone number
  30. Make extracts
  31. Dry herbs
  32. Make meringue
  33. Perfect an omelet
  34. Make crepes
  35. Make cannolis
  36. Perfect cooking different cuts of steak
  37. Make sausage

Andrew is really excited to partner with me side by side and learn how to do some of these things himself too!  We can’t wait to share with you guys some of the things as we do them!

Filed Under: Gardening and Homesteading, Green Living, Home, Parenting Tagged With: goals, kitchen, motherhood

The Mommy Sleepover – Why You Need It

April 25, 2017 by Larisha Campbell Leave a Comment

The Mommy Sleepover and Why YOU Need It!

Every little girl waits in anticipation of her first sleepover. As soon as it’s over, she’s ready for another. We spend our entire childhood begging our parents to either let us stay at a friend’s house or let our friend stay with us. When we go off on our own, we frequently continue these sleepovers with our closest friends. Something happens though when we start living with a partner, in that these occurrences happen less and less. Eventually, sleepovers fade out entirely as we embrace adulthood and start families of our own.

But why?

Why do we do this? What says that, as grown adults, we can’t enjoy the company of other friends all night long, wake up and have breakfast, and go about our day. There was something so pure and joyous in eating your weight in pizza and snacks, pouring your hearts out about that cute boy, and seeing who could stay up the longest.

Why once you hit a certain age do sleepovers cease to exist?

The truth is…they don’t have too.  Insert: The Mommy Sleepover.

I remember meeting two of my best girlfriends a few years ago and they said they still had a “mommy sleepover”. I laughed and then I realized they were serious. What!? That’s genius. And I wanted in on it. Some time went by, but we eventually made plans for our first mommy/daughter sleepover a few months ago.

It was perfection!

The kids played with each other and partied until midnight when we eventually made them lay down (they clearly would have outpartied us). We had tons of food, wine, and movies. We reminisced about the music we listened to growing up and how it was completely inappropriate. (Hit play below at your own risk). We just enjoyed each other’s company.

The inner little girl in us all desperately wants to do this. There was something so refreshing about being able to stay up and gab all night with your closest friends.  Our souls felt reenergized after being able to not think about anything else but fun and friendship for an entire night. We were able to put away the anxiety and depression that each of us face at times thanks to maternal hormones throwing us all for a loop since birthing our children. And in the morning we were rejuvenated to take on the world again. Even if only for the 2.5 seconds before one of our kids started screaming at us again. 

So here’s your “double dare”. Grab a few of your closet friends. Then, plan out a date/time, food, and whose house your mommy sleepover will be out. We always choose to have our kids with us, but feel free to ditch them too! Then, let the fun begin!

Here’s some things that may help:


Filed Under: Home, Parenting, Pregnancy and Postpartum Tagged With: mommy sleepover, motherhood, postpartum

Reflections of Mother’s Day- Moments with the last baby

May 25, 2016 by Larisha Campbell 2 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney Baby for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine
reflections for mother's day of moments with the last baby

This past Mother’s Day was my first as a mama of two. This past year has flown by as we are now preparing to celebrate our baby’s first birthday.  Since she is likely our last child, I have been embracing every possible moment that I can with her.  I hold her a little tighter.  I kiss her a little more. I brush her hair a little slower. I try to keep her baby-like as long as I possibly can.  Much to my displeasure, she just keeps growing.
the last baby magical moments

As a mom, we always want to keep our children as little as possible for as long as possible, but when it comes to “the last baby”, that feeling elevates to unprecedented heights.  Every day she looks a little older. Every day she does something that reminds me how much she is growing.  Every day she makes me look at her older sister and realize while the days are long, the years are short and there’s only the matter of a blink of an eye before she’s doing the stuff her older sister is doing.

magical bond with the last baby

babywearing the last baby

I sit back and watch her and her sister and can’t help but tear up some days as I see the magical bond between them together. Knowing that our baby will never experience life as an older sibling.  She will always be the baby. The bond between these two girls is insanely beautiful. Of course, the older one gets upset when the baby messes up her doll house or knocks down her castle, but the really amazing moments are the ones that shine deep in my mama heart. Those moments when she sings to her sister to help her stop crying. The moments where she tells her sister that she’s adorable. The moments where she hands her something to eat because I can’t get to her fast enough.

magical moments mama of two

Being a mama is the hardest, yet most magical, amazing, and beautiful thing that I’ve ever done and I’m so thankful and incredibly blessed to be able to call these girls mine.  She’s the last baby, but the moments we share together are incredibly special.

disney baby minnie mouse health & grooming kit

Disney Baby at Walmart carries the most adorable Minnie Mouse products to share your own mommy and daughter moments. We encourage you to check out all their available products and head to your local Walmart to pick up something today!

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Filed Under: Home, Parenting, Pregnancy and Postpartum Tagged With: baby, motherhood


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