So this Valentine’s Day, let’s embrace the chaos and celebrate love in all its beautiful, messy, real-life forms. Here’s how:

Kid-Friendly Valentine’s Fun

Nothing says “Valentine’s Day with kids” like glitter explosions and tiny hands covered in paint. If you want a mess-free (or at least less mess) option, try these simple ideas:

Love Notes – Cut out paper hearts and write one thing you love about your child on each. Tape them to their door, or slip them into their lunchbox.

DIY Valentine’s Cards – Give them paper, stickers, and let them create! Bonus: It keeps them occupied long enough for you to enjoy a warm(ish) coffee.

Valentine’s Day Breakfast – Think heart-shaped pancakes, strawberry smoothies, or a slice of toast with jam cut into a heart shape. Festive, fun, and easy!

Keeping the Spark Alive

Valentine’s Day with kids means getting creative with couple time. If a date night out isn’t in the cards, try these instead:

Love Notes, the Low-Effort Edition – Jot a quick note to your partner on a sticky note and leave it on their coffee cup or mirror. Simple but meaningful.

Candlelit Food Delivery – Put the kids to bed, light a few candles, and order your favorite meal. No cooking, no dishes—just the two of you.

A Coffee Date (Even if It’s in the Kitchen) – Brew something special, sit down together (even for 10 minutes), and talk—without interruptions if possible!

Don’t Forget About You

Moms pour so much love into everyone else—don’t forget yourself in the mix! Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to practice a little self-love:

Steal a Moment for Yourself – Even if it’s just a hot cup of tea and five minutes of quiet.

Do One Thing You Love – Read a book, take a long shower, or sneak some dark chocolate in the pantry.

Dress Up (for You!) – Put on something that makes you feel good, even if you’re just at home.

Sweet Treats to Share

What’s Valentine’s Day without a little something sweet? Here are a few quick and easy ideas:

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – Fancy without the effort.

Heart-Shaped PB&J – Kid-approved and adorable.

Pink Smoothie Bowls – Blend frozen berries, banana, and almond milk for a healthy Valentine’s treat.

Valentine’s Day as a mom isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about love in the everyday moments. It’s in the way your baby’s eyes light up when they see you, in the soft “I love you, Mommy” whispered before bed, and in the quiet moments of connection with your partner.

So whether you’re celebrating with finger-painted hearts or a stolen moment of peace, know this: you are so loved. And at the end of the day, that’s what Valentine’s Day is really all about.

The post Love and Little Hands: A Mom’s Guide to Valentine’s Day appeared first on Scattered Musings.

It’s a new year! Wow! I can’t even believe how fast time has gone. I know for myself, I’ve committed to writing more on my blog again this year, and I am looking forward to sharing great things with you.

One thing I have always struggled with is New Year’s resolutions. Setting goals is great and all, but can I actually achieve them?! Will I give up before I start?! I find myself questioning my abilities before I even attempt them. Thinking more about it this time around, I realized that I need a framework for setting small, simple goals that will guide me in making a plan for the year.

With this discovery, I decided I wanted to share with women everywhere an outline of tips that might help you jumpstart your 2025! (It’s never too late to set a goal either, so if you’re reading this mid-March you can still go for it.)

Here are my tips for setting meaningful and achievable goals in the new year.

1. Prioritize Self Care

Listen friend, you’re not being selfish by caring for yourself. In fact it’s quite the opposite! Ever hear that phrase, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”? It’s true! There’s absolutely no way you can give your all to your family, friends or anyone you interact with if you haven’t taken care of yourself first.

Now I’m not saying you need to go get a massage every week (but hey, if that’s what is takes mama then make it happen). You simply need to make sure that you feel fulfilled everyday. Do you feel better getting ready for the day instead of having a messy bun and leggings? Make that a priority. Do you need 10 minutes to yourself right when your husband gets home from work to destress? Ask for it. Don’t be scared to communicate with those around you what your needs are.

Find your self care needs, set those goals, and make them happen.

2. Create a Family Routine

My family always thrives when we’re in a routine. Think of Christmas break for a moment, since that was our most recent routine-killer. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have time with your kiddos and a new refreshed feeling after celebrating the holidays, but you know how chaotic it gets when the routines are off!

This is great year for setting new family routine goals. They don’t need to be huge, small and simple is actually best. Don’t have dinner together often? Make it a goal to sit down a few times a week as a family and have dinner. Maybe eventually it’ll become every night but for now, start small.

A great simple and fun routine we’ve been implementing in our home is a Friday Family Movie Night! The kids get so excited for organic popcorn and a movie, and my husband and I get time to wind down after a busy week. It’s a win-win routine that we’ve really enjoyed.

Brainstorm with your family what routines you’d like to start or do better and set those goals together.

3. Set Personal Growth Goals

As busy women and moms, we tend to let our personal development fall by the wayside. We have so many people to take care of and so many things to teach others that we forget to teach ourselves. It’s time to start growing the same way you help those around you grow.

Set some goals that help you grow like learning something new, picking up a hobby you miss or if you’re a career woman, prioritizing your professional development. One of my personal growth goals is to add more animals to our hobby farm! We have recently added 5 hens to the mix, and it’s been a great learning experience for our whole family. We’re hoping to grow through even more animals in the future, maybe even a highland cow!

Go ahead and think outside the box on this one; there are endless opportunities to grow in 2025!

4. Simplify and Declutter

As someone who values being organized, I had to throw this one in here. Our lives get so chaotic as the year goes on, so set a goal today to simplify and declutter your home and your life! This goes beyond the usual cleaning out that hall closet or donating clothes and toys (though those can certainly be on your list).

Think beyond the clutter of the home to the clutter of your heart. Where are you spending too much time and energy that you could do less of or without? Is scrolling on social media taking more time than that hobby goal you set? What complications of life can you make simpler? The skies the limit on this one, and it’s very personal to each of us.

Simplify the material things in your life and you will find this to be your best, most memorable year yet. I promise!

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful as you set goals this year. I know I have! I am setting a few goals for each category, and I’ll have to report on how it goes in a future post. Good luck on your goals and Happy New Year to all of you amazing women out there!! You’re already doing great.

The post 4 Tips for Women Setting New Year’s Goals appeared first on Scattered Musings.

Today, our post is for the loved ones in your life. So pass over the phone and let them do the reading. You deserve to be pampered.

Folks, It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time to show your appreciation for the busy moms in your life. Every day they juggle work, family obligations, and household tasks at warp speed with little time to take a break. This Christmas, give them something special to help them relax and recharge. Whether they are a stay-at-home mom or a working mother, here are 30 gift ideas that will make any busy mom smile.

*As a side bonus, ideas that can be purchased Christmas Eve and still make a meaningful appearance under the tree are marked with an asterisk.

1. Spa vouchers*

Treating a busy mom to a day at the spa is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for her. From massages and facials to manicures and pedicures, she will appreciate the chance to relax and unwind.

2. Wine subscription*

Give your favorite mom an indulgent treat with a wine subscription. From classic reds to sparkling whites, she will have something to suit her taste.

3. Amazon Echo Dot

Let your busy mom stay on top of things while keeping her hands free with an Amazon Echo Dot. She can access music, podcasts, and much more with just the sound of her voice.

4. Gift basket

Put together a gift basket of her favorite things. This could include chocolates, bath salts, lotions, and candles to help her relax after a long day.

5. A night out with the girls*

Let your special mom catch up with her friends while you watch the kids. Give her a voucher for dinner, call the friends, and make the reservation.

6. Yoga classes*

Gift your busy mom a set of yoga classes at her local studio. She can take some time to focus on her health and wellbeing while enjoying the relaxation benefits of yoga.

7. Personalized necklace

A personalized necklace with an engraving of her children’s names or initials will be a special reminder of how much she is loved. I had one of these for two years before my chain broke. I loved that simple and stylish piece of jewelry.

8. Self-care subscription box*

A self-care subscription box is a great way to show your appreciation for her hard work and dedication. With boxes full of beauty products, health snacks, and inspirational books, she will have everything needed for some pampering time.

9. Home cleaning service*

Give your favorite mom the gift of a home cleaning service. She can take some time off and let someone else take care of the housework for her.

10. Subscription to a streaming service*

A subscription to a streaming service such as Netflix or Hulu is an ideal Christmas gift idea for busy moms who need some entertainment to wind down after a hectic season.

11. Meal delivery service*

Gift her a meal delivery service for those nights when she needs to cook but doesn’t have the energy.

12. Personalized mug

Get your busy mom a personalized mug with an uplifting message or a funny quote – it will be sure to make her smile!

13. Skin care

Cold weather combined with lots of household chores and cooking takes a heavy toll on your busy mom’s hands. Take care of her with a lotion that holds up against her hard work.

14. Journal

With a blank journal, your busy mom can take some time to reflect and write down her thoughts.

15. Yoga mat

Gift her a yoga mat to help make the most of her yoga practice. Check out a yoga app to go with the mat so she can meditate and stretch from the comfort of her own home.

16. Handbag

Treat your special mom to an elegant handbag that she can use on days out.

17. Aromatherapy diffuser

With an aromatherapy diffuser, your busy mom can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils while keeping her home smelling great.

18. Coffee maker

Help her make a cup of coffee with ease each morning with a high-quality coffee maker.

19. Subscription to a magazine*

Choose a magazine that covers her interests, such as cooking, fashion, or travel. She can catch up with the latest trends and news while relaxing at home.

20. Fitness tracker

Get your busy mom a fitness tracker so she can monitor her activity levels and reach her health goals easily.

21. Personalized cutting board

Surprise her with a personalized cutting board that she can use for years to come.

22. Spa day*

Give the gift of relaxation and pampering with a spa day. She can enjoy a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure – the choices are endless!

23. Coffee subscription*

Gift her a coffee subscription so she can enjoy fresh, delicious coffee each day.

24. Clothing

Get her an outfit that’s both stylish and comfortable for days spent on the go. But include the gift receipts so if the outfit doesn’t suit her, she can pick out something else.

25. Luxury candles

Give your busy mom some much-needed relaxation with luxury candles with calming scents such as lavender or rose.

26. Home décor

Get her a piece of home décor to add a touch of style and personality to her living space.

27. Kitchen appliances

Make cooking easier with kitchen appliances such as slow cookers, pressure cookers, or air fryers.

28. Silk pillowcase

Give your mom the gift healthier skin and hair by adding a few silk pillowcases she can cycle through on a regular basis.

29. Hair care*

Personalized hair care through subscription services matches up your mom’s unique hair type to the products she needs. An easy-to-follow hair care regime that comes in the mail is sure to help her feel pampered and keep her hair healthy.

And the best choice for last . . . [drumroll] . . .

30. A night alone at a hotel*

Hear me out. Every mom wants this. One day alone, relaxing, eating amazing food, watching her favorite show or reading a book. Bonus points if the house is sparkly clean when she comes home. I’m salivating just thinking about it.

This Christmas, show your busy mom how much you care by picking out a thoughtful gift from this list. Whether it’s a subscription service or an item that will make her life easier, these gifts are sure to put a smile on her face and give her the break she deserves. After all, she’s worked hard all year and deserves something special. Happy gift-shopping!

The post 30 Christmas Gift Ideas for Busy Moms Who Deserve a Break appeared first on Scattered Musings.

My Search for a Smartwatch for Kids

My search for GPS-enabled smartphones for kids began in earnest after I lost track of my four-year-old for about five minutes at a crowded outdoor event.  It was the longest five minutes of my life.

After frantically searching for my kid, while playing all the terrible possible scenarios in my mind, I finally found him crying as he too was searching frantically for me!   At that moment, I decided I would never again allow a situation like that to play out.  As soon we returned home, I wasted no time in hopping on the computer and searching in earnest for a GPS tracking solution for my kids.   

From the TickTalk 3 to the GizmoPal 2 to the FiLip and more, what I discovered was a plethora of kid smartwatch options. However, I was uneasy buying any of them because (1) they all offered more than I needed, and (2) they were just a little pricey.

What I was looking for was a device that was so simple that even a four-year-old could figure it out.

• I didn’t need a device with mind-numbing games.
• I didn’t need a device with flashy designs.
• I didn’t need a device with chat capability.
• I didn’t need a device with camera features. 

All I needed the device to have were three things:

1. GPS tracking
2. an SOS alert button, and
3. two-way communication capabilities. 

After a few hours of online searching, I finally discovered the device that filled all my requirements: The Relay Phone for Kids.

The Relay Phone for Kids

Though I thought the solution was going to be a smartwatch for kids, it turns out the solution was not a watch at all, but rather a 2in. x 2in. smart tile that straps on to an arm, a leg, a backpack, or whatever. 

The company calls it a Relay Phone, but it looks nothing like a phone, as it has no screen. However, it has precisely what I was looking for—nothing more, nothing less.

With a price of $50, the Relay Phone is kid-friendly, easy-to-use, and has a ton of positive customer reviews online.  Not to mention, you can buy it at Target, which is convenient if you’re in a hurry (like me) to get your kids outfitted with GPS tracking right away.  

Here’s how the Relay Phone works

The Relay Phone is a  handy little  tile that looks like a small speaker with a button in the center.  It also has two volume-adjust buttons on the side of the device. It comes in five colors: blue, red, white, teal, and black. And though it isn’t a watch, you can wear it with an armband or use a clip to connect it to a backpack. I’ve chosen to have my kids wear theirs as an armband. It’s surprisingly comfortable and discreet.

After you download the Relay free app, you can connect your family’s Relay Phone devices to operate them like walkie-talkies. To talk, just simply press the button on the center of the Relay Phone. To make an SOS distress call, just press the volume button five times. The SOS alarm alerts everyone connected to the family’s Relay Phone network.

You can also connect the Relay Phones to an LTE network, by enrolling each device for $9.99 per month with Relay’s service contract. This may be worth it if you want to track your kids when they’re not linked to your home’s wifi network. 

When it boils down to it, nothing is more precious than the safety and wellbeing of our loved ones, especially the safety and wellbeing of children. For me, forking out $50 per device and a recurring $9.99 enrollment fee for the LTE service was a no-brainer. The peace of mind it gives is worth it.

Don’t forget to check out my review of Melaleuca.

The post The Relay Phone for Kids appeared first on Scattered Musings.

So turn up your sound machines and clip the baby monitor to your yoga pants’ waistband because we are going for a ride, and it may not be what you expect. Here are 5 things you can do while baby naps from a seasoned mom, who is now officially out of the baby-napping stages.

Sleep

“Sleep when the baby sleeps!” You’ve heard it. I’ve heard it. It’s ludicrous. Of course you can’t always sleep when the baby sleeps. Babies need to clock over 15 hours of sleep a day, and you feel like that would be heaven, I’m sure, but you don’t need that much sleep, and you have some serious adulting to do. All of that being said, naps are important. So if you find yourself dozing off during imaginary tea parties, using Mr. Snuggles as a pillow, not only is that terrible tea party etiquette, it’s also a sign you need to prioritize rest.

Sleep affects your nervous system in a big way. When you are running on empty, you’re more inclined to get your feathers ruffled by minor annoyances, which usually means you’re taking out your lack of rest on your partner and possibly your older children. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes, take some time to clear the fog and find that sweet spot between being totally loopy and completely frazzled.

Something from your to-do list

Afternoon nap time is usually when I would get a text from my big sister saying, “She just went down for a nap. Do I sleep? Or do I clean the bathroom?” Now, I’m a good sister, so I would always respond by telling her to sleep. But occasionally, she would push back and moan about her dirty bathroom (or unanswered e-mails or chaotic house project). If you’ve experienced this dichotomy–being caught between exhaustion and productivity–I have a solution for you.

Take 5 minutes to list out the things that would significantly alter your level of stress if they were completed. This is not a guilt list, so don’t put down meal prepping unless accomplishing it will truly lift a load from your shoulders and leave you just a little bit euphoric in your badassery. Then choose an item from the list that can be done in less than 15 minutes.

Once you complete that item, you’ll have the motivation to check off some of the heavier items, or you’ll have the sense of accomplishment that will allow you to–you guessed it–go take a nap.

Guilty pleasure

Now I know some of you out there are asking me why I put “sleep” on this list twice. So if you saw “guilty pleasure” and interpreted it to mean “nap,” stop reading this and go to bed. For the rest of you, I’m here to tell you that sleep isn’t the only thing you should be doing while your little one snoozes. You should also be taking the time to enjoy yourself.

This is where it gets tricky, though. Reclining in a bubble bath with candles and a podcast should be a part of this, but for me, that didn’t work. Not only were baths a nighttime thing in my mind, but they also required a lot of managing if baby woke up early. So instead of going big, try aiming for something small and manageable.

Maybe you can just sit in your backyard and stare up at the clouds for a few minutes. Or maybe you want to grab yourself a bite of chocolate (or three) and settle down with your favorite book. Whatever activity brings you joy, dive on in.

Audio-inspired work

Next to sleep, this one is probably my favorite. I try my darndest to stay on top of my house throughout the day, but the reality is that chores are just simpler when baby isn’t underfoot. And chores are more fun when I have something interesting to listen to, so long as my chores don’t require mental work.

That’s why I absolutely love cleaning–a satisfying manual task–while listening to an audiobook, podcast, or reruns of television shows–fun mental task. Make this one doubly-productive by adding in 20-30 minutes of a good-for-you podcast or audiobook like a religious text or popular self-help book and then follow it up with Friends reruns.

Social media

I’m a realist, so I had to put this one on here. But I really should have called it doom scrolling. Let’s face it, phones are easy, fast, and stimulating. Of course we reach for them. But when we reach for them because our minds are exhausted, our tempers are short, and we’re overwhelmed, it’s not unlike skipping breakfast and lunch and then eating three bags of cotton candy. You’ll be left with a headache, sick to your stomach, and dehydrated.

So grab a drink of water before you go for your phone. And without opening your phone, decide how you want to spend your freedom. If you consciously decide you want to spend it on Instagram, go for it. Set a timer and scroll to your heart’s content. But you may find that consciously choosing a nap, productivity, or a guilty pleasure will leave you feeling more energized and content.

At the end of the day, baby naps are pockets of freedom that can be used to take care of ourselves in lots of ways. So find what works for you and make sure you get the most out of it! And sleep. Don’t forget to sleep.

The post 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Naptime appeared first on Scattered Musings.

Minivans are the ultimate magnet for children’s clutter, fast food leftovers, and an assortment of random rubbish. As a mom who spends a ton of time each week taxiing kids around in a minivan, I’m still shocked at how quickly the van transforms from a clean, organized vehicle to a trashy, cluttered mess. Sometimes I’m left to wonder why I even clean the van in the first place. Indeed, the transformation is almost instantaneous. One day it’s clean, and the next, it’s not! And if, for some miraculous reason, I’m able to keep my van clutter-free for multiple days in a row, all bets are off the moment I cave and take us to a drive-through!

Minivans: The Origin of Trail Mix

Not long ago, I watched a hilarious comedy bit by Brad Upton that perfectly captures the dirty minivan conundrum I speak of.

“Have you ever had to take car seats out of the back of a vehicle, and then clean up the crack of the seat?  It’s disgusting! Full of broken cookies, raisins, M&Ms, pretzels. I think that’s how they invented trailmix!”

“I will guarantee you that’s how that product originated. It wasn’t a hiker that invented trail mix. It was a parent somewhere that climbed into the back seat of the minivan, scooped that up and said, ‘You know what, if you took that fuzz and that bandaid outta there . . . I would eat that.”  — Brad Upton, Comedian

Although Mr. Upton’s comedy sketch is just that—comedy, it resonates with every parent of young children.

Be Kind to Yourself

I think parents need to cut themselves a break more often. We’re too hard on ourselves. We try and try and try to keep our world as organized and stress-free as possible. However, the reality is, no matter how hard we try, there’s always going to be room for improvement, especially when we’re taking care of a family. So, instead of getting frustrated with that reality, I choose to accept it and do the best I can to make things just a little more manageable. And that’s good enough for me. Consequently, in the case of keeping my cluttered minivan clean and organized, I accept that it will always be a “work-in-progress,” but I can at least implement some simple changes to make that work a lot easier to cope with.

3 Tips to Keep a Minivan Clean and Organized

1. Have multiple garbage cans in the van

The idea of having a small garbage can in the van isn’t novel. Most folks have one conveniently placed somewhere in the front seat area by the driver’s leg. However, considering that most van messes accumulate behind the driver in the passenger area, wouldn’t it make sense to have garbage cans placed there, too? Disneyland picked up on this principle long ago. The reason Disneyland is so clean and clutter-free is that they have an overabundance of trash cans throughout the park. They’re everywhere! Turn your minivan into a mini-Disneyland by having at least three garbage cans in your van—one for each row of seats.

2. Have a laundry basket in the van

Some of the most common items that clutter my van are clothing items such as coats, jackets, gloves (usually unpaired), hats, shoes (also, usually unpaired) and blankets. Other common items include water bottles, backpacks, and notebooks. An easy way to gather these items at the end of the day is to throw them into a laundry basket and haul them into the house, where you can then dump them on the floor and have your kids put them away!

3. No fast food

I’ll admit, this can be a challenge, even for a health nut like me. That’s because sometimes fast food seems like the only solution to keep kids fed on a road trip or when time is crunched. However, fast food is such a massive producer of minivan waste (and you know what I’m talking about). It’s astounding the amount of garbage just one happy meal produces! The cardboard box, the nugget container, the drink container, the straw, the fries (that magically miss the mouth and end up on the floor), the plastic wrapping for the toy, the fry box, etc. It’s endless! Instead, keep an assortment of healthy snacks in the van, and for drinks, give each child their own reusable water bottle.

Sometimes it’s the most superficial changes that bring forth the most significant results. Hopefully, these three simple tips will help you better manage the clutter and cleanliness of your minivan, sedan, or whatever vehicle you may have! Remember, the goal isn’t to make things. Rather, the goal is to make things more manageable and pleasant.

The post 3 Tips to Keep a Minivan Clean and Organized appeared first on Scattered Musings.

1. Be realistic

The first step to setting and achieving your goals is to make sure they are realistic. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself by trying to do everything all at once. Instead, focus on something that is meaningful to you that you can reasonably accomplish within this calendar year.

2. Stay broad

Think about who you want to be one year from now. And use that version of you to decide what intention you want to step into. If you narrow things too quickly, they likely won’t fit into the scope of your entire year. Life changes quickly, especially with young kids. Don’t feel like you need to force something that was working in January but is too rigid for July.

3. Break it down

Once you’ve settled on your broad goal, it’s important to break it down into smaller, achievable steps. For example, if your broad goal is to lose 20 pounds, you might set a micro-goal of going for a 30-minute walk three times per week or consuming a certain number of calories. If these micro-goals are not providing you with results, consider altering them.

4. 80/20 Principle

Your micro-goals should be achievable very easily 80% of the time. If you are not easily reaching your micro-goals 80% of the time, this goal is not supporting you; it is hurting you. It is damaging your relationship with yourself, and teaching you that you don’t have what it takes. Moms do not need this kind of subliminal messaging. Allow your goal to support your desire by setting the right micro-goals.

5. Set reminders

It can be easy to forget about our goals when we’re busy taking care of our families. To help keep track of your goals, set reminders in your phone or on a calendar so that you can stay on track and make progress towards achieving them.

6. Celebrate successes

As you work towards your goals, it’s important to celebrate each success along the way. Reward yourself with alone time or a dance party with the kids–whatever makes you feel like a rock star, smashing your way to a life you desire.

Setting and achieving your goals as a mom doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking down your goals into achievable steps and celebrating successes along the way, you’ll be able to make progress towards becoming the best version of yourself.

The post New Year, New You: Setting and Achieving Your Goals as a Mom appeared first on Scattered Musings.

1. The Tote Bag

This classic bag is perfect for carrying work materials, an extra layer of clothing, or a laptop. It comes in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your lifestyle.

2. The Satchel

This roomy bag has enough space for everything you need on the go. A great choice for the busy woman who wants to keep her hands free!

3. The Crossbody Bag

With a sleek and modern design, this bag is perfect for running errands or hitting the town. Plus, it feels more secure and deters purse snatchers.

4. The Messenger Bag

This classic look is both stylish and practical. It’s great for commuting or carrying your laptop and other items around town.

5. The Clutch

From formal events to everyday tasks, the clutch is a multifunctional accessory that will never go out of style. And it carries only the essentials, which can be a saving grace when you want to lug around less.

6. The Bucket Bag

This chic bag looks as good with jeans as it does with a dress. Plus, it has enough space for all of your stuff: just be sure to dig through it and clean it out occasionally.

7. The Backpack

This is an absolute must-have for the busy woman. It will keep all of your items organized and secure while keeping your hands free, and options abound with fashionable choices that include laptop sleeves and pockets for all the things.

8. The Sling Bag

This bag looks fashionable and can carry everything you need with ease. It’s perfect for the woman always on the go!

9. The Wristlet

If you don’t need to carry a lot, this small pouch is ideal. It can hold your phone, cards, and other essentials while keeping items secure and hands free.

10. The Fanny Pack

Make a statement with this fun and functional accessory that’s quickly coming back in Vogue. Wear it around your waist or as a cross body bag for easy access.

No matter what your style or lifestyle is, there is a bag out there for every busy woman. We hope this list has helped you find the right one for you!

The post 10 Best Bags for the Busy Woman appeared first on Scattered Musings.

If you haven’t jumped on this trend yet, you do not know what you’re missing. I honestly can’t believe I used to cart all three of my kids into a shopping cart for an hour, dodging the candy and toy aisles, reminding them we don’t impulse shop, managing tantrums, and then checking out only to take those groceries out to the car, holding the baby and herding the toddlers through a parking lot desert. Add bad weather to the equation, and I’m getting hives thinking about it.

1. You can shop from the comfort of your own home

No more getting the kids ready to go out, loading everyone into the car, and schlepping through a store. You can do it all from your phone or laptop while you’re relaxing on the couch in your jammies. Or, like me, while you’re binge-watching your favorite sitcom when you should be sleeping, which I believe we’ve covered before, is my favorite way to shop.

2. No need to cart around kids and groceries in bad weather

If you’ve ever had to deal with a toddler meltdown in the middle of a rainstorm, or carry two grocery bags and a baby in one arm through a snowdrift, you know what I’m talking about.

Online shopping means no more weather-related stressors. You can shop when it’s convenient for you, even if that means in the middle of a blizzard, and not have to worry about getting everyone out in bad weather.

With an option like Walmart pick-up, you still might be driving in the weather, but sitting in your car while the Walmart angels fill up your trunk and you listen to your favorite podcast just never gets old.

3. Groceries are delivered right to your car or door

Can someone say, “Heaven?” Depending on the pick-up option, you may not even have to go inside (our Sam’s Club, as an example, you do have to go inside to collect your items). Bust most often, just pop the trunk and you’re all set. If you’re using a grocery delivery service, they’ll bring it right to your door. Now that’s what I call service!

And if you’re really ahead of the game, teach your kids responsibility by having them help unload when you get home. Now you’ve got all the work done at a serious fraction of the friction. Well done, mama.

4. You can compare prices online easily

Gone are the days of driving to three different stores to compare prices on items. With a few clicks, you can check out what each store has to offer and make sure you’re getting the best deal. Not to mention, many times online retailers have better sales than brick-and-mortar locations.

5. No impulse shopping

I can just about cut my grocery bill in half just by sticking to pick-up for the month and vowing not to go in-store. It’s crazy to me. Just think about all the times you’ve gone into a store for one item and walked out with $100 worth of “stuff” you didn’t even know you needed. It happens to the best of us. But when you’re shopping online, there’s no way to be distracted by items you don’t need because they’re not right in front of you in fancy end-cap displays.

Plus, no arguing with your kids at checkout and they’re begging for gum and candy. Bonus.

6. No germs

Contact-less shopping option is one of my favorite by-products of the Covid-era. I remember looking down in at my toddler just to find him SUCKING on the shopping cart handle. Oh my heavens. No more dirty carts, no more coughing shoppers, no more public restrooms. When you’re shopping online, there’s no risk of exposure to those icky germs.

7. You get discounted substitute items when something is out of stock

This is one thing I love specifically about Walmart pickup: when they substitute an item for you, you get the better price. On most things, I shop Walmart brand to save a few bucks here and there, but if they run out, they upgrade me to a name brand or, even better, to a larger size for the same cost as the item I originally put in my virtual shopping cart. It feels like free stuff.

8. You save valuable time and energy

Your time is precious; in fact, it’s the only resource you can’t create more of. So why would you want to spend it doing something that’s not only a time-suck, but also energy draining? Shopping online is so much quicker and easier than trekking around the store.

You can shop when the kids are in bed, or while you’re watching your favorite show, or even on your lunch break at work. No need to hunt down mystery items in a store.

Plus, you have easy access to your pantry at home, so you can check on the items you already have rather than calling your partner to check on the number of eggs you have in the fridge. That’s a time-saver, a marriage-saver, and a money-saver.

9. Avoid decision fatigue

The more decisions you have to make in a day, the harder they become. By the end of a long day of work and mom-ing, the last thing you want to do is try to figure out what’s for dinner and then stand in line at the store. Why not make life easier on yourself by doing as much as you can ahead of time?

You can plan your meals for the week, make a grocery list, and shop all in one sitting. Then, when it comes to dinner time, all you have to do is heat it up. No standing in line at the store or trying to decide what’s for dinner while you’re already hangry.

10. Great customer service

Now I think I may have an advantage here because I read somewhere that my particular Walmart is winning a corporate award for their highly rated customer service, but my experience with Walmart pickup has been stellar. Often, they even have fruit snacks to give my kiddos. I’ve been pleased with the groceries, how they’re packaged, and how they communicate with me. 10/10 would recommend.

Dirty Tips

Here’s my one caveat on grocery pickup, which I am clearly wild about: if you have the time, pick your own produce. I often delegate this responsibility to the amazing pick-up shoppers, and I’d give them 6/10 for picking the quality produce I would get if I were picking it out myself.

My preference is to do my Walmart pickup order and then stop by a local grocer on the drive home and get fresher produce from the front of the store that I pick out myself. It’s an easy-in, easy-out experience, and I get pretty fruits and veggies I’m excited to consume. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also a place I feel a little better about impulse buying, so it allows me to see what’s in-season or on-sale and choose accordingly. Otherwise I might buy strawberries for $5.00 when I could have gotten peaches for $2.50.

Should I shop for groceries online?

Conclusion: You should be shopping for groceries online!

If you’re not already using a grocery pickup or delivery service, I hope this has inspired you to at least give it a try. It’s saved me so much time, money, and energy as a busy mom. There are definitely some drawbacks like deciding what’s for dinner and then sticking to that decision, but the pros far outweigh the cons. Online grocery shopping is a total game-changer, and I think you’ll be hooked once you try it.

Happy shopping!

The post Grocery Pickup and Delivery: 10 Reasons You Should be Shopping Online appeared first on Scattered Musings.

And although some of them may seem a little odd, they’ve worked for my kiddos. As with all my pieces of advice, take what you want and leave what you don’t. Hopefully, though, you’ll find some helpful points in this list to make bedtime less of a struggle and more of a delight.

Tips to Help Your Kids with Bedtime

Tip #1: Eat dinner earlier

One of the biggest challenges with getting kids off to bed on-time is we run out of time! Your bedtime routine should begin as soon as dinner is over. So, if you eat dinner too later, you’re already setting yourself up for failure. Most parents are pretty good at choosing a firm bedtime, but very few of these same parents are good at choosing a firm dinner time. By staying true to a firm dinner time, you make it much easier to stay true to your firm bedtime. In my family, we eat dinner at 6 p.m., which means, I need to start dinner well before that time. In other words, as soon as the “workday” is over, that’s when dinner preparation begins.

Tip #2: No screens after dinner

As soon as dinner concludes, you should begin the process of preparing the family for bedtime. A big part of this preparation includes the winding-down of the brain by disconnecting everyone from electronic devices. This includes parents, too! Yes. Now, if you absolutely need to use a screen, do it in a way that is not visible to the children.

Tip #3: Clean for 15 minutes

To help the kids get ready for bed, help them get rid of their remaining energy. The way I do this is together we all clean up the kitchen and/or living room for 15 minutes. The goal isn’t to complete the task of cleaning the entire room. The goal is to expend the remaining energy the kids may have, which will encourage them to want to head to bed more willingly. Also, cleaning together is a great way to spend time together as a family. For me, any together time is time well spent.

Tip #4: Get the kids into pajamas at least 15 minutes prior to bedtime

If bedtime is set for 8:30 p.m., then get your kids into pajamas by 8:15 p.m. When you send them to put on their jammies, turn off the lights in the living room and kitchen. Or at least dim them. This is a visual cue that bedtime has commenced.

Tip #5: Read your children a story

I’m surprised and saddened by how many people do NOT do this step. Reading a story and/or singing to your kids not only helps them fall asleep faster, but it is a beautiful way to communicate that you love your kids and want to be by them. It is a magical moment. Later in life, as you reflect on your parenting years, you’ll be very grateful you did this.

Tip #6: As you tuck them in, say you love them and that you’ll check on them in a bit

When you tuck your children in and leave the room, something that I’ve learned is really helpful and calming is to tell my kids, “I love you. I’ll check on you in a bit.”

Of course, you need to be true to this promise. Check on your kids in five minutes, then ten minutes, and then fifteen minutes. By the third check, they will very likely be asleep.

These are just a few tips to help your kids with bedtime, but they work for me. And though bedtime continues to sometimes be a struggle for my littles, it is no longer the fight it used to be.

The post 6 Tips to Help Kids with Bedtime appeared first on Scattered Musings.