the modern mormon mom

New Mom Must Haves

2012-02-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

I apologize to all my fabulous readers for not posting much lately. Exciting news though...I'm pregnant! Now that I am into my second trimester I am feeling fabulous and ready to blog!

This is my second child. My baby wish list is much shorter this time around. There are only a few key items that I plan to invest in.

1. Moby Wrap

With my first baby I was able to borrow a Moby from my sister-in-law. It was fabulous. I was skeptical at first wondering if it was safe and if the baby would be secure. I LOVED it. My newborn fit snug against my body. I could "wear" him while I cleaned the house, went on walks around the neighborhood, and while grocery shopping. I had my hands free while baby got to snuggle all cozy against my chest. I think I want the Modern Slate colored wrap for myself. It is a reasonable price at $45.

2. Timi and Leslie Diaper Bag

I love Timi and Leslie Diaper Bags. I have been eyeing the brand for a year now. The only problem is that I keep changing my mind about which style I want. They are slightly expensive at around $150, but they are so fashionable and well made I consider it an investment. Here are a few of my favorites:

I'm liking the look of the Annette Bag in pewter. The color is versatile enough it would look lovely with any outfit. If you're into name dropping, Jessica Alba is a big fan of the brand and has a few of the chic diaper bags.The black bag she is carrying is the Charlie.

For a more casual looking bag I like the Genvieve Hobo Bag in Silver.

I'm sure as my due date nears there will be more items I add to this list, but for now these are my big ticket items. Let me know what mommy items you can't live without.

2nd Birthday Party Ideas and Themes

2011-11-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

My son's 2nd birthday is fast approaching. Last year his birthday was a blast, so I am super excited to plan this year's bash. Here are some great 2nd birthday party themes:

TuTu I'm turning 2! Okay, so this doesn't really work for my son's birthday. It's more of a girly theme. But still cute if you have a little girl turning two. You can find some darling tutus on Etsy. Check out the cute and colorful tutus in Lily Jill Bowtique.

If you want to make your own tutus you can follow the no sew tutorial on Skip to My Lou. What a fun tutu party you could plan!

Oink, Baa, Moo Guess Who's Turning 2! This is an awesome gender nuteral party theme. Look at these cute invites from Pink Ink Creations:

Choo-Choo I'm turning 2! So this is the theme I decided on for my son's birthday. He is train crazy right now, so it's the perfect fit. Look at these awesome goodie bags from Jennifer's Cookies:

I will be posting later this month all of the great modern train birthday items I find.

Modern Party in a Box

2011-11-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Today is my husbands birthday. I love this party in a box idea from Oh Happy Day! via Amanda Jane. I wish I would have found this before the day of my hubby's birthday! He would have thought I was so clever. Oh well. There's always next year.

Baby Dark Knight Joker Costume

2011-10-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

Last year my for my son's first Halloween he was Nacho Libre. My tutorial for making his Nacho costume is my most popular post and has had over 23,000 views. Last year he won our Ward Halloween Party costume contest. He won again this year when he went as the Joker.

Unfortunately, I do not have the tutorial to post this year. The vest, jacket, and pants were handmade for him by his talented grandma. Doesn't he look cute...and creepy? (Don't worry we didn't let him see himself. We didn't want to scare him!)

Chevron Stripes in the Nursery

2011-10-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

My son's not even 2 yet, and I already want to redo his nursery. There are so many cute things I can't make up my mind! We are in the process of moving my toddler into a "big boy" bed. My mom is making him an awesome zig zag quilt in charcoal gray and white. Bee Square has a simple tutorial for creating this quilt. I found the coolest chevron striped nursery decor on Chic & Cheap Nursery.

I love the deer silhouette from Aldari Art. It's a steal at $18.00 for an 8x10. And the gray and bright striped pillow by Simply Divine would be the perfect accessory for my son's new bed. But I think what I'm going to do is add a white chevron stripe onto one of the aqua nursery walls. Living with Lindsay posted this great tutorial on painting zig zag stripes on textured walls.

Okay, mom. When you come to visit next month, are you ready to help me paint?

DIY- Shower Cap

2011-10-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

The creative Maggie of Smashed Peas and Carrots posted this awesome tutorial on Whip Up on making a waterproof fabric shower cap. Now you can look fabulous even when you're in the shower!

Body Image Day 10:

2011-10-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

Spread the Love: Social Media

Today's challenge, finish this statement:

I am beautiful because....

I am a ~~good~~ great mother, teacher, wife, daughter, and friend.

I am beautiful because I am a child of God.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83856258/i-am-a-child-of-god-light-pink-8x10?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=+I+am+a+child+of+god&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Body Image Day 9:

2011-10-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Supermodels vs. Role models

So today's challenge is about comparing my roles models to supermodels. I have a few amazing women I admire. I don't admire them for their physical attributes. I look up to them for their creativity, their accomplishments at work, their mothering skills, their homemaking and cooking abilities, and their wisdom.

Journal Prompt: Why do we aspire to look women as portrayed by the media? What do we think being physically beautiful will do for us? How much time do you spend trying to be physically beautiful? How much time do spend developing traits like the ones you admire in your role model?

I think we aspire to look like women in the media because we see these perfect women everywhere! On TV, in magazines, and in every advertisements. The media portrays these women as the type of beauty to aspire towards. I often forget they have teams of hairstylists, makeup artists and fashion stylists. I think being "beautiful" will make me feel more confident, and that others will treat me better. When I exercise I have the mindset of trying to be skinny. I need to change to the mindset of, "I'm working out to be healthy." I do spend time looking up fashion articles on line, makeup techniques, and how to dress my body style. But I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with beauty. I probably spend 15-30 minutes a day getting "ready" for the day. However, I do wish I spent more time developing the traits I admire in my role models. Right now the only skills I work on have to do with being a mom and work. I should make time to develop skills I enjoy such as cooking, crafts, and other activities that develop my creativity.

Body Image Day 8:

2011-10-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Body Love Letter

The challenge for today was to write my body a love letter. You can read more about today's challenge and all of the 10 Day Body Image challenges on the BYU Women's Services blog.

Dear Self-

Thank you for being beautiful! Thank you for being a body that works properly and allows me to accomplish all the things I do in life. Thanks for being healthy. Thank you for having a smart mind. Thank you for making a perfect child. Thanks for being a host to my spirit. I love you.

Journal Prompt: How did writing positively toward your body feel? What perspective did it bring? Was it difficult to think of positive things to say to your body?

I was surprised at how difficult it was to think of positive things to say about my body. If I say too much it seems like I'm being conceded. I think I need to work on one of the challenges from earlier about complimenting myself. I do LOVE myself, and truly believe I can accomplish anything, but that's more of an inner confidence. I am still bought into media beauty and the need to be "perfect". I am hoping that as a I continue to think positively about myself and reflect on beauty that I will have a positive paradigm shift.

Body Image Day 7:

2011-10-17T15:45:00.003-07:00

Makeup Reflections

Today's challenge may be the toughest for me. It involves reflecting on what makeup is to me. I don't doll myself up like a Kardasian, but I definitely feel more confident when I have basic makeup on.

Journal Prompt: What does makeup do for you? Is it part of getting ready or taking care of yourself? Is it a mask you hide behind? Do you feel enslaved by it? Would you like to change how you feel about it? Depending on your answers, chose to either go without makeup for a day or continue to reflect on makeup's place in your life.

I don't usually wear makeup when lounging at home, or if I'm working out, but I must wear makeup to work and social outings. I feel more confident and put together when I look my best. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I like to have even skin, and something to make my eyes pop (mascara). Makeup is not a mask I hide behind, but a way to take care of myself and a way to make me feel confident and put together.

Body Image Day 6:

2011-10-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Media Resilience

The 10 Day Body Image Challenge is almost complete. I have enjoyed the experience. The challenges thus far have been a source of deep self-reflection. Today's challenge had to do with looking through magazine and what images and message the media portrays.Of course, all the women are thin, beautiful, wearing expensive clothes, and AIRBRUSHED! No wonder we have body image complexes! Unrealistic images are portrayed everywhere. Women in magazines are airbrushed; the women on TV have teams of hair and makeup artists.

Journal Prompts: What do the messages and images in our popular media teach us about being women?

That the only way to be beautiful and "sexy" is by being ultra thin, have shiny perfect hair, flawless skin, and the trendiest clothes. A while ago I stopped buying magazines (mostly to save money), and it is good for me! I don't need to spend my free time reading articles about how to be thinner, how to dress better, and how to overall improve my sexiness. I need to start looking to all the beautiful women in my life for inspiration. I think my friends and family are beautiful for their talents and unique style.

Body Image Day 5:

2011-10-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Self-Expression

Read about the challenge of the day on BYU Women's blog. On suggestion for the challenge was to strike up a conversation with a stranger. At church on Sunday I asked a new neighbor if she wants to go walking with me. We have been walking a couple of times this week and it has been awesome! We get along, have lots of similar interests. It is fun to have a new friend. It also fun to talk with someone who has no pre-conceptions or judgments of who I am. We were complete strangers.

Journal Prompt: How did it feel to be more self-expressive? How did people receive you? Did you ever feel uncomfortable or afraid? How were you able to push through your discomfort?

I LOVED making a new friend! She received me great. I was totally myself, and she liked me for me. We had lots in common and we admired each others unique differences. To start the conversation we bonded over our baby's. We started with small talk, and eventually as we have talked more we discuss more personal issues.

Body Image Day 4:

2011-10-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

Meaningful Compliments

You can read about the day's challenge on the BYU Women's Services blog. The basic summary of the challenge was to compliment people on something other than their physical appearance. This challenge aligns great with the Dove Self-Esteem Weekend events coming up October 22nd and 23rd. I love this AWESOME, free printable I found on Modern Parents Messy Kids. I will be printing and framing these for all the important women in my life. I will frame it and write a personal message about why I love them. I will write the message with Expo marker on the glass, so that way they can erase it and write in their own messages later. Or have their hubby write in a sweet message.

Journal Prompt: What internal characteristics would you want others to compliment you on? Reflect on a time when someone complimented you meaningfully. How did it make you feel?

Just the other day my mother told me what an amazing teacher I was. It meant a lot that she was impressed with the things I am doing for my students. I also love when my husband comments on what a good mom I am. Being a mother is the most important job I do and I like when my husband notices and appreciates it. I would like to be complimented on my internal characteristics of being driven, working hard, and achieving my goals.

Body Image Day 3:

2011-10-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Self- Talk

To read the challenge of the day check out the BYU Women's Blog.This challenge focuses on the power of our minds.We can change our self-image by changing the way we think about ourselves. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a child. Would you ever call a little girl fat, or ugly, or stupid? Of course not. Then way would we say those things about ourselves?

Journal Prompt Day 3: Write down one of your negative thoughts and answer the following questions:
* How is this statement true?
* How is this statement not true?
* What would be a more accurate statement or thought?
* What have you learned from this experience?

The biggest thing I will take away from this experience and challenge is learning to talk to myself the way I would talk to one of my students, one of my Activity Day girls, a niece, my sister(s), and my friends. I would never call one of them fat, or stupid, or ugly. I rarely ever think those thoughts about others. In fact as part of my career teaching students with special needs, I have emphasized the beauty, ability, and intelligence in all children. I am constantly telling my students they are capable and valuable. In fact it is a rule in my class that students are never allowed to say negative things about themselves. I have had so many parents tell me that one of the greatest thing their child gained from my class was self-confidence. I would be embarrassed if my students knew I occasionally said and thought negative things about myself.
I am generally a confident person and tell myself I can do and accomplish anything. I don;t just tell myself I can accomplish anything, I genuinely believe it. I enjoy a challenge and competition. My negative thoughts generalize around my body image. I wish I were thinner, had clearer skin, shinier hair, whiter teeth, the usual. My worst thought is that "I'm not skinny enough" This statement is true in the sense that I don't have the body of a model or celebrity. This statement is not true because I'm definitely not obese. A more accurate statement would be "I have a strong, beautiful body, that my husband thinks is sexy. If love handles are the trade off for carrying and delivering an amazing baby, it was worth it."

Body Image Day 2:

2011-10-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Gifts

To read the challenge of the day check out the BYU Women's Blog. I am continuing to work on the challenge from day one. I am making a conscience effort to only say and think kind things about myself. Now that I am paying more attention I realize how many negative self-thoughts come into my mind each day. No more! I try to quickly replace those thoughts with lots of self love. Like any habit, it will take me a while to completely erase my negative thoughts and replace them with positive self-talk, but I am committed to making the change.

Journal Prompt Day 2: What are your gifts? How does it make you feel to know that you possess gifts unique to you? How have you developed your gifts? How can you use your gifts to make the world a better place?
As part of the Body Image Challenge I read my Patriarchal blessing. I love reading my Patriarchal blessing. Every time I do I feel so loved and blessed. I gain a renewed sense of purpose. Something different stands out each time I read it. I love seeing how things have fallen in place that align exactly with my life and I love the sense of I hope I feel in anticipating my future. As part of this challenge, participants are expected to do some soul searching to find their gifts. I could also ask family and friends what gifts they see in me. Here is a list of gifts I feel I have been blessed with (that have nothing to do with my physical appearance):
* The gift of the Holy Spirit
* A strong body
* Good health
* An inquiring mind
* The talent to teach and be taught
* The ability to teach children, especially those who are slow to learn
* Sound reason
* Good judgement
* Unfaltering faith
* Good listener
* Humilty
* The ability to control my emotions
* a "do-er" ( if I set my mind to it, I accomplish it)

What are your gifts? How would you describe yourself if you weren't allowed to describe your physical appearance? What do your family and friends LOVE about you? I promise that people do not love you because you are beautiful, they love you for who you are on the inside.

Body Image Day 1:

2011-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Body Kindness

It's not to late, you can still join the BYU Body Image Challenge. Today is the first day of the 10 day life changing expereince.

Journal Prompt Day 1: What kind of sensation does kindness bring to your body? How does gratitude for your body change how you feel about yourself?

Some days I love my body, but I usually find something about myself to dislike. This morning as I looked in the mirror I tried stating only the positives I see in my body. I said only kind things to myself. How can it be so easy to be kind and complimentary to others, but so difficult to be kind to myself? I mentally listed all of the things I am thankful for due to my body. I am thankful I am healthy. I am thankful I was able to have a healthy pregnancy and natural birth. I know that many couples struggle with fertility and I feel so BLESSED to have a healthy, happy child. When I count my blessings it is easy to be filled with gratitude and happiness. My body is strong, and capable. I am beautiful.

I will only say kind things to myself. When negative thoughts come to mind, I will quickly replace the thought with a self-compliment. It may take practice, but I am confident that if I am kind to myself, I will be kinder to my husband, my child, my family and friends.

You can write your own response in your personal journal, or please feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment!

The "New" Provo Temple

2011-10-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

One of the most exciting moments during the recent General Conference was the announcement that the Provo Tabernacle would be converted into a temple. The tabernacle was built in 1861, and remodeled several times. In December 2010, it tragically caught on fire. It was almost immediately under construction, but none of us local residents knew it was being transformed into a sacred temple, until President Monson's announcements at conference.

For more details you can read the complete article on LDSchurchtemples.com

10 Day Body Image Challenge

2011-10-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

BYU Women's Services is conducting a 10 Day Body Image Challenge. You can read more about it on their blog. Sign up by emailing wsr@byu.edu.

Spray Paint your Pumpkins for Modern Halloween Decorations

2011-10-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

Last year I saw the best Halloween decoration; spray painted pumpkins. I like very simple, modern, holiday decorations. It is so hard for me to spend money on things I will only use a few months of the year. So spray painted pumpkins are perfect. You can choose to use a real pumpkin or a fake pumpkin. You can pick any paint color to fit your style. They can be used to spruce up your outdoor or indoor space. You can make spooky pumpkins, or glamorous pumpkins. And, pumpkins are festive enough to last you until Thanksgiving.

For my home I will be using gold, silver, white, and ivory spray paint to bedazzle my pumpkins. I think this color scheme will easily transition into my Thanksgiving decor.

Please leave a comment on your favorite Halloween decorating ideas.

Macaroon Mania

2011-09-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

My friend Dana recently posted that macaroons are the new cupcake. I tend to trust her judgment as she is usually ahead of the curve when it comes to trends.

Although macaroons are delicious, my only concern is that they can't be whipped up from a boxed mix like cupcakes. They are slightly complicated to make, so they may not catch on as quick with home cooks. Here is the link to a recipe for French Macaroons. Martha Stewart also has a large collection of macaroon recipes.

What do you think? Are macaroons the new craze? Leave me a comment.

My Next Diaper Bag will be a Timi and Leslie

2011-09-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

I saw the cutest bag the other day. It was so stylish, there was no way it was a diaper bag. I kept inching closer to try to get a peek at the brand. Timi and Leslie. I googled the bag at home and discovered it was a legitimate diaper bag! I love when fashion meets function. You can also check out their fashion blog for stylish mommy tips.

My favorite thing about their bags is that they all come with a small purse/clutch. I don't know about you but I hate switching all my stuff from my purse to diaper bag. Now I can just take out the clutch and I'm good to go!

For Christmas I am asking for the Rachel bag. I would carry it as my bag even without diapers!

Fall Fashion- Academia

2011-09-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

My favorite season is Fall because I love Autumn fashion! I love boots, and sweaters, and skirts worn with cozy tights. Shabby Apple just introduced their new Academia collection. I'm loving this skirt:

And this entire botanical look is so chic:

And the best part is....drum-roll please....the entire site is 15% off right now (enter code ivy) AND....another drum-roll... they are offering free shipping! Hooray! Could fall shopping really get any better?

Fashion for Football Season

2011-09-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

My husband is a huge sports fan, and I enjoy rooting for my alma mater. This season I was determined not to wear an over-sized tee while hosting a weekend football party. Check out the super fashionable tees I found for my whole family.

For Him:

For Her:

I found my cute college gear at the BYU bookstore and Fanzz. Old Navy also has a section of college attire. I personally bleed blue (Go Cougars), but I'm sure you can find equally chic clothes for whatever team you cheer on!

Apple Cupcakes for the Teacher

2011-08-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

At the end last school year some of my students gave me these darling cupcakes decorated to look like apples. So I searched for the recipe online and found a lot of great tutorials. What a GREAT gift for your child's teacher on the first day of school this year!

You can find the recipe in What's New Cupcake or use this online excerpt. Martha Stewart also has a version, but I like the look of the apples posted above a little better. Happy baking and enjoy back to school time!

Mason Jar Craft Ideas

2011-08-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

Do you have left over jars from canning season? Ready Made has complied a creative list of 10 Things to Do with Mason Jars Beside Store Stuff. My favorite idea is using mason jars and a basic string of white Christmas lights to create fun outdoor lighting. What a beautiful decorating idea for a backyard picnic with friends.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52651300/mason-jar-party-lights-6-upcycled