A different kind of Christmas + our Advent calendar.

As many of you know, minimalism and slow living seem to be taking over not only our home, but our lives these days. I’ll be the first to tell you Christmas preparations look a thousand times different now, than they did just last year. In the past, I would have lugged in SIX different Christmas Rubbermaid’s… full of decorations, stockings, garlands, ornaments, wrapping paper, etc. Decorating for the holiday season was no easy feat, and oftentimes cluttered the house with all things nutcracker, sparkly, and even remotely Christmas. The kids would kind of help… but because I’m so OCD about where everything…

The Global Guardian Project.

In the spirit of running with our latest Eco-Minimalism Post, we’ve also made the decision to become Global Guardians. What does it mean to become a Global Guardian, who are they? “We are a tribe of parents, educators, activists and artists who share a common goal. We want to raise our children to become guardians of our planet, to be inspired and empowered to care for the Earth in a way we adults haven’t. It’s no secret that we’ve created a mess. But we can do something about it today, while our children are young, that will teach them that proper…

Eco-Minimalism + our family.

In this family, we do nature. Our kids adore exploring outside, and my business (Alpine Baby Co.) reflects that. As we started our journey with Minimalism, first going through our belongings, it slowly crept into other aspects of our lives. Slowly but surely we were consuming less, but also finding other ways to respect our Earth + the environment around us. As Ryan and I dove into this whole other branch of minimalism, we started making new changes as a family, I’ll share these with you in the following categories. As always… please know that we are a work in progress &…

The Art of Letting Go.

As a Mum of three children under 6 years young, I’ve learned a few things about embracing this stage of my life. Here are my suggestions + tips for survival with wild ones. 1.Showering everyday isn’t necessary (and actually helps you hair grow longer). 2.Don’t even try to attempt errands during lunch time. 3. Getting children dressed is overrated… especially if you aren’t leaving the house that day. Oh and even if you do, they can still go naked unless going into the store. Or even more so – naked kids can go into the store when you disguise them…

Minimalism + Kids | bringing back imaginative play.

So by now many of you have decided that you’d LOVE to live a minimalist lifestyle, but there’s one catch… you have kids. As we began our minimal journey in January of 2016 – I started paying closer attention to what we would consume as a family, and what items sat in corners untouched for weeks. I was always the Mom who wanted my kids to have baby dolls (and EVERYTHING that comes with), dress up clothes, a vast array of art supplies, all my childhood books plus books they picked from store shelves, the cutest rooms on the planet which involved all sorts…

Our Home-In-Progress.

So remember at the very beginning when I said becoming a minimalist + intentional family is a journey?! Well, we are right in the midst of ours. Welcome. I’m no expert, nor have we been practicing this lifestyle for more than a mere 9 months, but we’ve come a LONG ways. Our children have less toys, which equates to less mess for Mum later. I’ve found useless kitchen gadgets, multiples of just about EVERYTHING, and even hidden garbage (torn papers, wrappers, etc) throughout our home. If that isn’t a wake up call that we are over consuming – maybe our…

Rainy Day Reflections.

Time has been a friend of ours this past month. While I feel a constant urge to race against it, because there’s so much to do and always not enough time, I’m reminded to embrace this season. Blessings have begun to make themselves more apparent, while burdens have equally bore down on our moral.   Self-Employment. Business has been great, thankfully so. I couldn’t do this whole motherhood + business thing without my best friend continually by my side. Offering support, a hand, or advice when needed. This is what I’ve worked so hard for, what WE have worked so hard for,…

A Slow Saturday Spa.

Yesterday I planned a little treat for my two oldest babes. We purchased fresh flowers at our local super market, and I set out my beloved facial routine from The Good Stuff Botanicals for a Spa Date. Lately I’ve been finding ways to be spend more intentional time with my girls, giving them time to open their hearts & minds to an uninterrupted Mama. Let’s face it… Running two and a half businesses, answering to friends, family and finishing build on a home doesn’t leave much time for quality, unplugged time with my kids. I adore them to pieces, and also feel its…

Natural Beauty & Raising Daughters.

    As we prepare for this next season of life, I find myself deep in thought about desires in my heart. Desires to be financially free, and generous. Pursing only memories that will remain in the hearts of our children, not things. To be creative with the eye & talent God has granted me, using it to benefit the lives of others, and see more beauty. Spending each day living intentionally, aware of the present moments – choosing to be grateful, happy, and thankful. Lastly, to live with less and be responsible consumers, purchasing natural alternatives to modern items. This last mentioned desire has been…

A Few Thoughts on Slowing Down.

As many of you know, my little family of five has been incredibly… busy lately. BUSY. I’m honestly starting to despise that word. The excuse and answer for literally e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. these days. Whether its a friend asking how are you, or wanting to make plans – wait friends? Who has time to actually nurture relationships…