Mamma Monday: Sensory Box

 Happy Monday Mammas! You've probably heard of these snazzy boxes of fun termed 'sensory box'.  I'm going to be honest, I used to roll my eyes at them and their fancy title thinking they were an overachieving way for kids to play. I also shunned them because all I saw was a mess! #hardno

Turns out they actually are purposeful and the best part, they entertain your child for a VERY long time! I stand corrected and praise the box! 

Last week one of the Mammas in my MOPS group who's an OT shared with us about sensory therapies and how these boxes make an impact on development. She brought supplies for us to make a box to bring home to our littles.  

I drank the Kool aid gals! I'm far from a crafty Mamma but after Vivian played with the box it got me thinking about making seasonal/occasional boxes for her. 

So I went to the dollar store and target  (mamma's best friends) and picked up all kinds of trinkets to create a halloween themed box.  I'm going to make a couple extras for her cousin and a friend.

I'm already scheming a Christmas box with bells in it!

Now, the gal behind Busy Toddler has amazing ways to create activities for your little.  I also recently discovered this company, who has sensory kits and a monthly subscription option that would be a great gift.

While Vivian doesn't seem to have sensitivities, I'm using these boxes to work on counting and sorting. And she has a ball searching and scooping!

I prefer for us to play with the sensory boxes outside on a blanket. Less mess and I enjoy everything more outside. 

These are great to have for babysitters and grandparents!

To make one of these all you need is a container (Tupperware is great), a base: beans, pasta, confetti, (Some gals use sand, rice and lentils but that's just too much mess for me) and things to mix in: small toys, beads, pom poms, blocks, basically any small trinkets you find. Get creative, I even threw in those plastic tops from the pouches she eats.

Feeding a toy rhino a bean :)

If you want to get extra sensory, you can boil and even dye spaghetti or use jello.  You could start by hiding toys in large ziplock bag first then try a container. 

These sensory boxes are surprisingly fun to make and so enjoyable for your littles as they play and learn.

Even if you don't have kids, they make great gifts for nieces/nephews and friends.

Vivian's Frozen Sweatshirt | Jeans | Sneakers

Dress Your Play Time Beautifully

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Alfresco

Happy Monday Gals! When it comes to living my best life (I find that phrase annoying but durn, it really fits) I do it alfresco.  Growing up and as an adult, enjoying meals outside and activities when the weather would allow was a given. There's something about fresh air that makes you at easy.  Stepping outside can wash away your troubles and shed light on the goodness around you.
And life is just more fun under the sun!

I've been finding ways to do as much as I can outside. Of course I play with Vivian, but I mean tasks or activities that I just habitually do inside our home I've taken out to our patio.
From devotionals, reading, working on the computer, painting my nails, exercising, phone/video calls, meals, games ... and my favorite, date night!!! (we leave our phones inside and enjoy just us two)

Tea Parties are a regular on the Patio ... and sometimes while still in our night-nights.

Now, I know I was just sharing on Friday's post that it's been hotter than hades outside and AC is as essential as food and water but find you a shady spot in the first and last hours of the day and you will survive!

Vivian's 1st Popsicle!

Our patio is one of my favorite things about our home because it is a great space to do all the things in the open air.  Now, I haven't focused on sharing it because it's 'not ready'. Meaning, we want new furniture, an umbrella, stringing lights and it needs a good power wash.  But I was reminded of encouragement I often share, that waiting until something is 'perfect' holds you back. It may not be exactly what we want right now, but it's exactly what we need for creating fun memories!

So I hope you not only find a cool place outside to enjoy but that you step out just as you are, open your home just as it is and let the pressure of perfection go!!!

I can't ignore the fashion element of being in the elements ... cotton is king! Light weight natural fibers like cotton and linen are the only ones that will do on a hot summer day.

Here's where we cheers to the good life, alfresco!

Here's Vivian's Playhouse & Picnic Table & Bubble Machine

Turning around towards the backyard, we use the double driveway to set up her splash pad.

Mammas, playing outside is the greatest fun you'll have with your family and yourself!

Dress Beautifully Alfresco

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Bubble of Happiness

Happy Monday! I hope you are facing this new week at home with a smile and plans to create joy.

I remember when I was first dating Ryan during those blissful moments wishing we could stay in 'our bubble' of just us two without having to return to the world.  We were long distance for the 4 years we dated, first 3 years of marriage by a plane flight and later by a nearly year long deployment overseas.  To say we value time together is an understatement! And now he works insane hours in the hospital with a majority of his shifts nights and weekends. Truly it is a challenge.

Time is something you can't buy, something we are all wishing we had more of and something that always flies by in the blink of an eye.

The world can trap us into an idea that happiness is having, going and doing all the things.
Lies!

Time spent with the ones you love right where you are is a priceless gift. I encourage you to put it all down, preferably go outside and be in a bubble of happiness.

Our state is lifting its stay at home order at the end of this week and while we won't be jumping back into the hustle I find myself in a bittersweet state.  It has been wonderful slowing down and despite loosing over half of our income (many tears shed and prayers said) it has been the greatest blessing in the world to have my whole family home.  That is my bubble of happiness.

Don't let things of this world pop your bubble, protect it with His loving arms.

Tips:  Put down your phone (with the exception of a must have photo op but share it later), hold hands, be outside for playing, reading, exercising and dining, talk, turn off electronics, and give thanks throughout the day for all you can do and all that you have!

Dress Beautifully in Your Bubble of Happiness 

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Out Catching Rays

TGIF gals!

I've decided not to complete my Friday Favorites post scheduled for today because it's beautiful outside, sunny and 83!

I will share it tonight or first thing in the morning but today I'm going to be out catching rays with my darling Vivian Louise! This is my favorite way to spend today!
#sorrynotsorry

Sunshine & Sass

Dress Beautifully OUTSIDE!

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Play Outside

Happy Monday! I don't dread Mondays.  In fact it's a new start to a new week full of goals.  Now that it's Spring and the weather is warm one of my goals is to play outside every day.
Except for this weekend UGH I couldn't wear my new birthday dress because it was 50F and raining Saturday night - I even had to pull a sweater out of my stored away winter clothes to wear Easter afternoon.  Hoping Mr can get out of the hospital on time Thursday and take me out for a drink so I can wear my dress! (not holding my breath though #marriedtomedicine)

Baby Vivian LOVES to be outside and I share in her joy of fresh air and sunshine!

Her first Easter egg hunt at Grandma's was so much fun! 

She was good at picking up the eggs and placing them in her basket. 

We just made a huge investment into our landscaping so that she can play in our backyard, we can enjoy meals outside and even host our friends over for barbecues and maybe even some wine by a fire pit!

Now, just like the inside of our home I don't want the outside to be cluttered with baby toys.

So, here's how we plan to enjoy the outside ...

1.  Go to a friend's house and enjoy their outside play toys

My gal pal has an awesome sandbox and thank goodness Vivian loved it! We're taking her to the beach for the first time in June and I was nervous she wouldn't like the sand.  The great thing about this sandbox is that when her kiddos are done with it she can turn it into a garden.
It's good to have time with other Mammas and it gives variety to the children.

Or to a park

Sundays Vivian gets one long nap so we can stay after church and play on the playground.

It's also good for socialization and learning to share with other children.

2. Get a few outdoor toys that are easy to store and have years of use.

We gifted Vivian this car for Easter and she is obsessed with it! It has a floorboard in it until she's big enough to use her feet to move it.  It should last us at least 3 years and it was only $40. She even pushes the cat around in it! We stroll her through the neighbor hood and she's all smiles.

This wagon is great too because she can push a load of toys out while I work in our garden.

She also adores her swing we hung on our front magnolia tree.

I also want to get her an inflatable pool like this one so we can easily store it away when we aren't using it.

3. Art - Sidewalk chalk, paints and crayons are perfect for creating masterpieces and keeping the mess outside of your home.  Color right on the concrete or tape paper down.  You could even get cheap sheets as a drop cloth or to even paint on.

4. Picnic - I'd eat all my meals outside if I could!  When Mr and I lived on the water when we were in the Navy we at outside as much as possible.  I plan to do the same here on our patio and on a blanket with baby Vivian for lunch.

5. Nature Hunts - explore different types of leaves and flowers around. Children find entertainment and learning in the simple things around them.  Sticks and rocks spark creativity! They can also help you take care of plants and a garden if you have one.

Don't forget shade!  We have lots of trees but need to add a big umbrella for the patio.  For times when you don't have any ALWAYS sunscreen and wear a hat!

When in doubt play some music for an outdoor dance party and bubbles! Lots and lots of bubbles make the biggest smiles :) 

Tip: Playing outside = dirty! So get play clothes at a children's consignment store, from a gal pal who's children have out grown them or somewhere inexpensively like Walmart. 

Dress Beautifully When Playing Outside

XOXO Sarah Louise