Essential Summer Gear Discussed in Ep. 62

In Episode 62, “How We Named Our Children & Essential Summer Gear”, we share some of our favorite summer items. With the exception of the 2 infant items that are mentioned in the show, all of these things have been used by our families and we legit LOVE THEM! Go listen to the episode for our full run-down on each of these items!

Find the Episode here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-we-named-our-children-essential-summer-gear/id1455792414?i=1000474955094

Mambobaby Float
This was a reference from our friend Jen who had so many good things to say about this baby float. It isn’t filled with air, so you don’t have to worry about it popping – and it provides a relaxing and safe float for your little one (both on their tummy or back). The harness is also a total game-changer! Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Outdoor Blanket
Target doesn’t have the one that’s referenced in the show – so here’s a similar option on Amazon. You will LOVE this blanket. It’s so handy for picnics, the beach or just laying down on a hot surface by the pool. It dries quickly and cleans up super easy! Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Wet/Dry Bags
Don’t wait – run to your Target right now!! These wet/dry bags are in the dollar spot for only $3 (such a steal!). They can be used for transporting goggles, sunscreen, valuables at the beach and obviously wet swimsuits. There’s isn’t a direct link on their website for these – so here’s a photo of the ones we got this year!

Mesh Bag Totebag
ON SALE right now for $19!! This mesh bag is seriously the PERFECT mom bag for days spent at the pool or beach. The zipper on the bottom is a little cooler where you can store food/drinks and the open portion on top is perfect for all the swim toys and gear you have to bring along. The mesh fabric lets the sand escape easily and seriously is just so practical – we promise you will LOVE this. Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Turkish Beach Towel
Last year we both made the switch to the Turkish beach towel and it has been the best decision ever! These are so lightweight and easy to transport, we swapped out or bulky Costco towels for these. They also dry super quick compared to the heavy towels which we also really like (because our kids are in and out of the pool constantly and hate when their towel is super wet). We both got ours at Marshalls last year so we weren’t able to find a direct link – but these are similar on Amazon! Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Rayban Dupe Sunglasses for Kids
OK, by far the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK on this whole list. For only $10.50 you get a 12 pack of kids sunglasses that are super cute and just as sturdy as ones you’d find at Target. Sarah’s children all use them and they fit her 3 yr old, 5 yr old and 7.5 yr old. Let’s be honest – kids are brutal to their sunglasses. They are constantly bending them, throwing them, poking out the lens or worse (am I right?). So, save your sanity and get these – they’re basically disposable for this price and would last you all summer! Update: It looks like they are no longer carrying the all-black version (which is what Sarah got). They have other colors here which is what we’re linking. We wanted to make sure and share the exact ones we bought because we know the quality is on-point. Hopefully black will restock soon! Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Pop-Up Play Pool
This was a reference from our friend Jen and she raves about it! It’s a little pop-up play pool that is perfect for the pool or beach to keep your little guy entertained. It comes with a little shade and folds up into a FLAT circle for easy transport. You’ll LOVE this – wish we would’ve had it when our kids were little! Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
This is a favorite of Sarah’s for her summer skin. While it’s a little on the pricey side ($47) it’s way worth it and lasts you all summer long. With SPF 30 it offers some protection and just gives you a natural glow. Find it anywhere to sells Laura Mercier. Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Roll Up Visor Hat
This is a favorite of Lauren’s for sunny days. For only $8 at Target, you get a super cute straw hat that is EASY to transport. It rolls up when you’re not using it and let’s be honest – that’s a game changer. Is there anything more annoying than packing a cute straw hat you just bought for vacay just to open up your suitcase and find it mangled?! The top of this hat is also cut-out so you can totally rock a cute up-do and keep it in-tact. Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Sarah’s Favorite Cover-Up
For 3 years now this has been Sarah’s FAVORITE swim cover up. It shows just enough skin and the button detail is super cute. The fabric dries quick and the dress keeps its shape. It’s a flattering little sundress that is totally worth the spend! Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

Euro Swim Shorts for Boys
Lauren is a big fan of this Euro style swim short – especially for days spent at the beach. These help prevent chafing and Lauren has purchased them year after year for all of her boys (ages 2 – 9). Even if they put them on under a traditional swimsuit, it may provide some much needed comfort for your boys on those long, sandy beach days. Zara, H&M and Mini Boden are all brands Lauren has bought. Click on this photo to be taken to the product!

We hope you enjoy some (or all!) of these! Go follow us on Insta @themomvoicepodcast for more things we’ll be sharing from Mom Voice episodes! xo – Sarah & Lauren

Earth Day Ideas & Activities!

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. A tradition started on this day back in 1970 to celebrate this place we call home – and remind us all of our duty to preserve it.

Since we’re all homeschooling today, we thought it‘d be fun to incorporate some Earth Day themed activities into the schedule.  And to simplify your Pinterest searching, we’ve gone ahead and found some great ideas and activities that can be scaled based on your child(s) age. Below are some easy lesson outlines, crafts, easy science projects and a nature walk guide. These were all FREE printables we found on TPT and other resources. We’re just providing them here for ease of use. (Please note that we did NOT create these – and they’re solely the property of the talented teachers/mamas who produced them.)

We hope you find a moment for yourself today, mom! Take a minute and go lay in the sun! ☀️ Soak up some of Vitamin D and find your zen. You deserve it! (and if you want an easy listen while you’re taking that moment… we happen to know a fun mom podcast… just sayin’…).

xo Sarah & Lauren

Earth Day Crafts at https://www.mymommystyle.com/30-creative-art-projects-using-recycled-materials//

Earth Day Science: Tornado in a Jar at https://www.playdoughtoplato.com/kids-science-tornado-jar/

Earth Day Science: Make a Cloud in a Jar at https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/weather-science-how-to-make-a-cloud-in-a-jar/

Letting Go of “Mom Guilt” and Prioritizing Your Child’s Needs

In this episode, we focus on the topic of MOM GUILT and offer some perspective and tips on how to deal. It’s something that we all deal with as parents at one time or another and a feeling that can quickly snowball into other problems.

Lauren starts this episode by sharing the story of bringing home their new puppy, Gus.  As a first time dog owner, she shares all of the firsts that she’s learning and gives her honest review on the new adventure! 

She shares how she revealed the puppy to her children and some other fun things!  I mean – isn’t he just THE CUTEST?!

Lauren's Boxer Puppy - The Mom Voice Podcast
Lauren’s Boxer Puppy – The Mom Voice Podcast

We then dive into the episode’s topic of mom guilt. Whether you are the working mother, have gotten into bad habits or are just comparing yourself to others – mom guilt can be brought on by a number of factors!  In this episode, we share honest examples of when we have struggled the most and offer some inspirational tips on how to move forward and overcome these destructive feelings of doubt! 

Be KIND to yourself - The Mom Voice Podcast
Be KIND to yourself – The Mom Voice Podcast

As the new year begins, it’s a gentle reminder to let go of the past and try to start out the new year with goals and mindful parenting. 

**Follow along on social @themomvoicepodcast as the girls share more there throughout the week!  And don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for updates! 

Always Be Kind

Did you hear our episode about Elf on the Shelf?! We are focusing all on kindness this year and are having fun with it. The moments when we’ve seen little acts of kindness from our children have just made our days!

So in case you need a reminder…

Always be Kind – The Mom Voice Podcast

Quiz: Your Parenting Style

In Episode 9 we chat about Fighting Fair with your partner and some useful ways to go about ‘talking it out’. Every relationship has its ups and downs – it’s inevitable. Hopefully our discussion is a good reminder of how to disagree with your partner in a way that’s productive and not hurtful to the relationship! It all takes work! Should you have any tips or tricks for us, we’d love to hear them!

We also took this fun quick from Fatherly.com to find out our parenting style! (Sidenote: Keep in mind this was just for fun and not all that psychologically based – but hey, it’s just fine to have a little fun sometimes right?!). After answering the 9 short and easy questions it will spit our your parenting style. We were shocked when it identified us because based on all of the options it absolutely nailed our personalities and approaches to parenting! Sarah was labeled The Realistic which is someone who takes a methodical and stragetic approach to parenting (so true!). And Lauren came back as The Optimist, someone who sees the magic in childhood and doesn’t necessarily have a problem with breaking the rules every now and then in order to give her children a good experience.

This was so fun! Take a look at the website here and take the quiz for yourself! Are you The Maverick? The Entertainer? Or maybe The Snuggler? Then let us know on Instagram what your parenting style was, we’d love to hear back from you what it was!

Find the Quiz here:https://www.fatherly.com/?hp_collection=baby-registry-builder-questions