I have long, straight lashes and have always struggled with them maintaining a curl.

Side note-In high school the girls would tease me and call me Snuffleupagus. I don’t see the resemblance haha.

When I started wearing mascara in college it took me trial and error to find a mascara that kept my lashes curled. Then when I wanted to transition to a non-toxic mascara a couple years ago, I was so reluctant bc I know my lashes are so straight and long and was scared I wouldn’t be able to find a non-toxic mascara that worked for my unique lashes. I read so many reviews and got 2 that had incredible reviews. While they do go on well and help with the curl, I would find that with all the humidity living on Kauai, my lashes still wouldn’t keep the curl ;(

During quarantine I saw some girls sharing about a hack to keep lashes curled. I wanted to try it and since I had the “secret” product I tried it right away. Guess what?!? The eyelash hack for straighg lashes that keeps lashes curled ACTUALLY WORKS!!! It’s super easy to do but I’ll break down the steps for you.

Supplies You Need to Try the Eyelash Hack For Straight Lashes That Keeps Lashes Curled

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Eyelash curler (I used this one for years!!! Recently got this more budget friendly option)

• Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or coconut oil

• your favorite mascara…mine are Honest and Ilia

Step 1

Insert lashes into curler like you normally would and press down firmly.

Step 2

While your curler is pressing down on lashes, rub Vasoline or Coconut Oil onto the lashes (exposed on curler)

Step 3

I like to change the angle of my curler to get a curl that looks like a “C” than lashes straight up like a “V”. So I’ll turn the lash curler up to about perpendicular to the floor. It doesn’t hurt at all even though it does look a little stretchy haha. For your fist time trying it, take it slow! Hopefully that’s not too confusing!

Continue curling lashes until you get your desired curl. For me since my lashes are so straight it takes a few rounds of curling.

Step 4

Apply mascara. I don’t put layers of mascara since that does weigh down the lashes so I focus on the tips of the lashes and not the base and initial curl curvature.

Honest Mascara has been my go to. It doesn’t clump and goes on so well. I wish it was waterproof bc being in the water/around water a lot it does run and isn’t cute haha so beware!

My other favorite is the Ilia mascara. The wand on this mascara is amazing and helps get product on every lash.

*I’m wearing the Ilia mascara on all of the videos in this post, just for reference.

Step 5

Repeat on other side!

Step 6

Smile, be confident and know you are beautiful with or without curled lashes

I have gotten into the practice of getting changed in the morning and at the bare minimum doing my lashes. I feel so much more confident in taking on the day when I’ve poured into myself even just a little. So please take this as a loving reminder to pour some love into your own cup with confidence!

Ready to Try the Eyelash Hack That Keeps Lashes Curled?

If you’re lashes are super straight, super long or BOTH (like mine) then please try this hack!! I want to know if it works for you too! And if you have any other tips for long, straight lashes please share!!!!

On the subject of investing in yourself, check out Kari’s post on dry brushing and incorporate more self-love into your day.

Shop the Post

Thank you so much for purchasing through our links! We make a small commission and it means the world to us! Xox, Melissa

The post Eyelash Hack That Keeps Lashes Curled! appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

We have a wedding coming up in the next few weeks and it’s going to require a very long (13 hours!) road trip to get there. Pre-kids, I would be so excited to listen to music or podcasts, talk with the hubby and just stare out the window taking in all the views. But with kids, it’s a whole new world! I thought I would share my roadtrip essentials with you, plus a few tips and tricks to surviving a long drive with kids!

RULE # 1 // CREATE A FLEXIBLE PLAN!!

The first thing you must do is plan! Having a solid, yet flexible, plan helps things run more smoothly! Since we have a 13 hour drive, we are planning out different stops, researching parks or cool attractions along the way and finding safe places to stretch our legs and get some energy out! I usually try to plan stops every 2-3 hours unless the girls are sleeping! Some stops will be 15-30 minutes, while others will be 2 hours!

I think if you go in with a game plan, things will run a lot smoother! Just don’t be too rigid! And definitely don’t forget to have fun!

Now here are some roadtrip essentials and tips you need to survive!

1. Wear something comfortable

This is super important! No one wants to sit in a car for an extended period of time in something restrictive, too tight or just not comfortable! I love wearing a cute romper or jumpsuit or leggings, a cute band tee and an oversized sweater! I usually put the girls in something similar to me, but that can be easily layered! My hubby likes to wear joggers and a tee! Think athleisure wear and you are good to go!

Here are some of my favorite jumpsuits and outfits to stay comfy all road trip long! I’ve included some options for kids and guys too!

You Can Shop My Favorite Women’s Looks Here!

Shop My Favorite Kid’s Looks Here!

Shop My Favorite Men’s Looks Here!

2. Snacks, snacks and more snacks

This is probably the most important part of your roadtrip essentials! My girls get so hungry in the car! They are so busy and active that once they are buckled in and sitting, it’s like they finally realize just how hungry they actually are. When packing snacks, I try to find low sugar options, because we don’t need any extra energy in the car or a sugar crash! I also try to keep clear of anything that would be too sticky so it doesn’t make a mess everywhere!

Some of our favorite snacks are

• blueberries, raspberries, apples and watermelon
• trail mix
• cucumbers with lemon and salt
• vegan jerky (we like this brand)!
• almond butter and jelly sandwiches
• low sugar lollipops (we love this brand..super low sugar)!
• chips/pretzels (we love hippeas)
• freeze dried fruit (blueberries, apples, strawberries)
• fruit and veggie pouches (we love once upon a farm!)
• Ginger Chews! In case anyone gets carsick! I love these!!

We will stop a few times too to get smoothies, salads and something yummy! But having those snacks easily accessible in the car helps keep everyone hangry free!

3. A Backpack filled with Toys/Games and Books

I’ve found it super helpful to pack a bag for each of the kids and put some fun new toys in it, as well as some great travel ones! I just recently got the girls these LCD Board Tablets and they love it! My oldest loves to doodle on them and practice her letters and my youngest likes to color and then push the button to erase it all! It’s one of her favorite things! These little popping toys and these bendy straws are also great! They are fidget toys that my girls love playing with. It’s mindless but keeps them busy while they listen to music or stories!

I also love these sticker scenes, maze books and these mess free coloring pages! They are perfect for travel!

You Can Shop Our Travel Faves Here!

4. Podcasts/audiobooks

Listening to books and stories can help time go by so quickly! My 4 year old loves story podcasts so they are a must have for long car drives! When the kids fall asleep, you can turn on some adult podcasts or audiobooks!

Here are some of our Faves <3

Kids

• Reading Bug Adventures
• Story Time with Phillip and Mommy
• Molly of Denali Podcast
• Earth Rangers
• Story Spectacular Podcast

We also have been loving listening to The Magic Treehouse audiobooks and Curious George Audiobooks! We rent them from our library for free using the Libby App!

Adults

• Live Beautifully Podcast
• Wild + Free Podcast
• The Ikonns Podcast
• The Bossbabe Podcast

5. Other Important Items!

In order to make travel easier and more comfortable, having these items in your car will make everything run smoothly! These are some of my key roadtrip essentials!

• reusable water bottle – it’s important to stay hydrated on the trip! you don’t want to drink too much and have to stop to use the restroom every five minutes, but you definitely want to keep things moving! Here are some of my favorite water bottles 1// Glass Straw Cup, 2// 32 Oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle. and 3// this leopard one!
• pillow and blanket – this is more so for the kids, but it really helps them stay cozy if you have the air on or if outside temps drop!
• kids toilet and lots of baby wipes – this is also a super important one! we always travel with a portable kids toilet so we never have to take them into public bathrooms. with two kids, it is too hard and not always sanitary. it’s easy to clean, you can pull over on a side of the road, and it doesn’t take up too much space! Also bring lots of baby wipes! You can use them for both potty time, messes and to clean hands! I love these bamboo wipes and these water wipes!
• headphones – These are great for kids! We use these all the time!
• mini ipad or amazon kid’s tablet – if all else fails, then give them the ipad or tablet for some limited play or screen time! we try to limit this because we want our kids to use their imaginations and view the scenery! but if things are going south and you need a break, whip it out for a little!

Hopefully this post all about my roadtrip essentials will help make your next one run smoother! Just remember to have low expectations, enjoy the journey, make lots of memories and take lots of photos! Even the hardest trips have fun family memories attached!

As always, thanks for following along! And don’t forget to check out Melissa’s recent post about making your bathroom more sustainable! We always appreciate your support in reading out blog and our posts! Another way you can support us it by purchasing via our links. We make a small commission with each purchase and it means so much to us.

xoxoxo,

Kari

The post Roadtrip Essentials: Everything You Need to Survive a Long Drive with Kids appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

It’s time for Sephora’s biggest sale of the year, or at least one of them. They don’t happen to often but when they do, it is the perfect time to take advantage of this highly anticipated shopping event and get all the goodies at a discounted price! The Spring Sephora sale officially starts on Friday, April 9th and runs until April 19th! When you can start shopping depends on your beauty access tier, as well the discount you will receive.

Here’s a breakdown of the different tiers, discount and start dates

• Rouge – 20% off and can shop between April 9th-19th
• VIB– 15% off and can shop between April 13th to 19th
• Insider– 10 percent off from April 15 to 19

You can redeem your discount using code OMGSPRING as many times as you want within that time period, so you can buy everything at once or spread out your shopping. There’s no minimum purchase, but there are a few exclusions. You can only by one Dyson item per transaction, and can not use the discount on any Ordinary products or on the Nudestix Hand Sanitizer Gel! Other than that you are free to take full advantage of the Sephora Spring Sale!

It really is the best time to treat yourself to new skin-care, stock up on the essentials or refresh your makeup routine for spring!

We wanted to share a few of our favorites to make shopping easier for you! Hope they help! These are items we have used for years, we recommend or that have great reviews and we are wanting to try!

Makeup Favorites

I am definitely using this time to stock up on some new makeup products. I don’t really like foundation and how heavy it can be so I love this Kosas Tinted Face Oil. It provides a dewy finish, light to medium coverage and just feels so good on. I also love the Kosas Concealer for under eyes and on any imperfections. Set it with the Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Talc-Free Vegan Powder, which helps take away shine, but not the glow so you are left with glowing and smooth skin. If you can’t tell, we are big fans of Kosas over here! We also love their lipsticks and glosses! You can see the numerous colors in this post here!

Definitely will be stocking up on the Becca Cosmetics Under Eye Brightening Corrector too! I just found out that the company is going out of business so this product will be discontinued! So sad! But it’s seriously such an amazing product. It’s pretty thick so you just use a tiny bit and it literally brightens your under eye area so well! I’m going to purchase another one to keep on hand, as well as order the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Correct and Brighten Concealer Duo Stick. I’ve heard great things and it has amazing reviews so I am hoping this will be able to replace my Becca corrector!

If you are looking for an amazing, clean beauty (yay for no toxins) then you need to try the Ilia Lengthening Mascara. It’s pretty much my holy grail of mascara! I love how it lengthens my lashes and doesn’t clump.

You can shop more of our favorites below!

Skincare Favorites

This past year, especially the last few months, I have really been trying to focus on my skincare. My skin has been acting up lately so I was on the search for some new products. One of the products I found that I have really come to love is the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads. I have seen such improvements in my skin’s texture and brightness if I use these consistently. They have them in extra strength, normal and sensitive so there is something for everyone’s skin type. I definitely love these and highly-recommend them!

As a mom of two busy girls (hi! tired eyes) who still has some dark spots and slight melasma left over from pregnancy, I really try to focus on finding skincare products that will brighten my skin, including my under eyes. I love the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser and the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream. They both really help me feel more alive and refreshed!

And to protect my skin from getting more sun spots and melasma, I love wearing the Supergoop sunscreen! It goes on smooth, doesn’t leave me feeling greasy and best of all doesn’t break my sensitive skin out! I love the whole line!

I also highly recommend the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask! It’s a bit expensive so the discount helps make it more affordable. My skin soaks it up and feels so refreshed afterwards! If you suffer from textured skin, this is a must-have as it helps resurface and smooth the skin.

One of my favorite skincare steps is toner! I first use this Farmacy Green Clean Melting Balm (lasts forever) to remove makeup, and then use a toner. I really like the Paula’s Choice Exfoliant Toner or the Farmacy Deep Sweep! My skin always feels squeaky clean after!

YOU CAN SHOP MORE OF OUR FAVORITES BELOW!

Tools and Brushes

Alright! This Dyson Airwrap has been on my radar for so long! It sells out in a blink of an eye so if I can snag this, it must be fate right? I’ve seen so many insta stories and reels showcasing the product and let me tell you, the results are amazing. It definitely provides salon worthy blowouts without damaging your hair. It hardly ever goes on sale so this is the perfect time to add it to your cart at a discounted price!

A few months ago, I ordered the Nuface Mini Device and I’m really starting to notice a different in my skin. It has microcurrents that stimulate collagen and tone the face. I started off doing it once or twice a week for five minutes and didn’t see any major change. Recently, I started doing it 4-5 times a week and I can already see a difference in my skin. It appears more refreshed and not so tired looking. I add it to my morning skincare routine so I can take full advantage of the improved brightness and tone! This is the more inexpensive model and it works great! While it may be a bit pricier, I think in the long run I will save on skincare and treatments!

The Sephora Spring Sale is a great time to purchase the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand Set. It comes with a Tapered wand (my favorite), a 1”, and a 1.5” wand. You basically get three different wands for one price, and with the discount, it is a steal! It’s the only wand or curling iron that I have found that really gives me volume and waves. Typically, my fine straight hair won’t hold a curl or wave so this is magic for me! Highly recommend!

YOU CAN SHOP MORE OF OUR FAVORITES BELOW!

Hair Care Favorites

The Sephora Spring Sale is the perfect time to try products you’ve been eyeing. That’s exactly what I intend to do.

At the top of my list are the Dae hair care line. I’ve never really given my hair too much attention but Dae products make me want to care about my hair haha.

I’m obsessed with the coconut scent making the Playa hair care line so appealing. Not to mention, the Playa line appeals to my tropical Latina side too!

I’ve never tried a hair mask. The hundreds of people expressing how transformative the Briogeo hair masks are for the life of their hair.

The Olaplex hair care line has top reviews for brightening hair, decreasing frizz and suitable for all hair types.

YOU CAN SHOP MORE OF OUR FAVORITES BELOW!

Bath & Body

Included in the Sephora Spring Sale are various bath and body products. I love the way Sephora has all the clean items separated. With the click of a button you can shop only clean bath & body.

Some of the best clean bath & body items will be on sale during the Sephora Spring Sale.

Have stubborn bumps on your body, even those infamous arm bump, then you got to try KP bump eraser. With so many testimonies reporting significant decrease in bumps, it’s a serious must try especially during the Sephora Spring Sale.

If your skin is lacking a sunkissed glow, then check out Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops. It leaves such a natural looking tan and reviews rave of it’s ease of application.

I recently starting using a body scrub and they are so incredible! I focus on my elbows, knees and ankles and have noticed such soft skin post body scrub. Herbivore Coconut Oil Body Polish & Fresh Brown Sugar Body Scrub are on my wish list given all of there great reviews, I wanna see what the hypes about!!

YOU CAN SHOP MORE OF OUR FAVORITES BELOW!

Body Care

Taking care of my skin was never a huge priority growing up. Now as I’m in my mid 30’s I definitely see the value of protecting my skin from sunshine and giving it some love using clean, non-toxic products.

SPF foundation from Coola basically a BB cream with SPF which I think is genius. I love a makeup routine that is quick but effective and an SPF foundation is a huge win for me!

Goopglow Morning Skin Glow. Simply add this powder to water and let it do its magic in about 7 weeks. Packed with all the vitamins to revitalize your skin!!

Kopari Natural Deodorant I’m always on the hunt for a natural deodorant that works for me and I’m excited to try this one, especially with all of its good reviews.

Tinted lip sunscreen I love adding a colored lip to my look. It’s an easy way to brighten up your face, and I have a small obsession with keeping my lips from being dry/flaky.

With its anti-aging properties that will help lift and firm skin, this cream may be my new BFF

YOU CAN SHOP MORE OF OUR FAVORITES BELOW!

Clean Fragrances

Most fragrances carry lots of harsh toxic ingredients so it’s nice to see Sephora carry some clean alternatives.

With different scent options such as lycee, cinnamon, warm woods and sea salt, there is bound to be a clean fragrance for your palette.

Sephora has exclusive items and The 7 Virtues vanilla woods perfume combines warm pears and roses with spicy vanilla yielding a huge crowd pleaser.

YOU CAN SHOP MORE OF OUR FAVORITES BELOW!

Sephora Spring Sale

Did we miss any other must have products from the Sephora Spring Sale? We love trying new things, so please share your favorites from the sale!

Also don’t forget to check out our previous post with amazing deals from the LTK Spring Sale.

Happy Friday friends! We love you! Kari + Melissa

Ps. If you make a purchase from one of our links we make a small commission and it means so much to us! Mahalo for the support!

The post Our Favorites from the Sephora Spring Sale appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Swap Reese’s Eggs for Unreal Dark Chocolate PB Cups

If you haven’t tried the Unreal Dark Chocolate PB Cups they are amazing!! These go so quickly in our home that I sometimes I have to hide a couple for myself

Swap Peeps for Smash Mallow

So I’ve never actually tried a peep heheh but from my understanding it’s a marshmallow treat. A healthier Easter candy alternative for peeps would be the Smash Mallow Egg Hunt Pack. We’ve used vegan marshmallows for years and love them. We’ve used these to make rice crispy treats, s’mores and in hot chocolate and they taste better than marshmallows to me!

Swap Sour Patch Jelly Beans for Yum Earth Giggles

I love sour candy so it was very important for me to find one without dye and corn syrup. I found the Yum Earth Giggles and they are actually sour and delicious, such a win for me!!

Swap Cadbury Mini Eggs for Hu Gems

If you can overlook the fact that the Hu Gems aren’t shaped like mini eggs and try them, I’m sure you won’t regret it Hu chocolates are some of my favorites and their clean ingredient list only makes them better!!

Swap Haribo Easter Gummy Bears for Black Forest Gummy Bears

This is probably one of the easiest swaps! The Black Forest Gummy Bears Easter Edition are so yummy you wouldn’t think they were a healthier option!

Happy Easter!

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Easter with healthier Easter candy alternatives I hope you enjoyed the post! If you’re still doing super last minute Easter shopping check our our guide here! Happy Easter, friends!

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With these gift guides, I really focused on trying to be more intentional with the gifts I am giving them. Both of my daughters have birthdays that fall right around the holiday season (October and November), so they typically tend to get a lot of presents between their birthdays, Christmas and their Valentine’s Day basket. Because of this, I really try to be more intentional for Easter and give them things they really need, want or will use! I also tailor the baskets towards their own personal interests.

Intentional Gift Giving Categories

When creating a basket for any holiday, I really try to focus on a few different categories. I typically will include something to read, something to wear, a learning activity, something they can play with outdoors, an item for everyday play and an experience! Having these categories helps me stick to a budget, buy things they really need and create a well-rounded basket that will really peak their interest! Keep reading for a breakdown of my Easter Basket Gift Guides.

Also keep in mind that my children are 1.5 and 4.5 so a lot of the stuff I show will be tailored to them. However, with the breakdown of categories, you can easily find items for older children as well!

Category 1 // Read

Regardless of what season or holiday it is, I always include something to read! Reading to children is so important and it honestly teaches them so much! We read at least 5-6 books a day in our house and are frequent library goers! There is just something so fun about opening a new book and getting lost in the characters!

This year, I chose to incorporate more spring books into my reading gift guide. You can find a few Easter bunny ones or Easter themed ones, as well as a few religious books as well, but the majority will be more season specific. I did this because we will be using some of these books in our homeschooling lessons to learn more about gardening and seasons.

I really love the Over and Under series, so I am really excited to add Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt to my older daughter’s basket! She loves plants and gardening so it will be a fun addition! I plan on using it for our homeschooling lessons too! You can ask questions like “How many invertebrates can you find? or ask your child to draw a plant above/below the dirt. You can even use playdough to make some of the animals you find in the book! Adding books is a great way to give your child something fun, while still allowing the gift to be functional!

You can shop my selection of books below!

Category 2 // Wear

Adding in something to wear is a fun and easy way to fill the basket! You can literally find something in any budget so you can really tailor everything towards your budget and your child. I typically always get my kids a pajama that goes with the holiday theme! I found some cute ones at Old Navy this year for $10! You can also get them some cute accessories for those sunny days, like these Little Grom Hats or Babiator sunnies! So many good options!

You Can Shop Some of My Pics Below!

Category 3// Learning Activity

Whenever I give a gift, I always try to find some kind of educational value in it! I know that not only will the toy provide a fun experience, but it is a way for me to sneak in some learning! It’s truly a win-win for everyone! This could also be tailored to your child, their educational level and your budget. It could be something as simple as adding in some new markers and crayons or getting them a STEM kit to help bring science, technology, engineering and math to life! I love the different boxes that jackinthebox have! They truly serve so many purposes. The kits encourage children to use their imagination, learn practical skills and build confidence, while also allowing them to play and be hands-on. We just ordered the space explorer kit and are so excited to use it! The Space box includes 6 activities – Make your own beautiful Solar System Mobile, learn about the constellations by making a streamer, make a magical kaleidoscope and see patterns in it, learn how a rocket works by doing a simple science experiment, and use Oreo cookies to lick off the cream and understand the different phases that the moon goes through during the month! So fun right?!

I also really love the Brain Quest card decks! They are perfect for travel and my kids love them so much! They have so many ages too!

And I am definitely a fan of these matching and memory games and bingo! We actually played ABC bingo to learn the alphabet and sounds so they are great to have on hand!

You Can Shop My Picks Below!

Category 4// Outdoor Activity

For this category choose an item to encourage outdoor play. Add some new chalk, gardening tools, bubbles, or a ball! If your child loves nature exploring, then get them some binoculars or a nature journal. If they play soccer, you can get them a new soccer ball or cones to practice their kicking skills! The key is to be intentional about choosing a gift based on their interests, while also being something that they play with longer than five minutes!

I love adding some garden supplies and bubbles to our outdoor play toys! They keep both my kids occupied and it helps us get closer to our 1000 hours outside! To learn more about 1000 hours outside, read this blog post here!

Shop Outdoor Toys Here!

Category 5// Experience

Have you heard of the Five Love Languages? It’s a book that has helped so many couples build relationships that last by identifying their love language. The book is seriously so good so I was so excited when I found one for children too! It’s a must read! The book helps you discover your child’s love language, use the specific love language to correct and make discipline more effective and it provides lots of tips of how to speak your child’s love language.

Anyways, after reading it, I found that my daughters primary love language is quality time and so I began to start giving her gifts of experiences where we can create quality time together. For example, we usually won’t throw big birthday parties and will instead go away to a hotel for the weekend where we can do lots of fun family activities! It’s her favorite thing!

So try adding in a fun experience into your basket! It could be a handmade coupon for an ice cream date, allowing them to choose a favorite hike or simply having a picnic at the park!

Category 6// Experience

For the last category, just try to add something that your child is interested in that will be something they can play with daily. If your child loves Legos, get them a new set to add to their collection. Or if they love dolls, you can find some new accessories to add! There are so many ways you can tailor your gifts to their interests and your budget!

I love the Petit Collage Magnet Scenes and so do my girls! They can use their imagination and they will often bring them in the car if we have a longer trip planned! It keeps them entertained and away from screens! If you have younger babies, the Tegu magnetic blocks are super fun!

You Can Shop My Favorite Everyday Play Toys Below!

If you need even more gift suggestions, you can check out our Valentines Day basket post for some more super cool gift ideas! We hope these Easter Gift Guides help you find ideas to get intentional meaningful gifts! It’s so easy to accumulate tons of toys so being intentional really helps keep your home more minimal and clutter free! That’s always the goal for me!

Thanks for following along and I hope you are all having a great week!!

xoxoxo

Kari

p.s. by purchasing form the links above we do make a small commission! So thank you for your support!

The post Easter Gift Guides appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Self-love and confidence does not come naturally or easily to me. I’ve actually struggled with it a lot growing up! In junior high I remember crying to my mom because I was part of the IBTC and thought that meant I wasn’t good enough (now after going through nursing 2 kids, I long for my A cup size!). Attending a predominantly white private school also left me feeling insecure. Fast forward to college when I got my first “C” on a quiz, my self-love took a major blow. I’m slowly recovering for a life of attaching my worth to what I accomplish, how I look, and blind compliance to rules, to what really matters–my unique thoughts/contributions, my heart and finding confidence in flaws and failures.

Knowing how low self-confidence and self-worth have long term effects, I am proactive of using every chance I get to empower my kids and fill them with so much confidence and self-love. I wanted to share some of the book that I love to read to my kids to plant those seeds and teach self-love and confidence from an early age. How different do you think our world would be if people truly loved themselves?

Book List

I’m continually discovering new books on this topic, so this book list contains some of our current and all-time favorites.

Get links to books here!

1. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont. // This book teaches kids to like themselves just the way they are—fast, slow, smelly breathe, messy hair. However you look or feel is deserving of love. I’ve been reading this book to my son his entire life and it’s still one of our favorites!

2. Go Get `Em Tiger by Sabrina Moyle. // This book is filled with enthusiasm and amazing illustrations following a tiger as he reaches various milestones. Since my kid’s are animal lovers, this seems like a great one to add to our home library.

3. I Believe I Can by Grace Byers. // One thing I want my kids to wholeheartedly believe is that they can do anything which is why I love this book! The theme of self-confidence is on every page.

4. A Boy Like You & A Girl Like You by Frank Murphy. // I love reading this empowering book to my son and daughter. It reminds them how unique and special they are and their important role in the world.

5. Dear Boy & Dear Girl by Paris Rosenthal + Jason Rosenthal // These books were immediately favorites after reading them. The way they celebrate innate differences and make kids feel big while developing emotional intelligence.

6. Be You by Peter H. Reynold. // What an empowering book! It tell kids that they can just they way they are and it’s something to be celebrated! I love the message that being themselves is more than enough!

7. You Matter by Christian Robinson. // Not only is the artwork really great in this book, the message is amazing. It shares that regardless of circumstances, looks, feelings, size, etc. everybody truly matters. I read this book over and over to my kids.

8. Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller. // This book is a reminder that the things that make you you, also give you a remarkable uniqueness that has never existed before. A beautiful message for kids and adults.

Empower Greatness

I never want my kids to question their worth. I want to empower greatness in them so they believe they are worth unconditional love, respect, kindness and appreciation. It’s never too early to teach our kids self-love and confidence.

If you’re looking for additional books for your kids, we also made a post sharing 20 books on gratitude and thankfulness. Check out the post, here.

Thanks so much for reading! Happy week! —Melissa

Click on image below to download PDF of booklist.

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The post 8 Books to Teach Self-Love and Confidence in Kids! appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Purpose of 1000 Hours Outdoors

The purpose of 1000 Hours Outdoors is to have children experience nature and focus of the outdoor classroom by spending 1000 hours outdoors in one calendar year. They offer ideas how to make the outdoors fun and educational using simple activities. It has made me more intentional to get outdoors, enjoy nature and expose my kids to all the beauty and wonder in the great outdoors!

Personally I love nature and the outdoors and I hope to plant that seed in my kids. But it wasn’t always like that for me. I grew up in the hot Arizona suburbs and was exposed to the outdoors sparingly so I’m doing my best to give my children access to nature.

We live so close to the beach that we try to make daily trips and weekend family time is usually a hike, swim or bike path activity. I try not to react when my kids play with cockroaches, spiders, geckos, or crabs (but inside I’m screaming). Or over react when my son jumps off of a 6 foot high tree or my daughter rolls in a puddle. It’s part of childhood and I want them to experience it, safely of course.

Magical Reset

I don’t know about you but every time I take my kids to the beach, park or just to our backyard there is a change in them. It’s like a magical reset in them—and for me too. And to be honest, I live for those resets!

There are so many benefits to being outside—sunlight, fresh air, exposure to negative ions, nature lessons, meeting new people, seeing/experiencing new things and so many more. It’s no surprise to me how my kids’ moods and mine too, improve when we go outside.

Balance Nature & Screentime

The goal of 1000 hours outdoors can seem unrealistic and maybe for your situation it may not happen this year. But don’t let the huge goal number stop you from heading outside.

Let’s be real, some days mothering feels so isolating and tiring and screen time is the only way to regain strength and peace. I’ve been there many, many days. (And I’m slowly giving myself grace to use screen time without feeling guilty or like I’m a terrible mom…do you have guilt with screen time?)

Which is another reason why I appreciate the 1000 Hour Outside movement. The intention is to allow kids to be kids by playing outdoors, while also validating the struggle of motherhood—to balance nature and screentime.

Ideas for 1000 Hours Outdoor Activities

Typically when my kids and I head outdoors, I don’t have an activity planned and just allow my kids’ imaginations take the lead. Sometimes though, I do have something simple planned. Here are some of the activities we enjoy doing.

What do your kids love to do outside? Please share all your recommendations!

Outdoor Hour Tracker

If you’re ready to join the 1000 Hours Outdoors challenge, I created a simple tracker sheet so you can document your progress! It is in 100 hour increments so its a little easier to notice progress Find the PDF link below!

Outdoor Adventure Supplies

I wanted to share some of my kid’s favorite outdoor activities/supplies and others that seem like so much fun. Shop direct links here or at the bottom of the post.

1. Kid’s Instant Print Camera // My littles have recently shown an interest in taking photos. This kid’s camera is durable and prints photos! Perfect for nature walks and sparking their creativity!

2. Wooden Magnifying Glass // We have one and my two kids really enjoy looking through the glass! Need to add a second one so they don’t argue over the one we have haha.

3. Osprey Hiking Baby Carrier // This carrier has been used so much in our home. It’s comfortable for both child and parent. It has lots of storage, a shade, mirror and even feet stirrups. So basically the kid is riding like royalty haha.

4. Sea Turtle Kite // It has been so windy on Kauai, I think it’s the perfect time to get a family kite.

5. Bug/Butterfly Net // My kids are super interested in bugs. A net would be a great way to get some energy out while searching for bugs!

6. Bug Viewing Jar // With a magnifying lid, this jar allows kids to appreciate the small details of bugs before returning them into nature.

7. Rain Boots // My kids love jumping in puddles. Sometimes they do it barefoot but other times rain boots are the way to go! I like these and these too!!

8. Natural Basket // We own a few of these and they are the perfect size for small hands. My kids take them to the beach to pick up trash or treasures. They can be used year round for storage and holiday baskets!

9. Micro Scooter // My son is obsessed with his scooter. It’s a perfect introductory scooter since it’s steered by body weight rather than turning the handle. My 1.5 year old daughter is already learning how to ride too!

10. Giant Bubbles Wand // This kit is so fun! I feel like bubbles are fun regardless of age!! These get so huge, it’s amazing!!

11. Arts and Craft Kit // Arts and crafts are one of my go-to ways to simulate my kids’ creativity. I love that this kit has everything you’d need so you can take it to the park and have craft literally anywhere!

12. Saucer Tree Swing // I’ve seen these in yards while driving and think they look so so fun! I know my kids would be obsessed with it.

Get Outside

Maybe you don’t feel convinced to commit to 1000 hours outside but hopefully you feel inspired to get outside and make some beautiful memories with your kids in nature. Happy exploring the beautiful outdoors! Love, Melissa

P.S. Have you been following along our Nourish and Flourish 30 Day Challenge? Having one item a day that I’m focusing on has been really beneficial to me.

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•if you purchase from one of our links, we receive a small commission and it helps us, so thank you!

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20 Books to Celebrate Valentine’s Day//Book Descriptions and Links

1. Mirabel’s Missing Valentines by Janet Lawler // When I saw the illustrations in this book I knew it was coming home with me! I am such a sucker for cute illustrations! This book is a super sweet story about a timid mouse, Maribel, who loses her valentines cards causing her to panic! She ends up stepping outside her comfort zone and brightening the days of those who find them! It’s a super sweet book!
2. In My Heart by Jo Witek // This is such a great book to build emotional intelligence in kids! We love this book so much and my daughter has memorized so much of it! Each page has a different emotion, ranging from happy and brave to sad or silly. It helps children understand how they feel and what emotions they deal with! Plus the little cut-out heart is so cute!
3. Celebrating Kisses by Amy Gibson // Love the bold graphics in this book and the sweet message that a kiss (love) can travel anywhere! It takes you all around the United States and is just a sweet book to read to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
4. Wherever you Go by Pat Zietlow Miller // I actually received this book as a gift at my baby shower and the story is so cute. It’s a book about the possibilities and adventures that are out there in the world. But the message is that the road will always lead you home again, like a parent’s love! I can’t help but get teary-eyed thinking of when the girls grow up and embark on their own adventures!
5. Love by Matt de la Pena // I recommend this book for a slightly older child. I read it with my 3.5 year old and it was a great conversation starter for us to talk about some different topics. The book is about finding love all around you, no matter who you are and what you look like. It also talks about understanding that sometimes loved ones can do wrong and that sometimes it’s hard to see the love in the world. You are probably thinking that’s a little dark right? But I think it is important to show that love isn’t always flowers and perfection, but that it is real and we can still choose to love in different situations. It’s also a super diverse book showing different racial, ethnic, gender, religious, and socioeconomic diversity.
6. Llama Llama, I Love You by Anna Dewdney // This is the perfect book for little ones. It’s short, sweet and has the ever lovable character, Llama Llama! //
7. Bunny Roo, I Love You by Melissa Marr // Love this book! It’s about a mom who reassures her baby and young children that they will always love them and keep them safe! It’s a classic, heart-warming family favorite in our house!
8. Love, Mama by Jeanette Bradley // This is a great board book for little ones! It’s about a mama and her baby penguin and her endless love for her child! It stretches across the wide ocean, through day and night and even when she and her child are apart! It’s short and sweet!
9. Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine by Jonathan Stutzman // Another cute board book for kids ages 2-4! It follows Tiny T. Rex and his friend as they try to make the perfect valentines! It’s a great story to teach children about overcoming obstacles and perseverance! It also has the cutest artwork!
10. Love Can Come in Many Ways by Terry Pierce // This book is an interactive lift the flap book all about how different creatures all over the world snuggle, love and reaffirm their family bonds. My daughters love animals and lift the flap books so it’s a fun book to add to our collection!
11. The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond // Such a sweet story about a little girl who collects hearts that rained down from the sky and turns them into Valentines for her friends. It is short and sweet, but a great book to read and then do a craft after! Here’s a fun craft to do after reading this book!
12. I Am Enough by Grace Byers // I love this book for many reasons! Valentines is a great day for both romantic love and friendship love, but it’s also super important to practice self-love! This book helps youth with positive self image while teaching them how to embrace people who are different.
13. Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal // This book is short and sweet but my daughters love to point out things and shout out the words!
14. Sealed with a Kiss by Beth Ferry // My daughter spotted this book when we were at Target and asked to read it while in the cart! She loved the images so I decided to bring it home. It ended up being the cutest little story that made her laugh so much!
15. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst // Okay this book is a bit of a tearjerker! It’s about love, but it is also a great tool for helping kids understand numerous concepts including separation anxiety, loss, and grief. I read it with my daughter when she kept asking me if I would die one day and it was such a great tool to talk to her about our everlasting love! Basically, a mother tells her kids that they are connected by an invisible string and she answers with ” An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love” Are you crying?
16. Happy Love Day, Daniel Tiger by Becky Friedman // Who doesn’t love Daniel Tiger? It sure is a favorite in our house! This is another super sweet book that is interactive with lift the flaps! Follow Daniel Tiger and his friends around the Neighborhood of Make Believe to see them shower each other with love!
17. This is Not a Valentine by Carter Higgins // Love this book! It’s a book for those who don’t love the mushiness of Valentine’s Day. It’s not about the glitter or heart shaped cards, but rather the little ways people show they care! Cuuuuute!!
18. The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise // Obsessed!! We love this book! Filled with the cutest illustrations and an adorable message, it follows three best friends, Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel who each find a letter and the chain of events that transpire after! It is a heartwarming story about friendship!
19. Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli // Great book to teach empathy to kids and also the importance of reaching out to people who might be lonely or overlooked. I love the transformation that takes place in lonely Mr. Hatch and the lesson that being a part of a community can make a difference!
20. Lola Dutch, I Love You So Much by Kenneth Wright // We love Lola Dutch books and this one does not disappoint! The ever lovable Lola Dutch knows that when it comes to showing friendship and appreciation, there’s no such thing as too much. She’s over the top in the best possible way!

Read Along With Us Using the Hashtag #readwithSG

We want to challenge you to follow along with us and complete this reading list challenge! Download the PDF below, (20 Books to Celebrate Valentine’s Day) share your progress and tag us in the hashtag, #readwithSG. You don’t have to purchase all of the books if you don’t want. Rent them from a library, share with a friend, or see if there is an audio version on Spotify! If you want to support a local bookstore and shop small, you can shop via Powell’s or a local family owned San Diego bookstore, Warwick’s.

You can download the PDF version here!!

We hope these books help celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family and bring you lots of warm fuzzies and magical memories!

Thank you for following along!

xoxoxox,

Kari

P.S. Just a disclaimer, if you click on the links above and purchase within 24 hours, we do make a small amount of commission! Just wanted to be totally transparent! xoxox

The post 20 Books to Celebrate Valentine’s Day: Celebrating Friendship, Love and Kindness appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

It was a time filled with uncertainty, fear, and worry, but I think it was a year where we really learned a lot about ourselves. Well at least I did. There have been many times I felt uncomfortable and out of control, which led me to shed a few tears, but also dig deep, grow and learn to let go of some bad habits while creating some new ones.

While many will remember 2020 negatively, I am choosing to focus on the positive that did come out of it. Here are 6 lessons I learned in 2020!

Lesson 1. Being Vulnerable is not a Weakness

I think one of the biggest lessons I learned was that it is okay to not be okay. I really never stress or suffer from anxiety, but this year definitely gave me some moments of downright panic, fear and anxiousness. These were relatively new feelings for me and I didn’t know what to do or how to process them necessarily at first. When COVID hit, I was so nervous, especially after watching the news or browsing social media. All of these questions were running through my mind….With lockdowns happening, how would my husband work? As a stay at home mom, we solely rely on his income, and what would we do if he couldn’t work? Would we have to move? How long would our savings last? When would it end? Would we be able to fight COVID? Would our family? So many things to worry about and FEAR!

I’m not typically one who expresses any negativity to anyone, except for my husband maybe, but letting those thoughts run through my head were consuming and stressful. I was starting to get anxiety and have trouble sleeping, which was already pretty minimal because I had a 4 month old at the time.

I would then get frustrated because I wasn’t being strong and didn’t want to stress out my husband either. It was such an interesting time. But one day, I broke down and cried. I told my husband all my fears, he told me his and it was rough. And we felt vulnerable. And scared.

But then something magical happened. We found strength in each other. We found strength in ourselves. And we realized that we could literally lose everything, but that we would always have each other and we could rebuild. It almost gave us a sense of freedom knowing that if we hit rock bottom, it could only go up.

Major Takeaway!

There is a beauty in being vulnerable. With vulnerability, you allow yourself to experience a deep and true connection- with yourself, with your partner, even with the world around you.

Lesson 2. A Social Media Detox is Good For the Soul

When COVID hit, I found myself obsessively checking the news online, trying to figure out what the heck was going on around the world. I went on Facebook or Instagram and friends would be posting about it as well. I was being inundated with information and various viewpoints, some negative and some positive. But all together, it was overwhelming and exhausting.

So I decided to stop going on social media, stop checking the news. Setting time limits for various apps and really just getting away from my phone. And let me tell you, it felt so GOOD!!

When I could put my phone down and away, it allowed me to focus on my family, my health and my home. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, I read more books, took more walks, and just enjoyed the beautiful simple things around me.

I noticed that FEAR started leaving and TRUST started appearing more. No longer was I picking up people’s energy and absorbing it and it felt so good. I think this is something that I will continue to do in the future. A few days a month of not checking Instagram or reading the news is definitely good for the soul.

Lesson 3. Self Care Isn’t Selfish

Obvious right? Like duh, you need to take care of yourself. But this was a hard one for me. I came into 2020 just a few months postpartum, so hormones were still high and sleep was at an all time low. My body had just undergone a massive change being pregnant and adjusting to two kids was an adventure. Plain and simple, I was exhausted.

Add in lockdowns, where you can’t see your friends and family, can’t go places and are indoors a lot, I felt like every day was groundhog day.

I needed some ME time, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask for it. My husband works so hard with his own business, sometimes working 10-15 hour days. How can I possibly ask him to sacrifice his time so that I could have some of my own. And how would we even fit that in? I was even getting jealous of him driving alone because he was able to listen to what he wanted, have freedom and just be able to think or not think.

It quickly became apparent something needed to change. My husband is the sweetest and he started helping me find pockets of time where he could take over and I could practice some self-care. We started off with him taking the girls out for a morning walk for 30 minutes so I can drink my coffee, do some journaling and get dressed for the day. Then we would add some time in the afternoon so I could get a little workout in or take a bath! These small little moments of self-care started to really make a difference in my mental health and overall well-being.

Practicing self-care means you believe you are worthy. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, hour long rituals that you do every day. But it does mean that you show up for yourself, you advocate and you prioritize your well-being by participating in some kind of activity, ritual, or routine that nourishes your soul. Self-care is self-love.

Lesson 4. You Will Not Be Everyone’s Cup of Tea

Hi. My name is Kari. I’m a Libra. Enneagram 9 (the peacemaker) and I strongly despise conflict. I often steer clear of voicing my opinions on politics or other highly-debatable topics because I just don’t want to argue with anyone.

This year I have seen so much divide and anger and hatred for others because of their beliefs. Honestly, I don’t think the world has ever been more divided. And while I strongly despise this, it has shown me that I cannot be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s actually impossible. I can be the most delicious cup of tea ever and there will be someone who doesn’t like tea at all.

So stop worrying about others will think. I think it’s actually beneficial to surround yourself with people who have varying viewpoints because everyone can learn and grow from each other. And sometimes your beliefs might even evolve into something different. And that’s okay. “You will always be too much of something for someone: too big, too loud, too soft, too edgy. If you round out your edges, your edge. Apologize for mistakes. Apologize for unintentionally hurting someone-profusely. But don’t apologize for being who you are.”

DANIELLE LAPORTE, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THE DESIRE MAP

Don’t hide your beliefs because someone might judge you for them, feel scared to share your view on something or feel pressured to try and conform to what mainstream society wants. I’m not saying to be rude and go on Facebook rants or whatever because that’s just too much DRAMA for this MAMA! But be okay with knowing that you might believe in something that others will judge you for. It’s okay. You are not everyone’s cup of tea.

Lesson 5. Release the Need to Always be in Control

I think one of the biggest lessons I learned in 2020 is that I will not always be in control. Obviously, we can change our environment to reduce the odds of certain things occuring, and we can try to be prepared, but there will always be a certain level of unpredictability in life. Releasing that need to control leads to so much more happiness and peace. It takes us out of that “fight or flight” mode, and allows for us to really identify what is triggering us and how we can grow from it.

This year, I started to freak out and lose track of the more calm and collected version of myself. I had to find her again, so I really focused on identifying what was triggering me. I think for me the uncertainty of this year was a trigger. Everything around me was chaotic and I don’t love dwelling in chaos.

So here is what I did…

• focused on things I could control (my health, productivity levels etc.)
• breathed when I started to feel triggered and tense
• recognized that a thought or a feeling was temporary
• repeated affirmations ..I am safe, I am secure, I am healthy.

When I started doing these things, I then began to see that I was being triggered because ultimately I had lost my sense of trust. Regardless if you believe in God or some other kind of Higher Power, I think the belief that you are taken care of, loved and protected can help you get through anything. You literally have to give up control to feel it.

Once I gave up having to control and surrendered, I felt this overwhelming sense of peace again. I am loved, I am safe and I can get through anything!

Also, I highly recommend listening to Surrender by Natalie Taylor!

Lesson 6. Be Satisfied with the Now

I think we all do this, but I am definitely guilty of doing this more times than I would like. Saying things like “as soon as I lose 10 pounds I will start a blog” or “once this is over, then I will start doing this.” You start chasing something and looking so forward to the future that you aren’t being appreciative of the now. It’s human nature to always want more, but if you don’t ever stop and appreciate the steps and journey it took to get there, what’s the point?

Life is truly a gift and there is no guarantee for a tomorrow. Cliche right? But it’s so true. Once you start focusing on being present and being grateful for the things happening in your life now, life changes. I’ve never found such happiness in doing even the simple things- sitting on the beach with my family, waving to neighbors, even just driving down the coast.

Once I stopped pushing things off and just doing them, like this blog, I found such an excitement and thrill. It gave me a higher sense of happiness and I found connection and community. But most of all I didn’t have to be perfect to create that. I just started appreciating the now.

You are Amazing!

Wow! If you made it this far and read the entire post to see what 6 lessons I learned in 2020, you are an angel sent from above! Haha! I know it’s long and I know it might not make sense, but I wanted to share some of the great things that have come from this year.

2020 was uncomfortable. It was like getting a new pair of shoes and getting blisters every day. But then one day, you didn’t get any and you broke in the shoe. And now it’s your favorite, well-worn shoe. That’s what this year was. A stinky smelly old shoe. Hahaha jk! It was a year for growth!

And you better believe this caterpillar is ready to spread its wings and fly. Literally I am ready to travel the world in 2021.

As always I love and appreciate you all for following along on this journey with us! Thank you!

Don’t forget to read Melissa’s post about some amazing new lip colors! Just in time for your New Year’s Kiss!

xoxoxoxo,

Kari

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It’s December! Anyone else already start a Christmas countdown? December is one of my favorite months and I want to pass on my love for this holiday season to my kids. With this year being a roller coaster, I’m fully embracing a daily dose of holiday cheer. You with me?? I love the idea of a Christmas countdown with advent activities for the family.

Advent Activities

I created this free PDF with various ways to build up the excitement for Christmas. Most of the advent activities can be done with none to little prep!! Perfect for busy parents, which is my style 100% haha. But I also wanted the activities to go deeper than just time fillers. So these advent activities also help develop your child’s motor skills, EQ, creativity, imagination, attending skills and so much more! Print out your favorite PDF and enjoy making beautiful memories with your family. Click the image below to download and print your own!

What to Expect

I want to share some examples of the advent activities so you know what to expect!! Of course, personalize it to your child’s interest and add your own personal spin. Also, please share what you create to inspire me!!

• Make a wreath—I saw this post on Instagram and knew I wanted to do it with my kids! A short nature walk collecting greenery, rubber bands/glue and and old box (aka empty BFCM shopping boxes) is all you need!
• Bake cookies and share them—This year I want to try to make gingerbread cookies and The Minimalist Baker has this recipe with great reviews.
• Go caroling—I used to go caroling when I was a kid and I think it will be fun/embarrassing to do it with my kids this year!
• Read holiday books–Check out Kari’s post that shares 20 holiday books for kids!

Merry and Bright

I hope that you can focus on the merry and bright in your life and enjoy this beautiful month with your family making the most special memories! Please don’t forget to share any of your advent activities with us. So grateful for you, beautiful friends! —Melissa

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