manager, Author at Breegan Jane

What Are You?

So…What Are You?

I love Venice Beach for several reasons, but perhaps none more than the vast multiculturalism that you can’t escape, even if you wanted to. Venice Beach is an amazing melting pot that cultivates self acceptance, art and creativity. The diversity that exists here permeates well beyond ethnicity. On an everyday trek I can pass by people dealing with homelessness, and only a few blocks further watch million-dollar contracts being signed over lunch. I find this sort of mixed bag of experiences striking! It’s almost wondrous when you consider how dissimilar we all are, and how fragments of our lives resemble each other, all while sharing the same space.

I think that’s why my heartbeat pulses in sync with Venice Beach. Diversity is something I’ve always embraced, especially since my existence has been cocooned by it from the womb. It is also the framework around the not-so-subtle question I’m asked most by people:

So, what are you?

It’s a question with a thousand implications, most unspoken, left to be insinuated. For the ones asking, I’d guess there’s a secret hope of having the question answered by the unsuspecting participant, and freeing themselves from the burden of asking what they really mean: why is your skin darker than mine?

Well, let’s start here: My birth certificate says caucasian.

But that’s a minor detail.

I’m a biracial woman who was adopted transracially. My biological mother was white, and my biological father was black. However, at the time of my birth, my bio mother’s boyfriend was white. (Paperwork can get messy when details aren’t perfectly in place.)

Now, I have two white parents. They’re the mom and dad who raised me, the only parents I know. My family was loving and blessed, and my life reflected that. Growing up, I found myself among what now sounds like a cliche to many, but is nevertheless true for me: I lived between two worlds.

For many of us racial co-habitators, there’s a constant either/or placement problem between those two worlds in which we live. Box number one is easily selected; it relies solely on what others can visually perceive about someone. It’s the neat box, the everything-makes-sense box. It keeps everyone else comfortable, even if you aren’t. Then there’s the self-image box. This one is often the most complicated. I’ll refer to this one as the “square peg, round hole” box. It challenges people to not only allow individuals to express and take ownership of their own realities, but also to make an effort to learn about the people around them and go beyond the surface assumption of it all.

My complexion and my unique entrance into the world as an infant have both shaped my perspective in ways you couldn’t imagine. So what have I done with all of this? Simply put, I’ve embraced it. I’ve embraced all of it. And I’ve embraced me – all of me. Like Venice Beach, I’ve chosen to celebrate me, others like me, and others not like me – and love them all for the singular aspects they contribute to the larger landscape. It’s the motto I’ve always lived by, even when others had difficulty doing the same.

Still with me? Buckle up for the next entry.

Motherhood: Wasted Potential?

I read an article that stopped me in my tracks and made me question my own viewpoint. Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for me to affirm…well, me! Lol. The writer of the article had strong opinions, and though she and I may never ever get a chance to converse, I thought it would be fitting as a member of LA’s mommysphere to start a conversation with you, my readers, about the topic.

Before I even began the process of weaving various pieces of my thoughts and reflections together, I needed to determine the statement in the article which impacted me so strongly:

Katee Grace Photography

“Being a parent is a source of joy and challenge and meaning for many humans of all genders. But it’s not the most important job there is.”

The writer goes on to elaborate from there. My issue with the writer’s statements lies in the need for clarification of the phrase “most important.” Most important is like most beautiful; it translates differently for each person. If we are to consider the most important jobs a person, or a woman in this case, is to hold, we must first provide a definition of “importance.” In the eyes of the writer, Mrs. Clooney’s dedication to her career as a human rights lawyer is extremely important. I would agree with that. While I cannot say that I have studied Amal Clooney extensively (I’ve been extremely busy in my very important job as “mom” *wink*), I think it’s amazing that she has the opportunity to speak to world leaders and fight for what is just, globally. I don’t think anyone could argue that point. What I can debate, however, is that her job is any more important than mine, or yours, no matter what the professional realm.

Asking me to value Amal Clooney’s career while insisting that motherhood isn’t a job at all, and reducing it to “a very demanding volunteer position that you can never, ever get out of,” is preposterous at best. Why, you ask? Because motherhood is often the very reason world leaders, lawyers, doctors and teachers exist! For some mothers, the title “mom” means raising the next generation of leaders and members of the very society that will shape what the world will become. With that burden (we have gladly accepted) comes the responsibility of contributing to not only our households, but to the greater good.

After I became a mother, I chose to continue to work outside of my home. It was what resonated most with me. It’s what felt right. But even if I had chosen to stay home to devote every moment to my two children, the task of motherhood would not have suddenly lost some measure of clout or standing. Being a mom and entrepreneur was intensely powerful for me. It didn’t downgrade my ability to aspire to or achieve greatness in the world. Loving, influencing and nurturing the minds of those two little souls, while simultaneously climbing every ladder in my professional life, resulted in realized, ignited and implemented potential. Perhaps it’s something a woman, maybe like the writer who hasn’t been a mother, wouldn’t quite understand. It’s a “you-had-to-be-there” kind of thing.

Katee Grace Photography

The last of the article states that the most important jobs are “ the one [sic] that comes with the most respect and power.” To that, I’d say a few things. Take a walk in the shoes of a woman who works 120 hours a week to change lives and reach goals and still wakes up multiple times a night to wipe runny noses and check under beds for monsters. Talk to the mothers of the most powerful men and women in this world and ask them what they sacrificed so that the people you applaud so loudly could be successful. The glorification of motherhood, or the lack thereof (i.e. this article), is important because of opinions and viewpoints like this one. Perhaps if more individuals understood and revered what moms do each day, we would realize that the glorification of motherhood does not, in fact, imply that a woman’s main purpose is not to change the world. It’s quite the opposite. She is the biggest change agent that exists. She is transforming the planet, human by human.

I can’t think of a more important job. Can you?

Music for the Moment: Michel Teló’s “Ai Se Eu Te Pego”

Friends are just the best.

Yes, because they’re friends, but also because so many things about them tend to rub off on us (and hopefully that’s a good thing). My friends definitely influence some things that I experience, especially what goes into my music playlists.

With that, I have to shout out my good friend Lori for giving me one of my new favorite songs (even though it’s an older song) that I keep on repeat, Michel Teló’s song “Ai Se Eu Te Pego.” Now, I don’t know a lick of Portuguese, but that doesn’t stop my shoulder-shimmying when I play it! I hear Michel’s voice and hear the accordion begin with the band, and I just start moving!

This song has such a simple but perfect melody. It’s a reminder to me of the power of music and how it transcends language, location and cultures. It personifies Michel’s Brazilian roots, but it reminds me of Miami sunshine and Venice breezes. I sing and hum along despite not knowing the lyrics (even though I looked up the English translation out of curiosity), and it always puts me in a zone of contentment. It’s one of those perfect, happy mood songs for any age and demographic. I encourage you to take a listen and explore more Brazilian music after checking it out. That’s what I did.

And hey, Lori, I know this was one of your favs, but I’m politely snatching it as my own. Thanks, girl! 🙂

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

By now we all know I’m a mother of two beautiful boys. I’ve also been blessed recently to have friends who have new babies! It’s safe to say my mind is filled with all things bambino! I say it often, but I find such joy and purpose in reaching out to mothers all across the globe in hopes of strengthening the motherhood community, so we can help each other, help each other.

One of the questions that gets thrown around in this community revolves around birth and delivery and how to pack for the hospital. Ah, the infamous hospital bag and all of its accoutrements! If you’re a soon-to-be mom, this could easily be a source of anxiety for you. I can remember going in for my cesarean and not knowing exactly what to expect. Thankfully, I had friends who gave me great bits of advice. I’d like to share some of that, plus what I learned on my own, with you!

Look and Feel Your Best

I’m going to start with something no one will tell you. It isn’t actually an item; it’s a person. Appoint someone you love and trust to be your “all things photo” person. What does that mean, you ask? Select a friend who will give you honest feedback about your appearance before you pose for a billion flashing cameras. I’m aware I might run the risk of sounding vain, but hear me out. The birth of your baby is going to last for a few hours. It will be a short, albeit glorious, moment in time, but photos are forever! You’re going to want to look at those photos years from now without cringing. My best friend was awesome at helping me determine how to look my best after major surgery. Let’s be honest, some of the medications they give you during childbirth are heavy duty and can leave you appearing very different from your norm. I was thankful to have a friend help me throw a bit of moisturizer and lipstick or lipbalm on to look a little more like myself for those first few photos.

I don’t agree with the idea that you have to be miserable once you become a mom. You’re going to be completely devoted to your little one around the clock. The least you can do for yourself is feel good! Pack deodorant, dry shampoo and even a non-toxic fragrance of some sort, if you please. Doctors and nurses don’t allow you to shower for a bit after delivery for a myriad of reasons. It’s easy to start to feel quite gross. These little essentials go a long way in restoring a bit of freshness in a pinch.

Electronics and Entertainment

With all the planning for the baby, you may easily forget to bring a phone charger. I found this especially helpful, as I was moving between rooms during each stage of labor, delivery and recovery. Keeping my phone charged ensured I’d be able to stay in contact with everyone to let them know where to find me in the hospital. I was also dying to send everyone millions of photos of my new perfect baby, and that required a full battery!

I also recommend downloading movies, music or podcasts onto your iPad or tablet of choice in advance. Hospital TV is anything but entertaining. Sure, you’ll be obsessed with your new little one, but in the downtime you’re going to want to have something to do. Come prepared.

Comfort and Cuteness

This might be the most important of all: bring your own nighties or gowns. I brought three of my own to wear in the hospital, and it was the best decision I could have made. I don’t think women know that you don’t have to wear the hospital gown they give you. Sure, those can be comfy, but I found that I was much happier knowing that I could get up and get my baby and not worry about flashing my grandfather. You’ll also want to bring soft bras. I made sure that I had ones that were easy to breastfeed in, but that I would also feel good wearing when family members and other visitors stopped by.

I also learned how to plan for the baby. Many moms think of all the cute outfits they want to put the baby in for his/her official exit from the hospital. What you don’t always realize is that you won’t know what size your baby will be. I brought cute outfits in different sizes (0-3 months, 3-6 months) because I knew I was having large babies that may or may not fit into the smallest size onesies and outfits.

Of course, these aren’t the only tips I could share, but I hope they will give you a great starting point. I’d advise thinking outside the box and not letting anyone put a limit on what you need to be comfortable. You’re creating life! You’ve earned the right to have a few conveniences to make your stay in the hospital as serene as possible. Happy packing!

Hey moms! What else would you recommend that moms-to-be bring with them before giving birth? Share your tips, ladies!

These Shoes Were Made For Walkin’

In a contest to determine what my most commented on topic is, my sons easily win the gold! I totally get it; they’re adorable, even if I’m a bit biased. I get a lot of questions and compliments on the clothes they wear, and it always makes me smile. Dressing my boys has continually been something I enjoy, which is why when I saw a post with varying opinions on a mother’s decision to buy tons of extremely pricey shoes for her child, I knew I wanted to talk about it.

As we all know, first time moms have so much to learn. We’ve all been there. You’re navigating this new world (and new human) with the knowledge you’ve researched and acquired from well-meaning friends, family and experts; but the real education comes with experience. In their defense, retailers target first-timers ruthlessly. I mean, have you walked into a baby goods store recently? Everything is just so stinking cute! It’s tough to not want to purchase everything… including all the stuff that you’ll never actually need.

Baby clothing is especially hard to resist, and every parent gets suckered into buying those darling shoes that are so small their construction baffles your mind. The problem with this, as seasoned mamas will know, is that kids at these ages grow so quickly that they often only get to wear those shoes once or twice before it’s on to a bigger size. Right now those Jordan sneakers that you couldn’t imagine being any cuter than on your six-month-old’s teeny feet seem like a good idea. After you’ve spent an exorbitant amount of money on several pairs for your not-yet-walking kid, you may come to regret it.

So what’s a mom to do? Is it just pointless to buy the cute shoes and clothing items at this age? Not entirely. Every mom will have her own judgment of the situation; here is mine. You will never get back these moments. Your baby right now is as young as he ever will be. Moms will tell you that you blink a few times and it feels as if your kid has grown 10 inches and three years! Snapping photos to memorialize cute moments, phases and stages of your kids is not a crime. In fact, it’s downright smart. Here’s my advice about those cute shoes you’ve been eyeing. When it comes to actual shoes your walking or learning-to-walk child needs, remember to think utility. Kids need shoes that are sturdy and have great support. They have to be able to run and play in them, and often, the super cute and trendy shoes are geared more towards style than function. This is where you want to splurge a bit and get the good shoes. Before you visit the big box stores in your mall, remember to think about outlets. They’re wonderful places to get the shoes your child needs for a fraction of the cost.

As for the cute shoes that no one actually needs, there’s a hack for that, too! My tip is to be realistic. If you want a pair for a cutesy photo on instagram or a family portrait, buy smart. This isn’t the time to shop the local fancy boutique down the street from your home. You’ll find that buying from places like that will be especially expensive because you’re paying for the markup on their curated collection. Instead, head to Amazon and find the color you want for a much cheaper price!

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to buy cutesy shoes and other items for your child. No parent should be shamed for that. My children love dressing up, and they have fun with their toddler style. I enjoy finding unique items like these to try with them. The key is to know that when you buy something inexpensive and trendy, it might just be for a photo op–and that’s okay! There’s freedom in that! Leave them for that purpose, and invest more wisely in a quality shoe that’s made for walkin’!

Surviving Your Child’s First Doctor’s Appointment

Emotional fallouts at the doctor’s office. Every mom has dealt with them, and yet they never seem to get any easier. No mom wants to see her child afraid or uneasy. Even though we know it’s for their own good, we don’t like to think about our little ones feeling pain. It can be easy to allow their panic to turn into your panic, but as many of us know, this only leads to disaster. So, how do we guarantee a perfect doctor’s visit every single time? That answer is easy: we don’t. What we can do, though, is take steps to ensure a better appointment that won’t stress us moms out and leave us feeling hopeless at the end of it!

Everybody, Keep Calm!

The first part of the solution is completely in your hands, which, depending on whom you ask, is either a good thing or a bad thing! I pride myself on keeping it real with my readers, so I’ll shoot straight with this advice. Moms, we have to pull ourselves together and stay calm. We must. You are the first cue to your child’s reaction to everything else that happens in the world. They’re looking to you. They pick up on your energy. You have to decide what energy you’re going to give off. The doctor’s office isn’t a favorite place for many of us, but it’s necessary. Accept that sometimes our kids get shots, and those don’t feel great, but often the anticipation of the wailing and screaming is far more stressful than the actual practice. If you can make peace with that, you’ve succeeded in mastering the first step!

Talk That Talk

The next step has proven paramount in achieving a favorable outcome with my sons before, during and after doctor’s visits. If you have children old enough to understand what’s happening, perhaps your best weapon is a conversation. My experience has shown me that we sometimes underestimate our kids’ abilities to comprehend and process the emotions they’re feeling. They know when they’re sad or scared; if you give them a chance, they’ll usually open up to you about it. This provides you an opportunity to guide, educate and, most importantly, empathize.

It’s always been important to me to teach my children that hospitals and doctors’ offices were not a bad place. I recognize that they may need to go to these places throughout their lives for themselves or others. The last thing I want to do is instill fear. We talk about what happens during routine visits, and I will even use a favorite stuffed animal to demonstrate. Information is power, and that includes the instances when children are involved.

When they say to me, “I don’t want to get a shot” with that cute sheepish look on their faces, I reply that I understand, and I explain why shots are necessary. I make sure to do one very important thing: I do not lie to them. I don’t say that it won’t hurt or insist that they don’t cry. Instead, I very calmly and matter of factly say things like, “You will get a shot, and it might hurt for just a second. But guess what? It will be over just like *snap* that, and we’ll be on our way to go play.” It’s important that they see mom isn’t frightened and worried. I set the tone, so they will follow.

Seek Kid Professionals

Most of us can recall the days of being pregnant and eagerly and anxiously deciding on an OBGYN. He or she had to be just right, with the perfect personality, an adequate amount of experience, the whole nine. Select your pediatrician the same way you selected your OB. There are several extremely skilled pediatricians out there who aren’t the best at handling kids. Find one who is. Trust me on this one; the work to see them out will be worth the reduced tears later. Our pediatrician is able to do routine check-ups, vaccinations and everything in between without making the process feel like torture. There are times when I call to schedule an appointment and our regular doctor isn’t available. The receptionist usually asks if I’d like to see another doctor at the practice. I usually respond and tell her we’ll wait until our doctor is back. Advocate for your child. If you’ve built a comfort level and rapport with particular physicians, stick with them. Your aren’t being high maintenance or unreasonable; you’re looking out for your kid.

One last piece of advice that I expect to be somewhat controversial involves bribery: don’t do it. In my house, I don’t reward expected great behavior that isn’t negotiable. They go to the doctor when they aren’t well, and they don’t get a candy bar because they did. It’s what we do. This applies across the board for me. I’m not rewarding you for being nice to grandma. You will be nice because that’s what I expect. Now, if I’m asking you to wear this dressy jacket that’s a little itchy and scratchy, and you manage to wear it for a couple hours, I have no problem rewarding that. You have to decide where the doctor’s office falls on your list. Our pediatrician “rewards” my sons with cute stickers when they’ve completed the appointment. That suffices for me.

I understand the dread that comes with having to make that trip with your kids to the doctor’s office. It’s never fun. They’re either not feeling well, or they have to endure some not-so-fun stuff on a routine checkup. Our emotions can easily escalate so much that the nervous energy transfers over to the child. Make peace with this essential part of the journey, talk to your child about what they can expect, and trust your caregiver. Take a deep breath, mom. You’re doing a great job, and your kid will, too.

Do Holiday Decor in Style!

The holidays are upon us, and everyone is feeling a little extra jolly and bright. For many, the thought of having to consider holiday decor can be anything but merry! We have full lives that involve children, gift shopping and more. Those who know I’m an interior designer often want tips on easy ways to decorate their homes for the holidays in a way that feels festive without screaming “tacky.” I’ve come up with a few suggestions that anyone can use when prepping a home for holiday merriment!

First, let me say this: it’s YOUR home, and you can incorporate holiday decor any way you choose to! Nothing I discuss here is law; having fun, celebrating the season and adding gaiety to your home is the point. If that means breaking every style rule that exists, go for it! With that out of the way, so many inquire about holiday decor that won’t clash with the vibe and feel of their homes.

The good news is, it’s simpler than you might think. With design being my expertise, the pressure to impress with my own space is on! I’ve gone through many phases through the years, and I think it’s safe to say that I finally have it down to a science.

Don’t Trip Over the Tree

The first holiday decor tip is probably the most “un-Breegan” thing I do, but it’s one of my biggest recommendations: skip the live tree. I know, I know. I can practically hear the collective gasps. When I began decorating for my little family, I realized that while I grew up having beautiful live trees for Christmas each year, I would need to consider my toddlers who were always crawling around and putting things in their mouths.

Real trees leave a trail of pine needles all over your floor, need constant watering and are just overall too much work at times. Instead, spend a little extra to buy a great-looking pre-lit artificial tree. The “quick set” varieties are especially easy to put up and take down!

Color Clash

Now let’s tackle color! For most, the holidays conjure up thoughts of all things red and green, but honestly, I’m so over that trend. If you are, too, try deciding on a color that you’d enjoy coming home to every day and selecting all your pieces of holiday decor within that color family while accenting with metallics. For instance, If you love white, buy all the ornaments for your tree in white, as well as other shades in that family. Keep the same color scheme throughout the house for an elegant, cohesive feel. I like to buy white, off-white and cream colored pieces and mix in beautiful shades of gold. The result? A chic, classy tree that pairs well with what already exists in my home. Oh, and don’t worry; those sentimental ornaments that don’t match? Put them on the tree at the top for a meaningful touch that won’t detract from its beauty.

Let There Be Light!

The arrival of November and December means everything gets dark earlier, giving us lots of time to showcase beautiful lighting. Utilizing lights to create a mood is one of the best tricks of the trade. My rule of thumb: go crazy with the Christmas lights outside, but keep it uniform indoors. I love those whimsical icicle lights along the profile of a home or balcony. As for inside, I have one important rule: no multi-colored lights! I think they add a cluttered, busy feeling to the home, and that’s what we are aiming to avoid.

I enjoy white lights on my tree and in other areas of the home, but I encourage you to be aware that all white light is not the same. White Christmas lights can come in hues that lean yellow, white or even just plain ol’ clear. I prefer warm yellow light because it mimics the flame of a candle and gives the coziness of a fireplace aflame without the hassle. Blue light pulls too cool for my liking; but if you already have blue-toned lights throughout your home or already in your Christmas holiday decor collection, then stick with it. It’s more important to keep things consistent than to revamp in order to keep up with a bunch of decor rules.

Keep It Simple!

Finally, if you find yourself in a design rut, remember to keep your holiday decor simple. Dodge the desire to stack tchotchkes in every corner. Ditch the millions of angel and Santa figurines and set out gorgeous, large candles in a mercury glass or metallic casing instead.

Also, opt for a beautiful live wreath on your front door with a bow that coordinates with the color scheme you selected inside. Using a live wreath can make quite an impact. It is often the first thing your guests see and interact with, and can often fool them into thinking your tree is live, too! Don’t feel pressure to purchase new china and tableware. Consider using tea lights that can be used again for the next holiday.

These tips and tricks are sure to keep your home beautifully decorated throughout the holiday season. Above all else, be sure to take a load off and have fun! After all, ‘tis the season to be merry!

The Best Children’s Books About Divorce and Separation

We all know children with divorced parents. Although divorce is unfortunately common in our society, it is no less taxing on the children involved. Divorce can be a challenging topic to talk about with kids of any age. That’s why I love that there are children’s books about divorce and separation. These books can bridge the gap between our adult understanding of what happens between parents and that of the child’s first-hand experience. Here are a few you might find helpful.

Cosmos’ Mom and Dad Are Moving Apart by Dr. Annie Thiel

When it comes to children’s books about divorce, this is one of the better ones. Dr. Thiel does a great job of explaining from a parent’s perspective the reality of adults divorcing each other, not their kids. This is important for kids to know and understand. It is so easy for them to feel responsible. However, this book can help parents open up that very important dialogue.

Was it the Chocolate Pudding? By Sandra Levins and Bryan Langdo

I love that this book tackles a difficult topic with child-like innocence. It introduces words and concepts like joint custody and single-parent homes as the children ask very real questions to try to understand the changes their family is experiencing. It also includes a handy “Note to Parents”.

My Family’s Changing By Pat Thomas

This children’s book about divorce is authored by a psychotherapist and counselor who takes a very straightforward approach to explaining divorce to children. I love that it does an excellent job of paying special attention to the questions and fears a child might have. The book features sidebars throughout entitled “What About You?” to remind parents to stop and ask the children what they’re feeling as they read. It feels especially empathetic and child-centered—great for such a sensitive subject.

Standing On My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce By Tamara Schmitz

This book differs from the others in that the focus is more on the child feeling love versus the process of divorce. The tone is gentle and uplifting, and it stresses that having two households can be twice the love, similar to having two feet to stand on.

Mom’s Home Assistant Besties: Google Home vs Amazon Echo

I consider myself a bit of a techy. In that, I simply mean I love gadgets. I’m an early adopter, and I keep a keen eye on tech products and services that push the limits of advancement. Still, if I had to categorize responsibilities, technology would come second to anything involving motherhood. Thankfully, technology allows me to handle both interdependently.

Two of my most regularly used tech appliances are virtual home assistants, Google Home and the Amazon Echo. People have asked me which I like most. My answer: I LOVE THEM BOTH! I honestly do. But that’s not to say that I use them equally; neither do I use them to do the same jobs. Nevertheless, if I had to duke it out and compare the two devices, I’d have a hard time giving either of them up.

Google Home is great for my kids. I use it as my educational tech for them. I use Home to satisfy their kid curiosities. They love asking questions about animals (“How big is a whale?”), weather (“Is it going to rain?”), etc. As it does for adults using it online, Google spits out an answer in no time flat, much to the amusement of two antsy, inquisitive boys.

On the other hand, Alexa, the name for Amazon’s virtual voice assistant, helps Mama with daily grunt work. She’s great with ordering and reordering things when my hands are full with the boys (literally or figuratively). With the power of an Amazon Prime account, I can ask Alexa to order or re-order paper towels, baby wipes, diapers, trash bags, you name it, and it can be there in a couple of hours or a couple of days if it isn’t urgent.

As great as these both are, neither one is perfect. There’s no question that Google Home puts a sparkle in my kids’ eyes every time they ask a question, but the lack of Bluetooth and audio connectivity forces us to use it closer to the bathroom and the kids’ room. The lack of external audio capabilities also means I don’t use it as a music workhorse, which is huge in a DJ’s living space. The party responsibilities go to Alexa, who can connect via audio output and play music for the kids to dance to. Alas, music selection can be a bit of a pain with the Echo, as asking Alexa to play some popular songs oftentimes returns with a message that she doesn’t know or have them in her library. That can be frustrating and more than a bit annoying.

Even with the few drawbacks, I have to say that these are both extremely handy virtual assistants that moms, in particular, should consider. Home and the Echo help me to remember and accomplish so many things that need to happen when I may not have the extra few minutes (or hands) to get them done.

Concerned about privacy aspects of them, but now that i have them. First in-home robots. As a mom, these devices are extremely handy as virtual assistants. I did have initial concerns about privacy when I first purchased the devices, but I’ve done research and taken steps to get a tighter grip on my family’s security so that I can enjoy technology without fear. I recommend that other parents do the same.

That being said, I would TOTALLY recommend these devices to moms, especially Alexa. If you haven’t considered a virtual home assistant, it may be worth your while (and shopping sanity) to check them out.

Do you own a virtual home assistant? What are your thoughts about it? Let me know in the comments below.

Kids Essentials for Summer

The weather is heating up, and we all want to spend more time outdoors. I live in a coastal community right by the beach, so my family spends a great deal of time in and around water. But no matter where you live, here are a few essential items for a fun and safe summer! Check out the links to each for more information on where to find them!

Supergoop! Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist

It’s one of the summer’s biggest necessities, and if you live in a climate with lots of sun, you’ll need it year round. You’re probably no stranger to sunscreen and why it’s so important to use regularly, but this is not your ordinary sun protectant. Supergoop touts benefits unlike many others I’ve used over the years. It’s infused with vitamin C, which enriches the skin, and it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that we wouldn’t dare put on our precious kiddos. It’s also SPF 50, so you’re sure to be shielded from the damaging rays of the sun.

I love this sunscreen because the spray mist makes it quick and easy to apply. If you have a toddler or active child, you know why that’s crucial. When the kids want to play, I may not have 10 minutes to spend rubbing cream on them. This mist is a snap to spray all over their bodies. When I get to their faces, I simply spray a bit in my hands and apply it that way. Easy-peasy. The last benefit? It sprays on clear. If you and your kids have deeper skin tones, gone are the days of worrying about sun protection turning skin blue or purple. This sunscreen is so awesome, I even use it on myself!

Onesie Swimsuits for Boys

This one’s a no-brainer because my sons are absolutely adorable in them! We live by the beach and love water, so swimsuits are worn regularly in my family. I have two sons, and while there’s no shortage of swim trunks for boys, they all tend to look alike. They either have a very typical dolphin or sea creature design, or they sort of balloon in a weird way. Companies make the most adorable bikinis and one-piece swimsuits with ruffles and other details for girls, but the boys get left out of the cuteness. These onesie swimsuits are perfect! They zip up for easy on-and-off access, and best of all? They’re extremely comfortable to wear. Win-win!

Swim Goggles

Every parent knows that even when kids love the water, they don’t always love getting water in their eyes. Swim goggles are the ideal solution for those moments when your kid runs out of the pool or ocean toward you while holding their face with irritated, stinging eyes. These come in fun colors the kids will look cool in, and they also offer UV protection. They’re also made of a softer material that won’t cause protests when you go to put them on your little ones. Give ‘em a try; I’m certain they’ll be a hit with your toddler(s).

Pop ‘N’ Play Portable Playard

This is perhaps the only item on my list that might be as big a hit with the adults as it is with kids. This play yard is a parent’s dream for far too many reasons to name, so I’ll just pick a few to share with you. It’s completely collapsable. Capable of holding multiple children and toys, it looks large (and it is). But when you’re done using it, it folds up completely into an easily carried, rolled up piece with a shoulder strap.

I take the Pop ‘N’ Play with me every time the boys and I head to a play with a large outdoor area and I want to ensure they’ll have a good time while being confined to a safe space. It almost always means other parents want to put their kids in it to play, as well. I love that it allows moms to step a few feet away and keep an eye on the kids while grabbing a hamburger at the cookout. It’s super easy to clean. And the best feature of all, it’s really fun for the kids. Your only problem will be trying to get them out of it when it’s time to go home!

To see more items that make my kids’ summers loads of fun, check out my Summer Kid Essentials List.