NON PUMPKIN PATCH ACTIVITES FOR TODDLERS

Not to say a PP isnt worth the photos, but when you’re ready for something new, no matter where you are, save this!

Year 1 we did the PP. It was cute. Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert, AZ. He was free- it was worth it, but to save the $15 per person this time we opted for some more budget friendly and free activities!

1. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park- Scottsdale, AZ but if you Google “Halloween train ride in yourcity” you will get some great results.

   • Great for ALL ages

   • Buy tickets ahead

   • Bring your own food and drinks and make it a party

2. Trick or Treat in the Day- Don’t literally go ask for candy, but instead look at the decorations while the suns out.

   • Day decorations are not as scary

   • You can see all the spooky details

   • Map your treat route- which houses look like they came to play?

3. Paint a Pumpkin- Why carve, when you can paint!

   • Any age can show off their skills

   • Add to a party or just by your self / with your little

   • Pumpkins last longer without a carve or use a fake one and reuse next year

   • No pumpkin? No problem! Hand and footprint spooky crafts are just as fun

4. Make Cookies- Sugar cookie dough for now + freeze for next 2 months of holidays!

   • Decorate pumpkin cookies and skeletons using your ornament and gingerbread cutters from other holidays

   • Make lots of dough + freeze. I have an unbeatable recipe here

   • Make a spooky quesadilla- triangle cute eyes and mouth on a tortilla + burnt cheese bonus

What ever your spooky activity make it a memorable one. Creating holiday core memories have been a highlight of parenthood. Let me know if you recommend any other non patch spooky tings….. Happy Halloween!

XoXo

Britt.

ALEXA PLAY SPOTIFY PLAYLIST ATLAS HALLOWEEN

“ALEXA PLAY SPOTIFY PLAYLIST ATLAS HALLOWEEN” Do it! Tell her!

Since entering the parenting world I try and steer away from the typical children’s songs especially when the holidays rolls around. We hear enough of the classics and I know there are great songs out there- underrated.. dare we say underwraps….

Halloween 2021 I started and now this spooky season Atlas and DJ BJ are ready to reveal this amazing mix of 60 songs that anyone from 60 days to 60+ years will enjoy - it’s proven! You can play at a party, listen to on a slow morning, play in the car, and of course share with your trick or treaters.

Let us know your fave song on the list and if we left any hidden gems out. Happy listening and haunting ghouls and boys.

XoXo

DJBJ

FIVE FAVE TODDLER FINDS AT COSTCO

We know we have a ton of Costco fans on here. I was originally a Price Club attendee sitting high in my cart atop a giant package of toilet paper. Now, we take Atlas, what seems like monthly, to stock up on family snacks and meals. After continuously purchasing the same products, it's time to get a sponsorship, just kidding. Sharing our Costco list with you. 

18 months cruising the isles of Costco with your mom and dad. Heres our FIVE FAVE FINDS! Be sure to save our shopping list to your phone.

Kirklands Applesauce Squeezer

These are great for on the go. 

Some have other fruits and veggies mixed in. 

The ingredients are real!  

Veggie Straws

The whole family loves them, even Winter! 

You can eat them plain or dip or hummus. 

Snacks all day! 

String Cheese

We string it -he eats it up. 

On the go too! 

These are perfect for travel.

Shred them on scrambled eggs.

Par baked tortillas 

These are so fresh and delicious. 

I always freeze one half because you get so many. 

We warm them for all meals and turn them into veggies quesadillas for little man.

Raviolis 

My Italian boy loves his pasta with cheese! 

Extra reward it has spinach! Find ones with mushrooms too.

BONUS! We also stock up on fruits and veggies frozen and fresh. Frozen strawberries and blueberries. Fresh avocados, bananas, and raspberries. 

I hope you enjoyed shopping with us at Costco today. Let me know if you have any foodies suggestions for an 18 month old, please and thank you !

XoXo

Mama Britt

KNOW SUMMIT 2022

Imagine one hundred and fifty women to Know and do business with, sharing, teaching, learning, connecting, gaining visibility and being seen. Throw in a pool party, shopping, Jamie Kern Lima and Alli Webb! It was unbelievable, but Believe it! 

Where was it? The Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale AZ. But who made it? The KNOW Women! We built walls (blog post to come on this) for backdrops, hung velvet drapes, stapled greenery, pegged walls (maybe got charged for a few damages), and more. All with our power tools and women power- we did it! 

We celebrated with a dip in the pool and a cool drink, but most importantly- being recognized in a room of women I recognize… incredible.

Also let me just humbly say I was not familiar with Jamie Kern Lima prior to Summit. I had that NBA finals Referee Jack Harlow moment when we hopped on a Zoom call with her and her team prior to the event. After meeting her, hearing her story and seeing who she shows up as every day is honorable. I cannot wait to read her book, Believe It! 

Can you sit with us? Of course- what I love about KNOW (of the many things) is you can always sit with us! Summit 2023 is on the calendar and I want you there! 

Learn more about the Know Women here.

Learn about the Top Women across America to KNOW for 2022.

XoXo

Britt

AQUA TOT ATLAS

The earlier you expose your child to swim lessons – and how to be safer in and around the water – the better. For Atlas, we hit the pool as soon as our water was warm enough, following some youtube tutorials, but mostly focusing on trusting the water. For his first birthday, mom and dad gifted him….. Swim Lessons!

Our little Minnow enrolled at our local Aqua Tots Swim School. After a free first lesson, we fell in love with the staff, structure and seeing how much joy our baby boy had after just 1 visit. We signed up for twice a week classes and are the fast track to olympic trials, (jk). At his age, kids are curios, especially near water, which is why it’s such an important time to learn breath control, safely returning to the edge, independent kicking, and more!

It is the fastest thirty minutes and I work out just as much as he does. We learn songs that incorporate water safety, interact with other students and their parents, and develop a bond with our instructor. Swim school, social skills and improving our sleep- its all a win!

If you are thinking about Swim School for you and or your little one I just have 2 pieces of advice:

1. Wear the right bathing suit - I recommend a once piece razor back. Nothing the little one can pull at or down, no strings or zippers.

2. Prepare to nap hard- after class little man is exhausted and ready for a power nap. The struggle is to get home fast enough before falling asleep on the ride. Schedule classes so you can still get nap time in.

I cant wait to report back on Atlas’ Aqua Adventures. Let me know if you are ready for a swim date!

XoXo

Britt

TAKE ME OUT TO MY FIRST BALL GAME

Batting left, playing center, weighing in at just under 28 pounds and towering over two feet…… its Atlas!

Little man turned ONE and it was time to see some Arizona sports, live! Phoenix Suns Basketball and Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball- we break down our experiences with a one year old at Chase Field and Footprint Center: what to eat, how to get cool stuff and make sure you bring the proper bag.

First up was the Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns. We picked this game for the early game time, 1:30 pm. The bag restriction was not crazy and I was able to bring in a small back back with snacks, un open water-bottles, diapers and most importantly his noise canceling headphones. We got these on Amazon! We also were all decked out in Suns gear all from Poshmark! The seats were Section 110- not the best for the view but better to not be too close to the court and loud. It was also easy access from the concourse. We didn’t eat much more than nachos - nothing for Atlas other than snacks we brought him. The lines were long everywhere and we wanted to enjoy the game. He enjoyed it. He loved the lights, the sounds, the fast paced atmosphere and the people watching. Not much walking around, we stayed in our seats and left just before end of fourth to beat a little traffic out.

Spring is here and we had to hurry to a baseball game before it got too hot! Even though the roof is retractable - that bad boy was wide open on April 10 for their opening weekend San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks. Atlas wore what any true fan would… a cubs shirt! (He wasn’t the only one either). Mom did look up the bag policy before hand, but I didnt measure my clutch and it ended up being an inch too big… 4.5” x 6.5”!!!! WTF!!!! So I put everything in my hands, diapers, wipes, cheese stick, waterbottle, cell phone and the first place we went when we walking in was the team store. That’s how they get ya! Cuz of course we had to get Atlas his first Baxter. If it is your little one’s first time at a game (or any age) head to 128 Guest Services and you will get a personalized certificate of attendance.

You can’t go to Chase Field without eating your way through the park. It is my favorite ball park for food. (Except Chick-Fil-A, its closed for Sunday games). Atlas ate chicken tenders and fries, mostly the white meat after mama ate the breading. He loved it. He had his first french fry, but preferred the veggie straws we brought. It was hot, so after searching high hand low for frozen lemonades we found frozen yogurt pints- in Atlas’ favorite flavor- raspberry. He was content for the eighth inning in his seat with his fro-yo.

We also heard about the Sandlot and trekked our way up to level 3. (We actually hopped on the elevator- don’t ask don’t tell). The Sandlot is a place for kids to play and interact. It is also a great view of the stadium and right next to the live organ player. Atlas did not know how to handle himself with all the kids, but we will definitely be checking out this place at our next game.

Our little sports fan has two pro sports crossed off his list and many more to go. We love experiencing firsts with him and making amazing family memories. If you have any tips or tricks for little ones at big sporting events lmk.

XoXo

Mama Britt

THE GREAT RESIGNATION

I felt a little isolated because I couldn’t talk about it really to anybody. It’s hard to be working and you don’t know how it’s gonna turn out and you don’t know what is gonna happen all while you’re head is down. EVERYONE was going through it…”Long-lasting job dissatisfaction, and safety concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some economists have described the Great Resignation.”

Yeah, this is what I’m going through; this is really affecting me right now. You’re just in this period of life where you are focused on one particular thing and you have to just grind. Not like a weeklong thing, it’s like maybe a couple months or maybe it’s like a year. but you know that you’re making an investment for your future and that’s important to you BUT also so very difficult. You see on social media working moms doing all the things while #Sliving making Instagram stories and reels look glamorous and I’m in meetings I’m doing all the stuff I can’t talk about (you know, HIPAA). It is so annoying when influencers would be like, “Oh my God something big is coming,” but now I understand why. It’s because you just wanna be on the other side.

I took a break posting on socials for the next couple months. I just observed. I realized the joy and the curse it brings. It’s nice to have your friends check in on you also just sending “Hey, I’m just thinking about you.'‘ We all live in different places so a picture of what we’re doing and it brightens up my day like you wouldn’t believe just like eating a fun meal or like something that reminds you of someone and then you say, “Miss you.” It’s just a little Internet hug because sometimes you don’t have have time to have like two hour phone conversations catching up with someone. Sometimes you don’t have time to fly. Those little moments they add up they make you feel supported when you receive them and you have community. That’s the secret- is that actually doing things for others and reaching out and it actually makes you feel better! Being present when you say you’re going to be there- now how good do you feel?

You don’t have to bash the job just because it wasn’t for you. I did create these families, a little family of coworkers to survive because when the job is tough on you, you need to have the support and love internally and externally. I could not do life without my husband, my confidant, my rock. I cried lots of tears and expressed lots of thoughts, some scary some sensible- but all he ever offered was support. I’m very sensitive person (shocker). I think a lot of entertainers are. Ultimately, we are people pleasers at the end of the day in someway. Another mantra and it really stuck with me: No one more successful or happy than you is going to ever put you down. So I wrote up my two week resignation notice.

Now to my next chapter. I am the main character and with the added story line of character Atlas this is going to be the best book ever written. Thanks for continuing to read our journey- ready for what is next? We are choosing our own adventure! Choose your own too

XoXo

Britt

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, ATLAS

Our baby is ONE! And because the first year flew by we though a proper theme would be : Donut Grow Up. We gathered family and friends and most importantly the littles in our backyard to celebrate over sweets. An early, Sunday morning in January in Arizona called for temps in the 60s. The coffee was hot, the donuts were fresh and the company was all smiles. It was perfect and I wouldn’t have changed any of the hiccups or hurdles. The pure joy this kid shows us everyday it’s almost like it’s his birthday everyday. Cheers to many more!

Shout out to

Material Girls Rentals for the only Donut wall in the Phoenix Area.
Amazon & my handy helpers for the balloon wall and decor set up.

OUR NEW NORMAL

We’ve been parents for a whole year! Let’s celebrate! Okay, now I’m tired. 

It is hard to remember what life was like before Atlas. Not just an extra person in our house, but the joy that he brings every day is another level. Sleeping eating, showers, shitting everything revolves around Atlas; he is our world. This is our new norm and we wouldn’t trade it for the world- we already did.

We are full-time working parents balancing taking care of a tiny human and it’s not easy. Kudos to all those working parents out there! Leaving for work is not a relief by any means. I may go from singing “Purple monkey in a bubble gum tree,” to having real adult conversations, but that also means my husband is putting in work around the house with the baby and sacrificing his career in the moment too. Then we switch. 

Can I vent a for second on how the world doesn’t show you what parenthood is like. The movies, reality shows. social media they’re showing you the sunshine the rainbows the butterflies. The nanny takes the child while it has a diaper blowout. Their meal planner is prepping all of their food to make sure they keep up with their nutrition to properly pump 6 ounces on schedule. Day care is taking the kid with dozens of others. It’s been 365 days and I haven’t had a manicure or a pedicure, but I did have a haircut (just one)! And as much as I tell myself every single day I need to take care of myself to take care of him I still don’t do it this. It is my new norm.

i’m hungry .

I’m tired .

I’m on the verge of tears .

But I would not trade any of it for my perfect family of three

I feel a frustration towards myself . The harder part is admitting something is wrong and admitting you’re feeling signs of depression. It is an overwhelming feeling to admit. It’s not all the time, but it manifests itself in different ways. And my kid is pretty good, so like what?  I know the fruits of my labor reflect his life, but I have less patience for bullshit. I am here to prepare my son for this world and what ever the new normal becomes in the future.

Do you know someone going through this? What can you do to support or help? Instead of asking them what can I do for you- just do it! Send them dinner or something sweet because we all know the last thing we do is make sure we eat and buy ourselves the flowers.

WARM HOLIDAY WISHES

Merry Christmas 2021 from the Acevedo Family. Atlas’ FIRST Christmas and we had to make a statement for this year’s Christmas card. His face says it all. Scroll through and let me know your favorite.

I found the inspo on Pinterest. I scored the suits on Amazon #FTW ! I sourced out my parents who were visiting that week as our photogs. I edited the photos in Lightroom and used Canva to design the card from scratch. Easy-coming from this full time worker full time new mama. Don’t let the matching sweaters, fancy foil and pre-made templates scare you from creating the most perfect holiday card.

Also, while I have you. Do me a favor and watch this SNL skit about family holiday cards.

We would love to get your family holiday card and display it on our wall. Send us your warm wishes too!

XoXo

Britt