darlingsteps

[darlingsteps]

Don't have the slightest clue who created this graphic but 👏 . So me! 😂 Anyone else like this?! • • • • • • • #tmi #introverts #qotd #arewethereyet — view on Instagram http://bit.ly/2FZL53V

[darlingsteps]

Why kids aren’t expensive

I know kids can be ‘expensive.’ So, for reference, our kiddos are still little and this post is probably more applicable to those with young children (8 and under).

Growing up, you always hear about the costly burden of having kids. But the truth is, they really aren’t as expensive as people would lead you to believe. You see, I made a horrible mistake when I was just a teen and cost, along with fear, were the deciding factors in my response.

So, here are some thoughts…

This is for you.

• Kids are mostly free if you don’t mind paying attention

1. Kids play with nearly anything & expensive toys aren’t necessary at all. We first need to erase the lies our culture and mainstream media has embedded into us. Then, we can begin to cultivate creativity and show genuine gratitude for what we already have. Don’t underestimate yourself.

2. Use your creativity to make and play with whatever’s lying around. Use what you already have! Or use google/Pinterest to help give you some ideas. There’s no shame in this! We’ve all been there. Some of us just aren’t born with natural creativity…ahemm *cough cough*

Save your toilet paper rolls for crafts

Re-use those delivery boxes (large appliance boxes are the BEST)

Use your pots & utensils as instruments

Save (safe) packaging from any food items (may need to wash some. But think…tea boxes, yogurt/baby food cups etc)

Dance with music (Youtube for the win: Check out: Saskia’s Dansschool)

Exercise together (remember those simple exercises from elementary gym classes?) (Bonus: Youtube again: Cosmic Kids. They are absolutely fantastic for this)

3. They will use their imagination if you support it

• Opt for outdoor play because whether or not you have the energy to gather everyone up and out the door- It will always be easier to clean the ‘outdoors’ off of them than to clean up the mess they’ve made indoors. Trust me on this. Fo’ real.

Play ‘What time is it, Mr. Fox?’

Tag

Hide & seek (I’d only opt for this in the confines of a SAFE gated home/community WITH LIMITS…yea yea, call it no fun/paranoia…what have you! I found myself in unsafe compromising situations as a kid by no fault of my own. I know the dangers thank you very much)

Dodgeball

Need more ideas? Have a look here.

• They grow way too fast, use thrift shops

1. It’s no surprise that children grow fast. But in case you aren’t aware- babies grow out of their clothing about every 2-3 months from age 0-12 months. Thereafter, it could be about every 6 months, once they turn 4/5, I find it’s about once a year or maybe its just my kiddos?! (Note: sadly, these estimates don’t include shoes 🙁 Kids regularly outgrow their shoes and at a much faster rate or just wear them down super duper fast)

2. Doesn’t make much sense to pay full price here.

• Go natural

1. Opt to make things from scratch or go the natural route.

Here are some ideas:

• Use cloth diapers instead of disposables

• Use castile soap for all your ‘soapy’ needs (body wash, shampoo, laundry etc)

• Use old rags or buy new ones really cheap to use as wipes

• Or make your own wipes using paper towels

• Use coconut oil and baking soda as toothpaste

• Use water and hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash

• Use vinegar and lemon as your primary cleaning agents

• Don’t use body creams, opt for oils instead

They don’t need things. They need YOU

Our children need our attention, our love, our nurturing and there isn’t anyone more qualified on the planet to do this than us!

And when all is set and done and our children are having children of their own…the only things that would have mattered…the only things they will remember….are the memories, experiences and time we took to parent them. To guide, teach and love on them.

What are your thoughts? Write a comment below letting us know how you save money with your kiddos

The post Why kids aren’t expensive appeared first on Darling Steps.

from WordPress https://www.darlingsteps.com/why-kids-arent-expensive/

[darlingsteps]

5 Traveling Essentials You Absolutely Need (but can’t buy)

Here are the 5 travel essentials you absolutely need! (& they’re FREE!)

  An open mind

When you commit your life to travel it’s important to remember that you’re giving yourself an opportunity of a lifetime. You’re constantly choosing to put yourself aside and immerse yourself in other countries customs culture and way of living. So with that being said always remember to keep an open mind.

Train yourself to move your worries to the side. Put your traditions, expectations and past experiences behind you and allow yourself to appreciate and accept the new moments in front of you.

This way you can truly appreciate your experience and allow yourself to try new things that you otherwise wouldn’t (be it a food dish or an activity).

Sense of adventure

If I could give you only one piece of advice, I would say don’t let your fear win. I’ll say that again a little more slowly.

Do

not

let

Fear

win.

Get comfortable with being outside of your comfort zone. It pays to be an optimist here and always see the opportunity in every possibility. Look for ways to suppress your fear or worry long enough to embark on the experience.

Awareness

Always be aware of what’s going on around you. This seems simple enough…common sense right? But common sense is not that common.

Pay attention to signage around you.

Take a mental note of the people surrounding you (about every 5 minutes being mindful of conversations, body language etc).

Do your best to keep phone consumption to a minimum.

  Lose the headphones

  In a nutshell, try not to allow anything to distract you.

Practice listening/focus activities

( For example, you should know the difference between the sound of a bus and a car…footsteps of a child vs. an adult, etc. It’ll take time. Don’t be disheartened. Continue practicing)

Have a basic understanding of where you are.

Obviously, this will vary greatly depending on where you are in the world and your familiarity with the area. However, use some sort of map (like Google maps) to have a good look around the city. Make a note of establishments and their proximities to your home/hotel)

Plan ahead

You don’t have to have a complete minute by minute itinerary in place, however, have a basic schedule, at the very least (knowing open/close times of restaurants, etc.)

Resilience

Bounce back when stuff doesn’t go your way & Do whatever it takes to keep stress levels down!

  The post 5 Traveling Essentials You Absolutely Need (but can’t buy) appeared first on Darling Steps.

from WordPress https://www.darlingsteps.com/5-traveling-essentials-you-absolutely-need-but-cant-buy/

[darlingsteps]

Why kids aren’t expensive

I know kids can be ‘expensive.’ So, for reference, our kiddos are still little and this post is probably more applicable to those with young children (8 and under).

Growing up, you always hear about the costly burden of having kids. But the truth is, they really aren’t as expensive as people would lead you to believe. You see, I made a horrible mistake when I was just a teen and cost, along with fear, were the deciding factors in my response.

So, here are some thoughts…

This is for you.

• Kids are mostly free if you don’t mind paying attention

1. Kids play with nearly anything & expensive toys aren’t necessary at all. We first need to erase the lies our culture and mainstream media has embedded into us. Then, we can begin to cultivate creativity and show genuine gratitude for what we already have. Don’t underestimate yourself.

2. Use your creativity to make and play with whatever’s lying around. Use what you already have! Or use google/Pinterest to help give you some ideas. There’s no shame in this! We’ve all been there. Some of us just aren’t born with natural creativity…ahemm *cough cough*

Save your toilet paper rolls for crafts

Re-use those delivery boxes (large appliance boxes are the BEST)

Use your pots & utensils as instruments

Save (safe) packaging from any food items (may need to wash some. But think…tea boxes, yogurt/baby food cups etc)

Dance with music (Youtube for the win: Check out: Saskia’s Dansschool)

Exercise together (remember those simple exercises from elementary gym classes?) (Bonus: Youtube again: Cosmic Kids. They are absolutely fantastic for this)

3. They will use their imagination if you support it

• Opt for outdoor play because whether or not you have the energy to gather everyone up and out the door- It will always be easier to clean the ‘outdoors’ off of them than to clean up the mess they’ve made indoors. Trust me on this. Fo’ real.

Play ‘What time is it, Mr. Fox?’

Tag

Hide & seek (I’d only opt for this in the confines of a SAFE gated home/community WITH LIMITS…yea yea, call it no fun/paranoia…what have you! I found myself in unsafe compromising situations as a kid by no fault of my own. I know the dangers thank you very much)

Dodgeball

Need more ideas? Have a look here.

• They grow way too fast, use thrift shops

1. It’s no surprise that children grow fast. But in case you aren’t aware- babies grow out of their clothing about every 2-3 months from age 0-12 months. Thereafter, it could be about every 6 months, once they turn 4/5, I find it’s about once a year or maybe its just my kiddos?! (Note: sadly, these estimates don’t include shoes 🙁 Kids regularly outgrow their shoes and at a much faster rate or just wear them down super duper fast)

2. Doesn’t make much sense to pay full price here.

• Go natural

1. Opt to make things from scratch or go the natural route.

Here are some ideas:

• Use cloth diapers instead of disposables

• Use castile soap for all your ‘soapy’ needs (body wash, shampoo, laundry etc)

• Use old rags or buy new ones really cheap to use as wipes

• Or make your own wipes using paper towels

• Use coconut oil and baking soda as toothpaste

• Use water and hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash

• Use vinegar and lemon as your primary cleaning agents

• Don’t use body creams, opt for oils instead

They don’t need things. They need YOU

Our children need our attention, our love, our nurturing and there isn’t anyone more qualified on the planet to do this than us!

And when all is set and done and our children are having children of their own…the only things that would have mattered…the only things they will remember….are the memories, experiences and time we took to parent them. To guide, teach and love on them.

What are your thoughts? Write a comment below letting us know how you save money with your kiddos

The post Why kids aren’t expensive appeared first on Darling Steps.

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[darlingsteps]

5 Traveling Essentials You Absolutely Need (but can’t buy)

Here are the 5 travel essentials you absolutely need! (& they’re FREE!)

  An open mind

When you commit your life to travel it’s important to remember that you’re giving yourself an opportunity of a lifetime. You’re constantly choosing to put yourself aside and immerse yourself in other countries customs culture and way of living. So with that being said always remember to keep an open mind.

Train yourself to move your worries to the side. Put your traditions, expectations and past experiences behind you and allow yourself to appreciate and accept the new moments in front of you.

This way you can truly appreciate your experience and allow yourself to try new things that you otherwise wouldn’t (be it a food dish or an activity).

Sense of adventure

If I could give you only one piece of advice, I would say don’t let your fear win. I’ll say that again a little more slowly.

Do

not

let

Fear

win.

Get comfortable with being outside of your comfort zone. It pays to be an optimist here and always see the opportunity in every possibility. Look for ways to suppress your fear or worry long enough to embark on the experience.

Awareness

Always be aware of what’s going on around you. This seems simple enough…common sense right? But common sense is not that common.

Pay attention to signage around you.

Take a mental note of the people surrounding you (about every 5 minutes being mindful of conversations, body language etc).

Do your best to keep phone consumption to a minimum.

  Lose the headphones

  In a nutshell, try not to allow anything to distract you.

Practice listening/focus activities

( For example, you should know the difference between the sound of a bus and a car…footsteps of a child vs. an adult, etc. It’ll take time. Don’t be disheartened. Continue practicing)

Have a basic understanding of where you are.

Obviously, this will vary greatly depending on where you are in the world and your familiarity with the area. However, use some sort of map (like Google maps) to have a good look around the city. Make a note of establishments and their proximities to your home/hotel)

Plan ahead

You don’t have to have a complete minute by minute itinerary in place, however, have a basic schedule, at the very least (knowing open/close times of restaurants, etc.)

Resilience

Bounce back when stuff doesn’t go your way & Do whatever it takes to keep stress levels down!

  The post 5 Traveling Essentials You Absolutely Need (but can’t buy) appeared first on Darling Steps.

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[darlingsteps]

Screaming Happy International Woman's Day! Darling, you are strong brave beautiful & worthy. You are capable. Be intentional. Be what you can be. Learn what you must learn. Do what only YOU can do. Now, Go. Go make this world a better place 😍 •• •• •• •• •• •• #ladyboss #internationalwomensday internationalwomensday2019 #werock #womenarestrong #feminist #christianfeminist #heyblackchild #blackisbeautiful #itsallaboutthecolor — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/2J0QooD

[darlingsteps]

#believeinyourself #havefaith #qotd #momtruth — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/2Eno5Lc

[darlingsteps]

No idea what these are called, but they are amazing. Gotta love Italian pastries Or we can't be friends 😂 FYI it's practically pizza inside a croissant! 😋 • • • #travelmom #travelingmom #travelmum — view on Instagram http://bit.ly/2IlFw4h

[darlingsteps]

Let life surprise you No more micromanaging #nydy19 Screw perfectionism Trust the process. Trust yourself. Trust your Maker. It is well #rollwithit #itsallgood #perfectionist — view on Instagram https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/vp/848dfd8939b4844fe0eaab6bbedf5f63/5CE86433/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/51915548_348326096014704_7726345065320426573_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com

[darlingsteps]

Do you struggle with food too? • I've had this love/hate (let's be serious, mostly love) relationship with food for as long as I can remember • Using food as a means of comfort during stress, loneliness, sadness • As a reward for exercise dedication • For birthdays, holidays or any celebration • & On and on. • Then, feelings of guilt & shame. Usually followed by aches &pains. Maybe some regurgitation. • Either way, this journey is a lifelong one. I don't have the answer or any magic pill or program. • Patience, grace, dedication & support are priceless • You're worth it. Even more than said food of choice. Everytime •Sometimes this means eating & sometimes it doesn't. xo #overcomer #mentalhealth #loveroffood #depressionsupport #eatingdisorder #eatingdisorderrecovery #anxiety — view on Instagram http://bit.ly/2SUGOr3

[darlingsteps]

• • • • • • • • • #anxiety #mentalhealth #mentalhealthblogger #depressionsupport #mombloggers — view on Instagram http://bit.ly/2X1K7fj

[darlingsteps]

There will always be beauty in the midst of the battle. • • • • • • #prayerworks #momblogger #travelingmoms — view on Instagram http://bit.ly/2BC0UMX

[darlingsteps]

— view on Instagram http://bit.ly/2SJcQpC

[darlingsteps]

My little arrows. In a world so broken, so divided, I pray you have strength & wisdom to overcome the battles you'll surely face. My mini warriors, you have a right to decide what you believe...even if it's different than my beliefs. Have your own opinions. If you turn out to be the least bit introverts, remember this: you have a right to feel & express your emotions. You have a right to change your mind. You have a right to refuse to accept others mistakes. To put yourself first. You're allowed to say no. Or ask for help. You're allowed to speak out against what you don't like. Protest. Or be still. But whatever you do, do it boldly. In faith. Knowing that it's bigger than you. Go change the world beautiful black girls. You are: Wonderful, Amazing, Beautiful, Called, Strong, Bold, Smart, Patient, Kind, Wise, Joyful,Faithful and so much more. Never ever forget this. Because you will be tried & tested. You'll probably be told the opposite of all the things I listed and then some. Those will be lies. Remember what mamí & daddy think of you. Remember what your Father in heaven thinks of you. That's all that matters. You've not yet reached double digits in age & you have felt the sting of racism in disgusting ways. You & your sister matter. You're 'brown-skin' brothers & sisters in Christ matter. #childrenseecolor #blacklivesmatter #beautifulblackgirls #multiracialfamily I love you. — view on Instagram http://bit.ly/2GhtXsT

[darlingsteps]

Travel medicine cabinet essentials

Travel Medicine Cabinet Essentials

A super short list of everything you need and none of what you don’t

If you’re traveling out the country, I suggest always having your own ‘medical kit’ for those unexpected [or expected] moments… This is what I personally travel with and find extremely essential for us.

  A travel antibiotic kit or GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract, a natural alternative)

Probiotics

Vitamins

Essential Oils [if you use them…for stomach/body aches, tiredness, jetlag etc]

Prescription Medication [If there is something you take daily]

Extra supply of everything [as possible]

Some sort of electrolyte sachet [or electrolyte drink in cases of dehydration]

Bacterial ointment [for cuts/abrasions/small infection]

Bandages

Gauze

Alcohol pads/disinfectant hand wipes/sanitizer

What are you’re travel essentials you can’t live without? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Travel medicine cabinet essentials appeared first on Darling Steps.

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[darlingsteps]

The part of motherhood I wasn’t prepared for

The part of motherhood I wasn’t prepared for:

Speak to any mama about motherhood or any parenting & you’ll pretty much get the gist that they love it. It’s a tough job no doubt, long hours, no monetary pay but we wouldn’t change it for the world! I read every book on the market, a plethora of parenting articles & had countless conversations…but no one it mattered. Well, okay, that’s drastic lol. But seriously, I was NOT prepared for what smacked me in the face! This is a list of what has taken a toll on me personally & has needed the most attention to overcome.

  Sleep

What does that word even mean?! I prepared myself for sleepness nights but my goodness! In my experiences at least, no matter what age your kid is, you’ll never get proper rest again. Even if you’ve passed the newborn or toddler stage, there is always something to keep you up, Be it a dream, potty calls, or just wanting cuddles. IF they actually sleep soundly-you’ll be up, with a wandering mind.

Judgers

People will judge you. It’s tough. They will criticize you & many will condemn you if they can. Other peoples thoughts, opinions, or even statements are NONE of your concern. Try your best never to let others negative words fester in your spirit. You can’t please everyone. Someone somewhere will always disagree with you or your decisions. Respectfully, agree to disagree & carry on.

Marriage

Your marriage will go through rough patches, be it due to co-sleeping & having a continental divide or Daddy unable to rest after a

longgg

day… things will get shaky…hang on tight & be strong! Learning how to live as a family after living as a couple can take some time.

  Guilt

You’ll go through a considerable A LOT of feelings of guilt. Feelings of unworthiness. Like you aren’t doing a good job or not cut out for motherhood. Get that out of your head right now. You are worthy & called to do this. He who is greater is FOR you & with Him, you are enough.

  Balance

Managing a home is tough work! We’re constantly playing a balancing act to keep it all together. There will be many great days…but there will also be times it’ll feel like a hot mess & times where it’ll all fall apart. But that’s okay. Rise up & try one more time. Take each day, just a day or a moment at a time. Because your limits will be pushed, Your sanity will be tested & your boundaries will be no more. Remember that family comes first.

  Friendships

You may become scarce in this department. Friends who you had or thought would stick around may not. The differences in seasons of lives will make friends drift apart. Mothers & wives don’t always have a lot in common with single, child-free women. This was extremely tough for me because although I’m an introvert & never had a crowd of friends, I value relationships dearly…So when I lost touch with that, it was definitely a tough experience to overcome & a hard pill to swallow. But, dear friend- there is hope! These experiences

will  create

growth in you like you never imagined! When you do make new friends, you’ll appreciate the connection of your newfound relationship as a mother 🙂

Loneliness

Despite being in a household full of children & an amazing husband, well, you will get very lonely. For me, of course, I love my children dearly & I know you do too, but we need interactions & conversations that are much deeper & thought-provoking than the dinner menu or what happened on paw patrol! LOL

   Please tell me I am not alone here?! What about you? What’ve been your toughest struggles? I want to hear them, Let me know in the comment section below!

The post The part of motherhood I wasn’t prepared for appeared first on Darling Steps.

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[darlingsteps]

How to get your child to sleep through the night

No matter what age your little one, us mamas always go through the sleep battle at one point or another. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Honestly…and we can get through this together! Here are just some of the best tips I’ve been given along the years.

  First things first- is your little one getting enough sleep? According to many sources, children should be getting hours upon hours of sleep! See recommendations below:

  0-6 months : 16-20 hours

  6-12 months : 12-16 hours

  1-2 yr olds : 11-14 hours

  2-5 yr olds : 10-13 hours

  6-12 yr olds : 9-12 hours

  Next, where is your child sleeping?

Try these tips to get your little one to sleep soundly at night:

  Get enough sleep… I fall victim to this one. Getting your children to nap during the day is crucial to them having a restful sleep at night. But can I be honest here? I wasn’t one of those grand mamas with a perfect schedule that had her kids napping soundly in their beds at a scheduled hour. I’d be lucky if I got them to nap at the same time! Sadly, I was THAT mama…you know, the one who’s kids napped in their strollers and car seats while running errands. Yea. That was me.

Prepare the environment… This one seems obvious but doesn’t the obvious slip by us? Turn down the lights, make sure the room temperature is comfortable, soft music if they need it…

Prepare your toddler… Let them know what is about to happen. No sugar coating, no choices. Soft, kind and firm. My dear, it is time to rest for a little while and when our rest is over, we can continue.

Simple choices… There is just no need to have 7 pajama choices, 15 teddy bears, 5 blankets or 50 lullaby tracks to choose from. lol. If you desire to give your child a choice, make it between two items only. And be sure to play/rotate between only a handful of lullaby tracks, so your child is humming a tune to explain which song he/she really wants to hear. (Just trust me on that one lol)

 Introduce a Comforter… This simply provides a sense of security. I’d suggest buying two duplicates to avoid tears during the wash or if God forbid it should get lost!

Positive praise… Whether or not your little ones love language is words of affirmation, words of encouragement and praise work wonders! It truly is foundational for a child’s growth development.

Promote independence… You can start small here, by laying out a small area where they can possibly reach all these items themselves and prepare them on their own.

How else can we encourage our kids to get rest? Comment below!

The post How to get your child to sleep through the night appeared first on Darling Steps.

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