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Thriving in Motherhood {Guest Post}

February 22, 2013

We thought we would wrap-up our Baby Week with a special treat!

A guest post from our friend,

Britton Lunde!

She is a proud mom of three beautiful daughters

who can relate to all the challenges that motherhood brings!

Her passion is to reach out to all new mothers

and empower them to be the mommies that they are made to be!

She continues to support expectant mothers

with her mother/baby support program throughout

Orange County, California.

Here is what Britton shared with us about her lovely business…

“Thriving in Motherhood, LLC 

 is about 10 years in the making and was officially born in 2009.

 I first started the class at Irvine Regional Hospital in 2001

when my second daughter was just 3 months old.

I saw a real need for a new moms support group

and found that need not being met in Orange County.

With my teaching background, I developed the curriculum

and started the program in the Spring of 2001.

I wasn’t sure how the program would do,

but I obviously met a need for new mothers,

because it grew very quickly.

My passion has always been teaching,

but now I found exactly where I was supposed to put that passion…

into new moms and their babies!

I taught at Irvine Regional Hospital for 7 years until it closed its doors in 2008.

I then was asked to bring my program to Kaiser Irvine

and started in 2009 where I have been for 3 years.

My class has grown to be very successful and I am finally expanding!

 I am excited to now offer my classes in multiple locations.

 My goal is to reach as many new moms as I can,

and help them adjust to their crazy new journey…  

motherhood!

My desire is to have no mother feel like they are just surviving motherhood.  

I want them to thrive in it!

So…

if you are looking for a comfortable and nurturing place

to get out of the house and bring your baby,

then come and share some special time

by meeting other moms going through the same phase of life!

Learn relevant, useful information to help you transition

into your new role as a mom. 

I offer a unique mother baby support class

with informative topics each week, such as

Infant Sign Language…

Infant Massage…

Feeding…

Sleeping and Routines…

Soothing Your Fussy Baby, and more!

The class is designed to empower moms and expectant mothers,

while providing a stimulating and engaging environment for infants

{newborn to 9 months}.  

All new mothers have mixed feelings of joy and fear,

love and doubt,

empowerment and also feelings of inadequacy.  

My goal is to help you find new and supportive friendships

with other moms and receive the support that you need to be successful!  

My passion is to help mommies and babies thrive!”   

{Britton earned her Bachelors Degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Child Development from UC Irvine.  She received her Childbirth Educator Certification and Postnatal Educator Certification through the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) and is a certified Kindersign Instructor. She has 12 years experience teaching Early Childhood, Kindergarten, Childbirth, Parenting and Postnatal classes.}


Visit Britton’s informative website…

{Thriving in Motherhood}

to view her blog, gather resources & register for local classes!

You can also email Britton at

{thrive2motherhood@gmail.com} 

for information about private consultations & classes.

 {Click HERE}

to “like” her Facebook page for updates!

**********************

Britton is a wealth of knowledge in the field and a fabulous resource,

so take advantage of her classes and pass on the information to other mommies you know!

It is so great to support other local moms

that are reaching out to help empower women!!!

 

Filed Under: Family

A Dose of Nursery Inspiration

February 21, 2013

Here is a dose of nursery inspiration

from one of the most lovely sites

for ideas & dream boards…

{lay baby lay}

 

 

 

Perhaps you fancy a

serene & gender neutral space?

Here is one of my favorites!

{Very Rosenberry}

 

 

 

A nursery any princess would swoon over….

{Grey Likes Baby}

 

 

Shared spaces…

these can be tough rooms to design!

I personally have had to do this

with my 4 kids in 2 rooms!

{Chic & Cheap Nursery}

 

Here’s one last fabulous site,

filled with an abundance of

decorating tips & ideas!

Check out these fun vision boards…

{Project Nursery}

 

 

 

Filed Under: Family

Bellies and Babies

February 20, 2013

 From Bellies to Babies

bellies to babies 7

bellies to babies 2

has been a small window of time in my life.

My babies are 6 and almost 4 (going on 15).

As a mother, I do have a small regret.

I deeply wish that I had a professional photographer

capture my belly {maternity photography}

and that I also had the precious moments of our

first quiet, yet sleepless days spent

at home with my tiny babies.

My excuses seem silly to me now,

but at the time of my pregnancy with Mason,

I had braces, was on and off bed rest,

and was working full time.

Both times my image of what pregnancy

should look like stood

in the way of capturing this moment.

My pregnancy with Madeline seemed to go by

within the blink of an eye,

as I was chasing a small toddler around.

As mothers, we are often the figures behind

the camera and not the one’s in the picture.

If I could bestow one small piece of advice

to a new mommy, I would say that this part

 life is very important.

The smell and the time I still recollect,

but the pictures of my little family together during

my pregnancies and the first days… I can’t get back.

Luckily, I do know of a wonderful photographer.

{Candace Rock Photography}

 She happened to feel the same way as I do.

She has turned her passion into a career

of photographing these exact moments so that they

can be part of your memory keeping.

Here are some of the lovely families she has captured.

bellies to babies 3

bellies to babies 4

bellies to babies

bellies to babies 6bellies to babies 1

These photographs are stunning and are a wonderful

representation of motherhood.

Candace has the talent of catching the right

light and feeling of these moments.

I truly believe that being a mother has

helped her instinct in shooting

the emotions and love that her clients

will treasure as their family milestones.

I am hopeful that a new mommy will toss aside

the lack of time and or body image issues of the moment

and enjoy being the beautiful mama in front of the camera.

As the years pass it will not be a

regret but a happy memory.

Go over and check out Candace’s website and like her

Facebook page where she has updates of upcoming

photo sessions and snap shots of her

adventures in motherhood.

nicole signature via simply happenstance

Filed Under: Family

Top Ten Baby Essentials

February 19, 2013

 

Here it is!

Our

Top Ten Baby Essentials

that every mama should have!

All products are ones we have personally had… and loved

{with the six children we have had between the two of us}!

These products are not only stylish…

but completely practical, affordable & great quality!

 

 

 

ONE // Ju-Ju-Be ‘Be Right Back’ Diaper Backpack

Ergonomic, Teflon-coated diaper bag with plenty of pockets

and a well-organized interior features adjustable straps

and a breathable mesh panel in back for comfort.

**********

This diaper bag was Nicole’s personal favorite… and she had many!

This one was super functional & easy to carry around!

 

TWO // Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘n Swing

This swing offers a comfortable, relaxing environment that will soothe your little one.

Featuring a soft head rest and airy canopy,

the swing stimulates the senses with a mirror globe,

a bird mobile that plays gentle tunes, and six speeds.

**********

Having a swing or bouncy seat is especially important if you plan to take a shower!

The perfect safe place to keep your baby in eye-sight

while getting a few things accomplished around the house!

 

THREE // Cloud B ‘Sleep Sheep’ Stuffed Animal

Cuddly stuffed sheep helps lull little ones to sleep by providing four soothing sounds:

a calming heartbeat, ocean waves, spring showers and tranquil whale songs.

**********

Finn actually still has the giraffe version of this stuffed animal in his crib.

He loves the sounds it makes as he drifts off to sleep!

The heartbeat is a favorite of newborns.

 

FOUR // Aden + Anais Bamboo Muslin Collection

For countless generations, mothers have swaddled and cared for their children with natural muslin.

aden + anais® has gone one step further to bring you soft,

silky rayon from bamboo fiber muslin.

Luxuriously soft, it is the ideal fabric to use on delicate baby skin.

**********

Both Nicole & I have swaddled our last babies using these wonderfully soft & versatile blankets.

Perfect to drape over a stroller to shade from the sun,

to use to cover-up when nursing,

or as a personal favorite cuddly blanket

{Finn’s favorite — to this day… he can’t go to sleep without one}!

 

FIVE // Ergobaby Carrier

An exclusive Petunia Pickle Bottom pattern updates a convenient,

ergonomically designed baby carrier that can be worn in front, back or hip position.

Strategic padding ensures comfort for both you and baby,

and a stowaway sleeping hood protects your slumbering little one from sun and light rain.

**********

We have both had many different baby carriers, from slings, to wraps, to this!

The Ergobaby Carrier is our favorite!

By far… the most comforable on your shoulders and neck.

It comes in many different colors and patterns

{Finn — who is nearly two, still fits comfortably}!

 

SIX // Boon Flair Pedestal Highchair

No cracks. No crevices.

This one-piece seat is the sleekest, smoothest thing going and it makes cleanup unbelievably easy.

Its dishwasher-safe tray cover actually fits in a dishwasher.

The continuous height positioning with pneumatic lift

is just a fancy way of saying you can pick the exact height you want to fit any table.

**********

Holy Moly!

I personally, have been through quite a few highchairs with our four children!

Most have fabric and many spaces for food and liquid to seep in.

This highchair from BOON is amazing!

It is so easy to clean, and I LOVE how modern it looks,

especially in comparison to others on the market!

 

SEVEN // BOB Revolution SE Stroller

BOB Revolution SE is a great stroller for active parents!

It has great stability and is lightweight, making it easy to push.

The stroller has an ultra padded, adjustable reclining seat and a five-point safety harness

to provide maximum comfort and safety for kids.

A swiveling front wheel provides great performance on the road.

**********

You can also purchase an infant car-seat adaptor

making this our all-around favorite stroller lasting from infancy through toddlerhood!

You can honestly buy this one stroller and be DONE!

{they make a great double, as well}!

It’s a fantastic investment!

 

EIGHT // bumGenius 4.0 All-in-one Cloth Diapers

bumGenius One-Size Cloth Diapers fit most babies from 7 to 35+ pounds.

No more sorting by size or having to carry multiple diapers when going out.

Three snap-downs on the front of the diaper allow you to

easily adjust the size of the diaper as your baby grows.

The soft, waterproof outer fabric keeps the diaper trim on your newborn and toddler.

Soft, sueded inner fabric gently wicks moisture away from your baby’s skin.

**********

I know that most of you have probably never thought to cloth diaper,

I assure you…

that I didn’t either with my oldest two boys.

I decided to cloth diaper Sophia for economical reasons,

for the benefits to her, and to our lovely planet.

I did so for about a year and was also able to re-use them on Finn for several months!

{Click Here to Learn More About the Amazing Benefits of Cloth Diapering}

It’s worth considering and doing a little research!

Please let me know if you have any questions about my experience!

 

NINE // Sophie the Giraffe Teething Toy

Sight: The dark and contrasting spots all over Sophie the Giraffe’s body

provide visual stimulation and make her easily recognizable to baby.

She soon becomes a familiar and reassuring object.

Hearing: Her squeaker keeps baby amused and stimulates his hearings.

Taste: Sophie the Giraffe is very flexible and has lots of parts for baby to chew like ears, horns, legs.

She is perfect for soothing baby’s sore gum when teething and is completely safe.

**********

Every baby needs a good quality teething toy, since everything ends up in their mouths!

This is one of Nicole’s favorites!

 

TEN // Lansinoh HPA Lanolin

For breastfeeding mamas,

this is the leading product in its category.

It soothes, heals and protects sore cracked nipples.

It is the only topical nipple cream endorsed in the US by La Leche League International,

which is considered the foremost experts on breastfeeding.

**********

This is the only product that truly worked when starting to nurse!

A must-have product… for sure!

Note: it also works on chapped lips, cracked heels & dry skin!

 

****************************************

Nicole & I hope that this list helps!

It was super difficult to narrow our favorites to 10,

because we honestly have so many!

We would LOVE for you to share with our readers some of your

“must haves”

in our comment section!

We can’t wait to hear about your all time favorite baby products!

Filed Under: Family

Baby Week and {Giveaway}

February 18, 2013

This week Sara and I are excited to kickoff

 baby week with a fun giveaway for Moms……

My family has been blessed with the upcoming

arrival of two baby nephews

{two of my sister’s are expecting boys}.

With two new babies on the way

this means baby gifts galore!

Sara and I have had many favorite

 products amongst our 6 kids.

 We thought the timing would be perfect to

launch a week about all things BABY!

Hopefully our suggestions can help a

new mommy that is feeling

overwhelmed by the amount of items listed on

a baby registry….

or maybe you are like me and you have a

couple of baby showers to attend and you need gift ideas!

Speaking of great gift ideas…..

Who doesn’t love a

GIVEAWAY?

A few weeks ago Sara wrote about

Pilates-Infused Fitness by Erica Ziel

Erica is the amazing creator of

Knocked-Up Fitness

She is a mother of 3 and a highly sought after

pilates-infused fitness expert and personal trainer.

She shares her knowledge with new mommies who

want to stay fit and healthy during all the stages of pregnancy.

We are excited to be giving away a set of

her Knocked-UP Fitness DVD’s.

erica ziels knocked up fitness DVD's

These are perfect for any mommy during… and after pregnancy.

Here are the details to WIN…….

Please comment & subscribe to

{Simply Happenstance}

you can also earn additional entries by doing the following:

“Like Us” on Facebook

or

“Follow Us” on Pinterest.

You can earn additional entries by also liking

Erica’s Knocked-Up Fitness Facebook Page!

After you are finished {subscribing, liking or following},

simply leave a comment on this post

indicating how many entries you should have!

We will announce the winner on Friday, February 22nd.

Please spread the word to your pregnant friends & family!

Best of luck!!!

nicole signature via simply happenstance

Filed Under: Family

{weekend} lovelies

February 16, 2013

The weekend is finally here!

Not sure about you…

but this was a long week for Nicole & I!

We are officially over Valentine’s Day,

sugar & cute little cards!

This week our focus will be on eating tons of kale salads

& perhaps a DIY project!

Pinterest has exploded with various chalkboard ideas!

We must admit, we do love the trend!

Here are our top 10 inspirational picks & products!

Have a {lovely} weekend, friends!

xo

 

{Chalkboard Bedroom Wall Inspiration // Poppytalk}

 

 {Chalkboard Frame  // Miss Mustard Seed}

 

{Free Chalkboard Fonts & Background // Nest of Posies}

 

{DIY Chalkboard Mug // A Beautiful Mess}

 

{Chalkboard Wedding Trends // Invitation Crush}

 

{Dining Room Chalkboard Wall // Pretty Space Tumblr}

 

{Chalkboard Style Posters // Lily & Val, Etsy}

 

{DIY Kids Chalkboard  Table // The Homemaking Cottage}

 

{Kitchen Chalkboard Wall // Breakfast at Yurman’s}

 

{Chalkboard Labels // Williams Sonoma}

 

 

 

Filed Under: Lovelies

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About

bioSara and Nicole are sorority sisters that simply “happened” to end up in the same small town. They have many things in common, which have set the tone of their blog. They hope that you will join them in their journey of motherhood, dreams that may be, the daily life, and their passion for cooking, yoga, fashion, and design!

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