Man life was different 2 years ago. Do you ever fe Man life was different 2 years ago. Do you ever feel like you miss something but you also don't want it back? I love our life now, too. We don't currently have any toddlers in the house (for now) but I love who my kids are, I love who Josh and I are, and I'm content with that. Sometimes I wish I could revisit these moments tho..
#ad Do you ever worry about what's happening to yo #ad Do you ever worry about what's happening to your skin under your mask but you just try not to think about it because you're just trying to do your part and be a good citizen?? I know I've noticed breakouts where my mask rests on my face and I was so excited when I found a fix.. 

Shikō Beauty Collective (@shikobeautyco), an online marketplace that just launched in the US (!!!) is a go-to for all things Japanese skincare. Their products highlight what Japanese traditional beauty is about: what we put on our skin and body contributes to our overall health. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori), available at Shikō Beauty Collective, protects skin from breakouts, and most importantly, those caused by frequent mask-wearing. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori) not only protects skin from breakouts and makes wrinkles and pores inconspicuous, it also fits to your face perfectly to care for the eyes, nose, and chin. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori) can even be applied while wearing a face mask to maximize its use and self-care benefits OR over makeup! The heart-shaped mask is not only cute, but verrryy practical. 

Hit the link in my bio or stories and use code CHELSEA15 for 15% OFF all Shikō products! @shikobeautyco #ShikoPartner #myshiko
In this adoption process, we're in the education p In this adoption process, we're in the education phase and it's teaching us a lot about parenting as a whole. A lot of things I've felt or suspected but are now being confirmed by the experts ha. 

For example, we can think of kids like a bank. They need affection deposits all throughout the day. And then if/when you ask them to do something they don't want to do (aka make a "withdrawal") they need to have a full account or they're going to start to break down. It happens with kids who have experienced trauma but I think it happens with all kids to be honest. 

I've known for a long time that our kids go to bed easier at night when I've been more intentional during the day, but that doesn't mean I make that happen every time. 

I'm thankful that there's so much research that has been done on child development and we're now in a situation where we're required to study it. Personally, I love learning about this stuff!
Happy birthday Evy! How is our YOUNGEST already FO Happy birthday Evy! How is our YOUNGEST already FOUR?? We had such a fun day celebrating our girl 💕
Since moving to SC, all we've wanted to do is sh Since moving to SC, all we've wanted to do is show it off to our friends and family! 2020 was for sure not the year for that... 

BUT I recently met Samantha (@samantharaisingwildflowers), a mom of 3 gorgeous girls from Tennessee, and I get to show off SC to her virtually!! Samantha and her family LOVE the outdoors which is perfect because we spend so much of our time exploring outside. SC definitely has the weather for it! 

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be sending Samantha a care package of some of my favorite local SC goodies as well as sharing with her some of our favorite things to do & outdoor activities right here in Greenville so she knows some great spots to hit when she and her family are able to visit #yeahthatgreenville. Stay tuned!

#discoversc #ad #sc #southcarolina
The other day I suprised Josh with this necklace. The other day I suprised Josh with this necklace. Usually I wear jewelry that represents the kids but this time I wanted something that was a symbol of our love - of our promise to each other. I was suprised that when he saw it, he gave me a hug and said he really liked it. I could tell he really meant it. I didn't realize that it would mean that much to him. Thank you @relleryofficial for this beautiful piece that reminds me of my best friend ❤️ (swipe)

Shop Rellery's new Heartful collection and use my code CHELSEA10 for 10% off!
#myrellery #gifted #ethicalfashion
A month ago, I couldn't drop this girl off for an A month ago, I couldn't drop this girl off for an hour on Sundays at Sunday school. BUT - since being in preschool the last month, yesterday she walked into Sunday school, put her hand on another little girl's back, said hi, and sat down next to her. Now I'm starting to be kinda jelly of her social confidence 😆
Guys. I finished the paper work 🙌🏼 Now I can Guys. I finished the paper work 🙌🏼 Now I can only hope it's all correct 😅 Honestly such a weight off, though. I've been trying to train myself to just start the things that overwhelm me because I have a bad habit of putting stressful things off for weeks and feeling the weight of it the entire time. I highly recommend NOT doing that 😂
I felt pretty convicted recently because I was rea I felt pretty convicted recently because I was really dragging my feet getting the last few adoption documents in (bc I was overwhelmed by the complexity of them).But I realized that every day longer it took me to turn it in, it could literally change who we are matched with and the fate of our family & son forever so..
I'm determined to get this paperwork done tonight! 🙏
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Baby, Life & Finances, Motherhood, Sponsored · June 20, 2019

How to Self Care by Creating a Routine You Enjoy

This post is sponsored by Baby Jogger, but all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

I remember laying in bed one night with Josh, 8 months pregnant with David, and thinking, “I’m going to miss this. I’m going to miss just him and me, the freedom, doing what we want when want.”

Don’t get me wrong, I was ecstatic for the baby we made to join our family, but every pregnant mama has those feelings before a new baby comes.

Around that time, I resolved that we weren’t going to let having a baby keep us from doing the things we loved. I mean, why should it have to be either/or? Why can’t we bring the ones we love with us to do the things we love?

Today, every time I open my phone, I’m reading about something to add to our self-care routine, friends deleting social media apps because they need a detox, videos of influencers crying because they’ve been masking mental health issues for far too long.

While, of course, none of these things are bad, it gives me the picture that we’re in a constant ebb and flow between overwhelm & burnout and self-indulgence. And, most of the time, each of those things is making up for too much of the other.

This, my friends, it not balance. It’s a roller coaster.

Instead of coming out of inconsistent periods of “self-love” and burnout, why don’t we all work a little harder to create a lifestyle that brings us joy that we can realistically maintain?

In this blog post, I want to give a few tips to do just that. Tips that will, hopefully, inspire you to have a productive and joy-filled routine that will leave you feeling accomplished and fulfilled at the end of the day.

First things first – I would be nowhere without my Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

Ever heard the phrase, “A parent is only as good as their stroller?” Me neither, but trust me – it’s a thing.

All of the things I’m about to list below and made doable by my Baby Jogger. This stroller is lightweight, compact, and moves effortlessly! Honestly, what’s more frustrating than taking babies and toddlers out to run errands? Not being able to ACTUALLY get around with them!

The baby jogger makes those problems melt away. It’s honestly the best stroller Josh and I have ever used. Not to mention the kids love it too and are cozy with their memory foam seat. I can check on them with the peekaboo window and store extra nicknacks or even my bag below so my hands are free. If you’re in the market for a new stroller, don’t make another move until you’ve checked out the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2.

1 | Do one thing that’s good for you

At first, the thought of adding something into your routine that’s good for you might feel overwhelming because it feels like “one more thing.” However, our entire concept here is about new habits and routines, not one-off quick fixes.

Doing something good for you might look like exercising for a half hour to an hour every morning or making adjustments to your eating habits. It could mean spending extra time in prayer or quietness, even when the laundry pile is begging you to put it away.  

By doing something that will help you improve each day, you’ll avoid feeling like you’re in a rut or losing sight of yourself.

2 | Do one thing that’s good for the kids

Mom-guilt get’s to all of us. There are days when I can feel so busy with work that, by the end of the day, I can barely think of anything that I did solely for the kids’ sake. Some days, it might be all I can do to simply keep the kids dressed and fed (and even that can come as a challenge).

But on the days when I’ve spent some time reading through a preschool workbook with David for 10 minutes or singing songs with Evy before bed, or maybe even got them to eat a few carrots, those are the days when I feel like I’ve done something good for them. Something that will help them grow into the adults that Josh and I hope they become some day.

3 | Do one thing that’s fun for you

Back when the kids were younger and I was home with them full time, our routine looked like this:

  • Breakfast
  • Gym
  • Drive-through coffee stand
  • Lunch
  • Downtime/naptime at home
  • Playground/walk with the kids.
  • Afternoon at home or time to run errands
  • Cook dinner
  • Dad’s home!

Now, that drive-through coffee stand might seem like a weird minor detail to include, but back then to me, it was HUGE. We can debate whether my caffein addiction is healthy or not, but that was my way of rewarding myself for getting a toddler and a baby fed and out the door and getting my butt to the gym. And if our morning was productive, chances are it would set the momentum for the rest of the day as well.

Although it was a huge challenge learning how to get both kids out the door in the morning, I eventually began to love our routine and really felt as though I was thriving in it.

Today, I work full time from home as well as through my blog and Instagram. Needless to say our routine looks fairly different. However, we’re great at getting out in the afternoons and going on pretty walks here in town.

Whatever your routine looks like, make sure there are things in there that you really enjoy.

4 | Do one thing that’s fun for the kids

In the routine I mentioned above, I talked about going to the park and on walks a lot. This was something I did for the kids and for me. Obviously, the kids love getting out and being active, but I also love knowing that I made that happen for them.

For you, doing something for the kids might not mean getting them out of the house, but I do think that if couped up in the house for too long, kids turn into destructive little puppies that really just need to get some energy out. When Josh or I put the extra effort into giving them something fun to do, we all end up feeling way more amiable

5 | Plan for downtime

I get it. Taking a nap every day while the kids nap or are in school isn’t always realistic. But even if it’s a half hour in the morning or an hour in the evening, try to have a small amount of time each day where you let go of expectations for yourself.

Same goes for the kids. Kids need downtime (that’s not replaced with screens) in order to practice creativity or simply relax. Kids can get overwhelmed too and a set time where there’s nothing planned can do a lot of good in their routine.

6 | Maintain an aesthetic you enjoy

Raise your hand if you’ve ever angry-cleaned 🙋. I have too. It’s in those moments when I’m really seeing just how much my environment affects my mood.

It probably took me way too long to realize that I can create for myself an aesthetic that’s tranquil, inspiring, and easy to maintain. It really just takes a little planning and then a few minutes of maintenance each day. Not to mention, as the kids get older, they become a lot more able to clean up after themselves 🙌

Have you worked towards creating a routine that you love? How have you seen it bring balance and joy to your life, even in the midst of running errands, transporting kids, or making it to the gym?

Shop the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2

In: Baby, Life & Finances, Motherhood, Sponsored · Tagged: baby jogger, jogger, motherhood, self care, stroller

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Do you ever feel like your fun side died? Well, maybe not died. You hope it’s still in there somewhere, it just hasn’t made an appearance in… a while. From one recovering party pooper to another, we’re here to tell you, it’s ok. I mean, someone has to have the hard job of saying, “No.” Not to mention the fact that it’s hard to be fun when you’re running on the fumes of your last caffein fix. We understand, really. That’s why we made this list that we think might be able to help.How To Be a More Fun Mom

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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Man life was different 2 years ago. Do you ever fe Man life was different 2 years ago. Do you ever feel like you miss something but you also don't want it back? I love our life now, too. We don't currently have any toddlers in the house (for now) but I love who my kids are, I love who Josh and I are, and I'm content with that. Sometimes I wish I could revisit these moments tho..
#ad Do you ever worry about what's happening to yo #ad Do you ever worry about what's happening to your skin under your mask but you just try not to think about it because you're just trying to do your part and be a good citizen?? I know I've noticed breakouts where my mask rests on my face and I was so excited when I found a fix.. 

Shikō Beauty Collective (@shikobeautyco), an online marketplace that just launched in the US (!!!) is a go-to for all things Japanese skincare. Their products highlight what Japanese traditional beauty is about: what we put on our skin and body contributes to our overall health. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori), available at Shikō Beauty Collective, protects skin from breakouts, and most importantly, those caused by frequent mask-wearing. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori) not only protects skin from breakouts and makes wrinkles and pores inconspicuous, it also fits to your face perfectly to care for the eyes, nose, and chin. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori) can even be applied while wearing a face mask to maximize its use and self-care benefits OR over makeup! The heart-shaped mask is not only cute, but verrryy practical. 

Hit the link in my bio or stories and use code CHELSEA15 for 15% OFF all Shikō products! @shikobeautyco #ShikoPartner #myshiko
In this adoption process, we're in the education p In this adoption process, we're in the education phase and it's teaching us a lot about parenting as a whole. A lot of things I've felt or suspected but are now being confirmed by the experts ha. 

For example, we can think of kids like a bank. They need affection deposits all throughout the day. And then if/when you ask them to do something they don't want to do (aka make a "withdrawal") they need to have a full account or they're going to start to break down. It happens with kids who have experienced trauma but I think it happens with all kids to be honest. 

I've known for a long time that our kids go to bed easier at night when I've been more intentional during the day, but that doesn't mean I make that happen every time. 

I'm thankful that there's so much research that has been done on child development and we're now in a situation where we're required to study it. Personally, I love learning about this stuff!
Happy birthday Evy! How is our YOUNGEST already FO Happy birthday Evy! How is our YOUNGEST already FOUR?? We had such a fun day celebrating our girl 💕

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Man life was different 2 years ago. Do you ever fe Man life was different 2 years ago. Do you ever feel like you miss something but you also don't want it back? I love our life now, too. We don't currently have any toddlers in the house (for now) but I love who my kids are, I love who Josh and I are, and I'm content with that. Sometimes I wish I could revisit these moments tho..
#ad Do you ever worry about what's happening to yo #ad Do you ever worry about what's happening to your skin under your mask but you just try not to think about it because you're just trying to do your part and be a good citizen?? I know I've noticed breakouts where my mask rests on my face and I was so excited when I found a fix.. 

Shikō Beauty Collective (@shikobeautyco), an online marketplace that just launched in the US (!!!) is a go-to for all things Japanese skincare. Their products highlight what Japanese traditional beauty is about: what we put on our skin and body contributes to our overall health. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori), available at Shikō Beauty Collective, protects skin from breakouts, and most importantly, those caused by frequent mask-wearing. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori) not only protects skin from breakouts and makes wrinkles and pores inconspicuous, it also fits to your face perfectly to care for the eyes, nose, and chin. 

INMASK SALON With Mask Point Pack (Sittori) can even be applied while wearing a face mask to maximize its use and self-care benefits OR over makeup! The heart-shaped mask is not only cute, but verrryy practical. 

Hit the link in my bio or stories and use code CHELSEA15 for 15% OFF all Shikō products! @shikobeautyco #ShikoPartner #myshiko
In this adoption process, we're in the education p In this adoption process, we're in the education phase and it's teaching us a lot about parenting as a whole. A lot of things I've felt or suspected but are now being confirmed by the experts ha. 

For example, we can think of kids like a bank. They need affection deposits all throughout the day. And then if/when you ask them to do something they don't want to do (aka make a "withdrawal") they need to have a full account or they're going to start to break down. It happens with kids who have experienced trauma but I think it happens with all kids to be honest. 

I've known for a long time that our kids go to bed easier at night when I've been more intentional during the day, but that doesn't mean I make that happen every time. 

I'm thankful that there's so much research that has been done on child development and we're now in a situation where we're required to study it. Personally, I love learning about this stuff!
Happy birthday Evy! How is our YOUNGEST already FO Happy birthday Evy! How is our YOUNGEST already FOUR?? We had such a fun day celebrating our girl 💕
Since moving to SC, all we've wanted to do is sh Since moving to SC, all we've wanted to do is show it off to our friends and family! 2020 was for sure not the year for that... 

BUT I recently met Samantha (@samantharaisingwildflowers), a mom of 3 gorgeous girls from Tennessee, and I get to show off SC to her virtually!! Samantha and her family LOVE the outdoors which is perfect because we spend so much of our time exploring outside. SC definitely has the weather for it! 

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be sending Samantha a care package of some of my favorite local SC goodies as well as sharing with her some of our favorite things to do & outdoor activities right here in Greenville so she knows some great spots to hit when she and her family are able to visit #yeahthatgreenville. Stay tuned!

#discoversc #ad #sc #southcarolina
The other day I suprised Josh with this necklace. The other day I suprised Josh with this necklace. Usually I wear jewelry that represents the kids but this time I wanted something that was a symbol of our love - of our promise to each other. I was suprised that when he saw it, he gave me a hug and said he really liked it. I could tell he really meant it. I didn't realize that it would mean that much to him. Thank you @relleryofficial for this beautiful piece that reminds me of my best friend ❤️ (swipe)

Shop Rellery's new Heartful collection and use my code CHELSEA10 for 10% off!
#myrellery #gifted #ethicalfashion
A month ago, I couldn't drop this girl off for an A month ago, I couldn't drop this girl off for an hour on Sundays at Sunday school. BUT - since being in preschool the last month, yesterday she walked into Sunday school, put her hand on another little girl's back, said hi, and sat down next to her. Now I'm starting to be kinda jelly of her social confidence 😆
Guys. I finished the paper work 🙌🏼 Now I can Guys. I finished the paper work 🙌🏼 Now I can only hope it's all correct 😅 Honestly such a weight off, though. I've been trying to train myself to just start the things that overwhelm me because I have a bad habit of putting stressful things off for weeks and feeling the weight of it the entire time. I highly recommend NOT doing that 😂
I felt pretty convicted recently because I was rea I felt pretty convicted recently because I was really dragging my feet getting the last few adoption documents in (bc I was overwhelmed by the complexity of them).But I realized that every day longer it took me to turn it in, it could literally change who we are matched with and the fate of our family & son forever so..
I'm determined to get this paperwork done tonight! 🙏
I woke up feeling grateful today. Grateful that th I woke up feeling grateful today.
Grateful that the sun is out and the weather's getting warmer.
Grateful that Evy was kicking me in bed. 
Grateful to know Josh would be home from his workout soon and we'd get to talk. 
Grateful for fun projects at work.
Grateful that our sweet neighbors dropped off hand me down bikes for the kids that they were so excited about. 
Aaand grateful that it's Friday.
All the things ❤️

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