Hallway office in a tiny space....

When you don't have a lot of space you need to get creative!

I have been working at the kitchen table, in my bed and in the living room! Pretty much losing papers and being disorganized weekly. It was time that I got my own office space but our house is tight on rooms so I needed to get creative! I also did not want to run out and buy everything new or spend a lot of money on setting this up.

After some thought and debate I decided to try and configure my office in the hallway just before you enter the master bedroom. I had this white slim desk in my master as a side table and it tucked in perfectly giving enough room to walk by.

Apple's is getting a nursery makeover and I had some extra pieces that worked perfect on my desk! Like her lamp and flowers.

This chair is compact and clear so it gives the space an illusion of being roomier than it is.

When you walk into the hall it flows with coordinating colors into our master.

Slim shelves and layers of items give it texture and function.

I think a good space is filled with what you love and has memories or special feelings attached. I loved my wedding bouquet and my office is the perfect place to display it!

These great silhouette pictures are modern and perfect to look like art on the wall. 

Finding note books that match your color theme keep it looking clean.

How cute is that wooden camera? I just love fun and neat things like that!

Every MOM BOSS needs this!

Without spending money on art and trying to give it a feminine feel without being too girly the hat racks worked.

Special photos and memories are the best to surround yourself with. They don't always need to be professional to be perfect to display.

This rack display gives me and excuse to buy a couple more cute hats!

This chair was once silver and a good can of spray paint goes a long way! It gives a spot for my kids to come and sit down while I am working.

Candles are perfect to help make a space warm feeling and smelling wonderful!

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my tiny office! The hallway is 12 feet long and has 2 sections different size. Where my desk is it opens up to 6.5 feet and where my shelf and chalk board are it opens to 5 feet. 

Links for products

Chair HERE

Candles HERE

Hat wooden peg rack HERE

Mom boss sign HERE

Desk HERE

Lamp not available (was purchased at a small boutique in Palm Springs)

Pillows, rugs and accessories from Homegoods

Carmen the Modern Mom X Applecheeks swim set ...

We are very excited to announce our limited edition swim set designed with Applecheeks cloth diaper company. It is something old and something new...

The classic swim diaper with a new top to match! In a limited release color Peony!

Applecheeks has always had the best swim diapers. You don't need to worry when you are swimming with your baby in the pool! They work great holding in what you need if baby decides to go number two. They are also easy for vacations because you don't need to take up precious luggage space with a pack of awful throw away swimmers! A real win for you and the environment.

When Apple was tiny we of course wanted to use Applecheek swimmers but I always felt like she needed more on than just the diaper. Something that I would have never thought of with the boys. So I started to bug my pals at the Applecheeks HQ saying I would love to help them design something cute and flattering with an easy fit to match the swimmer bottom. After sketching things out and a few trials of fit and function we have come up with the Carmen the Modern Mom X Applecheeks swim set!

These swim sets are perfect for swimming lessons, pubic pools and of course on your next vacation!

The classic swim bottom comes in 2 sizes. Size 1 and size 2. 

Apple is in a size 1 with such a tiny butt and only weighing 21.5 pounds we haven't stepped up to the 2's yet.

The easy fit top is designed to compliment the bottoms with ruffles at the front and a bow tie at the back. The neck tie keeps the top in place perfectly and gives lots of adjustment for different size babies.

The best part about Applecheeks swim is they dry quickly! Your little one doesn't need to shiver in a padded and soaking wet cold swim diaper!

Ready to dive in!

Nothing better than a cute ruffle butt!

A close up of the great leg fit you get with Applecheeks. (Their cloth diapers fit just as amazing!)

Snaps on the swim diaper will not snag your swimsuit. (I totally do not understand velcro usage in pool wear??) The snaps also make it a snap to change your baby!

Check out that pretty tag!!!

A very special Thank You to Amy & Ilana for making a girl moms dreams come true!

BUY your Carmen the Modern Mom X Applecheeks Swim Set HERE

Prices in Canadian Dollars.

Tent : Sage Pole buy HERE
Sunglasses : Babiators buy HERE

When to take away the bottle and soother (pacifier)....

I decided it was time to write a blog post on giving up the baby bottle and soother. It's been a hot topic lately on my social media. Especially when people get a peek on Instagram stories into our life of me rocking Apple with her bottle before I put her to bed and the odd video of her having her soother.

Recently, we went away for the weekend to Big Bear. I had said on my videos that we forgot her soothers and baby bottle and formula! I tried giving her a different bottle, buying her regular milk and finding her a soother equivalent to the one that she loves. None of it went over well! I had a lot of messages of support saying what grocery store they knew carried our formula that Apple loves (Kabrita which is slightly obvious by the photo above!)  and suggesting bottles that are similar to the one that she uses. I also at the same time had a lot of messages saying why would we want to continue to give her formula or bottles or a soother. Some stating it could be a good opportunity to end offering baby things. (Now, I hope in society that many were trying to be supportive but we a moms know how these comments come off!)

Well here we are at this post... and by the picture depicted above it is all about a little girl who loves her bubba and soo soo's. Little does she know it is only months away from going bye-bye! (insert mama heartbreak!)

Parenting is about personal choices. It is choices we make, that we feel are right for our children. I happen to feel that a baby is a baby until 24 months old. They are still dependent on you, they often do not talk full sentences, they are still tiny little people. I have no problem giving my babies baby items until I feel they are old enough for me to take them away! At around one year of I do not let our kids walk around with a baby bottle or soother all day long. Actually, I never let any of my kids walk around with a baby bottle. I always had concern for their dental health and after stopping nursing when I did give them bottles, I would feed them during set times and be done with it. In the morning and in the evenings were and are my times to rock my baby and bond how I wish. I'm a very busy person but those moments are precious to me. As much as my kids love having their bottle I love having them in my arms drinking their bubba or cuddling before bed with the soo soo. 

No matter what society thinks, I am going to do what I feel is right for my child and my family. If you feel that a one-year-old should never have a bottle or soother or formula I won't judge you. And if you are like me who feels that up to the age of two it's perfectly OK then don't be bothered by the people that always have something to say!

Some notes and answers to often asked questions ::

What the heck is a soother? 

It is Canadian for binky, pacifier, chupete, binky. Apple uses MAM brand.

Do you give the soother all day?

No. Before a year old it was available whenever during the day. However at that age I stopped allowing it for more than naps. (yes, once in a while she will squeal for it and we give in)

How will you stop giving the soother?

When we reach the 2nd birthday big kids status will hit hard. The soother will be cut. I had allowed the big boys to help with the scissors cut them and they thought it was quite fun then realized what a bad move that was! It was pretty simple. No more soo soo available but if they wanted the "broken" one mommy was OK with it. All 3 boys declined the broken ones and whimpered to bed for a day or two until forgetting about it.

Why would you give formula to a kid who is over 1 year old?

I think Kabrita formula is great and Apple truly loves it. Often the older boys will drink all the milk in the house or have numerous bowls of cereal so girlfriend wouldn't even have a bottle available if she needed it. Kabrita works for us!

What type of milk will you give when you stop Kabrita?

I will try her on cows milk. If that works then great. If it doesn't work or she is like me and has issues with it then I will give goat milk.

How many bottles and ounces do you give Apple a day?

We give her a 5-7 oz bottle in the morning.

4-5 oz bottle mid day (younger sometimes a second late day)

a 5-7 oz bottle before bed in the rocking chair.

What sippy cup is the best?

I find there are a lot of cups out there. I prefer ones with straws that can be washed like the Zoli. My favorite transition is the Avent soft spout bottle cup. I can not say that I am a sippy cup expert because we really have not used all of them. 

When will you potty train?

Yup, this question comes up as soon as we talk about taking away baby items. She will be trained at 24 months also. I talk potty and we bought one. Offering her to use it so she gets comfortable but I will not force her until 24m. Yes.. that was written correctly. "force" Ain't no baby wanna give up diapers! lol

Outfit : Noppies via MK Kidswear

Hat : Bunnyknots

Outtakes

Our travels to Seattle and Canada

We just got back from a busy 3 weeks in Canada. I feel more tired now than before I left! We had such a great time with family and friends.

The 4 kids and I originally flew together to Seattle and a few days later Kurt came to meet up with us. Braedy took off to see his girlfriend and Kaeden went to visit friends the first week. Later on Kaeden met up with us and we continued the trip together. (Braedy stayed in Kelowna longer and flew back himself)

I want to give a thanks to the companies that provided great gifts and prizes for the meet ups and extra grand prizes that I will be given away this month! Watch Instagram for a chance to win a Babyzen Yoyo Stroller, Britax Car Seat, Dockatot Deluxe and Baby Bjorn Travel Crib!

Babyzen
Britax
Baby Bjorn
Dockatot
Ju-Ju-Be
Bravado Designs
Kabrita
Canadian company Choto Baby (Glamourmom, Gaia, L'Oved Baby, Posh n Plush, Moby Wrap)
Maia Moda
Freshly Picked
Nook Sleep
Lark Adventure Wear



Here are some (a whole lot of) photos from the trip!

Seattle touring! My dress was from Asos.

Apple loved her robe at the Four Seasons Seattle!

The Four Seasons is the perfect location and literally the best beds we had the whole trip!

So many babies!!

At the meet up in Seattle

The prettiest picture wall! Apple is wearing an outfit from Janie and Jack.

 Some of the prizes and giveaways for the meet ups!

 The Vancouver meet up!

 Making new friends!

 Haley from Beluga Baby Wraps!

 So many awesome moms!! (thanks to the stranger who took 10 of these for us!)

Kabrita and cheese nips for breakfast! (its holiday time right??)

 Just being cute! Pink dress by Little Goodall.(It has a cat front with mice dangling from the tie.)

 They both did so well traveling! Thanks to Britax for the comfy seats.

The Kelowna meet up! Met some new friends that will for sure be ones to keep!

 I loved seeing so many moms in Kelowna!

Apple and her silly look! Goodness girl smile!

Dad needs to pose. (actually I quite liked his outfit here!)

Comfy PJ bottoms by Heidi Houston and Bravado Bra's are everything when on holidays!

My brother Sheldon!

 Quick lunch stop before the ferry!

 I have been loving the XOXO Baby wrap!

 Mia Moda Nursing dress (works perfect for after! ps. size up for big boobies!)

Family pic!

 Just posing... ;) Apple and her cheese face!

Touring in the Baby Zen stroller!

 I don't know I want that sloppy kiss Apple!

King was so happy to hear daddy cancelled his flight back to Palm Springs and was staying with us longer. I was happy to see my husband relax. (yes Fox and Fiddle sells the hats! We were asked alot!)

Apple far from wanting to be in the pic!c lol

My newest wrap by Tekhni Wovens. Seriously beautiful area in Kaslo BC.

It was a lot of hikes and outdoors while visiting the Kootenays.

 This Babyzen stroller goes anywhere!

The perfect top - thanks Babyboo Etsy! 

Her grandma's dog.. I am not sure if Kurt or the dog is loved more? (I secretly think Cruiser is loved more)

Taking a spin in her other Uncle's car. (Easy install with the Britax car seat!)

A quick trip to wine country in the Okanagan. Yes! Canada has hot weather and wine country!

Trying to eat grapes. (Outfit by Rain People.)

Just before catching the train. She had been doing so well travelling. It was 1:30 am when we arrived  in Vancouver.

Dirty feet we don't care! Late arrival meant straight to bed since we had to fly at 6 am.

The Babyzen Yoyo under the seat on our small airplane!

Auntie has the prettiest bath! We were very excited to get our hands on Gaia soap from Choto Baby in Canada! If you can get your hands on this brand buy it! So good!!!!

The pretty dirt roads in Saskatchewan. We actually scared the heck out of King stopping at night. He had a full meltdown in the car!

#Nailpolishgate

 Yes, she ruined the outfit! Yes, she was quiet for too long and we should have noticed!

She tried convincing daddy to get a kitty! (Apple please hold the kitty better!)

Just casually holding the cat! haha

Green acres is the place to be! (Cute outfit by Pineapple and Cactus. She makes perfect no slip clips too.)

Lost another tooth on the trip!

Just a fab shot by my cousin Images By Brooke.

Apple's outfit is a little find at one of the farmers markets. (Hat by Blu Taylor)

A photoshoot for Baby Bjorn's newest travel crib color!

Happy to have my husband and see him relaxing! I did gain 12+ pounds by this point. I will now be in hiding trying to lose it!

My grandparents home. Heartache to know its sold this spring. King cried for it and I cried for him.

 This guy is such a good kid! Kaeden is a teen you would dream to have!! I think he;s pretty dang cute too!

My grandma with King.

Eating homemade buns.

 Checking out her great grandma's garden. It is amazing she keeps a farm and garden at her age!

Kabrita break. I know you see lots of this on our feed but this gal is addicted and I don't mind because of the good ingredients.

 Of course we need to stop here for Kaeden. Apple didn't seem to mind!

On our way home.. Babyzen Yoyo in the overhead.

Tired... like I look like hell tired! But she sleeps so I am happy! (using an Ergo 360)

More than tired! Ju-Ju-Be makes for a great pillow!

To watch a little clip of our trip I loaded one up a YouTube 

HERE