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gratitude

Gift Giving Ideas for Teachers (and more!)

December 15, 2019 by Rachel 34 Comments

This post has been sponsored by Big Lots. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Think you’re set for the holidays? But did you forget anyone? Perhaps THE MOST important person (or people) of all time?? Whatever you do, do not forget your childrens’ teachers, babysitters, and daycare workers!

It wasn’t until my son started kindergarten last year that I realized just how selfless these teachers are. They take care of our babies, day in and day out. They’re underpaid and under appreciated. So I have made it a point to show my outpouring of love and gratitude at any chance I get.

But what do you buy for the person who has likely gotten every apple-themed, pencil-holding, knick knack under the sun?

Big Lots has us covered.

Teacher and Administration Gift Ideas

Yes, the teachers! But don’t forget about the administration and other necessary school staff!

Gift Ideas for the Foodies

Everyone gets cookies, right? But what about the foodie-teachers? I’m sure they’re cookied-out by Christmas break. Big Lots has a large selection of foodie items that will be perfect for your teachers.

Some notable favorites of ours (and our teachers) are the meat and cheese sets, lobster spread, smoked salmon, and spicy jalapeno hot sauce.

Christmas gifts

If you know the teacher is a drinkie (like a foodie, but with adult beverages!), you can also buy fun mixers and glasses!

Gift Ideas for the Caffeine-Obsessed

Like I said before, teachers are cookied-out. But is there really a limit on caffeine? I think not!

Big Lots has a large variety of coffee, tea, and even cocoa gifts for your favorite caffeine-obsessed teacher. There’s the 12-cocoa’s of Christmas, exotic teas from around the world, and more!

Kid in big lots

Practical Gifts with Fun Flare

Everyone loves a plush blanket for those cold winter nights, so pick one up from Big Lots! I can tell you from experience that the cozy blankets pair perfectly with the Dearfoam slippers!

bath products

Or perhaps an oil diffuser and some relaxing bath bombs to give your teacher an opportunity to treat herself (or himself!). Regardless of the type of practical gift you choose, I’m certain that the teacher will be forever grateful.

Other Hard-to-Shop-For People in Your Life

School staff aren’t the only ones who are difficult to shop for. Stop by Big Lots for all of your gifting needs!

Stocking Stuffers

I’m completely ready for Christmas morning thanks to the stocking stuffers I picked up at Big Lots. My kids are obsessed with lip gloss and bath stuff, so I grabbed a few character themed sets for them.

kid shopping in big lots

White Elephant Gifts

My extended family hosts an annual Christmas party two weeks before the holiday. This year I’m bringing my A-Game for our white elephant exchange thanks to the super fun gifts I picked up at Big Lots.

Someone in my family is going to end up with a huge gummy bear and someone else is definitely going home with a beer bottle belt (you’re welcome, family).

hatchimal toy

Spreading holiday cheer

Regardless of who you are shopping for, be sure to pick up all of the things you need for spreading holiday cheer at Big Lots!

Tell me — what are you going to pick up for the teachers this year?

cocktail mixers at christmas

Filed Under: #MomLife, back-to-school, children, Christmas, gift, gift ideas, gifts for her, gifts for kids, giving back, gratitude, holiday gift guide, holidays, mommyhood, parenthood, school, shop my favorites, teachers Tagged With: back-to-school, Christmas, Christmas shopping, gifts, gifts for kids, holiday gift guide, motherhood, parenthood, school

Giving Gifts that Give Back

November 29, 2019 by Rachel 19 Comments

After becoming a mom, one thing became crystal clear — Christmas is 100%, entirely about the children. Not just my children, but all children. This holiday season my children and I are using the spirit of Christmas and shopping at Gordman’s to give back to St. Jude’s.

Teddy bear and baby

I took my littlest helper to our local Gordman’s to grab some gifts while the big kids were in school. Since our main prerogative for this trip was a mission to give back, we picked up some toys at deep discounts to donate to our local children’s hospital. This week we are wrapping the gifts and my kids are going to turn them over to kids who will be stuck in the hospital for the holidays.

Bear’s That Care

I also purchased a couple of Bear’s That Care! Bears That Care is a partnership between Gordman’s and St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Gordman’s will donate $2 of each Bear sold this season to St. Jude’s. St. Jude’s believes that no family should have to worry about a medical bill while just trying to make sure their child lives.

Kid with teddy bear

How you can give back

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is December 3rd. Consider giving a donation to St. Jude’s Research Hospital this holiday season.

teddy bears under christmas tree

Use the hashtag #BearsThatCare

From now until December 31st, Gordman’s will donate $1 to St. Jude’s for every time you use the hashtag #BearsThatCare on Instagram. How easy is that? If you’re going to use hashtags, add this into your post!

toddler looking at camera with teddy bear

Shop at Gordman’s and buy a Bear

Shopping at Gordman’s for gifts is at a deep discount is a given; but while you’re there, consider picking up the St. Jude’s bear.

Teddy Bear and little boy

Teach your children the power of giving back

As parents, we are delivering lessons to our children daily. Make one of those lessons the tradition of giving back this holiday season. Help in a soup kitchen, deliver toys to the hospital, or donate to a food drive. However you choose to make a difference, get your children involved in the process.

Tell me — how are you going to give back this holiday season?

Gift Giving that Gives Back with Gordman's
boy with teddy bear

Filed Under: charity, children, Christmas, cleveland, Columbus, giving back, gratitude, holiday gift guide, holidays, money saving tips, Ohio, parenthood, shop my favorites Tagged With: charity & fundraisers, children, Christmas, Christmas shopping, cleveland, columbus, explore Ohio, gratitude, holiday gift guide, holidays, money saving tips, ohio, parenthood, shop local, shop my favorites

Taking A Moment To Find Myself // My 3rd Postpartum Journey

May 13, 2019 by Rachel 13 Comments

I needed this Mother’s Day in ways that I cannot even convey to you. Just Saturday, I was a broken down mother — exhausted from the grind, full of self-doubt and self-pity. But late Saturday evening, I purchased a pass to Balance + Brews at Royal Docks in Canton.

Balance + Brews is a group of local yoga teachers that do pop up classes in craft breweries throughout Northeast Ohio. I’ve been meaning to show up for a class for years, but there was always a reason I couldn’t make it. In fact, this time I almost self-sabotaged — I almost decided not to go because I was afraid of going alone. But I bought the ticket anyway. I committed.

And as I was driving down the highway completely alone, blasting music from my college days, I realized… I needed this. I honestly cannot tell you the last time I went further than Target (which is about a half mile) in the car without a child.

And then to have a meal completely alone? It just sealed the deal for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my children. But the weight of always being “on” has really taken a toll lately. It took me until Sunday to realize just how much I missed being with my most authentic self. And in those moments of screaming singing Thursday songs at the top of my lungs, I made a vow to make myself a priority. Starting now.

So to all of the mama’s out there who are struggling to find their new identity, I see you. If you can, go ahead and take a drive, blast that music, and remember who you are.

And Happy (Belated) Mother’s Day.

 

Filed Under: #GetFit, Akron, brews + food, busy mom, children, cleveland, Columbus, Explore Ohio, fitness, gratitude, health, live happy, mental health, mommyhood, NEO, Oh baby!, pampering, parenthood, postpartum, restaurants + bars, yoga Tagged With: #MomLife, being a mom, brews + food, children, cleveland, columbus, explore locally, explore Ohio, fitness, food, foodie, health, health and beauty, life, Live Happy, local, mental health, mommyhood, motherhood, NEO, oh baby, ohio, pampering, parenthood, postpartum, restaurants + bars, workout, yoga

Holiday Brunch Lemon Mimosas with Discount Drug Mart

November 14, 2018 by Rachel 21 Comments

This post is sponsored by Discount Drug Mart but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I can’t believe we’re rounding out the last part of 2018. I mean, I look back at all that has happened in this last year and I’m truly amazed at how quickly 2018 flew by. But I’m beyond excited to begin celebrating and reflecting on all that 2018 has brought to our family and friends.

There have been new jobs, new homes, big contracts, and new babies in our family this year — so there is much to celebrate!

To kick off the holiday celebrations, we hosted a pre-Thanksgiving brunch with my Mom and Dad, who just happen to be celebrating the purchase of their new home!

I picked up all of the fixings for amazing brunch cocktails at our local Discount Drug Mart. They offer a wide selection of beer and wine at state minimum pricing, which is great for ease of convenience and my budget!

For this special occasion, I picked up Truly Spiked & Sparkling Water, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Cook’s Brut, and Martini & Rossi Asti — a little bit of something for everyone’s taste! In addition to these items, I picked up what I needed for our brunch menu. Discount Drug Mart really does save you the runaround!

The real showstopper of our brunch was the featured cocktail — what I like to call Mint Lem-mosas.

Here’s what you need to make them:

1 bottle of Martini & Rossi’s Asti
12 ounces of lemonade concentrate, frozen
1/2 cup of vodka
a handful of fresh ground mint leaves
Optional: sugar rim garnish

Mix liquid ingredients in a pitcher. Pour into individual flutes. Add ground mint leaves.

These delectable cocktails will truly make any holiday brunch or dinner party!

We laughed, we sipped, and we celebrated the beginning of what is certain to be a delightful holiday season — one filled with laughs, smiles, friends, and family.

I’ll admit it — we had been slacking on hosting much of anything since we started having babies. There was always something keeping us from hosting, but if these last few hard years have taught us anything, it’s that time waits for no one, so celebrate every day now.

For great deals on all the mentioned items at Discount Drug Mart, click HERE to find a store location near you!

#holidayparty #entertaining #entertainingathome #hardseltzer #champagnecocktail #DiscountDrugMart


 

Filed Under: brews + food, celebration, Christmas, cleveland, food, gratitude, money saving tips, NEO, Ohio, party, recipe, shop local, sponsor Tagged With: brews + food, celebration, Christmas, cleveland, family, food, foodie, gratitude, money saving tips, NEO, ohio, party, party planning, recipes, shop local, sponsor

Our Story of One Random Act of Kindness //

September 21, 2016 by Rachel 1 Comment

I like to keep it really real on this here blog. And in the spirit of doing so, I have to admit something to you — I know that in the grand scheme of worldly problems? Ours don’t even rank. Yes. Even though I’ve bitched and moaned about Remy since, well, I was pregnant with her? I know that I am lucky to have her.

That being said? My feelings and personal issues? They are still valid.

And there’s something about rough patches. When you’re in them, and you feel super low, the smallest gesture can move a mountain of feelings.

Well we happened to decide to go to Build-a-Bear for their $5 Bear Day a couple of weeks ago. I had to work until noon — and Chad just happened to have the day off — so when I got home, we ate lunch and headed out. The closest BAB is now about a half hour away (we used to have one way closer!). So by the time we got there, unpacked the kiddos, and walked our bottoms to BAB, the line was literally out the door.

I was… baffled. I mean, I know a deal is a deal. But this was, well, ridiculous. On our way through the mall we saw women with more than their fair share of bears (ewwwww… that rhymed…). Like, one lady was walking through the mall with SEVEN BAB boxes… with only an infant in tow. <insert bitchy look here>

I happened to lean over and ask a woman standing in line where she picked up the $5 bear.

“Oh, they’ve been sold out,” she said.

And I looked…. bummed. And I turned to Ari (and Chad and my mother-in-law), and said “Well, buddy. They are out of bears. Let’s go walk around.”

Just then, a woman called for me. This sweet, sweet, woman. She said “Is he yours?” (meaning, Ari).

“Yes,” I said.

“Here. I grabbed an extra bear. I was going to give it away anyways. Take it,” she said.

I was, well, shocked. I thanked her. Profusely. I thanked her. I cried. She handed Ari the lifeless bear. She even shuffled him into line with her son. I stood there, in tears, wearing Remy Bea in the Ergo.

image-22

I snapped a couple of pictures. I tried to hold in my tears. Chad stood shocked, too. Ari didn’t know what was going on. But he was happy. He was stuffing his bear, happy as can be. His smile was awesome.

While Ari was busy stuffing his bear, I leaned over to Chad, still in disbelief. He was all smiles as he said, “I know. And she ripped the tag off and paid for it, too.”

What. What!? WHAT?

I mean, I know it was only a $5 bear. But she didn’t have to do that. She didn’t have to do any of it.

In (hidden) full-on-tears, I approached her as she was paying and I just grabbed her arm and said a simple, but completely heartfelt, “Thank you.”

image-21

Her response was so simple. So endearing. “It’s no big deal. I was going to buy an extra one and give it away to a kid anyway.”

But what she didn’t know was the simple joy she truly brought to Ari. That night he brought his BAB to bed with him. I asked him what his new bears name was. His reply? “Build-a-Bear. Isn’t he cute? Look at his beautiful eyes!”

Melt. my. freaking. HEART!

This woman — this stranger — has no idea how much joy she has brought into his life. Just a simple, $5, act of kindness.

Even two weeks later, Ari is still attached. He will not let go of that bear. And we are still grateful.

So yeah. As insignificant as your problems may seem; as small as a gesture as it may seem; it matters. YOU matter. The things going on in your life matter. And I hope that some small gesture makes an impact on you. If I can’t do it personally, I hope someone will. Goodness knows Chad and I are paying this small gesture forward.

Use this little bit of ♥ and positivity to power through the rest of your week, friends. And maybe — just maybe — find some small way to make another person smile today

Filed Under: #MomLife, Ari Davis, busy mom, children, family, gratitude, life, life with a toddler, mommyhood, Moosh, parenthood, pictures Tagged With: #MomLife, ari davis, being a mom, busy mom, children, gratitude, Live Happy, Moosh, motherhood, parenthood, pictures

a new chapter //

May 20, 2016 by Rachel Leave a Comment

A week before Christmas, my life turned around completely. I lost my job of 10 years at 36 weeks pregnant. It felt like an absolutely horrific life event. But? Life really and truly does have a way of working itself out.

I never could have imagined that just a couple weeks later I would be coaching preschool gymnastics for the local YMCA, my huge preg-belly and all! But I did. I was super nervous. I mean, who starts a new job at 38 weeks pregnant!? And gymnastics!? I haven’t done gymnastics in YEARS!

But fate is just funny like that.

I’m not going to lie, my first couple of weeks teaching preschool gymnastics were rough. The kids have been great, but finding my ‘balance’ was tough. But by the grace of my village, I made it through!

And my village has gotten bigger in the process! Not only has the staff been incredibly welcoming to both me and the kids, but getting to work with amazing preschoolers has been awesome!

These kids? They are so fun. And SO funny!! I, naively, had no idea how rewarding a job could be. Even when I’m not teaching their classes, the kids will see me in the hallway and yell “Hi, Miss Rachel!” … And my heart melts into a million pieces! ♥

gym
And today they graduated from preschool. And my heart is so happy for them and so sad, selfishly, for me! Because somewhere over the last few months, I’ve grown quite attached to them! 🙂

I can already tell that this new path in my life was put here for a reason. And I will forever be grateful! ♥

Filed Under: #SweatPink, children, fitness, gratitude, j-o-b, life, live happy, maternity leave, mommyhood, Oh baby!, parenthood, postpartum, updates Tagged With: #MomLife, #SweatPink, children, fitness, gratitude, life, Live Happy, maternity leave, mommyhood, oh baby, parenthood, postpartum, so grateful, updates

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