My husband’s been golfing since he was about 13 and he loves it. He’s in a summer league that golfs every Saturday, and he’s often golfing Friday nights. Look, I’m all for sports and hobbies, but as a mother of young kids the 6-hour golf day can sometimes be a bit of a grind.
However, after a few drinks at a wedding he recently suggested (a drunken mistake on his part?) that I should go to the driving range with friends as a way to have a break from the kids and to get out of the house. And, what started as just a small curiosity about the appeal of golf, has blossomed into a new appreciation.
Please welcome to the stage: my golfing era. I am starting to really understand how difficult a sport it is and how it’s also such a great outdoor activity. And, it’s been really fun, albeit humbling, to try something completely new that I’ve never really paid any attention to before.
I did also really want to start playing golf just because the outfits are *so cute* and I love being outside. But, as of today, I’m sticking with it because it’s enjoyable to challenge myself and I love the fact that I now have a hobby I can share with my husband.
Come for the cute fits, stay for spirit of the game.
What I’ve done so far:
I’ve gone to the driving range a grand total of 4 times: twice with my friends, once with my husband, and once by myself.
I’ve done two rounds of 9 holes with my husband. Which I am extremely proud of – I even kept score on the second round! A lovely benchmark score of 55.
What I’m doing for the next month:
My husband and I have plans to continue a weekly Sunday 9-hole date with just the two of us. I love it because we don’t often get 1-on-1 time together, and it’s nice that it’s a sport we can both cheer each other on in. It’s mutually beneficial because I get the practice of actually being on a course and he gets to dial in on the finer points of his game.
I’ve also joined an all-female GTA golf league with Iron Lady Golf. The league starts in September and runs for 4 weeks. Here, I’m really looking forward to getting more beginner-based tips, as well as an opportunity to talk to other female golfers.
Additionally, I will be golfing with my brother and sister-in law when I visit my parents up north near Algonquin Park.
I would like to continue going to the range with my friends, but we’ll see how that pans out considering I’ve got two golf days scheduled per week right now.
My swing so far:
Here’s where I’ve started:
Here’s where I’m at as of this post:
My main focus right now is to have consistent contact with the ball and to establish my own cues to get that contact. Basically, just figuring out what works for me!
I did get approached on the range by another experienced golfer who offered me some tips, which did help a lot. Generally, I’m finding that there are so many different ways to swing a golf club, and some tips resonate with me more than others.
It is also extremely hard to look at videos of my own swing where I look like an awkward giraffe swinging a stick willy-nilly. But I’m getting there! Positive vibes and all that!
I’m looking forward to where I’ll be in my next golf update!
If your kids are anything like mine, then you know that the key to happy days and seamless transitions between tasks is to have your snack game be A++.
I like to keep my snack list full of snacks that are minimally messy, don’t need a lot of prep beforehand, and for the most part, don’t need to keep cold. My other rule of thumb for when I’m packing snacks, is to include something with fibre, protein, or a healthy fat. Bonus if it’s all three! That helps keep bellies full for longer.
Here’s a collection of my favourite on-the-go snacks to fill bags, strollers, and pockets with.
1. Fruit with Skin or in Punnets
Starting the list off with my favourite snack to pack: fruit that does not need to be cleaned or cut. Think bananas and oranges. I like how they travel pretty well and hold up in warmer weather. Obviously, the preference is to less ripe bananas (to avoid them turning into mush) and clementines/mandarins since they peel easier.
I also like to pack blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in their store punnets. When we’re ready to eat, it’s pretty easy to rinse them with water from a water bottle or to find a potable water tap. Also, kids love berries. My daughter goes bananas (pun intended) for raspberries!
2. Fruit Snacks or Chews
This is my next favourite snack to pack because we can choose more real fruit options. I like the “Fruit to Go” snacks by SunRype. They’re really tasty, almost like a treat, and they’re vegan. Some include added veggies, which is a bonus.
My kids are also fans of the Bob Snail line-up. They have a variety of fun options, like leather strips, roll ups, and gummy disks. We’ve had the most fun with the Bob Snail “Eat&Play Bobnimals” that include a snail toy inside – like a better Kinder Egg. They work fantastic as rewards, and it makes you want to collect all versions of the snail inside.
3. Cheese Puff Snacks
I love popcorn and before kids, I used to make homemade popcorn weekly and buy fun flavoured bags from the grocery store as a treat. With kids, especially young ones, the choking hazard of popcorn is something I don’t want to deal with. I find that buying cheese puffs can scratch the itch of eating popcorn without you hiding in the closet to eat it.
I’m a big fan of Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop White Cheddar puffs. I like buying a big back of puffs and then using snack baggies or cups to portion out some puffs for on the go.
4. Pretzels Plus Spreads
Another fun and easy snack to keep kids occupied are pretzels plus a dip. I like this because you can buy a big bag of pretzels but still keep the snack fresh by cycling through different accompaniments. We pair our pretzels with:
Homemade cheese sauce, or a soft cheese spread like laughing cow cheese or cream cheese (can be flavoured)
Chocolate spread like Nutella, or Kraft Chocolate Peanut butter
Jams
Hummus (can even sneak in celery or broccoli to go with it)
5. Energy Balls
This is snack that you can make at home and with your kids. The recipe is very forgiving for little hands and it’s fun to customize. I love making energy balls with little chocolate chips and maybe a bit of protein powder.
For a series of energy ball recipes from The Real Food Dieticians that I like: click here!
6. Homemade Muffins, Cookies, or Loafs
Nothing beats homemade items. I love baking with my kids because I feel like they’re more likely to eat what they make.
We just made these strawberry muffins with some fresh Ontario strawberries, and I highly recommend it.
What kid doesn’t love Lunchables? It’s basically a cute little bento box. If you’re time pressed, there are some really great cheese/cracker options in the store that include healthier options like cranberries or dark chocolate. You can always make your own version with the crackers and cheese of your choice. Then, if you’d like, you can add a sweet treat like a Hershey’s Kiss or fruit gummies.
8. Packaged Baby Snacks
Don’t sleep on baby snacks! They are actually fun snacks to add into your snack rotation, especially if you have children of different ages. I really like yogurt melts as a sweet addition, or arrowroot cookies as something else to munch on. Baby stars are also a fun, eating activity if your kids are being pushed in a stroller. The stars can also be added to a toddler friendly “trail mix”, along with other fun finger foods. The bonus is that a lot of baby snack are very portable and easy to store or dispense.
9. Cheese Snacks
Cheese is a great option because it contains protein and fat which help satiate appetites. I like Babybel cheeses because they are coated with wax, pre-portioned, can come in spiral options, and sometimes have fun Disney characters on them.
Cheese strings are another great pre-portioned cheese option.
These may not last as long on a hot day and they can be a little pricier, but they’re great options.
Also pairing sliced cheese with an apple or pear is another great way to achieve a healthy fat/protein with a fiber-full fruit.
10. Nuts and Dried Fruit
A classic charcuterie board combo which works for kids too! Nuts provide healthy fat and fibre with the dried fruit adding more fibre and nutrients.
Dried apricots are great because they also provide a small source of iron, which for pickier eaters, can be hard to get.
Cashews are a great starter nut option because they are a little softer to chew on. Pistachios are also great because they contain a little bit of protein. Be most cautious with smaller hard nuts, like peanuts, which are choking hazards for younger children.
11. Applesauce
Applesauce squeeze packs aren’t just for babies. They’re a great on-the-go source of fibre and carbohydrates. Essentially, they’re instant energy for when your kids are hitting an afternoon slump. They’re portable and come in a ton of fun flavour combinations.
Allegedly, my husband was obsessed with plain Cheerios as a kid. And honestly, it’s such a great snack. For younger kids, Cheerios are a great finger food, and they dissolve easily. And for older kids, the benefit is that they contain added iron and vitamins.
Cereal is also another option that can be dispensed into smaller snack bags for travelling. There are also a bunch of cereal options in the store, where you can choose a variety of flavours to keep things fun and exciting.
13. Granola bars
Another classic snack on the go. Granola bars are great for when you’re in a pinch for snacks and they usually travel well. There are a variety of options at the store to choose from. I do like brand Made Good, which usually includes added fruit and veggies to their granola bars.
You can also make fantastic granola bars at home. I really like this recipe by The Real Food Dietitians for making my own: Homemade Peanut Butter Granola Bars
14. Yogurt: Tubes/Cups/Drinks/Parfaits
I LOVE yogurt. I eat it almost every day. If it’s Greek yogurt, it can be a great source of protein as well as full of good gut probiotics. You can add cinnamon, vanilla, and nut butter to make a fruit dip. Or you can add spices or a ranch salad dressing spice pack to make a healthier veggie dip.
On the go, I also love packing frozen yogurt tubes since they help keep other food cold and they’re just really tasty. The tube is also a great way to keep small hands less messy – watch the squeezing from the bottom though!
Yogurt drinks are also another great snack, and some contain a good amount of protein. They’re a great option when you stop at the store for a snack before hitting the library or the beach.
You can also quickly put together a yogurt parfait in a small glass lock container by layering chopped fruit and granola in the yogurt.
Do monitor the nutrition labels as a lot of children’s yogurt products have been overly sweetened to make them more attractive to children.
15. Sandwiches/Wraps
Ok, this may seem boring to some. But sandwiches are such a great option to pack. Not only can you choose your own ingredients, but you can create the perfect snack: a mix of complex carbs, protein, and fibre.
Use either homemade bread (who has time for that?), or healthier bread options like wholegrain and sourdough. Then you can go with the classic ham and cheese (maybe sneak some sliced cucumber or sprouts on there) or some fun flavour combos. If you make your own fruit jam (essentially mashed fruit, honey, chia seeds, and lemon juice) with natural peanut butter, you have a tasty, better for you PB&J. Maybe go crazy, and have a cream cheese, honey, and strawberry sandwich!
The world is your oyster with sandwiches.
Same thing with wraps! I love making little wrap pinwheels using meat and cream cheese. Changing up the format keeps things fun for young kids!
Take-Away:
Having snacks is a must! I hope you found some inspiration from my list.
For snacks that require some cooling: a cooler bag or insulated bag works just fine. My baby bag has a small section for milk bottles that is insulated, and I use that for snacks that need some cooling. Often, my kids are eating these snacks within a half hour so sometimes, if I’m really pressed, I just put them in a regular bag. But you can find some fun backpack coolers on amazon like this one.
Share in the comments if you have any fun snack options that you like to pack! I’d love to hear about them!
Also, please always supervise your children when they are eating. Safe eating practices include having them sitting upright and not talking or laughing while chewing. Knowing what to do in the event of a choking emergency is crucial, so please update your CPR skills regularly.
Happy August! Or as I like to say, happy “fall-lite”. I do hate saying that, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that our Ontario weather is starting to cool down, the sun is setting earlier, and I’m sitting here craving a latte. I’m just mentally trying to get into the headspace that summer is coming to a close and the lovely warm weather will be behind us soon.
Recently, I’ve been reading and hearing a lot about daily “non-negotiables”. Essentially, they’re a daily habit that you simply cannot skip. You can think of them as business meetings with your most important client (aka you) – cancelling them would be in bad taste. They’re a little sprinkle of self-care that should be as important to you as brushing your teeth.
I absolutely love the idea of incorporating “non-negotiable” habits into your day or week because it allows us moms the permission to prioritize ourselves without feeling guilty. And *say it with me now* you can’t pour from an empty cup!
Like, do ever you feel guilty for brushing your teeth? Of course not.
That is what non-negotiables should feel like.
Here are my current “non-negotiables” that I sneak into my day to help me be my best self. You can easily take inspiration from mine or create your own. They can be as big or small as you want, but they just have to make you a little bit healthier and bring you a little bit closer to living your most aspirational life:
Health and Fitness Related Non-Negotiables
1. Drinking Water:
Ok, starting the list off strong with a very basic survival activity. I try to have my first drink of the day be water. Really, I just aim to have a few healthy gulps before I chug a bunch of caffeine in the morning.
I recently got a Larq water bottle, and I love it! It filters the water well, and the tracking/reminder to drink features are a fun bonus. Another easy way to drink more water, aside from flavouring it or buying a new water bottle, is to drink a couple of big gulps after every bathroom break. Not super groundbreaking, but it’s something that’s easy to make a habit.
How is this a non-negotiable? I tell myself I can’t start my day without water, and I prioritize water throughout the day. When I go somewhere, I’m bringing a filled water bottle. Simple. Non-negotiable. Mission accomplished.
2. Move My Body In Any Capacity:
This could be aiming to get 10K steps a day (really anything about 7k is a win) or getting a workout in. Basically, for me it is something that is as important as eating a proper meal, taking a shower, or brushing my teeth.
I prioritize working out/moving for at least 20 minutes a day. This can also be broken up into smaller chunks throughout the day, like a 5 minute stretch in the morning, a 10 minute strength or cardio session, and a 5 minute walk after dinner. It doesn’t matter what it looks like as long as it happens, and I always feel better after it.
3. Go Outside:
This one is similar to “move my body in any capacity”. However, there is something so invigorating and healing about walking outside. And bonus points if it’s around trees, grass, and water.
This makes me feel good, and it helps me to recognize that the world is bigger than some of my little nagging problems during the day. There is so much beauty in the world and often it’s hidden or taken for granted.
4. Eat a Vegetable or Fruit at Meals (or hide it!)
I make an effort to eat healthier foods as much as I can, however, if I don’t have a benchmark to go by, it is pretty easy to “forget” to incorporate fruits and vegetables into my diet. Therefore, I aim to add fruits at snacks or as sweeter treats after a meal, and at least one vegetable at mealtimes. I also try to eat the veggie or fruit first before any other food item. In other words, I eat my salad first.
As a non-negotiable: basically, I don’t get to eat my granola bar until I’m done my apple.
Non-Fitness Related Non-Negotiables:
1. Wear My Wedding/Engagement Rings
I like wearing my wedding and engagement rings because they’re a sweet reminder of my love for my family. When I’m at work and the day is dragging on, those rings remind of what I have waiting for me at home.
I love wearing jewelry that has sentimental meaning, and this is one easy way I can incorporate gratitude into my day-to-day. When I’m away from home, it’s a non-negotiable to wear my rings.
2. Write in any capacity
Writing and journaling have become my outlet and passion. I feel good when I’m creating and when ideas are flowing. It helps me to get out of my head and I just find it fun.
However, writing, like a lot of things, requires practice to get better. I’m always looking to improve my writing skills and really refine my writing voice. So, for me, this is another non-negotiable.
Sometimes, I promise myself I’ll write for just 1 minute or even just write one sentence. More often than not, this turns into something longer or more in depth. But here, I consider anything a win.
3. Weekly day for myself
This is something new I’ve started doing. As a working mom of two very small children, it’s really hard to carve time out of the week for yourself. Not only does there not seem to be enough time in the day, but mom guilt is also something that I struggle with. I do truly want to be with my kids all the time, but sometimes the little cuties drive me bananas.
Having a weekly “date” with myself, to just do whatever I want has been so nice. It’s something that I look forward to and it helps me get through tough days at work and wild bedtime routines.
I’ve recently started playing golf and it’s been so fun to do something new that I’ve never done before. It’s also a pretty social game, and I have friends that I go to the driving range with regularly. I highly recommend trying something new where you’re a beginner – it gives you something to focus on and the new challenge of it can be so fun.
4. Daily Affirmation
It feels super kooky to say things like “I move through life with quiet confidence” out loud to yourself. But it works, and it helps you zero in on whatever goal(s) you may have.
Saying affirmations to myself daily has really helped me frame who I want to be at work and at home. I am a quieter person, and affirmations that tell me I am a person with something valuable to say does wonders when I’m about to socialize with other people.
I’ve been using ChatGPT to suggest and refine affirmations for whatever I’m feeling. If you’re looking for a prompt to start with, you can always just ask ChatGPT for “cool girl affirmations” and go from there.
Take-Away
So, what can you do today? Well, I’d suggest choosing one that I’ve listed and making it your goal for today. Start with adding just one and going from there – you want this to be fun, and not another to-do list.
Your own non-negotiables should be things that make you feel good, make you a better person/colleague/mom, and that are actually good for you!
What do you do if you miss your non-negotiables for the day? Well, please don’t panic and stress. Tomorrow is another opportunity to incorporate them.
Let me know what non-negotiables you’re going to try to out. Are there any great ones you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments!
With the official beginning of summer, I’m starting a new *insert season* Game-Changers segment. This is where I’m compiling a short list of my favourite things to bring with you into a new season. These are things that make me feel good, motivated and excited for the upcoming months.
Here is my Summer 2025 “Game-Changers” list:
Get your nails done
One Golden Summer (Carly Fortune)
Kobo E-Reader
Pinterest Vibe Board
Phone Restrictions
Writing
Sunscreen – La Roche Posay
Carving Time for Yourself Unapologetically
Running Shorter Distances – Let’s be Sprinters
Chat GPT
Mel Robbins the “Let Them Theory”
Buy New Summer Clothes
Evening Walks
Affirmations
Stop Caring What Others Think
1) Get your nails done
There is something about getting my nails done that makes me feel so put together and ready for all the summer events. Pretty nails can give you a “cool girl” vibe and they obviously go with everything you wear.
For me, when I’m presenting my “best self” I feel more confident, and one of the ways to look like I’m at my “best” is when my hands/nails look healthy and clean. However, this is definitely a luxury I’ll just be indulging in over the summer.
When your house is in chaos and you haven’t washed your hair in a few days, at least your nails will look great!
2) One Golden Summer (Carly Fortune)
I loved this book! It brings the best summer energy and has such a sweet story. I loved the characters and (I may be a little biased) but I loved that it was set back in my hometown again. Every time I read it, I felt like I was at my parent’s house, sitting in the sun, and hanging out by the water. If you want a great summer read with a cute little romance, I highly recommend you give this one a read.
3) Kobo E-Reader
I was given a Kobo for Mother’s Day and I love it so much! I know in my post “How to Read More Books as a Busy Mom – 10 Easy Tips” (link here!) I talk about an e-reader not being crucial to reading more, but it has definitely motivated me to spend even more time reading.
I love the buttons on it and I love how it syncs to my library (Libby) app. It’s so easy to download library books to it and I can even read in bed with the lights off since it has a back-lit screen feature.
I can’t recommend it enough and I wish I had gotten one sooner!
4) Pinterest Vibe Board
I love a good Pinterest Vibe board. It helps you bring the right energy into the season, and it can give you that extra motivation for your goals. I really recommend making it your phone screen and just feeling the good feels every time you unlock your phone. I talk a little bit more about how to make a Pinterest vibe or mood board in my post “12 Easy Steps to Help Moms Mentally Prepare for a Return-to-Work after Parental Leave” (link here!).
5) Phone Restrictions
One of my top priorities for this summer season is to be present with my kids more. They really do grow so fast, and I don’t want to miss any of their cute little moments as they discover and learn about their world. I also don’t want to be the parent who’s glued to their phone and not connecting with their kids. It breaks my heart when I see parents on their phones at the park and their kids are looking over at them for them to watch something they’re doing, and the parent is just completely oblivious.
Look, I’m not shaming anyone here – sometimes you need to be on your phone and that’s just the reality of our present day. I, personally, just want to use my phone mindfully since it is really easy to get sucked into social media scrolling (it’s such a dopamine hit for your brain!). So, this summer, I’m adding screen restrictions between 9-5 during the week, and focusing on being ok without my phone. I’m talking leaving it in another room, going for a run/walk without it, and just being with my kids without it. Just a fun little phone “detox” for the summer.
Photo by Miriam Alonso: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-using-a-smartphone-7623555/
6) Writing
Aside from working out/moving my body, I find writing helps me relax and eases my anxiety. It’s fun to come up with cool sentences and writing helps organize my thoughts into something coherent. So, this summer, I recommend carving out a few minutes every day to write something. It doesn’t have to be anything long and you don’t have to take it super seriously. It can be as simple as writing down 5 things you’re grateful for, what you did yesterday, what you’ll do today, or even just one sentence to describe the current moment that you’re in. Give it a try and see if it makes you feel good.
I do really like Oprah’s “The Life You Want” Planner if you’re looking for a mix of mindfulness, self-help, and prompt-directed writing. It’s also nice because you enter the dates and there is no set calendar. So, if life gets in the way you can put it down and start back up when things calm down. But also, a cute notebook works wonders for motivating yourself to write. Browse Indigo’s notebook aisle for something that speaks to you.
7) Sunscreen – La Roche-Posay
With the warmer weather comes more opportunities to be in the sun and exposed to UV rays. Protect your face and body as much as you can with sunscreen. I’m currently really loving the La Roche-Posay sunscreen, it plays well with my makeup (i.e. it doesn’t pill) and I don’t feel like a greasy mess when I wear it. I also like the price-point and the fact that I can grab it from my local drugstore. I have the tinted version, but the non-tinted one is also great.
8) Carving Time for Yourself Unapologetically
I’ve been observing the moms around me who seem to have a pretty great handle on caring for their young children, and I’ve realized something that they all have in common. They all carve out time for themselves, and they don’t feel guilty about it! To me, this was groundbreaking. Like what?, no guilt?, how???
And they just know that in order to be their best selves for their families, they need their “me-time”, and there’s no reason to feel guilty for that. Parallel this to fathers: my husband plans at least one 6-hour golf day a week, and he has no guilt whatsoever. And I’ve heard similar stories from other moms about their husbands.
So, for this summer, throw away your guilt and go do that thing you want! By yourself or with friends! Because you need an unapologetic break sometimes too.
Photo by Elina Fairytale: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-people-standing-at-a-garden-4834151/
9) Running Shorter Distances – Let’s be Sprinters
Ok, running in hot and humid weather is incredibly humbling. You’re breathing harder, your heartrate is so much higher, you’re sweating more, and your pacing is much slower than what you’re used to. Your body is working so much harder to meet the fitness and stress demands that hot weather brings.
So, I’m thinking for the summer, let’s throw in some sprint work instead of long sweaty slogs. Look, you’ll still get extra sweaty, but at least your workout time is minimized so you can get back to relaxing on your porch with a cold bevvy.
Try some sprint intervals of 30 seconds all out followed by 1 min 30 sec – 2 mins of rest. Repeat 3-5 times. Boom, sprints done in less than 15 minutes.
Photo by BOOM 💥: https://www.pexels.com/photo/runner-at-the-starting-line-12659357/
10) Chat GPT
This is something you either love, hate, or have no idea how to use. I’m personally in the “love” group. I find Chat GPT so helpful as a brainstorming and proofreading tool. I just returned back to work after my second baby, and I’ve been a bit rusty on professional email vernacular. Chat GPT has been helping me out a lot with that – it helps me know what the tone of my email is and makes suggestions for flow and readability. I do give the final once-over and make sure the email is in my “voice”.
It’s also been helpful in designing my website and answering any marketing questions I have. Really, I view it as a more direct and concise google search. I don’t have to scroll countless links/website to find what I want, and I can refine searches or even change the vibe of the search.
I know AI can be pretty scary, but its staying, so we might as well get used to using it and using it properly. Obviously, be aware of personal information that you share, and know that it does collect a history of your prompts.
11) Mel Robbins and the “Let Them Theory”
I’ve recently been listening to Mel Robbin’s podcast, and I’ve been enjoying her content. A lot of her interviews are a nice blend of motivational and inspirational without seeming superficial or devoid of any real content.
She recently released a book called the “Let Them Theory”, essentially saying to stop trying to control the things you can’t, and to instead focus on the things you can – such as your own emotional responses. Full disclosure: I haven’t read the whole book. I did find it very repetitive, and I felt like I got the gist of it after a few chapters. I will give it another attempt at a later date though!
But I like the intention behind the “Let Them” idea. And I find myself bringing it into my daily life. Not only does it make me realize how much I let others dictate my life, but how much I actually try and control others. So, bringing this mood into summer, especially when you have some saucy toddlers, might help you tackle any curve-balls life throws you a little easier.
12) Buy New Summer Clothes
I just like this because updating your wardrobe can make you feel like a million bucks. I bought a few pieces from Athleta that were on sale, and I’ve been able to find some things from Winners. So, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or do a whole overhaul – just find a couple pieces that you really love. The key is to also toss out any clothes you no longer wear at the same time. Sometimes having fewer clothes can help make the decision of what to wear a bit easier, rather than being overwhelmed by choice.
Summer in Canada goes by so quickly and I always want to optimize my time outside as much as possible. I’ve found the best way to do this is to go for a lovely evening walk after dinner.
For my kids, it’s also a nice way to wind down and get ready for bed considering it’s bright out until 9pm. Also, it helps to get more steps in if it’s been too hot to walk outside for very long during the day. Ontario is in the middle of a heat wave, and the temperature today is 43 degrees Celsius. So, I’m definitely walking later this evening when the temperate is a little bit more tolerable.
14) Affirmations
I think the way you phrase and choose your affirmations is so important. I’ve found that changes in the way I say my affirmations makes a difference. For example, rather than saying “I am a fast runner”, I’ve started saying “I am a person who is a fast runner”, and I have no idea why, but this slight change makes the difference for me.
Try rephrasing your affirmations with the phrase: “I am a person who …” and let me know if it helps you out!
15) Stop Caring What Other’s Think
I feel like I have to remind this of myself constantly. Sometimes I feel very anxious posting on Instagram, especially when it’s alongside all these influencers with all those perfectly curated pages. I’ve recently tried to change my mind set in regard to image sharing – I’m sharing my life with my friends and family. Maybe someone from high school is curious what I’m up to, maybe my cousin is curious about how old my kids are, maybe my mom’s friend wants to post a comment on my photo etc… I’m going to stop overthinking things and just do what I want in my life. So, I started off this blog post by instagraming this image.
Let me know if you have any of your own “game-changers” that you’re bring with you into summer 2025!
My New Year’s Resolution this year was to learn names. I know – it’s very basic and a bit embarrassing. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how awful my excuse of “I’m just terrible with faces” is – it makes me sound lazy and flippant. And c’mon, everyone likes to be remembered. The moment someone I’ve met only briefly remembers my name or one of my kid’s names, I’m instantly impressed, and I like them even more.
However, I’m in the thick of parenting with two small kids under 3, and I find my brain just isn’t firing quite like it used to. The lack of sleep, lack of R&R, constant housework, and returning to work have led to the perfect storm of “mom brain”.
Mom Brain: the forgetfulness and brain fog that occurs after having a child
So, if you’re like me and find that some thoughts just *poof* disappear from your head if you’re not careful, then here are a couple tips that you can start using to improve your memory and combat “mom brain”.
Tip #1: Write things down
This is the biggest and best thing you can do to help you remember something. The list could probably stop here if I wanted it to.
Basically, if there is something important you need to remember, you should write it down. At work, I’ve started volunteering to take meeting notes, just because it forces me to a) pay attention and b) have a copy of what happened that I’ve transcribed. This makes me more aware of what happened in the meeting mostly because I either remember it being said or I remember physically writing (or typing) it.
For my day-to-day, I have a few notes saved to my phone that hit on important things in my life. Like my to-do list, grocery list, meal list, book list, ideas list etc… If I don’t write down a thought I have, it’s gone. Similarly, once you book an appointment, put that directly into your calendar. Don’t wait to do it later, put it directly into your phone’s calendar ASAP.
Tip #2: Try to Prioritize Sleep
I’m sorry to include this in my list – but you do need sleep. You’ll be fighting a losing battle without it. Now, I’m not trying to tell you to go to bed at 8:00pm, because for some families with littles, that’s unfortunately not realistic. What I am trying to say is: evaluate how you feel. If you’re a little spacey, on edge, or just not feeling yourself, maybe go to bed instead of watching another episode of Netflix.
Tip #3: Use Mnemonics
Whenever I think of mnemonics, I’m immediately transported back to grade school history and trying to memorize dates with my mom before a test. I find mnemonics to be boring, but they do work.
Essentially, they’re a personalized memory hack – it can be special patterns, rhymes, songs, or stories to help you create an association in your mind for whatever it is you want to remember.
For example, there is an emotional support dog in my office building. He’s absolutely adorable and I want to remember this cutie-patootie’s name. His name is “Jack”. He’s unfortunately missing one of his eyes. Pirates wear an eye-patch to cover one of their eyes. Captain Jack Sparrow is a famous pirate. Ergo, I think of Captain Jack when I see him and remember that “Jack” is this pup’s name.
I’ve also heard of people repeating names back when they are introduced to someone new. Like: “Hi, my name’s Jessica.” “Oh hi! Jessica, was it?”.
Sometimes, just a little song or repetition can do wonders to help you remember.
Tip #4: Eat Well
Your body wants whole, nutritious food and your brain runs best when it’s fueled properly. So, try your best to nourish your body with good, healthy, nutrient dense foods.
I feel like we all know by now that excessive sugar and caffeine can wreak havoc on our body systems and our moods. Do yourself a favour and try your best to eat well.
I follow the 80/20 rule when eating. Basically, I aim to eat as much whole, nutritious foods as possible but I’ll throw in a few treats here and there. I have a sweet tooth, so I’ll generally throw in something on the sweeter side during the day. If you find the majority of your food choices are fruits, veggies, protein sources, and complex carbohydrates – you’re good. If not, there is always room for improvement.
Tip #5: Pay Attention When Your Routine Changes
Our brain simplifies our life by often running on autopilot throughout the day. This is why you might not remember locking your door before you left the house even though you definitely did.
But this all gets shaken up with changes to our routines. This is how clothes, school bags, coffee cups, work bags, lunches etc… can get forgotten when we’re rushing somewhere new. Our brains haven’t had time to process the new stimuli into habits.
Therefore, with any changes to your routine, make sure you’re taking a quick, slightly more in-depth assessment of everything you need and have to do. Also, maybe write them down.
Tip #6: Live in the Moment and Use Your 5 Senses
Running on autopilot can be great to accomplish everyday tasks (i.e. see tip #5 above), but it’s not great for your memory. When you start to make an effort to “live in the moment” you’ll pay more attention to the things that are happening around you.
Take a few minutes every so often in your day to pay attention to your surroundings. The easiest way to accomplish this is to use your senses and narrate it in your head with 1-2 sentences each:
What do you see?
What do you smell?
What do you taste?
What do you feel/what are you touching?
What do you hear?
Bonus: this can also work to ground you if you’re feeling anxious.
Tip #7: Review Your Notes and Calendars
You know those notes I talking about you writing in the first tip – you should probably review them on a somewhat regular basis. Not only does this keep them at the forefront of your mind, but it also helps you avoid making a duplicate note.
Also, review your family calendars at least on a week-to-week basis. You want to avoid having events pop-up when you’re expecting a free weekend, or having double booked your kids to two parties on the same day at the same time (guilty!).
Just take a few minutes before you fall asleep on Sunday to check out the amazing week ahead of you.
Tip #8: Know Your Capacity and Limitations
You know yourself best, and at the end of the day, you know if you’re pushing yourself past your limits. If you’re in the thick of “mom-ing” and your kids are small, give yourself a little break and know that sometimes things will slip through the cracks. And really, “mom-brain” can be the perfect, funny excuse. Did you forget to put on mascara this morning? Or is your shirt on backwards? Well, that’s mom brain. It can be hilarious and quirky and innocently goofy.
If you’re the mom who set their Goodreads goal as 50 plus books this year, this article is for you! Or if you’re the mom who has no idea what Goodreads is, this is also for you!
Children are busy creatures. They’re moving constantly, they’re messy, and they need attention. This is opposite of what we need when we cozy up with a good book. And a large majority of the moms I’ve talked to have said they’ve read fewer books than they ever have with kids. Some can’t even remember the last time they’ve read. This is so sad because there are so many great reasons why reading a book is so good for you, especially as a parent:
It’s a healthy escape.
It can calm your mind and reduce stress. And reading before bed can help you sleep better.
It is leagues better than scrolling socials.
It expands your horizons and you might learn something.
It gives you something to talk about.
It improves your vocabulary and language use.
It makes you more creative.
It can help fight depression*.
It is a great behavior to model to your children.
As a busy mom of two littles, I’ve been able to consistently read 30-40 books per year for the last 2 years. And as of this posting, I’ve read 12. Reading is something I prioritize, but it can be something easy to incorporate into your life if you’re open to it! Here are some tips to help you add some reading minutes to your day even if you’re working 9-5 with a household of little muskrats to take care of.
1. Get a Library Card
First and foremost, if you want to start reading more books, you need to go to your local public library and get a library card. Libraries usually have a bunch of community programs, so even if you’re not sold on books, you should probably still be going to the library for other events and services. A library card will give you access to not only the library’s physical collection of books, but their online content. And the best part? It’s all FREE. In Canada (and the USA), the Libby app connects you to this. It includes e-books, audiobooks, movies, and magazines. Libby can be downloaded to your phone or to a Kobo e-reader (unfortunately in Canada, the Kindle e-reader is not compatible with Libby). Once you have a library card/Libby App, it’s off to the races – start browsing and placing holds on the e-books/audiobooks you want to read!
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/full-length-of-man-sitting-on-floor-256431/
2. Get a Book App on Your Phone
This is the next big thing to do in order to read more, and the reason why I’m able to read as much as I do. You need to have books available to you at all times. You could buy an e-reader, but in my opinion they can just be another thing to carry around or forget. The best way to read more is by opening up your book at any given time. Going to the bathroom? Read a few pages. Waiting in line? Read a few pages. Nursing your baby? Read a few pages. I call these “Book Snacks” – these little minutes you accumulate reading will start to add up.
Then, get into the habit of having your book be the last thing on your phone when you lock it so when you go to use it again, the book is the first thing you open your phone to . For me, this really helps me replace the social media doom scroll with reading a book. When I have the urge to check Instagram and open my phone, my book is there to fill the boredom instead.
A note on e-readers: a lot of people prefer e-readers over reading on their phone. Understandable since e-readers have been developed to elevate the reading experience and the font is larger. This can be especially true for those who spend their work day staring a computer screen. I really love e-readers, but I don’t always carry mine with me. So, just for the purpose of reading more, I don’t think they’re absolutely crucial. But, you can download the Kindle or Kobo book apps without having one of those e-readers. While you’ll have to purchase your books, the e-books will be cheaper than a physical copy and they will be ready for you to read immediately.
Photo by SHVETS production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-using-a-smartphone-7516237/
3. Make Audiobooks Your Friend
Audiobooks are a great tool to use as a busy mom – I love a good multitask. I especially love listening to an audiobook while I do the dishes, fold laundry, drive, grocery shop, or walk the dog. It makes the chores feel less like a grind and more like something to do with your hands while your mind is in another world. I especially use audiobooks for books that I just can’t seem to get into. These are books where I’ve read the same page 5 times and am getting nowhere despite its golden recommendation from my friend. I also use them for genres of books that I’m not used to (like historical fiction). They can also be great to have for autobiographies or self-help books (where the author usually reads it) or for some fantasy novels where the audio has the flexibility to be more cinematic.
I usually listen to my audiobooks at 1.3-2.0 times the speed of the original audio – to me, it just sounds better and more like “normal” speaking. But, play around with the speed, and don’t be afraid of changing it throughout the book.
Photo by Stas Knop: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-corded-headphones-with-colorful-books-in-between-5939401/
4. Follow Book People on Socials
I’ve started following a lot of book recommenders and book accounts on Instagram and I’ve found this so helpful to get me to read more. First, I’m introduced to new books that they suggest. And second, whenever I go on Instagram and see their pages, it reminds me to pick up a book and read.
I started following a lot of the accounts because they liked the same books I’ve previously read and also liked. Therefore, when they recommend a book, I already know that most likely it will be another good one. This has saved me a lot of time in searching for my next read and it keeps my “to read” list nice and exciting.
I’ve recently been liking the recommendations from @kaila.books, @reviejane, and @amandathebookworm on Instagram.
5. Go to a Book Store
I love the atmosphere of bookstores – they’re cozy, curated, and just full of reading potential. When I’m feeling like I’m in a book slump, I like to visit an independent or chain bookstore. You don’t have to buy a book when you’re there (you can if you want), but just taking in the atmosphere can give you inspiration for your next read. There are also recommendations sections and everyone who works there will probably have a couple books to suggest.
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-reading-in-a-coffee-shop-bookstore-3965493/
6. Talk about Books
This leads me to my next suggestion on how to read more. Talk about reading and what genres you like reading with others. Seriously, ask people “have you read any good books recently?”, because sometimes you’ll get lucky. Maybe that mom friend you met at the park is into Romantasy (fantasy romance) just like you and they have a suggestion. Or maybe that coworker who has an amazing vocabulary, has a non-fiction that they’ve just finished and love. Overall, if you connect with someone’s personality, maybe you’ll also like some of their reading materials.
7. Join a Book Club
Reading is solidary activity. For those who struggle to find the motivation to read, joining a book club can help. You can find book clubs at your local library, or you can make an unofficial one with your friends. I prefer the unofficial book club, because the group can collectively agree on book titles and I love any excuse to get together with friends. It’s nice to have others hold you accountable and they’ll be there to chat about the book.
If your kids are old enough for chapter books, you can do a book club as a family. Or if you want a cute little date idea with your partner, you can both read the same book.
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-gray-jacket-holding-white-paper-4861364/
8. Join a Book Tracking Website
I love tracking my books – I find it so satisfying to give a book my rating and add the date I completed it. I prefer Goodreads (the most popular platform) for this, but there are other tracking websites you can use. Once you make a profile, these websites usually allow you to set a reading goal for the year and have a method of monitoring your progress towards that goal. You can also follow your friends and see what they’ve been reading and their reviews. Additionally, you can browse for recommendations and mark books you want to read to your online reading list.
9. Don’t Feel Bad About Not Finishing a Book
For me, life is too short to read a book that you don’t connect with. I hate derailing my reading goals with a book that I’m slogging through. But to give some books the benefit of the doubt, I’ve started employing the “100-page Rule”. This is where I’ll read the first 100 pages and if I’m not hooked or the story is falling flat for me, I give myself permission to stop reading it. This is where a library card is particularly useful, since you haven’t purchased the book and therefore feel no obligation to finish. Reading should be fun – pick books that make you feel good and leave behind the ones that don’t for another reader.
10. Magazine Palette Cleansers
If you want to read more, it helps to maintain a momentum by always having a good book to read. However, sometimes you might experience a “book burnout” where maybe you’ve just read a super emotional book and need to sit with that for a bit, or maybe you’ve just finished a book series and aren’t sure what to read next. My suggestion is to read a magazine in the meantime. I find this prevents me from using social media as a filler activity, and magazines are easier reads where you can learn new things. After a few magazines, I’m ready to jump back into a book.
You can also do this with podcasts/radio shows if you want a break from an audiobook.
Photo by Lisa from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-turning-page-1476057/
You Can Find Time to Read
With everything on your to-do list, it can be hard to prioritize reading a book. And it can be easy to find yourself in the trap of skipping reading just to scroll socials on your phone. Hopefully the tricks above are able to help you become a more seasoned reader and make reading a natural part of your day.
Let me know if you have any suggestions in the comments on how you incorporate reading into your own busy schedule! Or comment what you’re currently reading – I’d love to hear about it!
*This is in reference to an article on adolescents and screen use. But I think the benefits can be applied in this case. Here’s the article reference if you want to read for yourself: Twenge, J. M., Martin, G. N., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents after 2012 and links to screen time during the rise of smartphone technology. Emotion, 18(6), 765–780. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000403
