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Park Mom Summer ☀️
171 Plays9 months ago
Hot mom summer? More like Park Mom Summer! In this episode, we’re catching up with life lately—Mother’s Day recaps, fit girl summer goals, and a big reminder: this season is for YOU too. 🌸
We’re talking all things thriving with littles—from splash pad hacks to fairy gardens, chalk art, and backyard fun that won’t break the bank. Plus, tips for keeping your sanity (and your sunscreen) in check. Think: swim bags packed, chores charted, and a popsicle taste test on the calendar.
Products we love, activities to try, and a big girly hug to say: you deserve joy this summer too. 💕
Grab your iced coffee, throw on your z"mom” hat, and let’s make this the cutest, sunniest summer ever. 💦👒✨
#ParkMomSummer #MomsJustWannaHaveSun
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Transcript
Introduction to Park Moms Podcast
00:00:00
Speaker
Hi, welcome to the Park Moms podcast where your host Haley and Becca. This is a place where we laugh and chat about the chaotic bliss of raising young kids. So whether you're about to take a hot mom walk or start a low in the laundry, let's get to yapping. Let's get to it.
00:00:12
Speaker
Okay, after the last episode, said someone reached out to me and they're like, okay, you guys were so right. Yapping defines yapping. your podcast. So it's actually perfect. So hopefully it never goes out of style. Well, even if it does, we'll always say yapping. Yeah.
00:00:26
Speaker
You got to be yappers. Yeah. Yapping is specific. Yeah.
Family Trip to California
00:00:29
Speaker
Well, how are you doing today? I'm good. Today has been a day. It's a Thursday guys. It's a Thursday. Oh my gosh. didn't even realize. Yeah. I'm actually feeling okay for the fact that it's a Thursday.
00:00:40
Speaker
I feel like you're probably still rejuvenated from your trip. Yes, I am. Should we talk about it? Yeah. i My little family and I, we went to California last week, and it was the dreamiest trip.
00:00:51
Speaker
I feel like it was the first time we traveled with kids where, one, we didn't have a newborn, and like we just enjoyed it Yeah. Like I just like kept looking around and I was like, these are my kids and like, I love them and they're being so fun. We went to Disneyland and many people, I think you even told me this too.
00:01:08
Speaker
You said like, don't take all three. Like you don't need to take your youngest, which I agreed with, but we ended up taking him because I just like the thought of leaving him made me kind sad. And he would probably like still loved it. He loved it and it was just fun to like be there with my little family.
00:01:22
Speaker
So it was just so nice. And my favorite part about it was I'm from there and so my grandparents still live there and seeing my grandparents interact with my kids and love on my kids was just like so special.
00:01:34
Speaker
That is so sweet. And like, there's something about great grandkids too, where they're just like, yeah it's so precious. Like it's fun when your parents love your kids, but it's like even sweeter to see the great grandparent or their great grandparent love I'm the oldest grandchild. And so they always joke, like my grandma always jokes that I'm actually her daughter. And so like, I'm very, very close with my grandparents. And so it was just like so fun to, I don't know, like see them love on my kids and see my kids obsessed with them. Like it was just so special.
Family Traditions and Mother's Day Plans
00:02:03
Speaker
That's so cute. Did you guys do anything with them specifically? Like, did you guys go to the beach or go to dinner? So they don't really love the beach, which is funny. Yeah, they live there. They're like 15 minutes away. My grandpa loves paddle boarding, but um they honestly just love – My grandparents, like, they have this really beautiful room with, like, a TV area and these chairs. And they just love at the end of the night, like, watching a show.
00:02:25
Speaker
And so, like, they have these, they're called moon pods. They're really cool. But they're basically, beanbag lay-down things. Cute. So the end of the night, we would put the kids to bed. And then we would, like, go hang out on the moon pods and talk to them and watch a show. And, like, that was just so fun.
00:02:38
Speaker
So fun. That's so sweet. That's good. Did Elsie love? it Like, was she like realizing like, oh, this is your mom's mom? Like, yes. Yes. She like asked me a few times, but it's funny because my youngest is a lot like my brother. Yeah. My grandpa was like, he is Jake. Like he is Jake.
00:02:55
Speaker
And then Elsie's a lot like me. And so they were like, it was almost like seeing you guys. And then Blair is a lot like my mom, like totally like my mom. And so they were like, it's My grandparents were like, it's weird because we're like seeing them yeah again. Like yeah they're we're seeing you and them. um But it was just really good. We drove it back on Monday and actually the drive was not bad.
00:03:15
Speaker
That's good. I know the drive to California isn't terrible. It's not terrible unless it is. Yeah, it's true. But you had like a plan going forward. Do what we did this time that I loved? What? And we've tried everything. We've tried leaving in the middle of the night. We've tried leaving like at 4 p.m. We've tried all the things. We left at 5 a.m.
00:03:31
Speaker
Yeah. And it was so nice because before like the day starts, you've already gotten half the drive done. Also five isn't crazy. You told me four and I was like, bro, but five feels more doable. Yeah. We woke up at 430. Oh gosh. But then you like fall asleep in the core.
00:03:45
Speaker
The things you do. But honestly it wasn't bad. That's good. Okay, how was your Mother's Day?
Summer Self-Care Goals
00:03:50
Speaker
It was good. We were in California and we were with my grandma, which was really special, and i got to sleep in. But since we were traveling, my husband said we're doing a redo of Mother's Day this Sunday, so I'll keep you updated. like it's always hard when you it's your birthday or like a holiday that you're celebrating you like when you're traveling because it's like... yeah The day kind of gets forgotten. Yeah. So how was your mother's day?
00:04:10
Speaker
It was great. It was very low key because my mom and Sam's mom were both out of town. So there was no like, oh that's nice mom or mother-in-law stuff. It was just our family, which was kind of nice. Like we just slept in.
00:04:23
Speaker
We didn't do like gifts or anything, but Sam got me flowers. The boys wrote me cards, you know, you did all this cute things. Sam gave me a nice massage. We had a house cleaner come. So I wasn't cleaning. you get breakfast made for you?
00:04:34
Speaker
Got breakfast made. Biscuits and eggs and, wait, no. Biscuits and eggs and gravy? That's not the right way to say that. Biscuits and gravy and eggs. There we go. Oh. Biscuits and gravy. he went all out. Went all out. So it was really nice. Like, it was very relaxing and, like, it was sweet the whole day.
00:04:50
Speaker
I think he felt like, oh, I maybe should have said more done more, but I honestly just wanted it kind of, like, low-key. And he just kept being like, is this a good Mother's Day? Is this a good Mother's Day? And I'm like. lot of pressure for, like, birthdays and Mother's Day and Father's Day to be like, are you having fun?
00:05:02
Speaker
Yes. yeah. Do you like this? Do you like your gift? And as you get older, it's harder to make it like as special, but I feel like the kids also make it really special. Like, you know, like we did like a little strawberry shortcake thing and they just love that. Like, and Colson at the end of the goes, mom, I just wish every day was mother's day. you He's just like, I just love telling you it's Mother's Day. point Blair like was being saucy to me and Elsie was like, I can't believe you do this on Mother's Day. And I was like, yeah, damn i'm straight. Yeah, she knows. Yeah, she knows. and Okay, so the whole episode is going to be around like
Outdoor Activities and Summer Wear
00:05:33
Speaker
summer. like we're getting it like School just ended. It was our last day of school today.
00:05:37
Speaker
We're about to get into summer. It's like chaos. But like before we jump into that, I want to talk about one thing. First off, don't hold me accountable to this because I'm not even holding myself accountable. You're going to tell everyone else too.
00:05:50
Speaker
No, I want a noodle with you on an idea. I kind of want to like- Noodle with me? Noodle with you. Like think about- I've never heard anyone say that saying in real life. oh i work for I work for a tech company, okay? Yeah, obviously. Don't do what they would say. Iterate. Let's iterate on an idea. I'd i'd love to iterate and noodle on this idea. Iterate to greatness.
00:06:10
Speaker
ITG. Cute. That's what it's like working in tech. um Okay, here's my my thought. I was like thinking about summer and I'm like, I want to make sure I also prioritize like myself as a mom. Yeah.
00:06:22
Speaker
And I'm like, I wrote down like fit mom summer and that's not exactly what I meant. What I meant is like, I want to make sure that like... I'm like drinking my electrolytes that I'm like actually feeding myself because half the times I take care of my kids and feed them, but I don't feed myself.
00:06:35
Speaker
I'm like walking or doing something to like get some sort of exercise. So my, what I want to noodle on is like any ideas, like what, what can we do to like take care of the mom? This summer, not just the kids. Okay. Well, first of all, I have to say when we were like re writing our notes for this podcast, i was saying like how to get through summer with kids. And I was like, get through how to thrive with summer with kids. yeah Because this is our time. Yes. Like the summer.
00:06:58
Speaker
Summer is the moment. Summer is for the moms. It is. I'm sorry. Like I know it's chaotic, but at least for the moms of young kids. Yes. Because you can get outside, you can see friends, you can go the pool, can go to the splash pad. Like love momming in the summer. momming the summer. lot more than the winter, but agree that because it's so busy and chaotic, it's like you're not taking care of yourself. And so let's, let's noodle on some ideas. Yeah. I know you have the idea of like buy yourself a few swimsuits that you feel so good in.
00:07:27
Speaker
Yes. And like and whether it's a swimsuit or an outfit that just feels like you can throw it on and you feel yeah cute and you feel comfortable. Like, I think that makes your day so much better. Well, it seems silly. Like, it seems like such a trivial thing. Like, oh, find a swimsuit. But it's like, no, just like feeling confident and comfortable. Like, you're going to be out and about all the time. You're going to be seeing people more because you're outside. Like, you want to feel good.
00:07:48
Speaker
yeah And if you're in a place where like you're postpartum, get a swimsuit that fits, that makes you feel good. Yeah. Don't go with your kid shopping. Go to Target. Try on swimsuits. Except I hate dressing rooms. Yeah. Okay. Go to Target, pick out a few swimsuits, take them home, try them on and then return them in majestic lighting. But like finding a swimsuit, I feel like I'm always just like, oh whatever. This looks fine. Yeah. But being in a swimsuit or like you said, like a coverup or like a cute outfit that you feel good in.
00:08:17
Speaker
Yeah. Really can, like, make your day as It can even be, like, a set or anything that's just going to make you feel, like... make a feel. Yeah.
Summer Routines and Meal Prepping
00:08:23
Speaker
I feel like it was in style. I don't know if this is in style anymore. probably isn't. But, like, those, like, swimsuits that were kind of, like, like play sets almost. Like shorts?
00:08:31
Speaker
Like rompers. Rompers. Yes. yeah I feel like some of them are cute. Some of them are giving... Grandma? Grandma. We'll find the cute ones for you. We'll find the cute ones, but I think just like something you can easily throw on that you're going to be comfortable and you're going to be hot in.
00:08:43
Speaker
And then like a cute hat, pair of sunglasses you keep in the car that makes you feel cute, a lip gloss. Like... It's just like, sometimes you just need to feel like yourself. think about it. I feel like at the beginning of the season, like the beginning of spring and summer, i do like a mini haul for my kids and I buy them a bunch of stuff and I never buy myself stuff.
00:09:01
Speaker
No. And I have this past year been like finally buying myself clothes that I feel good in and that are cute. Shout out Old Navy and Gap. And I do feel like it's made a big difference in my confidence this year.
00:09:12
Speaker
Yeah, it does. It definitely does. Not me wearing the same sweatset I wore ah i wear least two times a week. In the podcast, we don't do cute outfits at all. Yeah, don't take our podcast outfits as our actual style because... I wouldn't say I'm necessarily stylish, but I do try to find things that I'm like, okay, I feel confident in this. Yeah. So I think that's a good one. um Another one I thought of is just like...
00:09:33
Speaker
Either like meal prepping or like having snacks on hand for you. Because I think like when I'm going to the park, I got snacks for my kids. I pack sandwiches for me. I don't have anything. and then I like get half a bite of mac and cheese. And so like I love just like good to go bars. Like whatever it is for you.
00:09:48
Speaker
Like make sure you feed yourself. And like yourself especially in the morning, caffeinate. You know, take a minute to actually like take care of yourself before getting out for the day. And then again, I'm not holding myself accountable to this because I don't really need to do this, but I would like to like move my body every day.
00:10:05
Speaker
I don't know if it's going to happen, but I'm like, don't you feel like we move our bodies every day just by like having three little kids though? I guess what I'm trying to say is like intentionally move your body. Yeah. Like go on a, like not just only go the park, but like maybe walk around while you're at the park or like do something like, I like that.
00:10:21
Speaker
Yeah, like incorporate in your day like some sort of movement because I don't know. I always feel better when I do that. Yeah, no, for sure. Even though I don't want to. Let's keep noodling. Basically, we want to talk about just like little fun things we can do to thrive this summer. yeah so we're going start with activities and entertainment.
00:10:36
Speaker
Okay, you kick it off. These are a few things that you can do and that we've done in the past that just make us thrive during summer. So I've done this for a few years now. And hopefully it has it at the Costco near you, but Costco always has a $20 splash pad.
00:10:49
Speaker
It is huge. Like I don't know the measurements. You told me to get it last year and i loved it. Well, I got it for you and I brought it over and you Venmo'd me, but it's $20. I throw it away at the end of the summer cause it gets wrecked, but my kids love that.
00:11:02
Speaker
It's not deep enough where anyone can drown. So it feels very safe yeah and I can like just hang out in the backyard. my kids love it. It's $20. That is a great thing. If you're really feeling like a cool mom, buy the $20 bubble machine. You got bubbles, you got water, you got popsicles, you can read your Kindle, and that is how we thrive as moms. That's such a good one. Okay.
00:11:22
Speaker
Keep going. Oh, okay. Another idea that I want to do with my kids, and this isn't just somewhere you could do this, but where we live, I feel like you couldn't do it in the winter, yeah but the dollar store, which umm mo I feel like i'm always on here talking about the dollar store. It's a good place. Sponsored by the Dollar Tree.
00:11:37
Speaker
doing, and I've seen a few people do this, but the fairy gardens, they have the cutest little fairy garden houses and accessories. And so I'm going to take my kids this week and we're going to a little fairy garden in our backyard. and then like, I'll have the kids go and like check on the fairies and just like another way to get them outside and get them excited to even, do you feel like sometimes it's hard? Like my kids want to go outside, but just like getting them out the door, like yeah motivating them to get outside.
00:12:01
Speaker
Once they're out there, they're so happy, but I'm like, please, Let's go outside. So hopefully that will motivate them to go check on the fairies. Okay. These are like some more good outside ideas, like sidewalk chalk, paints, water painting. And like honestly, anything that you can do outside, do it. So it's not making a mess inside. And like I think like this ah goes along with this. Like, it's okay if the kids are messy in the summer. Like it's a mess. Like it's crazy. Like keep the mess outside.
00:12:23
Speaker
Yeah, keep them outside, like spray them off, go shower Have you done the water painting? No, what's that? Like basically just take like water and paintbrushes and your kids paint stuff on the sidewalk. Oh, really? Yeah, like but this sounds like my ideal kids activity. Oh, is it just water? It's just water.
00:12:39
Speaker
Oh. But it's like fun for them because it kind of like disappears. It's like magic. You got to brand. Motherhood is all about branding. Yeah, you got to make it a fun activity. Yeah. Okay, I love that. We actually got like squirt guns too and they just like jumped on the tramp and shot squirt guns on each other and it was like literally attained for multiple hours. No, I love that.
00:12:56
Speaker
Okay, popsicle taste test. That's cute. I love popsicles. I also, um Costco has those, i can't remember the brand, but they're like- healthier healthier popsicles are basically just fruit juice. and I'm like, I feel my kids can have unlimited of those because I'm like, it's just juice. It's just juice. I mean, it's it's probably not like the hundred percent, the most important thing, but like that I'm not fighting them all the time. I'm like, no sugar, and no treats. Like you can always have a popsicle. And then we have those, but we also have just like the OG otter pops. Cause nothing slaps.
00:13:22
Speaker
Like an Otter Pop. What color? Blue for me? Blue. Blue? Or actually, I love pink. Actually, for me, it's pink and then blue. Dang it. I was hoping we'd be on the same page. I can
Balancing Chaos with Structure in Summer
00:13:31
Speaker
pretend. Okay, blue. Blue.
00:13:33
Speaker
Okay, I love this idea. Doing a little, I'm going do this with my son. Cute. A toy car wash. Just taking a big bucket, filling it with water, some soap, and then having him wash his cars off. I feel like he would be obsessed. Getting like one of those little toothbrushes from the dollar store and like having him wash it off.
00:13:49
Speaker
That would take a while. Such a good idea. And there's also those cars ones that the color changing. My kids love those moving from like hot to cold. Okay, actually love this idea. Backyard camping. That's so cute. We're going to try it this year. are you going to sleep on the tramp? I kind of want to sleep on the tramp The problem is when you sleep on the tramp, you like wake up wet.
00:14:07
Speaker
Yeah. Maybe like sleep until 9.30 p.m. on the tramp. Move them to their beds. I know. Allergy season. um Okay. This was one of that our follower actually wrote in. Ice block excavation.
00:14:20
Speaker
I love this. Talk through that idea. It's like So I think you just like take one of their cars or something or like you could literally take any single toy. I think they take like five or six toys. You put it in a bucket, fill it with water or like a popcorn bowl full of water, throw it in the freezer and then dump it out and then they have to like chip away at What do they chip away with it though? You can just give them whatever. Like if you have like little wooden toys. I'm that my kids, if I gave plastic knives, they'd like stop each other.
00:14:45
Speaker
More like, do you have like any, like even like a wooden spoon would work. Okay. Just like, it's not, it's not going to chip very easily. That's why the idea like takes hours. I love this idea. I'm going to try this this week, except it needs to warm up. It's been cold here this week. Yeah, it's been cold. been weird.
00:15:00
Speaker
Okay. Chalk roads for toy cars. Oh, so many car themes. Yeah, that's a good one. i love it. Yeah. um Sprinklers on the trampoline. This is a classic. Go-to. I can like close my eyes and like smell the wet trampoline and hear the like ah boom, boom, boom. You know how it like does that when it's wet?
00:15:19
Speaker
Should we just do that for a girls night? Let's jump on the tramp tonight. and Please. Okay. Painted rocks and hide them around the park. Yeah. Oh, I think I wrote that down. um So like where we live, there's like several different paths and a lot of them have like a painted rock area. Yeah. And so we like chose out rocks. We on a walk and chose out rocks and then we like painted them and then we're going to go back and put them on the painted rock area.
00:15:41
Speaker
So it's like several different activities they get to look forward to. You can outside. Paint them outside. I think I skipped one. um color walks, go on a walk and find things for certain colors. That's super easy, but it's like, okay, our theme for today, it's like, like you said, it's all branding.
00:15:55
Speaker
Purple. You know, everything we find that's purple, write it down, look for it. like And it's just getting creative. When everyone's like fighting, i'm like, everyone look outside for something purple. Everyone look outside for something this.
00:16:06
Speaker
and to do that today. Okay. And then this is a great one. Create a summer bucket list together. So maybe start the summer and be like, Hey, what do you guys want to do? I saw a few on TikTok they had like super easy ideas, like do s'mores, like yeah have a campfire. have all these ideas and summer truly, i feel like goes by so quickly. so like the older I get, the quicker summer goes, which like, can we talk about though, when you work, how like it's not really summer, but it is.
00:16:30
Speaker
Yeah. That was a harsh realization for me. I do like that it's light later though. Yeah. Light. Oh yeah. Like when you went to your first corporate job, you're like, wait, i don't have summer off. Yeah. Like what?
00:16:42
Speaker
like Excuse me. How nice would it be? Sometimes I'm like, maybe I should just a teacher be a teacher. I know, but God bless them. God bless. Hard job. I've also heard you actually kind of go back like early. So it's really like four weeks.
00:16:54
Speaker
And a lot of them will like tutor during the summer. Yeah. Gotta make that cash. Shout out to teachers. Okay. Um, so those some of the activities idea. Now we have like a few tips to help make summer go a little smoother.
00:17:06
Speaker
Again, we talked about this in the beginning. It's probably going to be chaos, but I think if you can add a little structure to the chaos, it will help you get through the day better. and I think that's our tagline for park moms structure to the chaos structure. Yes. And like with a little hint of flexibility, like, yeah, in general, this is how the day should go. If it doesn't go that way,
00:17:24
Speaker
Have a plan, but plan for the plan to change. Yeah, exactly. And be open to that. Okay, I'm going to hold this so I can read a little better. um Okay, this is such a good one. Keep a swim bag in your car with sunscreen, swimsuits, dry clothes, brush, and a blanket.
00:17:37
Speaker
Yeah, I love this. I feel like last summer had a few times where a friend would text me and be like, hey, I want to go the splash pad or I want to come over to my pool or do something like that. And I'm like, okay, well, I don't have any of the swim stuff. I don't have any of the sunscreen. Just keep it in your car.
00:17:50
Speaker
Like even if it's just like a cheaper swimsuit that like go to Walmart, pick out some cheap swimsuits for your kids, keep it in your car. It will like, I just, then you're ready. Yep. Ready to go. And restock your bag of snacks, your bag of diapers, wipe stuff there. Then it's just a little less stress getting out the door.
00:18:07
Speaker
i Something my kids lately, like they like want to stay hydrated. I guess they're always like, I'm thirsty. I'm thirsty. I'm thirsty. All the so like. I didn't know so much of being a mom would be also being a barista. Yeah. Yes. Constantly making drinks for my kids. And my kids are so picky. They will not drink water. Really? They either want sparkling water or lemonade or they want some random shit in their water. I'm like, just drink water. And then I realize I'm like, okay, they're just a girl. Like, it's my girls. And they're like, she just wants a drink.
00:18:34
Speaker
I do love Relight though. Relight is everything. My kids don't even like Relight. What? will even say, this is what Colson drinks. Colson. That's expensive though. I don't want to give my kids Relight, but I know it's good for them. So sometimes I will.
00:18:45
Speaker
Yeah, get them electrolytes. And I also think, like, if you pack, like, healthier snacks in the car car, too, like, I feel like they're in a better mood. Like, so just kind of, like, those little things you need prepare helps make the day don't know if this is on the list, but when we were in California, we had an insulated bag that we got from Business and Pleasure Co. Oh, yeah.
00:19:02
Speaker
And it's so cute. That's such a cute brand, by the way. It's such a cute brand. They have very cute stuff. So if you, like, want to get cute stuff. for your summer activities, Business and Pleasure Co. has a ton. It's like kind of expensive, but I feel like it's like stylish. It's an investment. It's an investment. Yeah.
00:19:16
Speaker
If you want to have an aesthetic like park day, Business and Pleasure Co. But we got this insulated bag and it was so nice. We took it to Disneyland. We took it to the beach and it's a kind that you can rinse out, which is such a plus.
00:19:28
Speaker
And I seriously think that during the summer, I'm just going like in the morning throw some frozen uncrustables in there and some snacks and just keep it in my car so that we don't have to like spend money on food or go home to eat so smart and I even think um you could pack like or you could make like 10 or 15 sandwiches and freeze them yes and then just keep them in the freezer and pull them out
Tools and Strategies for a Balanced Summer
00:19:48
Speaker
yeah did you see um five friends faves oh yeah they posted that and it's such a good idea they get a whole which they got the idea from Carly Jacobs our friend but you get a whole loaf of bread and then right away you just make them all and you put them in the freezer So smart. I'm going to that. I haven't done that yet. Women in STEM.
00:20:03
Speaker
Yep. Women in STEM for real. Okay. Prack pee portions, snacks, and cold drinks. Okay. we already said that. and Stay outside. Oh, you're saying what the kids drinks. Do you have cups or something that you like?
00:20:15
Speaker
Oh, I just have Yeti water bottles that I let them use. And I only really let them do water in them just because they can get kind of gross and moldy. Yeah. And they're in charge of getting them themselves. They know how to get the water on the thing. And I'm like, go back your water. Yeah. And i feel like that works a lot better.
00:20:30
Speaker
And then they'll actually drink water too. And they'll like, I'm so thirsty all the time. So we just have like their little names branded on it. q yeah We have the wall ones which are similar but we'll have to link them because the wall ones are my absolute favorite We actually just bought one for Graham because he's like old enough to have his own water bottle. Oh my gosh, that's so weird.
00:20:50
Speaker
and Okay, it's insulated water bottles and bags. Okay, um, I also think like keep a blanket like didn't like those like Costco blankets or I love my gather mat in the car I did this last summer and I loved it I thrifted a quilt from the thrift store and it just kept it in my car and I didn't care if it got food on it or like got grass because it was thrifted.
00:21:06
Speaker
yeah it like kind of creates a fun vibe too. It's like big and cute and floral. Love it. Okay. and Let's see. Build a loose daily routine. Okay. this So we talked about the structure and the flexibility. You know us.
00:21:18
Speaker
i saw I saw some of these on TikTok actually. Like an AM like chore chart. So like before we like go out for the day, here's like the different things you need to do. So like brush your teeth, make your bed. Yeah.
00:21:30
Speaker
eat breakfast, whatever the things you want to do. And, like, I think it's really great for kids to have, like, a visual. And so, like, having little boxes and, like, ah dry erase where they can, like, do check boxes of what they accomplish that day is really motivating for them. I got those ones on Amazon, the dry erase ones, and they're the best.
00:21:46
Speaker
They're the And the kids, like, pick them out so there's, like, a unicorn one and a mermaid one. Cute. We actually didn't use them for the past, like, six months because I feel like it's way easier to have structure when your kids are in school yeah because you have to have a set – I mean, you have somewhere to be. Exactly. So it is, I'm going to get those back out. That just reminded me.
00:22:02
Speaker
it's It's worth it. And i think like in general have like, okay, morning time, we do these specific things. Then from 11 to 12 or 11 to one, we're out and doing stuff out on the day. And like then I'm like kind of reinforcing quiet time in the afternoons again, like, yeah Because I'm going need a reset. They're going to reset. They're going be in the sun all day. We're staying up later at night. And so like they can only do Tony's and Yodos.
00:22:23
Speaker
I told you this and this one you can hold me accountable to. I'm trying to know, know shows this summer. That's amazing. ah We'll still do movies like as a family, but just know like. We did that last summer and honestly my kids thrived.
00:22:35
Speaker
I'm going to do no shows before we leave the house. Yeah. So like, I feel like if I ever give my kids shows in the morning, it's so hard to get them to want to get out of the house. And then our whole day just feels like I like to get out in the morning. And then in the afternoon while my youngest naps, I will let my girls like watch a couple shows so I can get work done. Yep.
00:22:54
Speaker
But we did no show summer last summer and I loved it. Yeah. So we'll see. We'll see if I'd be able to hold it through. But they they just got to the point where they were like begging for it every time. Like they won't want to go outside and play because they're like, show, show, show. And duight it's like, we can finally go outside. Go outside. Go outside. Yep. So I'm like, we're not doing any shows this summer. We'll see if I can stick with it.
00:23:12
Speaker
Yeah. Okay. I think like spend some time talking with your partner so you're on the same page with things. Because Again, if you are trying to create a loose structure, some boundaries, and so being like, okay, like no show summer, for example, let's be on the same team as us so that it's like they can't get away with then you're saying no to shows all day, and then they're like, okay, yeah, like, dad, let watch a show.
00:23:34
Speaker
Exactly, and I think just being, knowing that's gonna be chaotic and then being a team is very, very important yeah with your partner because – You need backup. Also, I think date nights are even more important in the summertime. Yes.
00:23:49
Speaker
Because you are just like going, going, going, going and it's easy and not to like spend time together. So true. And I think it's almost like easier like actually plan something too because you can go later because it's still light and do a fire pit or whatever. A date night can literally be, like you said, like a backyard hangout.
00:24:05
Speaker
Or like, do you know our favorite thing lately is we've just been ordering sushi a Amazing. And DoorDash and putting the kids down in it and watching a movie and actually choosing movie and it's been the best thing. We've done that like two weeks in a row. Oh, yeah. this and This is something I was thinking about is like making it easy on you. Like not – and here's what I mean by that. Is like when you're choosing where you're going for the day. Let's say you're going to like a splash pad. Like go somewhere where it's not like super chaotic and super busy or go early in the morning when it's like not the middle of chaos. Like maybe you don't take all three of your kids to a pool because like that might cause you anxiety. Like go somewhere where you feel like –
00:24:38
Speaker
Your kids will be safe. You can keep an eye on them. And it's like, you can also relax. Yes. And like bring your kids to a field and have them use their imagination. Exactly. Like it's so easy to want to bring them to the most chaotic place because you're like oh, they'll play with other kids and they'll do this. Or our friends are going...
00:24:53
Speaker
We went to a park the other day just and went to a field and there was like a teeny little park, but the kids just like were running around and like playing with rocks and like being imaginative and climbing trees. And I seriously, at one point were with our friend Maddie. I was like, you guys, this is so cheesy, but like this is what it's all about. Like that trend, like I forgot this was the whole point or whatever. like, this is it. Like they're living their best childhood life right now. Yes, and i think, like, taking your kids to somewhere where it's just, like, easy for you, it's safe, like, there's not a road nearby they could run into, so then, like, you're just not, like, panicked the whole time, and you can actually enjoy the time as well. Yeah, I love that.
00:25:26
Speaker
Okay. Hey, another tip and something we have been really using is chat, GPT, but we like to just call it chat. Chatty. Chatty. Chatty. We should call him Chad. Ew.
00:25:37
Speaker
oh Chad is like, no bro. That was bad yeah. Do you remember how when we were in college, at Chad was like a bro? Do you remember that time? Yeah. like oh, he's such a Chad. Yeah. What is it now? There's another name for him.
00:25:49
Speaker
Really? I think so. We'll have to ask the cool kids. Bro. Okay, but using ChatGPT to like, what do you use it for? Okay, I was going say like a good idea would be like kind of like brain dump anything, honestly, but brain dump all your ideas for like your summer bucket list and then ask it to create a bucket list for you And you can even say like put flowers on it. Like you can have it designed like a really cute PDF.
00:26:10
Speaker
And then print it out. Print it out. Yeah, so that's one a good idea. um Like meal plans, even like summer structure. Like, hey, I want to do a summer structure. hey Chatty. I want to do a summer structure. Here's kind of my ideas. Here's what my kids are struggling with. Help me create one.
00:26:23
Speaker
Like literally it can be your assistance. is for the mom. I think it's just helpful to remember that like this is your summer too. Don't forget to make it fun for you.
Cost-Effective Summer Fun Ideas
00:26:31
Speaker
Create a structure but stay flexible and set boundaries early in the summer with the kids. My friend is actually Maddie reminded me of this rule with her kids.
00:26:39
Speaker
She's like I only give one warning and then they have to like get a break or get whatever the consequences. Yeah I need to do that. And I started following through with that. I've probably only been doing the last two weeks, but i actually feel like it's helped a lot with them listening.
00:26:50
Speaker
Like you get one warning and then it sucks sometimes for me to have to follow through the consequence because usually it's like affects me negatively. Like, well, we're not going to go here. But I do think when you follow through that they're listening, it's like substantially better. Something I need to work on is when we're somewhere and I'm like, okay guys, let's go.
00:27:06
Speaker
They don't take me seriously because they know that I'm just going to keep yapping to my friend. And so they're just like, uh-huh mom. And I'm like, okay, let's go. And then I get so frustrated because I have to ask 15 times and then I have to like self- Check yourself. Yeah, I like check myself and be like, oh, it's because I said let's go for an hour. And then I kept talking. Like they're just doing the same thing. They're following my example.
00:27:26
Speaker
So keep me accountable for that. When I'm like hanging out with you and I'm like, okay guys, we're leaving. And I don't leave for, be like, Haley, you said you were gonna leave. Yeah, I think that's good. And I honestly feel like it's good. Set a timer for yourself. I feel like it is good to like hold your boundaries. And like, again, it's not going to be perfect.
00:27:41
Speaker
So like know that mindset. But I do think like if you follow through, like your kids listen better and like um you get less frustrated too. So I love like the reminder of just like one morning and then they have the consequence. Thanks, Mads.
00:27:52
Speaker
Yeah, thank you. Okay, now diving into like some free or cheap summer fun ideas. um Early morning park runs. but We kind of talked about having like going when it's really easy. Like if you show up at 9.30 or 10. My kids wake up at 6.00. I might as well go.
00:28:07
Speaker
Yeah, no one's going to be there. going to be the perfect weather. It's not hot yet. Go get yourself a coffee. As in, get yourself a fun drink, of course. Yeah. Something we did the other day is we met at the park with our kids and we packed lunches for the kids and then we got ourselves takeout. Yep.
00:28:22
Speaker
Best. Because like whenever I get my kids takeout they don't eat it. They don't eat it. They want to play, but they're always hungry. Yeah. So they'll like eventually, so we just like packed a huge insulated bag. Got us drinks. Got us drinks.
00:28:33
Speaker
And we got like, it was cheaper too, since we just got us food. So do that. Take care of yourself. Yep. Exactly. Okay. Splash pads. We talked about that. I feel like a splash pad moment every day is like, is what it Like it's just so spsh pad convenient. That's when that romper swimsuit would be perfect.
00:28:48
Speaker
Exactly. it's not Then you're not just like, I mean, if you're at the splash pad in a, in a thong bikini, like all the power to you. But like, I do feel like personally for me, ah rom or is it a romper or just like something with a little more coverage coverage and like suction would be good. So we'll link a few swimsuits that are splash pad friendly. A few thong bikinis. Okay.
00:29:11
Speaker
Um, that would actually be hilarious, but honestly, like, ah yeah, you know that's what I'm saying. Like if another mom's out there in a thong bikini, I'm like, hell yeah, girl. Yeah. Couldn't be me, but like, yeah. You gotta work it. One day, is my goal, is to be at the splash pad in a full G-string. I love it. Okay, local library events.
00:29:27
Speaker
I like you did this a lot last year, or your nanny did. We did it a lot in the winter, which it would work for summer, too. They like storytelling time, but sometimes it's so hot, which luckily we live- Oh, it outside? No, but I'm saying sometimes it's so hot that you have to go inside. inside I see, I see.
00:29:41
Speaker
So during those like really hot, when there's like a heat wave or something, having activities at the library- Yep. Great thing to do. um go This is like my easy go-to if I need an an entertainment, like go through the car wash.
00:29:54
Speaker
um If I just need to get out, I just go through the car wash. i'd like it's so nice just to errand. Honestly, there's been days that I've gone through the car wash twice and it's the same person working. and I'm just like, hi.
00:30:04
Speaker
And I go to the car wash at the same time. It's usually because it's after the gym, so it's the same people working. And I'm like, at this point, like should I ask them their name? like Should I be friends? Because every time I'm like... How you doing? How is it? Like, we should be on a first name basis with how much I go to the car wash. I feel like there's probably other moms out there like you. Sometimes we're just like, you need to do something and like, that's like free and it, well not technically free. The car wash is losing money on me for sure.
00:30:27
Speaker
Okay, neighborhood scavenger hunts. That's cute. I don't know how you would set that up. Maybe, maybe backyard scavenger hunts. Yeah. Almost like Easter egg hunts for scavenging. But you could put... Or do you could do like a bug-themed one and for certain bugs? Oh, yeah. I think that's what it meant. More just like having a list of like find a yellow flower, find this, find this. And then just like going on a walk. Kind of like a color walk, but more specific. Okay.
00:30:51
Speaker
Farmer's market strolls. That might be a little the farmers crazy with the kids, but it could be really fun too. Maybe you do that as like a girl's day. Yes, exactly. um i told Haley's idea her mom actually did something similar and it's so cute, but like theme days. Like my idea initially was like, okay, we were really obsessed with the Sandlot last year. And so like a Sandlot day and like, so you play baseball, like maybe you eat hot dogs because they eat that on the show. I don't know. You can, you can get as creative or as simple as you want, but actually like theming the day. love that.
00:31:19
Speaker
our And then watching the movie at the end of the night. Exactly. Love that. So what my mom would do is her and her group of friends during the summertime so that they had a little bit of structure. On Mondays, it would be beach days. Whoever can come can come.
00:31:31
Speaker
Great. This is the time we're going. This is beach we're going to. Every Tuesday was movie day. I don't know if this is exactly how they did it. And like every Wednesday was a pool day. And then every Thursday was a park day. So was just kind of like a little bit of structure of something to look forward to during the week. And then it was fun because like all the kids got together. All the moms got together.
00:31:49
Speaker
So if you want to get with your group of friends and just be like, even if it's one day a week, I feel like we should do that. And it can be like later in the afternoon. Every Thursday and whoever can come. Yeah. Every Thursday we're going to do this park this time. Yeah. If you want, if you can come great. If not, we'll see you next week.
00:32:02
Speaker
See you next week. See you next week. Love it. Okay. Um, so then we also like ask people like, what are some of the best like products? If you are going to buy something that's going to like actually be bang for your buck and give your kids a lot of hours of entertainment. Yes. all about this. Okay.
00:32:16
Speaker
Water table. Yeah, I need to get a water tube. I don't have one. neither. But feel like the... Costco. Yeah, I think Costco has one. I also feel like the times I've went to someone's house who has one, the kids love it. My kids are obsessed.
00:32:30
Speaker
I've also seen... Have you seen the mud kitchens that people make? No. Where they can like... You'll see them on Facebook Marketplace if you look them up or just like Pinterest. But they're basically like a little fake kitchen with a bowl.
00:32:41
Speaker
And they'll let kids will like make potions or like, I'll send you a picture. It's cute. Yeah, that is cute. Okay. i'm Okay, we talked about making sure you have insulated water bottles, wet and dry bags for swimsuits. Yeah.
00:32:53
Speaker
I have you ever had this? No. I feel like I need to get one this year. So smart. There's so many times when I have soaking wet swimsuits, especially because my girls like, yeah, they're different than boys swimsuits. Boys swimsuits dry pretty fast. but Yeah. they Almost like keep them on the girls. yeah just Like hold the water. Little wet bags that you can put the swimsuits
Product Recommendations and Summer Hacks
00:33:09
Speaker
in.
00:33:09
Speaker
So smart. Okay. You don't get everything else wet. I'm getting that. This is a product that's really helpful. Um, okay. I think you do this too. It's this giant super goop for the summer. I did it once when you told me so smart, you're genius. It is genius. And like I put sunscreen on before we leave at the beginning of the day. that way I don't have to bring it. Cause that's such a pain. Like I literally do it when I'm getting them ready. Different skin tones. i have to reapply.
00:33:33
Speaker
Your kids. I don't know if you guys can tell the difference in our skin tones. Like, your kids get tan. My kids get freckles and burned. ah so You probably do have to reapply. Okay, but I still think it's, like... It is smart. It it has lasted me, like, more than a year. Really? Like, I'm pretty religious about sitting sunscreen on. Like, I pretty much do it every day.
00:33:50
Speaker
So, that's a good one. We'll we'll tag that. It's kind of expensive, but I think, like... It pays for itself. It pays for itself because it's like, one, they do sell sometimes and it's I think it's like 68 bucks, but. Clean ingredients.
00:34:00
Speaker
And it's like a year, lasts like a year for all my kids. and my Another sunscreen Smells so good. Yes. I love the smell of sunscreen. Um, another tip is using a makeup brush, buying a makeup brush to put on sunscreen. Have you ever tried that?
00:34:14
Speaker
I've seen the trend on TikTok, but I've never tried it. It such a game changer. Really? Just order $2 makeup brush and well, at least like my kids, whenever I'm rubbing sunscreen on their face, they get so angry. Oh, same. This, they like think it's fun.
00:34:26
Speaker
Really? so I'll take a makeup brush and like be like, I'm painting like sunscreen or makeup on you and they love it. Cute. that. It's big difference. Speaking of the smell of sunscreen, we put some on Jack the other day because it was like, I like still worry about his skin even though it's not super sunny yet.
00:34:41
Speaker
And Colson goes, Mom, it smells like summer. Because he like smelled the sunscreen on him. It's cute. I'm like, oh my gosh, so cute. Yeah, Supergoop smells really good. We got this one for California that was like a gel sunscreen. I'll have to link it too.
00:34:51
Speaker
it i've never had sunscreen rub in really easily what brand was it do you remember dune d-u-n-e it's like dermatologist recommended but literally you put it on and it like spreads really easily because i hate when you're trying to put on sunscreen and it's like not spreading on the kids and they're crying and you're stressed and then like you only get it on half their body and the other half is sunburned yeah so also being sunburns stop And if you have girls that have a part, Sunbum has a scalp sunscreen spray.
00:35:22
Speaker
We brought it to Disneyland. Game changer. Really? Okay. We got to link that too. I love the smell of Sunbum. Because that can be so painful when your part is sunburned. Sunbum is kind of expensive, but it smells so good. This scalp spray lasts so long. Really? Yes. Okay.
00:35:34
Speaker
Um, that is only downside of like spraying sunscreen. Sometimes it doesn't last very long. No, I'm kind of like anti spray sunscreen. I love it for the convenience. I hate how fast it goes. Like it goes so fast. It's bad for the environment.
00:35:45
Speaker
Oh really? Suddenly I'm suddenly I care about the environment when it comes to sunscreen. No, but the rabbit. Wait, when that actually reminded me. We didn't tell one of the tips that it's not, it's being not environment friendly, friendly and just eating on paper plates. No, this is actually my favorite mom hack for summer. I'm not kidding. And I might get canceled for this.
00:36:03
Speaker
I'm sorry. Okay? We do enough dishes as moms. During the summer, go to Costco, get a big thing of paper plates, a big thing of utensils, and eat every meal outside with paper plates. Or as many as you can.
00:36:16
Speaker
Because I'm sorry. Like, the convenience of eating dinner on paper plates and throwing it away.
Enjoying Summer as a Mom
00:36:22
Speaker
So nice. It's a dream. I've also seen people get little trays. was going to say, this is, like, kind of more eco-friendly. a little more eco-friendly. And then get the paper that you put in trays. And then it, like, romanticizes eating outside, too. Yes, it feels like you're like going to like a food truck or something. If anyone has throwaway better environmental option, but like I'm sorry, you can't take my paper plates. I am environmentally friendly the rest of the year.
00:36:46
Speaker
Let me have these three months to not do dishes, okay? I'm so passionate about this. you can tell, but justice for paper plates in the summer. Just says for beer plates. I love it. Okay.
00:36:58
Speaker
Insulated bag for snacks and drinks. I think that was what you were talking about. Okay. And then um Learning by Kelsey. I don't know if you know what that is. and You've talked about it. I've talked about it on the podcast. I actually just ordered mine for summer. I took a break from it because Colson was in school, so he was pretty busy with that. But it's essentially like a box.
00:37:14
Speaker
Um, the one I bought, I think it was around like $40 and it has, I think like an activity every day for a whole month. buts And she just, it comes with everything you need. Like that one trip to Chick-fil-A. Yeah.
00:37:25
Speaker
It's like, I know it's freaking Chick-fil-A so expensive now. Um, okay. Learning back to learning by Kelsey. She, um, Basically, it creates these cute little craft boxes, and it's themed. So, she'll have, like, 4th of July themed, or, like, I think for June, it's, like, bug themed or something. And I'm going to, like, have my kids every day. they share box?
00:37:42
Speaker
They can share one, yeah. There's, like, plenty in there. And, like, we have, we honestly haven't even done all 30 of activities. Yeah. Because I'll probably have them do it like, on the weekdays, do, like, spend 20 or 30 minutes doing that during their craft time. So, it's kind of learning, but I would say it's more fun. Okay, jumping back to meals really quick, too. Yeah. My friend, I want to say my friend Sam told me about this.
00:38:02
Speaker
But Swig next to us, we've talked about on the podcast, was a dollar for so long. and Oh, is it still? No, no. My kids got very used to having a drink. Oh, no. And so I can't go get, I can't even go get a Starbucks anymore because now the Starbucks is next the Swig without my kids asking for a drink. Keep, and so I've been doing this, I keep a thing of Capri Suns.
00:38:21
Speaker
Smart. In like my front. side car area. And so when I get a drink, they get a drink. So smart. So much cheaper. You can get like the healthier, honest apple juice ones if you want to be, you know, crunchy, crunchy. my gosh, have to sneeze again.
00:38:36
Speaker
But yeah, I've also seen the hacks where like parents put like a little bit of like the Mio stuff. They put yeah a little something in their waters. No, I'm telling you, my kids will not just drink water. I have to get like the true lemonade, um, packets and put water in it. And my kids love sparkling water. I'm like, That's a tip though. Keep some true lemonades in your car as well as like the little lime packets that you love and like throw it into your um McDonald's Diet Coke. And why does that just make life so much better? No, I'm sorry, but whoever, whoever, as if I don't know the name of the company, what's the name of the company? True Lime.
00:39:09
Speaker
But they make more than lime. So like I think they're- they true? Shout out to company that makes the true, that makes true lime because it just makes my life better. It really is. Like, it is crazy how like good the little lime tastes in it. I'm like, crispy. Oh, do you know what i just thought of? That would be a really fun thing with kids for the summer.
00:39:29
Speaker
ah snow cone machine. That would be super cute. would be Picture this. Splash pad. Splash pad. You're out there with your like cute bathing suit in your backyard. Your kids are on the splash pad, music playing.
00:39:42
Speaker
You're grinding up the... I think you can get a hand crank one, so you're getting a workout. Okay. You're cranking out the snow cones. your kids You get those little disposable snow cone things, so you can just throw them away.
00:39:53
Speaker
You put the Charani syrups on. You could even sprinkle some True Lime on the snow cones. that sounds good. Your kids are eating snow cones. You're reading your Kindle. You're living your best mom life. do you know what we really didn't touch on that?
00:40:05
Speaker
ah You called it a very important point there. Music. Yeah. Adding a speaker, putting on some music. Why does that make life significantly better? like Bubbles are flowing. Country music. Music is playing. Snow cones are plentiful.
00:40:18
Speaker
Conan. I just got really excited for summer. Oh, okay. Summer really is the best, you guys. And it really is like, just enjoy it. Okay. This is a little bit more of an expensive product. It's the last one and then we'll be done. Is...
00:40:29
Speaker
um A bounce house. But this pays for itself. I do think. And then you're the fun house. It's a good one for like bringing kids over. Yeah. I don't personally have one, but my kids are obsessed with my friends' houses that have them. I know.
00:40:43
Speaker
Add a little water to it. We'll link a good one. The play small ones are so cute. yeah ones are so pricey though they're pricey but everyone who has them loves them especially the water ones do feel like if you're gonna go outside though just get the amazon one because it's like who cares if it's like bright red and yellow yeah we're like it doesn't not everything has to be aesthetic especially when it's outside yeah it's inside i feel that a little more yeah i do too Okay, picture this. Okay.
00:41:09
Speaker
Bounce house, splash pad, snow cones, country music. You're in a swimsuit. Your kids are having fun. You're reading a Kindle. You're drinking a Diet Coke. Life is good. Life is good.
00:41:20
Speaker
And the summer is for the moms. Summer is for the moms. It's going to be crazy. It's also going to be magical. You got this. Keep it simple. Stay stocked. And don't forget it's your summer too. And honestly, you deserve this. One popsicle and one podcast at a time. love it.
00:41:34
Speaker
Bye guys.