kid’s color sort diy

Did you think I was done with felt balls and color DIYs?!

My last one was geared towards older kids, and this one is perfect for the real little ones. I was able to complete this one with things that I had on hand, and if you don’t have a million pieces of felt in your stash...you’re much more Marie Kondo than I am.

But seriously, this one is easy and if anything, another excuse to buy or put to use those Hello Maypole felt balls!

These 6 count muffin tins were from the Dollar Store, felt was originally from Hobby Lobby & felt balls from my Hello Maypole hoarding bin,  I just pulled out which colors I wanted to use and matched them to my felt.  

You could stick to the basic ROYGBIV rainbow, but I added in a few “in between” colors, as well as black and white.  You can really do whatever you want or have on hand to work with.

Start by creating a pattern, trace the bottom of the tin and cut it out on paper.  Then using that pattern, cut out all your felt.

Here you have the option to glue your felt into the bottom of the tin, or if you’re using your actual baking tins, just pop them in the bottom and let your little one go for it!

Not gluing them in the bottom would also give you the option to change out the colors of your felt or mix them around out of color order to keep their brains firing!

Again, another easy way to incorporate learning and your craft stash.  Fun for EVERYONE!

tips for working out at home

I’ve never had a gym membership and have just worked out at home and run outside. I will admit, it’s hard to get out and run in the cold or about half the year in Arizona when it’s 90 degrees. And those are the moments when I start itching for a gym membership. But working out at home has been successful for me, but it definitely takes some commitment and dedication to make the time and focus on getting a good workout in at home.  

Most days I go for a run in the morning, do a workout during nap time, then hurry and get ready for the day during nap time too. Usually I’m not “ready for the day” until 1 in the afternoon, but this what works for ME.  Find what works for you.

Here are some tips (that I shared on instagram) with a little more detail and explanation.

• dress like you’re actually going to the gym

If you feel BAD-A, you’ll work out like a BAD-A.  Get on that sports bra, pull out those compression pants and PUT ON THE SHOES.  You’re working out, dress like it.

• find time to do without kids climbing on top of you

Do it before the kids wake up, do it while they’re eating breakfast, or watching a show, during nap time or after bedtime.  Stopping in between reps or exercises is going to slow your momentum and make your workout last 2 hours instead of 30 minutes.  This time is for you to focus on yourself. 

• always finish strong

Once you’ve decided what your workout will be, whatever it is, finish it all the way through!  Just because no one’s around, it’s up to you to hold yourself accountable. You get as much out of these workouts as you put into them.

• schedule it in/add to to your to-dos

“But I don’t have time to workout!”  You find the time when you MAKE the time.  Make it something you have to get done, add it to your to-do list, schedule it into your day.  If it’s important, you’ll find a way.

• stop making excuses & get it done!

Being at home makes it easy for you to get distracted by all the other things you could be doing, but remember, if it’s important to you, you’ll focus in on it and get it done.  All those other things will still be there 30 minutes or an hour from now and you’ll never regret getting a workout in...but you will regret not doing it.