L

《Throwback Thursday!》 #tbt #throwbackthursday . Throwback to when we went camping; correction glamping, for 4 days at Lake Skinner! . My hubby has always loved camping, he used to go alotnwhen he was a child. So when we started our family, he wanted us to go camping. . Problem was, I REFUSED to sleep in a sleeping bag, let alone in a tent! No thank you! . So we made a deal, I would go camping if he got a trailer, rv, or motorhome. . Let's be real, if you can't watch tv, go to the fridge and grab a snack whenever you want and take a nice, hot shower; is it even worth camping?! I'll answer that for you...NO!!😂 . What about you guys, do like either:camping or glamping, or are they both a big NO for you? . #themomtessorian #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #mamablogger #momswhoblog #glamping #glampinglife #glampingnotcamping #glampingstyle #motorhomeadventures #motorhomelife #motorhomecamping #campinglife #campinglifestyle #glampers #campers #rvlifestyle #rvcampgrounds #californiacamping #melaninblogger #blackbloggersclub #blackbloggersconnect #blackbloggers #melaninmoms

🔢 Flashcards 🔢 . I know, I know, they are certainly NOT Montessori! But I had these laying around from when my girls were in elementary school (they attended public school). . So I thought, there has to be a way to use these; and make a Math work that IS Montessori based. . Swipe <<<<to see how I used these non traditional flashcards to make a Montessori work using @dollartree glass beads and handmade numeral cards! . It's just that simple! I'll be dropping my course, Montessori Home on a Budget next month, and it'll have tons more of these easy, #diy inexpensive tips on creating activities for your #montessorihome! . Be on the lookout for it! . #themomtessorian #montessoriminds #montessoriminded #montessorieducator #montessoriteacher #montessorimath #montessorimama #diymontessori #diymontessorimaterials #montessoridiy #diymontessoriathome #diymontessoriactivities #montessoridiyactivities #montessoriathome #montessorihomeschool #montessorihomeschooling #montessorihomeschoolers #montessorifamilies #montessorihomeenvironment #montessoriphilosophy #montessoriinthehome #montessorimethod #montessorionabudget #montessorihomeonabudget #montessoriforeverybudget #montessoriinspired

#parentingishard . Let's face it...being a parent isn't easy, and sometimes we suck at it! . Hear me out...there is no book, guide or manual that really prepares you for what you'll experience as a parent. We all just do our best, and hope we're doing a good job. Well guess what, we're all doing great! Even with my girls being young adults, I still struggle with juggling everything from #momlife, running 2 businesses, being a wife, and managing our home. As a #parent, which of these is the hardest for you to do? For me, it's, "ask for help from others". I rarely ask for help on things, as I don't want to seem as though I'm not capable to juggle all that comes with mom life, being a wife, running 2 businesses and running the household. So I find a way to figure it out and get things done. Sometimes things don't get my full attention because of this, so I have come to realize that I need to get better at asking for help...and that it doesn't mean I'm failing as a mom, wife and business owner, but that I just need some assistance juggling it all! What about you? Which of these is the hardest for you? . #themomtessorian #consciousparenting #parenting #parentingtips #parenting101 #parentingstruggles #mindfulparenting #momlifestyle #momhacks #momlifehacks #dadlife #dadlifehacks #dadlifestyle #dadhacks #parenthood #parenthoodunplugged #parentinghacks #parentinglife #parentinghumor #parentlife #parenthacks #parentinghelp

#MontessoriMonday . Since I share SO much about #Montessori practices, principles and the method, I thought it would be fitting to share with you what makes Montessori activities unique. . First, when it comes to Montessori activities, they are NOT considered toys. They are classified as materials, activities, products, or works, but not toys. . So when searching for Montessori activities, that is something important to keep in mind. If products are labeled as Montessori "toys" they are more than likely not Montessori based. . Montessori products differ from other products in that they: are mostly made of natural wood do not have sounds or music have little to no color promote child led learning objectives foster the natural development of the child . If you are looking to expose your child to true, authentic Montessori experiences, then I would suggest following the above listed characteristics when searching for Montessori products to add to your home. . I have a full gift guide full of Montessori products that are great for any time of the year; Christmas in July, Christmas, birthdays, Easter, or simply just because! . The products are separated by ages, from infants to elementary aged children. Be sure to head on over to the blog and give it a once over! . #themomtessorian #montessorielementary #montessoritoddler #montessoripreschool #montessorichild #montessorielementaryathome #montessoriathome #montessoriinthehome #montessorihome #montessorieducation #montessorimethod #montessoriactivities #montessoribaby #montessorikids #montessoriinspired #montessorimaterials #montessoriideas #montessoriparenting #montessorifamilies

#momhacks It's time to kick your feet up! Let me let you in on a little secret... Mama's, you should be engaging in self care at least ONCE a week! Honestly half an hour to an hour a day is what we all need, but let's be realistic...that's probably not gonna happen. So let's take what we can get!🤣😉😂 Trust me when I tell you that this is the ONLY way that I've been able to keep what little bit is left of my sanity with all the daily tasks that come with running 2 businesses. I've got a list of 30 #selfcare ideas for you, head over to the blog to check them all out. Your sanity can thank me later!🤟 . How often do you make sure you squeeze in self care? . #themomtessorian #momlife #motherhood #selfcarematters #momlifehacks #momprenuerlife #momlifestyle #mombloggers #mamablogger #mamalife #mamabear #selfcaretips #selfcarehacks #selfcaredaily #selfcareroutine #mamatribe #consciousmama #mentalhealth #momlifebelike #momlifeisthebestlife #momlifeunfiltered #mamaneedsabreak #takecaremamabear #momtips

My goal is to post and share my #parentingtips and resources with you. As a Mom to 2 young adult daughters, I strive to share relevant advice and tools to help you on your parenting journey that I found worked as not only a Mom, but as a teacher of 20 years! . So now, I want to hear from you... In 5 words, "What is the best piece of parenting advice you can give?" . I'm excited to see different responses from different people, at different stages of parenting in one of the toughest hoods...Parenthood! . #themomtessorian #parenting #parentingadvice #montessoriparenting #consciousparenting #gentleparenting #mindfulparenting #montessorimom #montessoeimama #montessorifamily #montessorifamilies #montessorihome #montessorihomelife #montessorilifestyle #parenting101 #parentingresources #parentinghacks #momhacks #momlife #dadlife #dadhacks #parenthood #parenthoodunlocked #parentlife #parenthacks #lifeofamom #lifeofadad

~Pin Poking~ . Pin poking is not only fun, but a great acticity with many benefits. It promotes: 》fine motor development 》eye hand coordination 》concentration . To prepare, use a marker to trace various shapes. •Children then pin poke holes close together around the shape. Ideas on what to trace include: >shapes >continents >states >holiday/theme related (heart, Easter egg, shamrock, turkey, leaf, tooth, apple, pumpkin, star, etc.) . These giant push pins are perfect for little hands! Pair with a corkboard and a tray, and you have an inexpensive #Montessori activity! . The kids always enjoyed doing the pin poking work! . #themomtessorian #montessoriactivity #montessoripreschool #montessoridiy #diymontessoriathome #montessoridiyactivities #diymontessori #diymontessoriactivity #montessorihomeschool #montessoriinthehome #montessoriclassroom #montessorimama #montessoripinpoking #finemotorskills #finemotorskilldevelopment #eyehandcoordination #diymontessoriactivities #montessorionanbudget #montessorihomeonanbudget #montessoriforeverybudget

Mama's, let's talk about #productivity . Two and a half years into my full time #WAHM journey, and I can say that I'm pretty proud of myself for the hard work I put in each day. . Can I let you in on a little secret? It wasn't always like this. Trust me when I tell you that it took me some time to develop and get used to going from working full time out of the home to working full time at home. . I came up with a regular routine that I follow, and it has helped me reduce stress while running both my blogging business and our family candle business. . Wanna know what 5 things you should do every morning to have a productive day with less stress? . Head on over to the blog and get these Mama secrets! FYI...coffee has ALOT to do with me being productive!☕😉 . What productivity tips can you share with other Mama's? . #themomtessorian #productivitytips #productivityhacks #mamapreneur #momboss #mompreneur #momlife #coffeeislife #coffeeandblogging #momlifestyle #mombloggers #coffeemama #coffeemom #mombusiness #momswhoblog #momhacks #momlifehacks #coffeeforthewin #coffeelifeforme #bloggingbusiness #familybusiness #smallbusinessowner #entrepreneur #momprenuerlife #entrepreneurlife

The independent child . These words, "Help me to do it alone" are the essence of the #montessoriphilosophy . Children are encouraged at an early age to do things independently, so that they can engage in the #montessoriprinciples of: -care of self -care of the environment . This is done through various Practical Life exercises and lessons on caring for the environment; which are practiced on a daily basis. . Children as young as two are shown how to clean up after a snack/meal, put away their activities, and maintain a clean environment (sweeping, crumbling, wiping tables). . Independence is a crucial principle in all #Montessori environments. . How are ways that you foster your child's independent abilities? . #themomtessorian #montessoriminds #montessoriminded #montessorieducation #montessoriconcepts #montessorihomeenvironment #montessorihome #montessoriathome #montessoriinthehome #montessorihomeschool #montessorihomeschooling #montessoriparenting #montessoriparent #montessorimom #montessorimama #montessorifamilies #montessorichild #themontessorichild #montessorimonday #montessorimoms #montessoripreschool #montessoritoddler #montessoriparents #montessorienvironment #practicallifelessons #practicallifeactivities

This guy❤ . Family, friends and even strangers ask us how we've been able to sustain our relationship for 26 years. . The answer? We go out on dates! . Seriously, there's no magical or secret method; we simply still make it a point to date each other. . Whether we do an evening out by the lake at our lake house, dinner and a movie, which we did last week and saw Fast 9; (which by the way was AMAZING!!!), or do date night in...the way to sustain your relationship and keep it fun and interesting is to go on dates. . Date night ins had been our thing for awhile with everything being closed. Head on over to the blog to check out a few of my fave date night in ideas...you (and your spouse) won't be disappointed! . How do you keep things fun and interesting with your spouse? . #themomtessorian #lifestyleblogger #blackbloggersconnect #blackbloggersclub #melaninbloggers #momsofinstagram #mombloggers #momswhoblog #momblogger #mamablogger #datenightin #datenight #datenightinideas #marriedlife #dateyourspouse #dateyourhusband #marriedforlife #lifestylemomblogger #myrideordie #mybetterhalf #husbandandwifeforlife #marriedlifeisthebestlife #marriageadvice #datenightideas #blacklove

DIY #Montessori Smelling Jars . Smelling bottles are a traditional Montessori work found in the #Sensorial area of the learning environment. . The Sensorial area allows children to use their senses to explore and observe activities in relation to color, size, shape, length, smell, sound and touch; just to name a few. . To make your own DIY Montessori Smelling Jars, you'll need: -empty essential bottles -essential oils -cotton balls . They are super simple to make! Get the full details on how to make them over on the blog! . What types of sensory activities have you introduced to your child? . #themomtessorian #montessoriminds #montessoriminded #montessorieducator #montessoriactivity #montessoriblog #montessoriblogger #montessorisensorial #sensorialactivities #sensorialexperience #melaninmontessori #diymontessorimaterial #diymontessoriathome #diymontessori #diymontessorimaterials #diymontessoriactivities #montessoridiy #montessoriconcepts #montessorieducation #montessorihome #montessoriathome #montessoriinthehome #montessorihomeschool #montessorihomeschooling #montessorionabudget #montessorihomeonabudget #montessorihomeenvironment

Mamas, there's no more messing around...it's time to get back on track with your health & wellness goals! . #wellnesswednesday #gifted . If you're anything like me, then you may have put your health on the back burner after being on lockdown. My regular health & wellness routine was disrupted, and now is the time to get back on track! . As Mom's, it's important to make sure we're taking care of our health. Supplements can be a good way to help add nutrients to your diet. . For the past 30 days, I've been taking Active-PK from @lcrhealth, which is known to promote AMPK activation; the body's process of converting nutrients into usable energy. . I feel great after using the #supplements on a continuous basis-so if you're looking for a great supplement, I suggest checking them out! . Anyone else feeling the same way? How is your health & wellness journey going? . #themomtessorian #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #healthylife #wellness #healthandwellness #momlife #momlifestyle #livinghealthy #mamalife #contentcreator #wellnessjourney #healthjourney #momlifehacks #melaninmommy #melaninmom #melaninmomblogger #melaninblogger #mamalifestyle #momswhoblog #lifestyleblog #lifestyleblogger #lifestylemomblogger #momprenuer #mamapreneur #momboss #mombosslife

Glass in the #Montessori environment . Ever wonder why glass is used in the #Montessorienvironment? . It is customary for both Toddler and Preschool Montessori environments to use glass in one aspect or another . There are reasons surrounding the decision to use glass in the environment. . When glass is used, it teaches children -to care for their environment -that accidents do happen -cause and effect . If a child breaks a glass item in the environment, it is used as a teachable moment. "How could we have prevented this?" "Remember to hold/carry items with both hands." . Do you provide opportunities for your child to use glassware? . #themomtessorian #montessoriminds #montessoriminded #montessorieducator #montessoriteachers #montessoriteacherblogger #Montessoriphilosophy #montessoriclassroom #montessoritoddler #montessoripreschool #montessorichild #themontessorichild #montessoriprinciples #montessoripractices #montessoriconcepts #montessorihome #montessoriathome #montessoriinthehome #montessorihomeschool #montessorihomeschooling #montessorihomeschoolers #montessorifamilies #montessorimoms #montessorimamas #montessorihomeenvironment #montessoripracticallife

~The Secret of Childhood~ . One of the very first books I read while completing my Montessori training. This is where my #Montessori journey began... . Back in 1998, I was first introduced to the #montessorimethod by working as an afternoon teacher in a Montessori preschool. . There were so many things I observed that instantly wowed me... 1. The children were all working on different activities 2. The children were very polite and caring towards one another 3. The children were a mix of age ranges 4. Although there were 24 children in the classroom, there was a sense of calmness 5. The environment itself was beautiful; with lovely wooden materials & activities . Seeing all of this, I knew instantly that I had to learn all I could about the #montessoriphilosophy! ❤ . I signed up for the Montessori training program 8 months after working as an assistant teacher. . And the rest is history! I was officially certified in 2000! . Tell me, how did your Montessori journey begin? . #themomtessorian #montessoriteachers #montessoriteacher #montessorimoms #montessorimamas #montessorieducation #montessorimonday #montessoriforlife #montessoritraining #montessoriclassroom #montessorischool #melaninmontessorian #blackmontessori #blackmontessoriteachers #montessorieducators #montessorienvironment #montessoripreschool #montessorieducator

⭐Be. A. Star. ⭐ . "Being a star just means that you just find your own special place, and that you shine where you are"-Dolly Parton . We're all special and stars in our own way. . Everyone has their own traits, skills and strengths that make them unique. . Be happy with where you are right now in your journey, and shine bright! 🌟 . Be yourself, stop comparing yourself to others; you're a rockstar! . I shine at Montessori, DIY projects, and being organized. . What are you good at? What do you shine at? . #themomtessorian #beastar #inspiration #motivation #momlife #momlifestyle #mamapreneur #momprenuer #momboss #momblogger #melaninblogger #melaninmomblogger #shinebright #rockstarmama #momsofinstagram #momswhoblog #momsofig #momssupportingmoms #mamatribe #mommyblogger #mamablogger #mamalife #mamasofinstagram