• What Loving Yourself Looks Like | Motherhood Journey

      by SimplyHollyJo on February 18, 2022 , No Comments

      Motherhood allows for some interesting opportunities, quite often. This month, I was driving with my kids. I don’t remember exactly how it came up, but we were talking about who we love. We were possibly making up songs about loving people, because we are a family that turns anything into a song. I said something about loving a few people. My oldest repeated me, and said that I loved myself. I had t said that the first time around, but I did when I continued my list. He then asked me how do you love yourself. I instantly had a […]

      Motherhood
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    • Capturing Quarantine | Cardboard Houses Photo Shoot

      by SimplyHollyJo on June 1, 2020 , No Comments

      Early on in the shelter-in-place phase of life this year, I began thinking up a studio shoot focused on capturing quarantine. I wanted something fun, but themed to this time. I debated toilet paper and leaning supplies for a while. But I mean, who wanted to waste toilet paper at the time? And I also didn’t have any clorox wipes or lysol or anything. So it just seemed empty and lacking. I had always thought the “white box” collage images I had seen around were fun. But I didn’t think that it was something print worthy, I guess, so I […]

      Kids, Life, Photography
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    • Staying Out of the ER | A Daily Mom Goal

      by SimplyHollyJo on November 6, 2018 , No Comments

      So life is hard. Parenting is hard. It’s all just hard. It can be super amazing at times, boring at other times, and just plain hard. So often times I will get to bedtime and I’m just happy I survived the day. Lately when one of the kiddos is doing something dangerous…which is most things when you have a big head and uncoordinated body…I tell them some variation of “be careful” (usually trying not to actually say those words,) followed by “Mommy doesn’t want to go to the ER today!” Goals. We should always have them. That’s one of mine. […]

      Kids, Motherhood
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    • Detox Baths for Kids | How to Cure the Ickies

      by SimplyHollyJo on November 1, 2018 , No Comments

      I love detox baths. I always have. Warm water, Epsom salt, baking soda, and peace. I always keep Epsom salt and baking soda right next to the tub, and I often have some sort of herbal mix around as well for added benefits/fun.  Detox baths are great for muscle soreness/cramps, releasing toxins, relieving stress, helping skin issues, aiding digestion, and more. All you have to do is slow down and relax in the tub.  Training the Next Generation Because it was so normal for me, it didn’t take Liam long to join in on the detox fun. When he was […]

      Babies, Crunchy Living, Family Wellness, Kids, Motherhood
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    • My Project 365 | August 2018

      by SimplyHollyJo on October 11, 2018 , No Comments

      Project 365: August 2018. We moved from Texas to Kansas. Joey was gone for practically two weeks. There is cardboard everywhere. Our Texas house went on the market. Mommy’s favorite toy is chalk. We bought our Kansas house mainly for the giant, two shower-head master shower. Tons of new family time with my family, but definitely missing time spent with my awesome in-laws.

      Kids, Photography
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    • Stop Buying My Kid Toys | The Abandoned Playroom

      by SimplyHollyJo on June 5, 2017 , No Comments

      Ok, you don’t HAVE to, but don’t be surprised if he hardly touches it, or if it leaves the house. When hubby and I moved this year, we were house hunting for a place that included a toy room space. Hubby wanted to contain toys away from where he spent his time in the evenings and on the weekends. I jumped on the wagon, thinking it was a great idea. Eventually we found a house that had a dinning room we didn’t need, but was conveniently located next to the kitchen/living room, so that I could keep an eye on […]

      Kids
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    • How Having a Kid Changed How I View Road Trips

      by SimplyHollyJo on September 12, 2016 , No Comments

        Road trips. They were a big part of my childhood. I mean if we did go anywhere, we drove. I use to love it…sleeping, playing games, eating gas station junk food…what’s not to love? I also remember staying up late playing navigator to my dad with a REAL PAPER MAP. It was awesome! Fast forward many years and I still loved road trips. Blaring music, gas station junk food, and chair dancing. Yes! Fast forward again…kids. Hmm. They can put a damper on road trips. We live about 8 hours from my family and many of our friends. We are lucky […]

      Motherhood, Photography, Travel
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