Even though I could squeeze her until it hurts, I also need my alone time and my sanity. So at the end of winter break (yes I know it was only a little over two weeks) I am ready for the sound of the school bell. Call me selfish, but I bet you have felt the same way as me at some point over the break.
Winter Break needs to be over because:
Quiet, I just need some quite time.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
My bank account and the sitter need a break!
I want to throw my activity planner out the window (no more play dates, museums, or Disneyland trips for at least a month…okay maybe a week).
Mom, Party of One, needs to happen. I want to watch daytime television in my pajamas, or get ready for work without any interruptions.
Are you sad to see Winter Break come to an end? Or do you feel like school can’t start soon enough??
https://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2017.10.27_AbbyOchse_FINAL-2761.jpg39602640Abby Ochsehttp://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo-300x41.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-06 00:58:422018-01-06 00:59:10Why Winter Break Needs To Be Over
Pregnancy comes with many beautiful qualities, and many what the hell is happening to me moments. I like to call these “the little things no one tells you about” symptoms. When I was first pregnant with Willow everyone talked about how amazing they felt, when really I was feeling borderline narcoleptic over here. I literally had no energy and could easily fall asleep anywhere. I kept reading that I would be the energizer bunny when the second trimester hit, but I almost felt worse. I just thought this was normal for me and everyone is different, so this is just my plight.
With the second pregnancy, this Mama got a little smarter and realized I don’t want to be the girl snoring at the party. So here are some tips that have helped me beat exhaustion with this pregnancy. It is important to note that some fatigue is related to pregnancy hormones. Although there isn’t anything you can do to change hormone levels, I have found that these little actions help me feel alive and energized.
Scheduling, scheduling, scheduling. You really might have to rearrange your schedule to allow yourself to rest more. Embrace your inner slacker and become less busy if possible. If you have more energy in the morning, schedule activities then and rest in the afternoon. Remember it is okay to say NO, and to put yourself first. Plus who is going argue with the pregnant lady?
Eat regularly. This has been a lifesaver for me this pregnancy. I eat every two hours to avoid any dip in blood sugar (this has also helped my pregnancy weight gain remain steady and on point.)
Moderate exercise. I know this one sounds like the complete opposite of what would make you feel better. Yet, regular exercise, even a 20 minute walk can release mood-elevating hormones and put a little pep in your step. So ignore the couch calling your name and set aside a little time for exercise.
Set an earlier bedtime. Go to sleep one hour earlier than you normally would. This can give you a bit more energy in the morning.
Ask for help! This is what I wish I would have done more of during my first pregnancy. You don’t have to be Wonder Woman, and there are people who will help you! Asking is the first step!!!
https://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/unnamed.jpg34622307Abby Ochsehttp://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo-300x41.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-04 22:55:022018-01-04 22:55:02Pregnancy: The Exhaustion Is Real
Like all expecting moms, I’m not immune to the stress that comes with preparing for a new baby (or two babies in my case!) but one thing that has been useful in managing my stress is a handy to-do list.
This list is comprised of actions that need to be completed before the babies arrive and is not inclusive of my shopping list for baby items and the nursery (I will be writing a blog post on my favorite baby brands soon but would love any recommendations!)
Making sure the house is as organized/clean as possible to come home to after the babies are born. This is a must! The last thing you want to be worried about is cleaning up or clutter when your hands are full with newborns. Thankfully I’m able to get some help in this area, but planning ahead so everything is immaculate for the first day back at home is important.
Getting my general to-do’s out of the way. Whether it’s getting the oil changed on the car or paying bills… any of my general tasks will be done before the due date or hopefully far in advance since these boys may arrive early! This will help make sure my brain is fully in the moment with the babies when they arrive.
Planning meals for the first month or so of the newborns being home. I’m the queen of easy meals but having a plan thats suitable for the whole family is important. Homemade frozen dinners, healthy takeout and/or meals prepared by family and friends is key!!
Planning Willow’s schedule. I definitely want Willow around as much as possible with her new baby brothers but I know there will be moments when it may be best to have her occupied. I’m arranging drop-offs and pick-ups for school and some playdates so she’ll be able to have some fun while mom and dad hopefully get to have a nap.
Clearing phone memory. This may be a ‘huh’ on the list but newborns grow SO QUICKLY and I know I’ll want to capture every moment (x2). I would be devastated if I miss the new cutest thing ever because my phone ran out of memory.
Arranging the nursery in a realistic way. Though aesthetics are important, I know when two new babies are crying and need a diaper changed… I’ll be less concerned with whether it looks cute! Setting up the changing table where everything is within close reach and being practical in my decor is important!
Packing my hospital bag. Though we still have a couple months left, this is something I’m taking care of early on since I know the babies could arrive unexpectedly. I’ll probably consistently remember things to add to it since I have a slight case of pregnancy brain!
Making our labor playlist. Going into labor is very memorable experience and special moment… I want to make sure the background music is not a stressful decision in the moment. I’m curating an energetic one for when I may need some motivation and a peaceful one for the quieter moments.
Going through Willow’s baby items. From books to blankets, I don’t want to overbuy baby items that I may already have. Plus, it’s pretty nostalgic and fun to go through her old stuff!
Organizing and saving important phone numbers. From our pediatrician to local emergency numbers…. I want to make sure I’m as prepared for every emergency situation with the fastest way to get help.
https://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FINAL-8400-e1515019803691.jpg15923331Abby Ochsehttp://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo-300x41.pngAbby Ochse2018-01-04 00:02:532018-01-04 00:02:53#AskAbby: How are you preparing for the newborns?
I got to learn about how the biggest blessings sometimes come after long periods of frustration (emphasis on blessings, click here to check out my full post on fertility and our long journey to getting pregnant with twins). Though our road to grow our family wasn’t as quick or simple as we hoped, twins were well worth the wait!! Since finding out the news earlier this year, our family has gone through some major changes in preparation for our two new additions!
We moved! I LOVE our new home!! Though it’s still a work in progress and decorating a new home has been an interesting feat midway through a pregnancy, it’s been a joy to to fill it up with the help of Willow now that she’s a little bit older to have an opinion. Though we’re still working on a few rooms, our new home is certainly being filled with new memories! We’ve already hosted a few parties! Christmas Day, the twins gender reveal, and countless girls days with my sister, niece, and friends!
With the family expanding, thank you for giving me the time to discover a newfound love for trying new recipes. Since we will soon have more mouths to feed, it was especially fun to get a famous chef in the kitchen (major thanks to Cat Cora for enlightening me on how to make the best cookies!! Recipe here). I’ve also found some other new healthy favorites, and started to get Willow in the kitchen to help! Check out all of these here.
Speaking of food, time for a snack (pregnancy food cravings have been hitting me every two hours)!
So I’ll leave you with this 2017 – thanks to you, I am ready and looking forward to the new year! I can’t wait for EVERYTHING that’s to come!
I wish you and your families a 2018 filled with love, laughter and light. Thanks for following along.
https://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2017.10.01_BuckleyPregnancyAnnouncement_FINAL-7770-e1514690352475.jpg10392643Abby Ochsehttp://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo-300x41.pngAbby Ochse2017-12-31 21:35:012018-01-05 19:29:22A Letter to 2017
Every one has their favorite Christmas memories while growing up. I still remember mine as a little girl waking up early to peek down at the tree lined with presents and smelling breakfast waiting for me. I now try to instill some of those same traditions and memories with my family. One of my favorite things on Christmas day that has become a family favorite are my breakfast cinnamon rolls. It may be a simple recipe but with a few extra ingredients these rolls take on a holiday twist that will sure become a winner in the household.
Ingredients: (makes about 4 dozen rolls)
11 to 12 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
3 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
3 teaspoons salt
3-1/2 cups water
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
Filling:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup raisins
Frosting:
1/4 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
3 to 4 tablespoons water
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl combine 8 cups of flour, sugar, yeast and salt.
In a saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130° and add to the dry ingredients. Mix until it is all incorporated and moistened. Then add the eggs and mix until smooth. Stir in the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
On a hard surface knead the dough until smooth and elastic for about 5-10 minutes. Then cover and let the dough rest for 15 minutes. After turn the dough onto a hard surface again and divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a 24 in. x 15 in. rectangle. Brush it with butter and combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it over the dough. Roll it up jelly-roll style and pinch seams to seal.
Cut dough each into 24 rolls. Place the rolls cut side up in a 13×9 in baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.
Bake at 425° for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.In a small mixing bowl, combine frosting ingredients. Spread over warm rolls. Cool on a tray.
The aroma of the rolls will fill up the entire house and make you want to bake another batch!
Many of us are able to handle and prep for the holidays very well but one thing that will always be unavoidable are the large crowds during this busy season. Large crowds freak me out and I try to avoid them as much as possible but that’s not so easy when I have holiday shopping or other family outings to do with a little one in tow. When I do need to go out I try to bring Willow with me, which can become another challenge in itself. I’ve picked up some tips along the way on how to make managing crowds more merry!
Here’s some tips for staying safe in large crowds with kids:
1. Keep Sight Close: I try to make sure to not let Willow out of my sight and I (or AJ) will try to physically hold her hand as much as possible! Shoulder rides count too 😉
2. Bright Colors: My friends have suggested putting bright colored clothes on Willow so she’s easy to spot, definitely something to keep in mind though #1 and not losing sight in the first place is key!
3. Stroller: If you child is still small enough I suggest taking a stroller with you for a sense of containment. I still bring mine with me sometimes even though Willow is starting to grow out of it already.
4. Talk to Your Kids: Willow and I had the stranger talk not too long ago so she is aware not to talk to anyone she doesn’t know. It’s important to stress the importance of stranger danger and what to do if they were to get lost (tell an official in uniform, remember mom/dad’s phone number, meeting spot, etc.)
5. Time Your Trip Well: Before I go out I make sure to have a list of things I need so I manage my time well and don’t spend too much time out which may lead to a cranky child that makes the whole outing more difficult than necessary.
What other tips do you have for managing crowds with kids? I’d love to know them!
https://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/img_7820-1.jpg40323024Abby Ochsehttp://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo-300x41.pngAbby Ochse2017-12-23 21:41:472017-12-24 19:42:15How To Manage Large Crowds During The Holiday
I’m so happy chef Cat Cora gave me her recipe to share with all of you! We had so much fun making it on Facebook live! Make sure to keep your eye out for more cooking videos!
Lemonade Sugar Cookies
Makes 4 dozen cookies
1 6-ounce Can of Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
½ Pound Unsalted Butter (2 sticks) (Softened)
1 Cup Sugar (Plus extra red and green colored to sprinkle over the cookies)
2 Teaspoon Lemon Zest (Finely Grated)
2 Large Eggs
2½ Cup All-Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
Preheat the oven to 375 F.
Fill a large bowl with warm water and plop in the unopened can of lemonade to thaw while you mix the cookie dough.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with a hand mixer. Add the lemon zest, if desired. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until the mixture is light and creamy, 4-5 minutes, then set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
Measure out 1/2 cup of the thawed lemonade and set the rest aside. Add about 1/3 of the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Stir, then add about one third of the 1/2 cup lemonade. Continue adding the flour and lemonade alternately, stirring after each addition, until the mixture shows no streaks of flour. Beat on low speed with the mixer just until all the ingredients are combined.
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the dough 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake the cookies, checking them after 8 minutes. When the edges are just starting to brown, remove the cookies from the oven. (The centers will still look soft.) Using a pastry brush, immediately brush the top of each cookie very lightly with a little of the remaining lemonade concentrate, then lightly sprinkle with the colored sugar. Transfer the cookies to a rack and allow them to cool completely.
https://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/img_2249-1.jpg30244032Abby Ochsehttp://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo-300x41.pngAbby Ochse2017-12-20 23:28:312017-12-24 19:42:36#AskAbby: What cookie recipe did you make with Cat Cora?
I always think shopping for Aj is the hardest out of all of the family members! So I thought I would share some gift inspirations when shopping for that special man in your life!! There are some great sales and deals still going on. One of my favorite places to shop is Nordstroms, they usually have a great variety of options to choose from, FREE shipping and returns. See my gift guide below, and let me know if you find something you like!
https://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Screen-Shot-2017-12-18-at-7.44.03-PM.png12521208Abby Ochsehttp://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo-300x41.pngAbby Ochse2017-12-19 03:58:402017-12-19 04:12:11Holiday Gift Guide For Him
Can you believe it’s already December?! I can’t, especially with the weather still being so warm in LA! Even though it’s not as cool as other parts of the country I still try to adjust my wardrobe to fit the winter season as much as I can. I love the winter trends that come out every year and I try to incorporate them as much as possible.
Here are some of my favorite winter fashion trends to try yourself:
Statement Jacket
The easiest transitional piece going into winter is a jacket. When it’s cool enough at night I throw on a leather jacket over a tank top and instantly feel chic. Leather jackets will never go out of style to me so I love wearing them as much as I can!
Seasonal Patterns and Colors
Another trend for me I try to incorporate in the winter is the patterns and colors that I tend to see a lot of during the holidays, like deep reds and gingham. I love the combination together! If you feel intimidated by patterns try wearing them in small doses, whether it be a scarf or in an accessory.
Boots
If I’m not wearing sandals in California I’m definitely grabbing some boots! Winter makes it acceptable to wear boots of any length. I love thigh high boots for a night out or dressing up a cute daytime look.
Chunky Textures
I can’t leave the winter season without wearing some chunky sweaters or anything that has a cool texture to it. I love knitted sweaters or anything with wool. There are a couple of days in LA where I can get away with wearing something warmer so when I can I love mixing it up with these.
What winter trends are you loving right now or think I should try?
For those of you with a small child, you know how much attention they require! Though we love giving our kids all the attention in the world… sometimes we still need to get things done without them. These are my 5 survival tips for when productivity is needed around the little ones:
Teach your toddler to respect when you’re busy. I know, I know, easier said than done!! Repetition is key here… eventually, when they learn that their time will come when Mom or Dad is finished with what they are doing, they’ll begin to learn some patience. This happens over time and is no quick fix but it’s the basis for instilling patience in toddlers early on.
Snacks. Sometimes a little hunger is behind the grab for attention, always having healthy snacks on deck is helpful! Pre-portioned carrots, celery, berries, etc. is a great way to boost your child’s fruit and veggie intake while also giving them a distraction (and hopefully learn to enjoy healthy snacks as well!) Bonus points for snacks they can play with… hand over the celery sticks, a lump of a nut butter, and some raisins with instructions on how to make “ants on a log” and you’ve just bought enough time to pay the bills.
Vitamin D. We’re lucky enough in California that we pretty much have sunshine all year around which is perfect for the kiddos! Fresh air, space to run around in the yard, and some plants to explore is usually enough for Willow’s imagination to run wild for at least a little while. If you don’t have a backyard, try to bring your own task into the outdoors so you can watch the kids. Doing your own to-do’s in the outdoors might just make them more enjoyable as well!
Inclusion. Since Willow is about to be a big sister, we’re really starting to teach her what responsibility is. I’ve begun to task her with simple tasks… putting toys away, counting things for me, matching socks, bringing in the mail, etc.. She also loves to “help” with some of my tasks… whether it’s working on the blog or decorating rooms in the new house!
Bag of activities. I bring this bag with me everywhere and keep a bunch of little play things in there… coloring books, markers, play dough, figurines, blocks, books, etc.. I like to keep exactly what’s inside a mystery so she’s always guessing what I’m about to pull out!
https://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/2017.08.29_TheChicMamas_FINAL-4610.jpg39602640Abby Ochsehttp://stage.thechicmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/TCM_Home_Logo-300x41.pngAbby Ochse2017-12-14 01:55:422017-12-14 01:56:50#AskAbby: How do you get things done with a toddler?
I’m so happy chef Cat Cora gave me her recipe to share with all of you! We had so much fun making it on Facebook live! Make sure to keep your eye out for more cooking videos!
