The Essential Life

Creating a Life that is Realistic and Amazing


  • Who doesn’t like all things pumpkin? Me, I like it year round. But only the real thing, and can’t stand the artificial stuff. Did you know in food labeling you can say something is 100% natural if it is 100% chemical??? Crazy right? I’ll tell you about that little trick later. Back to pumpkins, fall… [Continue Reading]

    Pumpkin Pie Spice and everything nice…that’s what fall is made of

  • Taking everything out of ones space to organize can be daunting. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll end up feeling confused and find yourself in a state of overwhelm. Not the place you want to be in when you need a clear mind to tackle a big project. Don’t limit your results by not… [Continue Reading]

    Plan the Space. Know what you are dealing with.

  • Hair Bow Wreath  This is a cute way to store and EASILY FIND your hair accessories You’ll need: 1 wire wreath holder. I used a 12 inch one with multiple wires because it allows me to expand my collection without needing to squeeze them all on. Just clip your bows along the wire. Headbands can… [Continue Reading]

    Girls Hair Bows: ORGANIZED!

Girls Hair Bows: ORGANIZED!

Hair Bow Wreath This is a cute way to store and EASILY FIND your hair accessories You’ll need: 1 wire wreath holder. I used a 12 inch one with multiple wires because it allows me to expand my collection without needing to squeeze them all on. Just clip your bows along the wire. Headbands can be woven in or attached with curler clip or bow clips. Extra Credit: If you are worried about how it will look when bows are in use, spray paint it a color like gold or whatever matches the room it is ... [Read More]

Strategy for Keeping your Cool. Works for moms works for people.

Keep Cool and Carry On. Works for Moms. Works for People. There are times and situations that push our buttons and cause a us to loose our cool.  Certain times you may feel provoked and even justified, and other times you know it was on you, but either way you end up wishing you could’ve handled it differently; then this is for you.   When you have a few free minutes, brainstorm all the things that happen in your week that cause you to loose your cool.  Take each situations on ... [Read More]

Making Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up Work for Moms

My "Kinda Mari" MethodI’m drawn to minimalism for the promise of peace.  However, when I try to execute minimalism it didn’t all quite work.  I can tell you that I didn’t feel all that peaceful and it wasn’t sparking joy.  Sometimes I’d think that the only thing that may spark around here was a match … because I wanted a totally fresh start.    As I clutch this nursing bra in my hand, I’m fairly certain I’m not feeling a spark of joy but hey, who knows, it's been a while.  Just kidding!  But ... [Read More]

Chocolate Breakfast Cookies

Who doesn't love a good cookie?  These healthy cookies satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling energetic and clear headed.  Unlike many breakfast foods they are not loaded with sugar.  Instead they are loaded with nutrition and sweetened with banana.  These are easy and last for several days if they last that long in your house.  They feel like such a treat even though they are healthy!  No need to share that fact with your children.  My girls devour them, ... [Read More]

Filed Under: Recipes

Mental Heath Day with Small Children 

Some days you just need a break, but if feels impossible with small children.  As moms we push through most days and it pays off.  After all we are usually OK.  But when you start to reach burn-out it’s better to take a scheduled break.  When you reach that point you’re likely not to be achieving a whole lot anyways.  Being over tired lowers productivity. Knowing that working harder during burnout isn’t likely to yield a fruitful day anyway, you might as well make the call to be less productive ... [Read More]

Filed Under: Mom Life

Sunscreen

Wow I made my own sunscreen and it completely worked! Not to mention it was fun to feel like a little scientist and make something.  The process was quick and easy.  Start by melting the shea butter in a sauce pan on low heat over the stove. As it begins to melt add the coconut oil. Remove from heat and mix in the zinc oxide with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the jojoba oil and mix again. Quickly place it in the refrigerator to cool. You'll want the ingredients cooling at the same rate so ... [Read More]