Kaiti Bee Creates

Fool-Proof Toddler Nap Routine We have been using the same nap time routine since Little One turned one. Since she is now 21 months, we are getting close to one year of the exact same routine for every nap time. And it works! When is comes to any kind of sleep time, whether nap or bedtime, consistency is key. That is number one: consistency. And I will say it again, consistency. Before we settled on our current nap routine, I would fairly regularly try to change it up, trying different things to see what worked best. While I thought that it was a great idea to try and come up with innovative and creative ways of having a successful naptime with minimal tears (both mine and Little Ones), it really was the most detrimental thing I could have done. Once I started to be more consistent with our routine, things just started to fall into place. First, there was less screaming when I put her in her crib. Then, there was less crying while we were getting ready for nap. And ...

As some of you may know, my husband is a pastor, so when it comes to time in the pew on Sunday mornings with our toddler, I am on my own. Completely, and utterly on my own. Many weeks, the mere idea of church with my toddler is enough to make me try to come up with excuses for not going. But each week (unless we really are sick), we scramble into our church clothes, and run up the hill to the church. Our church happens to be at the top of a hill, and our house is conveniently located a quick three minute walk away. I am sure I cannot be the only one to dread the possible pew tantrums, or the nap-is-late-because-of-church meltdowns. So, here are my top five ways for managing my toddler in the pew. With these five tips, we rarely have to spend our time out in the narthex or in the nursery. 5. Let them play before church This one is actually very important...run off all of that extra energy before church! Before we put on our church clothes in the morning, I try to have my little...

Recently, I came across what I believe to be a total game changer in the realm of homemaking! This bathtub cleaning hack has completely changed the way in which I feel about cleaning my bathroom! We have a fairly large house, with three bathrooms...that ends up being a lot of cleaning. Unfortunately, what am I not a fan of? Cleaning. Especially bathrooms. Sometimes it feels like it is all I can do to keep my dishes cleaned, laundry halfway folded, and living room occasionally dusted. But the bathroom hack? It actually has me...dare I say it...looking forward to bathroom cleaning day! I previously wrote a post about how I clean my bathroom in the most effective way possible. Even more recently though, my bathroom cleaning routine has changed...for the better. I am using less harsh chemicals and a more streamlined approach to cleaning. The details will be coming in a later post. Alright, here is the moment you have all been waiting for....the HACK! Cleaning the bathtub (o...

HELLOOOO!!! Once again! I am back (finally). This time, we are tackling the topic of getting your toddler down for a nap. This is something quite close to home for me recently, as my very stubborn (but adorable) toddler has lately been fighting naps like nobody's business, and it is driving me BONKERS! So, I have been looking around the great world wide web for inspiration on ways to get her to chill out, stop screaming, and take her nap :) Here you go... #6: Play Hard! Yep, that's right, I am a firm believer that good play leads to good sleep. Now, I am not saying you have to completely wear them out before every nap (although I don't know that that would necessarily be a bad thing?) but making sure that they have plenty of time to burn off all that good energy that toddlers have so much of! Even better if you get to play with them. :) #5: Have a Dance Party This one might sound a little nuts, but we really enjoy having dance parties in our living room. Either j...

The Most Efficient Way to Clean a Bathroom Well hello once again! Welcome to my blog if this is your first time here, or welcome back if you have read my ramblings before! Today, I have for you, one of my most valuable time savers: How I clean my bathroom (in the fastest, most efficient way possible!) Because, unless you really enjoy cleaning (major respect to you if that is you), who in the world wants to spend lots of time cleaning...ESPECIALLY a bathroom. Have I mentioned how much I dislike cleaning? I do like clean toilets though...I just don't like the process. Okay, First Things First... The very first thing I do, is to gather any and all supplies I am going to need. I will include a list of the things I use to clean, but by all means, follow your heart and use what works for you, and what you prefer. 1. Swiffer 2. Swiffer dry cloths and wet mop cloths 3. Cleaning rags (I used to use sponges, but for the most part now, I like to use rags) 4. 409 5. Sc...

The BEST Italian Soda Recipe One of my favorite "fancy" drinks is an Italian soda! It is so flavorful, bubbly, and creamy! It is pure deliciousness (and yes, that is a word, right?). I often get Italian sodas when I go to a coffee shop, instead of getting coffee. Don't get me wrong, I like the blended coffee drinks, but coffee itself (especially strong coffee) is just not my thing. Growing up, my mom would sometimes make these drinks for us (and we thought we were SUPER fancy as kids when we would get these), but she would always make them with raspberry flavoring, and we always referred to them as "Pink Stuff". It wasn't until years later that I realized other people drank these too, and that they were actually Italian sodas (ha). What you will need: A tall glass Cream soda-- I like the A&W brand that comes in a two liter bottle Ice cubes Flavored syrup-- I prefer the Torani brand syrups, mostly in the fruity flavors. Although, we...

10 Unexpected Ways to Get Active I don't know about you, but I love the idea of getting active and staying active-- I love how great I feel when I am more physically active (both physically and mentally!). One of the things that I don't love quite so much about exercise is how monotonous it can get to be. Sure, a routine visit to the gym is enjoyable-- especially as that rush of endorphins hits afterwards-- but even the most exciting gym routine can get to be a bore. When that happens, instead of becoming a couch potato, try one of these ten exciting (and maybe even unexpected) ways to stay active. And of course, I am no expert in any of these things. Always be sure to check with your doctor beforehand! 1. Body Weight Exercises Okay, okay, you got me, how on earth is this exciting? Or unexpected? Maybe it isn't, BUT I am including it on my list for a few reasons. I used to think that choosing to do body weight exercises instead of lifting weights at the gym ...