I don’t know about you, but most days to me feel like survival.  Joyfully wonderful survival, but survival all the same.  Thankfully, there are some things that I swear by, that keep me going, and that keep my children happy.  I thought I would share a few of them with you today.

—Starbucks.  I know, not very original, but I tell you this can totally turn my day around.  I love everything about it especially the cup.  It’s also one of the few things that I am able to do for myself, and it feels like a huge treat.  It’s decaf for me right now, but that doesn’t matter.  It serves its purpose.

—Melissa and Doug stamp set.  This bring so much peace and quiet to my house right now.  It’s currently all the rage for M and W.  I hope the next thing they get in to is just as quiet.  It’s fantastic.  You can purchase it here.

—Books.  I will always have one or two in my purse, and I pack extras if I know we are going to be out somewhere for awhile.  No matter which one I pull out, it is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.  Bonus points for when M memorizes the books and can read them to W.

—Magnatiles.  We discovered these around the holidays, and we haven’t stopped playing with them since.  They are challenging enough for big kids and easy enough for little ones to use.  The perfect toy for our playroom.  Get them here.

—The Raffi station on Pandora.  It’s the best compromise I have found between music kids like and music parents can tolerate.  We’ve been spending a lot of time in the car lately, and if this is on, then we are all usually pretty happy.

—Cheerios, Lara Bars, and HEB Organics Animal Cookies.  These are my go-to snacks, and they never disappoint. They turn frowns upside down.  Every time!

—7th Generation Disinfecting Wipes.  They satisfy my inner germaphobe, and they keep all of us healthy and happy.  I usually carry a Ziploc bag full of them.

—Shutterfly App.  From my phone to the app to the book I make my children every year on their birthday.  Shutterfly makes it easy.  Plus, they have great promotions and coupons.

—Pizza night.  I live for nights of the week where I don’t have to worry about what to serve for dinner.  Everyone in my family has different allergies, so menu planning is not the most fun.  Thankfully, Amy’s Vegan Margherita Pizza makes it easy.  It’s yummy enough too that M and W don’t even know what they are missing.

There you have it!  Nothing earth shattering but enough to keep me happily in the day to day.  And we all know, Mama’s happiness is the key to everything right?  What tricks of the trade are on your can’t live without list?  Sound off in the comments section, so I can add them to mine!

Find the joy~

Jessica