Southern Made Simple

Keeping things simple with a smidge of Southern charm

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Turning Messes into Memories with Dreft

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“This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Dreft. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.“

Parenthood. It’s really something else, isn’t it? It’s hands down the hardest, but most rewarding job I’ve ever had in my life. I’ve been “Mama” for almost 18 months now, and every single day is a completely new journey filled with joy, struggles, learning, chaos and a whole lot of messes. Just the other day, my little one decided to dump an entire (large) box of animal crackers on the floor, and then proceeded to stomp over them while eating them off of the floor. Mind you, all of this happened in the 3 seconds I took my eye off of her while peeling myself an apple.

I got frustrated. I got discouraged. I got upset with her. I had a moment of weakness, and it doesn’t sit well with me that I got to that point. I’m not going to bash myself for feeling that way, because I’m a human and my feelings are real and valid, but I had to take a step back and realize that I needed to try to embrace the messes, because she’s only this small for today and today only. Tomorrow she’ll be a little older, and she’ll grow a little bit bigger. I need to relax and enjoy the gift of parenthood and not sweat the small stuff, like if I’ll be able to get ketchup out of her dress, or if I have to vacuum animal crackers out of the carpet 3 times a day.

How I turn messes into memories with Dreft…

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10 Minute Skillet Nachos

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Mars, Incorporated. All opinions are mine alone. #BensBeginners  #UncleBensPromo  #CollectiveBias

I’m not sure what stars had to align in my life to make me love cooking as much as I now do, but I started taking a major interest in getting creative in the kitchen right after my toddler was born almost a year and a half ago. I’m always flipping to the cooking channels when I get a chance to see what my favorite chefs are up to, and I find myself dragging out all of my old cookbooks from over the years a lot more frequently now.

I’d say it’s just because I love to eat, but truthfully I think it has something to do with the experience. The same satisfaction you may get after you’ve assembled a challenging puzzle or craft project happens for me after I put together a nice and delicious meal for my family. But now that school has started back and my schedule has gotten busier, I find it harder to put together meals on the fly that leave myself and my family feeling satisfied. I long for those recipes I can throw together quickly that will still leave me feeling like a champ in the kitchen.

10 Minute Skillet Nachos…

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We’re “Underwear Training” with Pampers Easy Ups

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“This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Pampers Easy Ups. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.“

And just like that – my baby isn’t so much of a baby anymore. What once was my little 6 pound teeny tiny infant is now my vivacious busy-bee of a toddler who is into everything, is as smart as a whip and is eager and ready to start her “underwear training” adventure! Sigh. How did we get here so fast? I mean, I feel like we brought her home from the hospital last month!

Pampers Easy Ups Review

While it can be exciting for a little one to finally learn how to use the potty, it’s even more exciting to say goodbye to diapers and “hello” to big kid undies! My daughter understands that the diapers she wears are not the same thing as what Mommy wears. She is very curious about wearing big girl panties and wants to wear them just like Mommy does, and this is a milestone that we feel deserves celebrating just like her wanting to potty train! For these reasons, we feel that “underwear training” is a totally appropriate name for this little journey we’re embarking on!

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And luckily for us, Pampers had this same notion in mind when they created their Pampers® Easy Ups™ training underwear. When I tell you that these little gems are just like real underwear, I’m telling you…they’re JUST like real underwear! They look, fit and feel like the real deal, but they’re super absorbent (with exclusive Extra Absorb Channels™) and help protect against leaks from any “accidents” that may occur. Pampers Easy Ups also have a super stretchy waste band that makes pulling them up and down a breeze. This has been fabulous for my daughter as she is learning to adjust from diapers to panties.

To start us out on our underwear training adventure, we first introduced her to her own special potty. We then taught her the “sign” for potty so that she could let us know if she needed to go. We made sure that she understood that when she shows us the sign for potty, we take her directly to her little toilet.

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We also created a special bin that we keep next to her potty that houses her Pampers Easy Ups in addition to the big girl panties that she’s training to wear. Having her see them has proven to be a good incentive in helping her learn to go.

While she isn’t quite ready for the real underwear just yet, the Pampers Easy Ups are her new bff. She’s been practicing pulling them up and down, and she loves the fun characters featured on them! You can find the Easy Ups in Dora the Explorer™ and Thomas the Engine™ designs, and word on the street is that soon Hello Kitty™ will be making her appearance on the Easy Ups, too!

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If you’re looking to start your “underwear training” journey soon, here’s a few tips from Pampers that may come in handy for you! It’s important to remember, however, to never force a child to learn to go potty. Every kid is different, and they all learn at their own speed. Patience is key!

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For more information on Pampers Easy Ups , head on over to Pampers.com where you’ll find tips and information on how to start your underwear training journey on the right foot, plus more ideas on how to help your baby get the most out of love, sleep and play.

Coupon Alert!:

Right now, you can score a printable coupon for $2 off 1 pack of Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants! While you’re at it, sign up for the Pampers Rewards Program where you can be rewarded for all of your Pampers purchases!

Win it!

One VERY lucky Southern Made Simple reader is going to win it big with a $50 AMEX gift card, a package of Pampers Easy Ups AND a copy of Ilana Wile’s book,” The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting” -SO jealous! 😉 Just enter using the giveaway form below. All entries will be verified for authenticity. Must be 18+ to enter. No PO box addresses, please.

OPEN TO RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES 18 AND OLDER. NO PO BOXES PLEASE. LIMIT ONE ENTRANT PER HOUSEHOLD. GIVEAWAY WILL END AT 11:59PM CST ON 10/4/2016. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN USING GIVEAWAY TOOLS. ENTRIES WILL BE VERIFIED. WINNER WILL BE CONTACTED VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND BEFORE THE PRIZE IS FORFEITED AND A NEW WINNER IS SELECTED. SOUTHERN MADE SIMPLE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PRIZE FULFILLMENT. YOU MAY ONLY WIN ONE PRIZE PACK AMONGST ALL OTHER BLOGGERS THAT ARE SHARING THIS PROMO. DUPLICATE WINNERS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

J is for Jeep Brand All-Terrain Jogging Stroller

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Hello, friends!

I recently had the opportunity to write a guest post on Stuff Parents Need sharing a few fun ideas on enjoying the Summer with your toddler. You’ll also find a full review of the J is for Jeep Brand All-Terrain Jogging Stroller, and ONE lucky person is going to WIN a stroller of their very own!

Jeep Brand Terrain Jogging Stroller (GIVEAWAY!)

You’re definitely not going to want to miss this one, y’all! While you’re visiting Stuff Parents Need, be sure to subscribe or follow her on any of her social media channels. She’s always sharing the best contend around! You can enter through the link listed below. Happy strolling!Jeep Brand All-Terrain Jogging StrollerGiveaway ends August 8th, 2016, so get those entries in today!

For other great giveaways happening right now, be sure to visit my current giveaways section found here.

How to Simplify your 4th of July Menu (And Spice it Up) In 3 Easy Steps!

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Is it hot enough where you live this summer? If not, you can CERTAINLY have some of this South Alabama heat! I’ve never been one to love the heat and humidity, but one place that I love to have a little heat is in my food – especially BBQ and all the fixin’s! The 4th of July is coming up in just a few short days, and best believe I’ll be kicking up the heat on my plate this year! I’m anxiously awaiting it’s arrival so I can chow down on some delicious dishes, but one thing I’m not so hot on is all of the time and prep that can go into those dishes.

But fret not my BBQ loving friends! I’m comin’ atcha this evening with 3 quick and easy tips to prepare the best stress-free BBQ dinner this season (and I’ll show you how to spice it up, too!)

How to Simplify Your 4th of July Menu (And Spice it Up, Too!) #SuddenlySaladSummer #Ad …

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8 Things I Learned During My 1st Year of Cloth Diapering

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Affiliate links are included throughout this post at absolutely no cost to you. I only promote what I truly love! I hope these 8 Things I Learned Cloth Diapering help you out as you seek out a better diapering solution for your little one!

Almost 1 year ago to this very day, I put my very first cloth diaper on my tiny little 1 month old baby girl. I had anxiously been awaiting that moment since before she was even born! I was excited, hopeful, nervous and everything in between. I had put in countless hours of research and preparation to get us to that point, and I was hoping and praying that we would find success in our new endeavor. It was something that I really wanted to work for our family, but I knew that there would be a lot of things that I wouldn’t be able to know or learn until we took that leap and tried it ourselves.

And here we are one full year in, and we’re SO happy with our decision to cloth diaper our child. Just as expected, I’ve learned quite a few things along the way. I thought I’d share those things with all of you who may be looking into choosing cloth for your little one. These are the top 8 things I’ve learned that came to my mind when looking back on the past year. Be sure to read all the way to the bottom, because some lucky duck is going to snag a cloth diaper to add to their own collection!

8 Things I Learned During Our First Year of Cloth Diapering - Southern Made Simple…

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Love Coffee? Have a Cup on Me!

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Hello my fabulous friends! Can you believe it’s already May 1st? It really seems like this year is zooming by so fast! Turning the page in my calendar to a brand new month always makes me excited. May is my favorite month of the year, and I really believe this one is going to be ah-mazing!

Oh, what’s that? You’re not sure what all the excitement is all about? Allow me to fix that for you..

Love Coffee? Have a Cup on Me!

This song is always played multiple times in my house on May 1st (and basically every other day because it’s my jam and N’Sync will always live on in my heart.) 😉 But I especially love to listen to it on this day because it gets me so excited to jump into May and all it’s glory. Hello, birthday parties and warmer weather!

This month I’ll be celebrating my second ever Mother’s Day, our wedding anniversary, and my daughter’s FIRST birthday! (Stay tuned for a post or two about that. We’re going all out!) 😉

In addition to all of that awesomeness, Southern Made Simple is officially 6 months old! I’ve been having such a blast sharing my thoughts, favorite finds, and life in general with all of you. You’re all a big reason to keep the celebration going this month! So to show my appreciation for all of you, I thought I’d share a little bit of Starbucks sweetness with one lucky follower!

$15 Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway - Follower Appreciation on Southern Made Simple

[the_ad_group id=”278″]This giveaway will run throughout the entire month of May, so be sure to share Southern Made Simple and this giveaway with your friends so they can get in on the action! Just enter using the giveaway form below. All entries will be verifies. Open to US residents only, 18 years and older.

Love Coffee? Have a Cup on Me!

Open to residents of the United States 18 and older. Limit one entrant per household. Giveaway will end at 11:59pm CST on 5/31/2016. Winner will be drawn using Giveaway Tools. Entries will be verified. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected. Southern Made Simple is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

[the_ad_group id=”278″]

Celebrating the Sweetest Spring Fashions for Kids from The Lucky Lily

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I received these products at no cost to facilitate my review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.

Spring has definitely sprung in my neck of the woods! The weather here in south Alabama has been gorgeous the past 2 or so weeks, and I’ve finally broken out all of my warmer-weather attire. Hello, flip-flops!

I’ve been itching SO badly to start dressing my baby in floral prints and rompers. My sweet little love hates wearing pants (she gets that honestly), so I have been downright giddy packing those away and pulling out her spring and summer wardrobe.

I only have room in her closet for the cutest of the cute (naturally), so I made sure I saved a very special spot in her wardrobe for two brand new releases from the fabulous children’s boutique – The Lucky Lily!

The Lucky Lily has some of the CUTEST little outfits for both girls and boys! + Enter to WIN a $20 shopping spree on Southern Made Simple! US Ends 4/4

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Sharing #PreggoLessons with MAM!

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I received these products at no cost to facilitate my review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.

I don’t know what it is about a pregnant woman, but it seems like once people see her beautiful baby bump, they flock to her with a sack full of unsolicited advice like they’re moths to a flame. Seriously, people will come out of the woodwork trying to share their two-cents on something baby-related. It’s nuts! My two-cents it that it’s so important to try and  remember that every pregnancy and every baby are different, so comparing them isn’t particularly fair or helpful. 🙂

Even though it may or may not be wanted, sometimes the advice is actually pretty helpful. From my experience, though, a lot of the random acts of parenting advice are either off-putting, irrelevant, comical (in a bad way) or sometimes just plain weird.

Honestly, I’ve forgotten a lot of the terrible advice that I received during my pregnancy. This mom-brain doesn’t have room for that kind of unnecessary baggage, ya know! But I do recall always wanting to majorly roll my eyes when people would tell me to “sleep while the baby sleeps”. Instead of working up the energy to tell those people how impractical and unrealistic that is, I would just nod my head and smile. But seriously, y’all. Let’s just stop offering that “advice” to new parents. It’s pretty tired (no pun intended), and unless you’re offering to come clean my house and do all of the other chores while baby and I both nap, I’m not listening.

On a more positive note, one piece of advice that was actually really helpful to me was to consider adding multiple brands of pacifiers to my baby registry instead of sticking to just one brand. I was a MAM baby myself, and I assumed that my child would probably be no different, but I had no idea what she’d prefer, and it’s best to not assume! But sure enough, she rejected every brand of pacifier except MAM’s. She’s one smart little cookie! I’m glad I listened to that advice and gave her the option of other pacifiers, though. The child can’t help that she has impeccable taste! 😉

MAM - It's more than just pacifiers! Review + Giveaway Ends 4/1/16…

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Pediped Review

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I received these products at no cost to facilitate my review. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.

At 10 months old, my daughter is starting to stand and balance herself for short stretches of time. I know it won’t be long before she’s ready to take that very first step! I’m emotionally not ready for her to be walking yet, but I knew I needed to make sure she has proper shoes ready for when that day comes. I decided to do a little research on proper shoes for early walkers that aided in healthy foot development. When babies start walking, it’s so important that their feet are lined up properly to ultimately help promote proper stride.

That’s where Pediped shoes come in to play. In my opinion, Pediped is at the front of the pack when it comes to creating quality, foot healthy and on-trend shoes for children. In fact, Pediped has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for promoting healthy foot development, not to mention numerous other awards such as a Cribsie award for “cutest little kicks,” and features in several magazines such as Parents and Babytalk.

Pediped Shoes Review - 2016 Spring/Summer Collection

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