Twin Tested Archives - Page 3 of 15

Pregnancy tips and tricks

Now that I am nearing the end of my second trimester of this pregnancy with this baby boy I have learned some tips and tricks that are keeping me sane that I want to share. I realize that everyone’s pregnancies are different, this is just the pregnancy advice that is working for me! This pregnancy has been much more relaxed than my last one, and I am grateful for the hindsight I have come to realize on a few things. If you know a pregnant or expecting mama I am sure they would appreciate a few of the items on this list! (hint hint, don’t miss the homemade chocolate ice cream recipe!)

How to exercise when you are pregnant

First up, listen to your body when it comes to exercising. This time around I am much more aware of exercises that could be harmful versus helpful. I also want to do things that make me feel good. Some of the best workouts are on my treadmill. I have found that you can do simple exercises with 5 lb. weights (or water bottles or soup cans, etc…) on an incline treadmill at slow speeds that do not include any running but still offer a great workout when pregnant! I created a little video to show you some of my favorite basics:

Lunges at an incline with a slower belt speed
Squat step-outs at an incline with a slower belt speed
Bicep curls to an overhead press at an incline with a slower belt speed.

Find a new favorite show to help motivate you to move

I recommend finding a TV show that you want to binge and making it a rule for yourself that you can only watch it while you are on the treadmill! This has helped my motivation immensely. A few shows I am loving right now are: All American (pretty much a mix of The OC and Friday Night Lights), Songland (songwriter Ryan Tedder is a genius!), and This is Us (a classic).

My favorite pregnancy fashion

My baby bump is getting bigger by the day and comfort is of utmost importance to me right now. At the beginning of this pregnancy, I made a commitment to myself to find as many flowy maxi dresses as possible! When I was pregnant with Lila I came across a shop called Pink Blush Maternity. The dresses and blouses that I ordered from there not only fit great but were also really high quality and looked the same after being washed countless times.

I was thrilled to find this maxi dress and this flowy top. They are currently on repeat in my wardrobe. If you are expecting a little one I highly recommend checking them out and treating yourself to something cute! And let’s be honest, the maxi will be perfect for covering my swollen ankles in a month or two!!

The best lotions and potions for your bump

As this baby boy continues to grow by the day – I have tried to stay on top of hydration. Both with drinking enough water and what I am putting on my skin. During my first pregnancy, I tried every belly oil, cream, and lotion that promised to keep stretch marks at bay. And while I was lucky to come away without any the first time I was not overly impressed with any specific product.

This time I have come to find a product that I LOVE and use every day and that actually hydrates and keeps your belly from ever feeling itchy. It is called Vanicream and I was introduced to it by my sister-in-law who used it to treat her kids’ dry skin and eczema. It is free of all dyes, fragrances, and parabens and ideal for sensitive skin. I slather it on me and Lila every single day! It is so great for little ones who have sensitive skin, I plan on using it on baby boy once he is here. This Vanicream Light Lotion with Pump is more convenient to use versus the tub of Vanicream. Try it and I bet you will be sold!

pregnancy tips and tricks at 25 weeks along with baby boy

My number one pregnancy craving is…

And now for the cravings, my number one pregnancy craving lately is ice cream. During this time of isolation, I have found immense satisfaction from this specific recipe for freshly churned homemade ice cream! My mom has an old-fashioned ice cream maker from 1975 that makes the hands-down best ice cream on the planet! It is so creamy and delicious and makes over a gallon so I can choose to share with neighbors or keep some extra in my freezer for desperate times!

my number one pregnancy craving and how i am dealing with it

This family chocolate marshmallow ice cream recipe has a no-fail guarantee and always turns out SUPER creamy. If you choose to make it, you will not be disappointed. The toppings and flavors can be changed up and you can add whatever you like. For example, we have made raspberry oreo and fresh peach all from this same recipe. To top it off, splurge on some waffle cones and your family will be thrilled! Or you can kick things up a notch and make Britt’s divine Half the Fat Monster Cookies to go along with your ice cream for the perfect pairing!

Grateful to be more than halfway and healthy

In all honesty, I am so grateful that I can be healthy and lucky enough to be carrying another child. Pregnancy is a long road but so far I have felt pretty good. To all you other expecting mamas out there – you can do it! And to anyone that is hoping for or going through difficult times starting or adding to their family, I am thinking of you.

Tell me what keeps you happy during pregnancy

Here is to 14 more weeks until we meet this little one! I will share baby items that I have gathered for this little one over the next little while. In the meantime, I would love to hear what your tried and true baby must-haves are and add them to my list. I hope that you are all staying safe and healthy during this time of uncertainty.

Florida recap and some swimming essentials for you and your little ones

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Brooke and Lila looking at the sunset in Fort Lauderdale

Where to stay in Florida

If you are thinking about a trip to Florida put Sunny Isles Beach at the top of your list. The beach is super clean and accessible. We stayed in the North Miami area and flew into the Fort Lauderdale airport. Our Airbnb was fantastic. I would highly recommend anyone stay there, it was directly across from the beach and even nicer than the pictures made it look. Today I am sharing some beach essentials for you and your toddler that we love!

lila digging in the sand at Sunny Isle Beach, Florida

Sunny Isles Beach:

This is a great place to stay with family! The beach is BEAUTIFUL with white sand and warm water, plus plenty of tiny seashells for a toddler to gather.

strawberry cartons at the Yellow Green Farmer's Market

Florida's Yellow Green Farmer's market in Fort Lauderdale

Close up shot of the colorful jackfruit at the Florida farmer's market

The Yellow Green Farmer’s Market:

This farmer’s market is a huge production and takes hours to walk through. It is a fun experience to sample fresh produce and try out some different ethnic foods. We found a little taco shop that had the most incredible tacos, quesadillas, and virgin Pina Coladas! Definitely stop by if you are in the area, but make sure to check the hours before going.

Oleta River State Park:

We rented some bikes here before our flight back to Utah. This state park is beautiful and would be so fun for an entire day. They have gorgeous beach spots with BBQs and playgrounds. We definitely will spend more time here if we visit again.

World Famous House of Mac:

An entire restaurant dedicated to macaroni and cheese is a pregnant girl’s dream come true! This place is DIVINE! They have dozens of homemade mac and cheese flavors. I ordered the lobster mac and cheese and loved every single bite. Parker ordered the bbq mac and cheese and talked about it for days. Fun fact: the restaurant was started by Pitbull’s old manager.

Brooke kissing her daughter on the cheek at the beach in Florida

New products for the pool that we liked

I decided to test out a few new water products for Lila on this trip to see if they could become regulars in our rotation this summer. I want to share the results of what we purchased and how it worked!

Lila wearing her new goggles with a neoprene elastic band

GOGGLES: First up, I bought Lila some children’s swim goggles with an adjustable neoprene band that does not pull hair. She has long, thick hair so I wanted to test out this band to see if it really worked. Good news is she loves the goggles and the band is really nice and comfortable. Plus, I feel like they are more durable and will last a lot longer than the average elastic band version. Quick and easy find on Amazon for $16! Click here to get the same ones.

REUSABLE SWIM DIAPER: I am grateful for whoever created this adorable version of a swim diaper. It is cute and works so well in the water. My favorite part is that I can throw it in the laundry! Find it here for $10!

WOMEN’S POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: A few years ago I switched to strictly buying polarized sunglasses and I will never go back! I have sensitive eyes and get headaches easily if I am out in the sun without proper protection. That being said, I have spent a lot of money on polarized sunglasses that I love. I came across this pair on Amazon and decided I had nothing to lose for $15. The good news is they are super cute in person and just as effective at blocking harmful sun rays than my more expensive counterparts! Find them here.

TRAVEL SIZE BUG SPRAY: Because I am pregnant right now my doctor recommended that I take a bug spray with me and use it daily. This little bug spray is so easy to throw in your bag. It is perfect for hikes, a day at the park, or time spent at the beach.

TINTED LIP BALM: Lano Lips is my favorite lip balm/gloss of all time! It is called Lano Lips because it is made with, you guessed it, lanolin! If it can keep other things on your body from cracking it does a great job with chapped lips too. I usually put some on in the morning and my lips feel great through the afternoon. The gloss comes in clear and a few subtle tinted shades that look natural.

It was a wonderful trip and we cannot wait to go back to Florida soon!

An American’s Guide to New Zealand

I’m creating this post because it was something I had trouble finding when I was planning my trip to New Zealand. So, without further ado, here are the things I wish I would have known before visiting New Zealand as an American.

Planning for the long flight

My flight was 13 hours from San Francisco to Auckland. That’s a long time to sit on a plane! A couple things I was very glad to have:

Noise-canceling headphones (duh)
Compression socks: I had zero swelling in my legs and feet when I arrived, which is rare for me
Snacks: I personally do not like plane food, so I was happy to have some snacks for the long flight
You are not allowed to bring any type of food into New Zealand, so keep that in mind. You will have to throw it away once you arrive.

What about money?

I did not exchange money once while in New Zealand. This was so convenient because everywhere we went, they took cards. The one exception to this was a cash-only taxi we took to the airport – it was 20 dollars cheaper to pay cash, so we found an ATM in a safe area and exchanged money for that.

Should I rent a car?

They do drive on the opposite side of the road in New Zealand, so you have to be willing to try that.

As far as renting a car, it really depends on where you plan on going. We explored Auckland for a few days and definitely did not need our own car. Everything is walkable and there is no need to drive there. The traffic is horrible, so it would not be quicker to do this and they don’t have a ton of parking. They also have a lot of Ubers, so if you need a ride, you can easily do that.

In Queenstown, we signed up for tours that were walkable from our centrally located hotel, or that had shuttles. We did not rent our own car. We had amazing experiences and felt like we could easily walk around Queenstown. But, I have many friends who have rented camper vans because their main objective was to hike and camp around all of the South Island. So, there are great options available if that is your hope.

Driving in New Zealand

Some notes about driving on the South Island, especially in and around Queenstown. It is a mountain town, much more than I realized. That means there are lots of winding roads that can get very steep. I would have been scared to drive myself and was glad I was not behind the wheel. People also take their time in New Zealand, so take the time on Google Maps and add at least 10 minutes for every hour-long drive.

Dealing with the time change

The time change is pretty drastic for Americans. Something that really helped me adjust was not napping once we arrived in New Zealand. Instead, we went and dropped baggage at the hotel, changed into clean clothes, ate breakfast and went out for the day. This really helped my body to adjust to the new time zone.

Is the food good?

Yes! Despite hearing otherwise, I really enjoyed the food in New Zealand. We were lucky to have a lot of our meals planned out for us and luckily they picked great restaurants! Here are a few favorites:

The yogurt! It is different and amazing. Do not miss it. My favorite flavor I found was coconut. They are extremely passionate about their dairy products in New Zealand, and this one really is better than any other yogurt I’ve tried.
Auckland restaurants: The Brit Pub & Eatery. Yes, I picked it because it’s my name, but the food was great! It also had a very fun atmosphere and is in a nice, fun part of town to walk around. We loved walking around the harbor, there are lots and lots of cute restaurants right on the water that looked fun.
Just like their website says, Tui Hills is nestled in the bush-covered Waitakeres, and offers a native garden setting like no other, from the Tuis in the trees to the food, wine, and hospitality – all just 30 minutes from central Auckland.

Queenstown Food & Restaurants

Queenstown has a lot of dining options for how tiny of a town it really is. We loved a lot of places. Here are a few favorites:

Devil Burger INSTEAD of Fergburger. These places have a very similar menu and when we asked locals their favorite place to get a burger, they all said Devil Burger. It was delicious! Fries were our favorite.
Stoneridge Estate is a beautiful winery right outside Queenstown. It is gorgeous!! The dinner we had at the estate was Lord of the Rings themed. It was not cheesy and was such a lovely venue to wander around (and I don’t even drink wine!).
Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza Bar Our favorite place to get pizza in Queenstown. It has a cute vibe and we loved sitting on the balcony.
Public Restaurant & Bar this place is right on the water in Queenstown and had great eats! We noticed one of the dishes we saw repeatedly on menus was spicy cauliflower. It’s fried and served with spicy sauce. They also had a delicious camembert cheese board.
Patagonia Chocolates this was our go-to for ice cream in New Zealand. Delicious flavors and worth the extra price. Our favorite thing to do was to eat our ice cream on the beach at sunset.

Queenstown Activities

Queenstown is the cutest little town and has so much to offer. We only spent four days there and could have stayed longer. It’s a magical corner of the world and I would love to go back. Here are a few activities that we loved:

Hike Queenstown Hill

We were told this was the easiest hike in Queenstown. We thought we were fit and ready to go, but just a heads up, we were pouring sweat by the time we got to the top!
It was completely worth it. The views are better than you can imagine and it was such a nice place to hang out on top and just enjoy the peace.
Time: It took us about 3 hours roundtrip. We stayed at the top for a while and enjoyed the view, you could definitely do it faster.
Animals: there are no wild animals! It is so crazy. The only wild animals you will see are either birds or possums. It is so quiet and peaceful.
Bring bug spray. I got quite a few bug bites and wished I would have done this.

Queenstown Gondola & Luge

This is a must-do while you’re in Queenstown.

We walked up to the gondola three different times because we kept missing the opening times for the luge.
You don’t need to book in advance, the line was always short.
The gondola ride is short – about 5 minutes long.
Luging is so much fun! You actually are allowed to go very fast, so be prepared for that.
We bought a pass for 2 rides, but if we would have had more time I would have done more. It’s really, really fun.

Walk around the Lake Wakatipu

This lake is stunning!
I loved walking around the lake at sunset because it is stunning
It’s also a great place to go running. Clean air and amazing views – it doesn’t get any better than that.

Steamboat + Walter Peak Farms

This might have been my favorite thing we did in Queenstown! Walter Peak Farm is so utterly charming. The grounds are gorgeous with blooming flowers everywhere.

Catch the ferry at either lunch or dinner.
The ferry ride takes quite a while 45 minutes – 1 hour
The food at Walter Peak Farm is great, especially if you are a meat lover.
They do a sheep shearing presentation after dinner and it’s fascinating!
I learned that sheep naturally have lanolin in their wool and on their skin. So, sheep shearers have very soft skin ha!
They also do a sheep herding demonstration that is fascinating. Sheep are a huge thing in New Zealand, so it was very interesting to learn about that part of the culture.

Adventures in New Zealand

Milford Sound

This was a huge disappointment, but we were not able to visit Milford Sound. Due to crazy flooding (they got 3 feet of rain in 24 hours), there were lots of landslides and roads were closed. They were also not allowing people to take helicopter rides in, so we did not have any options.

Doubtful Sound

Instead of Milford Sound, we were able to visit Doubtful Sound. Since I have never visited Milford Sound I really can’t compare, but I can tell you it was an excellent experience I will never forget. We went on a boat ride through Doubtful Sound and it really felt like we were the only ones out there. A couple notes about it:

It is a day trip. Plan a full day.
The ride to Doubtful Sound is long.
The boat ride is unbelievable. Waterfalls everywhere and just the most beautiful green mountains and hills surrounding you.
The color of the water in New Zealand is something special. It is different than anything I’ve ever seen before and just breathtakingly beautiful.

Dart River Safari

I’m starting to feel like a broken record, but the Dart River Safari was such a beautiful glimpse into the natural landscape of New Zealand. A couple things to know:

You ride on a jet boat or you can do kayak/canoe tours as well.
Since we went on the jet boat, you are given a giant raincoat and life jacket.
Wear sunglasses! You go fast on the jet boat and your eyes will be so much happier if you wear eye protection.
Bring a camera! You will slow down and even able to get out of the boat at a few points, so make sure you have something to take photos with.
If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, this is the activity for you! We were shown lots of different areas where they filmed the Lord of the Rings movies.

Honorable Mention: Shotover Jet Tour

If Will and Kate do it, I probably will too! This jet boat tour is way faster and high- paced than the Dart River safari. You are only on the boat for 30 minutes, so it’s also a lot quicker. I also have to mention how cute their gift shop is, I’m still regretting not buying a bunch of things!

Weather in New Zealand

The weather is just as wild as everyone told me it would be! I visited in February, which is the warmest time of year in New Zealand. Things I would definitely pack:

A light, puffy coat. You won’t regret it! I wore my coat several times.
A light jacket that’s not as warm as your puffy coat.
Long-sleeved shirts. This was a great option that I ended up wearing multiple times.
Athletic shoes. I wore mine almost every day because New Zealand is an active place and we were doing active things.
Walking shoes. Just nice to have something other than your athletic shoes to wear to wander around in.
Flip flops. I bought some while I was there and wore them several times.
These joggers from Amazon. They are the comfiest, best travel pants I’ve ever had. Perfect for long flights and for adventuring! I could wear them to hike or out to dinner and everything in between.

I absolutely loved New Zealand! It is an absolutely magical place that has been so well taken care of and preserved. I would love to go back and visit someday. Please let me know if you have any questions, I would love to answer them.

Things you should never do in your car

Becoming more educated on cars and car safety this month has been so empowering! We feel like we have the capability to handle things on our own, in the case that we ever need to. We love how this challenge has tied into July 2019’s challenge of #PutYourPhoneDown. That was an eye-opener about what not to do and we have learned from Les Schwab that there are many other things we need to add to the list.

I still remember being driven by a date to a high school dance when all of a sudden, his gas pedal got stuck. We were on the freeway and he was driving an old car and it was absolutely terrifying for about 10 seconds until he was able to fix it. Since then, I’ve had a major fear of anything involving brakes, so I decided to educate myself on what I should not be doing!

Ignore Your Brake Light

Unfortunately, there is a reason it’s on. I wish I could tell my 18-year-old self this. Things are often more expensive to fix when they have been ignored. Now, I make sure to take my car right into Les Schwab when the brake light comes on and it’s usually a simple fix.

Never turn down the music enough to actually hear your car

Cars often give warning signs in the form of sounds. If you ever hear squeaking, squealing or grinding noises, take your car in because there is most likely an issue with the brakes.

What shaky steering wheel?

Oh my goodness am I guilty of this one! Don’t all cars shake a little? The answer is no, they don’t if you keep them updated on everything. Your car should run smoothly and have no shaky feeling. This often indicates brake problems.

Let Your Car Leak Fluid

I honestly thought all cars did this until I was about 21! Embarrassing. Cars are not supposed to leak fluid and making sure you park over your cardboard square gets old really quick. The handy gif above shows how the brake fluid works. Whenever this happens, I schedule a check with Les Schwab.

Ignore a Burning Smell

Yikes! This can get scary, but in Utah, it can also happen quite frequently when driving in the steep mountain canyons. I learned from Les Schwab that a sharp, chemical odor after repeated hard braking on steep roads is a sign of overheated brakes or clutch. Pullover immediately in a safe place, check your parking brake to make sure it’s fully released and allow the brakes to cool. If you don’t, you risk heating up the brake fluid to boiling, which can cause brake failure.

Many of these things may seem obvious, but it is interesting to learn the WHY behind all of these things. We are so lucky to have modern transportation and cars, I’m so glad I know how to better take care of mine! Thanks to my friends at Les Schwab for teaching me so much.

#LesSchwabPartner

Tips for driving safer during the winter

How to change a tire

This month our challenge with #LesSchwab has been to #DriveSafer and we have learned so much! We kicked things off by learning how to change a tire, a goal that both of us have had for a long time. If you missed the video, you can watch it here and learn how to do this in a couple of minutes. Bookmark the video so you will know where it is in case something should happen to your tires at some point.

Both of our husbands are incredibly helpful and tend to take care of most of the car matters in each of our families. However, we are at a point in life where we actually want to know what is going on and how we can help. It feels really good to be confident when it comes to our cars and how to take care of them.

We also learned about winter driving safety while visiting the Bountiful location of Les Schwab, which we highly recommend. The manager Rhett is highly knowledgable and the store is extremely well kept and gets you in and out quickly. Les Schwab has 28 locations across the state, so no matter where you are they can help.

How do you put on snow chains?

Rhett showed us how to put snow chains on tires. I thought it was going to be a long 20-minute process that was complicated and hard to replicate. With older snow chains years ago you had to lay them down on the ground and literally drive over them to put them on. I am happy to say the process has gotten so much easier and Rhett showed us how to put the chains on in under one minute! So simple and so helpful if you are ever in the situation where you need them. I know there are some die-hard skiers out there and chains on your tires can help you get up the canyon when they are required and you won’t have to miss out on the fresh powder! We will be posting the simple how-to put on chains video to our social channels later this week.

The snow is not stopping soon

This winter we have received a ton of snow here in Utah, this has made me so happy to have snow tires and all-wheel drive. I highly recommend that that be your first step towards a safer driving experience if you do not have good tires on your car. They make such a difference and allow you to safely travel in weather of all kinds. You can check the tread on your tires by using a penny in between the tread lines to see how much the tread has actually worn down. At Les Schwab they will also do a free check if you want a professional opinion.

A few tips for making your tires last longer

Did you know when your alignment is off you are not only wearing out your tires faster but also getting worse gas mileage?! I had no idea. Les Schwab does free alignment and brake checks. It is a good idea to do this every 6 months or so. Especially if you have a road trip coming up and want the car in tip-top shape before traveling. I know many people are traveling for the long President’s Day holiday so it is definitely something to keep in mind.

How to know when your alignment is off?

How can you actually tell if your alignment is off? There are some tell-tell signs. For example, my older well-loved car in college always veered to the right. I was young and naive and had no idea that this was something that had to do with the alignment of my car, I thought it was just a quirk that had come over the years. Thankfully in newer cars that have sensors, they will alert you when there is a problem with your brakes or alignment which is so nice!

Don’t forget to compile an emergency kit

Yet again, I just have to say I am so grateful to be doing this challenge with you all! A few of my favorite things I have learned so far are how to change a tire (like I mentioned at the top of this post, watch the one minute video, I promise you will not regret it) and how to compile a proper emergency car kit. If you missed the post on emergency kits make sure you check it out here. Thanks as always for joining in on these challenges and offering up your own great advice and wisdom, we are learning so much!

13 things to pack for your next Road Trip

It’s road trip season! It’s always nice to escape for a road trip this time of year. Some of our favorite spots to visit are St. George, Newport Beach and Lake Tahoe. In order to have a good trip, we always make sure to pack these 15 things.

Get a Free Pre-Trip Safety Check

Before we start packing, we get a free pre-trip safety check from Les Schwab. Did you hear that? It’s FREE and it brings so much peace of mind before hopping in the car for a road trip. The pros at Les Schwab check everything out on your car to make sure it is up for whatever adventure you have planned.

It’s so important to try and prepare for anything that may happen and packing these things can keep you ready for whatever you may encounter. Click here to find your closest Les Schwab location to schedule your safety check.

#1 New Games & Toys for Kids

We have found the simpler, the better when it comes to things to pack in the car. We tried a necklace making kit and.. it did not go well ha. Instead, we’ve found simple things like silly putty and magnets are really fun for toddlers in the car and don’t get EVERYWHERE.

#2 An Old Wallet Filled With Surprises

An Old Wallet Filled With Random Surprises. This is my only genius mothering hack I’ve ever come up with. I found an old wallet of mine and filled it with all of Hazel’s favorite things – stick-on earrings, bandaids, mints, candy, pen, and tiny notepad, old gift cards, a matchbox car, and stickers. She was busy for over 30 minutes, which is an absolute eternity in toddler time! I not only used it in the car on the trip but also at all of the restaurants we stopped at.

#3 Snacks

Snacks. And more snacks. And then a couple more. You can never have too many snacks on a road trip. If you don’t eat them on the way there, you will probably eat them on the way back. Some of our favorite road trip snacks: these protein bites, monster cookies, sliced up fruit, baby carrots, veggie straws, fruit leather, and trail mix (preferably one with lots of chocolate). Make sure you throw in a couple of protein bars and fruit leather with a long shelf life you can keep in your car permanently in case of an emergency.

#4 Water

Keep bottles of water in your car emergency kit. You never know when you are going to be stopped in traffic for hours and it’s always nice to have water on hand. We make sure every person in the car has their own large water bottle (or two) on every road trip. One key to getting my daughter to drink a lot of water was letting her pick her own water bottle at the store (Moana themed) and adding a tiny bit of True Lemon to add some flavor.

#5 A Towel

You never know when you are going to need to put on your snow chains or get out of the car to do something and end up soaking wet. You will never regret having one in your car!

#6 Warm Hat & Gloves

I not only love having these in my car for road trips but as permanent staples in my emergency kit. You will undoubtedly use them regularly, but it’s a must-have for getting stuck in a cold-weather emergency.

#7 A Small Tarp

It wasn’t until I married Sam that I realized the genius of this addition to the car. Again – always necessary in cold weather if you’re putting on snow chains or trying to dig a tire out of a snowy ditch, but also extremely practical for everyday use. I cannot even count the number of times I have pulled the tarp out of my trunk.

#8 Waterproof Jacket

This is a necessity for your emergency kit. If you’re like me and don’t always dress according to the weather, this is a must. Pack an old jacket you don’t wear on a regular basis in your car emergency kit and you never have to think about it again. I like doing this rather than always trying to remember to bring a waterproof jacket with me every time I climb in my car.

#9 Windshield Ice Scraper

Getting a home with a garage was one of the happiest moments of my life and this is why. I no longer had to use my ice scraper every single day! But, I still have one in my trunk for when I am not parked in the comfort of my own garage and I am shocked at how much I use it. They cost about $5, so you will definitely get plenty of use for the price.

#10 Reflective Gear

This stuff belongs safely in your car emergency kit. Getting a flat tire on the side of the freeway at night is frightening enough, add into that the fact that most people don’t have reflective gear and are trying to walk around their car and fix things in the dark, it’s a scary equation. Hopefully, you will never have to use your reflective gear, but it’s so nice to know it’s there.

#11 Tire Chains

Pack these in your car emergency kit and keep them there! You never know when it will start snowing on the mountain pass you are crossing. If you purchase tire chains from Les Schwab and don’t use them during the winter, they offer a full refund! You can get more information about that here.

#12 Headlamp & Flashlight

Headlamp! This is often overlooked, but comes in so handy if you get a flat in the dark or need to put your snow chains on. I think, the brighter the better. While we’re talking about headlamps, it’s a great idea to buy a nice flashlight for your car emergency kit. You can use it for help in an emergency or find your toddler’s missing binky in the middle of the night 🙂

#13 Storage Container

Large Storage Tub for keeping all of your emergency essentials dry and together. Go find something that will work for you. By packing it all together, it’s no longer in a giant pile in your trunk, which I am totally guilty of doing.

Pack all of these things and you will be ready to go anywhere! We want to know where you love to road trip.

Thanks to Les Schwab for helping us prep our own car emergency kits! #LesSchwabPartner

What I am nervous and excited about for baby #2!

Brooke, Parker, and Lila holding the ultrasound picture to announce baby #2

Parker and I are thrilled to be expecting baby #2! I realize that I am very lucky to be able to get pregnant and carry a baby for the second time. If you are reading this and in the midst of your own journey toward motherhood, please know that I am thinking about you and wish you the best.

Lila holding balloons and the ultrasound picture to announce that she is becoming a big sister

The due date

This baby is due the first week of August and Lila will be just a few weeks shy of 3-years-old. This announcement post seems like yesterday but also like a lifetime ago! I truly haven’t wrapped my head around the idea of having another child in the house to take care of and love, it doesn’t seem real quite yet.

Lila looking up at Valentine's day themed balloons for our February baby announcement

Here is what I am excited about:

For Lila to be a big sister! We knew that we wanted Lila to have a sibling since we had her. She has a happy-go-lucky personality and is quite laid back so I hope her sibling will have a similar disposition.
I have a feeling right now that this baby is going to be another girl. We will find out at the 20-week ultrasound (which is in about 6 weeks) if I am right! Although we would love to have a boy as well – I would just need some boy tips and to go shopping!
Having another cute, squishy baby to love. If I am being honest, the newborn stage was very hard for me. I felt isolated and overwhelmed with a new, tiny baby. However, once Lila got to be about 4-6 months old things got easier and I really loved it!
Coordinating sibling outfits! Enough said.
To complete another nursery in our house. We have big plans for this baby’s room! We are going to attempt to do wainscoting on the walls and I have got my eye on a few key pieces of furniture I would like to incorporate. I am loving this cupboard/dresser from IKEA and this rug.
I am planning on buying a hands-free pump this time around – there is no way that I can sit still for 20 minutes a day with a toddler running around! And I have heard really great things about a few of them, including this one. If you have one, please share in the comments what you like or dislike about it before I spend hundreds of dollars!

Here is what I am nervous about:

The newborn sleepless nights. I seriously felt like I went a little crazy during the first few weeks of Lila’s life. However, Parker and I quickly learned that it works best if we switch off every other night so we are already prepared this time around with a schedule!
Another labor and delivery. I had a tough experience with Lila and I am hoping to have this experience go smoother and more peaceful. I switched hospitals and doctors for this pregnancy so that I can have a fresh slate. I am really liking them so far, they have been so gentle and friendly which I really appreciate.
Taking care of a toddler and a baby. Moms, please send me all of your siblings tips! I have no idea how you keep both happy. I would also love any advice on helping Lila with the adjustment of a baby in the house.
A name. Lila is the only name that I have always loved, and now we’ve used it so we are officially at square one! I am honestly looking anywhere and everywhere for some inspiration!

Lila smiling and holding her baby sister or brother's first ultrasound pictures!

Hoping the second time around will be easier

The blessing this time around is that it won’t be my first rodeo! I already do not feel as stressed or anxious as I did with Lila. I know what I am getting into and it won’t be my first time dealing with things like breastfeeding and newborn sponge baths.

This pregnancy has been a lot harder so far than Lila’s. I have been sick and nauseous and SO tired. However, now that I am through with the first trimester I am feeling much better. I have been taking the combo of a Unisom sleep tab at night with a B6 vitamin and it has really helped!

Thank you for all of the well wishes so far!

We published these pictures on social media with the poem:

“Roses are red, violets are blue, we are expecting baby #2!”

Lila LOVED the balloons for these photos which made it easy to have her smile. This process has been so fun and we are so grateful for another tiny spirit to join our family.

Our goal for February is to #DriveSafer

We are excited to announce our monthly challenge for February… drumroll please… #DriveSafer in partnership with Les Schwab! Cars and getting maintenance done is one thing in life that EVERYONE has to deal with. However, it is really easy to put off things and procrastinate on your car to-do list. This month we are buckling down to get our cars in tip-top shape and to learn the ropes of important car lessons like:

What to do if you get a flat tire and who to call
How to know if the alignment of your car is off
Where to go (with kids in tow while staying sane) to get your car ready for a road trip
When to get your brakes checked
How to avoid extra costs when it comes to keeping your car safe

The bottom line is we want to be educated on our cars and how they work. We picked Les Schwab to partner with because we have gone to them for years and love their customer service and quality care. (Not to mention the free popcorn in the waiting room!)

Les Schwab replacing the coolant in your car

We have both had experiences driving our cars over the years that have made us want to buckle down and really learn about what is important.

For example, a year after I graduated from college I was driving on the freeway on a snowy night. At this point in time, I did not realize the importance of snow tires and that you should have your tires regularly checked.

I was driving a small, compact car, with nearly bald tires. Due to the snow and ice on the freeway, my car began to spin in the middle of all four lanes of traffic and finally came to a stop with all the cars coming straight at me.

By some miracle, I happened to be right next to an exit and was able to quickly drive over to the exit and off the freeway to calm my nerves and make a game plan for the drive home.

scraping snow and ice off of a car windshield

Now that I have a child, safety is my number one priority when we get into the car. I have loved the crossover that we have had for the last couple of years and I love my snow tires even more! There is no slipping whatsoever no matter what the weather is outside.

This month we are going to get educated together! We will be doing a series of 4 short videos where we will be taught simple – yet very important – car lessons.

First up, we will learn what to do when you think you have a flat tire. From getting it patched (for FREE) to putting on a spare tire, we will cover it all. You never know when you will be up in the mountains with no reception or exploring some of Utah’s beautiful wilderness and get a flat. Changing a flat has been something Britt and I have wanted to learn how to do for a while now so we are finally going to do it!

The people at Les Schwab are kind and considerate when it comes to taking care of their customers. We look forward to working with them this month so get a little smarter and more educated when it comes to our cars!

Join us in the challenge this month by using the hashtag #DriveSafer and let us know what you are doing to keep you and your family safe on the road. #LesSchwabPartner

Clear the Air Challenge

This month we have learned so much about Utah’s air quality and how we are personally responsible for it. The choices each of us make every day affect how clean our air is.

Every year, UCAIR puts on the Clear the Air Challenge during the month of February. It’s a competition among individuals and companies to see who can make the biggest impact in clearing Utah’s air. The best part – it is FREE to enter!

Create a Team or Join Ours

Head up a team with friends or get your company to take the Clear the Air Challenge. They even have a startup toolkit with resources to help you spread the word. We would love to have you join our team! You can find us on the list under Twin Tested. Go here to sign up.

Be Part of the Solution

The solution to poor air quality starts with each of us. By driving less, we can help reduce vehicle emissions. All it takes is a little planning and intention to see big changes. Try walking, jogging, cycling, taking mass transit, carpooling or teleworking instead of driving alone. Making simple changes in your behavior can dramatically affect our air quality.

Drive Smart

Driving smart means consolidating errands into one trip (trip chaining), keeping up on vehicle maintenance (alignment, brakes, et), driving the speed limit, not driving during peak commute hours and being idle free.

You Can Make a Difference

Each of us can play a part in doing something positive for the environment. It’s time to stop looking to others to be responsible for changing our air quality, and for each of us to do our part.

Poor Air Quality is Dangerous to Everyone

No one likes to breathe in dirty air, but it is especially dangerous for children, people with heart disease, people with respiratory problems, people at risk for stroke, and elderly people. We want our girls to grow up being able to play outside year-round without worrying about the bad air quality.

Utah is a Wonderful Place to Live

We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The current air forecast, available at www.airquality.utah.gov tells you whether or not it’s safe to go for a walk or play outside with children. In order to keep the quality of life where we want it to be, we are committed to continuing the habits we have learned this month to improve Utah’s air.

Huge thanks to UCAIR for educating us on this important issue. Go to their website to learn more.

The Valentine’s Day gift that made our husbands cry

Valentine’s Day is Coming

Valentine’s day is around the corner, it always seems to sneak up quickly after January. It can be easy to fall into the same routine every year for Valentine’s Day: dinner and a movie, flowers, and chocolates. Those things aren’t bad, they just aren’t very memorable.

This Year We Tried Something New

So why not try something new? This year we thought of a fun and completely different gift and they both loved it! If you are searching for a meaningful, personalized gift idea, this is really something special.

A Customized Children’s Book

We found out about a company called Hooray Heroes that creates customized children’s books. The cutest part is – they have a daddy edition – which is what we picked for our husbands. The books are titled, “When Lila Grows Up” and “When Hazel Grows Up”.

The Process is Easy

Making the book was so easy! You pick out the character’s names to match up with your husband and child and voila! You do it all on the Hooray Heroes website and it takes about 10 minutes. They let you pick from a bunch of different storylines and you are all set.

It Made Them Cry

Our husbands are both softies when it comes to their baby girls, so they loved these books! We had our toddlers present their dads with the book and then they read it together and it was so sweet. There were definitely some misty eyes when they realized the books were about them and their baby girls.

This Year is Different

After you have kids, every holiday is different. Certainly, the holiday focused on love is not only about the couple, but about the kids too! This is why I was drawn to Hooray Heroes because it’s a meaningful gift the whole family can enjoy together.

We Love to Read Together

Reading together as a family is one of our favorite things to do. Parker is always reading to Lila and she enjoys cuddling up and hearing stories. I was drawn to Hooray Heroes because they offer inspirational stories about kids becoming everything from astronauts to artists and I knew that it would be an educational and fun book for Lila to have.

It’s a Family Treasure

These books are by far the most thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts we’ve ever given. They will be read for years and years to come. It’s so special to have a customized book that is so heartfelt. Go to Hooray Heroes to learn more and create your own book!