Simone Clement

congratulations!

Your new beautiful bundle of blessing is here! It’s been a wonderful stay at the hospital where you had the staff on constant call for your needs. I always had my husband or another family member there too. It’s time to go home? Do I really have to take this baby home to take care of him by myself? I remember it like yesterday….excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time. My husband drove like a grandpa all the way home as if he had a dozen eggs on the roof that he didn’t want to break. Our son was so little and fragile and we didn’t want to break him. Little did we know that he would soon become our child that didn’t sleep through the night till he was almost one and a half!!

“Baby blues”

If you’ve ever been pregnant, or even read up on it, I’m sure you’ve heard of the term baby blues. In fact, I don’t know how many times the doctors and on/gyns warned me about them.

Like many women, however. I just brushed this idea aside. “Oh yeah. That’s nothing!” I said.

Boy was I wrong.

Keep reading for my experience with the baby blues.

First comes marriage…

When my husband and I got married, we agreed we would give ourselves 5 years before we would even discuss babies.  It was great; it gave us plenty of time to be us and enjoy each other.  

As soon as the 5-year mark came, I was beyond ready to start the baby discussion.  

I was in my first-year teaching and to say it was a stressful time would be an understatement. We decided we would get serious about trying once the school year was over.  In the meantime, I went off the pill, so I could track my cycle.

Little did I know there was a lot more to it than that…

Giving birth is a scary thing

You frantically read articles upon articles to educate yourself on what to expect. When the time comes to meet your little one, you are somehow over-prepared while at the same time completely unprepared. 

One of the areas you might be over-prepared in is your hospital bag. There are many items you will probably pack that you actually don’t need. 

I was one of those overpacking new moms. I didn’t use half of what I packed for myself or my baby.

So, I am here to provide yet another educational article, but this one won’t be packed with fluff and things you won’t use.

Here are the items I actually used in my hospital bag, along with items I did not need to bring.

So much emphasis in the family and probably as parents is put on baby!

But it’s good to also prepare some care for yourself!

Why?

Well it can help ease you in the postpartum period, plus…mommas got a lot going on down there!!

Read on to find out how to assemble your own postpartum care basket, and to make some padsicles!

i’m not really sure why these are big secrets…

I mean you’d think people would be sharing about this more often!

But sometimes I think as humans, and especially as women, we like to suffer in silence!

Maybe sometimes it’s a fear that others aren’t going through what we’re going through…or maybe that they’ll judge us for our experiences…so I' decided to sit down and film/write this out for you mommas to be.

I wish someone had talked about these big changes so I could have expected them, and so now I’m taking you under my wing young grasshopper…or something like that anyway and sharing 10 things nobody told me about pregnancy.

Stuff I learned about the hard way :D.

There’s nothing like extreme preparation when you’re facing the great unknown.

And becoming a mother is a great, big, scary unkown.

Which is why I have gone just a little bit cocoa puffs with the preparations for baby!

In this article I’m just throwing a few at you!

So here are just a few things you can do to prepare for the arrival of your little one!

And remember…if you want to prepare absolutely EVERYTHING, like your girl, don’t forget to sign up for the “prepare for baby” challenge….You’ll find the sign up boxes sprinkled all over this post girl (or boy)!

Enjoy!

In this article we talk with 14, real moms, who tell us their #1 tip about what to include on your baby registry, where to register, and what was a waste of money!

If you’re making your baby registry soon, or have already, read this article carefully as it will tell you what you do and don’t need on your baby’s registry before the day of your baby shower!

Miscarriage wasn’t really on my radar before i had one.

It wasn’t really something ANYONE talked about.

So when I had a miscarriage (our honeymoon baby) I was taken pretty much completely by surprise.

When I started opening up to the women in my family, and in my life about it…I was shocked that many of them had gone through miscarriages too!

WTH?? Nobody talked about this…and even though mine was a VERY eary miscarriage (also called a chemical pregnancy) those two little lines still had time to fill me with hope.

Hope for a new life, a new family, and my honeymoon baby.

All that came crashing down though and I was in the ER bleeding profusely with a distinctly uncaring nurse who said, “this happens to everyone, some women don’t even realize it happens,”

Cool. Thanks.

Well I realized…and when I found out I had lost the baby I went on kind of a tailspin of purchasing TTC products from all corners of the internet!

Seriously no product was too silly, expensive, or unnecessary for my post-miscarriage self suffering from a deep sense of loss and grief.

The silver lining however, is that now I can help you uncover the products & mindset that ACTUALLY worked, and what ended up being a waste of our money.

I love cheap decoration.

I mean “cost effective” haha.

My hubby and I are a young couple, doing our best to earn money, so every little bit that we can save goes a long way!

That’s why I LOVE Ikea for stuff around the house.

And you know that’s where I turned when it came time to fill up our baby’s nursery.

The following is my haul of stuff from Ikea, and some ideas about how to put it all together for nursery organization, nursery decoration, and just pain nursery cuteness!

Giveaways are one of absolute favorite ways to grow my email list!

They’re fun, enticing for my audience, and they’re extremely effective (like one of the most effective ways) for growing your email list.

It is a bit of a cost up front, but in the end those leads may 100% be worth the cost that you put up front.

For my most successful giveaway, I got over 300 new subscribers to my email list in just one week, by using “viral giveaway” software.

More specifically Kingsumo, which has paid and free options.

Let’s jump in and take a look at what a giveaway is and how to set one up!

maybe you’ve heard that email lists are where it’s at...

That you should be collecting emails if you’re even close to being a serious blogger or business owner…

And that you should be creating freebies, or content upgrades, to entice people.

But, if you’re like I was at the beginning of my business…you’re probably wondering what the heck a content upgrade is…?

How to make a content upgrade…?

and What to actually make that people will want…?

Let’s dive in!

From the first moment I felt that little popcorn feeling in my tummy that meant my baby was kicking me...I knew ly life would be in for a big change

I always wanted the work-from-home lifestyle and everything it afforded but now there was something deeper in it for me.

I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom.

Yeah I know we’re supposed to want to be CEOs or Presidents…but for me the answer was clear…I wanted to be a mom.

AND I wanted to be creative, make my own money, and not have to spend the precious few hours of my child’s young life strapped to a desk wondering if so-and-so liked me, when I would get my next pay raise, or if that memo finally reached the Houston office…ya know.

That’s my WHY…for that little kicker in my belly.

And so today I’m going to be talking about how you can earn that first 1k in your business.

Because I know it’s hard to do a ton of work, and feel like you’re going nowhere…

Or even just wanting to prove to yourself that you can do this!

I think people often underestimate the transformation that dads (or partners) go through when they have a baby...

A lot of the emphasis is put on the moms, rightfully so to be sure…but I think there is something to be said about the transformation that a new dad goes through as well.

Just watching my husband for example I’m like constantly in awe at how much he has changed.

I mean he actually offers to give me massages several times a week!

What?!

Haha part of supporting him through this transition was this cute little idea that I found online and decided to duplicate!!

It’s called a new dad kit.

IN THIS NEXT INSTALLMENT OF THE PREPARE FOR BABY CHALLENGE WE’RE TALKING ABOUT PREPPING THE HOME!!

In this article you’ll find tips on how to prepare everything in your home for the arrival of your little one :D

We’ll walk through some cute and fun and more practical stuff to do to prepare for baby’s arrival around the house.

the birth of your baby (and mine too) is a kina scary time...

I mean don’t get me wrong…beautiful and amazing, and pretty much all you’ve ever dreamed about your whole life (if you’re me anyway) but it’s also a time of great insecurity and fear!

Especially if it’s your first time.

That’s why I’ve created this super-blog-post which is going to walk you through the 13 essential steps you can take to prepare yourself for your trip to the hospital & the birth!

Plus sprinkled throughout I’ll be linking some articles that go deeper into each of these subjects, in case there is a subject you’d potentially like to read more about!

Let’s get started :D.

my original stance was to be like those little monkeys...

You know…see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil….

In other words to just kind of go with the flow at my birth!

But then I started doing some research…and the magical world of episiotomies, fundal pressure, and forceps appeared in front of me.

I was shocked honestly…nobody really warns you about these things and they don’t seem to be that widely known outside of the mommy world.

So I did some research and watched a million birth stories…only to come to the conclusion that it probably wouldn’t hurt to have a birth plan after all.

So, like I do with everything else in my life, I dove in head-first.

The following is a compilation of the crazy amounts of research I did reading through first-hand accounts of moms who recently gave birth + hospitals + labor & nurse delivery recommendations!!

All pieced together for your viewing pleasure :D

Enjoy!

When I started the creation of the “prepare for baby” challenge...surprisingly (to me) there was only one thing on most mother’s minds...

Finances!

I mean I asked like five times to be sure, cause I thought mommas would be more preoccupied with cute onsies…or how to set up a birth plan…but again and again the #1 response was FINANCES.

So I heard you mommas & don’t worry I got your backs.

Below are the five steps I’ve outlined to prepare your house financially for the arrival of a new member.

I did A LOT of research for this post, so you can rest assured this will be your basic step-by-step guide to planning financially for your little kicker.

These are the categories in case you’re a read-ahead type:

1. Savings Accounts & Budget Cushions

2. Calculate Costs & Ways to Save Money

3. Creating a Budget & Reducing your Spending

4. Earning Extra Money & Finding Help

5. Insurance

The day of, and the weeks following your delivery are gonna be some of the hardest you’ll ever experience!

So you’ll notice a theme all about momma’s necessary gear: comfort!

The following article talks about the things to pack in momma’s hospital bag, what momma needs postpartum, and some comforts for the breastfeeding stage as well.

Read on momma!

Being a first-time mom is terrifying...

Like staring off the edge of a cliff terrifying….I mean you’re strapped in probably…but all there is left to do is jump!

And hope to God that your bungee chord whips you back up to safety…instead of falling flat on the canyon floor below.

How can you build in a safety strap?

By preparing yourself as best as you possibly can before baby arrives.

The article talks about fun ways to relax and prepare yourself before baby comes + more practical stuff you’ll want to get out of the way so you can truly enjoy your time with your little one when they arrive.

Keep reading for more info…

picture this:

It’s 3:24 am, Junior is crying once again…you roll over and punch your husband in the arm, “your son wants you,”

Part of the turmoil (which quickly turns into desperation) of being new parents is the constant battle of who’s turn it is, or who changes more diapers, or who spends all day with the baby.

Save your relationship the trouble. Seriously…all it takes is a 30-minute sit down with your partner to suss out the details so you both have the peace of mind knowing that the other one is duing their part.

AND the self-awareness to know that sometimes you just don’t feel like it, BUT that doesn’t mean that you can blame, manipulate, or otherwise coerce your partner.

Will you guys always stick to the plan? Nope.

Definitely not…BUT having a plan, like having a budget is an essential part of being a well-working couple.

First start by ahdering to the rules, then you can freestyle.

during my hours and hours of research, I came across this amazing youtube video

It’s of an awesome midwife who’s been delivering babies for many, many years (I’m putting the video in below for you).

She talks about A LOT of stuff…

But one of the main takeaways for me was that we need to be more understanding of a dad’s role in the delivery room.

I mean to old way to look at things was dad pacing outside the door waiting to light his cigar.

But times have certainly changed.

And the role of daddy has certianly changed! So let’s get with the times and discuss how to empower our partners during the birth process.

When I was explaining a babymoon to my spanish friend...she was a little confused.

“A baby moon?! What is that?”

“It’s like honeymoon, but you know instead of marriage it’s baby….baby. moon.”

She smiled and nodded but wasn’t all that convinced!

So it got me thinking…I mean I only heard the term babymoon like maybe a few months ago…but I totally jumped on the bandwagon!

I mean, who wouldn’t want a chance to chill & relax with their hubby (partner, so, etc.) before the shit hits the fan (…or at least you know the changing table…)?

This girl!!

Read on if you’d like a step-by-step guide to planning out your perfect babymoon. Ripe with pictures of gorgeous beaches & cute preggo bellies!

preparing for your baby is possibly the scariest most rewarding thing on the planet.

I mean what’s the little thing gonna be like?

What toys will they like? What colors? Are all the cute cowboy and cowgirl outfits gonna stay hidden in the closet after one disastrous outing to the zoo?

Times this by a million if you’re a first time mom…like little old me…*nervous laughter….

SO! I did what any newbie would do, and turned to the experienced moms for their best advice!

Below you’ll find some kick-a** tips from moms who have been there, done that when it comes to prepping for baby.

They talk about topics like:

• Organization

• Finances

• Food Prep

• Breastfeeding

• Bottle Feeding

• Second Child Tips

• Baby Gear

• & Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual Tips for your new little one!

So read on you sexy pregnant thing you!

there’s a lot to talk about before baby comes!

And a lot to do!

Below is a list of 10 things you can do with your partner, significant other, husband, baby daddy, or idk maybe your neighbor to prepare for a little baby!

Some of ‘em are fun stuff to enjoy your last few, poop-screaming-milk-and-sleepless-nights-free moments, and some are more serious…like important talking points and more.

Ok! Stop talking Simone and let’s get into it…

I am currently pregnant with my first

And like any other type A, first-time moms out there I decided to do some research about labor and delivery.

Only to quickly realize that I don’t know what the hell I’m in for!

So apart from reading articles, upon articles with generic information, I wanted to get a first-hand account of labor from the badass mommas who have been there, done that.

20 amazing ladies offered to share their #1 tip, and it’s coming straight from the horse’s mouth (or a more flattering animal…like the butterfly’s mouth! yeah butterflies!!) and a lot of these lovely contributors are professionals as well as mothers!

Enjoy and don’t forget, in the comments below, to tell us what your #1 tip about labor and delivery is :) Cause this momma needs all the help she can get.

In the movies, pregnant women get sick maybe once…

And it’s usually cute and/or funny…and then in the next scene she’s 4 months pregnant battling some other cute pregnancy symptom.

WRONG!

Don’t f*cking believe it, its a lie!

Hahah ok yes I know that some women do make it through their pregnancies without ever facing that morning sickness demon, but for those of us unlucky enough to find our heads in the toilet several times a day…here are some tips, tricks, & hacks for morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, and generally feeling like crap!

One of the most surprisingly difficult parts of pregnancy has been my mental state.

Seriously…I did not expect this!

Before I got pregnant I just assumed that it would be this magical time in my life. Little did I know, that your mind actually goes through almost as many changes as your body during pregnancy.

So for those who have experience mental health issues before (or even those who haven’t) new issues might crop up!

What helped me the most? Hearing that other women go through it too. Because then a little click happened in my brain and I was able to see these problems not as problems with myself, but as just another strange, and or even debilitating pregnancy symptom.

we only get one shot at this

You know the whole life thing. And I’ve seen so many people waste their time thinking that their lives have to be a certain way.

Or that the only way to survive is to stay stuck where you are in life. Like that job is the only way you can make money. Or that person is the only one who will make you happy.

The truth is, that the big changes that we secretly want, are 100% possible.

They lie just beyond 3 super easy to comprehend, yet slightly harder to make happen concepts:

1. Goals

2. Habits

3. The Subconscious Mind

Today, in this article, I’m gonna walk you through these three concepts so you can ultimately make the big changes you want to make in your life.

Like, where is your career heading? Are you in a job because it feels safe?

What about those talents you’ve had since birth, that you’ve never really developed? A book you want to write? A song you want to sing?

It’s all possible, it just takes a lot of determination. Notice I didn’t say “a little bit” I said a lot, because that’s what it takes.

Let’s take a journey today!

A journey to making some seriously simple changes in our daily lives, so that a year from now, those new years goals come true!

Cause I know last year’s new years goals, went unfinished.

Maybe written down in a gorgeous little planner that has also gone unused during the year.

So let’s make this year different. With a simple step-by-step plan to change up how you look at your goals, and how to change your habits to actually make your goals happen.

In this article:

1. What Habits Are (how they work)

2. The Step-by-Step Plan to Changing Your Habits

3. How the Subconscious Mind Sometimes Interferes