Last year there was a post that went viral about the Mom who spends buys 350 presents for her kids . While I agree, it’s completely her business what she wants to buy and how much she wants to spend I do think it’s kind of insane.  When the kids were babies, my husband and I talked about what we wanted to do for Christmas and what realistic expectations we wanted to set.

So Many Gifts, So Little Time

I have an aunt and uncle that used to kill themselves working 2-3 jobs during the holidays so that they could give their 4 kids a giant Christmas.  There would be several “big” items.  The kids would wind up picking 1-2 they really liked and then ignoring the rest because it was just too much to take in.  At no fault of their own, it’s impossible for a kid to truly appreciate and enjoy that many big gifts.  Then, the adults would complain because they spend all this money and the kids don’t play with half the stuff…until Christmas fever hit and it started again.

Our Plan

The first year we got a couple small toys and then put some cash into their savings accounts.  It’s a lot harder than you would think to stick with buying a few things even when you have an infant at Christmas.  The kids are now 6 and 3 (almost 4) and we’ve done a good job at sticking to our budget.  We try our best to be able to pay cash for Christmas instead of having to depend on credit cards.

We try and get one major gift, then a few small ones to go along with it and then typically something to share like legos or last year it was a riding toy.  I know as they get older it will be harder to stay in the budget that we have for them as things get more expensive.  When they are 3 and 6 you can get a decent amount of stuff for a small price.

That Time With All The Dolls

The idea that buying a whole bunch and then the kids not appreciating it really sank in when my daughter was 2 and a family member bought her EVERY Disney 19″ plush doll that the Disney Store had and I’m not exaggerating.  My daughter was, of course, excited when she first opened them all and then there were two that she played with.  These dolls were $20 each and there were 8 or 9 of them.

This same person made a comment about another child that was older and how they weren’t grateful and just demanded things.  I’m sure that if they started out in a similar situation to what was just done with my daughter, they are just letting you know what they want and expect it.  How do you teach them to be grateful when you give them one of everything?   Being grateful doesn’t  necessarily come natural and sometimes you have to help your child learn what it means.

Is It Enough?

This year each kid had 5 presents each from us and there was a moment where I completely felt panicked and thought I needed to go find something else for them to open.  I reluctantly didn’t after seriously going back and forth over it and two days later on Christmas morning, they were not disappointed at all.  They were excited about what they had and so far have played with it all.  The thing that may be worse than overwhelming a kid with a bunch of new stuff is not having a place to put all the stuff, to begin with.  We try and be conscious of what they really really want as well as what they’ll be able to get some use out of.

Sometimes we pressure ourselves too much in thinking that our kids expect or want more than they really do. What they want, is for us to be present and involved.  Whether they get 1 present or 350 thecy are going to love you the same. I promise.

What they want, is for us to be present and involved. Whether they get 1 present or 350 thecy are going to love you the same. I promise. Click To Tweet

Don’t totally believe me? Kristina Kuzmic has a GREAT video on Christmas that relates to this ❤️ Check it out!

How was your Christmas this year?

I purchased a Loog Guitar for my son’s birthday.  Last year on Christmas we had gotten a Schoenhut piano for him and my daughter to share and they love it.  He also has some bongos that he loves to beat on and sing songs.  There’s a lot of guitar players in my family and it seemed only natural that he would love it too.

Quality kids guitars aren’t easy to find.  That’s what I love about the Loog! The Loog Guitar is a child-sized, 3-string guitar that tunes like a regular guitar, plays like a regular guitar and even sounds like a regular guitar.  The really cool thing is that learning finger placements for the Loog will translate over to a six string as well!

My son just turned 4.  He carries this guitar around everywhere!! He’s so excited about learning and makes up songs and sings them while he plays.  His songs sometimes go like this-

“I’m grumpy, I’m grumpy, my mommy makes me go to bed, I’m grumpy”

So maybe he’s got a career in country music? Just Kidding! Seriously though, it’s been proven that music offers many benefits to kids.

Music stimulates the brain regions that involve reward and emotion.  It also teaches kids to listen.  It’s been shown that it also helps them pick up foreign languages and detect speech in noises.  Not to mention, kids who study music are also shown to have higher SAT scores.

Six Benefits of Music Lessons from Parents Magazine.

10 Ways Music Benefits Kids- from sheknows.com

25 ‘Note’ worthy Benefits Of Playing A Musical Instrument

Teaching Kids About Playing Guitar

Loog Guitars come with flash cards that show finger placement as well as an app you can download for iPhone or iPad! The app has finger placement and games

Virtual Loog Guitar from the app Chord Card from the Loog app

The really cool thing is that does sound like a guitar and is made well overall.  I wish I had ordered the strap to go with it, I think it would come in handy.  That will be my next purchase with Loog!

Have you tried a Loog Guitar or another instrument with your child?

“Your Kid’s Brain On Music” from Loog Guitars

It can be a bummer in the winter when you’re stuck inside because it’s too cold to go out. We’ve recently had a cold snap here in Florida that has made us put on closed toe shoes!  Here are some ideas to help you prevent from going stir crazy and getting cabin fever.  These are some fun, easy ideas to do right at home! Not only are they entertaining but a lot are educational as well!

*This post includes affiliate links which means that if you choose to purchase using one of them I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you*

The List:

1. Play dress up. Pirates & Princesses or Superheroes & Villans are always a hit at my house.
2. Create something cool with Legos. The possibilities are endless!
3. Finger paint – for really little ones you can do this with yogurt!
4. Organize Pictures- The kids can help! If your kids are like mine they’ll love looking through memories.
5. Use sticky notes and let the kids write captions for family photos (Just make sure they don’t write on the sticky note on top of the picture).
6. If you have a pet, put them in another room- hide a treat and then let them out to see if they can find it. If you have a dog and it’s like mine you can also hide their ball and then ask the dog where the ball is so they search. (Warning- There could be 1 or 2 side effects…some dogs think they can talk and will look and bark at you when you ask. The other is that you may be playing ball  for the rest of the day or your pet will drive you nuts)
7. Learn how to fold some easy origami
8. Make paper airplanes
9. Play with water beads (Check out this water beads, ice, and fake snow activity!)
10. Have your kids make up a show and then record it.
11. Interview your kids and record their answers. You could do a range of interview questions. 12. Record your child explaining how to do something. This could be something like- making a food item (cookies, sandwich, pizza, ect), putting a toy together, brushing their teeth, anything that has steps to it.  For example, first you take the dough out, then you put the sauce on  it… It is entertaining and it helps them learn to express themselves and think through a process.
12. Let your child do product reviews and record them. This can be of anything. Their favorite toy, a tv show, laundry detergent, anything that they can give their opinion on. Have them tell what it does or what it is about and what they think about it.  You may be surprised at the thoughts they have on some everyday products. Encourage them to sit up straight and make eye contact.  It’s good practice and will help them be more comfortable as they get into school and have to do reports in front of people.
13. Learn something new! There are lots of free online classes that you can watch together or you may have something new you can teach them.
14. Make Forts
15. Popcorn & a Movie- You could choose a new one or a classic to introduce them to! I also like to do this with old tv shows like “The Little Rascals” or “I Love Lucy”.
16. Bake something
17. Have a Dance Party
18. Exercise- Babble  has some great suggestions
19. Make Hot Chocolate and Tell Stories

Read Books- Need some ideas? (Book List) 

1. Play Games- a couple of our favorites are “Pop the Pig” and “Shark Bite”. I especially like these two because they are great for young kids. We enhance these by incorporating questions, or making them use a specific word in a sentence, or spelling a word before rolling the dice (for my 6 yr old, my 4 yr old likes to attempt it too though. Let’s just say he spells dog  and cat a lot…lol). Here’s a cute bowling game from Babble also!
2. Organize something. It’s a great time to go through clothes and closets to take out what they’ve out grown. You can also organize books, your cabinets, or pictures and let the kids help.
3. Have a Tea Party
4. Make puppets! Use paper bags, or socks…be creative!
5. Magic Carpet Ride – You can do this if you have a rug on your floor , or you can even throw down a blanket to use. Then go on your adventure!
6. Make slime– You can just make slime or add to it!
7. Paint Rocks– any rock will do, we like to get river rocks from Lowes or Home Depot
8. Hide and Seek- Need a moment of silence? LOL This is a great way to break up the day!
9. What’s missing? Get some objects (toys, blocks, picture frames, ect) have the kids look at them and then have them go out of the room or close their eyes and remove one of the objects. They then have to figure out what’s missing. Then it’s their turn!
10. Sensory Play with Rainbow Rice!
11. Be an Engineer using straws and playdoh
12. Play- If (This)….Then (That). Give a situation, for example- If “I open all the windows” Then “it will get really cold in here!”  My son’s favorite question is always If “you give a mouse a cookie” Then “he will ask for some milk!”
13. Make your own snow!  If you’re somewhere like me in Florida that never gets snow, this is SUPER cool!
14. Make cards, or write letters to family members just to say hello and mail them.
15. Play Simon Says
16. Play Musical Chairs- If you have Alexa she can play with you just say “Alexa, start Musical Chairs”
17. Teach the kids how to separate laundry (My 6 year old is sooo into this! It’s her job and she gets upset if someone does it for her…lol!)
18. Have a race with toy cars- you can improvise and make your own ramp or race just race them across the floor.
19. Play I Spy – This can help practice colors and shapes. It’s a great way to help your child remember them and recognize them without it feeling like work.

I’m not into the trendy beauty treatment thing because let’s face it, most of the trendy stuff that goes around is too good to be true and I don’t have the time for it.   One of my favorite Instagrammers, Abby with The Chic Mamas, works in the dermatology field, and she’s straight forward about things which has made her a “go-to” especially when it comes to skincare.  A few months back, during quarantine she shared a DIY option for dermaplaning at home to get smooth skin.    I had never heard of it prior to Abby’s explanation and always thought that if you were to “shave” the hair on your face it would come back thicker and with a vengeance.  I was happy to find out that wasn’t the case and about all of the healthy skin benefits that dermaplaning offers.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that involves shaving your face with a single blade (resembles a scalpel) to help remove the dead skin cells and peach fuzz. By removing the top layer of skin (the dead skin cells) it allows skincare products to absorb better and helps to boost collagen production which decreases fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermaplaning is performed with (very sharp) surgical scalpels by professionals in a dermatologist office.

Why is Dermaplaning Important?

Over time, your skin builds up dead skin cells on your face which can lead to breakouts and dull skin. It takes care of the layers (and layers) of dead skin cells that are just hanging out on your face.  For some, peach fuzz can add a slightly dingy look to skin especially around the hairline, ears and chin. When that is removed it can allow for skin to be more even toned.

What’s the Difference Between Professional Treatment and DIY?

Rachel Roff, CEO and Founder of UrbanSkinRX, explains “In a professional office setting, such as a dermatologist office or medical spa, the treatment is performed by a licensed aesthetician using a surgical blade that you can only purchase with a license, with this professional-grade blade, clients receive deeper exfoliation that wouldn’t normally get when they perform it themselves. Plus, in-office treatments provide additional treatments clients can add to their treatment to achieve optimal results.”

What are the Side Effects of Dermaplaning?

I know what you’re probably wondering.  Will it make the hair grow back thicker?  The answer is no.  As explained by Dara Levy, the founder of Dermaflash, “The hair on a woman’s face is called vellus hair (a.k.a peach fuzz) and is soft and fine, the hair on a man’s face is called terminal hair and each piece is like a strand of copper wire. [Dermaplaning] removes the fuzz just above the surface of the skin and does not (and cannot) impact the growth, color or texture of a woman’s facial hair.”

Tools Needed for At-Home Dermaplaning

These Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool work great and they are only $4.99 on Amazon!

How to Dermaplaning at Home-

1. First, you will thoroughly cleanse and dry your skin.
2. Next, take your blade in one hand and place it at the jawline. Hold the skin tight/taut with your opposite hand. Then stroke the dermaplaning tool in short, feathery like strokes downward. Continue until you have covered the full cheek and jawline area on both sides.
3. Repeat on the lip, chin, nose, forehead, and neck. Do not repeat strokes on an area you have already covered.
4. Once you’re done, apply your treatment product or your moisturizer. You can repeat these steps every 3-4 days. Some people find that they are happy with doing it every 2-3 weeks so it depends on your preference.

# Tips and Reminders for Dermaplaning at Home

• It’s also important to note if you have any breakouts you want to skip those areas or wait until your skin has cleared up before trying this at home.
• If you have sensitive skin this at-home treatment may not be for you
• Because you have just exfoliated your skin, you’ll want to be careful with your sun exposure.

I love this at-home option because it’s one less appointment that I have to try and get to (or make time for) and it’s an easy way to practice some self-care at home. It makes skin feel super soft as it removes pore-clogging dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover.   Plus, there aren’t worries of the hair coming back thicker, is a huge relief!

Legos, Creativity and Gender Equality Lego toys are fantastic because kids love them and they are educational as well.  They inspire and encourage creativity and critical thinking.  The company is known for promoting creativity and promoting gender-equal creativity, as seen in their 1974 letter (Snopes Fact Check) explaining that both girls and boys benefit and enjoy […]

How Do I Cook With My Kids and Not Go Crazy? There are so many benefits to cooking with kids in the kitchen. It’s quality time that can be spent together but also teaches them many critical life skills during the process as well. Getting started can be a bit of a struggle sometimes. Knowing […]

Why Should Kids Learn How to Cook? If there’s something 2020 has definitely taught us; it’s the importance of life skills.  Due to the convenience of most things, we often take life skills for granted…that is until everything is closed, or supplies are limited.  Cooking is a vital life skill that even if you are […]

Garmin Vivofit Jr 2 Review It’s important to encourage kids with physical activity without making it seem like a chore or punishment.  As parents, we want them to associate fitness with something positive, not negative. When we get up and move it is not only good for our body but our minds as well.   […]

AVENGERS WORKOUT FOR KIDS   My kids LOVE the Avengers.  It’s become part of our nighttime routine that we all sit down and watch one of the Avengers animated shows on Disney+.   Right now, we’re on Season 2 of Avengers Assemble.   This Avengers workout for kids was something they found fun and it […]

UNO Fitness Workout For Kids Here’s another idea for making fitness fun for kids.  It shouldn’t seem like a punishment or something they absolutely dread, but just part of life, like brushing your teeth or putting on your shoes.  Something you just do because it helps to keep you healthy and strong.  This activity switches […]

Making Workouts for Kids Fun Why Is It Important? Exercise has been proven to have many benefits both physically and mentally.   According to children’s specialty health provider Nemours, some of the main benefits of exercise for kids include: stronger muscles and bones leaner bodies less risk of becoming overweight a lower chance of getting type 2 […]

Helping Kids Handle Worry During the Pandemic *Products mentioned in this post are not sponsored but something I found very helpful and wanted to share* Worry is natural when you face the unknown.  Regardless of your age or even your experience, the unknown is scary.  A change in your routine makes you feel unbalanced.   This […]

Summer Picnics – Food Ideas Summer is a great time for a picnic. Whether it’s at a park, the beach or even your own backyard it is a great way to spend time together and make memories to last a lifetime!   Fried Chicken & Cole Slaw or Crispy Roasted Potatoes in a Basket – […]

Be Prepared with Rainy Summer Day Activities at Home Random rain storms happen in Florida so it’s always good to have a backup plan for when it happens.  Sometimes it’s only fifteen minutes, other times it can be the majority of the day.  No worries, though I’ve put together a list of activities to help […]

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I’m not into the trendy beauty treatment thing because let’s face it, most of the trendy stuff that goes around is too good to be true and I don’t have the time for it.   One of my favorite Instagrammers, Abby with The Chic Mamas, works in the dermatology field, and she’s straight forward about things which has made her a “go-to” especially when it comes to skincare.  A few months back, during quarantine she shared a DIY option for dermaplaning at home to get smooth skin.    I had never heard of it prior to Abby’s explanation and always thought that if you were to “shave” the hair on your face it would come back thicker and with a vengeance.  I was happy to find out that wasn’t the case and about all of the healthy skin benefits that dermaplaning offers.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that involves shaving your face with a single blade (resembles a scalpel) to help remove the dead skin cells and peach fuzz. By removing the top layer of skin (the dead skin cells) it allows skincare products to absorb better and helps to boost collagen production which decreases fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermaplaning is performed with (very sharp) surgical scalpels by professionals in a dermatologist office.

Why is Dermaplaning Important?

Over time, your skin builds up dead skin cells on your face which can lead to breakouts and dull skin. It takes care of the layers (and layers) of dead skin cells that are just hanging out on your face.  For some, peach fuzz can add a slightly dingy look to skin especially around the hairline, ears and chin. When that is removed it can allow for skin to be more even toned.

What’s the Difference Between Professional Treatment and DIY?

Rachel Roff, CEO and Founder of UrbanSkinRX, explains “In a professional office setting, such as a dermatologist office or medical spa, the treatment is performed by a licensed aesthetician using a surgical blade that you can only purchase with a license, with this professional-grade blade, clients receive deeper exfoliation that wouldn’t normally get when they perform it themselves. Plus, in-office treatments provide additional treatments clients can add to their treatment to achieve optimal results.”

What are the Side Effects of Dermaplaning?

I know what you’re probably wondering.  Will it make the hair grow back thicker?  The answer is no.  As explained by Dara Levy, the founder of Dermaflash, “The hair on a woman’s face is called vellus hair (a.k.a peach fuzz) and is soft and fine, the hair on a man’s face is called terminal hair and each piece is like a strand of copper wire. [Dermaplaning] removes the fuzz just above the surface of the skin and does not (and cannot) impact the growth, color or texture of a woman’s facial hair.”

Tools Needed for At-Home Dermaplaning

These Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool work great and they are only $4.99 on Amazon!

How to Dermaplaning at Home-

1. First, you will thoroughly cleanse and dry your skin.
2. Next, take your blade in one hand and place it at the jawline. Hold the skin tight/taut with your opposite hand. Then stroke the dermaplaning tool in short, feathery like strokes downward. Continue until you have covered the full cheek and jawline area on both sides.
3. Repeat on the lip, chin, nose, forehead, and neck. Do not repeat strokes on an area you have already covered.
4. Once you’re done, apply your treatment product or your moisturizer. You can repeat these steps every 3-4 days. Some people find that they are happy with doing it every 2-3 weeks so it depends on your preference.

# Tips and Reminders for Dermaplaning at Home

• It’s also important to note if you have any breakouts you want to skip those areas or wait until your skin has cleared up before trying this at home.
• If you have sensitive skin this at-home treatment may not be for you
• Because you have just exfoliated your skin, you’ll want to be careful with your sun exposure.

I love this at-home option because it’s one less appointment that I have to try and get to (or make time for) and it’s an easy way to practice some self-care at home. It makes skin feel super soft as it removes pore-clogging dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover.   Plus, there aren’t worries of the hair coming back thicker, is a huge relief!

I’m not into the trendy beauty treatment thing because let’s face it, most of the trendy stuff that goes around is too good to be true and I don’t have the time for it.   One of my favorite Instagrammers, Abby with The Chic Mamas, works in the dermatology field, and she’s straight forward about things which has made her a “go-to” especially when it comes to skincare.  A few months back, during quarantine she shared a DIY option for dermaplaning at home to get smooth skin.    I had never heard of it prior to Abby’s explanation and always thought that if you were to “shave” the hair on your face it would come back thicker and with a vengeance.  I was happy to find out that wasn’t the case and about all of the healthy skin benefits that dermaplaning offers.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that involves shaving your face with a single blade (resembles a scalpel) to help remove the dead skin cells and peach fuzz. By removing the top layer of skin (the dead skin cells) it allows skincare products to absorb better and helps to boost collagen production which decreases fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermaplaning is performed with (very sharp) surgical scalpels by professionals in a dermatologist office.

Why is Dermaplaning Important?

Over time, your skin builds up dead skin cells on your face which can lead to breakouts and dull skin. It takes care of the layers (and layers) of dead skin cells that are just hanging out on your face.  For some, peach fuzz can add a slightly dingy look to skin especially around the hairline, ears and chin. When that is removed it can allow for skin to be more even toned.

What’s the Difference Between Professional Treatment and DIY?

Rachel Roff, CEO and Founder of UrbanSkinRX, explains “In a professional office setting, such as a dermatologist office or medical spa, the treatment is performed by a licensed aesthetician using a surgical blade that you can only purchase with a license, with this professional-grade blade, clients receive deeper exfoliation that wouldn’t normally get when they perform it themselves. Plus, in-office treatments provide additional treatments clients can add to their treatment to achieve optimal results.”

What are the Side Effects of Dermaplaning?

I know what you’re probably wondering.  Will it make the hair grow back thicker?  The answer is no.  As explained by Dara Levy, the founder of Dermaflash, “The hair on a woman’s face is called vellus hair (a.k.a peach fuzz) and is soft and fine, the hair on a man’s face is called terminal hair and each piece is like a strand of copper wire. [Dermaplaning] removes the fuzz just above the surface of the skin and does not (and cannot) impact the growth, color or texture of a woman’s facial hair.”

Tools Needed for At-Home Dermaplaning

These Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool work great and they are only $4.99 on Amazon!

How to Dermaplaning at Home-

1. First, you will thoroughly cleanse and dry your skin.
2. Next, take your blade in one hand and place it at the jawline. Hold the skin tight/taut with your opposite hand. Then stroke the dermaplaning tool in short, feathery like strokes downward. Continue until you have covered the full cheek and jawline area on both sides.
3. Repeat on the lip, chin, nose, forehead, and neck. Do not repeat strokes on an area you have already covered.
4. Once you’re done, apply your treatment product or your moisturizer. You can repeat these steps every 3-4 days. Some people find that they are happy with doing it every 2-3 weeks so it depends on your preference.

# Tips and Reminders for Dermaplaning at Home

• It’s also important to note if you have any breakouts you want to skip those areas or wait until your skin has cleared up before trying this at home.
• If you have sensitive skin this at-home treatment may not be for you
• Because you have just exfoliated your skin, you’ll want to be careful with your sun exposure.

I love this at-home option because it’s one less appointment that I have to try and get to (or make time for) and it’s an easy way to practice some self-care at home. It makes skin feel super soft as it removes pore-clogging dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover.   Plus, there aren’t worries of the hair coming back thicker, is a huge relief!

I’m not into the trendy beauty treatment thing because let’s face it, most of the trendy stuff that goes around is too good to be true and I don’t have the time for it.   One of my favorite Instagrammers, Abby with The Chic Mamas, works in the dermatology field, and she’s straight forward about things which has made her a “go-to” especially when it comes to skincare.  A few months back, during quarantine she shared a DIY option for dermaplaning at home to get smooth skin.    I had never heard of it prior to Abby’s explanation and always thought that if you were to “shave” the hair on your face it would come back thicker and with a vengeance.  I was happy to find out that wasn’t the case and about all of the healthy skin benefits that dermaplaning offers.

What is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that involves shaving your face with a single blade (resembles a scalpel) to help remove the dead skin cells and peach fuzz. By removing the top layer of skin (the dead skin cells) it allows skincare products to absorb better and helps to boost collagen production which decreases fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermaplaning is performed with (very sharp) surgical scalpels by professionals in a dermatologist office.

Why is Dermaplaning Important?

Over time, your skin builds up dead skin cells on your face which can lead to breakouts and dull skin. It takes care of the layers (and layers) of dead skin cells that are just hanging out on your face.  For some, peach fuzz can add a slightly dingy look to skin especially around the hairline, ears and chin. When that is removed it can allow for skin to be more even toned.

What’s the Difference Between Professional Treatment and DIY?

Rachel Roff, CEO and Founder of UrbanSkinRX, explains “In a professional office setting, such as a dermatologist office or medical spa, the treatment is performed by a licensed aesthetician using a surgical blade that you can only purchase with a license, with this professional-grade blade, clients receive deeper exfoliation that wouldn’t normally get when they perform it themselves. Plus, in-office treatments provide additional treatments clients can add to their treatment to achieve optimal results.”

What are the Side Effects of Dermaplaning?

I know what you’re probably wondering.  Will it make the hair grow back thicker?  The answer is no.  As explained by Dara Levy, the founder of Dermaflash, “The hair on a woman’s face is called vellus hair (a.k.a peach fuzz) and is soft and fine, the hair on a man’s face is called terminal hair and each piece is like a strand of copper wire. [Dermaplaning] removes the fuzz just above the surface of the skin and does not (and cannot) impact the growth, color or texture of a woman’s facial hair.”

Tools Needed for At-Home Dermaplaning

These Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool work great and they are only $4.99 on Amazon!

How to Dermaplaning at Home-

1. First, you will thoroughly cleanse and dry your skin.
2. Next, take your blade in one hand and place it at the jawline. Hold the skin tight/taut with your opposite hand. Then stroke the dermaplaning tool in short, feathery like strokes downward. Continue until you have covered the full cheek and jawline area on both sides.
3. Repeat on the lip, chin, nose, forehead, and neck. Do not repeat strokes on an area you have already covered.
4. Once you’re done, apply your treatment product or your moisturizer. You can repeat these steps every 3-4 days. Some people find that they are happy with doing it every 2-3 weeks so it depends on your preference.

# Tips and Reminders for Dermaplaning at Home

• It’s also important to note if you have any breakouts you want to skip those areas or wait until your skin has cleared up before trying this at home.
• If you have sensitive skin this at-home treatment may not be for you
• Because you have just exfoliated your skin, you’ll want to be careful with your sun exposure.

I love this at-home option because it’s one less appointment that I have to try and get to (or make time for) and it’s an easy way to practice some self-care at home. It makes skin feel super soft as it removes pore-clogging dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover.   Plus, there aren’t worries of the hair coming back thicker, is a huge relief!

Last year there was a post that went viral about the Mom who spends buys 350 presents for her kids . While I agree, it’s completely her business what she wants to buy and how much she wants to spend I do think it’s kind of insane.  When the kids were babies, my husband and I talked about what we wanted to do for Christmas and what realistic expectations we wanted to set.

So Many Gifts, So Little Time

I have an aunt and uncle that used to kill themselves working 2-3 jobs during the holidays so that they could give their 4 kids a giant Christmas.  There would be several “big” items.  The kids would wind up picking 1-2 they really liked and then ignoring the rest because it was just too much to take in.  At no fault of their own, it’s impossible for a kid to truly appreciate and enjoy that many big gifts.  Then, the adults would complain because they spend all this money and the kids don’t play with half the stuff…until Christmas fever hit and it started again.

Our Plan

The first year we got a couple small toys and then put some cash into their savings accounts.  It’s a lot harder than you would think to stick with buying a few things even when you have an infant at Christmas.  The kids are now 6 and 3 (almost 4) and we’ve done a good job at sticking to our budget.  We try our best to be able to pay cash for Christmas instead of having to depend on credit cards.

We try and get one major gift, then a few small ones to go along with it and then typically something to share like legos or last year it was a riding toy.  I know as they get older it will be harder to stay in the budget that we have for them as things get more expensive.  When they are 3 and 6 you can get a decent amount of stuff for a small price.

That Time With All The Dolls

The idea that buying a whole bunch and then the kids not appreciating it really sank in when my daughter was 2 and a family member bought her EVERY Disney 19″ plush doll that the Disney Store had and I’m not exaggerating.  My daughter was, of course, excited when she first opened them all and then there were two that she played with.  These dolls were $20 each and there were 8 or 9 of them.

This same person made a comment about another child that was older and how they weren’t grateful and just demanded things.  I’m sure that if they started out in a similar situation to what was just done with my daughter, they are just letting you know what they want and expect it.  How do you teach them to be grateful when you give them one of everything?   Being grateful doesn’t  necessarily come natural and sometimes you have to help your child learn what it means.

Is It Enough?

This year each kid had 5 presents each from us and there was a moment where I completely felt panicked and thought I needed to go find something else for them to open.  I reluctantly didn’t after seriously going back and forth over it and two days later on Christmas morning, they were not disappointed at all.  They were excited about what they had and so far have played with it all.  The thing that may be worse than overwhelming a kid with a bunch of new stuff is not having a place to put all the stuff, to begin with.  We try and be conscious of what they really really want as well as what they’ll be able to get some use out of.

Sometimes we pressure ourselves too much in thinking that our kids expect or want more than they really do. What they want, is for us to be present and involved.  Whether they get 1 present or 350 thecy are going to love you the same. I promise.

What they want, is for us to be present and involved. Whether they get 1 present or 350 thecy are going to love you the same. I promise. Click To Tweet

Don’t totally believe me? Kristina Kuzmic has a GREAT video on Christmas that relates to this ❤️ Check it out!

How was your Christmas this year?